Kuvi Hospitality CEO – ‘we will look to test three Coyo Taco models in the UK, 60 locations pinpointed’: Shereen Ritchie, chief executive of Kuvi Hospitality, the London-based hospitality investment platform which is set to rollout US concept Coyo Taco in the UK, has told Propel the business is looking to test three operating models for the brand here as soon as possible. Earlier this week, the business, which last year secured the exclusive franchise and development rights for Coyo Taco across the UK, Ireland and the GCC, announced it will open its debut UK site in Orchard Place, near London’s Victoria later this summer. A further two sites in London are planned before the end of the year. Ritchie told Propel the brand’s initial locations will “really show the versatility of the brand”. She said: “Coyo has three models. We have the restaurant and bar, which will be 3,000 square feet-plus. We then have your fast casual model, which will be 1,500 square feet with dine in, but won’t have a bar attached to it. And then we have sub-400 square feet, grab-and-go, kiosk model, with a limited menu. When we look at Coyo as a whole, and how we become a lifestyle brand, all three models play a really important role in that journey. It is sensible to test all the models with the first three. Obviously, property sometimes leads this, and we have got offers in on lots. Some will come through faster than others, but I think you will see different models in the next three. I’m looking in Manchester and I know what I want to do there. That would be next year. We’ve got around 60 locations that we are pinpointing.” Ritchie said the response to the news that Kuvi was introducing the brand to the UK has been “really, really positive”. She said: “The moment Propel put it out, we’ve had lots of people reach out, lots of landlords. I think we are ready for something new and exciting. If you look at the data, we know tequila and mezcal is the highest growing drinks category. On top of that, you’re going to see Latin cuisine over the next three or four years become one of the top trends – the data is going that way.”

 

Sponsored message – September admissions now open at LVS Ascot, tuition fee discounts available for families in licensed hospitality: As part of the Licensed Trade Charity, LVS Ascot is the “premier schooling choice” for families in the licensed hospitality sector. A spokesperson said: “We aren’t just an independent day and boarding school; we are your community, dedicated to helping students aged four-19 unleash their full potential, and admissions for September 2026 are now open. As part of the LTC Education Group, the education arm of the Licensed Trade Charity LVS Ascot is proud to support families working within the licensed hospitality sector. LVS Ascot is the natural choice offering exclusive tuition discounts as we recognise your vital contribution to the industry. We prioritise an ambitious path from reception through sixth form, with opportunities including Flight School pilot training, specialist university pathways and our Southampton FC football programme. Any surplus from tuition fees is funnelled directly back into the Licensed Trade Charity to support people across our industry. Secure your place at LVS Ascot, the school designed with your career and your family in mind.” To find out more, click here. If you have a sponsored message you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

 

