Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters targets 60-90 franchise sites in next five to seven years, with first opening in second quarter of 2026: Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters, the London cafe concept, has told Propel it is targeting 60-90 franchise sites in the next five to seven years, with the first opening in the second quarter of 2026. The company, which was founded by brothers Victor and Santiago Gamboa and their friend Adnan Millwala in 2018, launched its first franchise programme last week. Hermanos currently has ten locations in the capital – in Stratford, King’s Cross, Portobello Road, Barnes, Walworth, Hackney, Victoria, Walthamstow, Whitechapel and Aldgate. “We are launching the process alongside our specialist franchising partners, GNF Worldwide, and we are targeting the launch of our first franchise store in the second quarter of 2026,” Adnan told Propel. “Our primary focus is on experienced multi-site operators who share our passion for high-quality specialty coffee and culture. We are specifically seeking to grant area/sub-area development rights for key regional cities, as this structured approach will ensure successful and managed growth across the UK. Our initial strategic target for the UK market is to establish between 60 and 90 franchise locations within the next five to seven years. Based on current market growth projections and demand for authentic specialty coffee, we see a clear potential to exceed this target. We are also committed to maintaining a presence through corporate stores in key strategic areas that support brand positioning and innovation. Our future growth strategy is built on an approximate 80% franchise and 20% corporate store mix to maximise market penetration while retaining direct control over brand standards and new product development.” Adnan said the company’s equity stores are currently trading well, “which validates the timing of our franchise launch”. He added: “We have seen significant increased interest in high-quality specialty coffee with a focus on provenance. Within our current portfolio of ten shops, we have averaged a year-on-year revenue increase of circa 17%, with some individual sites achieving more than 20% year-on-year growth. This strong performance, particularly in high-footfall and travel-hub locations, demonstrates the scalability and resilience of the Hermanos model.” Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters will feature in the next UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database, which is exclusive to Premium Club subscribers. The latest edition features 380 companies. 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.

Panel about navigating technology during multi-site growth to be held at 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit, open for bookings: A panel about navigating technology during multi-site growth will be held at the 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Tasos Gaitanos and Alex Large, co-founders of Brother Marcus, Tommy Giraux, head of restaurant systems at Honest Burgers, and Bjarke Just Nielsen, chief executive and founder of Norrlyst, will lift the lid on their evolving technology stacks—what’s worked, what’s broken under pressure and what’s still on the wish list. From integration headaches to the tools that help preserve brand identity at scale, hear how they’re using technology to stay agile, aligned and guest focused. 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.

 

UKHospitality – ‘2026 must be the year shared frustrations turn into focused action’: UKHospitality has said 2026 “must be the year shared frustrations turn into focused action”. Writing in today’s (Friday, 18 December) Propel Friday Opinion, Allen Simpson, chief executive of the trade body, said he left the UKHospitality Christmas lunch this week “feeling two things at once”. He said: “Frustrated by the handbrake that successive policies have put on our sector but also fired up and proud by the extraordinary resilience, generosity and ambition of the people who make hospitality what it is. That duality is the reality we have to navigate, and it is why I believe 2026 must be the year shared frustrations turn into focused action. Hospitality has never had it easy. Challenges have been overcome before, and they can be overcome again. At times like this, we must come together as one, wherever we are in the country, whatever part of the industry we represent; pubs, hotels, restaurants, caterers, cafes, tourism and suppliers to name but a few. We are stronger together, with one clear voice.” Simpson will share more of his thoughts in Friday Opinion, which will be sent to Propel subscribers at 11am.

