Exclusive – Lance Batchelor steps down as Burger King UK chair: Lance Batchelor, the former chief executive of Domino’s Pizza, has stepped down as chair of the Bridgepoint-backed Burger King UK, after just over two years in the role. Batchelor, also former chief executive of Saga and Tesco Mobile, has been chair at Burger King since November 2023, taking over from Martin Robinson. During this period, the business achieved like-for-like sales growth of 11% and an Ebitda improvement of 20%, opening 21 new restaurants and completing more than 50 refurbishments. Burger King UK chief executive Alasdair Murdoch told Propel: “It has been a privilege to work with Lance, and we are very grateful for his contributions to our growth journey.” Batchelor told Propel: “I'm immensely proud of all that we've achieved with Burger King UK, and I wish Alasdair and his outstanding team all the very best on the next stage of their journey.” Batchelor is succeeded by Adam Jones, formerly chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Bridgepoint and chief financial officer of Pret A Manger. Jones also chairs Itsu, the healthy Asian food brand created by Julian Metcalfe. Murdoch said under Bridgepoint's ownership, since 2018, Burger King UK has opened more than 130 restaurants, “while (total system) like-for-like sales have compounded at 5% per annum and total sales have more than doubled in excess of $1bn in the UK”. In December, Murdoch told Propel there is still “a lot of white space for us to grow into” – with around 80% of the brand’s openings this year set to be drive-thrus. Murdoch was speaking after the business, which operates 574 restaurants – 284 of which are directly owned with the remainder sub-franchises – saw revenue in 2024 increase 7% to £408.3m, with underlying Ebitda climbing 12% to £26m.

Premium Club subscribers to receive new searchable and segmented New Openings Database on Friday: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club subscribers on Friday (6 March), at noon. The database will show the details of 141 site openings, including which company has opened a site or its plans to open one in the future. The database will have details on what type of site it is and its location, and there will also be a website link to the businesses. The database is published on a monthly basis and Premium Club subscribers will also receive a 9,156-word report on the 141 new additions to the database. It is segmented into seven categories – cafe bakery, casual dining, experiential leisure, fine dining, hotels, pubs and bars, and quick service restaurants – making it even easier for users to search. The database includes new openings in the casual dining sector by London Malaysian concept Med Salleh, Bancone, the modern pasta restaurant, and Italian casual dining franchise concept Ci Gusta. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club subscribers also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel 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.

Hotville co-founder – ‘competition from US brands is good for UK chicken concepts’: Ali Rajani, co-founder of Nashville hot chicken concept Hotville, has told Propel that competition from US brands “is good for UK concepts”. Hotville, which was founded in 2021 by Ali and his business partners, currently has five sites and said earlier this month it will open six more this year. It comes as Dave’s Hot Chicken expands rapidly in the UK, while Raising Cane’s prepares to launch here this year – following in the footsteps of fellow US brands like Popeyes, Wingstop and Slim Chickens. But Rajani chooses to see it as healthy competition, saying: “We see it as a good thing. It’s educating the consumer about hot chicken, and we’re confident that once that happens, they will try different domestic brands. It’s competition to an extent, but that’s always good as it keeps you on your toes and developing your product. We’re experimenting with lower heats levels, as some of the regions we’re going into may have different tastes. You just have to make sure you distinguish yourself, and we see ourselves as catering for the whole family, with more menu items than some of the brands coming over.” Of those six sites set to open this year, the first will be a second Birmingham location, slated for mid-March, followed by Sheffield and Cardiff – with further stores set to open in Liverpool, Luton and Uxbridge in west London as the business expands beyond its Midlands base. Although Rajani said there is the potential for further equity openings, Hotville’s expansion will be franchise-led, with its first franchise store, in Nottingham, 16 months in and doing “really well”. He added: “That franchisee has signalled he wants to do a few more, and we’re in discussions with a potential multi-site franchisee.”