Propel Multi-Club Female Leaders and Entrepreneurs Conference open for bookings, JD Wetherspoon employee directors to speak: The Propel Multi-Club Female Leaders and Entrepreneurs Conference takes place on Thursday, 4 June at Park Plaza Victoria London. The all-day conference, which is organised in conjunction with Ann Elliott, will feature an all-female line-up of sector leaders. These include Debbie Whittingham, JD Wetherspoon employee director and regional manager for the West Midlands, and Emma Gibson, Wetherspoon associate employee director and pub manager of The Imperial in Exeter, talking about bringing the female perspective on to the board from the shopfloor. 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.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Multi-Site Database with 3,572 operators and 20 new companies on Friday: Premium Club subscribers will receive the updated Multi-Site Database on Friday (24 April), at 12pm. The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,572 multi-site operators and is searchable in seven main segments. The database features 1,028 (29%) casual dining operators, 808 (23%) pub and bar operators, 639 (18%) cafe bakery operators, 502 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 296 (8%) hotel operators, 242 (7%) experiential leisure operators and 55 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month, and this edition includes 20 new companies. The database includes new companies in the experiential leisure sector such as padel operator Slazenger Padel Clubs and fitness franchise business Transform Hub. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five additional databases: the New Openings Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who's Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club subscribers also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel 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 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. A new Premium Unlimited Plus option, which costs £1,995 plus VAT per annum, has some amazing additional benefits including four free tickets to Propel’s paid-for conferences – Excellence in Pub & Bar (19 May), Operational Excellence (9 July) and Talent & Training (15 October) – and the opportunity to run one free sponsored message or situation vacant notice during the year on the newsletter. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Propel’s new International Brands report examines how hotel brands are reinventing themselves: Issues around development finance in the UK have driven growth in conversion brands in the hotel sector, as the global operators seek to maintain their pipelines, Propel’s new International Brands report reveals. Conversions accounted for around 30% of both signings and openings in the first nine months of the year last year for Marriott, as the large, branded players positioned themselves further away from the owner-operator model, to focus instead on distribution. Writing in the report, Katherine Doggrell, Propel editorial advisor, said: “With increasingly nothing else to offer than distribution to owners who might wish to rent their brands, it is critical to the success of the hotel companies they feed their portfolios with more and more hotels, ensuring members have somewhere to stay in every location. This has meant a staggering increase in the number of brands in recent years, as they look to meet every need, but also populate every location with as many of their hotels as possible without being accused of breaking territorial agreements.” Doggrell also looks at how Marriott and Hilton have moved to broaden their appeal to more customers. The International Brands report is available for £450 plus VAT, with existing Premium Club members receiving it free. The report is published on Friday 22 May at 9am. Order your copy today or sign up to Premium by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Scottish pubs and hotels ‘routinely valued significantly higher’ for business rates than in England: Scottish pubs and hotels are “routinely valued significantly higher” for business rates than in England, new analysis from UKHospitality Scotland has found. The trade body, which said valuations can be as much as £16,000 higher for a typical pub, has outlined its recommendations for a “fairer and effective” business system. The “Gill Review” will report its findings into the valuation method used by the end of 2026, and chair BJ Kill has issued a call for evidence. UKHospitality Scotland said the variance with England “highlights yet another way in which Scottish hospitality is at a competitive disadvantage”. It said the government should consider wider policy levers, such as including a lower poundage rate for hospitality and relief structures. The trade body also called for an industry engagement forum to support the review, and for an independent expert body to conduct analysis of hospitality property valuation to support future reforms. Leon Thompson, executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “The broken business rates system continues to plague Scottish hospitality businesses, often leaving them with higher bills and at a competitive disadvantage to their peers across the UK. The Gill Review is an important opportunity to bring forward significant reforms that address these acute challenges, which are stifling growth on the high street, investment and job creation. It’s not fair or logical that a typical pub in Scotland could be valued significantly higher than an equivalent pub in England, leaving it with higher bills.” The Scottish government has said it will consider the review’s findings before the 2029 revaluation cycle.

 

Tenzo secures $5m Series A extension as it looks to scale operations: Restaurant management and sales forecasting app Tenzo has secured a $5m first close of its Series A extension round, as it looks to scale its operations. The round is led by EdgeVC, with participation from existing investors Amadeus Capital Partners and YourVC, alongside Frontive Holdings. Tenzo said the funding will accelerate its expansion and product development, helping operators access real-time visibility across sales, labour, inventory and operations. Tenzo is aiming to double its number of platform integrations over the next 18 months, grow its team and accelerate international expansion, particularly in the US. Tenzo said it has been increasingly supporting international customers in the US, including PrimoHoagies, Parker Restaurant Group and Lettuce Entertain You. In the UK, in the last year alone, it has also added the likes of JKS, Honest Burgers and Super8 to its client list and expanded its presence in hotels, including IHG, Dean Hotels and Ennismore. Tenzo co-founder and chief executive Christian Mouysset said: “This is a particularly tough moment for hospitality in the UK. Tenzo was born out of experiencing those challenges first-hand – we created it to help operators move from simply surviving to truly thriving. This investment allows us to deepen that support, continue innovating for our customers, and play a meaningful role in ensuring the long-term success of the hospitality industry.” Earlier this month, Jane O’Riordan, chair of Caravan and Flight Club owner Red Engine, joined Tenzo as its new chair, to assist with its “next phase of growth”.

