Pret CEO – three more new format sites to open in coming months, second drive-thru to launch later this year: Pret A Manger chief executive Pano Christou has told Propel the brand will open three more new format sites in the coming months and will launch a second drive-thru later this year. Pret last year launched two stores with a more “family-friendly environment”, including a play area for children, plus fewer grab-and-go options and more space for dine-in guests. Speaking at the Propel Multi-Club Conference, Christiou said: “There is versatility in the brand, and the two locations we’ve opened in the regions were an opportunity to look at customer expectations in those environments. Prets in city centres and transport hubs, obviously you want that quality of service, but it’s all about speed and hyper convenience. In those towns where people have a little bit more time to dwell, we wanted to give a bit more of a nod to comfortable seating, and slightly more of a nod towards coffee. We’ve tried two locations and we’re about to do three more – one new location in the north of England with one of our franchise partners and two conversions, which we haven’t done so far. These will come up in the next few months or so, and one is in Market Harborough.” Propel also reported this week that Pret will open its first UK drive-thru in May, in Cheshire. Christou said: “Most of my career with McDonald’s (he started out there as a 16-year-old shop floor worker) I worked in drive-thrus, and I always through there was an opportunity for Pret. One of our franchisees, Motor Fuel Group, which we have 35 locations with, came to us and said it’d like to work with us on one. But I’m only really interested in doing a drive-thru if we can be the fastest drive-thru in the world, and we’ve set some aggressive service targets. We will open a second later this year, in Kuwait. We’re in no rush and would like to see how it plays out. We’ll spend a lot of time looking at the operations and getting a sense of how we refine that.” Christou was among the speakers at the Propel Multi-Club Conference. All videos from the conference will be released to Premium subscribers on Friday, 10 April, at 9am. Premium subscribers receive all the videos from Propel conferences each year – around 100 in total. 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. 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.

 

Anglian Country Inns MD James Nye to speak at Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference, open for bookings: Anglian Country Inns managing director James Nye will be among the speakers at the Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference. The all-day conference takes place on Tuesday, 19 May at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. Nye will discuss how the award-winning operator rises to the challenge of being a seasonal business, and how it is diversifying its model, including the opening of its first bakery. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £345 plus VAT for operators and £395 plus VAT for suppliers. There is a 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club subscribers while Premium Unlimited Plus subscribers receive four free tickets to the conference. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Multi-Site Database with 3,555 operators and 19 new companies tomorrow: Premium Club subscribers are to receive the updated Multi-Site Database tomorrow (Friday, 27 March), at 12pm. The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,555 multi-site operators and is searchable in seven main segments. The database features 1,026 (29%) casual dining operators, 806 (23%) pub and bar operators, 633 (18%) cafe bakery operators, 500 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 293 (8%) hotel operators, 240 (7%) experiential leisure operators and 55 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month, and this edition includes 19 new companies. The database includes new companies in the cafe bakery sector include Bristol coffee shop Two Ways Coffee, Lancashire café concept Neighbourhood Coffee House and London sandwich concept Mondo Sando. 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.

 

Growing consumer demand for a better balance between human connection and digital solutions, report shows: There is growing consumer demand for a better balance between human connection and digital solutions, the latest GO Technology report from hospitality technology provider Zonal, in partnership with NielsenIQ, reveals. While the role technology plays in a seamless visit is recognised, the importance of personal interaction is rising. More than half of people (52%) now acknowledge technology has a key role to play in the best hospitality experiences, and the report shows those who do embrace technology tend to have higher value guests, spending an average of £17 extra per month than those who prefer human-led experiences. Nevertheless, 48% of consumers said human interaction is the most critical factor in a great hospitality experience, which is a marked increase since Zonal published a similar report three years ago and asked the same question. Digital solutions can help to make people’s visits more convenient and keep them coming back, which in turn frees up staff to give their attention to less technology-focused guests who value the contact. In fact, when asked about their most wanted improvements in venues – around a quarter of consumers flagged staff training (26%) and staff numbers (24%). The report also looked to find out how much consumer preferences around paying the bill have changed in three years. Contactless cards remain dominant – 39% are using them more than three years ago, with only 4% never using them. Cash use continues to fall – 43% use cash less often but older consumers still rely on it, especially for tipping. Mobile payments are growing, but slower than cards – 31% increased usage since 2023, driven mainly by Generation Z (94%). App and QR payments show signs of plateauing – 21% use them more while 16% use them less than three years ago. “Pay and go” technology adoption is slow – only 18% are using it more and 41% have never tried it, with strong uptake among Generation Z (80%) compared with Boomers (25%).