Labour’s war on pubs ‘has made the £10 pint a reality’: Most Londoners have grown used to paying around £7 for a pint, but the average price of a beer is on course to hit £10 within a decade, Telegraph analysis has revealed. To survive, pubs will need to increase prices, which, on current trends, will spiral beyond £10 in the capital for an average pint by 2036. The rest of the nation is likely to reach the same level by 2047. The figures were forecast based on recent increases to wages, taxes, utility bills and the price of wholesale goods, costs that fall largely outside of a pub landlord’s control. On average, a pint in London is currently £6.92, of which pubs make 17p in profit, a margin of just 2.5%, according to analysis of figures published by the British Beer & Pub Association. This is what’s left for landlords after a barrage of costs, including £1.15 in VAT, 66p in alcohol duty, 16p in business rates, 24p in employment taxes and 3p in corporation tax. The cost of buying the beer itself is estimated at £1.75, while wages are £1.38 and utility bills add another 22p. Other expenses, which range from rent to cutlery, come in at £1.16. A decade on from now, the breakdown looks even bleaker. Pubs in the capital will need to charge £10.08 per pint in order to maintain that 2.5% profit margin. Wages will cost £2.27, the beer in the glass combined with alcohol duty will hit £3.14 and VAT alone will set you back £1.68 per pint. Employment taxes are forecast to comprise 40p of a pint price, utility bills add 28p and corporation tax costs 4p. Other costs rolled together add a further £1.69.

Jeremy King – reviving Simpson’s in the Strand will be ‘the apotheosis of my career’: Restaurateur Jeremy King has said reviving Simpson’s in the Strand, which will reopen next month, will be “the apotheosis of my career”. King, who has opened two new London restaurants under his own name, the Park and Arlington – the latter on the former site of Le Caprice, over the past 18 months, told The Guardian he fell in love with Simpson’s 40 years ago and has been courting its owners, the adjacent Savoy hotel, for more than 20. “I have always enjoyed the romance of historical restaurants, but as the last of the grande dame restaurants in London, Simpson’s was always going to be my heart’s desire, as it allowed us to immerse the guests in Edwardian opulence,” King said. “There are very few restaurants outside of hotels that have been purpose built, and the sheer generosity of the architecture – its multiple spaces, extravagant design and sense of authority – are all so beguiling. It is unlikely we will ever see institutions like this again because the excessive cost conspires against profitability.” King concedes even the grandest establishments can become “spent”. He said: “It requires a great deal of determination and energy to rejuvenate and hence they sometimes change hands, the baton is passed, and they emerge either as a celebration of the history or completely changed. I am enjoying celebrating Simpson’s.” King will be among the speakers at the first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, which is open for bookings. Over the past 45 years, King has changed the way London eats, creating some of the city’s most iconic dining rooms and restoring others to their former glory. King, who has been described as the greatest living London restaurateur, talks to Propel chief operating officer – editorial, Mark Wingett, about how his return to the sector has gone, what has been different this time and where he sees the restaurant market in the capital going. The conference takes place on Wednesday, 25 March, at the Park Plaza, Victoria. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium subscribers who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com

Burger King testing AI-powered headsets in US: Burger King is testing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered headsets that can recite recipes, alert managers when inventories are low and even track how friendly employees are to customers. Restaurant Brands International – the company that owns Burger King, Popeyes and other brands – is currently testing the OpenAI-powered headsets in 500 US restaurants. The system collects data on restaurant operations and shares it via “Patty”, a voice that talks to employees through their headsets. If the drink machine is low on Diet Coke, Patty will tell the store’s manager. If a customer uses a QR code to report a messy bathroom, the manager will be alerted. Employees can ask Patty how to make various menu items or tell Patty to remove items from digital menus if they’ve run out of ingredients. Burger King said it’s also exploring using Patty as a way to improve customer service. The system can track when employees say key words like “welcome”, “please” and “thank you” and share that with managers. When asked about that capability, Burger King said the intent is to use Patty as a coaching tool, not a tracker of individual employees. “It’s not about scoring individuals or enforcing scripts,” Burger King said. “It’s about reinforcing great hospitality and giving managers helpful, real-time insights so they can recognise their teams more effectively.” 

