Exclusive – Little Door & Co secures new funding to accelerate UK expansion: Little Door & Co, the house-party-inspired late-night bar and restaurant concept, has secured new funding to support the next stage of its growth, with plans to open two new venues in 2026, including its first site outside the capital, Propel has learned. The five-strong group, which was founded in 2014 by Kamran Dehdashti and Jamie Hazeel, has secured the new funding from alternative lender ThinCats. It is thought Little Door & Co is in talks on a new site in east London. Last month, the business told Propel that it achieved revenue of £2.6m in the seven weeks to 4 January 2026 across its London-based estate, a 11% increase year-on-year. Over the same period, the company reported more than 47,000 covers, representing a 6% year-on-year increase. The concept pioneers an imaginative “flat share” concept, styling each venue around a fictional home to create a house-party atmosphere. Following the success of its pilot site in Notting Hill, the business has expanded across London with The Little Blue Door, a 220-capacity split-room site in Fulham Road; The Little Yellow Door, a split-level venue just off Portobello Road; The Little Orange Door, a 180-capacity site near Clapham Common; and The Little Scarlet Door, a two-floor Soho venue inspired by a New York loft apartment. The business opened its fifth site in summer 2024 – The Violet Door at 9 Kingly Street. The company said it is eyeing its’ “most ambitious year yet” aided by the new funding. Hazeel said: “This funding marks a significant milestone for the business. ThinCats understands our vision and our ambition to scale the Little Door concept while retaining the creativity and individuality that make each site special.” Dave Sherrington, managing director at ThinCats, said: “Little Door has built an outstanding business with a clear identity and strong customer loyalty. Its differentiated concept, disciplined expansion strategy and experienced management team position it well for continued growth. We are delighted to support Jamie, Kamran and the wider team as they embark on this exciting next chapter.”

 

Neos Hospitality CEO Russell Quelch to speak at first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, open for bookings: Russell Quelch, chief executive of Neos Hospitality, will be among the speakers at the first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, which is open for bookings. Quelch will discuss redefining what modern multi‑venue hospitality can look like through bold concepts, sharp execution and a deep understanding of how people want to socialise today, and the company’s decision to make its debut in Central London, with a new multimillion-pound venue. The conference takes place on Wednesday, 25 March, at the Park Plaza, Victoria. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium subscribers who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Multi-Site Database with 3,536 operators and 19 new companies on Friday: Premium Club subscribers will receive the updated Multi-Site Database on Friday (27 February), at noon. The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,536 multi-site operators and is searchable in seven main segments. The database features 1,021 (29%) casual dining operators, 805 (23%) pub and bar operators, 626 (18%) cafe bakery operators, 499 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 290 (8%) hotel operators, 238 (7%) experiential leisure operators and 55 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month, and this edition includes 19 new companies. The database includes new companies in the casual dining sector such as DanDan, the Chinese restaurant concept specialising in authentic Sichuan cuisine, plant-based restaurant Holy Carrot, and Hoppers, the JKS Hospitality-backed, Sri Lankan concept. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five additional databases: the New Openings Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, 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 chief operating officer – editorial, Mark Wingett, and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. 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.

Sector bosses warn of damage to employment from minimum wage increases: Senior sector figures have warned of the damage to employment caused by above inflation rises in the minimum wage. Alan Morgan, chief executive of Bella Italia owner Big Table Group, also warned the government’s goal of abolishing the youth rate of minimum wage would lead to fewer jobs. He told the Daily Telegraph: “We agree with giving people the same pay for the same experience and outputs. However, by making the pay rates the same for age groups who have less or no experience, it does create a risk of employers reducing the amount of younger people they employ.” Jonathan Lawson, the chief executive of Butcombe Group, which runs more than 120 pubs, said he had “no issue” with the government’s objective of trying to normalise pay for younger people over the long term. However, he warned the pace of the increases is “totally counter-intuitive”. The minimum wage for people aged between 18 and 20 rose by 55% between April 2020 and April 2025. Lawson said: “There has been a direct correlation between that level of increase and the increase in the youth unemployment rate. There needs to be a slowing down because what’s occurring at the moment and the increases that have been going on are inflationary and discourage employment.” Sir Tim Martin, founder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon, has warned the minimum wage is making people worse off by limiting companies’ ability to hire and increase pay. Rather than serving as a safety net to protect workers, Sir Tim said the minimum wage is now doing more harm than good after rapid increases under both the Tories and Labour. He added: “The minimum wage seems to be lowering the standards of living by reducing investment and job vacancies and by increasing pay for new starters at the expense of experienced staff. It was supposed to be a safety net but it’s turned into a competition between political parties as to who will offer the biggest rise.”

