FoodCo Group CEO – ‘potential to double footprint as we prepare to open 100th store’, ‘Jamaica Blue getting good traction and could outgrow Muffin Break’: FoodCo chief executive Mike Arbuckle has told Propel the franchise company has the potential to double its UK footprint as it prepares to open its 100th store here, and that Jamaica Blue is “getting good traction” and could outgrow sister brand Muffin Break. The group launched here in 2001 as the UK arm of the Australian FoodCo business, which was founded in 1989 and has more than 420 locations across eight countries. It currently has 73 Muffin Breaks and 26 Jamaica Blues here, and is expecting to open store number 100 early next year – a Jamaica Blue in Sutton, south west London. Arbuckle told Propel: “Both brands are now fully international and have developed and grown with franchisee investment. Muffin Break is a freshly baked on-site concept, so all the cabinet food is made in the store from scratch. Jamaica Blue also has a full kitchen and but is more contemporary, with a strong made-to-order menu and single origin coffee. Jamaica Blue has more ‘hustle’, with a focus on all-day breakfasts and brunch. Both have exciting future growth potential, but Jamaica Blue, because of its unique positioning, is getting greater traction right now, so could outgrow Muffin Break. Provided the return on investment model for franchisees remains solid, we have a number of franchisees willing to expand as landlords recognise our potential. We are looking to grow the brands by around 12-15 new stores next year and attract new investment from new franchisee groups. We have a number of multi-store operators who want to continue growing store numbers. I think we can get to 200 stores in the next six to ten years as opportunities in new channels are starting to appear. While we are strongly shopping centre based, we are now actively looking at high streets and transport hubs and hospitals, where we already have some stores.” Arbuckle said he would like to see expansion into “the big northern towns where we don’t have a strong presence”. He added: “We have six stores now in Northern Ireland and seven in Scotland, and we are starting to look at opportunities in Ireland.” On current trading and what he’d like to see from next week’s Budget, Arbuckle said: “FoodCo has annual network sales of circa £48m now, with Jamaica Blue sales growing at 14% and Muffin Break at 6%. We’d like the government to work on boosting demand, hold VAT, continue with the rates subsidy and make access to finance for small business easier. For us, brand growth comes down to allowing our franchisees to continue investing and at the store level to giving the customer an excellent experience.”

Laine Pub Co MD Russell Danks among speakers at 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit, open for bookings: Russell Danks, managing director at Laine Pub Co, will be among the speakers at the 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Danks will explore how the group built a brand strategy designed around Generation Z. From community-driven experiences to social-first storytelling, he will reveal what it takes to connect with the next generation and what this means for the future of hospitality. Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit is returning for its eighth edition, and tickets are on sale. The event is a partnership between Propel and Think Hospitality, aiming to build a community, promote the sharing of ideas, recognise talent and define the future of eating out. Bookings are open for the two-day conference as the centrepiece of the January event series, taking place on 20 and 21 January at Hilton Bankside in London. A bigger venue allows for a dual-stage format, meaning more content than ever before. The conference will focus on technology, marcomms strategies, proposition, brand building, the latest market insights, digital developments and diversification of revenue streams. It is designed for customer focused chief executives, senior marketers, technology and innovation teams, as well as investors wanting to better understand the latest marketing, innovation and development opportunities to build market share and grow. For the full speaker schedule, click here. A one-day ticket for operators is £320 plus VAT while a two-day ticket is £575 plus VAT. Supplier tickets are £950 plus VAT for the two days. Propel Premium Club subscribers receive a 20% discount. To book, email: rmi@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality and videos from this month’s Propel Multi-Club Conference today: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will be released to Premium Club subscribers today (Friday, 21 November), at midday. Another 83 companies have been added to the database, which now features 1,287 companies. This month’s edition will also include 179 updated entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent developments reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium Club subscribers will also receive all the videos from this month’s Propel Multi-Club Conference on Friday, at 9am. They include Alex Reilley, chairman of Loungers, talking to Propel group editor Mark Wingett about the company’s return to the private world, maintaining consistency of offer, what the expansion runway looks like for the business, and saving the high street. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. 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. 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.

