Wenzel’s – ‘the time is right for us to franchise, and you don’t survive for 50 years without being able to deliver on the front-line’: Family-owned bakery brand Wenzel’s has said that after half a century of operating as a business, “the time is right for franchising”, and “you don’t survive for 50 years without being able to deliver on the front-line”. Wenzel’s, which operates more than 100 bakery stores in southern England and the Midlands, made its first move into franchising earlier this year after partnering with Southern Co-op. The company, which was founded in 1975, told Propel last month that it believes the move into franchising will see it double in size. Speaking about why it made the move now after half a century, business development director Dean Russell said: “Fifty years is probably a long time for a brand to wait to open a franchising opportunity, but the reality is the experience we have within the business is phenomenal. It’s about the inherent knowledge and a wealth of experience. People have been in the business for 20 years, 30 years, while the founder is still in the office every single day. I feel that after 50 years, this is the start of the journey rather than the halfway line to a century. We felt it was about time. We’d looked at franchising a few years ago and it didn’t feel right at that time. Part of it is after 50 years you have a lot of inherent knowledge of how things work. You don’t survive that many years without really being able to deliver on the front-line. The beauty of being an independent family business is we don’t have to go to shareholders or go through lots of bureaucracy. We feel we’re in a strong position for franchising as we’re not corporate in a sense of being staid, but we’re consistent. So, we can use that consistency to make sure every single store has the same product, but we’re not so corporate that you have to go through layers upon layers of red tape to get to where you want to be.” Wenzel’s, which also launched its first training academy this year, has also found a better way of operating. Russell said: “All the baking used to be done on-site early in the morning, which we found was quite a burden, and one of the key things with franchising is keeping it simple, so we know make a lot of those sandwiches centrally and take them to the shops so the teams can come in a bit later and focus on the customer experience and stocking the shelves – especially those who just want to grab and go. There’s lots of things going on to simplify the processes.”

Stonegate Group digital director Joe Comiskey among speakers at 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit, open for bookings: Joe Comiskey, digital director at Stonegate Group, will be among the speakers at the 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Comiskey will share how the business unites digital and technology functions to unlock the full value of guest, operational and commercial data. He will reveal how Stonegate is aligning systems, teams and decision-making to drive smarter product ranging, sharper operational execution and stronger commercial outcomes. He will also look at the technologies and capabilities set to shape the next chapter of data-driven 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

 

Propel’s sector-leading guide to the UK’s 500 largest hospitality companies returns in January, to be made free to Premium subscribers on day of publication: The Propel 500 – 2026 report will analyse the companies leading the charge in hospitality, reporting on turnover, number of sites, and key staff. The guide will also include exclusive analysis to provide a full understanding of the market’s dynamics. Mark Wingett will delve into the mergers and acquisitions shaping the future of the top 500. Tim Street dissects the UK’s rapidly-developing franchise market and, as the experiential leisure sector becomes a cornerstone of modern hospitality, Katherine Doggrell will assess the rise of deals in the sector, as well as the shifts in the hotel industry. Data expert Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, will look at emerging growth sectors and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova will analyse the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market. Propel 500 – 2026 will be released on Friday, 9 January at 9am and will be available free to Premium Club subscribers. The report will be available to non-Premium Club subscribers for £595 plus VAT. 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.

Mapal acquires French AI-powered procurement and inventory management platform: Mapal, the hospitality operational management software provider, has acquired French artificial intelligence (AI)-powered procurement and inventory management platform Inpulse. The transaction marks a first acquisition by Mapal, which is also backed by PSG, since Eurazeo completed its investment in the company. Mapal said it now offers the strongest inventory-management capabilities in the European hospitality market. Christian Fleck, chief executive of Mapal Group, said: “Inpulse’s technology stands out not only for its sophistication, but also for the clarity of the problem it solves and the measurable impact it delivers.” Brice Konda and Valentin Pignolet, founders of Inpulse, added: “From the beginning, our mission has been to help restaurant operators maximise margins and streamline stock and purchasing processes. By becoming part of Mapal, we can now bring our technology and make AI-driven inventory optimisation accessible to operators around the world.” 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a bar brand that is seeking a general manager for a flagship site in London. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The ideal individual will have an exceptional track record in the fast-paced bar industry, bringing high energy, passion and outstanding organisational skills to the role.” The salary is up to £60,000. For more information, email stuart@corecruitment.com.