 

AI beds down in hospitality but cost pressures constrain investment: This year has seen artificial intelligence (AI) deepening its role in hospitality, but weak confidence about investment and knowledge are holding back productivity gains, the latest Business Confidence Survey from CGA by NIQ and Sona reveals. The poll of leaders of more than 13,000 hospitality venues found nearly three quarters (72%) are likely to implement AI solutions in the next 12 months, while more than half (58%) agree AI will bring positive changes to the industry, with only 8% disagreeing. Close to half (49%) of leaders said AI is helping with data-related functions like sales forecasts and reports, and 47% are deploying it in the creation of marketing materials. High numbers are also leveraging AI in reports (45%) and emails (43%). However, there is much less use so far in many other areas like staff shift scheduling (27%), HR functions (27%) and stock optimisation (12%). But only a quarter (26%) thought their business was equipped to implement AI solutions on a large scale – and the figure is almost twice as high (51%) at independent businesses. The survey also highlights the need for more education about AI-powered solutions. Levels of understanding are rising, and three in four (76%) said they know more about AI solutions than they did a year ago. While 47% of leaders learn more about solutions through online research and 37% have been helped by technology providers, other potential sources of knowledge have been less used – including staff champions (27%), consultants (27%) and trade shows (12%). This suggests an opportunity in 2026 for businesses to empower staff as AI champions – creating new roles and responsibilities that enhance careers rather than replace them. Karl Chessell, director hospitality operators and food EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “Freeing up spending and educating – from technology partners and in-house experts in particular – will be the two keys to unlocking the advantages of AI in 2026.” Paul Watson, vice-president of hospitality at Sona, added: “The research demonstrates hospitality leaders are eager to embrace AI. With the right tools and training, AI can create opportunities for staff and strengthen businesses through these challenging times.” 

James Hacon – hospitality is moving through a structural reset: James Hacon, managing partner at Think Hospitality Consulting, has said that hospitality isn’t heading for a single moment of disruption but “moving through a structural reset”. Writing in this week’s Propel Premium, Hacon sets out his predictions on those trends that will shape 2026 and the ones operators will need to quickly adapt to. Hacon said: “By 2026 and beyond, the brands that win won’t be the loudest or the most novel, but the most intentional, designed for new patterns of appetite, attention and control. The future of hospitality is not about more choice, more tech or more noise. It’s about clarity. Clarity of offer. Clarity of experience. Clarity of who owns the guest relationship. Clear decisions about whether you are fast or fantastic, automated or human, rented or owned. The brands that succeed beyond 2026 won’t chase trends. They’ll design for less, execute with intent, focus on value and protect the human moments machines can’t replace.” Propel Premium will be sent to Premium Club subscribers today (Friday, 19 December at 5pm. It will also feature Propel insight editor Mark Wingett’s alternative awards of the year, including comeback of the year, investor of the year and operators of the year. 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.

BBPA launches academy graduate scheme: The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has launched a one-of-a-kind, sector-wide graduate scheme in collaboration with some of the UK’s leading pub companies and breweries. The BBPA Academy will give graduates the opportunity to gain a breadth of experience with the guidance of industry experts, while focusing on their own professional development. The two-year scheme will recruit and train the next generation of industry leaders by creating an accessible route into the pubs and brewing industry. The BBPA is collaborating with Su Cacioppo (J D Wetherspoon), Admiral Taverns, Adnams, Daniel Thwaites, Everards, Greene King, Hall & Woodhouse, McMullen, Molson Coors Brewing Company UK, Robinsons Brewery & Pubs, Star Pubs, St. Austell Brewery and Timothy Taylor’s Brewery for the venture. Graduates will progress through six-month modules which will include industry experience, technical skills and training, development workshops, seminars and a formal review session. BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “We are very excited to be launching the BBPA Academy which will give graduates the chance to gain first class experience and be supported by some of the UK’s leading pub companies and breweries.” Andy Wilson, managing director of Everards and co-founder of the BBPA Academy, added: “I’m proud of the way the industry has come together to support this initiative. I genuinely hope this provides an outstanding career for ten graduates from next September that will continue for many years to come.”