 

London mayor announces return of ‘Summer Streets’ fund with £400,000 boost for capital’s hospitality sector: London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is making £400,000 available to councils across the capital as he announced the return of his “Summer Streets” fund. The funds are aimed at helping businesses to increase alfresco dining and extend opening hours ahead of the summer. The fund includes grants of up to £100,000 for councils to help deliver large-scale alfresco pedestrianisation projects, as well as smaller “pocket alfresco” schemes of up to £10,000, allowing venues to expand outdoor spaces. It follows the first “Summer Streets” fund last year, when streets in Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Westminster were transformed into open-air dining areas. The scheme, which included the return of alfresco dining and drinking to St Martin’s Lane in the West End, supported a wide range of businesses and traders, increased footfall and hosted community-led events across the locations. The new funding is the latest move from the mayor to support the capital’s hospitality and nightlife industries. Sir Sadiq is currently consulting on new proposals to strengthen licensing practices across the capital, after the government announced it would give strategic licensing powers to the mayor. Sir Sadiq said: “I want this summer to be the biggest summer for alfresco dining in our capital’s history and I’ll continue to support our vital hospitality and nightlife industries, as we build a better London for everyone.” Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, added: “We saw the success of the scheme last year, helping to drive footfall and boost trade for our local pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants. I encourage boroughs to move quickly to take advantage of this fund to once again make ‘Summer Streets’ a success.”

 

James Horler joins campaign to save UK's oldest Indian restaurant: James Horler, the former chief executive of La Tasca and Ego Restaurants, has joined the campaign to save Veeraswamy, the UK's oldest Indian restaurant. Last month, campaigners delivered a petition of more than 20,000 signatures to Buckingham Palace and the Crown Estate, calling for urgent action to prevent the closure of Veeraswamy. The petition calls on The King to intervene and reverse the Crown Estate's decision not to renew Veeraswamy’s lease at Victory House in Regent Street, its home since it first opened in 1926. Horler, whose career also included leadership roles at national brands including Frankie & Benny’s, Leon, Notes Coffee and Paddy & Scott’s, has now added his support. “I feel strongly that this is a really important part of London and the UK’s culinary heritage,” he said. “The hospitality industry is facing considerable challenges at the present time, due to various cost pressures. This restaurant employees a considerable number of staff, many of whom have over ten years’ service, and indeed some have 20. Why should this 100-year-old restaurant be removed to allow for an office entrance? Many refurbishments have taken place within London venues without the removal of the current tenant. The management has offered to work with the landlord to achieve their goal and even including closing at lunchtime during the works. To date, all suggestions have been dismissed and not even considered. Why? My involvement over many years has been to promote the industry to the young people as a great place to work, and where opportunities are limitless and success can be realised. We must preserve this iconic establishment and stop 100 years of heritage within the world of Indian food being destroyed.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is seeking a sous chef (senior sous level) to help launch a restaurant in New York that will blend British classics with Indian influences. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The team is behind multiple Michelin Guide and Bib Gourmand restaurants in major US cities and is bringing a new concept to New York's Hudson Yards. The sous chef should have strong fine dining experience, creative ambition and, crucially, some media presence to support a Category O-1 visa application.” The salary is up to $90,000 (£68,000). For more information, email olly@corecruitment.com

 

Individual Restaurants CEO – ‘trading has been encouraging so far in 2026 with particularly strong performance around key occasions’: Andrew Garton, chief executive of Individual Restaurants, the Restaurant Bar & Grill and Piccolino operator, has told Propel that trading has been “encouraging” so far in 2026, with particularly strong performance around “key occasions”. Earlier this week, Individual Restaurants hired Lee Bull as group food and beverage director. The newly created role brings together food, beverage and kitchen operations under a single, focused leadership structure, which the group said was designed to elevate standards, accelerate innovation and ensure a consistent, premium guest experience across the portfolio. The group is also set to start expanding its premium pizza concept Forbici, which was launched in Manchester last year, with an opening in Sheffield, having previously said it is positioning 2026 as a “defining year” with a clear focus on brand growth, guest loyalty and innovation. Garton told Propel: “Trading has been encouraging so far in 2026. We’ve seen good momentum across the group, with particularly strong performance around key occasions; Mother’s Day being a great example, where our restaurants were full of families coming together to celebrate. That really plays to our strength. Our brands are built for occasions – whether it’s a big family moment, a catch-up with friends or a spontaneous treat, and we continue to see that resonate with guests. We remain focused on consistency and delivering experiences that feel genuinely worth it. It’s about staying disciplined while continuing to invest in the areas that matter most to our guests. Looking ahead, we’re confident in our growth trajectory, with the opening of Forbici Sheffield this month marking another exciting step in expanding the concept and bringing our modern slice of Napoli offer to new audiences.” The company operates 31 sites in total.

