Poolhouse CEO – ‘our venues will be akin to Apple stores promoting what we can do’, closing in on US debut site: Andrew O’Brien, chief executive and co-founder of Poolhouse, the new concept from the founders of Topgolf and Puttshack, has told Propel that the new concept’s venues will be “like Apple stores” serving a dual purpose in promoting its technology – while the goal is to get to “an Ivy Asia standard” of offer in competitive socialising. The concept’s debut venue is set to open in early 2026 at 100 Liverpool Street, London, with global expansion to follow through a combination of franchise partnerships and third-party licensing of its proprietary technology platform. O’Brien, who is also a board member at F1 Arcade, said: “In terms of the growth plan, we are progressing well with Australia – we’ve got a brilliant team there through the joint venture we have signed. And of course, the US is a big focus in terms of organic growth. We have also had great chats with prospective partners in south east Asia, China and the Middle East. But in terms of the US and the organic growth ambitions, we signed our first letter of intent this week in the States for a unit in New York City. We see our venues as being akin to Apple stores for us to promote what we do, the technology that people can buy for their homes or for their bars or hotels or restaurants, wherever it might be. Our venues serve a dual purpose; they are no longer just a place to go and enjoy and have a fantastic time. I think the guest is more discerning now. I remember when F1 Arcade opened, I stood outside and was listening to people when they were leaving, and one of the most interesting comments was one guest say to another ‘that’s one of the better ones I’ve been to’. It’s a very simple phrase, but it really kind of honed in on the fact the consumer understands this space now, and they’re looking to categorise and understand what’s good and what’s not. So, we’re spending at least 10% more than most of the concepts that I’d be aware of on a per-square-foot basis. The goal here is to try and get to an Ivy Asia level of hospitality offering, which I would class as affordably luxury. We believe this is what is required to successfully launch and deploy into the States, because arguably, the people there may even be more discerning, not necessarily towards competitive socialising, but certainly in terms of their expectations of the holistic experience. The bar has certainly been set high by many competitive socialising concepts that have come before us; we very much look forward to exploring what more might be possible in this space, and that starts and finishes with a hyper-focus on the guest experience.”

 

Videos from Propel Franchisor Showcase to be sent to all subscribers, starting on Monday: The videos from the inaugural Propel Franchisor Showcase will be sent to all Propel subscribers, starting on Monday (1 December) at 9am. Propel this week broke new ground by hosting its first Franchisor Showcase, sponsored by Seeds Consulting, shining the spotlight on ten of the most exciting and investable franchises in hospitality. The brands featured are Lucky Voice, Paris Baguette, Plan Burrito, Urban Baristas, SpudBros Express, Japes, Wenzel’s, Fat Phill’s, Zocalo and West Cornwall Pasty. Each brand will describe its franchising journey so far, its growth plans with its franchise partners and exactly why its franchise programme is one to invest in. The ten videos will be sent to all Propel subscribers, starting on Monday with social entertainment brand Lucky Voice.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Multi-Site Database with 3,488 operators and 15 new companies today: Premium Club subscribers are to receive the updated Multi-Site Database today (Friday, 28 November). The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,488 multi-site operators and is searchable in seven main segments. The database features 1,010 (29%) operators from the casual dining sector, 799 (23%) pub and bar operators, 611 (18%) cafe bakery operators, 492 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 287 (8%) hotel operators, 234 (7%) experiential leisure operators and 54 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month, and this edition includes 15 new companies. The database includes new companies in the experiential leisure sector such as Academy Music, part owned by music behemoth Live Nation and operating 18 venues across the UK, and East Midlands soft play operator Rascal Ranch. 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 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 Budget, a key milestone for Popeyes UK, and other significant news stories of the week, while Simon Anderson, food hall consultant at Ideas Food Consultancy, and ex-chief operating officer at Market Halls, examines the rise of Wonder – the $7bn company you may never have heard about. 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.