 

Lisini Pub Company co-founder Kathleen Hood passes away: Kathleed Hood, co-founder of Lanarkshire operator Lisini Pub Company, has passed away following a short illness. The Lisini portfolio – which she co-founded with her husband Harry in 1969 – includes the Angels Hotel and Castle Rooms in Uddingston, Dalziel Park in Motherwell and the Parkville Hotel in Blantyre. The company said: “Kathleen was a true pioneer in Lanarkshire’s hospitality industry, dedicating more than 60 years to building one of the region’s most respected and enduring hospitality groups. From Angels Hotel, The Croft and Castle Rooms to Dalziel Park and the Parkville Hotel, her quiet leadership, high standards and unwavering values set the foundations we continue to work from every day. Known for her warmth, style and unwavering commitment, she touched the lives of countless colleagues, customers, and friends. Kathleen leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and excellence. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Our thoughts are with her family at this time.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a luxury hotel in Somerset that is seeking a director of spa and well-being. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The individual will be a visionary, hands-on leader with strong commercial acumen and a passion for excellence to oversee the spa, fitness and wellness operations. Ideally, they will have proven experience as a senior spa or well-being leader within a luxury hotel, resort, or wellness brand.” The salary is up to £85,000. For more information, email ed@corecruitment.com.

 

Ottolenghi ‘lays the foundation for sustainable long-term growth’ as turnover increases to record £36.6m: London restaurant and deli operator Ottolenghi has said it has “laid the foundation for sustainable long-term growth” as it reported turnover increased 19% to a record £36,618,790 for the year ending 31 March 2025 compared with £30,881,763 the previous year. The company, which operates nine sites under its eponymous brand and the Nopi and Rovi restaurants in London, saw adjusted Ebitda fall from £1.7m to £1.2m. The group said this was driven by initial trading losses at Bicester Village, which has since turned profitable. Exceptional costs during the period related to aborted projects, pre-opening and termination costs. In the prior year, exceptional costs related to pre-opening costs. The group, which made its international debut earlier this year with an opening in Switzerland and is set to launch in Holland, saw pre-tax losses increase to £2,216,046 from £941,725 the year before. In her report accompanying the accounts, chief executive Cornelia Staeubli stated: “The year was one of strategic investment and expansion, laying the foundation for sustainable long-term growth. The growth in turnover was driven by non-like-for-like site growth at Hampstead and Bicester Village following their opening in the year ended 31 March 2024, as well as growth in large event catering. Following the development of the new website, the company also saw a 21 % increase in online store turnover, supported by the new ‘Comfort’ cook book sales. In April 2024, the group launched a grocery range in Waitrose alongside a crafted selection of international retailers. In January 2025 the company opened its first international restaurant, at Mandarin Oriental Geneva. The directors are pleased with the performance of the site, which now cements the long-held knowledge that the existing global recognition of the brand paves the way for demand of a bricks and mortar channel internationally. In December 2024, the company successfully launched on Substack, reaching more than 300,000 subscribers after just six months. The platform has allowed the company to explore subscription-based content for the first time, reaching our loyal fan base across the world. We utilised £1m of a £2m revolving loan facility with HSBC to fund the opening of Richmond, our tenth UK site. Post year end, the loan was fully repaid and remains undrawn at the signing date of these accounts [17 December 2025]. The company had no capital commitments at the year end. Ottolenghi enters the next financial year with a strong balance sheet, a clear pipeline of grocery and international opportunities and a focused leadership team committed to profitable growth.” No dividend was paid (2024: nil).

Rockfish founder – ‘2026 will be about deepening our guest experience, Budget response will involve efficiencies across the business’: Mitch Tonks, founder of seafood restaurant group Rockfish, has told Propel that next year will be “about deepening our guest experience” and “bedding in” the three sites it has opened over the past 12 months alongside the rest of its mature estate. It comes after the 11-strong business reported turnover increased 6.5% to £15m for the year ending 30 April 2025 compared with £14.1m the previous year. In March, Rockfish opened its tenth site, in Lyme Regis, followed in June by Salcombe, which has become the group’s most successful launch to date. Work is now underway on the group’s 12th Rockfish, in Sidmouth, due to open in March. On recent trading and what the next year holds, Tonks told Propel: “There’s no doubt there are less people going to restaurants, but we have worked hard and continued focusing on delivering a great experience and are continuing like-for-like growth. In the last 12 months, we have opened three new locations. Next year will be about deepening our guest experience and bedding these sites in, alongside the rest of the mature estate. Alongside that, we will continue to invest in our online business, which is now seeing exponential growth, supplying more than 15,000 homes with the freshest seafood direct from the quayside.” On mitigating the impact of the latest Budget, Tonks said: “Behind quantifying the impact, we haven’t finalised the plan, but it will involve efficiencies across the business.”

