UKHospitality – government is creating a two-tier economy: UKHospitality has accused the government of creating a two-tier economy through its autumn Budget. The trade body said new rateable values, published after the Budget and used to determine rates bills, are stark for hospitality businesses. Accommodation businesses are seeing rateable values increase 76%, pubs by 30% and restaurants and cafes by 14%. “Wage rises, holiday taxes and monumental increases in rateable values have put even further pressure on hospitality businesses,” UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls said. “A 5p business rates discount is simply not enough to offset these costs and redress the damage it will do to business viability and job opportunities. Once again, the government is trying to balance the books disproportionately on the backs of the high street – and risks creating a two-tier economy. Our tax burden remains the highest in the economy, and we need urgent action to reduce the cost of doing business. The only way to cut the cost of living is to reduce the cost of doing business, and this Budget does the opposite.” Stephen Owens, managing director pubs and restaurants at Christie & Co, said:“While the plans to introduce permanently lower multiples on business rates is to be welcomed, it is not as great as had been hoped for and will be partly offset by increased payroll costs through rises in the national living and minimum wage. Maintaining wage differentials will get more difficult, reducing margins, so increased menu prices and reducing trading hours may be the answer for some.” Steve Alton, chairman of the British Institute of Innkeeping, said: “These measures will inevitably force many venues to reduce hours, cut investment, and, most worryingly, cut jobs, with young people set to be hit the hardest. Pubs are one of the UK’s biggest employers of 18 to 25-year-olds, and the Budget threatens these essential employment opportunities in every community.” Scottish Beer & Pub Association president Andrew Lawrence said: “The changes to business rates in England mean that without some form of relief in the Scottish government’s January budget, Scots pubs will continue to face a heavier rates burden that their English counterparts. We’re calling on the Scottish government to use its Budget to set out a permanent fix for this imbalance and to deliver immediate rates relief.” Budget is a hammer blow; sector resilience being tested like never before – see Industry News.

 

Sponsored message – Albert’s Schloss opens party package bookings to welcome industry friends for belated Christmas celebration: Albert’s Schloss has opened bookings to welcome industry friends to bring their teams in for a belated Christmas celebration this January. The bar group, with venues in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Soho in London, known for its live showtime entertainment and Bavarian beer credentials, has launched a Christmas party package exclusively for hospitality, extending its industry 50% off to its festive set menu throughout January. A spokesperson said: “Whether it's a late Christmas party, an end of year blowout or a team night to let off steam, there’s something for everyone at Schloss. Expect your floor teams in the Fotobooth, your accounts dancing in the disco toilet, and by the end of the night, your whole business up on das benches.” Availability is Monday to Thursday across January. For enquiries or bookings, contact louise@albertsschloss.co.uk, including the location of the booking. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

 

Butcombe chief operating officer Jayson Perfect among speakers at 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit, open for bookings: Jayson Perfect, chief operating officer at Butcombe, will be among the speakers at the 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Perfect will explore how the business is redefining the traditional pub model. He will share how diversification into brunch, weddings, comedy and cinema is creating community destinations, driving revenue and keeping heritage venues relevant. 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 updated Multi-Site Database with 3,488 operators and 15 new companies tomorrow: Premium Club subscribers are to receive the updated Multi-Site Database tomorrow (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 hotels sector such as Torquay Leisure Hotels operating four hotels within a single resort in Devon, and European hostel brand SmartRental Group. 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. 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.

NTIA – Budget is a hammer blow to an already fragile night time economy: Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), has called the Budget “a hammer blow to an already fragile night time economy”. Kill said: “This Budget is a hammer blow to an already fragile night-time economy. With inflation now higher than its been for some months and the cost of living becoming increasingly unsustainable, disposable income has all but disappeared. Many venues are already operating on the edge, and we will inevitably see businesses handing back their keys by January – when VAT, quarterly rent payments and other financial obligations collide. A 4.1% increase in the minimum wage may sound positive on the surface, but when coupled with an 8.5% rise for 18 to 21-year-olds, it presents a serious challenge for a sector that employs a large proportion of young people. Without meaningful support for businesses, this risks devastating consequences for staffing, long-term sustainability and job opportunities.”