McWin partner – ‘the best home for restaurant businesses is the public market’: Harry Goss, partner at McWin – which backs operators including fast-growing bakery brand Gail’s, affordable steak concept Flat Iron and Danish-Japanese premium restaurant group Sticks‘n’Sushi – has argued the best home for restaurant businesses is the public market. Speaking at the Propel Multi-Club Conference, Goss said: “I think this sector has been pretty ill-served by private equity. It’s very short term in its focus and it's kind of taking a business from A to B growing profitability as much as possible, using up the growth story and then trying to pass it on someone else quickly, and that's not healthy. That doesn't create long-term value, and I think the public market, which is permanent capital, is the right answer. The problem is the UK public market is completely dysfunctional and I don't think we're going to change that by listing, you know, one medium-sized business. I think you need some very large businesses that public investors can't ignore. And that's a real challenge. That's a five-to-ten-year view. I think in the near term it's about larger capital private equity firms.” Goss was among the speakers at the Propel Multi-Club Conference. All videos from the conference will be released to Premium subscribers today (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.

Restaurateur Soren Jessen – ‘I feel like we work for Rachel Reeves from Monday to Thursday’: Restaurateur Soren Jessen, the owner of One Lombard Street in London, has called on the government to “foster an environment that encourages innovation and supports those willing to invest in our future”. Writing in The Standard, Jessen said: “In 1998, I opened 1 Lombard Street in the City of London, which has been busy for 27 years. In fact, this year is the restaurant’s busiest but – lockdown aside – also its most challenging, despite having the highest sales we’ve ever experienced. It feels like standing in a room with the water rising. You have to increase sales every year, or you can’t pay your bills, and those bills include extra tax. There is no room to invest for the long term, take risks or employ young talent. Businesses are forced to think short term just to survive. And if you are standing in a room with the water rising, you’re not thinking about how to paint the ceiling a beautiful colour; your only concern is how to raise the ceiling. Sink or swim? It feels like we’re doing both at once. We need a government that wants to support anyone willing to risk their savings and career for the sake of entrepreneurship, rather than opting for a safe job and a comfortable pension. Starting a business should have huge upside – if not, why would anyone do it? I fear Rachel Reeves does not understand this. Here’s my recommendation for the chancellor to drive tax revenue: lower VAT on hospitality to 10%-12%, as they do on the continent. This will lead to more jobs, growth, and the tax revenues this country so desperately needs. Let’s foster an environment that encourages innovation and supports those willing to invest in our future. We must reignite that sense of optimism that propelled us through the challenges of the past, and with that, this economy will get back in shape, and then we can raise the standard of living in this so-called ‘Great Britain’. At the moment, it feels like Reeves is working with the opposite in mind.” 

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a high-end luxury wellness venue based in Central London that is seeking a director of wellness. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This role will oversee daily operations across all departments, ensuring seamless co-ordination and excellence in service delivery. A key focus of the role will be to drive membership performance, monitor monthly results and maximise revenue while maintaining and developing therapy offerings that align with the brand’s premium standards.” The salary is up to £80,000. For further details, email david@corecruitment.com

 

John Vincent – ‘Leon lost its leadership in food’, ‘I've got to create a very action focused culture’: John Vincent, co-founder and former chief executive of Leon, who bought the naturally fast-food brand back from Asda last month, has said the business has “lost its leadership in food” and has found a “whole bunch of people that want to win, but who've lost confidence”. Vincent, who led the sale of Leon to EG Group in 2021, bought back the business that he founded with his friend Henry Dimbleby and Allegra McEvedy 21 years ago with a single outlet in London’s Carnaby Street. Leon currently operates 71 restaurants – 44 owned and 22 franchised. He said: “Leon was always built on this idea of the good life, and what is good for people on the planet, ethically, morally, etc. What do I see now? I see a whole bunch of people that want to win, but who've lost confidence and who are fearful. I think we've lost our leadership in food. I think there's no big welcome. Customers aren't engaging with each other, and they're certainly not engaging with the team. And we've even gone to royalty-free music. So that's got to change. The earth's favourite fast food means ingredients that spring from the soil, restaurants that spring from their community and a culture that springs from the heart. That's what we want to change. So how will we achieve this? Clearly, I've got to transform the menu. I've got to create a very action focused culture. I've got to make the joyful everyday routines more fun. I've started with royalty-free music in restaurants. We want to give people hope and make our sector, make our high streets, make our capital city and make our country more based on love and less based on fear, all based on this idea of the good life.” In this week’s Propel Premium, which will be sent to Premium Club subscribers today (Friday, 21 November) at 5pm, Propel group editor Mark Wingett looks at what comes next for Leon, and a key milestone for Popeyes UK, while deputy editor Tim Street talks to The Sloane Club’s Neena Jivraj-Stevenson about heading up an all-female leadership team in the once traditional male world of members’ clubs. 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.