Stonegate Group hires Elena Venkova as transformation director: Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has hired Elena Venkova as its new transformation director. Venkova will oversee the different elements of Stonegate’s transformation strategy and sit on the operations board, reporting to chief executive David McDowall. Venkova joins the circa 4,300-strong business after three and a half years at sector advisory firm AlixPartners, including the last two years as a senior vice-president. Venkova said: “This moment feels particularly special and reflective of the incredible opportunity within our industry. Like so many of us, my working life began in hospitality, waiting tables at 16, a role I continued for nearly a decade until the end of my post-graduate studies at the University of Cape Town. To now find myself in the boardroom, helping to shape the future of Stonegate Group, is a journey I could never have fully anticipated. What began as a transformation project during my time at AlixPartners has evolved into the most exciting and significant step in my career. Leading Stonegate’s transformation at a time of great opportunity for both the business and the wider industry is exactly the challenge I was hoping for.” Last month, it was reported that Stonegate was ramping up plans for a £1bn sale of more than 1,000 pubs as the company looks to pay down more than £3bn of debt.

 

Time Out Group completes £8m fundraise: Time Out Group has completed an £8m fundraise – launched to fund working capital, expand into new markets and invest in technology. The group announced yesterday (Thursday, 18 December) morning that it was “raising approximately £8m through a firm placing, conditional placing and retail offer at an issue price of 8p per new ordinary share, representing a discount to the previous closing price” – alongside a debt-to-equity conversion of £4.9m. In an update, the group said it had “successfully completed a firm and conditional placing, raising gross proceeds of approximately £8m by issuing 100,000,000 new ordinary shares at 8p per share”. The firm placing secured £2.9m from OCI for 35,726,000 shares, while the conditional placing raised £5.1m from other investors for 64,274,000 shares, contingent on shareholder approval. Additionally, the debt for equity conversion will see £4.9m of debt converted into shares. Chief executive Chris Ohlund and chief financial officer Matt Pritchard participated in the conditional placing, acquiring 1,250,000 and 250,000 shares respectively. The group also completed its retail offer, conditionally raising approximately £176,566 through the issuance of 2,207,069 new ordinary shares at 8.0 pence per share. This is contingent on shareholder approval and admission is expected on 7 January 2026. Following this, the Concert Party Group will hold 50.15% of the enlarged issued share capital. The fundraise comes as the group reported revenue of £73.2m the year to 30 June 2025 (2024: £103.1m, comparative using current accounting policy: £78.7m). Market revenue growth was up 9% to £46.7m, including the benefit of new openings in Porto and Barcelona. Media revenue declined 26% to £26.6m. Adjusted Ebitda was £7.1m (2024: £12.4m), including £10.7m from markets (2024 £12m) and a loss of £1.1m from media (2024: profit of £5.3m). Operating loss was £49.7m (2024: £0.4m loss), including £35.1m of non-cash impairment of certain market assets and media goodwill, and £9.2m of exceptional items relating to restructuring and non-recurring items.

