Loungers chairman – ‘rent as a percentage of turnover now down to 3.4%, opening of larger Lounge shows we can generate sales of £130,000 a week’: Alex Reilley, chairman of Loungers, the Cosy Club and Brightside operator, has said that rent as a percentage of turnover across its circa 265 Lounge estate is now down to 3.4%, and that the business is focusing on larger site opportunities for Lounge after one example showed it could generate sale of £130,000 a week. Speaking at the Propel Multi-Club Conference, Reilley said that the property deals the company is currently getting on Lounge sites, of which they are opening one every ten days on average, are “probably a bit better than they’ve ever been”. He said: “Rent as a percentage of turnover is now down to 3.4%, and that number just keeps on going down. And it’s not necessarily because we’re cutting better rent deals, but through the like-for-like growth in the estate, and because of the fact there is no like-for-like growth in rent. So, when reviews come round, I’d say 80% of them are settled at a nil increase, because there’s no market evidence to suggest otherwise. At the same time, landlords, I think and I hope, are excited about the possibility of having us as tenants.” Reilley said there remained a firm belief in the business that there could be 600 Lounges in the UK, and that “we’re not even half of the way there yet”. He said: “We’re focusing a bit more on larger Lounge opportunities. We’ve opened a couple of bigger sites. One in Bristol (Ritorno Lounge) in particular is a real standout. We’ve shown that we can do sales of up to £130,000 out of a Lounge, which we wouldn’t have perceived as possible five-ten years ago. And I think some of the ability for us to cope with that and deal with that level of trade is being helped by the experience we have with Cosy Club. We’re always learning, and with the benefit of having more than one brand, I think you do learn more. You look at the world through a much wider lens, and it means you don’t get tunnel vision. And I think you keep all three brands fresh and competitive.” Reilley was among the speakers at the Propel Multi-Club Conference. All videos from the conference will be released to Premium subscribers on Friday, 21 November. Premium subscribers receive all the videos from Propel conferences each year – around 100 in total. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Zocalo among businesses presenting at inaugural Propel Franchisor Showcase, free places for operators and investors only: Sweden-based Mexican fast-food restaurant brand Zocalo will be among the businesses presenting at the inaugural Propel Franchisor Showcase this month. The Propel Franchisor Showcase, sponsored by Seeds Consulting, will showcase ten of the most exciting and investable franchises in hospitality. The event will be held on Tuesday, 25 November at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. Zocalo currently has 18 restaurants across Sweden and Denmark, plus one in Ireland. The company has previously said it has “big ambitions” for UK expansion and is now seeking UK area developers. Founder and chief executive Einar Örn Einarsson will discuss Zocalo’s expansion plans in the UK, growing a Mexican brand in Scandinavia, where it is looking to open next, how the UK food and beverage market differs from its home markets, the success he has seen with other master franchisees, and what type of partner he is looking for in the UK market. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Free places for operators and investors only are available by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Turnover & Profits Blue Book today: Premium Club subscribers will receive the updated Turnover & Profits Blue Book today (Friday, 14 November), at noon. The database will feature six new companies and 115 updated accounts. The database now features a total of 1,182 companies, with 737 in profit and 445 making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the New Openings Database, the Multi-Site Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club subscribers also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel group editor Mark Wingett and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. In this week’s Propel Premium, Wingett looks back at the week’s news, including Five Guys seeking new investment and what comes next for Leon. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

UKHospitality – ‘it’s clear the UK has a consistent growth problem and it is hitting high streets hard’: UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls has said “it’s clear the UK has a consistent growth problem and that it is hitting high streets hard”. The UK economy saw slower than expected growth of 0.1% in the three months to September, the final figures before the Budget. A separate figure for September alone showed GDP also fell by 0.1% last month. Nicholls said: “It’s clear the UK has a consistent growth problem and, alongside waning consumer confidence, it is hitting high streets hard. Hospitality is being taxed out, with rising costs continuing to hit every part of a business. The £3.4bn in additional annual cost inflicted on our sector in April made investing in and growing a business almost impossible. Instead, it has led to job losses, cancelled investment, price increases and business failure. You cannot tax your way to growth on the backs of the high street, which is why the Budget needs to be focused on reducing costs for businesses. Cutting hospitality’s tax burden – the highest in the country – would enable our sector to grow, create jobs and help people back into work. We need to see urgent action at the Budget. The chancellor needs to lower business rates, fix national insurance contributions and cut VAT to unleash hospitality’s potential.”