 

In Conversation – Propel talks to Ross Shonhan, chef, restaurateur and founder of Bone Daddies: In the latest In Conversation podcast, Propel group editor Mark Wingett and Mark Stretton, chief executive of leading sector public relations firm Fleet Street Communications, talk to Ross Shonhan, chef, restaurateur and founder of Bone Daddies. Available today (Friday, 28 November) at 3pm to Premium subscribers, Shonhan discusses his return to London’s dining scene with seafood restaurant Lilibet's in Mayfair, the move from casual dining to premium dining, his thoughts on the capital’s dining-out scene and his views on the wider 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.

UKHospitality welcomes government ditching its flagship workers’ rights bill policy: UKHospitality has welcomed the government’s decision to ditch its flagship workers’ rights bill policy. Downing Street is to remove the right to protection from unfair dismissal from the first day of employment and replace it with a six-month threshold. The move comes after the business secretary Peter Kyle told businesses at the CBI conference that he would listen to concerns about the effects of the law change on hiring. UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls said: “This is a pragmatic change that addresses one of hospitality businesses key concerns. We made clear representations to the government that a six-month qualifying period would be much more practical for businesses and maintain job opportunities for young people, and I’m glad they have acted on those concerns. The employment rights bill will still bring substantial changes and extra cost to hospitality businesses. In light of the increases to wages, business rates and other costs coming in April, it would be sensible for the government to delay the introduction of statutory sick pay from day one by six months. This would give businesses much-needed breathing room and avoid further damage to employment opportunities.”

 

SMEs ‘getting screwed by government on business rates’: Small and medium sized operators are “getting screwed by the government on business rates”, a restaurant owner and general practice surveyor who advises on such matters has argued. Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed in her autumn Budget she will introduce permanently lower business rates for retail and hospitality. However, following the Budget, new rateable values for sector business were published, which UKHospitality said would create a “two-tier economy”. Robert Lee, who operates a Baja Maxicali restaurant in Fareham in Hampshire – having recently shut a second location in nearby Portsmouth – as well as property investment and acquisitions consultancy Hants Realty, said “wearing two hats” means he can give a “real-life example of how much small business are getting screwed by the government”. He said: “It said it is providing support, but realistically, it is only lowering the rates payable for large multi-site retailers, while small and medium size retailers are being forced to pay for this. My restaurant’s rateable value is currently £30,750, which means we pay £9,206 per annum due to the 40% retail and leisure relief. Based on the new rateable value for 2026 (£33,000) that was subtly snuck out an hour after the Budget, along with the new multiplier for small leisure businesses at 38.2p in the pound payable, means we will, from April, pay £3,400 more per annum. For my property, this has created a 37% increase year-on-year and a circa 330% increase in business rates payable since Labour came into power. Meanwhile large businesses who are currently capped at £110,000 of relief will still stand to benefit, despite their rateable values going up! To rub salt in the wound, transitional relief, which should curtail such large increases in rates payable, doesn’t apply to the removal of the retail leisure relief – so this is no benefit to businesses like mine. It does, however, benefit occupiers of every other property type – but not those who need it the most! In a nutshell, my small independent business that makes very little profit will be paying 37% more in rates next year just to fund a discount to the regional and national operators. This – added to the above inflation increase in minimum wage, the additional 2% dividend tax and last year’s national insurance increase – is going to be catastrophic for independent retail and leisure SMEs. This socialist government is so inept that it is creating policy that benefits big business and screws the little man – it is as if it wants unemployment to rise!”

 

