JD Wetherspoon chairman Sir Tim Martin – ‘huge increase in business costs is putting the future of high streets in medium and small towns at risk’: JD Wetherspoon chairman Sir Tim Martin has told Propel the huge increase in business costs is putting the future of high streets in medium and small towns at risk. Wetherspoon said energy costs have increased 80.0% on pre-covid levels while wages were up 61.1% and have now hit approximately £60m per annum. Speaking following the company’s interim results, where pre-tax profit fell 31% to £22.4m despite turnover increasing to a record £1.09bn, Sir Tim said: “There’s no doubt the huge increase in costs for retailers and hospitality is putting pressure on the economics of pubs and shops in medium and small towns especially. Leaving aside Wetherspoon, empty premises are there for all to see country wide. The Middle East energy problems are worrying, of course. The important perspective is the UK already had the highest energy prices in the world before the latest problems, having taken the insane decision to shut down the North Sea, while importing oil and gas from abroad.” Sir Tim said the company’s first site in mainland Europe – at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández airport in Spain – has “started well”. He added most of the new franchises in the next year will be in the UK, but “maybe a few more” in European airports in the next 18 months. Sir Tim said there has been a “lot of interest” from prospective new franchisees but could now give further details at this time. Whether franchising will become more of a focus for Wetherspoon given the cost burden, Sir Tim said: “Maybe. Early days. We’ll see.” Wetherspoon is set for further growth in London with openings in Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross planned. Launches in the capital in recent months include in London Bridge, Paddington and Waterloo.  Sir Tim said: “We’re always on the lookout for busy sites. Waterloo has had a great start. We’re opening soon in central Edinburgh and are hopeful for a few more stations and airports.” Wetherspoon said it plans 15 new managed pubs and between 15-20 franchise sites in 2026. Sir Tim Martin will be speaking at Propel’s Excellence in Pub and Bar Retailing Conference on Tuesday 19 May. Click here for full speaker schedule. Email Kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book tickets

Propel launches Unlimited Plus option for Premium subscribers: Propel has launched a new Premium Unlimited Plus option for Propel subscribers. The Unlimited Plus option, which costs £1,995 plus VAT per annum, has some amazing additional benefits to the unlimited option, which costs £995 plus VAT. Subscribers get 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. Existing subscribers can upgrade immediately and they get a full year from their renewal date plus the period between. The additional benefits are worth circa £2,500. Propel managing director Paul Charity said: “The Premium subscription is like a loyalty club and these additional benefits are a response to the requests for a fuller package of benefits. Existing subscribers can upgrade straightaway – and their year’s membership re-starts.  We have held the price of Premium membership for four years whilst adding benefits. Existing price points and benefits carry on – this is simply a chance to enjoy even more benefits.” Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to sign up for Premium.

 

Propel Premium Opinion – ‘BrewDog is one of the most enormous capital destruction exercises in living memory’: Propel reported on Saturday (March 21) that BrewDog will leave secured and unsecured creditors with circa £485m in unpaid debt. In a Premium Opinion Special at 4pm today (Monday, 23 March), Propel founder Paul Charity will give his views on what went wrong at BrewDog. “BrewDog is one of the most enormous capital destruction exercises in recent memory,” he writes. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to sign up for Premium.

 

HaysMac partner – ‘downturns in fortune for even the biggest names in hospitality speaks to an unsustainable financial framework’: Isabelle Shepherd, hospitality expert and partner at sector accountancy firm HaysMac, has warned the downturns in fortune for even the biggest names in hospitality “speaks to an unsustainable financial framework”. JD Wetherspoon has become the latest company to report a fall in profit – down 31% to £22.4m, despite turnover increasing to a record £1.09bn in the first half of its financial year – while Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog has acquired out of administration this month by US firm Tilray Brands for £33m. Shepherd said: “With the government failing to take a more strategic approach to the hospitality sector, it’s no surprise that an atmosphere of uncertainty has been cultured in the wake of consistent cost increases. This uncertainty has started to hit even the biggest names, with financial pressure now affecting some of the industry’s major players. BrewDog, Greene King and now Wetherspoon have all reported considerable downturns in fortune, and with these businesses struggling against the oncoming tide, it’s hard to see how this situation can be sustainable in the long run. The lack of clarity in government messaging and an endless series of U-turns has only compounded worries and muddied the waters. The entire hospitality sector faces the same issues as pubs, and unless greater support is provided, the salvo of business rates, increased inflation, reduced consumer spending and increased employment costs will continue to prove too much to bear for many venues. And this is before even considering the threat of an impending energy crisis for these businesses too. A summer of sport and good weather might provide a temporary reprieve, but in any case, the current financial framework for hospitality does not seem built to last.”