 

Haven CEO – ‘impact of tourist tax on communities that rely on tourism will be hard felt’: Haven chief executive Simon Palethorpe has said the impact of a tourist tax on communities that rely on tourism will be “hard felt”. Palethorpe was among 200 signatories in a letter sent last week to chancellor Rachel Reeves, warning against a proposed holiday tax. Leading hospitality and leisure chief executives from accommodation providers including Butlin’s, Haven, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Merlin Entertainments, Parkdean Resorts, Travelodge and Whitbread warned Reeves against a proposed holiday tax. Following this, Palethorpe said: “Last week, I was delighted to stand alongside UKHospitality and 200 other businesses and leaders in our sector to speak up for our guests and call on the government to stop the holiday tax – a tax that will hit families hardest. Our guests are already feeling the squeeze. A holiday tax that could add more than £100 to a family holiday in England is the last thing they need. When families can’t afford their holidays or when they choose to spend their money abroad instead, the impact on communities that rely on tourism will be hard felt: fewer jobs, fewer opportunities, less investment. It's not just accommodation providers. It's the people who run restaurants, run local attractions, serve at ice cream kiosks, provide taxis and so much more to the millions of people who currently holiday in the UK.” Meanwhile, the bosses of the Business Improvement Districts in Liverpool and Manchester have pleaded with the government to “slow down and think through” on what they dismissed as “vague plans” for a tourist tax. Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool’s BID company, and Vaughan Allen, chief executive of CityCo, added in a joint statement: “This is too complex an issue to be rushed. There has been limited opportunity to speak to the business sector it directly impacts: hotels and hospitality.”

Tax rules ‘emptying London restaurants’: Thesleff Group founder Markus Thesleff has said “half his black book” of customers have left the UK after “idiotic” changes to “non-dom” and inheritance tax rules. Thesleff said putting the world’s wealthy off the capital was having a knock-on effect. Thesleff, whose Thesleff Group owns Sale e Pepe in Knightsbridge, told The Times: “They aren’t here so their family offices aren’t here and their big client meetings aren’t here. Their visitors aren’t coming, they aren’t staying in the hotels, aren’t eating in the restaurants.” He added: “Nobody is talking about the multiplier effect and this huge exodus of people at levels well below the ultra-high-net-worth individuals – they’re leaving too.” Changes have spooked the richest but there are signs that lower earners are also affected. Thesleff said he had foreign-born staff who were going because the risk of inheritance tax affecting homes abroad was too great. Fiscal drag, where tax thresholds stay the same despite wage inflation, has also increased the tax burden on millions. “This government sees business as a cow to be milked,” Thesleff said. His group is deploying “tens of millions” in new projects, but they will not be in the UK. “That’s two or three thousand jobs,” he said. Thesleff also cited the removal of tax-free shopping by the previous government as a self-inflicted wound. “So, you think it’s unfair that tourists are buying a Louis Vuitton bag tax-free? They’re still buying the bag [elsewhere]. But those tourists aren’t going to the theatre, they’re not going to the restaurants, they’re not in hotels employing Brits, they’re not taking black cabs.” Thesleff will open Sale e Pepe Mare, a seafood-focused sister branch of Sale e Pepe, the Italian restaurant, in The Langham hotel in London next month and MA/NA, a Japanese restaurant, in Mayfair later in the year.