AlixPartners – ‘sector resilience being tested like never before, may lead to further restructurings’: Graeme Smith, a partner and managing director at AlixPartners, has said that the Budget will “test sector resilience like never before” and “may lead to further restructurings”. Smith said Rachel Reeves’ Budget brought mixed news for the sector, and that the reduction of business rates for smaller properties will undoubtedly be welcomed. But he said increases to the national minimum wage and a new tourism tax “come at a time when the industry is already under significant pressure”. He said: “The sector has been grappling with cost and tax changes introduced in April, alongside rising consumer uncertainty – an issue unlikely to ease following the announcement of further consumer tax hikes. While hospitality has demonstrated resilience through recent years of disruption, that resilience is being tested like never before. Operators are now likely to face higher labour costs and continued input cost inflation from their supply-chain. In response, operators will need to reassess pricing, menus and workforce planning without pushing prices beyond what consumers can absorb in an already challenging economic period. All of this may lead to further restructurings as companies move to reduce costs and central overheads and exit uneconomic sites. In this environment, it is critical for businesses to identify the actions that matter most, and where to take them, to mitigate the additional financial burden and safeguard long-term competitiveness.”

 

Government finds in favour of Liverpool £2 hotel levy as it dismisses Whitbread appeal: The government has found in favour of Liverpool’s overnight visitor charge following an investigation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The charge was introduced by the private sector through the city’s accommodation Business Improvement District (BID). Liverpool’s hotels voted in favour of introducing the overnight visitor levy in May this year, which came into force in June. The alteration ballot introduced a £2 levy on hotel rooms, with the funds raised to be invested in attracting major events like conferences and cultural activity to the city. However, Premier Inn owner Whitbread lodged an appeal asking for the vote to be declared void. Over seven months, the MHCLG, under which the operation of BIDs sits, investigated 11 points raised by the appellant, each of which was rejected by the secretary of state. This now paves the way for the £9m investment for the city across the next two years. Liverpool mayor, Steve Rotheram, said: “For too long, cities like ours have been expected to compete on a global stage without the basic tools that other places take for granted. Cities like Barcelona and Paris raise tens of millions each year through similar schemes – money that goes straight back into improving the visitor experience and supporting the local people who keep those destinations thriving. Until now, we’ve had no such option. So, I’m pleased that the government has listened and acted.” Since June 2025, when the overnight levy was introduced, the collected levy has been held by the local authority. The funds will now be released to be invested in accordance with the agreed business plan.

 

LTC grows commercial arm to support even more people in sector: The Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) has grown its commercial arm as it acquired a new location that will expand its specialist education provision for children and young people with a diagnosis of autism. The new site, in Waterlooville, Hampshire, will be known as Kennington School. Revenue generated by the school will be directly invested back into the charity, enabling LTC to support even more people working in licensed hospitality facing challenges, while protecting its long-term future. LTC currently runs three independent schools: LVS Ascot in Berkshire, a mainstream day and boarding school, LVS Hassocks in West Sussex and LVS Oxford in Oxfordshire, both specialist schools for young people with an autism diagnosis. The income generated from the schools are invested back into the charity and cover all its costs. Kennington School is expected to open in September 2026, subject to final approvals. LTC chief executive Chris Welham said: “This marks an exciting new chapter for LTC, for the families we serve and the industry we support. We are unique in that our schools provide an income that, alongside our portfolio of investments and properties, secures the future of the charity and allows us to direct 100% of money donated to us, to the people who need it. This acquisition will allow us to offer even more support to the sector.”