 

Independent hospitality businesses call for ‘fair and balanced fiscal policy’: Independent hospitality businesses have urged the government to step in as they warned they cannot weather “another tough winter”. The Independent Hospitality Alliance, an umbrella organisation for trade associations representing more than 40,000 independent takeaway and restaurant businesses across the UK, has written an open letter to chancellor Rachel Reeves calling for “fair and balanced fiscal policy”. The alliance has called for a comprehensive review of the business rates system, a reduction or reform of employers’ national insurance contributions, the introduction of a permanent reduced rate of VAT for the sector, reassessment of the proposed minimum wage alignment for 18-year-olds, and a consultation with the sector before implementing new employment rights legislation. The letter stated: “The combined impact of high taxation, business rates, employers’ national insurance contributions and VAT is eroding profitability across the sector. Independent operators in particular lack the economies of scale and financial resilience enjoyed by larger corporate entities. As a result, many now face difficult decisions about pricing, staffing, and long-term viability. Independent hospitality businesses are vital contributors to local economies, tourism, and community well-being. With fair and balanced fiscal policy, our sector can continue to provide opportunity, employment, and growth. The sector is in an extremely vulnerable position, and many businesses cannot weather another tough winter. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your officials to discuss these issues in more detail and to explore sustainable solutions.”

 

PCA publishes ‘most extensive release of tenant satisfaction data’: The Pubs Code adjudicator (PCA) has published what it said is the most extensive release of tenant satisfaction data. The additional data from its 2025 Annual Tied Tenants Survey offers deeper insights into how each of the pub companies are performing in their relationships with their tied tenants. The Pubs Code regulates the relationship between all pub companies owning 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales and their tied pub tenants. The regulated pub companies are Admiral, Greene King, Marston’s, Punch Pubs, Star Pubs and Stonegate. For the first time, the PCA has also published individual data tables showing the survey performance of each of the six pub companies. PCA Fiona Dickie said: “We have gone further than ever before with the publication of individual data tables for each pub company to ensure the impact of the survey is widely felt. This gives the pub companies valuable and detailed insights on which to benchmark themselves and strive for improvements in how they manage their tied relationships, and this is good for tenants.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a national catering provider that is seeking a catering manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This is a key contract within the portfolio that requires an established catering operator who can really lead from the front. The contract is a busy, retail-led site with an extensive hospitality offering. The role would suit someone with a background leading a multi-functional contract catering site.” The salary is up to £55,000 and the position is based in London. For further details, email dan@corecruitment.com

 

Young’s CEO – ‘we’ve been quite cautious on price and have no intention of doing any more this year, every geographic region we trade in is in growth’: Young’s chief executive Simon Dodd has told Propel that the company has been “quite cautious on price” and has “no intention of doing any more this year”, and that every geographic region it trades in is in growth. Speaking after the company’s record half-year results, which saw revenue for the 26 weeks to 29 September 2025 up 5.4% to £263.6m and adjusted Ebitda rise 5.9% to £62.5m, Dodd said: “We’ve been quite cautious on price. We did a price rise in February on drinks, which was 2.6%, and we have no intention of doing any more price this year, unless something extreme happens in the marketplace. We saw 3.9% volume growth, so we’re not driving sales at all costs on price, and we believe there is a balance between the right price and driving volume. We’re really encouraged that we’re seeing volume growth as well as value growth.” In terms of which areas are doing well, Dodd said: “We’re really pleased that every geographic region we trade in was in growth at the half year and tracking way ahead of the CGA Tracker. Central London was in 5.2% growth, but you move to the west country and that was up 6.6%. The Home Counties are up 4.6% and Thameside, which is our pubs by the river, was up 10.4%. North London was up 10.6%, so we are growing in every region. London still leads the way, but it’s lovely to see the West Country and Home Counties in strong growth as well.” Dodd said a £12.5m investment in its pubs at the half year will have grown to almost £40m by the end of the financial year, and that those pubs reopening after refurbishment had seen an impressive sales uplift. He said: “We’ve opened five pubs in the last six weeks or so, and the sales uplift is 25-40% in the first few weeks – so it shows if you continue to invest, consumers want to come out and support their local pub.” Dodd said festive bookings are up 21% compared with last year, with Christmas Day bookings up 25% – but while he admits pre-booking is a growing in importance for pubs, “we will always drive spontaneity first – the importance of just walking into a pub for a pint with your newspaper”. He said Thursday is still “the big night out” in London and the City but that workers are back in the office four days a week now – “and you see that in the growth, especially in London”. In terms of what he hopes to see from this month’s Budget, Dodd added: “What we want most is certainty, because if you have certainty, you can plan. We would like to see meaningful business rates reform for the whole of hospitality, and it’s really time to look at VAT. I would also ask for a duty freeze. Those three elements would really drive growth in hospitality, and we really are a stimulus for growth.”