Hospitality Rides announces change of destination for 2026 challenge: Hospitality Rides – sister event to Pedalling 2 Pubs and flagship fundraising event for the Licensed Trade Charity and Only A Pavement Away charities – has announced a change of destination for its 2026 challenge. It follows new UK government guidelines advising only essential travel to Cuba – its original destination. The revised 2026 ride will now take place in Vietnam, with travel dates unchanged, taking place from 18-25 April 2026. The challenge will see 30 fundraisers from across the hospitality industry take on 400km of rough terrain to raise vital funds for the two charities. Katy Moses, ride founder and KAM founder, said: “This decision was not taken lightly, nor was it an easy task! Our primary commitment is the safety of our fundraisers and support staff. Following ongoing consultation with Action Challenge, our organisation support, it has become clear we cannot guarantee unimpeded travel or the logistical support required to execute the ride safely. While this shift is frustrating, we are pleased to confirm the ride will still take place in 2026 on the original dates. I am certain Vietnam will offer an equally rewarding (and gruelling!) challenge for our riders. The destination has changed, but our ambition remains the same: to raise more than £500,000 for these essential causes.”

Harrogate hotels reject proposed levy: Proposals to introduce an accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) in Harrogate have been rejected in a ballot of affected businesses. They have voted not to proceed with the Harrogate Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID). The ABID, modelled on initiatives in cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, would have brought in a £2-per-room, per-night visitor levy on Harrogate hotels with a rateable value of £55,000 and above. Funds raised – estimated at around £679,000 a year – would have been invested directly in projects that boost overnight stays and attracted new visitors and events. If it had been approved, ABID would have officially begun in early 2027 and run for five years.

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with an experience-led hospitality business with expansion plans across both the UK and European markets that is seeking a chief operating officer. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This role will require a leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, understands multi-site operations, and brings a forward-thinking mindset, particularly around technology and operational systems. A strong focus on sales performance, brand growth, and marketing strategy will be central to success.” The salary is up to £150,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email stuart@corecruitment.com

Caffè Nero named successful bidder for Washington DC-based Compass Coffee as business continues to gain traction in US: The Nero Group founder and chief executive Gerry Ford has told Propel that Caffè Nero is “really starting to gain traction in the premium coffee space in the US”, as the business was named the successful bidder for the 15-strong, Washington DC-based Compass Coffee business. Caffè Nero has been named the successful bidder at a bankruptcy approved auction for a new coffee roastery and 15 Compass Coffee stores across the wider Washington DC. Final approval of the sale will now sit with the US bankruptcy court, which if successful would see Caffè Nero grow to 60 company-owned stores in the United States, including 45 stores in the New England area, and 1,175 stores worldwide, across 11 countries. Caffè Nero North America emerged as the winning bidder in Compass Coffee’s Chapter 11 sale process last week, with a bid valued at $4,764,988, according to court documents. The winning price exceeds the $2.9m “stalking horse” offer that Caffè Nero made after Compass Coffee’s initial bankruptcy filing in early January. A hearing to approve the sale is scheduled for Thursday (26 February). Ford told Propel: “We are delighted to have been named the successful bidder at the auction, and we look forward to obtaining approval from the bankruptcy court. Our Caffè Nero brand is really starting to gain traction in the premium coffee space in the United States. This acquisition gives us another base in the United States from which to expand. We look forward to being an integral part of the Washington DC community by providing a high-quality neighbourhood gathering spot with premium coffee.” Caffè Nero, founded in London in 1997 by Ford, has a comparatively modest US footprint concentrated around Boston. The Compass deal would give the company an immediate foothold in the DC market. 

