Langan’s CEO looking to expand boutique gym concept and take private members’ health club business to US: Graziano Arricale, chief executive of iconic brasserie Langan’s in London’s Mayfair, has told Propel he is looking to expand his boutique gym concept, KXU, and take his private members’ health club business, KX, to the US. KXU was launched in London’s Chelsea in 2017 as the sister venue to the nearby KX, which itself was founded in 2002. Last month, Arricale secured a first overseas site for KXU, in Bahrain, in partnership with One Eleven Holding. Arricale said: “We’re probably looking at a fourth quarter opening for KXU Bahrain. Expanding overseas was something we’d thought about for a long time, but you need that depth of experience going into a new territory. KXU has been around since 2017, found its stride and traded well – which is important before you start scaling. We will go for Bahrain first, and assuming that goes smoothly, Dubai will be next on the agenda. We will run that in parallel with domestic expansion. In London, we will look at more. While KXU works as a franchise, we know London and understand London, and anything we do here, we’d do ourselves. We’ve also got huge plans for KX. It’s currently an exclusive members’ club in South Kensington based around wellness with around 1,000 members, with a waiting list to join. We’ve recently signed a lease on two units in the same building and are now embarking on a £15m project to expand the club into the new space and refresh what we already have. We’re also looking at a site in Manhattan to take KX to New York. We have a landlord partner and we have a building, and we’ve been spending a lot of time and effort on modelling and mocking up what a KX New York could look like. The work we have done so far has been very encouraging, so we’re trying to move that forwards.” Arricale, formerly operations director at Richard Caring’s Birley Clubs, heads up the group that acquired Langan’s five years ago. He told Propel earlier this week that the group is open to overseas expansion for Langan’s, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, but not in the UK.

 

Upham Inns director Ian Dunstall to speak at Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference, open for bookings with 20% discount on tickets for Premium Club subscribers: Ian Dunstall, director at Upham Inns, will be among the speakers at the Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference. The all-day conference takes place on Tuesday, 19 May at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. Dunstall will talk about the southern England premium pubs operator’s evolution, the success of its Harpers Steakhouse concept in suburban locations and the integration of the 14 ex-Oakman Group sites. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £345 plus VAT for operators and £395 plus VAT for suppliers. There is a 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club subscribers. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality today: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will be released to Premium Club subscribers today (Friday, 20 March), at midday. Another 67 companies have been added to the database, which now features 1,493 companies. This month’s edition also includes 172 updated entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent developments reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club subscribers also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel chief operating officer – editorial, Mark Wingett, and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

Lorraine Copes asks whether hospitality has fallen out of love with diversity equity and inclusion: Lorraine Copes asks whether hospitality has fallen out of love with diversity equity and inclusion in today’s (Friday, 20 March) Premium Opinion. Copes, founder of Be Inclusive Hospitality, was writing as the sector marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week. She said: “The most common question posed to me over the past 12 months is this: Have we seen the death of DEI in hospitality? Have the rollbacks in the US had a knock-on effect here in the UK? What does the current landscape look like?” Also in Premium Opinion, which will be sent to Premium Club subscribers at 5pm, Propel editorial advisor Katherine Doggrell explains why the next wave of adoption of AI in hospitality will involve significantly more restraint. Meanwhile, Rebecca Viani, partner and head of international development and franchising advisory at consultancy firm WhiteSpace Partners, looks at what UK brands need to do to succeed in the US. 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.

LTC – having a diverse workforce brings strength to hospitality: Having a diverse workforce brings strength to hospitality, Joby Mortimer, director of charity operations at the Licensed Trade Charity, has argued. To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Mortimer was writing in today’s (Friday, 20 March) Friday Opinion, asking whether we are currently doing enough as an industry to make neurodivergent individuals feel welcome in recruitment, onboarding, training and day-to-day operations. He said businesses that prioritise diversity and inclusion “often see more cohesive, resilient teams”, and that people who identify as neurodiverse “have unique abilities to problem solve and challenge the status quo, bringing fresh and innovative perspectives”. He added: “Customers come from all walks of life, so having a diverse team allows businesses to connect with customers in unique ways while showing that your business is an inclusive and welcoming environment.” You can read more of Mortimer’s thoughts in Friday Opinion, which will be sent out at 11am.