Epic Bars and Clubs to take on trio of ex-The Revel Collective sites: Epic Bars and Clubs, the venture from Mark Shorting and Nigel Blair, two of the founders of the Fever Bar business, is set to take on a trio of ex-The Revel Collective sites. The 22-strong Epic Bars and Clubs has already reopened the former Revolution site in Plymouth as Revs Plymouth, ahead of a refurbishment and rebranding this summer. Propel understands Epic Bars and Clubs is also set to take on the ex-Revolution site in North Road, Durham, for what will be its second Home & Botanic site. Epic Bars and Clubs opened the first site under the concept in Cheltenham in 2021. The business is also thought to be in talks to take on the ex-Revolution site in Ipswich’s Old Cattle Market. In January, Neos Hospitality, formerly Rekom, doubled the size of its estate after acquiring Revolution Bars Group, Revolución de Cuba and Founders & Co, via a pre-pack administration. The deal saw the Russell Quelch-led Neos acquire 20 bars, employing more than 800 people. Neos also acquired the Revolution Bars and Revolución de Cuba brand names. The acquisition took Neos’ estate to 40 sites. A total of 14 Revolution, six Revolución de Cuba and one Peach site were closed after The Revel Collective fell into administration.

 

Wahaca set to restart UK expansion: Mexican restaurant brand Wahaca is set to restart its UK expansion. The business has instructed P-Three, the retail, leisure and placemaking agency, to source new sites following the launch of its restaurant in London’s Paddington in 2024. Wahaca is targeting launches in new cities including Cambridge, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham, as well as expanding the group’s presence in London with sites in Marylebone, Baker Street, Victoria, London Bridge and King’s Cross. P-Three is looking for circa 2,500 square-foot to 4,500 square-foot units. Wahaca said as the UK’s first carbon-neutral restaurant group, the new sites will continue to “push the boundaries of sustainable design and construction”. Mark Selby, co-founder and chairman at Wahaca, said: “After the huge success of our Paddington opening in 2024 and the incredible feedback on ‘Wahaca Reimagined’ across our 14 individually designed restaurants, we are excited to be once again looking to bring Wahaca’s unique restaurant experience to different areas of the UK. We want to find buildings that lend themselves to our distinctive look and feel and know that P-Three will do an excellent job bringing that vision to life.” Earlier this month, Wahaca launched a new loyalty programme called Casa Wahaca, which gives consumers access to “delicious perks and exclusive updates from inside the house of Wahaca”.

 

Inception Group co-founder – Mr Fogg's Games Parlour could become a stand-alone site if this first incarnation is well received: Charlie Gilkes, co-founder of Inception Group, the London hospitality group known for its immersive venues, has told Propel that if the company’s new competitive socialising format – Mr Fogg's Games Parlour – is well received, it could go into more of its sites and also become a stand-alone format. Propel revealed yesterday (Wednesday, 25 March) that Inception Group is to enter the competitive socialising space with the launch of a new gaming “vertical” this spring. Mr Fogg's Games Parlour will debut at the group’s existing Mr Fogg’s City Tavern in Broadgate Circle, near Liverpool Street. Located on the lower ground floor of the 5,000-square-foot venue, The Games Parlour will feature six specially designed gaming booths created in a “typically traditional Mr Fogg’s style”, and a substantial bar. Gilkes told Propel: “If successful, we very much see Mr Fogg’s Games Parlour being added to other Mr Fogg’s sites. There is potential for the Games Parlour to have its own website, whereby multiple sites offering the competitive socialising activities will be listed, giving our customers the choice based on location or preferred venue. Mr Fogg’s Games Parlour could also become a stand-alone site too if this first incarnation is well received in the City. There’s so much we can do and so much fun we can have within this Victorian brand.” Inception Group, which operates 15 sites across the capital, is to open a new flagship site in Covent Garden's historic Market Building this summer. The opening, which will be on the former The Crusting Pipe site, is set to be a flagship for the company’s Mr Fogg’s Tavern concept.