Private members games club concept preparing for international debut as it seeks franchisees to expand in the UK: Private members games club concept Executive Lounge is preparing for its international debut – in Islamabad, Pakistan – as it seeks franchisees with which to expand in the UK. Describing itself as a “private members recreation complex”, Executive Lounge offers games rooms for snooker, pool, bowling and ping pong, alongside Ps5 gaming, cinema viewing spaces and racing simulators. The first Executive Lounge opened in Birmingham’s Bordersley Street last year, and having signed with consultant Paolo Peretti Group, is seeking “like-minded entrepreneurs to join us and launch their own Executive Lounge in cities across the UK and beyond”. The owners told Propel: “We are currently in the final stages of development on our first international franchise location, which is already under construction. In parallel, we are in active discussions with several potential partners for UK-based franchise sites. While we are open to franchisee-led opportunities, we take a highly strategic approach to location selection. We focus on areas where there is a clear demand for premium, experience-led entertainment that aligns with our target demographic. The Executive Lounge has established itself as a destination venue rather than a walk-in-only concept. This gives us flexibility across location types. Initially, we are focusing on expansion in the north of the UK, where we see strong demand for high-quality social entertainment venues and a clear gap in the market for what The Executive Lounge offers. The business has shown consistent year-on-year growth, continually exceeding previous performance targets. Combined with strong customer retention and an expanding digital and social media presence, we believe The Executive Lounge has the foundations to develop into a multimillion-pound brand as it scales.” Propel understands Executive Lounge is also currently looking at a second UK location in the Midlands.

US indoor slide park and family entertainment centre to make UK debut next month: A new indoor amusement centre and action park will make its UK debut next month, in Nottingham, creating 100 jobs. Slick City will open in Redfield Road in Lenton on Thursday, 12 March in partnership with indoor adventure park operator Activeon. The 50,000 square-foot venue will be Europe’s first stand-alone indoor slide park, following the launch of more than 95 Slick City sites across 32 US states. Visitors will be able to take on 16 different slides featuring steep drops and twists, launching riders into the air before landing on air cushioned mats. The park will also feature what is described as the world’s first UV AirGlider, a gravity powered aerial coaster designed to simulate the sensation of flying. Tim McClure, managing director at Slick City, said: “We’re excited to be bringing a unique and exciting attraction to Europe for the first time. Slick City was born from innovation, and since its launch in 2021, the brand is growing rapidly. There is an appetite for more adventure experiences the whole family can enjoy, as well as people of any age who are looking for an exhilarating day out, so now felt like the perfect time to bring this thrill to the UK.” The park will cater for visitors aged four and above, with children under 12 requiring adult supervision. A dedicated soft play area will serve children aged three and under, alongside an on-site café.

German Doner Kebab aims to open at 25 new sites this year with self-service screens and healthy options aimed at Generation Z: German Doner Kebab (GDK), which is backed by private equity group True, expects to open 25 new sites in the UK this year, with longer-terms plans for 900 outlets worldwide, as chief executive Simon Wallis said his tweaks to operations have “given partners confidence to invest” despite pressure on hospitality businesses. He told The Guardian: “My number one priority is to make the franchisees profitable. Labour has had the biggest impact on costs, and we have really leaned in to improve productivity.” A robotic kebab-shaver, a gadget that automatically slices meat grilling on a vertical rotisserie, is just one of the gambits he has drawn on to improve productivity in the stores. Wallis said the technology, which GDK has been trialling at its outlet in Bedford and is looking at installing in new outlets later this year, not only reduces labour hours but is more efficient than its human counterparts, as the machines cut the meat from rotating skewers more precisely and consistently. GDK is also slicing away labour hours with equipment that preheats bread so that it takes less time to toast, and by using a central kitchen to mix the group’s signature sauces. Wallis’s “smart kitchen” innovations also include removing a barrier between the kitchen and the counter so that one person can prepare and serve food at quiet times – in a similar fashion to traditional takeaways. GDK is planning to tempt punters back to restaurants with special dine-in-only menu items and promotions, while geolocation technology is being deployed to help find the best areas where high streets are regenerating. “It is wrong to say the high street is dead,” said Wallis. “In some pockets, high streets are coming back and you have got to be smart about the right location.” GDK operates via dozens of franchise partners running 155 outlets in the UK and nearly 40 more overseas including in the US, Dubai, Ireland and Sweden.