New National Licensing Policy Framework for hospitality and leisure should see ‘beginning of a more balanced approach’: Michelle Hazlewood, partner at John Gaunt & partners, has argued the new National Licensing Policy Framework (NLPF) for the hospitality and leisure sectors should see “the beginning of a more balanced approach”. The NLPF, issued by the Department for Business and Trade, relates to the operation of the Licensing Act 2003. Hazlewood said the introduction to the framework confirms that the licensing system should enable investment in existing and new venues, provide extended consumer choice, support regeneration and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy on businesses. She said the framework will not apply to off trade premises, or those where the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises is the principal operation. She added implementation will focus on the benefit of partnership working as the starting point when issues arise. Hazlewood said: “On 5 November, I spoke at the Propel Multi-Club Conference and expressed a hope that central government would use the NLPF as an opportunity to reset the approach to hospitality and enable this sector to deliver positive outcomes to local economies and support the national growth strategy. In my talk, I spoke of a lack of fairness in the current process, and in essence asked if the appropriate level of respect was afforded to hospitality for the economic returns it generated whilst still acknowledging the potential adverse impact on amenity to residents. This is a new start; hopefully a reset of the mindset and the beginning of a more balanced approach, which contains as one of its principal determination criteria an acknowledgment of the value to the economy of hospitality.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with an expanding production unit based in south east England, with locations across Europe and beyond, which is looking for an executive chef that specialises in Chinese cuisine. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will be at the forefront of the business’ mission to deliver genuine and authentic Chinese cuisine to discerning guests across multiple markets, all while enjoying comprehensive benefits and extensive travel opportunities.” The salary is up to £70,000. For further details, email yasmin@corecruitment.com

 

Travelodge warns over raft of cost hikes and Budget pressures: Travelodge has warned it is facing a barrage of rising costs from wage bill hikes and Budget tax moves as it also flagged worries over consumer demand. The group – which operates 600 sites in the UK as well as hotels in Ireland and Spain – said the upcoming above-inflation rise in the minimum wage announced this week, together with the recent rise in national insurance contributions, will see staff costs rise by about another £11m in 2026. Added to this, it warned business rates changes – including the Budget move to impose a new “surtax” on larger commercial properties worth £500,000 or more – will see its property tax costs “significantly increase”, while the new employment rights bill will add on further expenses. The group also hit out at the tourist tax announcement this week, which will see mayors given the power to impose a charge on visitors staying in hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and holiday lets. Chief executive Jo Boydell said: “Into 2026, we expect further cost pressures from the 2026 increase in the national living wage, the employment rights Bill, the business rates revaluation due in April 2026 and the introduction of new visitor levies, though the impact remains difficult to quantify at this stage. We remain focused on strong cost control and technology-driven efficiencies to help mitigate these pressures as far as possible. The government’s plan to empower English mayors to implement a nightly tourism tax on accommodation providers will also further increase costs, although there is not yet clarity on how this will be implemented.” Boydell added the consumer demand outlook was also clouded following the Budget. She said: “Amid ongoing macroeconomic and political uncertainty – including cost pressures from the UK Budget – we remain cautious about consumer demand and cost inflation.” It came as the group reported a return to profit growth in the third quarter after a “more difficult” first half. Underlying Ebitda in the nine months to 30 September 2025 fell to £140.2m from £171.7m the year before, impacted by about £30m of cost increases. Year-to-date group revenue of £783.2m was down slightly on £786.1m the previous year.

 

Exclusive – Honest Greens secures UK debut site: Honest Greens, the Spain-based healthy fast-casual restaurant brand, has secured its debut site in the UK, in London’s Soho, Propel has learned. Honest Greens, which operates from 30 locations across major cities in Spain and Portugal, will open its first UK site next month in St Anne’s Court. The company will be known as Hg in the UK. Honest Greens said: “Born from bold Mediterranean flavours, open fire cooking and real ingredients, we’re bringing that spirit to London with sustainable British produce, sourced locally whenever possible. Soho, our first UK home. Packed with creativity, flavour, and good energy – just like our food.” The company hired Cristiano Sterlicchio, formerly of Marugame Udon Europe, as its head of UK operations earlier this year. In January, Honest Greens secured new investment to support its goal to “transform the dining landscape across Europe” from Act III Holdings, the investment firm led by Ron Shaich – the founder and former chairman and chief executive of Panera Bread. Act III Holdings has more than $1bn in assets dedicated to partnering with consumer-facing brands. Propel revealed in 2023 that Honest Greens was looking to enter the UK market, and that same year, it appointed Johny Fraser, formerly of Joe & The Juice, as its UK managing director to oversee its launch here. He was subsequently promoted to chief operating officer of the entire Honest Greens business but left the company this summer. 