Licensed Trade Charity reports record year of support: The Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) has reported a record year of support in 2025. The charity’s annual impact report revealed it supported approximately 45,000 people across the year, a like-for-like uplift of 12.5%. In addition, the charity awarded more than £1.8m in grants and services to beneficiaries navigating financial difficulties, increasing its industry provision from £1.5m awarded in 2024. LTC’s free and confidential 24/7 helpline also received more than 6,000 calls last year, up from 3,959 in 2024. The LTC recently launched a new employee assistance programme provision for hospitality businesses, and a well-being platform featuring more than 6,500 videos, guides, podcasts and live chat. In addition, the charity runs five fee paying schools, with the income reinvested to help more people in the sector and safeguard the charity’s long-term future. LTC chief executive Chris Welham said: “Last year, we achieved an incredible amount as a charity, continuing to deliver on our mission to transform lives and unleash the potential of those working, or who have previously worked, in the licensed hospitality sector. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters, partners and fundraisers, who help us raise awareness and extend our reach.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a white label sector company that is seeking a head of new business. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The head of new business will need to build a national on-trade strategy, with a focus on developing product for national groups, managing stakeholder relationships, deliver on targets and support in new product development launching. The individual will need to work from the south London office three days per week, along with travelling to prospecting clients.” The salary is up to £70,000. For more information, email mark@corecruitment.com

BrewDog expected to announce sale this week, C&C Group linked, German business to be liquidated: Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog expects to announce the sale of its business early this week, the chief executive has said in an email to staff. It comes as C&C Group, the Bulmers and Magners owner, is the latest to be linked to a rescue deal for parts of BrewDog. Sky News reported that C&C Group, which has a market valuation of just over £430m, is among the parties in serious negotiations with advisers to BrewDog. As suggested in Propel Premium last month, C&C's interest is said to be principally in BrewDog's brand portfolio and brewing capacity rather than its bar estate. BrewDog, which was founded by friends James Watt and Martin Dickie in 2007, has breweries and pubs around the globe, including about 60 in the UK. BrewDog was put up for sale through restructuring firm AlixPartners last month following five years of consecutive losses. Staff were also told BrewDog's German arm – which includes a brewery and bar in Berlin – would not be included in the sale and will now be liquidated. In the email update seen by BBC Scotland News, BrewDog chief executive James Taylor said it was a difficult decision and apologised “for the uncertainty this creates”. To ensure a smooth transition to new ownership, he said the firm would temporarily suspend its online sales. However, Taylor confirmed BrewDog bars would continue to trade as normal. He said there had been “a great deal of interest” from potential buyers, and a full update would be issued at a company-wide “all hands” meeting early this week. Royal Unibrew Group, which is listed in Copenhagen, and Watt are among those rumoured to be interested in buying all or parts of the business. Propel understands out of the group’s circa 70-strong bar estate, only circa 25 make positive site Ebitda, with Waterloo generating circa £3m and Las Vegas circa £1m. 

Black Sheep Coffee to open first UK drive-thrus this year, plans 60 new sites in the capital as it signs Central London development deal: Speciality coffee operator Black Sheep Coffee has said it will open its first UK drive-thrus this year. It comes as the company has signed a Central London development deal for a minimum of ten stores. The agreement, covering the City of London, Tower Hamlets and Hackney, forms part of broader plans to open 60 additional sites across London in the coming years – a move that would more than double the brand’s footprint in the capital. The territory will be developed by unnamed new franchise partners joining the Black Sheep Coffee network for the first time. The company said Central London remains a natural growth market, and openings are expected to focus on high-footfall high streets, shopping centres and business hubs. Alongside its London expansion, the brand is continuing to grow regionally, with 2026 set to see new store openings in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Exeter. Oliver Brown, head of property acquisitions at Black Sheep Coffee, said: “On the back of a record trading year and a significant number of experienced operators coming on board as franchisees, our appetite for new locations is bigger than ever before. We have seen Black Sheep Coffee locations outperform expectations in every setting, including high streets, shopping centres and retail parks, with our first UK drive-thrus due to open in 2026. We are seeking 1,500-2,500 square-foot locations nationwide with high footfall, prominence, visibility and great signage.”