 

Wolseley Hospitality Group owner launches new hotel brand inspired by original Colbert bistro in London: Wolseley Hospitality Group owner Minor Hotels is to launch a new hotel brand inspired by the original Colbert bistro in London. Colbert Collection is a global soft brand in the premium segment that brings together independent hotels “united by a shared philosophy: that the most unforgettable travel experiences are felt rather than explained”. Colbert Collection draws inspiration from the “convivial atmosphere” of Parisian boulevard cafés and the “cultural vibrancy” of the Colbert bistro in London, part of Wolseley Hospitality Group, which operates a collection of European dining concepts and is owned by Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels. Colbert Collection will debut in Italy this spring and will continue to expand into “culturally rich destinations” around the world, including the UK, Spain, Austria and the UAE. “Colbert Collection represents a new chapter for Minor Hotels,” said chief executive Dillip Rajakarier. “This brand captures specific opportunities in the market, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers and owners alike.” Colbert Collection joins Minor Hotels’ existing portfolio of hotel brands — The Wolseley Hotels, Anantara, Minor Reserve Collection, Elewana Collection, Tivoli, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, NH, iStay and Oaks. Minor Hotels has a global portfolio of more than 640 properties.

 

Buzzworks adds second site with rooms to portfolio with acquisition of East Lothian venue from Tom Kitchin: Scottish independent restaurant and bar operator Buzzworks Holdings has added a second site with rooms to its portfolio with the acquisition of the Bonnie Badger in East Lothian from Tom Kitchin. Situated in the village of Gullane, the purchase marks the next step in Buzzworks’ expansion into accommodation, as part of its ongoing growth plans. Originally built in 1836 and taken over in 2018 by Kitchin and his wife Michaela, Bonnie Badger features 12 bedrooms and a master suite, alongside a restaurant and bar. Buzzworks will bring its signature House Collection concept to the venue. The Bonnie Badger will continue operating throughout the summer before closing for refurbishment and is set to reopen in spring 2027. The existing team members at The Bonnie Badger will join Buzzworks. The acquisition builds on the group’s recent expansion into accommodation, with the nearby Nether Abbey Hotel in North Berwick currently being redeveloped and set to reopen later this year. Buzzworks chief executive Kenny Blair said: “The Bonnie Badger is a fantastic venue, with an excellent reputation and a real connection to the Gullane community. It’s clear how much care has gone into making it what it is today, and we’re excited to build on that as we take it into its next chapter.” Blair told Propel that trading so far in 2026 had been “resilient” with “steady performance across the estate despite the ongoing challenges”. He added: “Our growth pipeline remains healthy, and we’re progressing steadily toward our ambition of reaching £100m in revenue through disciplined expansion and high quality site development.” Buzzworks operates 22 venues across Scotland, while the Kitchins now operate Edinburgh venues The Scran & Scallie and The Kitchin, which holds a Michelin star. 

 

Chipotle’s tattoo-themed promotion generates highest sales day ever: Chipotle has reported its “Tatted Like a Chipotle Bag” promotion – held on Friday, 13 March – generated the highest single-day sales in the company’s history. The promotion offered tattooed customers – whether donning permanent or temporary or even hand-drawn ink – a buy-one-get-one entrée free on in-restaurant orders for one hour only on that day. According to the company, the campaign’s sales were about 10% higher than its previous single-day sales record, which was set on National Burrito Day 2024, and included a new digital game. Related “Tatted Like a Chipotle Bag” content generated more than 12 million impressions and 380,000 engagements on social media, as fans shared their tattoos and in-store experiences. The promotion was inspired by the Friday the 13th “flash tattoo” tradition, when tattoo shops drop “flash sheets” of small, pre-designed tattoos to commemorate the day. The tradition began on that day in 2008 when Oliver Peck, co-owner of Elm Street Tattoo in Texas, decided to tattoo the number 13 on as many people as possible within a 24-hour period. The phrase “tatted like a Chipotle bag” gained traction during the 2019 Super Bowl half-time performance when fans on social media compared Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine’s tattoos to the artwork on Chipotle’s to-go bags. Chipotle interim chief marketing officer, Stephanie Perdue, said: “Not every brand can ask customers to wear their love on their skin and have them show up in droves. The fact that a one-hour, in-restaurant offer became the biggest sales day in our history speaks volumes about the passion of our community and the power of leaning into what makes Chipotle unique.” Chipotle operates 17 restaurants in the UK.