 

Auntie Anne’s reopens Manchester site as it modernises brand, accelerates openings target: Pretzel brand Auntie Anne’s has reopened its site in Manchester, complete with a new design, as it accelerated its openings target to have 100 sites by 2030. The company, which currently operates circa 45 sites in the UK and four in Dublin, had previously targeted opening 100 sites by 2034. The company said: “As part of Auntie Anne's brand transformation across the UK and Ireland, the Manchester store has been redesigned to reflect the brand's bold new look and energy. The reopening continues the brand’s record growth momentum, with 100 stores planned by 2030.” Max Burton, managing director of Auntie Anne's UK & Ireland, said: “Our Manchester store has always been a fan favourite, and we’re thrilled to bring it back with a fresh new look. It's more than just a refresh – it’s part of our journey to modernise the brand and share that unmistakable Auntie Anne's experience with even more guests.” Last month, the business reported record opening day sales as it launched its fourth Dublin store, at the Swords Pavilions shopping centre in the city.

 

Family-owned gym operator Fitness Worx aiming to have 25 sites in next ten years as it prepares to open ninth venue: Family-owned gym operator Fitness Worx has said it is aiming to have 25 sites in the next ten years as it prepares to open its ninth outlet, in Rugby. The launch of the 11,000 square-foot facility in Cottage Leap in the Warwickshire town is being supported by a £250,000 loan from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, managed by Frontier Development Capital. The club, set to open in early December, will be spread over two floors and feature saunas and a wide range of fitness classes. Founded in 2014 by personal trainer Jack Gibson, Fitness Worx operates sites across the Midlands and south west of England, including Kenilworth, Warwick, Southam, Leamington Spa, Stratford, Bristol and two in Coventry. Gibson said: “Rugby is one of the fastest-growing towns in the Midlands with a strong sporting heritage, yet it is under-served by premium fitness facilities. Our 24-hour gym will meet local demand for state-of-the-art equipment and expert personal training, bringing Fitness Worx closer to our goal of establishing a presence in every major town in the Midlands.”

 

TEG sells UK venue portfolio including London’s XOYO: Australian live events firm TEG has sold its UK venue portfolio to a new independent company formed by Propaganda’s Dan Ickowitz-Seidler and MJR Group founder Richard Buck. The deal sees the duo regain ownership of Cardiff’s Tramshed – which they established a decade ago – and also brings The Globe in Cardiff, XOYO Birmingham (formerly The Mill) and London’s XOYO and Camden Assembly under the control of their newly launched Propaganda Independent Venues venture. Buck also previously owned The Globe and The Mill. “I am excited to have reacquired Tramshed, our original venue that Rich and I created ten years ago, along with the other incredible venues that made up TEG’s venue estate,” said Ickowitz-Seidler. “We are owned and run by music fans and want to support the touring ecosystem as much as possible. It is a challenging time for grassroots venues at the moment, and for a lot of touring artists. We are owned and run by music fans and want to support the touring ecosystem as much as possible. We won’t charge our artists merchandise fees, and we’ll also have a fairer ticketing allocation model, ensuring greater support for the artists who play our venues, as well as our promoters and customers.” Propaganda Independent Venues said it will enter a long-term strategic partnership with Ghostwriter Consultancy & Events, which will support the operation of the venues and deliver back-of-house functionality – including finance, health and safety compliance, diary management, in-house booking, marketing and ticketing.

 

Big Mamma Group makes Ireland debut: Big Mamma Group, which is backed by McWin, has made its debut in Ireland with an opening in Dublin. The company, which operates 30 restaurants in seven countries, has opened a Gloria Osteria site in the old AIB bank branch at 41 Westmoreland Street. The business is also set to make its debut in the Middle East with an opening in Dubai. The company will open a site under its Gloria concept at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, next month. The business, which operates seven restaurants in England, has also submitted plans to turn part of the ground floor of the former Scottish Provident building at 1-6 Lombard Street in the City of London into a new restaurant. Evie Horsell, head of communications and marketing UK at Big Mamma Group, will be among the speakers at the 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Horsell will reveal how the team is rewriting the rulebook on restaurant launches. She will share the secrets behind creating PR buzz, harnessing storytelling and crafting experiential rollouts as it expands its wildly successful concepts across Europe. Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit is returning for its eighth edition, and tickets are on sale. The event, a partnership between Propel and Think Hospitality, takes place on 20 and 21 January at Hilton Bankside in London. 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.