 

New hospitality body launches in Newcastle to champion the sector: A new organisation representing hospitality businesses across Newcastle has launched week, bringing together venues from across the city’s sector. The Core – Newcastle Hospitality Association has been created to “provide a stronger collective voice for the industry and to champion the contribution hospitality makes to the life and economy of the city”. The association aims to represent the breadth of Newcastle’s hospitality ecosystem – from cafés and restaurants to pubs, bars, hotels, clubs and cultural venues – highlighting the sector’s importance as a major employer and a key part of the city’s visitor offer. Speaking at the launch event, Sacha Lord, chair of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “Hospitality is the fifth biggest sector in the UK and the third largest employer, but sadly in many cities, it isn’t given the recognition that it is due. Newcastle has a reputation for its nightlife. It’s fantastic to see The Core taking it to the next level.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a baked goods business that is seeking a corporate sales manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will be responsible for driving revenue growth across multiple channels, including catering, grocery and retail. This is a hands-on position that includes identifying new business opportunities and nurturing long-term client relationships.” The position will require a couple of days per week in the company’s north London office and offers a salary of up to £60,000. For more information, email mark@corecruitment.com

 

Langan’s CEO to launch new ‘super exclusive’ padel concept: Langan’s chief executive Graziano Arricale has told Propel he is to launch a new “super exclusive” padel concept, in Switzerland, and is actively looking to launch padel clubs in the UK. Formerly operations director at Richard Caring’s Birley Clubs, Arricale leads operations for the group of high-net-worth individuals who acquired the iconic Mayfair brasserie in 2021. He also heads up the food and beverage operating team responsible for the Chucs restaurants in London, as well as private members’ club KX and boutique gym concept KXU. Arricale told Propel: “In the coming months, we will be launching a new venture – a super exclusive padel concept launching in Gstaad, in the Swiss Alps. A small scale, one court club, it will also have a golf suite, a gym and a clubhouse for members. It is currently going to open with just 15 members, and we’ll decide as we go whether to take more on – so it’s very private and niche. Our main investor is absolutely obsessed with padel, so we’re always looking for opportunities in padel. Gstaad is our first foray into the padel world. It’s a unique opportunity and probably not a scalable version, more a one-off, but we are constantly looking at sites for indoor padel clubs. We’ve had several goes at if so far, but it’s very difficult in London, especially in the areas we’re looking, to find places with ten-metre-high ceilings where you can fit multiple courts. Everything we tend to do is at the higher end of the market, the luxury end. We’re quite picky in what we will and won’t pursue. We’ve got a good idea of what will work for us; we’re just waiting for the right opportunity to come along, and when it does, we’ll work very quickly to get into that space – potentially under the KX brand.”

 

UK’s first ever Pret drive-through to open in Cheshire: Pret A Manger will open its first ever drive-thru in Cheshire, in early May. The new site, which will open in partnership with the Motor Fuel Group, will open on the former Starbucks at Oakwood Gate services in Birchwood, on the outskirts of Warrington. Pret first revealed that it was exploring the prospect of opening drive-thrus last November. In an interview with the Sunday Times, the brand’s chief executive Pano Christou said that it was discussing the idea because Pret’s “offer [of fresh products] is so different to everyone else”. He said there was potential for up to 400 travel locations, whether they be airport kiosks or roadside drive-thrus. It comes as Pret is further upping its roadside presence with the opening of three new shops in partnership with Roadchef. The new roadside shops will open at Rownhams Westbound Services (M27, between junctions 3 and 4), Stafford Southbound Services (M6, between junctions 14 and 15), and Chester Services (M56, junction 14). The new locations will create around thirty jobs. The company said the openings form part of Pret's medium-term strategy to drive sustainable growth by expanding into travel hub locations. Sam Otterburn, head of franchise at Pret, said: “We’re thrilled to expand to new shops on the motorway network in Rownhams, Stafford and Chester with our franchise partner Roadchef.” Dan Sutton, brands director at Roadchef, added: “Deepening our partnership with Pret and adding new locations across our estate as we head into the busy spring and summer travel periods marks another important milestone for our business.” Pret CEO Pano Christou will be among the speakers at the first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, which is open for bookings. Christou will talk to Propel chief operating officer – editorial, Mark Wingett, about how the business has become a global brand, with £1 in every £4 spent outside the UK, and discusses how it has consistently pushed the sector forward – from pioneering food redistribution at scale to reimagining loyalty through subscription models, to redefining what premium convenience looks like in a post pandemic world. 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.