 

NWTC hires Adam Bellamy as new chairman: Graphite Capital-backed pub restaurant group New World Trading Company (NWTC) has hired Adam Bellamy, formerly chairman of Ten Entertainment Group and non-executive director of Loungers, as its new chairman, Propel has learned. Bellamy, who is currently chairman of fitness studio business 1Rebel, stepped down from the board of Loungers earlier this year, after it was taken private by Fortress Investment Group. He also previously served as chief financial officer of Pure Gym. Bellamy, who was chairman of Ten Entertainment Group for two and a half years, was also previously finance director for Atmosphere Bars and Clubs, and D&D London. In the spring, Rod McKie stepped down as non-executive chairman of NWTC, after nearly three years in the role. In the summer, NWTC promoted Amber Wood to chief executive. Wood, formerly of Loungers and Novus Leisure, originally joined NWTC, which operates The Botanist brand, as its new chief operating officer in summer 2023, before being promoted to managing director last September.

  

Competitive socialising concept Fairgame reports turnover increases to £10.7m in year before acquisition by Ten Entertainment Group: Competitive socialising concept Fairgame has reported turnover increased to £10,795,614 for the year ending 30 March 2025 compared with £10,565,888 the previous year. Of the 2025 turnover, £5,647,325 came from food and drink (2024: £5,909,475), £4,984,870 came from activities (2024: £4,489,499), £143,944 from merchandise (2024: £154,263) and £19,475 in other income (2024: £12,651). The business, which was acquired by Ten Entertainment Group last month in a circa £40m deal, saw pre-tax profit fall to £1,215,549 from £1,943,248 the year before as administrative expenses increased by almost £1.2m. Fairgame, which reimagines the traditional outdoor fairground in an indoor venue by combining proprietary technology-enabled fairground games with a distinctive food and beverage programme, was founded by Richard Hilton, the founder of Gymbox, and sector investor Paul Campbell in 2019. During the period, the company traded from its site in London’s Canary Wharf, which opened in 2022. In the summer of 2025, Fairgame opened its second site, a 24,500 square-foot venue at One New Change in the capital. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “This was the business’ second full year of trading, and the directors were pleased with the continued strong level of sales and the general trading performance.” Fairgame ended the period with cash of £1,981,346 compared with £3,702,926 the previous year. No dividend was paid (2024: nil). Propel revealed earlier this month that Fairgame has had interest from “multiple overseas markets” and is set to roll out in the US “very quickly” following the Ten Entertainment Group deal.

Cosmo Group secures three new sites including first for new Firebrand concept: Cosmo Group – the parent company of restaurant concepts Cosmo and Umami World Kitchen – has secured three new sites, including a first for its new “more premium” concept Firebird. The company has agreed a 15-year lease on a 16,000 square-foot unit at The Gate in Newcastle, which will create a flagship location for its first Firebird opening in the UK. At the same time, Umami World Kitchen, the group’s modern pan-Asian restaurant concept, which currently has sites in Blackpool and Telford, has also signed two further leases. Umami World Kitchen will open in a 10,000 square-foot unit at the Highcross shopping centre in Leicester, after agreeing a 15-year lease. Umami World Kitchen will also be opening on the former M&S in Colchester, in an 8,500 square-foot unit, having agreed to a long leasehold with landlord City & Country Group. Since launching in 2003, Cosmo has grown to 23 sites across the UK and Ireland. The operator is working with Savills to secure leasehold and freehold opportunities across prime retail and leisure locations. Carlene Hughes, head of UK, restaurants & leisure at Savills, said: “The group's dynamic portfolio – including Cosmo, Umami, and Firebird – reflects the evolving tastes of UK diners and a strong appetite for experiential dining. These three new locations mark key milestones for the group's growth objectives, as we continue to enhance its presence in key markets across the UK.”