 

Aqua Restaurant Group to bring Hong Kong concept to UK for first international outpost: Aqua Restaurant Group, the David Yeo-founded business that operates a portfolio of restaurants across the globe, is bringing its Hong Kong concept, Dim Sum Library, to the UK. The restaurant, in London’s Covent Garden will launch on Monday, 8 December. The opening is the first international outpost for Dim Sum Library and the 25th venue for the group. The menu reimagines dim sum and classic Cantonese dishes, with the offer including wagyu beef puff with black pepper, black truffle crispy chicken and steamed Alaskan black cod with Sichuan pepper. A Chinoiserie-inspired cocktail bar will offer “timeless classics” and tea-infused creations such as the Chinese Whisper – a blend of Fenjiu baijiu, Kalhua, shitake bitters and a blend of five Chinese spices. David Yeo, founder and chief executive of Aqua Restaurant Group, said: “Dim Sum Library represents the evolution of Hong Kong dining – sophisticated yet welcoming, artistic yet deeply rooted in tradition. London’s energy and diversity make it the perfect city to continue this story.” The group has eight other London sites including Shiro, Aqua Shard, Aqua Nueva, Luci and Hutong.

 

UAE hospitality group brings its Ten11 all-day café concept to UK: UAE-based Ten11 Hospitality Group has brought its Ten11 all-day café concept to the UK. The group, which is also behind the 777 coffee bakery and Ten11 coffee boutique brands in the UAE, has opened Ten11 London in Knightsbridge, next to the Lanesborough Hotel and opposite Hyde Park. The group operates 23 sites in all and said Ten11 is “famed for its premium coffee, elevated dining and contemporary design” and “offers a seamless experience from morning to evening, transitioning from vibrant breakfasts and leisurely lunches to refined dinners and late-night bites”. Breakfast items include Shakshuka Imperiale (baked free range eggs with a saffron and harissa tomato sauce topped with whipped feta, coriander and served with za’atar flatbread) and Balaleet (saffron vermicelli pancake layered with cardamom cream and golden syrup). Menu highlights later in the day include The Knightsbridge Croque (with truffle béchamel, Montgomery cheddar, seared sirloin steak, a fried egg and fresh truffle shavings), a rich wild mushroom risotto and a selection of seasonal salads. There is also premium coffee, loose leaf tea and artisanal matcha, complemented by freshly baked pastries.

 

Zambrero secures site for first restaurant in Scotland: Zambrero, Australia’s largest Mexican quick-service franchise, has secured the site for its first restaurant in Scotland. Dan Hawley, who became the brand’s first UK franchisee earlier this year, will open the restaurant at 333 Byres Road in Glasgow’s West End in February. It was through Hawley that Zambrero made its Scottish debut in September by launching a dark kitchen site in Scotland Street. The new restaurant will offer the option to sit in or takeaway, with seating for 50 customers. Hawley, who has already run four restaurants in Australia, relocated with his family to launch Zambrero in Scotland and lives in Glasgow with his family. He said: “I’m excited to be opening the first Zambrero restaurant in Glasgow. I saw a great opportunity for the brand here, and although there are already many amazing food options in Glasgow, I believe the Zambrero food, and our mission to help to end world hunger, will cement its place as a firm favourite among locals. We’ve already had an amazing response to our delivery kitchen that we’ve been running for a few months now – I’m genuinely humbled by the reviews we’ve received, and seeing new customers ordering every day makes it all worth it.” Globally, Zambrero has more than 300 sites, and since its 2021 UK launch, it now has restaurants in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Reading, Essex and Glasgow and is aiming to open 100 restaurants here by 2030 through its franchise programme. Zambrero’s Plate 4 Plate initiative sees the company send a nutritious meal to someone in need in the developing world every time a burrito or bowl is purchased at any of its restaurants.