 

Joe & The Juice reports profits surge in the UK as delivery income doubles: Danish salad, juice and coffee business Joe & The Juice has reported turnover in the UK in the year to 31 December 2024 rose to £88,755,925 (2023: £76,952,519). Pre-tax profit jumped to £8,119,809 from £1,358,227 the year before. The company stated: “Revenue growth was mainly driven by multiple factors – (an) increase in same-store sales, the full-year effect of incorporation of delivery turnover which doubled in 2024 compared to 2023 and price increases to absorb inflationary pressure on input prices throughout 2024.” Site numbers increased to 72 from 67 the year before. The company forecast that pre-tax profit for 2025 will be in the £8-10m range. It planned to “enhance convenience and guest service through digital initiatives”.

 

Pub People and Mountain Pub Company entering next phase of growth from ‘a position of financial strength’: Autumn Topco, the Downing-backed pub group comprising Pub People and Mountain Pub Company, has said it is entering the next phase of its growth from a “position of financial strength” after seeing strong sales and Ebitda growth for the year to 30 September 2025, Propel has learned. The group, which at the year-end held 50 community pubs across the Midlands and North of England, delivered sales of £25m compared to £23.5m in the prior year and an 88% increase in reported Ebitda from £1.3m to £2.5m. The group said that excluding exceptional costs, underlying pub level Ebitda stood at £6.2m. It said that performance had been driven by a combination of sales and margin growth following the completion of selective capital projects across its estate, operational efficiencies and continued investment in the team. It said: “Having invested in the business infrastructure in the prior period, the benefits of this are now being witnessed, with significantly improved margin conversion and operational leverage, meaning the group is well positioned for continued growth heading into FY26 and beyond.” The company said that trading momentum has continued into the current financial year, with like-for-like sales growth across the group of 7.3% in the three-month period to 31 December 2025. Chairman Mark Crowther said: “Having invested significantly in building the right foundations, we are now seeing the benefits materialise. Our Ebitda growth reflects the strength of the team, high quality of the estate and efficient operator-managed model. The group is now entering the next phase of growth from a position of financial strength which our current trading continues to reflect.”

Bone Daddies to relaunch Shackfuyu site under eponymous brand: Bone Daddies Group – which comprises the eponymous ramen restaurants as well as and Flesh & Buns, is to relaunch its Soho-based Japanese restaurant Shackfuyu next month. Shackfuyu, originally launched in 2015 as a Japanese pop-up restaurant. The new Bone Daddies Old Compton Street will officially launch on Monday, 6 April, following a short refurbishment closure. Once launched, the new ramen bar will offer up to 80 covers in the ground floor restaurant space, with a mix of counter seats, low dining tables and group sharing booths – plus a front window bar. Bone Daddies' director of noodles, Fran Astbury said: “We are excited to announce that we'll be serving up noodles on Soho’s famous Old Compton Street from next month! And, honouring the legend of Shackfuyu with the addition of the iconic kinako dessert on the menu across all Bone Daddies ramen bars.”

 

Individual Restaurants hires group F&B director: Individual Restaurants, the group behind Piccolino, Riva Blu, Restaurant Bar & Grill and Forbici, has 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. Bull joins with more than 25 years’ experience and most recently was culinary director at SushiSamba, where he oversaw global kitchen operations across 12 markets, managing food sales of more than £100m. Previously, he was executive chef at Soho Farmhouse and culinary director at Hix Restaurant Group. Individual Restaurants chief executive Andrew Garton said: “We have built strong, much-loved brands that are rooted in great food, exceptional hospitality and memorable experiences. As we look ahead, our ambition is to take that to the next level, investing in our offer, evolving our menus and continuing to surprise and delight our guests. Lee’s appointment is a key moment in that journey. With Lee leading our food and beverage strategy, we are well placed to accelerate innovation and shape the future of our brands.” The appointment forms part of a wider strengthening of the group’s leadership team that included Francesco Fiore being promoted to managing director for its core Piccolino brand. Individual Restaurants will also launch a new loyalty programme and app later this year.