Maki & Ramen to make London debut, to introduce new hand-roll concept: Japanese restaurant concept Maki & Ramen is to make its London debut next year with an opening in London’s Soho, which will also see the introduction of new hand-roll concept, Maki Nori, to the UK market. Maki & Ramen has agreed a new 15-year lease with a private landlord at the former La Bodega Negra unit at 5-11 Old Compton Street and 13-17 Moor Street in Soho, totalling 5,100 square foot. The basement will house Maki & Ramen, while the ground floor will feature Maki Nori. Founded in 2015, Maki & Ramen operates 16 restaurants. Its expansion strategy for 2026 includes ten new openings, with eight already under offer. The company said: “By leveraging its strong operational foundations and experience across its existing portfolio, Maki & Ramen will use this flagship Soho location to launch an innovative hand-roll concept that diversifies and strengthens its offer, while also setting a benchmark for future rollouts.” The first of these new concept sites will open in Dubai, with London following shortly after. Teddy Lee, founder at Maki & Ramen, said: “We're bringing Maki & Ramen to the heart of London while introducing an exciting new hand-roll concept that elevates everything we do. This is the next evolution of the brand.” The company has openings for its eponymous brand lined up in Birmingham’s New King Street, and at Lakeside in Essex, for 2026. In June, Maki & Ramen outlined plans to grow to 50 sites in five years following the launch of its franchise programme, following which it has opened two franchise sites. Jess Hill, surveyor in restaurants and leisure at Savills, which acted on the Soho deal, said: "Maki & Ramen is a dynamic, fast-growing business with a strong track record across the UK. This location offers exceptional visibility and footfall, perfectly suited to the brand's vibrant, authentic Japanese dining concept.”

Greggs opens landmark 600th franchise shop: Food-to-go retailer Greggs has opened its 600th franchise shop – at Stonecross services in Bexwell, Norfolk – with long-term partner Motor Fuel Group (MFG).Greggs’ said its franchise partnerships “play a central role in unlocking high-traffic and otherwise restricted locations, including motorway service areas, petrol filling stations, train stations and smaller convenience destinations”. The company works with 14 franchise partners across the UK, and in 2025, added 57 new franchised shops – with franchised sites now representing just over 20% of the total estate. Greggs now operates 147 shops across the MFG estate, primarily situated at petrol filling station sites and roadside locations. Tony Rowson, property director at Greggs, said: “Reaching 600 franchise shops is a milestone achievement for Greggs and our partners. It underlines the continued success of our franchise model and the vital role our partners play in accelerating the expansion of our estate. As we close out 2025, we remain committed to ensuring Greggs is available in more of the locations our customers want us most.”

 

92 Degrees set to hit £10m in revenue for first time, to open first franchise locations in January: Independent coffee roaster 92 Degrees is set to hit £10m in revenue for first time and said it is to open its first franchise locations in January. The 20-strong business launched its first franchise programme earlier this year and has since signed up franchisees in the Midlands, Kent and Sussex. 92 Degrees is planning 30 franchise openings in the coming years and has also started international conversations. Co-founder Jack Brewitt told Insider Media: “Within the first week or two, we had 2,000 franchise inquiries across the UK and then they just didn't stop. Now we're nearly at 10,000 inquiries. We've now signed four franchisees who are looking to open locations. The first two sites in Birmingham will open in January. We have got two EV charging companies that want us to become their coffee operator so we're exploring that in more detail. Within the next few months, we're going to cross £10m [revenue] and that will be the first time we’ve done that. I’m excited for the next 12 months. We’ve got some hefty targets, but they’ll be achievable if we deliver on the franchisee stores, and on top of that we get a few more new Network Rail locations.”