 

Creams moves to trademark ‘Froffle Toast’ creation as Brits develop taste for mashup dishes: Fast-growing dessert parlour operator Creams has moved to trademark its latest creation – “Froffle Toast” – as Brits develop a taste for mashup dishes. The hybrid of French toast and a waffle has already become its best-selling brunch item across more than 100 UK stores, with more than 5,000 sold since launching last month. The company said the creation itself was inspired by Brits’ growing appetite for unusual food combinations, especially among young adults, with its research finding 72% said they’re adventurous with their food combos – with eight in ten young adults seeking out similar food mash-ups. Creams is now moving to secure the name early – the first product it has copyrighted – staking its claim as the original as it anticipates copycats as the product continues to take off. The brand said the move comes after lessons from viral food trends such as the cronut, which was only trademarked after copycat versions with identical names had already begun appearing worldwide. Everett Fieldgate, chief executive of Creams, said: “Brits are far more adventurous with food than people give them credit for; some of these combinations and mash ups are genuinely surprising. We wanted to create something that taps into that. Froffle Toast hits that sweet spot – different enough to get people talking, but still something you instantly want to try. It’s absolutely taken off in-store, and we’re trademarking so everyone knows where it started.” 

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a multi-channel business operating across e-commerce, retail, wholesale and production that is looking for a head of finance (commerce). A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “Reporting to the chief executive (commerce), the role will sit at the heart of the commercial operation, acting as a trusted advisor. The position will take ownership of financial performance, driving margin improvement and embedding strong financial discipline across a complex and evolving business.” The salary is up to £70,000, plus performance bonus and benefits, and the position is based in Somerset. For more information, email oliwia@corecruitment.com.

 

Six by Nico to rollout new concept Lennox: Six by Nico is to begin the rollout of its new concept Lennox with an opening in Glasgow next month, and a site in Edinburgh to follow – despite founder Nico Simone previously stating the concept was “not designed to be scalable”. Last month, the company converted its Six by Nico site in Manchester’s Spring Gardens to the new concept, which is said offers “unapologetic, indulgent cooking built around flavours you already love”. It is now set to convert its eponymous site in Glasgow’s Byres Road to a Lennox by the end of May. It said that plans are also underway for Simeone to bring Lennox to Edinburgh in due course. The company said: “While Six by Nico is known for its theatrical six-course conceptual tasting menus and immersive storytelling, Lennox marks a return to something more stripped back, instinctive and deeply personal. It is a deliberate shift away from format and structure, towards the raw, unfiltered energy of the kitchen. Built on simplicity, transparency and an uncompromising obsession with flavour, Lennox reflects a version of Simeone that predates expansion and scale.” Simeone added: “I am both excited and nervous to introduce Lennox to the Glasgow community. While Six by Nico on Byres Road has been one of our most successful sites, I’ve felt a growing pull to strip things back and reveal a more personal side of my cooking. It may be seen as a risk, but I truly believe in Lennox and in the food we’re creating. Bringing this concept home to Glasgow, where my journey began, makes it all the more meaningful.” Last month, Propel revealed that Six by Nico had restructured and refinanced and decided not to proceed with a crowdfunding campaign which raised £2.5m.

 

Saudi Arabian shawarma brand seeking UK entry: Saudi Arabian shawarma brand Shawarma Hlayel is seeking an entry to the UK market, Propel has learned. Founded in 2014, Hlayel opened its first branch in Al Khobar, and followed that with six more sites in the period leading up to the covid pandemic. In the five years following covid, Shawarma Hlayel added nine more across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, and will open four more this year – two in Saudi Arabia and two in Qatar. Shawarma Hlayel was among the exhibitors at the International Franchise Show at London’s ExCel at the weekend, as it seeks partners to support its growth plans. The company said: “Founded in Saudi Arabia, Shawarma Hlayel is a leading fast-casual restaurant brand specialising in authentic Middle Eastern shawarma with a modern twist. With a growing fan base and a strong presence across multiple cities, Shawarma Hlayel has become a beloved destination for shawarma lovers seeking premium ingredients, freshly prepared meals, and consistent excellence. After its successful expansion across the Gulf countries, Hlayel now aims to bring its signature Saudi shawarma experience to global markets, offering a true taste of Arabia through a modern and innovative concept.”