Sicilian arancini concept Sfrigola makes UK debut: Sfrigola, a Sicilian arancini concept, has made its debut in the UK, in London. The concept, which was founded in Italy in 2016 by brothers Adriano and Emanuele Pizzurro, and their cousin Francesco Paolo Caronia, has opened at 6-7 Leadenhall Market, with plans to expand further across the capital. The business currently operates six sites in Italy and one in Bucharest, Romania. The concept serves authentic Sicilian arancini prepared fresh in front of customers. “Bringing our company to London is like putting a piece of home at the centre of a world that runs very fast,” said Adriano Pizzurro. “Arancini is a food that does not ask for time, but gives it back. It is an identity in pocket format and we bring it here as it is, with the same sacredness as in Palermo. London is hyper-competitive. Only those who remain authentic win. We chose Leadenhall Market because history, movement and love for craftsmanship co-exist here. The challenge is simple and immense at the same time: to get the arancini to the City without distorting it. Sicily is not folklore: it is a language. And if it's done well, it speaks everywhere.” Stephen Kane & Company acted on the deal. 

The Beefy Boys confirms Nottingham site plans: The Beefy Boys, the better burger business backed by Manjit Dale, founding partner of TDR Capital, has confirmed it plans to open a new site in Nottingham this spring. The business, which opened its fifth site, in Oxford, last October, is set to open in the former George’s Restaurant in the city’s Queen Street, in April. Co-founder Anthony 'Murf' Murphy, said: “Nottingham has been on our radar for a while. It’s a brilliant city with a buzzing food scene, so we can’t wait to bring our burgers here. Ten years on from opening our first restaurant, launching our sixth site feels like a huge milestone, and Nottingham feels like the perfect next chapter.” Earlier this month, The Beefy Boys told Propel that it plans to open two new restaurants by the end of this year. It came off the back of strong trading over the festive season. 

French café concept Copains set to open third UK site in London’s Marylebone: French café concept Copains is set to open a third UK site, in London’s Marylebone. Copains – which operates 16 outlets in France, the majority of which are in Paris – made its debut here in December, in Neal Street, in Covent Garden. This was followed by a second site this month, in Islington’s Upper Street. Hot Dinners reported this will, in turn, be followed by a launch in Marylebone, although the exact location has not yet been revealed. Copains, which also recently launched in Belgium, was founded four years ago by two former LVMH employees – Giovanni Amico (chief executive) and Baptiste Borne (operational director).

Mollie’s hires new head of marketing: Budget motel concept Mollie’s has hired Jon Weston-Stanley as its new head of marketing. Weston-Stanley joins Mollie’s from London’s luxury health club group, Third Space, where he spent a decade shaping brand, creative and performance marketing during a period of significant growth. During his tenure, the business expanded its footprint and audience substantially. Weston-Stanley said: “Mollie’s stood out to me because of its distinctive place in the UK hospitality market. Design-led, ambitious and confidently value-luxe. As the business grows nationally, there’s a real opportunity to build on that strong foundation, increasing awareness while nurturing long-term loyalty. I’m looking forward to working with the team and contributing to the next chapter of the brand’s journey.” Weston-Stanley’s remit will focus on strengthening brand distinction, driving awareness and building long-term customer loyalty as the business grows. He joins following the launch of Mollie’s first city-centre site, in Manchester, in December – adding to its roadside model venues in Oxfordshire and Bristol. Last month, Mollie’s submitted plans for its first site in Scotland, at Edinburgh Park.