 

Sam Harrison – ‘if we don’t get the government to do more to help this wonderful industry, it will be changed for ever’: Sam Harrison has said the hospitality industry “will be changed for ever” without more support from the government. Harrison, who founded the Genuine Restaurant Group in 2017 with Fanny Stocker, last week made the decision to close Sam’s Kitchen in Chiswick. Its last day of service will be on Sunday (22 March), leaving the group with Sam’s Riverside, Sam’s Larder and Sam’s Kitchen in Hammersmith, and Sam’s Waterside in Brentford. Harrison said: “It is brutally tough for the hospitality industry at the moment, and especially for the independent sector. This is the first time I have had to close a site in over 20 years of having my own places and it breaks my heart. I would ask all of you to get out there and support local and independent – it’s very simple, use them or lose them! If we don’t get the government to do more to help this wonderful industry, it will be changed for ever.”

 

Lincolnshire hospitality boss questions independent sector’s future as costs ‘suffocate’ businesses: Nick Peel, managing director of Lincolnshire coffee roaster, wholesaler and cafe operator Stokes Tea & Coffee, has questioned whether continuing in hospitality is economically viable, warning the sector is being “suffocated” by government policy. Peel said the independent firm – which has traded since 1902 – is now reconsidering its future in hospitality despite surviving wars, recessions and national crises. He added the sector’s struggles are not down to falling demand or poor operators but structural cost pressures. Peel pointed to rising wage costs, increased employers’ national insurance contributions, high business rates and energy bills as key pressures, adding there is “absolutely no sector-specific support on offer”. He stressed the company has always operated compliantly, paying taxes and supporting local employment and supply chains, noting that for every £1 of revenue, around 25p is paid in taxes to central government, with additional local levies on top. Peel also criticised HM Revenue & Customs’ points-based VAT penalty system, arguing it leaves businesses exposed to fines for missing payment deadlines without accounting for seasonal fluctuations. He contrasted the UK’s approach with other European countries, highlighting lower VAT rates for hospitality, including 7% in Germany, 9% in the Netherlands and 10% in Italy. He warned if long-established businesses are questioning their survival, it signals a deeper systemic issue. He said: “This is not a plea for special treatment. It is a call for fairness across the industry. The UK cannot afford to lose its independent hospitality sector.” Stokes Tea & Coffee operates two cafes in Lincoln and one in Newark.

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a real estate business that is seeking a partnership sales manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will be responsible for identifying and engaging potential partners, negotiating commercial agreements and playing a key part in driving long-term growth. The individual must have a proven track record of selling into the public sector.” The salary is up to £70,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email tom@corecruitment.com.

 

Real Greek owner weighs restructuring options for casual dining brand: The Real Greek owner Fulham Shore is contemplating a formal restructuring of the casual dining brand. Fulham Shore, which is owned by Japan’s Toridoll and investment firm Capdesia, is at the early stages of considering options, including a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), reports Sky News. No decisions have been taken about whether to proceed with a CVA, but a hospitality industry insider said it was among the alternatives being considered. Speculation about any potential closures or rent reduction demands would be “premature”, according to the insider. The Real Greek trades from 28 sites. Propel revealed last month that Fulham Shore, which also owns the 70 strong Franco Manca brand, had appointed Alvarez & Marsal as advisors to review its strategic options to ensure both brands are “on the strongest possible footing to realise their long-term potential”. Marcel Khan, chief executive of Fulham Shore, told Propel, at the time: “While sales performance across Franco Manca and The Real Greek remains relatively robust, the current macroeconomic environment continues to place pressure on parts of the casual dining sector.” Fulham Shore has been contacted for comment on the possibility of a CVA at The Real Greek, while Alvarez & Marsal declined to comment. Franco Manca reported turnover increased to £70,105,000 for the year to 31 March 2024 compared with £64,504,000 the previous year. Headline Ebitda stood at £5,903,000 compared with £7,285,000 the previous year. Pre-tax losses grew to £3,404,000 from £413,000 the year before. The Real Greek saw turnover increase to £37,105,000 compared with £35,951,000 the previous year. Headline Ebitda stood at £1,233,000 compared with £3,009,000 the year before. Pre-tax losses were up to £2,876,000 from £394,000 the previous year. Toridoll partnered with Capdesia to take Fulham Shore private in spring 2023, in a deal that valued the business at circa £93.4m.