 

The After School Cookie Club founder – we’re figuring out the best route to scale, secures sixth site: Jesse Jenkins, founder of plant-based cookie concept The After School Cookie Club, has told Propel the business is figuring out the best route to take to scale the business, including whether to franchise or take on further external investment. The company, in which John Vincent, co-founder and former chief executive of Leon, is an investor, opened a West End flagship location for its fifth site this summer. The company said the store, at 1-2 Weighhouse Street in Mayfair, “marked a significant step for the business as it extends its reach to one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods”. Founded in Shoreditch in 2020, The After School Cookie Club also operates bakeries in Shoreditch, Borough Yards, Victoria Arcade and King’s Cross. Speaking at the Propel Multi-Club Conference, Jenkins said the company had secured a sixth site in Camden, which will open at the end of this month, and was in legals on a few more for prospective openings in the capital next year. He said: “We know we can scale. We need to innovate more. We need to build our morning day part targets more. We need to be very strict with our guard rails. Do we scale through franchise? I don’t know yet. We’ve just bought on board a FTSE 250 finance director, to be a sounding board for a couple of days a month, so we can figure that out. The idea is to scale, but we’re just figuring out how we scale at the moment. Do we do it with our own cash, which is going to be slower, or do we take on board more investment?” Vincent invested in The After School Cookie Club, which was originally called Humble Dough, in 2023 following the £100m sale of Leon to EG Group. Jenkins was among the speakers at the Propel Multi-Club Conference. All videos from the conference will be released to Premium subscribers on Friday, 21 November. Premium subscribers receive all the videos from Propel conferences each year – around 100 in total. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Indian restaurant brand India Bistro to make UK debut, second restaurant planned in London in 2026: Hospitality investment company AVT Capital has partnered with Foodlink Global Restaurants to bring its India Bistro brand to the UK for the first time. The first UK restaurant will be located in Leeds, in the suburb of Chapel Allerton. AVT Capital has acquired a 4,150 square-foot venue in Harrogate Road and has invested £1.2m into the project. AVT Capital plans to expand the India Bistro brand throughout the country, with a second restaurant planned for London in 2026. The Leeds restaurant will accommodate 120 guests and menus have been curated to offer a unique India Bistro experience for UK diners, featuring “iconic dishes and local favourites” from north India and beyond. The drinks list will include cocktails, craft beer and premium spirits. Founded in 2003 by Sanjay Vazirani, Foodlink Global Restaurants has grown significantly over the years. The company started with small-scale events in Mumbai, gradually transforming into operating across luxury catering, banquets, restaurants and venue partnerships in 30 countries, and has grown to become India’s largest food and beverage company. Its other restaurant brands include Glocal Junction and China Bistro, which made its UK debut in September. Today, India Bistro operates 30 outlets across India and the UAE. Vazirani said: “Our launch in the UK marks an exciting new chapter for India Bistro as we bring our distinctive take on modern Indian dining to an even bigger international audience. The UK’s vibrant food scene provides the perfect platform to showcase our culinary innovation, hospitality, and passion for redefining how people experience Indian cuisine.” Founded in 2024, AVT Capital is a UK-based hospitality investment group “building modern, culturally rooted dining brands”. Co-founder Shubhangi Thaker said: “We’re thrilled to introduce India Bistro to the UK and begin this journey in Leeds, a city that appreciates great food and diverse dining experiences. Our goal is to bring something fresh to the scene: authentic Indian flavours presented with a modern twist, in a space that’s welcoming, stylish, and full of energy.” Building and fit out works on the Leeds restaurant are underway and India Bistro is expected to open ahead of the festive season.