The Crown in Bray once co-owned by Heston Blumenthal among 24 additions to Michelin Guide for November: The Crown in Bray in Berkshire, which was taken over by Simon Bonwick in March having once been co-owned by Heston Blumenthal, is among 24 additions to the Michelin Guide for November. The Crown is joined by Margaret’s in Cambridge, the latest venture from Sam Carter and Alex Olivier, who are behind the Michelin-starred Restaurant Twenty-Two next door. Vraic in Guernsey, launched in July by chef Nathan Davies, who is behind SY23 in Aberystwyth in Wales – which earned a Michelin star and was crowned “Opening of the Year” in the 2022 Michelin Guide – has also been added. Guernsey has two additions, with Alba in St Peter Port also included. There are seven additions in London including Island, the surf and turf restaurant in King’s Cross opened earlier this year by Brad Carter and Tom Brown, and chef Shilpa Dandekar’s Pravaas venue in South Kensington. Also from the capital are Cadet in Newington Green, Gina in Chingford, Madhu’s in Southall, Singburi in Shoreditch and Sino in Notting Hill. Elsewhere in England, the new entries are Bar Cerdita in Norwich, Kallos Cafe & Wine Bar in Salford, Sandro’s in Lyme Regis, Shwen Shwen in Sevenoaks, St Eia in Saint Ives, The Avenue in Sparsholt, The Dog House in Gillingham and The Warwick in Royal Leamington Spa. There are three additions from Scotland – Angeethi by Sagar Massey and The Clarence, both in Glasgow, and Loma by Graeme Cheevers in Balloch. Comet in Dublin is the one new entry from Ireland, while Beau in Belfast is added from Northern Ireland. 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a business-to-business drinks industry startup that is looking for a business development manager to support growth across the on-trade. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The ideal candidate will have a background in field sales, business development or account management, preferably in drinks or fast-moving consumer goods, proven success in winning new business and building commercial relationships, experience launching or supporting new products in the on-trade or retail channels.” The salary is up to £50,000 and the position is based in Manchester. For more information, email mark@corecruitment.com

 

Kaspa’s reports 12% like-for-like growth in first half of financial year, recruits new franchisees in north east and Bristol: Dessert franchise brand Kaspa’s has reported 12% like-for-like growth in the first half of its financial year and said it has recruited new franchisees in north east and Bristol, as it works towards its target of 500 stores. Kaspa’s, which has grown to more than 100 locations since being founded by Azhar Rehman in 2013 – in the UK, Morocco and Pakistan – said 2025 has “witnessed a turnaround in trading trends”. Group managing director Francesco Arcadio said Kaspa’s loyalty app, launched two years ago, has seen good traction and helped with the sales growth. He said: “We are proud of this achievement after two years of cost-of-living challenges for our target customers. While some of the growth is driven by price optimisation, our marketing and operational choices, our strategic partnerships and our commitment to technology and change, all played a part to keep our brand momentum growing. Our loyalty app scheme, which was launched nearly two years ago, was instrumental in gaining more engagement and market information. Our thanks go to our franchise partners who have held on and trusted us during tough times. These results confirm that we represent a strong after-dinner alternative to an expensive restaurant experience for many of our guests and not just an occasional treat. Given the strong headwinds, it is comforting to see a significant sales trend change, but despite our efforts in reducing costs while maintaining the overall eat out experience quality, turning sales into profit is still a challenge that requires more than a model shift.” Arcadio added that recruiting the new franchisees, alongside some existing franchised stores having changed hands, is “proof that there is still a strong demand for Kaspa’s franchise model”. Arcadio told the Propel Multi Club Conference earlier this year “diversification of the model” is essential to the company’s 500-store target, and that it is looking to expand into new dayparts. In March, Rehman partnered with Kaspa’s very first franchisee, and UK master franchise holder, Diljit Brar, for a new venture. They and Costa Coffee franchisee Steve Falle founded Jinziex, which signed a deal with global bubble tea brand Gong Cha to open an initial 225 stores in the UK. 

 

Pret to scrap self-service coffee machines: Pret A Manger is to scrap its self-service coffee machines and focus on opening more sites. Propel revealed in July 2021 that Pret, which had been seeking new routes to market as its core business in central London was impacted by the pandemic, had trademarked the Pret Express name and was set to follow Costa, which operates circa 10,000 Express machines around the world, and introduce a vending format into offices, convenience stores, hospitals and petrol forecourts. In October 2021, Pret confirmed it had entered into a partnership with JDE Peet’s, the pure-play coffee and tea company and owner of brands including Peet’s Coffee, Douwe Egberts and Jacob, to launch the trial of Pret Express. The machines have since been rolled out to 110 locations. However, Pret said it will begin removing the machines over the coming weeks, with all of them poised to be withdrawn by the end of February. Corner shops and petrol stations will be offering L’Or self-service coffee machines as a replacement. A spokesperson for Pret said: “We have taken the decision to end our Pret Express trial so that we can focus investment on continuing to grow our UK shop estate. We’re working closely with [sister company] JDE Peet’s to ensure a smooth transition and are grateful for their partnership over the past four years.” During the summer, Pret reached the milestone of 500 sites in the UK, and in recent months, it has opened in Edinburgh, Redditch, Seaham, St Albans and Leamington Spa. 