Wonderfield Group acquires Polish food business: Wonderfield Group – the multi-channel and international Japanese food business that owns brands including YO! Sushi, Panku, Bento and Taiko and formerly known as Snowfox Group – has acquired Polish food business, Sushi & Food Factor (SFF). The deal for the producer of packaged sushi and convenience food products is subject to anti-trust clearances in Germany and Poland. Wonderfield Group said SFF is a key player in the packaged sushi category across Europe which manufactures and supplies sushi and other convenience products through partnerships with some of the largest retail chains across Poland and wider European markets. It said the acquisition marks an important milestone in its strategy to strengthen its presence across Europe and will accelerate its growth across the region. The acquisition will also unlock operational synergies across areas including menu development, ingredient procurement and logistics, the group added. SFF’s management structure will remain unchanged, and the transaction is expected to be completed promptly following approvals and permits. Will Human, Wonderfield Group’s European chief executive, said: “The addition of SFF is a major step forward for Wonderfield Group in Europe. SFF brings outstanding production expertise, strong retail partnerships and deep understanding of local markets. Together, we will accelerate our growth across the continent, invest in local production capabilities and continue delivering innovative, high-quality convenience food to our retail partners and their customers.”

 

Lane7 strengthens leadership team: Boutique bowling company Lane7 has strengthened its senior leadership team by hiring Nicola Romeo as commercial director and Louise Routledge as marketing director, Propel has learned. Romeo joins Lane7 following 12 years at Neos Hospitality, where she held senior procurement and commercial leadership roles. Lane7 said she brings extensive experience in commercial strategy, supplier management and product development, and will lead Lane7’s commercial function with a focus on enhancing its offering and driving procurement efficiencies. Routledge joins from TeamSport, where she spent seven years as its marketing director. Lane7 said that she brings “deep expertise” in experiential marketing and customer engagement and will be responsible for elevating Lane7’s brand, digital presence and customer acquisition strategy as the business continues to scale. The company said the new appointments come at a time of continued expansion, as the business invests in new sites, innovative concepts and “enhanced customer experiences across its estate”. Gavin Hughes, managing director of Lane7, told Propel: “We are delighted to welcome Nicola and Louise into the business to help further accelerate our growth. Nicola brings enormous experience that will strengthen our commercial proposition, particularly as we continue to evolve our proposition and procurement strategy. Louise is an expert in experiential marketing and adds a new level of capability to the business as we continue to build a market-leading brand.” At the start of last month, Lane7 said it was on target for a further six openings over a total of 142,000 square-feet in 2026, including sites in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Leeds. The business currently operates 20 eponymous sites across the UK and Europe, two Level X sites and three family-oriented Gutterball gaming sites in England.

 

BrewDog’s new owner plans price cuts to restore growth: The boss of BrewDog’s new owner, Tilray Brands, said he hopes to restore growth at the Scottish brewer and retailer by cutting prices. New York-based brewer and cannabis producer Tilray paid £33m to buy BrewDog’s global intellectual property rights, its Aberdeenshire brewery and 11 of its UK bars in a pre-pack administration. Tilray said it expected the assets would generate roughly $200m in annual revenue. Chief executive Irwin Simon told the FT he plans to begin selling rival beers, such as Guinness and Carlsberg, in BrewDog’s remaining bars. The deal with Tilray resulted in the closure of 38 BrewDog bars, leading to 484 job losses. The tens of thousands of retail investors, or “equity punks”, who invested more than £75m in BrewDog through crowdfunding rounds between 2009 and 2021, were also left empty-handed. Simon said the purchase price was “good value” given the widespread recognition of BrewDog’s brands. Still, sales growth has ground to a halt, and BrewDog reported a fifth consecutive annual loss of £36.7m for 2024. Tilray has also this week acquired the company’s US brewing facilities, as well as a portfolio of bars in the country, including in Las Vegas strip. Simon said the brand had “a big opportunity” to grow in India and China, thanks to Tilray’s acquisition of BrewDog’s Australian facilities. Simon dismissed fears BrewDog’s growth could be threatened by declining alcohol consumption, arguing consumers who were cutting back on beer were for the most part only doing so because the price of a pint had become too expensive. He said he was looking at how to lower BrewDog’s prices, both in its wholesale business and its own bars. He is also looking to cut costs by slimming down BrewDog’s craft beer range, which he said had “way too many” variations. He believes Tilray’s purchasing power will enable it to negotiate lower prices from suppliers.