 

Harts Group to launch ‘agave-forward’ cocktail bar concept: Harts Group – the London restaurant company that owns Barrafina, Quo Vadis and Parrillan – is to launch an “agave-forward” cocktail bar beneath its El Pastor site in Soho. El Siete will open in the Brewer Street premises in March. El Siete (“The Seven”) references El Colmillo, the nightclub Harts Group co-founder Sam Hart and managing director Crispin Somerville opened in Mexico City in the 1990s, located at 52 Versalles Street. The number seven, the sum of its street number, was chosen for the bar’s name and iconography as a tribute to the place that first inspired their decade-long immersion in Mexico City’s music, design and nightlife. The drinks programme will be firmly rooted in agave culture. Drawing on years spent in Mexican palenques, cantinas, neighbourhood and destination bars, El Siete will offer margaritas, original agave-based cocktails and versions of classics – seven options for each, as well as seven non-alcoholic drinks. A selection of sipping mezcals and tequilas will be available to order from the back bar. For snacking, a short menu of mini tostadas made with El Pastor’s house-made heirloom corn tortillas will be available. Located through a discreet entrance in Brewer Street, the 60-cover space was previously home to Mezcaleria Colmillo. Somerville said: “It’s nearly 30 years since we opened Colmillo in Mexico City, a simple idea built on great cocktails, music we loved and a true sense of welcome. With El Siete, we come full circle, channelling that same spirit into the heart of Soho with an agave-led bar shaped by the Mexico City that has given us so many memorable times and lasting friendships.” In September, Harts Group partnered with Anthem Hospitality Group to bring Barrafina to Dubai as part of its global expansion plans.

 

Hotel group Distinct seeing positive like-for-like sales growth in 2025 as it prepares to open third site, fourth in pipeline: Gareth Leakey, managing director of hotel group Distinct Group, has told Propel it is seeing positive like-for-like sales growth in 2025 as it prepares to open its third site. Leakey also revealed a fourth site is in the pipeline. It comes as the company, which operates The Swan in Bedford and Hotel Cromwell in Stevenage, will relaunch the Brownsover Hall Hotel in Rugby, Warwickshire, on Saturday, 6 December following a multimillion-pound transformation. Distinct Group acquired the grade II-listed property in September 2024. The relaunch features 28 individually styled bedrooms within the main house, modern brasserie Scotts, Franks Bar and tearoom Boughton’s. Distinct Group has also acquired the additional four acres of land surrounding Brownsover Hall Hotel, completing ownership of the estate’s original 11-acre grounds. Phase two of the development is already underway and will see the remaining 21 bedrooms within the coach house and stable block fully restored and brought into operation in the first quarter of 2026. In addition, further projects for the wider estate are in development. In terms of trading, Leakey said: “It’s been good, with positive like-for-likes in both hotels and the excitement of the recent addition of 24 bedrooms, fitness suite, and staff welfare room and offices at The Swan in Bedford. We’re now just waiting for the good news (hopefully!) regarding the positive outcome for the planning application in respect of the new Universal theme park nearby. That said, as with our fellow operators, the bottom line is a constant battle, balancing rising overheads and supplier costs. 2026 will be just as exciting – continuing with the remaining phases of Brownsover Hall and the addition of an orangery tearoom and function space at Hotel Cromwell. We are also looking forward to continued growth, starting with the addition of hotel number four – details to follow in due course.”

 

Pret to strengthen partnership with Roadchef: Pret A Manger is to increase its roadside presence with the opening of two new sites with Roadchef.  The new roadside shops will open on the M5 at the Strensham services. The southbound shop opens today (Friday, 28 November), followed by the northbound shop next Friday (5 December). Pret said that these openings, which will take its roadside estate to 62 sites, form part of the company’s medium-term strategy to drive sustainable growth by expanding into travel hub locations. 