 

Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue operator to open five new outlets in first half of 2026 and could expand into Ireland in 2027: Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue operator FoodCo Group has said it will open five new outlets across northern England and Greater London in the first half of 2026 and could expand into Ireland in 2027. The first of these – as revealed by Propel earlier this month – will be a 1,800 square-foot Jamaica Blue café in Sutton, south London, early in 2026, which will be the company’s 100th store here. 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. Group chief executive Mike Arbuckle said: “From our first Muffin Break café in Derby back in 2001 to vibrant Jamaica Blue cafés in Bracknell, Belfast and beyond, the growth of both Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue has been defined by quality, innovation and community. Reaching 100 locations in the new year is a testament to our incredible franchise partners, our loyal customers and the dedicated teams behind each outlet, and we’re only getting started. As town centres and out-of-town shopping centres work hard to create experiences and additional reasons to visit their schemes, our brands are well positioned to offer contemporary food and beverage options for shoppers. We’re exploring smaller, food-to-go outlets, and we’re in discussions with airports and train stations to bring Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue to high-footfall travel hubs across the UK.” FoodCo is actively seeking new franchise partners to grow both Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue across the UK, with store sizes typically range between 1,200 and 1,800 square feet – offering formats including full cafés and kiosk-style outlets. Chris Milne, head of finance at FoodCo, added: “One of the key drivers of our success is the consistent profitability of each franchised store. We strive to negotiate fair rental agreements that allow the franchisee to maintain good margins. FoodCo has never relied on external borrowings, instead focusing on building strong, sustainable franchise partnerships.” Arbuckle told Propel last week that FoodCo has the potential to eventually double its UK footprint – and that Jamaica Blue is “getting good traction” and could outgrow sister brand Muffin Break.

 

Gaucho reports second consecutive strong quarter, Christmas bookings up 40%: Baton Berisha, chief executive of Gaucho, has said the business has generated its second consecutive strong quarter of trading and that its Christmas bookings are up 40% compared with the same period last year. As the 20-strong business launched its new Christmas advertising campaign, Berisha said: “At Gaucho, we don’t just speak about progress, we're experiencing it. The brand is moving with clarity, purpose and renewed energy, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team whose dedication continues to drive this momentum. Christmas bookings are up 40% compared with the same period last year, and over the past three months marking our second consecutive strong quarter, we have delivered a 5.5% year-on-year increase. These results reflect the impact of a refreshed direction and a team fully aligned behind it.” Last month, Gaucho told Propel it had seen like-for-like sales grow 5% in its last quarter, and that it was “regularly experiencing weeks with cover growth in the multiple thousands” as the company eyed new openings. The company, which earlier this year closed the two remaining sites operated under the M Restaurant banner to focus on growth for its core Gaucho business, said that after a management restructure and the appointment of Berisha as chief executive in March 2025, the business has seen a dramatic improvement. It came as the company reported its pre-tax loss more than doubled in the year to 29 December 2024, from £7,427,000 in 2023 to £14,504,000. Turnover was down from £75,319,000 in 2023 to £72,541,000.

 

Final former Authentic Alehouses pub sells and administration concludes, total of 17.36% of original capital returned to investors: The final pub in the portfolio of the once seven-strong Authentic Alehouses has been sold and the administration process concluded with a total of 17.36% of the original capital returned to investors, Propel has learned. Authentic Alehouses, launched by Allan Harper in 2017, entered administration in March 2019. An email to investors from Crowdstacker, the secured creditor of Authentic Alehouses, seen by Propel, revealed the Ponty Tavern in Pontefract, in West Yorkshire, has been sold for £396,000. The email stated: “Following the sale, we can confirm that all costs and fees associated with the administration have now been concluded. These included VAT payable on the sale proceeds and administration costs, insolvency fees, legal and sales costs, insurance, and operating cash flow requirements for the pubs during the administration period. After accounting for all associated costs, the remaining funds available for distribution to lenders total £279,200, which equates to approximately 4.36% of the original capital invested. Over the course of the recovery process, a total of 17.36% of the original capital has been returned to investors. When the loan was put into administration in 2019, no one could have foreseen the events that followed with the covid pandemic. Operating costs such as insurance, utilities, and maintenance continued during administration. Sale proceeds were reduced, and subject to VAT and insolvency fees, which further diminished net recoveries. In addition, the market appetite for pub assets remained subdued throughout 2020–2023, delaying sales and depressing valuations.”