 

Flat Iron to open in Glasgow next year for Scottish debut: Flat Iron, the affordable steak concept that is backed by McWin Capital Partners and TriSpan, will open in Glasgow next year for its first restaurant in Scotland. Located in West George Street, the two-floor, 120-cover restaurant will offer the Flat Iron steak and a rotating board of blackboard specials, including Wagyu daily specials and a burger made using beef from the Flat Iron herd. Sides will include beef-dripping chips, crispy bone marrow mash, creamed spinach and truffled macaroni cheese. The drinks menu will offer a handpicked selection of wine, including Flat Iron’s own Malbec, as well as draught beer and cocktails. Flat Iron’s head of beef, Fred Smith, said: “We’ve been serving beef from Scotland since the early days of Flat Iron. Opening a restaurant here is a proud moment for us. Our passion for high-quality, accessible steak is at the forefront of everything we do, and we are looking forward to sharing this with guests in Glasgow.” Flat Iron, which is led by Tom Byng and operates 20 sites, will next Thursday (26 March) open its latest London restaurant, at 21 Denman Street in Piccadilly. This will be followed by launches Newcastle later in the spring, Birmingham in the summer and Liverpool in the autumn.

 

SSP opens new restaurant at Bournemouth airport: SSP Group, the UK operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has opened a new restaurant at Bournemouth airport. Bourne & Acre Bar and Kitchen, which adjoins the airport’s main departure lounge, offers around 300 covers and has been designed to reflect the River Bourne and Bournemouth’s gardens. The restaurant serves breakfast through to pre-flight dining, with a menu including full English breakfasts, eggs benedict, American-style pancakes, British beef burgers, chicken schnitzel, katsu curry and freshly battered haddock and chips. A children’s menu is available alongside a bar serving wine, beer, cocktails and low and no-alcohol alternatives. Stuart Buchanan, chief property and business development officer at SSP UK & Ireland, said: “The Bourne & Acre marks our first significant development to the food and beverage offer at Bournemouth airport, delivering on our promise to transform passenger experiences with greater choice, value and quality. One of our key focus areas has been expanding our bespoke airport bar and kitchen concepts grounded in a strong sense of place.” The opening follows a ten-year partnership agreed last year between Bournemouth airport and SSP.

 

Scottish Zambrero franchisee – ‘reception here has exceeded all expectations’: Scottish Zambrero franchisee Dan Hawley has said the reception the brand has received in the country has “exceeded all expectations”. Hawley, who already runs several Zambrero sites in Western Australia, moved with his family to Scotland to start rolling out Australia’s largest Mexican quick-service franchise in the country. He opened his debut store there last month, at 33 Byers Road in Glasgow. Hawley said: “I am a multi-site owner/operator of six Zambrero locations. We were previously based in Australia prior to moving to Glasgow with my family to launch the brand’s first restaurant in Scotland. Our family has been involved in franchising for over 40 years, so it was a natural progression for us. We love that we are a part of a start-up in Scotland! We are fortunate to be able to take what we have learnt over the years in the Australian market and focus on what has worked when we open up here, and so far, it’s been a flying success. The reception we have received so far has exceeded all our expectations. We have clearly found and filled a gap in the market for fresh and healthy Mexican, that also has a great cause. Hopefully we can continue to expand the brand across Scotland and bring more burritos to more hungry locals.” Zambrero currently operates 13 sites in the UK and more than 350 restaurants globally. The brand launched a franchise recruitment programme in the UK last year, with plans to open 100 sites by 2030.

 

Chaiiwala opens third site in partnership with Splendid Hospitality Group: Indian street food brand Chaiiwala has opened its third site in partnership with multi-brand franchisee, Splendid Hospitality Group. Chaiiwala signed a multi-unit development deal in November with Splendid, which has ]37 KFC stores in the UK as well as an extensive hotel portfolio. The latest site under the partnership has now opened in Nottingham’s Victoria Centre. Chaiiwala co-founder Sohail Ali said: “Pleased to have opened our third store in Nottingham with Splendid Hopsitality Group, this time at the Victoria Centre. Nottingham continues to be a fantastic city for us, and this latest opening builds on the strong momentum we’ve been seeing since the opening of our recent drive-thru in the city. The new store brings our Indian street food cafe experience right into one of the city’s busiest shopping destinations.” Following the signing of the development deal, Splendid launched the drive-thru at 76-78 Castle Boulevard in Nottingham, as well as took over operations of the brand’s existing site in Gregory Boulevard in the city.