 

US activist investor urges Whitbread review after Budget tax changes: Premier Inn owner Whitbread is facing calls from an American activist investor to rethink its business strategy, just weeks after warning the Budget would cost it up to £50m next year. Corvex, a New York-based hedge fund, told Whitbread it should begin a strategic review as it braces for big tax rises next year after changes announced by the chancellor Rachel Reeves. “Following the recently announced UK Budget and changes to rateable values and business rates, we believe the company should undertake a strategic review to assess its capital allocation priorities and overall strategic direction,” the fund said in a statement. Whitbread, which also owns the restaurant brands Beefeater and Brewers Fayre, has been squeezed by higher costs this year due to higher wage bills and rising food prices. The company is expected to come under further pressure as changes to the way business rates are calculated come into effect next year. Corvex argued Whitbread’s share price undervalued some of its assets, including its UK portfolio of leasehold properties, its German hotels and properties that are under construction. Corvex also called on Whitbread, which has more than 800 Premier Inn hotels in the UK, to review its current five-year capital plan, which involves about £3.5bn of investment. The hedge fund now owns a 6.05% stake in Whitbread, making it the company’s second biggest single shareholder, behind the US asset manager BlackRock. Corvex added it would seek a seat on Whitbread’s board. A spokesperson for Whitbread said: “Whitbread has a clear strategy and business model, and our five-year plan is designed to deliver strong returns for shareholders through growth in both the UK and Germany. We run our business for the long-term but remain flexible, and as stated in our announcement on 28 November, we are exploring various options to further drive profits, margins and returns in light of the impact of measures in the UK Budget.” Last month, the company said changes in the Budget would cost it £40m- £50m in its next financial year.

Brother Marcus to open site in London’s Victoria next month: London eastern Mediterranean restaurant concept Brother Marcus will open its new site in London’s Victoria next month. Propel revealed in October that the seven-strong Brother Marcus, which was founded by Tasos Gaitanos and Alex Large, was taking over Will Rickers’ former The Stone House site in the Nova development, which closed in the summer. Brother Marcus’ Victoria site will open on Monday, 26 January. The company said the opening will usher in a year of celebration for the group, which enters its tenth year since it opened its first venture in Balham in 2016. This year, the business has opened sites in Canary Wharf and Soho, as well as making its cocktail bar debut with Kamara in Poland Street. Brother Marcus told Propel in August that it was still targeting two to three openings next year, with a first regional site “under consideration” and expected to open in early 2026. The company also said it would open further Kamara bars alongside new Brother Marcus sites “where the opportunity fits”, and that “if the concept proves strong enough, stand-alone Kamara sites are very much on the table”.

 

Former McDonald’s franchise consultant becomes franchisee after three decades with business: Former McDonald’s franchise consultant Mike Wallace has become a franchisee after three decades with the brand. Wallace first joined McDonald’s as a staff member in Widnes, Cheshire, in 1996, before working his way up to business manager, operations consultant and, finally, franchise consultant over the next 30 years. He has now formed his own franchise business with the brand, trading as MAG Restaurants. “When I joined the McDonald’s team at Widnes in 1996, I knew this was a company I wanted to be a part of for the long haul,” Wallace said. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with one of the world’s most iconic brands, progressing through the system and collaborating with incredible teams and individuals who’ve helped shape my journey. I’ve always dreamed big and set ambitious goals – and becoming a franchisee was at the top of that list. I’m proud to say that dream is now a reality. The opportunity to go from crew member to franchisee is something I’ve worked hard for, and I’m thrilled to continue my journey with a brand I love. Having worked closely with franchisees across the UK, I’ve seen the impact they make every day: building strong teams, supporting local communities, and delivering consistent, high-quality experiences. Now, I’m honoured to take on that responsibility myself. Being a franchisee is about more than running restaurants. It’s about investing in people, creating opportunities, and making a positive difference. Here’s to the next chapter, and to building something special.”

 