 

Grosvenor Casinos owner’s Spanish businesses subject of £6.2m payment fraud: Rank Group, which owns Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos, has revealed its Spanish businesses, Enracha and Yo, have been the victim of a payment fraud, which has totalled approximately €7.1m (£6.2m). The group said it has reported the matter to the relevant law enforcement agencies and is supporting their investigations, as well as carrying out its own internal investigation with the help of an external law firm. No further details have been given. Rank stated: “Given the exceptional nature of this incident, Rank Group expects to treat the financial impact as a separately disclosed item in relation to its 2025-26 performance.” Peel Hunt leisure analyst Ivor Jones said: “This is unwelcome but of modest impact – Rank is following the path of other companies hit by payment fraud and intends to tighten controls further. For the time being, we believe no material payments can be made by Rank without the approval of the chief financial officer or group finance director. Happily, the group is in a financial position to absorb the cost and continue with its plans. We reiterate our ‘Buy’ recommendation and 175p target price.”

 

Travelodge planning to accelerate expansion in 2026 after delivering biggest year of development in more than a decade: Travelodge is planning to accelerate expansion in 2026 after delivering its biggest year of development in more than a decade. During the year, the company opened 21 properties, adding more than 1,800 rooms to its estate through the combination of four new-builds – in Skegness, Harwich and Beckenham and Chiswick in London – and 17 rebrand acquisition hotels acquired from other brands. Travelodge Skegness also introduced the group’s first top-floor 85 Bar Café. In London, the group also acquired the long-leasehold interest in two vacant office buildings directly opposite Liverpool Street station, for conversion, subject to planning permission, into a new Travelodge featuring the brand’s latest design and an 85 Bar Café. This followed a similar office conversion freehold acquisition, near St Paul’s Cathedral, which Travelodge bought unconditionally in 2024, and where planning permission has now been applied for. In Cardiff, construction is underway on a new, flagship 182-room Travelodge, next to the city’s 16,500-seat national concert and event arena at Atlantic Wharf. Further new-build developments are underway in Douglas – Travelodge’s first hotel on the Isle of Man – in Loughton, Essex, and within Watford’s £500m Riverwell regeneration scheme. Internationally, Travelodge has expanded further in Spain, acquiring the freehold of a site near central Madrid for conversion into a hotel opening in 2027, and securing a freehold hotel in Bilbao, opening in early 2026. These additions will bring its Spanish network to 14 hotels, with around 20 further locations identified as growth priorities. Travelodge chief property officer Steve Bennett said: “Our strategy of sustainable development, a mix of new-builds, office conversions and rebrand acquisitions, is delivering real momentum across the UK and Spain. With a strong pipeline in place and further major projects already underway, we are entering 2026 with confidence and a clear focus on accelerating our expansion.”

 

Wingstop makes Lancashire debut: Wingstop UK, which is backed by US private equity firm Sixth Street, has opened its first restaurant in Lancashire. The venue has opened at 8-9 Fishergate in Preston, in a 2,034 square-foot site with 52 covers. The brand currently operates 86 sites across the UK and employs more than 3,000 people, with plans grow to as many as 200 sites within the next five years. Chris Sherriff, chief executive at Wingstop UK & Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to open Wingstop in Lancashire, right in the heart of Preston. The city has a strong identity and community with a real appetite for new flavour experiences, and we’re excited to become part of its story.”

Captain D’s opens second UK site: US fast-casual seafood brand Captain D’s has opened its second site in the UK. The brand, which was founded in 1969 and has grown to more than 530 restaurants in the US, made its UK debut earlier this year after signing a franchise agreement with CD’s UK Holdings. The first site opened in the Westwood Cross scheme in Broadstairs, Kent, in October. CD’s UK Holdings has now followed that by opening a restaurant at The Mall in Maidstone. Last month, the group said its debut site in the UK, which was also its first in Europe, marked a major step in the brand’s international expansion. Hair Parra, Captain D’s senior vice-president of international operations and development, said: “The success of our UK debut highlights the global appetite for great seafood and a welcoming, family-friendly experience. This is just the beginning of Captain D’s journey across Europe and the globe.” Further sites in Sussex and Hampshire are already in development.