 

Away Resorts sells Devon hotel to focus on core holiday park business: Away Resorts has sold its Gara Rock Hotel & Spa in Devon to focus on its core 26-strong holiday park business. Gara Rock Hotel & Spa, near Salmcombe, has been acquired by coastal holiday home company Ocean Cove Group for an undisclosed price. Gara Rock comprises suites, apartments, cottages and letting bedrooms, with indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. It is also home to a panoramic restaurant and outdoor terrace with grill, which offer views of the coastline below. An Away Resorts spokesman said: “We’re delighted to pass on the stewardship of this unique asset to Ocean Cove Group, which we are confident will provide the right focus, care and attention for the next chapter.” A spokesperson for Ocean Cove Group, which operates a development of privately owned coastal holiday homes between Boscastle and Tintagel in north Cornwall, said: “We are delighted to be the new custodians of Gara Rock and look forward to evolving the property into the finest coastal hotel in the region.”

 

Amorino opens in Birmingham: Italian gelato brand Amorino has opened in Birmingham for its 43rd UK site. Amorino has open at 109 New Street in the city following the signing of a new area development agreement for the city. As well as signature flower cones, it will offer macarons, authentic Italian hot chocolate, waffles, crêpes and more. The company posted to social media: “The wait is over! Amorino is officially open at 109 New Street (Birmingham). Whether you’re commuting through New Street Station or shopping at the Bullring, you can now stop by for our world-famous flower gelato. We are so proud to be part of Birmingham’s vibrant food culture.”

 

Yotel signs exclusive franchise agreement with Hilton: Yotel, the budget accommodation brand launched by YO! founder Simon Woodroffe, has signed an exclusive franchise agreement with Hilton. Yotel will continue to independently manage and licence its brand, which currently includes 23 hotels across ten countries. The collaboration supports plans to grow the brand’s presence in the coming years. Under the agreement, Yotel will be the first brand launched on the new Select by Hilton platform. This platform aims to host well-known hotel brands that keep their unique identity and operations while integrating with Hilton’s systems, such as its distribution network and Hilton Honors loyalty programme. Founded in London in 2007, Yotel operates in cities such as New York, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Glasgow and Singapore. The brand is known for its compact hotel format, featuring flexible room layouts and technology-driven elements. These include adjustable beds and automated luggage storage systems. “Hilton brings unmatched global distribution and loyalty scale to our brand and business,” said Yotel chief executive Phil Andreopoulos. “Yotel’s relationship with Hilton allows us to expand our reach while staying true to who we are. What changes for Yotel is access – not identity – in a capital-light, and scalable way.” Christian Charnaux, executive vice-president and chief development officer, Hilton, added: “The addition of Yotel to Hilton’s network is the latest example of our commitment to capital efficient growth through a relationship that is both complementary to our existing brand portfolio and offers guests thoughtfully designed, sleek new ways to stay with Hilton in key urban locations around the world.” 

 

Wendy’s franchisee Square Burgers to open Dundee restaurant next week: Square Burgers, which became the first traditional franchise partner to open a Wendy’s restaurant in the UK on the US company’s return to these shores, will open a site in Dundee next Thursday (26 March). In September 2024, Square Burgers signed a development agreement to open restaurants under the US brand in Scotland and subsequently launched the first Wendy’s in the country, in Paisley, Renfrewshire in December last year. Now, Square Burgers will bring Wendy’s to Dundee’s Reform Street, having converted the ex-Fridays and Go site, reports Dundee Culture. Wendy’s operates circa 50 sites in the UK.

 

Cote launches French-only online wine shop: Côte, the French brasserie brand, has launched Côte Uncorked, its first online wine shop. The platform is the first French-only online wine shop created by a UK restaurant group, offering more than 200 handpicked bottles alongside Côte’s first house, Côte Cuvée. Curated by Côte’s own wine experts, Côte Uncorked “brings together wine from France’s most celebrated regions” for nationwide home delivery. Côte has also introduced the Côte Cuvée range across its 69 brasseries nationwide, beginning with three wines: a red, white and rosé. The launch of Côte Uncorked follows the success of Côte At Home, the premium home delivery service featuring the brasserie’s finest cuisine, designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef Steve Allen. A Côte spokesperson said: “French wine has always been at the heart of Côte. For years our guests have asked if they could enjoy the wine they discover in our restaurants at home, particularly from iconic regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne. Côte Uncorked is our answer to that demand.” Côte Uncorked has also created a series of specialist selection cases, available in cases of six or 12 bottles.