Which Wich to make Welsh debut next month followed by second site in the spring and first Scottish location in the summer: US hot customisable sandwich brand Which Wich will make its Welsh debut next month, followed by second site there in the spring, and then a first Scottish location in the summer, Propel has learned. Which Wich, which has more than 400 locations worldwide, currently has two UK sites – both in London – and is being rolled out here by master franchisee Rami Awada. Which Wich signed a multi-franchise agreement in July with Breaking Brands, the UK master franchisee for Coyote Ugly led by Steve Lewis, with a debut site earmarked for Cardiff’s St David’s shopping centre. Which Wich also said last month that it would open five new UK sites in 2026, including a Scottish debut following the signing of another franchise agreement. Propel understands the St David’s site will now open in January, followed closely by a site at Cardiff Bus Interchange in March or April. The first Scottish location is then expected to follow in the summer months. A company spokesman said: “2025 has been a year of meaningful collaboration. One of our standout partnerships has been with Nestlé’s Seattle’s Best Coffee, which is relaunching in the UK. We’re excited to see this partnership materialise and grow, enhancing our in-store experience and strengthening our premium offer moving forward. Alongside this, our catering and delivery channels have seen significant growth, reinforcing Which Wich’s relevance beyond the four walls and unlocking new revenue opportunities for our partners. Multiple new franchisees are about to be added to the pipeline shortly, covering several key territories within the UK, and setting the stage for another strong year of expansion.”

 

Center Parcs completes £10.5m investment in new leisure attractions: Center Parcs has completed more than £10.5m of investment in new leisure attractions across its six UK and Ireland villages, marking one of the most significant expansions of its activity offering in more than a decade. At Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, the investment has delivered three new attractions. These include the TAG Challenge Arena, a technology-led competitive experience, new padel courts, and a Woodcraft Workshop offering creative activities for families. The village has also added crazy pool and shuffleboard within its latest gastropub, The Dozing Duck. Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire has seen the launch of The Entertainment Hive, featuring interactive games such as “puttify”, interactive shuffle and interactive darts, alongside Immersive Gamebox, a group gaming experience using projection mapping, touchscreens and motion tracking technology. A second Woodcraft Workshop has also been introduced to meet growing demand. At Longleat Forest in Wiltshire, new attractions include Adventure Nets, a suspended network of nets, tunnels, ball zones and treehouses, alongside Hypershock, a laser tag experience with enhanced visual and gameplay elements. Elveden Forest in Suffolk has welcomed the Treetop Glider, a 180-metre suspended ride allowing guests to travel at speed through the forest canopy. Meanwhile, Whinfell Forest in Cumbria has launched a second iteration of The Entertainment Hive, adding immersive arena-based games and a high-tech batting experience known as The Bat Cage, alongside the new Escape the Forest escape room concept. Escape the Forest has also recently opened at Center Parcs’ Longford Forest village in Ireland, extending the concept beyond the UK. Earlier this month, Center Parcs received the green light for its first site in Scotland, in the Scottish Borders near Hawick.

 

Mitchells & Butlers to invest £2.3m across three transport hub based All Bar One sites: Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) is to invest £2.3m to refurbish and extend three of its All Bar One sites based in transport hubs. All Bar One Birmingham airport T2 airside, All Bar One Edinburgh airport 1 West and All Bar One Birmingham New Street station are undergoing design-led upgrades tailored to cater for the high-footfall locations. M&B said: “Reopening today (Friday, 19 December), Birmingham airport T2 airside will offer a new, improved main entrance and a defined dining and bar area, along with upgraded lighting, natural timber floor and brick wall finishes. This will be followed by the expansion of Edinburgh airport 1 West, opening on 7 February. Work will see an extension of the site on to the concourse area, adding 30 more covers, alongside enhancements to layout to increase visibility within the terminal. Birmingham New Street station will see the most extensive refurbishment, expanding into a new unit within the station with an additional 90 covers, bringing the total capacity to 235, along with a redesigned bar area and new customer toilets. Set to reopen on 6 March, the new larger unit is designed to meet increased commuter and leisure demand.” All Bar One operations director Menesh Modhwadia said: “These refurbishments reflect our continued investment in high-performing transport locations, where both footfall and dwell time are increasing. By evolving the design and flow of these sites, we're able to trade more effectively while staying true to our core focus: serving great food and drink and creating enjoyable moments for guests.”