Hard Rock Cafe UK launches first concept since pandemic as it expands beyond traditional model: Hard Rock Cafe UK has launched its first concept since the pandemic – an immersive food and drink experience in London. The Back Room Cocktail Experience brings together cocktails, paired bites and storytelling in a guided format held inside The Back Room, the hidden space behind the original Old Park Lane cafe. The two-hour event reimagines The Back Room as a low lit, speakeasy-style hideaway featuring DJ sets to complement each course. Hard Rock said the launch represents a significant milestone in its post-pandemic reinvention strategy, re-energising its hospitality offering while expanding its footprint beyond the traditional cafe model into a more elevated nightlife experience. Held every Saturday, the session unfolds as a four-course tasting journey, with each track introducing a different cocktail and pairing. Eric Martino, president cafe and retail division for Hard Rock Café, said: “The relaunch of The Back Room represents a defining moment for Hard Rock as we continue to evolve and reimagine what immersive hospitality can be. It honours our heritage while tapping into the creativity and cultural energy of today. The Back Room is where our legacy meets a new generation of discovery, and there is nothing else like it in the city right now.” Alongside the Saturday sessions, The Back Room is now open daily.

Zuma to open trio of ski resort restaurants in first launches since investment from luxury hospitality company DIAFA: Zuma, the Japanese restaurant brand with more than 25 locations worldwide, is to open a trio of sites in ski resorts. The openings are the first since parent company Azumi received investment from Abu Dhabi-based luxury hospitality company DIAFA last month. Zuma will open next month in Vail Village, Colorado. Nestled within the ski resort, The Sebastian, the restaurant is the group’s debut US alpine destination and first opening in the country in more than five years. Zuma Vail will join the group’s Miami, New York, Las Vegas and Boston locations in the US. “Bringing Zuma to Vail represents an exciting new chapter for the brand,” said Sven Koch, chief executive of Azumi. “After several years of global growth, we are excited to further expand our North American footprint, and Vail is the perfect place to begin.” That will be followed by the arrival of Zuma in Cortina D’Ampezzo in Italy with a new concept “that combines the best of Japanese culture with the authenticity of the Italian Alps”. Zuma Cortina – which opens on Monday 22 December – will span three areas: main room, lounge, and cocktail bar. Zuma will also debut in Switzerland with an exclusive pop-up in the alpine resort of Gstaad. From Friday, 5 December, Zuma will take over the restaurant, bar, and terrace at the Ultima Gstaad, a five-star boutique hotel, for three months. In October, Azumi, which also operates Roka, received investment from DIAFA. It joined existing partner Doğuş Hospitality to drive the next phase of global expansion for Azumi. The company said the undisclosed investment from DIAFA will accelerate its ambitions – enabling the evolution of its flagship brands, the international expansion of existing restaurant concepts such as Oblix, which operates from the 32nd floor of The Shard in London, and the creation of new lifestyle and experiential concepts already in development.

Black Sheep Coffee signs new franchise partnership for Hertfordshire: Speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee has signed a minimum nine-store development agreement covering Hertfordshire. The territory has been awarded to Virutthasalam Prabhakaran, an existing Black Sheep Coffee franchisee with multiple stores across London. The stores will be a mix of locations and formats, covering Hertfordshire and complementing the existing Black Sheep Coffee site in St Albans. Izzy Childs, EMEA growth director, said: “Virutthasalam has already proven to be an exceptional partner, and we’re excited to see this next chapter unfold. Hertfordshire represents a fantastic opportunity for Black Sheep Coffee to continue its mission of shaking up the high street with quality coffee and standout store experiences.” 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. Last week, the brand said it was making its move into the south west of England after signing a minimum nine-store development agreement covering Devon and Cornwall.