 

Ambala Foods opens in High Wycombe: Ambala Foods, the manufacturer and retailer of Asian sweets acquired by Cake Box last year, has opened in High Wycombe. It has opened at 132 Desborough Road in the Buckinghamshire town, for its 31st site. Sukh Chamdal, Cake Box founder and chief executive at Ambala, said: “We are delighted to bring Ambala to High Wycombe. Our mission has always been to share the authentic taste of traditional Indian mithai, and we cannot wait to welcome the High Wycombe community with our delicious range of handmade sweets.” In November, Cake Box said the Ambala integration is “progressing well” and it expects to open ten new franchise stores for the brand in the financial year beginning 28 September 2025. Cake Box franchisee Bavinder Samra opened the first store in Scotland for Ambala Foods in July 2025.

 

Company of Cooks secures £11.5m catering deal with Edinburgh attraction Dynamic Earth: Company of Cooks, part of independent caterer CH&Co, has secured an £11.5m deal with Edinburgh attraction Dynamic Earth. The five-year deal sees the city’s only science centre and planetarium outsource its visitor and event catering for the first time. Company of Cooks is set to refresh the visitor café, Core, which will showcase Scottish producers with menus and offers that it said would reflect and complement the attraction’s learning programmes and exhibitions. Kevin Simpson, regional director, Company of Cooks, said: “Dynamic Earth is a world class science centre, and we look forward to developing the visitor and event catering provision to drive revenue, improve the customer experience and to support Dynamic Earth’s charitable objectives. This contract win also supports our ambition to grow our Scottish portfolio.”

 

Retro gaming concept plans Derby launch: Retro gaming concept Continue Arcades is planning to open in Derby. 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 last April, in the former Suite Dreams site in East Street in Taunton, followed by a third site and first in Wales, at 32-34 Princes Way in Swansea, in December. Propel reported earlier this week that Continue Arcades will next open in the former British Heart Foundation charity shop at 19 Southgate in Chichester, on Friday, 27 March, with six more sites in the pipeline. As part of that, Continue Arcades is now also seeking to open its furthest site north yet, at 24-26 East Street in Derby, reports Insider Media.

 

Refurbishment programme impacts London hotel operator Carnarvon: London hotel operator Carnarvon has said the refurbishment programme across its two sites led to a drop in turnover in the year to 31 May 2025, but it still has long-term confidence in the hospitality sector. The company, which operates the Rathbone hotel in Fitzrovia, and the Collingham aparthotel in South Kensington, reported turnover fell to £5,676,705 from £7,013,837 the previous year and posted a pre-tax loss of £460,218 compared with a profit of £534,562 in 2024. Ebitda for the year was £797,278 compared with £1,735,744 the prior year, which the business said follows primarily from a fall in gross profit of £1,045,163 on the reduced turnover. Carnarvon said: “Having completed the refurbishment of its hotel in South Kensington during the year, the company has been advancing with the refurbishment of its hotel in Fitzrovia to improve the standard of accommodation and facilities. The project is being undertaken on a floor-by-floor basis, with a minimum of 25% of the hotel's total bedrooms taken out of use at any one time through to the completion of the project anticipated in mid-2026. This has and will continue to have a significant negative impact on revenue but does allow the hotel to continue operating while minimising disturbance to guests. The economic environment continues to be challenging, aggravated by global events and conflicts adversely impacting on the number of UK inbound travellers; ongoing inflationary pressure on costs and overheads; and a shortage of unskilled labour. The directors continue to have long term confidence in the hospitality sector and particularly with their properties that both benefit from excellent location and relatively basic service requirements.”

 

North east African restaurant concept lodges plans for second site: North east African restaurant concept D&D African Restaurant has lodged plans for its second site. The business, which operates in Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough, is looking to open in the former Crombies café premises in Darlington. The 65-seat venue in Tubwell Row has been closed for several years. Now D&D African Restaurant, which offers Nigerian cuisine and “flavour-rich dishes”, has applied to Darlington Borough Council to open a site in the premises, reports the Northern Echo. Crombies was opened in 1933 by British Guyana-born Alexander Jamieson Crombie and his wife Katherine. The restaurant remained in the family but was put on the market in 2024.

 

North east Indian restaurant concept to open second site: North east Indian restaurant concept Abu’s is to open its second site. Abu Raihan and his father Abdul Mannan have operated Abu’s in Duke Street, Darlington, since 2019. Now the duo are launching their second site, in Harrogate. The restaurant will launch in Cheltenham Parade in the former Kinara Tandoori premises. Abu told the York Press they are moving to Harrogate as that is where he was born and his father used to run businesses there in the 1980s. In 1987, Mannan was also head chef at the site of the restaurant they are taking over, which was then known as Alishaan.