KFC opens ninth Edinburgh restaurant: KFC has opened its ninth restaurant in Edinburgh. The 50-seat restaurant has launched at the Fountain Park leisure scheme, creating 60 jobs. As well as its full menu, the outlet also offers seasonal specials like the Stuffing Tower Burger and Stuffing Stacker Burger. KFC Fountain Park joins eight other restaurants in Edinburgh, as the brand continues its expansion across Scotland. The opening forms part of KFC’s £1.5bn investment plan for the UK and Ireland over the next five years – a commitment announced as part of its 60-year celebrations. This investment will see 500 new restaurants open over the next decade, and more than 7,000 jobs created across the business and its supply chain. As KFC marks 60 years in the UK and Ireland, it has also released its first Economic and Community Impact Report, which calculated that each year, KFC contributes more than £1.1bn to the UK economy. In Scotland, KFC contributes a total of £60m per year and supports 2,885 jobs. Meanwhile, KFC will open the doors to more than 80 restaurants across the UK on Christmas Day. These restaurants will be open for drive-thru and delivery, with dine in availability varying by location.

 

German Doner Kebab opens four new restaurants as it accelerates UK growth: German Doner Kebab (GDK), which is backed by private equity group True, has opened four new restaurants as it accelerates its UK growth. The brand has launched at Clydebank Retail Park, in Scotland, and at the Royal London House building in Bournemouth. GDK has also launched two restaurants in east London – in High Road, Leytonstone, and South Street in Romford. The openings follow a strong year of growth for the brand, which surpassed 150 UK locations in October when it opened in Leeds. GDK chief executive Simon Wallis said: “We’re excited to introduce even more people to our fresh take on a much-loved favourite. As we continue our rapid growth across the UK, after surpassing our 150th store this year, openings like these are powerful markers of the momentum behind the GDK brand.” Last week, GDK reported system-wide sales globally of £179.1m for the year ending 31 December 2024. Now employing more than 4,500 people in its restaurants around the world, the group said it is well placed for significant UK and new region growth over the next decade, including a development agreement for India.

 

PizzaExpress opens new site in Hull: PizzaExpress has opened a new site in Hull. The company has launched on the ground floor of Burton House, having previously agreed a deal with landlord Wykeland Group. PizzaExpress has leased 2,400 square feet of ground floor space at Burton House, as well as 1,600 square feet of basement area. Burton House had stood empty since 2020, when Burton owner Arcadia Group went into administration. Wykeland purchased the property in 2021 and has spent £2.4m restoring the property, which offers 12,700 square feet of space over five floors. Jonathan Stubbs, development director of Wykeland, said: “The opening of PizzaExpress returns the building to active use, with a much-loved restaurant brand in place.” The restaurant is PizzaExpress’ ninth new restaurant opening in what is its milestone 60th year.

 

Popeyes to open in Llanelli early next year for fifth Welsh site: Popeyes UK, the TDR Capital-backed business, will open in Llanelli early next year for its fifth site in Wales. The restaurant will open a stone’s throw from rugby union side the Scarlets’ stadium, joining the brand’s Welsh locations in Cardiff city centre, Cardiff Bay, Newport and Swansea. The new restaurant will be located at Unit 15 Parc Trostre in Trostre Road. Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK’s chief executive, said: “The response to our Welsh openings has always been fantastic, and we’re excited to bring the spirit of New Orleans to Llanelli. Opening our fifth Welsh restaurant marks another big step in our growth journey.” Popeyes launched in the UK in 2021 and opened its 100th site in the UK last month, in London Bridge station. Earlier this month, the business opened only its fourth UK drive-thru, at the Arena Shopping Park in Coventry, and said it is looking to expand the model across the country.