 

Black Sheep Coffee makes move into south west of England with new franchise partnership: Speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee is making its move into the south west of England after signing a minimum nine-store development agreement covering Devon and Cornwall. The territory has been awarded to an unnamed “experienced local hospitality operator, which brings a strong understanding of the region’s people, places and values”. The rollout will see a mix of formats and locations across both counties, including city hubs such as Exeter and Plymouth. Izzy Childs, EMEA growth director at Black Sheep Coffee, said: “Devon and Cornwall are known for their incredible food culture and strong local identity. Partnering with a local operator ensures every store reflects its community, supporting local jobs, and adding something genuinely new to the region’s coffee scene.” Black Sheep Coffee, which has more than 100 UK locations and four in the UAE and one in France, has in excess of 150 new UK sites now committed under multi-unit deals. Meanwhile, Black Sheep Coffee has also opened a store at Grand Central in Birmingham.

Scottish Starbucks eyeing new locations after growing its profit and turnover: Starbucks franchisee OCO Westend is eyeing new locations after growing its profit and turnover in the year to 30 November 2024. The company, which has 23 stores, has opened three in 2025 as well as closing one, in Dumfries. Its pre-tax profit grew from £3,496,594 in 2023 to £3,986,530 in 2024. The company’s turnover increased from £27,713,988 to £29,621,647. Average employee numbers were up from 418 in 2023 to 462. Dividends of £854,568 were paid (2023: £690,643). Owner JJ O’Hara told Propel: “Hopefully a number of new openings in 2026 to take us closer to 30. Slow and steady!” He added: “The directors are delighted with the performance of the business in 2024, particularly given the challenging economic climate during the year. Our existing estate continues to perform strongly, allowing us to look forward to the year ahead with confidence.” Propel revealed last year that OCO Westend had sold its Slim Chickens business to focus on coffee. The group, which until 2011 was a Pizza Hut franchisee, opened the first Slim Chickens restaurant in Northern Ireland in October 2022, in Belfast’s Boucher Square, but later sold its two Slims restaurants to fellow franchisee Capital Range, which operates in the south west of England.

Greene King partners with MOBO Group to open south London pub: Brewer and retailer Greene King has partnered with the MOBO Group, the cultural organisation behind the MOBO awards, to open a pub in south London. The House of Mobo will launch at the site of the former Paxton pub at 255 Gipsy Road in Gipsy Hill on Thursday, 27 November. The pub will be operated by the MOBO Group with the support of Greene King Pub Partners – the leased, tenanted and franchise division of Greene King. The pub, which is reopening after being closed more than two years ago, will serve the community as “a hub for culture, creativity and connection”. House of MOBO will host live music, creative showcases and community-led events alongside a destination dining experience inspired by global influences. Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie said: “Our partnership with the MOBO Group is all about creating opportunities and opening doors to unlock and support under-represented talent in our sector. This new pub will be a shining example of the important role our locals play at the heart of their communities – providing a space to celebrate culture, champion diversity and bring people together in a warm, welcoming hospitality experience that’s truly open to all.” Kanya King, founder and chief executive of the MOBO Group, added: “The House of MOBO is a bold new chapter in our story – a place where culture, creativity and community come together under one roof. For three decades, MOBO has been about opening doors and building platforms, and now we’re extending that spirit into the heart of the high street.”

 

Brett Parker steps down as Gail’s property director, company secures Westfield site: Brett Parker has stepped down as property director at fast-growing bakery brand Gail’s. Parker has spent almost eight years with Gail’s, initially as head of property before being promoted to property director five years ago. He previously held similar roles with Crew Clothing Company and Paperchase. “After almost eight years, 150 bakeries, countless refurbishments, numerous bank jobs, a fire station, five stations and a massive airport, it’s time for me to take a break and look at other opportunities,” he said. “Every role should teach you something, and I’ve certainly learnt some lessons at Gail’s. However, probably my biggest regret is the loss of such an amazing team who have supported me all this time. Without them it would not have been possible, and I will be forever grateful to them.” It comes as Gail’s is to open a site at London’s Westfield Stratford City. The company, which operates circa 175 sites, has agreed a deal with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield to launch a 3,100 square-foot bakery in “The Street” early next year. Nick Ayerst, managing director at Gail’s, said: “Westfield Stratford City is a destination that sits at the heart of one of London’s most diverse and vibrant communities. Stratford has a brilliant energy and we’re looking forward to becoming part of it.”