M&B trialling golf-based competitive socialising concept: Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), the All Bar One and Harvester owner, has begun trialling a new competitive socialising concept based around golf called Puttside, Propel has learned. The Phil Urban-led business is understood to be working on a “low-key trial” of Puttside, which will be housed within its sites. The concept comes with the tagline – “Eat, Putt, Play”. It is not the first time the business has introduced a competitive socialising concept within its sites. In the summer of 2022, Propel revealed M&B was preparing to launch a new competitive socialising concept called Arrowsmiths, in one of its sites in the West Midlands. The interactive darts experience was subsequently launched in the O’Neill’s in Solihull, featuring six individual booths for groups of up to 12 people. The Toby Carvery and Browns operator has since rolled out the concept to 14 of its sites across the country, the majority operating under its O’Neill’s brand. Last month, M&B reported “very strong” trading over the festive season, including a record-breaking Christmas Day, increased its like-for-like sales in the 15 weeks to 10 January 2026 by 4.5% with total sales growth of 3.5% versus the prior year. During this period, food like-for-like sales increased 5.1%, with drink sales up 3.8%. For the seven weeks to 10 January 2026, like-for-like sales were up 5.2%, with food like-for-like sales up 5.6% and drinks up 4.7%.

Traders ramp up bets against Greggs as weight-loss jabs eat away profits: The number of traders betting against Greggs has surged on doubts that it can fatten sales while uptake of weight-loss drugs booms. Short positions taken out on the food-to-go brand, which make holders money if the stock falls, topped 13.2% of its shares last Wednesday (25 February), according to Castellain Capital – making it the most-shorted stock in London. The biggest bet – at nearly 2.5% of its shares – is from US bank JP Morgan, while Citadel Advisors, run by Ken Griffin, is second with 1.2%. The bets have soared on fears that the popularity of hunger-suppressing jabs such as Mounjaro and Ozempic could hit sales at Greggs. Tomorrow (Tuesday, 3 March), the brand is expected to report a £170m profit for 2025, down from £204m the year before. Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie has previously admitted customers were gravitating to smaller portions and looking for more information on protein and fibre content.

Exclusive – Insomnia Cookies UK MD steps down to take helm at Padel Project: Ben Lacey has stepped down as UK managing director of late-night bakery brand Insomnia Cookies, to become chief executive of Padel Project, Propel has learned. Lacey steps down after three years at Insomnia Cookies, which he joined following more than four years at Deliveroo, during which the brand grew from scale-up to a public company. He was regional director at the food delivery business, overseeing growth in the north of the UK as well as the south on an interim basis, giving him overall responsibility for the business outside of London. Under him, Insomnia Cookies launched in the UK and has grown to nine sites across England. Propel revealed last month the brand had lined up its first opening in London, at 177 Camden High Street. Insomnia Cookies also recently applied to open a site in Exeter’s Queen Street. Last month, Propel also reported Insomnia Cookies had hired Andrew Phillips, formerly of Five Guys and Krispy Kreme, as its new head of operations. Padel Project UK currently has locations in Darlington, Lytham St Annes, Potters Bar, Worthing and South Shields. Late last year, the company submitted an application to Hull City Council for a development at Hull Rugby Union Football Club in Chanterlands Avenue. Lacey said: “I have made the difficult decision to leave [Insomnia Cookies] after an awesome three years in which we launched the brand into the UK market, scaled to nine sites and have built a pipeline to double the business again this year. However, some opportunities are simply too good to miss and that’s certainly the case with my next move. I’m thrilled to join Padel Project UK as chief executive. Like many, I’ve really caught the padel bug over the past couple of years and can’t wait to realise the full potential of this brilliant business.”

Edinburgh pub and restaurant business Montpeliers hires new MD: Edinburgh pub and restaurant business Montpeliers has hired Sean Weeraratna as its new managing director. Weeraratna has joined from Gaucho, the Baton Berisha-led restaurant group, where he had been for eight years and was regional operations director. He replaces Innes Bolt, who has stepped down after eight years. Montpeliers owner David Wither said: “We would like to thank Innes for his leadership and contribution over the past eight years, during which time the business navigated significant industry challenges while continuing to evolve our venues and offering, and we wish him every success for the future. Sean’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the group. His commitment to operational excellence, leadership credentials and deep understanding of premium hospitality make him ideally placed to guide the business into its next phase, and we are confident the energy and direction he brings will support our continued investment in our people, venues and guest experience.” Montpeliers operates five venues across Edinburgh – Tigerlily, Rabble, Indigo Yard, Montpeliers Bar & Brasserie and late-night lounge Coco. Propel reported last month that Gaucho had hired Jamie Belton to replace Weeraratna. Belton has more than 25 years’ leadership experience working for brands such as The Ivy Collection and DÍON in Dublin.