 

Loungers-owned Cosy Club brand to make London debut: Cosy Club, the Loungers-owned brand, is to make its debut in London with an opening at the Westfield Stratford scheme, Propel understands. The new site, the brand’s 37th, will open on the former TGI Fridays site at the scheme this summer. Cosy Club, which is led by Lucy Knowles, is also set to open a site in Swansea’s Exchange Buildings this autumn. Last November, Loungers, which is backed by Fortress Investment Group, opened the fourth site for its refreshed Cosy Club brand, in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The site, at 15 Christopher Place, followed the refurbishment of Cosy Clubs in Leeds, Manchester and Reading. Loungers, which also operates the Lounge and Brightside concepts, believes in time, it can double its current Cosy Club estate. At the end of last month, Loungers opened its latest site – Lansio Lounge on the beach in Tenby, south west Wales – its 270th Lounge and 310th overall site.

 

Isabel Mayfair opens in Abu Dhabi: Isabel Mayfair, the Mediterranean restaurant in London’s Albemarle Street, has launched a site in Abu Dhabi, in the UAE. The business, which closed its international debut site in Saudi Arabia last summer, has this week opened at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. Scottie Bhattarai, chief executive of parent company BNF Hospitality, said: “Our aim with Isabel has always been to bring people together over exceptional food, drink and experiences. We always want for our restaurants to be part of their communities, as we have a people-first approach to everything we do. When presented with the opportunity to expand this vision internationally, Abu Dhabi made the most sense. It’s a city with a strong cultural awareness and sensibility, thoughtfully balancing a respect for history and tradition with a contemporary, global outlook. It is a privilege for us to bring the brand to the capital of the UAE.” Bhattarai – who was previously operations director at Petersham Nurseries, a partner and director at The Columbo Group’s flagship site Paradise by Way of Kensal Green site and restaurant director for Soho House Group – launched solo restaurant venture Maya in Manchester, in 2024.

 

Doner Shack opens new small-format site in Glasgow, sets out UK and international pipeline: Doner Shack, the Berlin fast casual kebab brand, has opened a new small-format concept with an opening in Glasgow’s West End and set out its UK and international opening pipeline, which includes sites in Bristol and Cambridge. Co-founder Sanjeev Sanghera said: “We’ve just opened our latest Doner Shack in Glasgow’s West End, introducing a new small-format concept built for delivery and takeaway. Inspired by Berlin’s urban food scene, the design is clean, efficient and engineered for high-volume throughput without compromising on quality. The launch has been strong from day one. Total fit-out came in at £255,000, and based on current projections, we’re targeting a 12-month return on investment. This is a highly efficient model that delivers strong returns with a flexible footprint. As a franchise format, I believe this will be in high demand across Europe and Asia. Lower entry cost, scalable design and simplified operations. Next up: Bangalore, Glasgow, Las Vegas, Cambridge, Bristol, Fulham, Tallahassee, Queens Park, Dallas, New Jersey, two in Mississippi, Pune and a second store in Mumbai.” The brand’s first international site opened in India, in the Bandra West area of Mumbai, at the corner of Linking Road and Waterfield Road, last September. Doner Shack is gearing up to make its debut in the US and has so far signed development deals for 16 US states. 

 

Tomahawk Steakhouse founders to part ways as Tom Sturman launches new concept: After almost a decade of building the Tomahawk Steakhouse brand, founders Howard Eggleston and Tom Sturman are parting ways. Eggleston will continue as director of the 11-strong Tomahawk Steakhouse business, overseeing the ongoing growth and evolution of the brand. Meanwhile, Sturman will step away from the group to return to the brand’s original Potto site in North Yorkshire – where he will launch his new concept, Fuego Steakhouse & Tapas. Eggleston said: “It’s been a real learning curve at times, but we’ve always shared the ambition to build something successful. Like any long-standing partnership, visions evolve. What worked at one stage doesn’t always align with the future, so it was the right time to make a change.” Sturman said: “Building Tomahawk Steakhouse has been an incredible journey and certainly not for the faint-hearted. We’ve achieved huge success and created something we’re both proud of. The brand remains strong and continues to grow, with exciting plans ahead. For me, the Tomahawk train has reached its final stop, and I’m looking forward to creating something new, with myself at the helm.” Described as “fire-grilled, British tradition with Spanish soul,” Fuego, which will reopen later this week (24 April), will focus on premium steaks cooked over charcoal alongside a “vibrant tapas offering”. The company said Tomahawk Steakhouse will continue to operate all other locations as normal, with the Potto closure forming part of this transition – “not a reflection of performance”. The next Tomahawk venue is set to open in Harrogate on Parliament Street (former Piccolino site) in June. Eggleston said: “This is very much a new chapter. While it marks the end of one era, it also opens the door to exciting opportunities for the brand. We’re in a strong position and looking forward to what comes next. We wish Tom every success with Fuego and we’re excited to continue building the future of Tomahawk.”