 

Z Hotels secures £79m bank facility: Boutique hotel group Z Hotels has agreed a refinancing facility of £79m, which will support cashflow release for the business to invest in the continued growth of its portfolio. Founded in 2011, Z Hotels currently has sites in cities such as London, Liverpool, Glasgow and Bath. The financing deal was delivered by Metro Bank. Bev King, chief executive and founder of Z Hotels said: “We are pleased to be working with Metro Bank on this refinancing. Their sector expertise and long‑term support will help us continue investing in our portfolio and delivering high‑quality experiences for our guests across the UK.”

 

Nottingham-based tapas group eyes expansion: Nottingham-based tapas group Perkins Family, which operates the Baresca and Escabeche concepts, is set to go on the expansion trail with an opening in Mere Green. The business is set to open a Baresca on the former Bistrot Pierre site at Mulberry Walk in the town. Jonathan and David Perkins currently operate Baresca in Nottingham and Escabeche in West Bridgford, as well as events venue The Carriage Hall.

 

Consultation commences on new F&B project in Tunbridge Wells: The consultation process has begun for a new project in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The proposal sets out a major transformation of Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, introducing a new boutique cinema alongside an enhanced leisure and dining offer, complemented by a refreshed retail mix. Cushman & Wakefield has been appointed to lease space at the revitalised scheme. Associate director Mathew Englender said: “Not long ago, cinema-anchored leisure schemes seemed to emerge across the country on an almost monthly basis. It’s incredibly encouraging to see that confidence returning to development. We are already seeing strong early interest from a range of operators.”

 

Stonegate pours more than 100,000 pints of Guinness as St Patrick’s Day boosts trade: St Patrick’s Day celebrations saw Stonegate Group pour more than 100,000 pints of Guinness across its managed estate and Craft Union. Compared to a typical Tuesday, the company said that sales were up 96.6% across its managed estate, and 71% in Craft Union. It said that Baby Guinness was another guest favourite, with more than 10,600 additional shots poured compared to an average day. Other popular choices included Smirnoff Red Bull, Birra Moretti and Amstel. David McDowall, chief executive of Stonegate, said: “St Patrick’s Day continues to be a big occasion for our pubs. The performance across the business is a brilliant reflection of the atmosphere our teams created, who excel at delivering those high energy occasions and I would like to thank them for making the celebrations so memorable for our guests right across the country.”

 

Davenports relaunches Birmingham site under new British & Best brand: West Midlands brewer and retailer Davenports has relaunched it’s Queens Head site in Birmingham under its new British & Best brand. Taking inspiration from “great British pubs over the decades” to shape its pubs portfolio, the brewery opened the doors at the first venue to come under the new brand at 11am last Friday (20 March) in the city’s Steelhouse Lane. The British & Best theme also runs through the new menu, which includes an array of pub classics including chip butties, London-style pies and fish and chips. The refurbishment has seen new indoor and outdoor areas created – with the Birmingham city centre pub now boasting three outdoor spaces, including a Guinness Terrace to the rear. This is a nod to Davenports’ association with Guinness. As well as serving up pints, the brewery company used to bottle Guinness under license in 1905, and the original label artwork is proudly displayed in various areas. There is also an upstairs courtyard and a new tabled area to the front of the pub. Katie McPhilimey, brand and marketing director for Davenports Brewery, told the Express & Star: “Our centuries-old association with Guinness is also honoured through our Guinness branded burger – which is worthy of its own Instagram page. In today’s challenging world, the comfort, consistency, familiarity and quality of a British & Best pub is just what customers need.” Davenports was established in Birmingham in 1829 and operates a portfolio of pubs across the West Midlands. 

 

Haute Dolci launches new smaller store format, in Bristol: Premium dessert and gourmet burger brand Haute Dolci has launched a new smaller store format, in Bristol. It has launched on the upper ground floor at the city’s Cabot Circus for its 21st UK location. Haute Dolci, founded in 2017 by Nizam Mohamed, also has locations in Kuwait and Pakistan. Director Hamzah Ali said: “Haute Dolci arrives at Cabot Circus, Bristol. Another exciting addition to the growing list of UK retail destinations welcoming the Haute Dolci experience. This location introduces a new, more versatile store format for the brand. A smaller footprint with no extract requirements, designed to integrate seamlessly within premium retail environments while maintaining the design, atmosphere and food quality that define Haute Dolci. The result is a vibrant space with beautiful interiors, great energy and the same theatre behind every dessert and brunch served.” It is the second new format Hauti Dolci has introduced in recent months, having launched a new kiosk concept in December, at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre.