 

Auntie Anne’s UK reports record opening day sales as it launches fourth Dublin store: The UK arm of pretzel brand Auntie Anne’s has reported record opening day sales as it launches its fourth Dublin store. It has opened at the Swords Pavilions shopping centre in the city – joining its other Dublin locations at Blanchardsworth Road South, The Ilac Centre in Henry Street and The Jervis Centre in Abbey Street Upper. “The opening of our new store at Swords Pavilions shopping centre was the biggest grand opening we’ve ever had – with thousands of Pretzel lovers joining us and a record-breaking day of grand opening sales. The biggest congratulations to our Dublin franchisees on their fourth store! The passion, dedication and love for the brand from our wonderful franchisees continues to shape Auntie Anne’s – here’s to many more pretzels twisted and many more celebrations to come.” The US brand, which is being rolled out here by master franchisee Freshly Baked, currently has circa 45 UK stores plus the four in Dublin.

EL&N to debut new cookie concept next week: Cafe and lifestyle brand EL&N is to debut its new cookie concept called Crumbs by EL&N next Friday (28 November), in London. The company is set to launch the concept at St Pancras train station. The business said: “Two years ago, we had an idea to create a range of the best bakes in London. Now, we’re just one week away from launching Crumbs by EL&N! We’ve even chef’d up a new product line. We’ll give you three clues: chunky, gooey, and utterly delicious.” Last week, Propel reported EL&N had returned to Scotland, with an opening at the Silverburn shopping centre in Glasgow, within the Harrods’ H Beauty unit. EL&N previously operated a store in Edinburgh that closed last year. Founded in London in 2017, EL&N earlier this year launched a new “elevated dining” concept, House of EL&N, in Beirut, Lebanon. The circa 40-strong business also began the roll out of its new Bakery & Deli format, having opened the first Deli & Bakery site in London's Covent Garden last summer.

 

Scottish McDonald’s franchisee sees turnover drop after selling two restaurants but reports like-for-like sales are up: Scottish McDonald’s franchisee AG Restaurants saw its turnover drop in the year to 31 December 2024 after selling two restaurants but reported its like-for-like sales increased. The company – which now operates 25 restaurants in central and greater Glasgow, employing more than 2,850 members of staff – saw turnover fall 3.4% from £135,247,574 in 2023 to £130,687,257. Pre-tax profit grew from £2,368,203 in 2023 to £2,545,992. Dividends of £1,953,787 were paid (2023: £1,512,139). Owner Andy Gibson said: “The reduction in sales is predominantly due to the sale of two restaurants during the year. On a like-for-like basis for the 25 stores trading over the full financial year, sales have increased by 0.35%. The gross profit margin is 65.96% compared with 64.33% in 2023 and is in line with expectations. The financial position of the company is healthy with the balance sheet showing net assets of £11.59m, compared with £11.22m in 2023.”

 

Plan Burrito to make Welsh debut next week: Tex Mex franchise Plan Burrito will make its Welsh debut next week. Franchisees Nathan Walbeoff, Joshua Mills, and Ross Harris – three friends and business partners who have backgrounds as quantity and solar panel surveyors – will open at 26 Union Street in Swansea on Monday (24 November). The site is a 15th UK location for the business, which also has plans to open in Lincoln, Stevenage, Battersea, Twickenham, Pontypridd and Sheffield. “This marks store number 15 for the UK’s leading and multi-award-winning Tex-Mex franchise, and we’re proud to reach this significant milestone with our first Welsh location,” said Simon Robinson, managing director of Plan Burrito. “We’re excited to see what the future holds for our Swansea team and wish it every success for its grand opening. We’re also looking forward to bringing even more Plan Burrito locations to communities across Wales.” Founded by Stephen Hopper in 2015, Plan Burrito has ambitious plans to reach 100 locations within the next three years. Plan Burrito will be among the businesses presenting at the inaugural Propel Franchisor Showcase, which will be held on Tuesday (25 November) at One Moorgate Place in London. The Propel Franchisor Showcase, sponsored by Seeds Consulting, will showcase ten of the most exciting and investable franchises in hospitality. Hopper will discuss his new ethical franchise set up and Plan Burrito’s point of difference from the Tex Mex offerings he felt were lacking something when he founded the business, the type of franchise opportunity available, how he plans to accelerate its growth in the coming years, where in the UK the business is targeting next, how its plans for international expansion are going and how its franchise sites have performed so far. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Free places for operators and investors only are available by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com