 

Pizza Hut UK unveils upgraded loyalty programme: Pizza Hut UK has unveiled its upgraded loyalty programme – Hut Rewards. Evolving Pizza Hut’s consumer offering beyond a spend-based model, the upgraded loyalty programme – which launches on Monday, 20 April – spotlights and rewards every order. Users will receive a digital stamp with each order over £10, with stamps one, four, six and nine earning customers rewards – from a free garlic bread through to a free medium pizza, large pizza or XXL Big New Yorker. Once all nine stamps have been redeemed, customers start over, reaping the rewards each time they make a delivery or collection order through the UK app or delivery website. Hut Rewards are not earned and cannot be redeemed on dine-in orders at Pizza Hut restaurants. Customers who sign up for Hut Rewards before Sunday, 19 April and spend at least £5 on an order will receive a free small pizza to get them started on their Hut Rewards journey. The current scheme sees customers earn one “slice” for every £10 spent on a single order. Slices can be redeemed for free items, such as a side (five slices), medium pizza (seven slices) or large pizza (ten slices). Jana Ulaite, chief marketing officer of Pizza Hut UK, said: “It’s about recognising all our customers and making every order feel special, with plenty of perks along the way, including free pizza to get you started – because earning rewards should feel effortless.” Pizza Hut operates more than 385 delivery and restaurant sites in the UK and Northern Ireland.

 

The Columbo Group completes acquisition of east London theatre site: The Columbo Group, led by Steve Ball and Riz Shaikh, has completed the acquisition of the 30,000 square-foot Rex Theatre in Stratford, east London. Propel revealed last May that the 11-strong group was set to transform the ex-art deco Rex Theatre in Stratford High Street, which has sat empty for several years. The group is now set to undertake a comprehensive £15m refurbishment to transform the historic venue into a flagship music venue. The site is set to reopen as the Jazz Café presents The Rex, which will have capacity of 2,300 and is due to open in late 2027. The Jazz Café has built a reputation for showcasing premier jazz, soul and electronic performances in Camden since 1990. Ball said: “East London remains a thriving location for arts and culture, and we are excited to bring world-class performances and club nights to Stratford. With live music venues under continued strain, we look forward to resurrecting the Rex Theatre and continuing its legacy as one of the capital’s most beloved cultural institutions.” The Columbo Group was represented by Nick Garston, of Found Agency, while Thomas Rose, co-founder of P-Three, supported Newham Council on the sale.

 

Brew York to open food hall and event space next week: Brew York, the Yorkshire craft brewer and operator, is to open a new food hall and event space in Goole next Thursday (2 April). Goole Market Hall will comprise of four food outlets as well as a bar with 18 keg lines and six cask beers and event space. Brew York – which operates circa ten taprooms and bars at venues in York, Leeds, Otley, Pocklington, Guiseley and Knaresborough – was successful in its bid to bring its combination of craft beer and street food to the venue in 2024. Last October, the business hired Geoff Hodgson as its new chairman, which is said underlined its ambitions to expand the geographical reach of its beer and extend its growing portfolio of sites. The company opened four new venues in 2025 – the Old Grey Mare in Clifton, York; Brew+Bao in Chapel Allerton; Brew+Bao in Scarborough; and Towers Tap Room in Carlton – and said it had “a few more venues to launch in early 2026”.