 

Prestigious hotel defends itself after breaching minimum wage: A prestigious hotel in Lincolnshire – the Petwood Hotel, home of the Dambusters Squadron in World War Two – has defended itself after being named and shamed for paying below the minimum wage. The Petwood Hotel insists it was an accidental situation. It stated: “In April 2022, Petwood Hotel was subject to a randomised national minimum wage review by HMRC. This was a spot check investigation and was not instigated by any complaints or suggestion of wrongdoing. During the course of the investigation, the Inspectors advised that the hotel’s uniform policy was in breach of national minimum wage requirements. Intending to be as flexible as possible for staff, the policy stated that staff were to wear any white shirt and black trousers or skirt they had available. However, the HMRC inspectors reported that in the months when staff replaced their own uniform items from their pay, this would breach the national minimum wage threshold, effectively resulting in an underpayment. At the conclusion of the investigation in March 2023, the total underpayment by the company was found to be £3,600.80. The affected staff were contacted and appropriate redress made. Subsequently, the hotel’s uniform policy was updated and uniform provided to staff. In December 2025, HMRC wrote to inform the company that it was ‘under consideration for naming in the next round of national minimum wage naming scheme’ following HMRC’s investigation into the business where it found that the business had ‘underpaid workers’. It was clear to the inspectors that the underpayments were not intentional. The company accepted the findings of the investigation and swiftly enacted the corrective changes. Naming and shaming is part of the process to increase awareness of employers’ legal obligations. The Petwood Hotel has never intentionally underpaid workers and is pleased to have corrected this genuine mistake.”

 

Fish and chip shop operator opens first franchise site: Fish and chip shop operator Yoddi Papa has opened his first franchise site. Papa, who is also behind La Fish in Chichester, Sandy’s in Folkestone and Chequers in Lenham, has opened London Chip Club at 58 Villiers Road in Kingston, south west London. Papa has partnered with Presman & Colard to offer a London Chip Club franchise for a minimum investment of £140,000 and a £12,000 franchise fee. He said: “After two and a half years of thinking, testing, refining and probably overthinking, London Chip Club Kingston, our very first franchise, is ready. It is the culmination of many years spent in fish and chips, obsessing over what works, what does not and what this industry could be. A traditional chippy with a modern twist done properly. From the layout of the shop to the uniforms on the team to the way the food is presented. Every detail has been thought through with one question in mind: how do we make this feel special for the customer walking through the door? We have built this to become part of the fabric of the local community, not just another takeaway.”

 

Wren Pubs – trading strong with like-for-likes up 15%, acquires Chelsea pub from ETM Group: Wren Pubs, the independent London hospitality group founded by Jack Greenall, a scion of the Greenall Whitley brewing family, has told Propel that trading remains strong, with like-for-likes up 15%. Greenall said: “Trade remains strong, with top line like-for-likes 15% up on previous year. Revenue growth is being driven evenly across both food and drink, with demand for parties and celebrations driving minimum spends up. Challenges that we are keeping an eye on are the living wage increases in April, alongside supplier price rises in the same month.” It comes as the group – which also operates London pubs The Carpenter’s Arms in Chiswick, the Walmer Castle in Notting Hill and The Surprise in Chelsea – acquired the lease of The Botanist in London’s Chelsea from ETM Group. Following the completion of the new lease in June, the site will “undergo a sensitive refurbishment, returning the site to its roots as a neighbourhood pub”. The site will retain its late-night licence, allowing service until 1am, with live music set to form a core part of the weekly offer. Food and drink will champion independent suppliers, seasonal produce and “classic, unfussy pub dishes”, while the drinks list will feature an extensive signature cocktail list as well as highlighting small batch brewers and wines predominantly from small family estates. The team also plans to introduce a dedicated pre- and post-theatre menu. Greenall added: “We are very proud to be opening a fourth site, especially in Chelsea, where our journey began with the opening of The Surprise. 7 Sloane Square was originally the site of a pub that was central to the neighbourhood, so it feels particularly poignant that the venue will be returning to its original purpose.” Propel exclusively revealed in January that Wren Pubs had acquired the freehold of The Carpenter’s Arms and the Walmer Castle.