Holiday park operator Blue Anchor Leisure reports decline in turnover and profit following ‘difficult trading conditions’: Holiday park operator Blue Anchor, which operates 18 sites across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, has reported a decline in turnover and profit in the year to 31 December 2024 following “difficult trading conditions”. The company’s turnover fell from £29,249,000 in 2023 to £28,379,000 while its pre-tax profit was down from £2,400,000 to £1,935,000. Of the 2024 turnover, £15,840,000 came from site rentals (2023: £15,066,000), £5,742,000 from caravan sales (2023: £7,383,000) and £1,155,000 from log cabin sales (2023: £1,014,000). Dividends of £2.5m were paid (2023: £3m). A new loan was taken out with Natwest during the year, repayable monthly until its maturity in April 2040. Director Peter Holmes said: “Turnover has shown a small decrease for the company and pre-tax profits have declined. The directors are pleased with these results given the difficult trading conditions in the year with the increasing energy costs and inflationary pressures being faced in the economy. Our business remains well financed and in a good position to take advantage of increases in demand as the inflationary pressures faced by customers decline. Caravan sales have started to increase as the economic uncertainty of previous years starts to improve. Holiday bookings have also remained strong.”

 

Coventry brewery Dhillon’s expands outside city by launching sports bar in Swansea: Coventry brewery Dhillon’s Brewery has expanded outside of the city by launching a sports bar in Swansea. The company, owned by Dal Dhillon, has launched The Swansea Jack, the new official sports bar of Championship football club Swansea City, in Little Wind Street. The venue exclusively serves Golden Boy, the lager created in honour of Welsh footballer Ivor Allchurch, who played more than 500 games for Swansea between 1947 and 1968. The Swansea Jack has been created as a dedicated hub for Swansea City supporters, offering live sport, food and drink and a welcoming space for fans of all ages. Dhillon said: “It means a great deal to us that Esme (Ivor’s wife) and the Allchurch family are supporting the opening of The Swansea Jack. Golden Boy embodies the values of pride, community and heritage that are at the heart of this venue.” Dhillon launched Dhillon’s Brewery in 2015 at Hales Industrial Estate in Longford. The company also operates venues including Spire Bar and Sky Blue Tavern in Coventry city centre, and three sites within Coventry City FC’s CBS Arena. In August, it also revealed plans to launch Elle’s Foodhall, a venue at Coventry train station that will include food vendors, barista coffee and a bar.

Suffolk hotel group secures £2m loan from director to repay existing bank borrowings: Suffolk hotel group The Hotel Folk has revealed it has secured a £2m loan from a director that has been used to repay existing bank borrowings. It comes as the company, which was founded in 1996 and operates six hotels as well as a country club, spa and several restaurants within its premises, reported a pre-tax loss of £153,606 for the year ending 30 September 2024 compared with a profit of £208,609 the previous year. Turnover increased 2.8% to £15,468,053 compared with £15,040,444 the year before. In her report accompanying the accounts, director Joan Whybrow said: “The company achieved a healthy growth in sales through successful marketing strategies and activation that enabled it to cope with the cost pressures faced by the wider hospitality industry. Growth occurred across all revenue streams, most marked in food and liquor sales supported by strong occupancy and average daily rate in accommodation revenue. A highlight is the continued growth at Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel, reflected by the investment, allowing increases in average daily rate. Good performance and subsequent cash flows have allowed for capital investment with a further 13 hotel bedrooms refurbished in the year, predominately at The Swan in Lavenham. Combining this and the previous financial year together, a total of 93 bedrooms have been refreshed, 47% of the total bedroom stock. Since the balance sheet date, the company has obtained an unsecured loan of £2,000,000 from a director. The loan is interest free and repayable on demand. The cash proceeds were used to repay existing loans repayable to the bank. Overall, the future position of the business is robust, fit, and able to maximise another strong year of trading.” No dividend was paid (2023: £300,000).