 

We Do Play opens three new Activate sites in London: We Do Play, the multi-concept experiential leisure operator backed by the Frasers Group, has opened three new sites for Canadian immersive game brand Activate in London. Following the success of its debut site at The O2, which has welcomed more than 125,000 visitors since opening last December, Activate has this month opened in Oxford Street, Vauxhall and Westfield White City. The launches build on the momentum of Activate’s ongoing UK rollout, following a launch in Newcastle’s Metrocentre in the summer, which has had almost 30,000 visitors since July. Rich Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, said: “The period between Christmas and new year is all about getting out, seeing people and feeling good. Activate gives people a way to socialise that’s active, playful and genuinely uplifting – you’re exercising both your body and your brain, but it never feels like a workout.”

Arc Inspirations ‘exploring interest from number of potential buyers’ for Banyan site in Harrogate: Arc Inspirations, the premium bar operator, is “exploring interest from a number of potential buyers” for its Banyan site in Harrogate. The venue, which opened in John Street about 20 years ago, is “being considered for closure, but no final agreements have been made”. An Arc Inspirations spokesperson told Propel: “Our growth strategy is focused on increasing our portfolio of prime and city-centre locations. Our suburban bars are great sites and have been an important part of the Arc family, however they’re no longer core to our strategy, so we have been exploring interest from a number of potential buyers. Discussions are ongoing and no final agreement has been made.” None of the group’s other six locations in Yorkshire will be impacted. Last month, chief executive Martin Wolstencroft said he sees “green shoots of recovery” going into 2026, as the circa 20-strong business plans new sites in Liverpool, Cardiff and Edinburgh. The Manahatta, Box and Banyan operator made its London debut in October by launching Box Piccadilly in Shaftesbury Avenue. It came as Arc reported “stable revenues” of £48m for the year to 31 March 2025 (2024: £47.4m) and underlying profit of £5.2m, “underpinned by a strong opening programme and the continued expansion of its key growth brands”.

 

Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire McDonald’s franchisee sees losses increases amid ‘challenging market conditions’: McDonald’s franchisee Bomead, which operates three sites in Lincolnshire and two in Nottinghamshire, saw pre-tax losses increase amid “challenging marketing conditions”. The company reported turnover dipped 0.86% to £27,748,455 for the year ending 31 December 2024 compared with a record £27,989,269 the previous year. Pre-tax losses were up to £300,632 from £206,454 the year before. Gross profit margin was up to 65.18% compared with 63.42% the previous year, which was “in line with expectations”. In his report accompanying the accounts, franchisee Bob Meadowcroft stated: “The lower-than-expected supply chain inflation across 2024 resulted in gross profit margin above plan. This allowed the company to invest the benefit into value driving initiatives to increase guest counts and sales. The informal eating out and quick service restaurant markets have continued to see a decline in customer visits versus 2023, which in turn has led to challenging guest count and sales performance. Despite the challenging backdrop, we have launched several trading initiatives to increase footfall into our restaurants.” A dividend of £100,000 was paid (2023: £100,000). The company employs around 650 staff.

 

Black Rock Restaurants to open Brighton gastropub: Black Rock Restaurants will open a new gastropub in Brighton city centre next month. The company, which runs the Coal Shed, the Salt Room, Burnt Orange and Tutto in the city, will open Crazy Goose in Boyce Street. The unit was previously home to the group’s first Coal Shed restaurant, which moved to a larger premises in North Street last year. Adverts hiring for positions including head chef, general manager and kitchen porter, said: “We’re a food-led pub and dining room offering premium, classic British dishes with creative twists. A relaxed spot for weekday dining, delicious cocktails, or a cosy pint with friends. With vibrant weekends, cosy weekday service, and a supportive brigade, it’s the perfect place to grow your culinary leadership and shape a kitchen you can be proud of.” The adverts said Crazy Goose will be opening in January 2026, reports Brighton & Hove News.