New CEO plans executive overhaul at ‘fat and happy’ Diageo: New Diageo chief executive Sir Dave Lewis is planning a major shake-up of his executive team, as the former Tesco boss moves to stamp out the ailing drinks giant’s “fat and happy” culture. The FT reported that Sir Dave is planning to replace several members of the company’s 14-person executive committee at the maker of Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan. Investors are hopeful Sir Dave will drag the world’s biggest spirits company out of a three-year malaise characterised by anaemic sales growth, profit warnings and boardroom drama. The new chief, whose reputation for cost-cutting earned him the nickname Drastic Dave, is planning to push through “wholesale change” at London-based Diageo, according to one of the people familiar with his thinking. The person added the Guinness maker, which employs more than 29,000 people, had become “fat and happy” and its decision-making convoluted. While Sir Dave is not expected to announce personnel changes at the company’s interim results this week, investors expect him to act quickly to kick-start a turnaround. The other person familiar with Lewis’ thinking said he was likely to strip out entire layers of Diageo’s management. David Samra, a managing director at Artisan Partners, Diageo’s fifth-biggest shareholder, said Lewis would “definitely” want to bring in his own people. “It wouldn’t surprise me if a layer or two came out – he’s not a plodding human being,” he added. Diageo declined to comment. Diageo’s struggles have come during a lean time for the wider spirits industry after a pandemic-era drinking boom went into reverse. The cause of the slump has become a hot topic of debate among investors. Some believe it is because alcoholic drinks have simply become less affordable and sales will rebound when disposable incomes grow. But others reckon the drinks industry is in the early stages of an inexorable decline, as consumers cut down in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.

Scottish hotel and restaurant group sees losses increase: Scottish hotel and restaurant group Black Sheep Hotels has reported turnover nudged up to £6,827,111 for the year ending 31 March 2025 compared with £6,778,545 the previous year. Pre-tax losses increased to £1,363,053 from £359,773 the year before. During the period, Black Sheep Hotels operated The Whispering Pine Lodge, Rokeby Manor and The Cluanie Inn in the Scottish Highlands, as well as two self-catering accommodation locations in the region. The group is also behind The Pizzeria in Fort William, which opened in March 2025, and in Inverness, which launched in September 2025. In January 2026, the group opened Ambassador Hotel in Inverness following a £6m investment having acquired what was the Strathness House Hotel in Inverness in 2024. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “Revenue increased during the year mainly due to price increases, which was offset by a reduction in revenue from the closure of Strathness House from September 2024 due to refurbishment. Overall expenses were increased mainly due to rental fees, professional fees towards work visa charges and finance cost towards additional provision on preference shares dividend.” Dividends of £200,000 were paid (2024: £200,000). The group is owned by Mars Enterprises and Hospitality Private, which was founded in 1991 by siblings Sanjay and Rachna Narang.

Manchester operator adds to portfolio with new pizzeria: Manchester operator Will Baillie has added to his portfolio by opening a new pizzeria in the city. Baillie – who with his dad, Bill, operates Bury pubs Eagle & Child, Holcombe Tap and Swan & Cemetery – has opened Fratelli, at The Met in Bury’s Market Street. For the new venture, he has partnered with former classmates Sam James, Charles Timlin, Miles Crompton and Conor Hayes. Two of the five even worked at the venue as teenagers in its former guise, as The Automatic restaurant and bar. Fratelli will offer New Yok-style pizzas and sides, including fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, loaded parmesan and truffle fries and mushroom arancini. In terms of the pizzas, there’s the GOAT (basil pesto and goat’s cheese) and the Angry Pig (‘nduja, pepperoni, salami and crispy chilli oil), while at lunchtime, it offers a range of folded pizza sandos with toppings like buffalo fried chicken and Italian ham. James said: “We’ve been working incredibly hard on Fratelli for more than a year, building the business through pop-ups and getting our name and concept out there. Securing a permanent home in Bury is a huge milestone, and we are proud to be another independent business in our home town.”

Cantonese roast meat concept Mama Li founder – ‘definitely potential for further sites in London’: Catherine Hua, founder of Cantonese roast meat concept Mama Li, has told Propel there is “definitely” potential for further sites in London after opening its third restaurant in the capital. The new venue – at 3 Rivington Walk in Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf district – joins its express-led sites in Great Tower Street and in London Wall in the City. The Canary Wharf venue marks an evolution of the concept, introducing a “more considered dine-in experience”, although Siu Mei – Hong Kong’s roasted meat – remains at the heart of the menu. In terms of further expansion, Hua told Propel: “We're open to opening more sites, but only where they genuinely fit our requirements and reflect our core values. We're not working to a fixed number – it's more about finding the right opportunities rather than expanding for the sake of it. We have just opened the Canary Wharf site so that is our focus right now, but London definitely still offers additional potential.” Hua also said the business would consider a regional launch “if the right opportunity came up”. In terms of trading, Hua said: “2025 was a good year for us. We saw growth in revenue and steady demand across the business. It’s a competitive market, but we’re pleased with how we’ve performed and how customers have responded to what we're doing.” Hua launched Mama Li with her mother after struggling to find Cantonese roast meat in London that tasted like the food they grew up eating.