 

Administrators appointed to five Cove Communities entities that operate 11 UK holiday parks: Administrators have been appointed to five Cove Communities entities that operate 11 UK holiday parks. Adam Paxton and Rob Croxen, of Alvarez & Marsal Europe, have been appointed as joint administrators to Cove Communities Holiday Park UK Holdco (HPUK) along with three of its subsidiaries: Cove Communities Venture 2 Gwel an Mor OpCo, Cove Communities Venture 2 Solway OpCo, and Cove Communities Venture 2 Springwood OpCo. In addition, Paxton, Croxen and Ben Cairns have been appointed as joint administrators to Cove Communities Venture 2 Argyle OpCo, another subsidiary of HPUK. The entities operate Drimsynie Holiday Village, Hunters Quay Holiday Village, Loch Awe Holiday Park, Loch Eck Caravan Park, Loch Eck Country Lodges, Loch Lomond Holiday Park, St Catherines Caravan Park and Stratheck Holiday Park – all in Aryll, Scotland – alongside Gwel an Mor Resort in Cornwall, Solway Holiday Park in Cumbria and Springwood Holiday Park in the Scottish Borders. Paxton said: “As administrators, our priority is to ensure a smooth transition and maintain stability across the parks. We are working to ensure day-to-day operations continue with minimal disruption. Owners, residents and holidaymakers should not be impacted.” Other companies in the wider Cove Communities group are not impacted by the administrations and continue to trade as normal including White Horse Caravans, trading as Seal Bay, in Selsey, West Sussex. “We understand that public filings can sometimes prompt speculation and media interest,” a company statement said. “However, we want to reassure all stakeholders that Seal Bay is stable and trading normally.” Cove UK is part of Cove Communities, which was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

Mediterranean restaurant brand Jul’s heading to UK: Mediterranean restaurant brand Jul’s is heading to the UK. Jul's was born in Ibiza in 2018, created by chef Christos Fotos, Jem Akyuz, and his son Ilhan. The group also includes Humain by Jul’s in Athens. Now the trio is bringing Jul's to London, opening in St James’s in early 2026. The restaurant in a former bank in Waterloo Place will have a menu described as “Greek-inspired yet unmistakably Mediterranean, rooted in simplicity, generosity, and modern craft”, with dishes such as giouvetsi, flatbread with slow-cooked lamb and grilled fish over an open fire. Wine will hold a central role at Jul’s with a 6.5-metre-tall glass wine wall, running the height of the restaurant’s ground level. Downstairs will be a late-night bar downstairs called No 11, which will be run by bar directors Vasilis Sgouromallis and Dimitris Karapanos, with distillation and infusions being used to craft cocktails “that reflect the kitchen’s flavour profile”.

 

Insomnia Cookies lines up Liverpool and Newcastle openings: Insomnia Cookies UK, the late-night bakery business, is to open new sites in Liverpool and Newcastle, as it ups the pace of its UK expansion. The business, which in September opened its seventh site in the UK, in Birmingham’s Bennetts Hill, will open in Bristol’s College Green next Saturday (29 November). That will be followed with an opening in the former Sips cocktail bar in Liverpool’s Slater Street, on Saturday, 13 December. Propel understands Insomnia Cookies UK has also lined up an opening at 28-34 Clayton Street, in Newcastle, for early next year. The brand, founded in 2003 by Seth Berkowitz, has more than 350 bakeries across North America and has expanded rapidly in the UK in the last year. Launching in Manchester in 2023, Insomnia Cookies UK has three sites in the city, along with outlets in Leeds, Nottingham and Sheffield. Ben Lacey, managing director of Insomnia Cookies UK, told Propel last year that the business has an ambition to build a nationwide presence.