 

Flat Iron to return to Central London roots with Piccadilly launch: Flat Iron, the affordable steak concept that is backed by McWin Capital Partners and TriSpan, is to return to its Central London roots with an opening in Piccadilly in the spring. The 100-cover restaurant in Denman Street is just moments from the original Soho restaurant, which opened in 2012. Flat Iron’s head of beef, Fred Smith, said: “It’s been 13 years since opening the first Flat Iron just around the corner in Soho’s Beak Street. Since then, we have taken our remarkable steak to more guests up and down the country. This opening feels like a real full circle moment, returning home to where it all began.” The 19-strong Flat Iron is also set to open sites in Liverpool and Newcastle next year ,while its next launch will be in Bristol in December. Last month, the company secured a new senior debt facility to support its expansion, provided by OakNorth. Propel revealed in September that McWin and TriSpan had acquired Flat Iron, and it is understood the deal is set to value the business at circa £70m.

 

Professionals at Play to open second Scottish King Pins site: Professionals at Play – the Foresight-backed, parent company of the Roxy Lanes, Roxy Ball Room, King Pins and Star Pins concepts – is to open its second Scottish site for King Pins. The venue will launch in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026. The opening follows that of King Pins Glasgow in June. King Pins Edinburgh will have ten pin bowling lanes and immersive games, including crazy golf, ice-free curling, shuffleboard, karaoke, American pool and an arcade. The venue will also have a bar and an onsite eatery, Marvin’s, which will serve Neapolitan-style pizza, fried chicken and a selection of sides. Since launching its first two sites in Manchester in summer 2023 and May 2024, Kings Pins has expanded across the UK, opening venues in Bristol, Glasgow and Leeds earlier this year. In addition to the upcoming Edinburgh launch, King Pins is set to open in Belfast in December. James Travis, brand manager at King Pins, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing King Pins to Edinburgh and introducing even more Scots to the crown jewels of bowling and our full entertainment experience.” The business currently operates 11 Roxy Ball Rooms, eight Roxy Lanes, five King Pins and one Star Pins site.

 

Big Mamma Group founders raise $21m to support expansion of payment app: Sunday, the payment app from the founders of the Big Mamma Group, has raised a $21m (£15.9m) Series B funding round, with participation from DST Global Partners, to aid its expansion plans. Founded in 2021 by Christine de Wendel, Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux, Sunday has been used by more than 80 million diners, with two thirds (67%) leaving feedback. Sunday now processes more than $4bn annually and works with 3,000-plus restaurants in the US, France and the UK. “We’re building the category-defining platform for hospitality, one that connects every touchpoint into a single, frictionless experience.” said de Wendel. “The appetite from the industry is huge, and we’re here to lead the charge.” In the UK, Sunday is accelerating expansion beyond London – with new launches in cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Sheffield. Sunday is also entering the UAE in January and is aiming to double revenue, guest volumes and product adoption by summer 2026.

 

Nando’s secures Swansea site: Nando’s has secured the site for a new restaurant in Swansea, south Wales. It has signed a 15-year lease on Unit 3 at the M Parc Fforestfach retail park, taking a taking 3,945 square-foot space. Fit-out works are set to begin shortly ahead of an opening planned for early 2026 creating more than 40 jobs. Adam Martin, head of site owner LCP’s Bristol office and asset manager for M Parc Fforestfach, said: “We’re delighted to welcome both Nando’s to M Parc Fforestfach. Nando’s will be another exciting addition that further enhances the retail and leisure offer at the site.”