 

Popeyes UK to strengthen West Midlands footprint with Merry Hill opening: Popeyes UK, the TDR Capital-backed business, is to open a site at the Merry Hill shopping centre in the West Midlands. The restaurant is expected to create around 50 jobs. Since entering the UK in 2021, Popeyes has grown to more than 110 locations nationwide and employs approximately 3,500 people. Tom Crowley, chief executive at Popeyes UK, said: “We’re excited to be opening at Merry Hill. The West Midlands has shown huge love for Popeyes, and we know there’s real appetite in the area for our bold New Orleans flavours. Merry Hill is a vibrant, high-energy destination, so we can’t wait to welcome guests.” Having opened circa 50 sites in 2025, Crowley previously said he believes the brand can “keep opening at a similar pace” in 2026. Popeyes has opened ten restaurants in the UK so far this year, with its latest being in London’s Tottenham Court Road. 

 

Individual Restaurants relaunches loyalty platform: Individual Restaurants, the Restaurant Bar & Grill Piccolino and Forbici operator, has relaunched Club IR, the group’s loyalty platform, with a renewed focus on “long-term value, meaningful rewards and experience-led benefits”. Rebuilt in-house, the new Club IR is app based and “marks a shift away from short-term promotions towards a more considered approach to loyalty”. Toni Dennan, group marketing and sales director at Individual Restaurants, said: “At a time when value matters more than ever, bringing cashback back into the experience was important, but it’s only one part of the story. This is about building a deeper connection with our guests, recognising the moments that matter to them and giving them more reasons to come back. Club IR isn’t just a loyalty scheme; it’s an extension of the personal experience we deliver in our restaurants every day.” Forbici is not part of the Club IR scheme. Last month, the company told Propel that trading has been “encouraging” so far in 2026, with particularly strong performance around “key occasions”.

 

NQ64 to move to bigger premises in Soho with new flagship site: NQ64, the immersive retro arcade bar concept, is to move to a bigger premises in London’s Soho, which will become a new flagship venue for the 12-strong company, Propel has learned. The company, which was founded by Andy Haygarth and Matt Robson, will open a new 9,000 square-foot venue on the former Borderline night club and G-A-Y Late sites in August. The entrance to the new space across ground floor and basement will be on Manette Street. Haygarth told Propel: “It will be a move for our existing Soho site to a larger space in a location we are really excited about and will include AR darts and pool for the first time. We are also working on a spin off project that we are going to put into our existing Berwick Street site, which we expect to open in September.” Michael Penfold, from AG&G, acted for NQ64 on the Soho deal.

 

Adventure park operator AirHop to expand Kent presence with Tunbridge Wells launch: Adventure park operator AirHop is to open a site in Tunbridge Wells as it expands its presence in Kent. The business has signed for a 30,000 square-foot unit in North Farm Road with Clearbell UK Strategic Trust – advised by Clearbell Capital – on a 15-year lease. Ahead of AirHop’s arrival, Clearbell has refurbished the unit with a new roof and mechanical and electrical systems. Tim McClure, managing director of AirHop UK, said: “We’re thrilled to open in Tunbridge Wells, building on the strong roots from our Go Jump In site in nearby Tonbridge. This new AirHop location marks an exciting milestone as our third launch in just 12 months, reflecting our commitment to bringing vibrant, fun-filled experiences to more families and young adults. We look forward to growing our AirHop community further, creating lively spaces where everyone can stay active, jump, play, and connect.” AirHop operates 28 sites across the UK. Clearbell was represented by Caxtons while AirHop was advised by Knight Frank on the Tunbridge Wells deal.