Chopstix expands presence in Glasgow with St Enoch opening, new site opening every two weeks: Fast-growing, quick service restaurant brand Chopstix has further strengthened its presence in Glasgow with the opening of a fourth site. The company has opened a site in the St Enoch centre, and reiterated that it sees high footfall shopping centres as a significant opportunity for growth for the business. Chopstix has averaged a store opening every two weeks since investment from European quick service restaurant operator, QSRP last October, and said the new store in St. Enoch is an important step in the brand’s wider growth strategy. Jon Lake, Chopstix managing director, said: “With a new store opening every two weeks, we’ve seen huge momentum behind the business this year. We’re very proud of the Chopstix brand and our unwavering focus on quality, speed, and customer experience.”

Brother Marcus confirms plans to open site in London’s Victoria: London eastern Mediterranean restaurant concept Brother Marcus has confirmed it plans to open a new site in London’s Victoria. Propel revealed last month that the seven-strong business, which was founded by Tasos Gaitanos and Alex Large, was taking over Will Rickers’ former The Stone House site in the Nova development, which closed this summer. Brother Marcus’ Victoria site will open in January. The company said the opening will usher in a year of celebration for the group, which enters its tenth year since it opened its first venture in Balham in 2016. This year, the business has opened sites in Canary Wharf and Soho, as well as making its cocktail bar debut with Kamara in Poland Street. Brother Marcus told Propel in August that it was still targeting two to three openings next year, with a first regional site “under consideration” and expected to open in early 2026. The company also said the plan was to open further Kamara bars alongside new Brother Marcus sites “where the opportunity fits”, and that “if the concept proves strong enough, stand-alone Kamara sites are very much on the table”.

Bancone eyes opening in the City: Bancone, the all-day fresh pasta concept led by Will Ellner and backed by David Ramsey and Jason Myers, is planning to make its debut in the City. Propel understands that the four-strong Bancone has applied to open at 7 Princes Street. Earlier this year, the company opened its fourth site in the capital, at 127a Kensington High Street, as part of the Kensington Building in Wrights Lane. Bancone, which raised more than £900,000 from a crowdfunding campaign in 2023, also has sites in Borough Yards, Covent Garden’s William IV Street and in Soho’s Lower James Street.

 

PPHE Hotel Group refinances facility relating to Park Plaza London Riverbank: PPHE Hotel Group has refinanced a facility relating to its Park Plaza London Riverbank hotel. The group has entered into an agreement to refinance its existing loan with Aareal Bank AG – extending the 2016 facility from its original maturity date of June 2026 to a new date of June 2030. Under the new terms, the £95.8m facility will continue to attract an all-in fixed interest rate of 3.248% until the original maturity date. Following this, 85% of the loan will bear a fully fixed interest rate of 5.72% until maturity, with a competitive floating interest rate applying to the remainder of the loan. This compares with an all-in fixed interest rate of 3.248% that applied under the terms of the existing facility. Additionally, under the new terms, the loan will no longer be subject to amortisation, which is expected to partially offset the impact of the increased interest on cash flow. The agreement includes financial covenants based on loan to value and debt service. It is non-recourse and will be secured by Aareal’s existing security package, including a mortgage over the hotel. Daniel Kos, PPHE chief financial officer, said: “This extended facility continues our strong relationship with a long-standing lender. The group’s high-quality and stable asset base in key city centre locations, such as Park Plaza Riverbank in London, enable us to secure long term financing on attractive rates.”

 

Team behind Mandaloun to open a new restaurant in London’s Fulham Reach: The team behind Mandaloun at Westfield London is to open a new Mediterranean restaurant at Fulham Reach. Propel understands the business, which is led by Zack Barakat, is to open The Reach Brasserie on the former Brasserie Blanc site. The company said: “We bring together the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean coasts, featuring fresh ingredients, amazing grills and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. Whether you’re joining us for a casual lunch, a dinner with friends or a weekend treat, The Reach Brasserie is a warm and welcoming addition to the Fulham Reach community – where good food and great company meet by the river.” The team behind Mandaloun also operates Zack’s in London’s Gloucester Road and Baba G in Hammersmith.