 

M&B to open new Browns Brasserie and Bar site in Hertfordshire today: Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) will open its latest Browns Brasserie and Bar site in Hertfordshire today (Friday, 28 November). Located in High Street in Bushey, it is the 28th Browns location in the M&B estate. The company said the opening is part of Browns’ “ongoing strategy to grow its suburban footprint, introducing the brand’s modern British dining, cocktails and relaxed all-day hospitality to new neighbourhoods”. Housed within a grade II-listed building dating to the 1600s, the site has undergone a £1.7m refurbishment, including the introduction of a baby grand piano. The restaurant opens in time for the brand’s festive menu launch, with dishes including traditional oak smoked salmon, maple and cinnamon glazed pork belly and braised blade of beef. A daily brunch is on offer, including afternoon tea Monday to Saturday from 3pm-5pm, while Sundays feature premium roasts, including a selection of sharing joints. The drinks list includes Champagne cocktails, contemporary twists on classics, a curated wine list and premium no-and-low options. Operations director Dave Lewis said: “Bushey marks an important step in our strategy to grow Browns’ presence in suburban locations where we see strong demand for premium all-day dining on the high street. We’ve invested carefully in restoring this historic building and we look forward to continuing to expand the brand in key neighbourhood markets.” 

 

New hotel group to make debut in 2026, former Darby’s head chef to reopen his Glasgow restaurant in property: New hotel group Oberland is to make its debut in the spring of 2026, in Glasgow. Andrew Brownsword Hotels, the operator of ten UK sites including two Abode hotels and several manor houses and country inns, sold its Arthouse Glasgow hotel in February 2025, for proceeds of £4.5m. The new owner of the hotel – which was built in 1829 and was once the home of former UK prime minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman – is real estate investor and asset manager Oberland, in partnership with real estate investment platform RealVantage. Andrew Brownsword originally acquired the hotel in 2004, in partnership with chef Michael Caines, out of receivership. The 76-bedroom hotel is set to open in April 2026, and as part of the launch, former Darby’s head chef Dean Parker will reopen his debut restaurant, Celentano’s, within the venue. Parker, who also lists Sorella and The Dairy as former workplaces, opened the Italian restaurant with wife Anna in 2021, in the city’s Cathedral House. The restaurant will shut on Wednesday, 31 December and reopen at Arthouse Glasgow in April with a new look and refreshed menu. The restaurant will seat more than 60 across one level, allowing for almost twice as many guests as its previous home. Anna Parker said: “This version of Celentano’s will feel more like us – what we would have envisaged our restaurant like, before we ever opened Celentano’s. Cathedral House was such a great opportunity for us, but there was a limit on how much we could do with the space. This time we are starting with a blank canvas and building up a brand-new restaurant – working with unbelievably creative people who have the same vision as us.” Andrew Brownsword Hotels saw its losses widen in the year to 31 December 2024. The company’s pre-tax loss grew from £2,548,505 in 2023 to £3,272,462. Turnover rose from £10,988,431 in 2023 to £11,350,341. Of this, £7,614,606 came from hotel accommodation (2023: £7,397,125), £2,057,747 from food and beverage (2023: £2,012,325) and £1,231,783 from management fees (2023: £1,221,192). No dividends were paid (2023: £12.5m). 

 

Murger Han founder to launch second site for Cantonese concept: The founder of Murger Han, the first restaurant to bring Xi’an food to London, is to launch a second site for his new Cantonese concept. Bin Li, founder of the four-strong Murger Han restaurant business, and his business partner, Yuning Hou, opened the first Ning’s Fresh Beef Hotpot & Cantonese Sashimi on the former Eggoland site in Tottenham Street in 2024. They have now secured a 3,200 square-foot unit at 18 Rupert Street in London’s Chinatown. The site, which has more than 100 covers, will specialise in hand-cut fresh beef and a customisable all-you-can-eat hot pot experience, with premium and halal-friendly ingredients. Murger Han has sites in London’s Elephant and Castle, Euston, Bank and Mayfair.