Heartwood Collection adds Dorset hotel to growing rooms estate: Heartwood Collection, the Alchemy Partners-backed business, has acquired The Lord Bute, a hotel and restaurant in Highcliffe, Dorset, Propel has learned. The property sits adjacent to Heartwood Collection’s existing pub, The Oaks, and will undergo a significant refurbishment before reopening as an extension of the pub. For the first time, The Oaks will offer overnight accommodation, with 19 boutique-style bedrooms created as part of the redevelopment. In parallel, Heartwood Inns also plans to refurbish the existing pub to a “premium standard”. The acquisition strengthens the group’s presence across the south of England and marks its third site in Dorset. Richard Ferrier, chief executive of Heartwood Collection, said: “When the opportunity arose to acquire a hotel and restaurant adjacent to our existing pub, we couldn’t believe our luck. We are delighted to welcome The Lord Bute to Heartwood Inns and intend to invest significantly in both properties. They will operate under The Oaks name, with an autumn opening looking realistic.” The company, which last month acquired The Lord Byron in Trumpington, Cambridge, said it is “well on track” to reach 500 bedrooms by June 2027. The business, which opened its 35th pub, The Woodman in Southgate, north London, last month, said the Trumpington site will undergo a rebranding and reopen in late 2026 as The Meadowlark, a 19-bedroom “pub with rooms”.

Fazenda ‘monitoring opportunities for selective expansion’ after reporting record profit and turnover: Premium casual South American operator Fazenda, which operates five regional sites across the UK plus one in London, has said it is “monitoring opportunities for selective expansion” after reporting record profit and turnover in the year to 31 December 2025. The company reported pre-tax profit of £2,005,341 off turnover of £28,827,796. Of this, £21,664,717 came from food sales and £7,163,079 from drink sales. In the previous period, over the nine months from 1 April 2024 to 31 December 2024, the company reported a pre-tax loss of £296,564 and turnover of £20,927,896. Of this, £15,385,691 came from food sales and £5,542,205 from drink sales. No dividends were paid (2024: nil). Director Terence Langley said: “Despite ongoing challenges across the hospitality sector, including cost inflation and competitive pressures, the company maintained a strong market position during the year. The company continues to monitor opportunities for selective expansion and will pursue such opportunities where suitable sites become available and where they align with strategic objectives, operational capacity and disciplined capital investment criteria, supporting sustainable growth and an enhanced market presence.”

London community food market Mercato Metropolitano restructuring head office operations to ‘strengthen operational resilience’: London community food market Mercato Metropolitano is restructuring its head office operations as it looks to restore margin and “strengthen operational resilience”. The group currently operates sites in London’s Elephant & Castle, Mayfair and Wood Wharf while its Ilford venue, which opened in July 2024, is temporarily closed while a new strategy is put in place. Updating on the company’s position in its accounts for the year ending 31 December 2024, the directors stated: “To restore margin and strengthen operational resilience, the group commenced a restructuring of its headquarters activities during 2025, designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency and free up resources devoted to business development. The restructuring remains in progress and is expected to deliver significant savings, which will be redirected to growth initiatives.” The accounts also showed in January 2025 the group's owner made a £1m payment to the landlord of the Mercato Mayfair market to settle arrears relating to rent and service charges. Operations at the Ilford market were scaled back and, from 10 March 2025, all activities were paused. The Elephant & Castle site is scheduled to close at the end of July 2026 due to redevelopment of the area and Mercato Metropolitano said it has secured a nearby temporary location to continue operations. It comes as the group reported turnover increased to £11,104,380 for the year ending 31 December 2024 compared with £10,759,560 the year before. Pre-tax losses almost halved to £1,095,217 from £1,999,264 the previous year. The group previously told Propel it is exploring international opportunities and in the accounts, the directors said that remains a focus along with organic growth within the UK. The group has been in talks on a site in Oval, south London. No dividend was paid (2023: nil).