 

M&B opens second site under Orleans Smokehouse concept: Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) has opened a second site under its fledgling Orleans Smokehouse concept, in south London. The company launched the first site under Orleans Smokehouse near Solihull, in the West Midlands, last February. Propel revealed this summer that M&B planned to convert its Harvester site in Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, to the smokehouse concept by the end of the year, and the company reopened the site as an Orleans Smokehouse this week. Last December, Phil Urban, chief executive of M&B, told Propel the company wouldn’t make a call on Orleans Smokehouse after one opening. Urban told Propel: “We don’t want to make a call on one site, so we are desperately trying to find a second and third. So, we’re going to have to just bide our time on Orleans.”

 

Paris Baguette franchisee to open second site: BH Property Brothers, the first UK franchisee of Paris Baguette, the South Korean bakery cafe brand that made its debut here in 2022, is to open its second site later this week (Friday, 28 November), in Westfield London. The company opened its first site with BH Property Brothers last autumn, in Canary Wharf. Wayne Stevenson of BH Property Brothers, said: “It’s been a long time in the making and we’re incredibly proud to bring what we do to a brand-new part of London. Expect everything you know us for: artisan-crafted cakes, freshly baked pastries, stacked sandwiches and our signature coffee, all made with the same care and attention as Canary Wharf.” Paris Baguette, which has more than 4,000 stores globally, has company-owned sites here in Battersea Power Station and Kensington High Street. Earlier this summer, the brand, which plans to reach 200 sites here by 2036, said it was aiming to more than double its UK estate by next year.

 

Arora sells Birmingham hotel to New World Hospitality: Arora Hotels – part of hotel, construction and property investment company Arora Group – has sold its Bloc Hotel in Birmingham for an undisclosed sum. The 105-bedroom property in the Jewellery Quarter has been acquired in an off-market transaction by New World Hospitality, which operates three hotels in London and one in Brighton. Vijay Sharma, principal at New World Hospitality said: “We are delighted to add another hotel to our growing portfolio. Bloc Hotel Birmingham represents a strong strategic fit for our organisation, combining robust operating fundamentals with a proven concept. We are fully committed to investing in the continued enhancement of the asset and further strengthening its position within the Birmingham market.” Sanjay Arora, chief executive of Arora Group, said: “We continually review our portfolio to ensure alignment with our long-term strategic objectives. While Bloc Birmingham has been a strong performer during our ownership, it was identified as non-core to our future plans.” Purpose-built and freehold, Bloc Birmingham opened in 2011. Enterprise Hotels & Hospitality acted on behalf of Arora Hotels, which now has 20 sites across London and the south east.

 

Caprinos opens second location in Ireland: Fast-growing pizza brand Caprinos has opened its second location in Ireland – and 119th overall. The company, which made its Irish debut earlier this year with a launch in the Village Green Shopping Center in Tallaght, Dublin, has now opened at 134 Thomas Street in the capital. Caprinos also has several overseas sites in Pakistan and is looking to launch in Saudi Arabia for its Middle East debut. “Excited to announce the opening of our second branch in Ireland, in Dublin city centre, and our 119th globally,” said co-founder Khalil Rehman. “After successfully launching our first Irish store earlier this year in Dublin, we are continuing expanding in a market with tremendous potential. Ireland remains a key growth focus as we strengthen our international footprint.” Rehman has previously said he is aiming to grow Caprinos to 200 locations by 2030.