Madre team opens Salon Madre site in Leeds: Madre, the taco restaurant and bar concept from the founders of Belzan and London’s Breddos Tacos, has opened a site under its sister concept Salon Madre, in Leeds. The venue in Wellington Street follows openings in Manchester and Liverpool for the concept. Salon Madre in Leeds hosts a tequila-led pool hall, taqueria and bar, featuring frozen, classic and flavoured margaritas and Mexican street food. The team is also opening a 100-cover Madre site just around the corner. Co-founder Sam Grainger said: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve, and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.” The first Salon Madre opened in December 2024 next to the group’s Madre site in Manchester’s Chorlton Street. That same month, the team opened the first UK site for Norwegian burger concept Doug’s Hamburgers, in Manchester’s Circle Square.

Dessert bar operator opens second site for healthy juice concept, third to follow: Rassam Ali, owner of dessert bar operator Rassams Creamery, has opened a second site for his healthy juice concept, Juice Way, with a third to follow. He has opened a Juice Way at 431 Staniforth Road in Sheffield, following on from the concept’s debut site, at 10 Duke Street in Liverpool. A third site, in Manchester, is also in the pipeline. Ali said: “We’re proud to open our second Juice Way branch in Sheffield, following the incredible success of our Liverpool location. What started as a bold concept has quickly grown into a movement. Our mission is to make premium juices, smoothies, açai bowls, and fresh‑pressed goodness accessible to every community we serve. Sheffield is the next chapter in that journey. Our third location to open in Manchester very soon. We’re just getting started, and we’d love to grow with people who share our passion for health, innovation, and community.” Ali founded Rassams Creamery in 2012 and has since grown it to eight locations – five of which are in Sheffield. The brand made its international debut last year, in Nairobi, Kenya, while its next UK opening will be at 18-20 Deansgate in Manchester.

Padel operator whose backers include England cricketer Joe Root gets go-ahead for second site: A proposed padel facility adjacent to Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield from a company that has England cricketer Joe Root among its founders has been given the green light. Play Padel plans to convert Unit 12-14 at the M1 Distribution Centre into a 36,100 square-foot unit to create seven double padel courts and one singles court. The plans also include changing rooms, toilets, staff facilities, retail space, a café, a small warm-up gym and storage. The city council has now granted approval for the new use, subject to conditions. Play Padel Sheffield is the brainchild of five Sheffield locals, including Root. The team also includes Cameron Dawson, Harry Bliss, Chris Millard and Alex Fleming. The company opened its first venue, at Abbeydale Tennis Club, also in Sheffield, last year.

London restaurant Carousel transforms wine bar space into Mexican restaurant: Carousel, the restaurant that hosts rotating chef residencies in London’s Fitzrovia, has transformed its wine bar space into a Mexican restaurant. Founders Ed and Ollie Templeton have launched Cometa, which is the Spanish word for “comet”, and has a focus on pairing “bold Mexican flavours with top-quality UK day-boat fish and seafood”, influenced by the likes of Mexico City’s Contromar and New York’s The Four Horsemen. The kitchen is led by Ollie Templeton alongside chefs José Lizarralde Serralde and Alejandra Juarez. As well as a selection of raw dishes including ceviche and aguachile, there are sharing plates and larger grilled dishes served alongside seasonal sides. The drinks menu draws similar inspiration as the food, from tepache and homemade Aguas Frescas to agave-based cocktails. Ollie Templeton said: “It feels so great to finally get Cometa out there into the world. We’ve been working on this menu for a long, long time.”