 

Stonegate launches new e-gift card range: Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, is partnering with global branded payments provider Blackhawk Network (BHN) to launch e-gift cards across its managed estate. Stonegate said the launch marks the first phase of Stonegate’s gift card strategy, with plans to explore business-to-business, business-to-consumer and retail partnerships in the future. From today (Friday, 28 November), e-gift cards can be bought directly via each of the company’s managed brand’s websites. Guests can also pick up a MiXR e-gift card through Stonegate’s MiXR app, redeemable at any Stonegate managed pub or bar. From January, guests will also be able to redeem One4all Gift Cards at all Stonegate managed sites. Samantha Baldwin, head of sales at Stonegate Group, said: “E-gift cards give our guests a whole new way to share the magic of our pubs, bars and venues.”

 

Leisure venue operator Stack to open second Newcastle site next week: Leisure venue operator Stack will open its second site in Newcastle on Tuesday (2 December). The venue, at Worswick Chambers in Pilgrim Street, will also offer its circus-themed competitive socialising experience Sideshow. The concept, which includes shuffleboard and darts, alongside karaoke booths, made its debut at Stack Lincoln last year. The grade-II listed Worswick Chambers building has been transformed to offer eight bars, eight street food outlets and an outdoor terrace, with a stage and large screen set across three floors. Neill Winch, chief executive of Stack, said: “Stack Newcastle has a special place in our hearts as it is so close to the site of our very first venue. We are proud we have brought this landmark building back to life after it being vacant for 25 years. It has our signature look but at the same we have kept its historical integrity and is our most ambitious project to date.” Stack currently operates three sites across the north east – Seaburn in Sunderland, Middlesbrough and St James’ Stack in Newcastle in collaboration with Newcastle United – along with Stack Lincoln. The group has locations planned in Leeds, Manchester, Northampton, Sheffield, Carlisle, Durham, Bishop Auckland and Whitley Bay. In August, Stack secured new funding from Westbrooke Alternative Asset Management UK to support its plans to roll out nationwide.

 

Stakehaus opens fourth site: Stakehaus, the female-founded steak concept from Lily Smith, has opened its fourth site. Stakehaus has taken over the kitchen at seafront pub Cinque Ports in Margate in Kent, offering a menu of steak frites, snacks, starters and mains. The menu at Cinque Ports is Stakehaus’ first traditional à la carte – “allowing the team to create a wider selection of pub classics with a twist, plus a flagship Sunday roast”. Stakehaus, which also has sites in Camden and Covent Garden in London along with Brighton, serves signature dishes such as Bavette steak with a selection of sauces, the Hausmate burger with ‘baconnaise’ and confit green chillies and, for the festive period, the Stakehaus Christmas roast sandwich. The roasts come in the form of roasted garlic and rosemary beef served with a horseradish creme fraiche, a lemon and fennel roasted pork shoulder and a seasonal squash and beetroot Wellington with classic sides. Offering 80 covers, the grade II-listed building, next door to Margate’s Dreamland, is operated by Lily’s husband, Alfie Smith.

  

Co-owner of Trullo in London’s Islington to launch debut solo venture: Conor Gadd, co-owner of Trullo in London’s Islington, is to launch his debut solo venture. Gadd will open Italian restaurant and bar Burro in Covent Garden in early 2026. The menu at the Floral Court venue will feature Italian classics, as well as some dishes “created specially to suit the evocative room and historic surroundings of Covent Garden”. As well as a variety of pasta dishes, mains will include Dover sole with caviar, lobster “aqua pazza” and a Vitello al Burro. Gadd joined the Trullo team as head chef shortly after it opened in 2010 and in 2022 took over as managing director.

 

Clermont Hotel Group to launch tapas restaurant concept at London’s Cumberland hotel: Clermont Hotel Group is to launch a new tapas restaurant concept at its Cumberland hotel in London’s Marble Arch. Lirica will launch in January "brining flavour-packed Spanish tapas alongside Spanish wine and beer”. The opening will add to the food and beverage offer at the Great Cumberland Place hotel, with Gordon Ramsay set to open the first UK site for his Hell’s Kitchen brand at the property in the spring.