 

Wingstop opens first Cambridge site: Wingstop, which is backed here by US private equity firm Sixth Street, has opened its first site in Cambridge. The 2,787 square-foot, 69-cover venue has launched in Lion Yard. The restaurant is a 79th in the UK for the brand, which employs more than 3,000 people here, with plans to grow to as many as 200 sites within the next five years. Chris Sherriff, chief executive at Wingstop UK & Ireland, said: “Cambridge has been on our minds for a long time, and we’re excited to finally share our signature flavours with the city. It’s such a vibrant place, full of learning, creativity, and culture, and that energy feels like a perfect match for us.”

 

Camerons Brewery confirms Manchester Head of Steam site will open this month, partners with better burger brand: Camerons Brewery, led by Chris Soley, has confirmed its first new Head of Steam site since 2019 will open this month. Propel revealed in July that Camerons, which operates 16 sites under its Head of Steam concept, had lined up an opening in Newton Street, on the edge of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, in the site that was formerly Cottonopolis. The venue, which will open on Friday, 28 November, will be its first new opening since covid. The new 2,800 square-foot venue, with space for 180 guests, will feature a central island bar and restored industrial features, with 30 lines serving 24 kegs and six cask options. Belgian favourites such as Delirium, Brugse Zot and La Chouffe will be served alongside The Head of Steam’s own British-brewed range. There will also be a cocktail menu, premium spirits range and bespoke wine list, as well as wine tasting boards, offering the chance to sample any four wines from the menu for £15. The pub will also be home to a pop-up kitchen from That Burger Place, the Salford-based, California-inspired smash burger brand founded in 2017 by Ryan McDermott and Megan Mcgillivray. David Scott, retail director at The Head of Steam, said: “We’re incredibly proud to confirm our opening date in the Northern Quarter. With some fantastic West Coast beers on offer, partnering with That Burger Place, a food brand who share that love for bold West Coast flavours, just made perfect sense.” Ryan McDermott, co-owner of That Burger Place, added: “We’ve always loved The Head of Steam brand, so when the opportunity came to bring That Burger Place into The Head of Steam, it was a no-brainer.”

 

Pizzarova to add to south west estate with Bath opening: Bristol sourdough pizza business Pizzarova, which made its debut in London last month, is to open a site in Bath before the end of the year. Propel understands that the business is set to open a site at 24 Westgate in the city. The business, which operates four sites in Bristol, recently opened at the community event space, Pop Brixton, in south London. Pizzarova began life in 2013, operating out the back of a Land Rover fitted with a pizza oven, serving pizzas at festivals and in villages. Since then, co-founders Alex Corbett and Jack Lander have opened permanent bases in Park Street, Gloucester Road, North Street and Whiteladies Road in Bristol.

 

Torquay Leisure Hotels ‘demonstrates resilience by maintaining strong occupancy levels despite challenging economic conditions’: Torquay Leisure Hotels (TLH), which operates four hotels within a single resort in Devon, has said it has “demonstrated resilience by maintaining strong occupancy levels despite challenging economic conditions”. The company reported turnover of £23,118,202 and a pre-tax profit of £638,180 for the 18 months to 31 October 2024, having changed its reporting period. In the year to 30 April 2023, it reported turnover of £15,217,978 and a pre-tax profit of £601,759. Director Ian Piercy said: “Despite challenging economic conditions, the business demonstrated resilience by maintaining strong occupancy levels and leveraging its unique entertainment and facilities that set it apart from competitors. These strengths have been instrumental in supporting group volumes, particularly during the winter months when demand typically wanes. The company's long-standing reputation and loyal customer base remain key drivers of ongoing success and stability. Following a dividend to the parent company of £1,000,000 (2023: £800,000), net assets have improved to pre-pandemic levels to £8,379,000 as at 31 October 2024, compared to net assets of £8,900,000 as at 30 April 2023.”

London matcha bar concept to open Canary Wharf site next week: London matcha bar concept Jenki is to open its fifth site, in London’s Canary Wharf, next week. Founded in 2020 by Claudia and Otto Boyer, the business currently sells more than 2,500 matchas a day across its locations in Spitalfields, Covent Garden, Borough and Selfridges in Oxford Street. Jenki Canary Wharf will now open on Friday, 21 November at Unit 92 in Jubilee Place. The menu will include Jenki classics such as the flat green and turmeric and ginger matcha latte, as well as seasonal specials such as the winter berry and white chocolate cold foam. The new site will also see the launch of saekari matcha, Jenki’s first limited-edition ceremonial-grade release – sourced exclusively from Yame, Fukuoka. Last week, Propel reported that Jenki has also secured a space at Battersea Power Station for what will be its sixth site.