 

Ex-Kiln head chef and Super 8 Restaurants to launch new restaurant in London’s Soho today: Meedu Saad, co-owner of the Super 8 Restaurants-backed Kiln, is to open his debut restaurant, Impala, today (Thursday, 26 March), in London’s Soho. Impala is named after the cherry red 1964 Chevrolet Impala that Saad drove during his summers in Egypt and is inspired by charcoal grill restaurants from north Africa to north London. Saad, who was also previously the head chef at Kiln, said he will channel a lifetime of food and learning into Impala, with the project having been in the works for five years. He said: “Growing up, I saw river fish baked in bran around the community ovens in Ismailia, opened clams over small fires along the beaches of the Red Sea and watched spit roast sheep turning in smoke filled Cypriot kebab houses in Haringey. All these memories are carried through into our cooking today.” The restaurant, in Dean Street, has an open fire grill offering dishes such as baked river fish, spit-roast mutton, grilled sea bass and bream, prepared using the Japanese preservation method ike jime. Impala becomes the newest restaurant in the Super 8 group, which is also behind the likes of Brat, Mountain, and Smoking Goat. In August last year, Super 8 Restaurants, which is led by Brian Hannon and Ben Chapman, said it is set to open more restaurants, with a new vehicle – Super 10 Restaurants – set up to help with its expansion plans. 

 

Scottish operator The Rocca Group opens new all-day restaurant concept overlooking St Andrews golf course: Scottish restaurant group The Rocca Group has opened a new all-day concept in St Andrews. Clarets has taken residence in The R&A World Golf Museum, overlooking the world-famous Old Course. The former Niblick Restaurant space has been transformed with Clarets, occupying the first-floor space, with seating for 60 guests. The venue is also available for private hire, accommodating up to 100 guests. The restaurant offers a carefully curated breakfast and lunch menu that evolves into a relaxed brasserie-style experience in the evenings. Stefano Pieraccini, managing director of The Rocca Group, said: “Opening Clarets here is incredibly meaningful for us. St Andrews is a place with such history and character, and we wanted to create a restaurant that reflects that — not just in the setting, but in the atmosphere, the food and the experience.” The Rocca Group also operates fine-dining restaurant The Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews and The Broughton gastropub and Café Calton in Edinburgh.

 

Family-run London café and restaurant concept Burnt to open third site: Family-run London café and restaurant concept Burnt is to open its third site, in Bethnal Green. Finlay and Honor Logan launched their debut site in Askew Road in Shepherd’s Bush in 2021 before adding a second, at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, in 2023. Now, they are coming to Bethnal Green next month, opening beneath the railway arches in Poyser Street. The site will also act as a space for the team to bake all its cakes, pastries and bread, including Burnt’s signature pistachio croissant and a savoury Welsh rarebit custard Danish. After launching initially with baked goods, sandwiches and coffee, the new Burnt will then start a full lunch and brunch menu, with a produce-led evening menu following that. The duo told London on The Inside: “Bethnal Green feels like the first time we’ve been able to bring everything together properly. Baking has always been a big part of Burnt, but we’ve never really had the space to do it the way we wanted. Now we can make everything in-house, develop new ideas, and give that side of the business the attention it deserves. At the same time, it gives us room to push the evening side further as well. Dinner has always been something we’ve cared a lot about, and this site lets us expand on that – with more freedom, more flexibility, and a bit more ambition.”

 

Ottolenghi co-founder opens second site for Taiwanese noodle bar concept: Noam Bar-Chang, co-founder of London restaurant and deli operator Ottolenghi, has opened a second site for his Taiwanese noodle bar concept, Kung Fu Mama, in Canary Wharf. Bar-Chang partnered with Chris Hsu, who is behind Taiwanese noodle brand Kung Fu Mama Retail, to open the debut venue under Kung Fu Mama last April, in Covent Garden. The pair have now opened a site in Jubilee Place. Dishes include noodle bowls and bao sandwiches alongside sides such as mixed greens and wood-ear mushroom salad. Bar-Chang said: “Opening in Canary Wharf feels like an exciting next step for us. Chris and I set out to create food that is high-quality, nutrient-dense, joyful and full of character – dishes we'd happily serve to our own families – and we're proud to see this vision resonating with Londoners.” In January, Bar-Chang told Propel that Bar Chang was poised for further expansion after the opening in Canary Wharf “thanks to a simple and robust operating model”.

 

Fledgling salad concept Pick.Your.Own to open second site next week: Pick.Your.Own (P.Y.O), the fast-casual concept that secured investment from Frontive Group and Cervus Investments last summer to accelerate its rollout across London, will open its second site, in Broadgate, next week. Opening on Tuesday, 31 March, the Broadgate location, which will be set across two floors, will also see P.Y.O. introduce breakfast for the first time. Last year, the company, which is the brainchild of Christian West, a former private equity professional, said the new funding would enable it to open multiple new sites within the next six-to-nine months, with “ambitious plans already in motion for further growth”. The business told Propel that it is targeting opening 20 sites within the next four to five years, with an initial focus on the City before moving to other areas. The company opened its debut site in Mark Lane, near Fenchurch Street.