Farm-to-fork salad and seasonal bowl concept Bewliehill to open third site: Bewliehill, the sustainable, farm-to-fork salad and seasonal bowl concept, will open its third site in London tomorrow (Tuesday, 3 March). The business, which is led by founder Angus Lambert, will open on the former Nusa Kitchen site in Queens Head Passage, near St Paul’s. The new site is primarily designed for takeaway but will also offer dine-in seating for circa 15 people. Bewliehill will be serving its full range of products from the new location – salads, soups, smoothies, specialty coffee and seasonal sweet treats. In terms of further expansion plans, Propel understands Bewliehill has got a fourth site lined up in the capital, and is aiming for a late spring opening. The concept, which was inspired by Lambert’s grandfather's farm (also named Bewliehill) in the Scottish Borders, focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Bewliehill opened its debut site in Islington Square in 2022 and followed this with an opening in Liverpool Street (Devonshire Row) two years later.

Merlin Entertainments launches Lego Galaxy experience in the US in £70m investment: Merlin Entertainments has launched a Lego Galaxy experience in the US in a £70m investment. Lego Galaxy has launched at Legoland Resorts Florida and will also open this week at Legoland Resorts California. Both experiences feature Galacticoaster, an indoor ride that is Merlin’s most technologically advanced rollercoaster to date, with a space-themed design inspired by Lego sets. More than three years in the making, Galacticoaster is fully immersive and story-driven – putting kids in control of their own space mission by being able to design their own ride vehicle using touchscreens and special wristbands. Fiona Eastwood, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, said: “Galacticoaster redefines the family coaster experience, by giving every guest the chance to create their own customised space adventure, placing creativity at the heart of the thrill. This milestone moment also demonstrates how Merlin is prioritising investment in the locations with the greatest potential for growth. We are evolving our Legoland Resorts into iconic short break destinations, increasing the length of stay for our guests, driving higher per capita spend and strengthening our position to capture increased market share in the US. These ground-breaking new attractions embody the scale, ambition and imagination that will define Merlin’s next chapter in this market.”

Red Oak Taverns acquires historic West Sussex pub, further sites under offer: Red Oak Taverns, the national pub operator founded by Aaron Brown and Mark Grunnell in 2011, has acquired The Wheatsheaf pub in Midhurst, West Sussex. In a sale handled by agent Fleurets, the pub was marketed at a guide price of £495,000 plus VAT for the freehold interest. Further sites are already under offer, with Red Oak Taverns actively looking to grow its estate. Dating in part to 1621 and formerly home to the Squire’s Chapel, The Wheatsheaf is one of Midhurst's most historic pubs. Sitting within the South Downs National Park, the site features spacious character bars, a dining area, a large function room, a pool room and a courtyard garden. Graeme Bunn, property and acquisitions director at Red Oak Taverns, said: “Following the expansion of our lending group by bringing in NatWest last month, alongside OakNorth, to support our long-term acquisition strategy, we are optimistic this will be the first of many in the year. The purchase from Hall & Woodhouse forms the second transaction between the parties following Red Oak’s purchase of ten pubs in 2021. We are under offer on other transactions and remain keen to add further wet-led traditional freehold pubs to our estate.”

Manchester ramen business secures third site, planning London launch as part of plan to grow to ten venues nationally within next five years: Manchester ramen business Lucky Ramen has secured its third site and is planning a London launch as part of plans to grow to ten venues nationally within the next five years. The business, which offers ramen, sushi and cocktails, has confirmed it will open its third location at Waterhouse Gardens, the £195m apartment scheme nearing completion on the site of the former Boddington's Brewery. Lucky Ramen currently has sites in Ancoats and Oxford Road and hopes to have its Waterhouse Gardens restaurant open by early summer. A spokesperson for Lucky Ramen told Insider Media: “Lucky is a homegrown-Manchester business, with two venues already operating on opposite sides of the city centre. Waterhouse Gardens is an exciting third location for our Manchester diners to enjoy. Although the interiors differ slightly across the Lucky Ramen venues, there is a consistent aesthetic that our regular diners will notice. Our food and cocktail offerings remain largely unchanged since the beginning, testament to the quality and care in each item we prepare.” 