 

West Sussex hotel operator sees turnover and profit increase following dip in previous year: Historic Sussex Hotels, which operates three hotels in West Sussex, saw its turnover and profit increase in the year to 24 November 2024 following a dip in both in the previous year. The company’s turnover was up from £1,001,522 in 2023 to £1,008,800. Its pre-tax profit grew from £374,104 in 2023 to £463,360. Dividends of £463,102 were paid (2023: £373,621).

 

Japanese barbecue concept Yakiniku Like to open its second site, at London’s Westfield Stratford City: Japanese barbecue concept Yakiniku Like is to open its second site, at London’s Westfield Stratford City. Adding to its site in Soho, Yakiniku Like, known for its interactive dining format, has taken a 1,995 square-foot space. The venue, which will feature individual smokeless grills, will open on Friday, 19 December. It is one of several operators opening in “The Street”, as part of a strategic move to establish a more defined food and dining zone within the centre. As revealed by Propel last month, Berberè, the independent Italian company founded by brothers Salvatore and Matteo Aloe, is opening at Westfield Stratford City for its fifth London site. The 2,597 square-foot restaurant will open in early December. They will be joined by Bill’s, which, as previously reported, is opening in 2026. The 5,371 square-foot restaurant will be the brand’s largest in more than a decade. Completing the line-up is Soul Mama – the live music venue and dining concept from musician, broadcaster, author and philanthropist YolanDa Brown. As previously reported, Soul Mama is adding to its venue on the ground floor of Design Hotel, The Gantry in Stratford with the 4,074 square-foot restaurant that is set to open in the spring.

 

Mollie’s to open Manchester site next month: Budget motel concept Mollie’s will open its new site in Manchester next month. The opening at the former Granada TV Studios marks the concept’s third site and first in a city centre. Opening on Monday, 8 December, the 100,000 square-foot venue – its largest to date – will feature 128 rooms across five floors. Mollie’s said the site will be an evolution of the original roadside model at its Oxfordshire and Bristol venues and a blueprint for future city locations. A sixth floor will house 23 bedrooms specifically for Soho House members. This floor will also include an 80 square-metre private apartment. The first floor will feature a state-of-the-art Soho House gym also accessible to Mollie’s overnight guests. The ground floor will feature the Mollie’s Diner, with 110 seats and private dining for 30. The ground floor will also feature a bar, food-on-the-go and co-working space. Meanwhile, Studio IV will feature an open-plan cocktail bar with live music and entertainment. In July, Mollie’s confirmed plans to open its first site in Scotland after exchanging contracts with developer Parabola to build a new site close to Edinburgh Park station. Mollie’s is backed by a “strategic shareholder cohort” including majority shareholder Javad Marandi, who is also an investor in Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, and David Elghanayan and Darren Sweetland, who was Mollie’s managing director prior to the arrival of Matt Bell in February and returned to Soho House to take up the role as chief financial officer for UK, Europe & Asia.

 

French immersive concept that brings music and light shows to World Heritage sites to make UK debut: A French immersive concept which brings music and light shows to World Heritage Sites is to make its UK debut. Created in 2023 by French business Lotchi, Luminiscene has so far hosted more than one million spectators in illuminating 20 of the world’s most extraordinary historic landmarks. It is now coming to the UK for a limited run which will see it light up Manchester Cathedral with a “unique 360° walk-through immersive experience celebrating the music, story and culture of Manchester”. There will be live musical performances of iconic Manchester anthems such as The Verve’s Bitter Sweet Symphony and Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart, performed by Manchester Collectives Gospel Choir, combining the new orchestral arrangements with 360° video mapping, a narrative story and a light show. High-power projectors will transform the ancient architecture into a vast living canvas “where every statue, carving, pillar and stained-glass window comes to life and seemingly glows in harmony with the music”. The narration, delivered by Christopher Eccleston, will pay tribute to “Manchester’s creativity, innovation, global influence and the enduring pride of its people”. A waiting list has now opened, with tickets on general sale from next week for performances that run from 14 January to 26 March 2026.