 

KoKoDoo to launch flagship London location in January: KoKoDoo, the Korean fried chicken concept founded as a restaurant by Joe and Mary Yoon in 2006 before evolving into a street food operation, will launch its new flagship London location in January. Propel revealed at the end of 2024 that KoKoDoo was lining up a new store in the capital, at the same time as relaunching its franchise programme. KoKoDoo will now open the site, in Fulham Broadway, on Friday, 16 January. KoKoDoo currently operates four London locations – in Shoreditch, Camberwell, Harrow and Chiswick – plus a regional outpost in Bristol, while a Swansea site remains temporarily closed. While these are run by franchisees, the new Fulham site will be company owned. Joe Yoon told Propel in April that KoKoDoo it is set to kickstart its expansion plans and is looking to “scale rapidly”. He said: “We haven’t yet had the chance to open a company-owned location, so this launch is a key milestone for us, after which we’ll fully resume our franchise expansion plans. This site will set the standard moving forward and we intend to use it as the blueprint for future franchise locations.”

 

HOP opens in London’s King’s Cross: Vietnamese street food concept HOP has opened in London’s King’s Cross. The new site, at 296 Pentonville Road, brings the estate to six sites, comprising four in the capital and two in Manchester. The King’s Cross restaurant occupies 3,000 square feet and offers 52 covers across the ground floor and basement. Founder Paul Hopper said: “We’ve just opened our sixth restaurant – and this one is a milestone that feels especially meaningful. Not only is it our first site in London with 50-plus seats, but it’s also the first restaurant to showcase our new design, built for an all-day experience from lunch to late night. The last few months have been intense. We’ve overhauled our menu, refreshed our entire look and feel and redesigned the restaurant from the ground up – all of it inspired by our trip to Vietnam this past summer, reconnecting with the food, energy, and street-side vibrancy that made me want to start this journey in the first place. King’s Cross, we’re excited to finally welcome you in.” A company spokesman told Propel last month that HOP plans to open six further sites in 2026.

 

Skewd opens fourth site: The multi award-winning Skewd business, which is led by founder and executive chef Maz Demir, has opened its fourth site, Skewd Asia in north London. The company said: “Skewd Asia is the next evolution of the multi award-winning Skewd business. Inspired by the pre-Anatolian roots of the Turkic people and shaped by neighbouring Asian cultures, we bring a bold, luxurious and modern take on pan-Asian cuisine to north London.” Demir founded Skewd in north London in 2013, with the desire to bring his “Anatolian with Attitude” philosophy to the restaurant. Skewd offers fine Turkish-Mediterranean dining with an “avant-garde edge provided by seasonal ingredients”. Demir also owns the nearby Mediterranean restaurant Firedog and Skewd at The Grove, Watford.

Good Egg Restaurants launches new pizza concept: Good Egg Restaurants has launched a new pizza concept. The company has teamed up with the people behind East London’s Proud Mary olive oil to launch Proud Mary Pizzeria after transforming its Good Egg @ Eat17 in Walthamstow, reports Hot Dinners. The menu includes The Sloppy Mary (spiced beef tossed with Turkish peppers and caramelised onions) and The Rebel Queen (caponata, chilli honey, mozzarella and parmesan). There is also The ZFC, Proud Mary’s take on Za’atar Fried Chicken, covered in mozzarella and a Bloody Mary marinara and Bombetta, which is pork stuffed with smoked mozzarella and nduja, wrapped in crisp pancetta. Proud Mary co-founder Vikesh Bhatt said: “Expect colour, noise, incredible ingredients and a place where anyone can walk in, spin a record, and feel like they’ve stepped into our world. This is more than a pizzeria, it’s an atmosphere, a neighbourhood hangout, a glowing shrine to good times, great flavour and everyone being welcome.” Good Egg Restaurants operates eponymous sites in Stoke Newington in London and Margate in Kent.

New York-inspired pizza concept Vincenzo’s makes London debut for second site: New York-inspired pizza concept Vincenzo’s has made its London debut for its second site. Founded by Tom Vincent in 2022, Vincenzo’s original outlet in Bushey, Hertfordshire, offers whole pizzas. Now, Vincent has evolved the concept to offer pizza by the slice at its new outlet in Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch. Slices will start at £5, with classics like margherita, tomato and pepperoni sitting alongside new flavours such as spanakopita, vodka sauce and burrata. Customers will be able to customise their order with extras, including hot honey, burrata and fresh pesto. Each slice will be cut from a 20-inch pizza, while whole 16-inch pizzas will also be available for takeaway. There will also be a selection of soft drinks. The focus will be on grab-and-go slices, but there will be some seats available for those who prefer to eat in. “Pizza is simple: dough, sauce and cheese, but the slice shop is about more than that,” said Vincent. “It’s the smell, the art, the queue, the first bite. Shoreditch will carry the same nostalgia as Watford, but in a space that feels bigger, bolder, and built for London. We’re not chasing hype, we’re creating something timeless. A slice shop London can call its own.”