 

Yard Sale Pizza hires Sophie Abrahamovitch as growth director: Yard Sale Pizza, the London restaurant and delivery business backed by Piper, has hired Sophie Abrahamovitch, co-founder of nightlife platform and app Dusk, as its new growth director. Stephen Hollis, chief executive of Yard Sale Pizza, told Propel: “To further strengthen the leadership team to support our growth over the coming years, we are excited Sophie Abrahamovitch is joining as our growth director. The role will see Sophie lead the marketing team and be accountable for everything related to sales growth. This will include our customer experience, our brand, digital marketing, social output, pubs and venues strategy and our local marketing, especially supporting the new shop openings. Sophie is joining having spent the last decade as co-founder of the app Dusk and has a strong brand, digital and marketing background.” Abrahamovitch’s appointment comes as Yard Sale gears up to open its latest site, and 17th overall, in London’s Queen’s Park on Monday (27 April). The new location marks Yard Sale's most westerly foray to date and forms part of the group’s ambitious growth strategy, as it looks to grow to 40 sites before the end of 2030.

 

Fired Up Collective gears up to open fifth pub: Fired Up Collective, the Nusara and West Wessex Pub Company operator, is set to open its fifth pub – The Sunray in Weymouth, Dorset, at the start of next month (1 May). The company, which is led by Andy Lennox, the founder of the Koh Thai brand, will reopen the site following a multi-million-pound, four-year restoration that has transformed The Sunray in Osmington into a “landmark destination pub and boutique coastal retreat”. The Sunray is now a premium, food-led pub, alongside 14 individually designed holiday cottages set within its grounds. Lennox, managing director of the Fired Up Collective, said: “The Sunray deserves to be one of the great coastal pubs in the country. Our focus is simple. Fresh, local pub classics, elevated. Set in a setting that speaks for itself. An experience people will go out of their way to come back to.”

 

Dutch smash burger brand Fat Phill’s to open second UK site: Dutch smash burger brand Fat Phill’s is to open its second UK site. Fat Phill’s, which has 19 locations in the Netherlands and 25 globally, launched in the UK in December 2024 with a site in Clapham, south London, which has since closed. The company then opened what was at the time its second UK site, in Wood Hill, north London, in October 2025. It is now preparing to launch in the former Burger Nine site at Broadway Market in Tooting, south London. In February, the brand said it is seeking a franchise partner to operate what could be its debut regional location after securing a site in Newcastle, and in March, it secured its second Irish location, at 38 Cook Street in Cork. This will join its debut site in the country, which opened in Dublin’s Temple Bar last year. Fat Phill’s is being rolled out in the UK by master franchisee Freshly Baked, which is also behind the UK expansion of US pretzel brand Auntie Anne’s.

 

Kirkstall Brewery teams up with street food business Little Bao Boy for new opening: Brewer and retailer Kirkstall Brewery is to open The City Taproom in Leeds tomorrow (Thursday, 23 April) in partnership with street food business Little Bao Boy. Located in Sovereign Street, The City Taproom will feature a line-up of 16 tap lines. Food will continue to be operated by Little Bao Boy but its team will have a bigger presence, featuring a kitchen twice its former size. Little Bao Boy was founded by James Ooi ten years ago as a small street food business specialising in home-made bao buns and traditional Asian street food with a contemporary western twist. The business now has several locations across Leeds. The City Taproom is Kirkstall Brewery’s latest site following its renovation of The Victoria & Commercial pub, in partnership with the team at Whitelocks, as well as its recently announced renewed stewardship of the Tetley brewery building. Steve Holt, founder of Kirkstall Brewery, said: “The City Taproom celebrates Leeds and its rich pub and brewing heritage. We hope it will become a popular addition to the amazing and diverse venues that make Leeds such a vibrant city for hospitality and entertainment.”

 

Team behind pub in London’s Belgravia to open new French-American restaurant within luxury hotel: The team behind The Prince Arthur pub in London’s Belgravia is to open a new French-American restaurant within a luxury hotel. Next month will see Avi open within The Lowndes London luxury hotel, also in Belgravia. Designed for sharing, the menu will be split into small plates, flatbreads and burgers, home-made pasta, fish, grill and sides. The small plates will comprise the likes of New York fried chicken and caviar and caviar fish and chips, while the sandwich and burger section will include LA brioche noire lobster roll and the signature Le Big Mac avec truffle. The 45-cover restaurant will have a stand-alone bar, and the cocktail list will include The Tsar, featuring Belvedere Vodka topped with caviar, pickled onions and an olive. In addition to its all-day dining offering, Avi will introduce a premium breakfast menu, featuring the likes of shakshuka-style baked eggs, crab brioche and potato rösti with smoked chutoro. Co-founder Yaroslav Slyuzberg opened The Prince Arthur in 2024 and is also behind Arthur’s Market, which opened in the former Le Deli Robuchon site at 279 King's Road in Chelsea last year.