Atis to open 16th London site: London healthy bowl concept Atis is set to open its 16th site in the capital. Atis will open a 3,600 square-foot location at The Broadway mixed-use development in St James’s Park. Founded in 2019 by Eleanor Warder and Phil Honer, Atis will join a carefully curated line-up of food and beverage concepts at The Broadway, including Farmer J, Açaí Berry and Nostos Coffee. Honer said: “The Broadway offers a prime location that perfectly aligns with our philosophy of simple, real food served in thoughtfully designed spaces. We’re excited to become part of this evolving area and to introduce Atis to a new audience in St James’s Park.” Honer told Propel in January that 2026 is set to be “another exciting year of growth” for the business. Honer also said the business was pausing its plans for its first site outside the capital to focus on its immediate pipeline in London – including new stores in Westminster and Notting Hill – and would resume its search for its debut regional outlet later this year.

Scottish McDonald’s franchisee grows portfolio to five restaurants: Scottish McDonald’s franchisee Alastair Reid has grown his portfolio with the brand to five restaurants. Reid has been with McDonald’s for 32 years in various roles, including director of franchising Scotland and Northern Ireland, director of operations UK, and director of operations and franchising. He became a franchisee himself in July 2024, founding his Arran View Restaurants business, which previously operated two restaurants in East Kilbride. Ffion Williams, franchisee attraction partner at McDonald’s, said: “Huge congratulations to Alistair Reid, who has officially grown his McDonald’s portfolio to five restaurants following his latest expansion. This achievement reflects not only Alistair’s outstanding leadership and dedication to operational excellence, but also the impact a committed franchisee can make within their local communities. His continued growth is a brilliant example of what’s possible within the McDonald’s system. We’re proud to celebrate Alistair’s success and can’t wait to see what he achieves next.” Reid is also a vice-captain at Donald Trump’s Turnberry Golf Club in Ayrshire.

Love Sushi secures fourth site: London concept Love Sushi has secured its fourth site in the capital, in Islington. The concept, which is led by Gaopeng Zheng, has secured the former Smoky Boys site at 74 Upper Street, for an opening later this year. Love Sushi opened its most recent site, last year, at 8 The Broadway in Wimbledon. Love Sushi also operates sites in Bayswater and Waterloo, and is understood to be looking at further expansion opportunities across the capital. The business said it offers “all sizes of sushi sets to mouth-watering hot bento dishes, warming noodle soups and authentic salads”. Brandon Elmon, of Genius1 Group, acted on the Upper Street deal.

Dayashankar Sharma to launch second restaurant: Dayashankar Sharma, the brainchild behind fine-dining Indian restaurant Heritage Dulwich, is to launch his second restaurant. Sharma will open Baiju at 67 Rowlands Road in Worthing, West Sussex, on Wednesday, 25 March, offering the same Indian comfort food as its sister restaurant, but in a “more relaxed and informal setting”. Taking its name from the Hindi word for father, the restaurant will accommodate 45 covers, with an additional ten seated in a private dining room. Signature dishes will include tandoori avocado and venison; dahi ke kebab (paneer wrapped in kataifi); konkani fish tikka (stone bass in coconut and curry leaves); and dhaba ka murgh (inspired by Rajasthan’s roadside eateries). There will also be an extensive drinks menu of wine, craft beer and cocktails, each chosen to pair with the spice-led menu. Sharma said: “Following the success of our Dulwich restaurant, opening Baiju feels like a natural next step. Worthing’s charm, strong sense of community and flourishing independent food scene made it the right location for a more relaxed expression of our cooking.” A former chef at Michelin-starred Tamarind and Kensington’s Zaika, Sharma opened Heritage Dulwich in 2020, and the restaurant was added to the Michelin Guide in 2022.