 

Team behind Italian restaurant in London’s Spitalfields Market plans distillery: The team behind Italian restaurant Alfi and the neighbouring games and cocktail bar Player’s Social in London’s Spitalfields Market is to open a distillery as it looks to build a “more sustainable, resilient supply model for modern hospitality”. Planned to open in late 2026, Spitalfields Distillery will produce spirits on site. Designed as a visible, open part of the market experience, visitors will be able to see the process in real time, from distillation through to the final pour. The distillery will be located within Alfi on part of the terrace space, with a fundraise on crowdfunding platform Crowdcube being launched to support the £100,000 project. The funds will also be used to expand Alfi’s pizza and pasta takeaway and product range. The pitch states: “Hospitality needs a better supply model as prices continue to rise, and customers expect better quality. A distillery built inside our venue will help us to control cost, quality and supply. Expansion of our kitchen will allow us to produce more of our own products. We make products in house to sell at our large 280 capacity Alfi venue. We aim to supply other venues and break into the wholesale market.” The distillery will launch with a core range including gin, vodka and rum, alongside limited releases and seasonal runs. Ben Hodges, part of the founding team behind the distillery, said: “Our goal is simple – to make great spirits locally, be open about how they are made, where ingredients come from, and how sustainability is built into every step, creating something the local community can feel part of.” The pitch revealed Alfi turned over £1.3m in 2025, with cocktail revenue of £120,000 in the 12 months to February 2026. 

 

London hospitality entrepreneur launches underground cocktail bar concept: Hospitality entrepreneur Nick Crispini, who is behind Italian restaurant Flour & Grape in London’s Bermondsey, has launched an underground cocktail bar concept. The Cellar Club has launched beneath Flour & Grape, extending the site’s offer with a late-night, drinks-led experience. The venue is designed to complement the restaurant while driving incremental evening trade. With a focus on high-quality cocktails and curated music, The Cellar Club is positioned as a destination in itself. Signature serves include the Figaro (gin, fig leaf liqueur, Triple sec, prosecco), and Pajarito (a pisco sour twist). The menu is supported by low and no-alcohol options and a concise snack offering.

 

British Afghan barbecue concept Cue Point to open first permanent location: Cue Point, the British Afghan barbecue concept founded by Josh Moroney and Mursal Saiq, is to open its first permanent location. Forming a long-term partnership with the Garden Bar in west London, the duo will launch the Garden Bar Grill and Smokehouse by Cue Point London on Wednesday, 22 April. The opening follows ten years of building the concept through pop-ups, international residencies, festivals and competitions. Saiq was born in Afghanistan before her family fled the war in the 1990s and was raised in Mumbai and then London. Moroney, a British Guyanese classically trained chef, moved into barbecue, becoming pitmaster and head chef at Smokestak in London. Underpinned by a large format American drum smoker, which is being installed in the Garden Bar’s 200-cover garden, Cue Point’s menu will revolve around a selection of meat and seasonal British vegetables, and Afghan spices, pickles, sauces, and chutneys, alongside Texan-Afghan roasts on Sundays. At the bar, the Bramley Road pub will offer bourbon and beer, as well as cocktails and large format new world red wine chosen to pair with Cue Point’s menu. 

 

New food hall for Huddersfield moves step closer: A new food hall in Huddersfield has moved a step closer. Kirklees Council’s cabinet has approved the final arrangements needed to open the venue at Our Cultural Heart – the major regeneration programme transforming part of Huddersfield town centre. While the main structure of the food hall is nearing completion, the space now moves into its final stage. A specialist fit out will install commercial kitchens, ventilation systems, power supplies and individual trading spaces designed for independent food businesses. The food hall will open once this fit out is complete and the operator is confirmed. The launch is planned for spring 2027. The council’s cabinet has also agreed to delegate authority to conclude the selection of the food hall operator. The options remain leasing the space to an experienced operator, running it through a management agreement or operating it directly by the council. Phase one of the Our Cultural Heart scheme includes the food hall, new community library hub and public square. Construction is almost complete, with the library hub and square due to open in summer 2026.