 

Bart & Taylor confirms January launch for Covent Garden cocktail bar: Bart & Taylor Collection, which operates sites in the south east and north of England, has confirmed its new cocktail bar in London’s Covent Garden will open in January. The group is partnering with award-winning bartender and drinks author Angelos Bafas to open the New York City-inspired cocktail bar Cato at 17 Mercer Street in Seven Dials. The 2,200 square-foot, 100-cover space will be spread across two floors and takes inspiration from Alexander Cato, the world’s first celebrity bartender. On the ground floor, The House of Julep will serve as a welcoming entry point centred around the julep – the cocktail Cato made famous in the 1800s. In the basement, Cato will offer a more intimate setting built around its main cocktail menu. Signature drinks include Brown (blending Scotch whiskies with foraged medlar and mushroom spirit, brown vermouth, fermented wild mushrooms and smoked Cornish tea); Green (made with pod pea vodka, Norfolk shiso, south Devon jalapeño liqueur, dry vermouth and gooseberry brine); and Yellow (featuring chamomile spirit, foraged sweet clover, yellow jun and dried meadowsweet). Completing the venue, Cato’s Study will act as a creative laboratory, with a communal table hosting masterclasses, pop-ups and experimental serves. Food at Cato will feature “elevated American classics” including fried oysters alongside burgers and toasties.

 

London bakery concept Fred opens second site: London bakery concept Fred, co-founded by Burak Demirelli, the restaurateur behind Faros London and Lokal restaurant, has opened its second site. Following its flagship outlet in Holborn, Fred has launched at 52-53 Margaret Street in Oxford Circus. Founded in 2021, Fred offers crafted bread, pastries, sandwiches and drinks. There are also focaccia pizzas with a range of toppings. The Oxford Circus bakery features a split-level layout with seating on both floors. The name “Fred” reflects the bakery’s origins: born from the first two letters of “fresh” and the final letter of “baked”. Faros operates restaurants in Holborn and Oxford Circus. Demirelli is also set to launch a new Mediterranean restaurant in the capital, having acquired the lease of 7–8 Market Place in Fitzrovia.

 

Dr Martens launches cafe concept in new London store: Shoe retailer Dr Martens has launched a cafe concept in its new London store. The Doctor’s Orders café has launched within the flagship Dr Martens store at 39 Brewer Street in Soho, reports Hot Dinners. Collaborations include Dalston bakery Dusty Knuckle, which is serving up two veggie toasties – a spiced spinach and potato toastie with red onion, Kashmiri chilli sauce and date and tamarind chutney, and a cheese and leek toastie featuring brown butter and a pickled mustard seed house sourdough. Luminary Bakery offers lemon loaves, peanut butter cookies, carrot cakes and more, and there's coffee and hot chocolate from Old Spike Roastery in Peckham, plus tea courtesy of London-based Nemi Teas.

 

RBH Hospitality Management opens Courtyard by Marriott Sheffield: Hotel management company RBH Hospitality Management has opened a new hotel – Courtyard by Marriott Sheffield. Located at the entrance to the city’s manufacturing hub, the Advanced Manufacturing Park, the 150-bedroom property is owned by Stapleford Ventures and operated by RBH. The opening strengthens RBH’s relationship with Marriott International following deals for The Edinburgh Grand and Old Town Chambers earlier this year. At the heart of the property is Aspen Restaurant & Bar, with the hotel also offering modern meeting and event facilities and a fitness centre. David Hart, chief executive of RBH Hospitality Management, said: “Courtyard by Marriott Sheffield is a valuable addition to our portfolio, marking our first property in Sheffield. The opening also strengthens our long-term relationship with Marriott International as we continue to make progress against our strategic objectives of expanding our portfolio across the UK and operating a diverse mix of brands across the hotel chain scale.”

 

Shropshire brewing company secures first bricks and mortar premises: Shropshire brewing company Wildman has secured its first bricks and mortar premises. Wildman, which primarily produces coffee and spirits, has moved into a refurbished commercial unit on the Bradford Estates-owned Lizard Lane Business Village in Shifnal. In its new home, Wildman will operate a coffee roastery, along with a distillery producing gin, vodka, rum and liqueur. The business also produces dehydrated garnishes such as fruit slices, with plans to expand into sugar syrups. Managing director Timothy Evans said: “We plan to expand the business, to grow from wholesale distribution to include a café and restaurant as well as a shop all in the local area.”