 

North American comfort food concept Brewski opens in Liverpool: North American comfort food concept Brewski has opened its fourth site, in Liverpool. The business, which is led by James Daly and Steven Stockton-King, secured a 5,000 square-foot space at the Liverpool ONE scheme earlier this year. The duo previously told The Echo they chose the city as their next site because the pair met at Liverpool University, 20 years ago this year. They said: “We’ve had the privilege of watching the city grow and thrive in that time with its food scene and culture going from strength to strength. Liverpool ONE has been a huge part of this growth and we are excited that we now get to be a part of it. Our aim is to make every menu better, every venue better, which means we are putting all our learnings so far to create the best Brewski yet. The venue will boast 125 covers inside with an additional 78 outdoors on a terrace with panoramic views of the city.” Brewski also operates sites in Chorlton, Chester and Sheffield. Daly and Stockton-King, who are also behind Chicago-style pizza business American Pies, also launched a new venture in Manchester in the autumn. The duo opened Big Tray BBQ at Quayside in Salford – spanning 5,235 square feet and inspired by Brewski’s ongoing culinary tour of the US.

 

Retro gaming concept makes Welsh debut for third site, 30 further units secured: Retro gaming concept Continue Arcades has made its Welsh debut for its third site, with 30 further units secured. The first Continue Arcades was opened by founder Austin Wood in Plymouth in 2023, offering retro classics and consoles, pinball machines and shooting, racing and table games. A second site opened in April, in the former Suite Dreams site in East Street in Taunton. Continue Arcades has now also opened at 32-34 Princes Way in Swansea. Franchise consultant Joel Bissett said: “Fantastic weekend at the launch of Continue Arcades Swansea. Record breaking sales for a launch! A further 30 units have been secured, with sites opening all over the country in 2026.” Bissett told Propel in May the team plans to open 80-plus sites over the next five years, and in July the business secured its first ten franchise locations.

Isle of Wight operator puts AA Rosette pub on market: Isle of Wight operator Wight Pubs, owned by the Holmes family, has put its AA Rosette pub The White Lion on the market at a guide price of £750,000 plus VAT. The company has decided to sell the property in the village of Niton on the southern side of the island as it is “no longer considered the right fit for the group’s portfolio”. The two-storey building has been owned and operated by Wight Pubs for six and a half years, during which time it earned one AA Rosette in consecutive years “for outstanding food and service”. On the ground floor, the property features interconnecting rustic-style bar and dining areas providing 74 covers. Above the pub, on the first floor, sit six luxury en-suite letting bedrooms. The garden can accommodate around 80 customers, along with patio seating for a further 30. Wight Pubs also operates The Birdham Hotel & Restaurant in Bembridge, along with The Chequers Inn in Rookley. Wight Pubs chief executive Mark Holmes said: “The White Lion is a fantastic, beautifully renovated pub and there’s plenty of potential for further growth and success.” Fleurets is marketing the property.

Ravinder Bhogal to open vegetarian restaurant in London’s Bloomsbury: The team behind Jikoni in Marylebone, Ravinder Bhogal and Nadeem Lalani Nanjuwany, are opening a south Asian vegetarian Restaurant in London’s Bloomsbury. Bhogal and Nanjuwany, who are also opening a restaurant at London’s V&A East restaurant in 2026, will also open Karam’s at The Brunswick Centre. Karam’s, which is named after Ravinder’s grandfather, Sardar Karam Singh Bhogal, is set to be a more casual setting than Jikoni, reports London on the Inside. As well as communal all-day dining, inspired by the langar halls of Gurdwaras, Karam’s will offer craft bread, thalis and veggie dishes made using heritage grains and organic farm-sourced ingredients. Bhogal said: “When we think of our grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ homelands, we immediately think of the exuberant food and the women who cooked it. Our families’ journeys from Punjab, Gujarat, and Kutch took them across continents, but the women maintained those connections by keeping food traditions alive. When they pass away, it’s like whole libraries of knowledge going up in flames, an inheritance lost except for fragments imprinted on the tongue. Karam’s is our way of honouring that wisdom.”