Former Nobu head chef Scott Hallsworth transforms Freak Scene in London’s Parsons Green into new concept: Former Nobu head chef Scott Hallsworth has transformed Freak Scene, his pan-Asian concept in Parsons Green, south west London, into a new concept. Hallsworth, who opened Japanese-inspired concept Kuroyoko in Balham, south London, in September, has launched Freak Momma at 28 Parsons Green Lane. Freak Momma “takes FreakScene’s rebellious streak and cranks it up to 11”, operating as a “Japanese super-diner” combining “Tokyo izakaya spirit and classic diner indulgence”. A menu of small plates and comfort food includes Singapore butter ribs with condensed milk, curry leaf and soy; cheeseburger spring rolls, the Freak Momma Burger with crispy five-spice duck; and the Izakaya Smash loaded with barbecue onions and liquid miso-cheese sauce. Hallsworth first made his name leading kitchens at Nobu London and Nobu Melbourne before launching Kurobuta, with locations in Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Marble Arch. In July, he joined forces with Evolv Collection, formerly D&D London, to bring Freak Scene for an exclusive pop-up residency at its Wardour Street venue in London’s Soho that will run until the end of November.

Cordon Bleu trained chef to open new café and wine bar concept: Cordon Bleu trained chef Tara MacBain, who owns west London restaurant Julie’s, is to open a new café and wine bar concept. Following an initial pop-up in September and October, Little Julie’s will launch in Holland Park as a permanent fixture in early 2026. Situated opposite Julie’s, the new space will be a “relaxed café by day and an intimate, evening wine-led space by night”. Throughout the day, Little Julie’s will serve daily changing specials, including breakfast dishes such as eggs with focaccia soldiers, alongside coffee. Lunch will include seasonal salads and a rotating sandwich of the day. In the evening, Little Julie’s will transform into a wine-led space offering a globally inspired list spanning a broad mix of regions with an extensive choice by the glass accompanied by a small plate selection. MacBain, who acquired Julie’s in 2023, said: “We’re grateful to all of our loyal guests who have supported Julie’s since our launch. Little Julie’s is our way of creating a space where people can come at any time of day. We hope it becomes a place that feels like a second home for everyone in the community.”

Elior opens new all-day dining destination in Bristol at SS Great Britain ship: Contract caterer Elior has opened a new all-day dining destination on Bristol’s historic harbourside. Set against the backdrop of Brunel’s SS Great Britain ship, The Board Walk offers “Best of Bristol” seasonal specials changing throughout the year. Initial dishes include Bristol cider braised chorizo, beef and Bristol beer pie and grilled squash brushed with spiced Bristol rum glaze. The drinks list features locally roasted coffee, cocktails, beer and wine. Jonathan Higgins, general manager for Elior UK at SS Great Britain, said: “We wanted The Board Walk to feel like a true part of Bristol’s buzzing food scene – a place where people can come together over great food and drink in a setting unlike anywhere else in the city.” The Board Walk has been created through a partnership between SS Great Britain Trust and Elior UK. A percentage of all The Board Walk profits helps support the care and conservation of the SS Great Britain.

 

Clothing brand Kith to open stand-alone restaurant at its new London store: Clothing brand Kith will open a stand-alone restaurant at its new London store. The store, opening tomorrow (Friday, 28 November) at 314 Regent Street, will feature a restaurant called Ronnie's New York, named after Kith founder Ronnie Fieg. Offering “modern Mediterranean fare to classic Empire State staples”, the restaurant will have its own entrance. There will also be a Kith Treats Bar on the ground floor which, will not only feature all its usual cookie and ice cream offerings, but also some “exclusive options”, reports Hot Dinners.