 

Bunsik franchisee to open second site next week with Southampton outlet: Will Bray, who became the first franchise partner of the Maguro Group-owned, Korean street food concept, Bunsik, is to open his second site next week, in Southampton. Last September, Maguro Group opened its first franchise location with the launch of a Bunsik in Bristol’s Cabot Circus in partnership with Bray, who previously ran a four-strong Subway portfolio in the south west. Now, Maguro Group and Bray are opening in the food court of the Westquay shopping centre in Southampton on Thursday, 30 April – marking the first Bunsik in Hampshire. Jae Cho, founder of Bunsik, said: “Following the success of our Bristol site, it’s been fantastic to continue working with Will as we grow. He has a strong understanding of both the product and the customer experience, which is important to us as we expand. Southampton is a natural next step, and we’re confident this site will build on that momentum.” Bray added: “The response in Bristol has given us a strong foundation to build from, and we’re excited to continue that momentum in Southampton. There is a real opportunity to grow Bunsik across the region, particularly in cities with a strong student population and appetite for something new. We’re looking forward to bringing Bunsik to the south coast and seeing it become part of the city's food scene.” The Southampton opening marks the tenth Bunsik in total, and Bray is also set to open a Bunsik site in Cardiff. 

 

Boulebar to reopen its debut UK site after doubling size: Sweden-based Boulebar Group will next month reopen its debut UK site after doubling its size with the acquisition of a neighbouring site. Boulebar, which has 13 venues across six cities and three countries, made its UK debut in 2023, on London’s South Bank. The group has now taken on the neighbouring Green Room restaurant and events venue, meaning it will reopen with “a significantly increased number of pétanque courts”, alongside two new bars and social spaces. Alongside the pétanque, there will be charcuterie and seasonal dishes designed for groups, alongside a curated drinks menu featuring wine, cocktails, beer and favourites such as pastis and crémant. The company said that with capacity for more than 500 guests, the new venue has been “designed as a flexible, multi-area space”. Alec Feakes, chief executive of Boulebar UK, added: “This is a big moment for us. Since opening on the South Bank, the demand has been incredible. People are looking for more social ways to spend time together, and this gives us more space to deliver everything they already love about Boulebar, just on a bigger, bolder scale.” Boulebar UK also has a site in Spitalfields.

 

West Midlands Safari Park reports record turnover of £27.5m: West Midlands Safari Park, owned by Looping Group, reported turnover increased to a record £27,470,145 for the year ending 30 September 2025 compared with £26,146,812 the year before. Of the 2025 revenue, £19,138,224 came from admissions and accommodation (2024: £17,973,830), £5,492,031 from catering (2024: £4,881,578) and £2,839,890 from retail sales (2024: £3,291,404). Pre-tax profit nudged up to £7,183,821 from £7,014,653 the previous year. Capital expenditure totalled £2.1m. Director Laurent Bruloy said: “In December 2024, four new Hippo lodges were opened along with a new animal house and exhibit. This brought the total number of lodges to 34, and demand remained strong across all lodges through the year. A decision was made to convert the Wild Dog lodges into White Lion lodges, so these lodges remained shut for around three months while work was carried out to the exhibit and animal house. The year benefited from drier weather, but there was continued strong competition from other venues in the marketplace to attract customers with discounts and offers as customers were looking for deals and value for money. Planning permission has been granted for a further four lodges and work has begun building them. We are waiting for a decision on an application for another lodge.” No dividend was paid (2024: £4,999,995). In September 2022, a cash pooling arrangement came into effect whereby at the end of every day, all surplus cash is transferred to parent company Looping Parks UK. This cash is available back to the company on demand daily, to cover any outgoings from West Midlands Safari Park’s bank account.