 

London hospitality business Kuro opens fourth site: London hospitality business Kuro has opened its fourth site. Founders Julian Victoria and Jacob Van Nieuwkoop have launched the outlet as part of Harvey Nichols’ reimagined ground floor destination,125, at its Knightsbridge store. The opening is Kuro’s first outside its Notting Hill neighbourhood, where it operates Kuro Coffee, Kuro Bakery and Kuro Bagels. Taking its name from Harvey Nichols’ flagship store’s Sloane Street address, 125 offers a curated selection of jewellery and design objects, with Kuro Coffee the sole food and beverage offering. Guests can expect Kuro’s specialty coffee blends and premium single origin offerings, alongside fragrant tea, traditional velvety matcha and a curated range of freshly baked goods – from cakes and cookies to classic and seasonal pastries, including Kuro’s signature cream-filled sakuras. “We’re thrilled to bring Kuro Coffee to Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge,” said Jacob Van Nieuwkoop. “This new opening represents a natural progression for us – maintaining the craft and simplicity people know us for, while stepping into a space that celebrates design, lifestyle, and innovation. It’s an exciting moment in our journey.”

 

Bedfordshire fried chicken concept to open third site: Bedfordshire fried chicken concept Chicken George is to open a third site. The family-run business, founded more than 40 years ago in Luton, offers award-winning wings, loaded fries and sides. The company, which has existing sites in Bedford and Hitchin, has secured a 2,586 square-foot former Pizza Hut unit at the Victoria Street entrance to the Maltings Shopping Centre in St Albans. Owner Chris Cheah said: “As kids growing up in Luton, we used to jump on the bus to St Albans and head straight for the all-you-can-eat buffet at the old Pizza Hut in this very spot. All these years later, to be opening a Chicken George here is honestly pretty cool. When this unit became available, it was a no-brainer.” The business was founded by Chris’s father, George Cheah Snr – the original Chicken George – whose early career saw him help to open some of KFC’s first restaurants outside London.

 

Berkshire cafe concept to open second site: Berkshire cafe concept The Switch is to open a second site. The brunch and breakfast outlet, is opening its second outlet, within Reading’s Green Park business campus, offering a range of vegan, gluten-free and halal options available. The Switch currently operates an outlet in the village of Tilehurst just outside Reading. Henry Harrison, vice-president of asset management UK at Mapletree, which owns Green Park, said: “We have great amenities in Reading and wanted to bring that local cafe culture into the park as part of our placemaking, sustainability and local impact commitment, while offering even more great places for everyone on the park – and beyond – to grab a coffee, a pastry and connect.” As previously reported, The Street Bakeshop, an artisanal bakery and coffee shop, will also be coming to the business park for its third location. Tim Goodwin opened the original The Street Bakeshop in Old Basing, Basingstoke, in 2020, before adding a second site in August, in Lychpit. 

 

Liverpool operator reopens boutique hotel in city it acquired out of administration: Liverpool operator Golding Group, which has a growing portfolio in the city, has reopened a purpose-built boutique hotel in the city it acquired out of administration. The company bought The Duke Street Boutique Hotel, which had an asking price of £2,250,000, in September. Kerry Audley, group general manager for Golding's hotel operation, said: “We are delighted we have been able to get the Duke Street Boutique Hotel reopened and running again so soon after its purchase, and excited by what we have to offer. We look forward to welcoming visitors to a high-end, quality boutique hotel experience, with superb support and service at budget hotel prices.” Golding Group initially launched as an estate agent across Liverpool but moved into hotels and serviced accommodation around seven years ago. The portfolio includes 62 Castle Street Hotel, with its hidden Lounge @62 cocktail bar.

 

New Mexican restaurant concept opens in south east London: A new Mexican restaurant concept has opened in south east London. Maíz, in Peckham Rye, is the city’s first Mexican restaurant to specialise in pozole – a “slow-cooked hominy corn broth infused with more than five spices and simmered for many hours”, reports Hot Dinners. Maíz is the brainchild of Dany Vázquez, a chef and culinary consultant who’s worked in restaurants including Eleven Madison Park in New York, as well as under Spanish-American chef and restaurateur José Andrés. She has partnered with the team that used to run the Los Ilegales food truck in Greenwich. Alongside the pozole, Maiz serves tacos inspired by the taquerias of Mexico City.