 

Ivy Collection plans £10m Ivy opening in Glasgow: The group behind The Ivy and The Ivy Asia has been granted permission to transform the A‑listed former Clydesdale Bank building on St Vincent Place in Glasgow into a new flagship restaurant. Troia Restaurants plans to convert the landmark city centre property, which was occupied by Virgin Money until 2023. According to documents submitted with the proposal, about £10m will be invested to reinvent the grand banking hall as a distinctive new dining destination. The plans also include outdoor seating along St Vincent Place. The Venetian Renaissance building, which dates back to the 1870s, was built by prominent architect John Burnet Senior and has sculptures by John Mossman. Planning documents say the connection with Burnet and Mossman is considered to contribute to the building’s historic and architectural significance. Meanwhile, the company will open an Ivy Brasserie in Chester next month. Propel revealed in November that The Ivy Collection was planning to open on the former All Bar One site in the city’s Newgate Street. The company will now launch an Ivy Brasserie there on Tuesday, 28 April, for the group’s 46th site. Last week, Sky News reported that Caring was closing in on a deal to sell the bulk of his hospitality empire – which includes the Ivy restaurant brand and the Annabel’s members’ club – in a deal worth up to £1.3bn, to Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company, which is controlled by the Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan. 

Wingstop UK opens fourth Bristol site: Wingstop UK, which is backed by US private equity firm Sixth Street, has opened its fourth Bristol site. The brand has launched a 4,520 square-foot, 168-cover site at Cribbs Causeway. The opening follows that of the brand’s Cabot Circus and Queens Road restaurants and delivery kitchen in the city. Wingstop currently operates 91 sites across the UK and Ireland, employing more than 3,000 people, with plans to grow to as many as 200 sites within the next five years. Chief executive Chris Sherriff said: “We’ve seen the buzz around Wingstop in Bristol, so we’re excited to open our fourth site to meet demand. The city is youthful, creative and full of energy and we’ve loved seeing how fans have embraced our flavours.”

 

FoodCo to open Muffin Break in Didcot next month: Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue operator FoodCo Group will open a new Muffin Break in Didcot next month. It will open at the town’s The Orchard Shopping Centre, creating 20 new jobs. It will be a 74th Muffin Break in the UK from the UK arm of the Australian FoodCo business, which also operates 26 Jamaica Blues here. Michael Johnson, franchise development executive at Foodco UK, said: “We’re delighted to be opening Muffin Break Didcot in April. This launch forms part of our continued UK expansion, and we’re proud to be creating new employment opportunities while bringing our freshly baked products and quality coffee to the community.” As previously reported, FoodCo will this week open its 100th UK store – a Jamaica Blue in Sutton, south west London. The group has previously said it will open five new outlets in the first half of 2026. In November, FoodCo chief executive Mike Arbuckle told Propel the group has the potential to double its UK footprint and that Jamaica Blue is “getting good traction” and could outgrow sister brand Muffin Break.

 

Hopback Brewery reports return to profit for first time since covid but warns inflationary pressures will result in pub rises: Brewer and retailer Hopback Brewery has reported a return to profit for the first time since the covid pandemic but warned inflationary pressures will result in pub rises. The company, which operates nine pubs, posted a pre-tax profit of £110,661 for the year ending 30 September 2025 compared with a loss of £124,826 the year before. Turnover was up to £3,257,110 compared with £2,918,995 the previous year. Of the 2025 revenue, £1,792,720 came from pub sales (2024: £1,451,547) and £1,464,390 from brewery sales (2023: £1,467,448). Founder John Gilbert said: “While we are pleased with the turnaround in profitability, much to do with our pubs, the inflationary pressures will result in price rises at a time when there are other pressures on household finances. However, the Albion in Winchester has proved to be a good investment and the reopening of The Duck in Laverstock under new tenants has also improved the estate's profitability. We will continue to invest in the upkeep and improvements to the pub estate.” No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors recommended payment of a dividend of 4p per share following the return to profitability.

 

Mollie’s plans for debut Scottish site hit a snag: Budget motel concept Mollie’s plans for a debut site in Scotland have hit a snag. The company announced its proposals for a site at Edinburgh Park last July and submitted planning permission in January for the 1.56-acre site. But the plans have been recommended for refusal when they go before councillors this week (Wednesday, 25 March). The proposed hotel would comprise 207 bedrooms alongside a lobby, lounge, diner and bar with outdoor terrace. An uplift of 120,888 visitor nights per year for Edinburgh has been estimated, and once operational, the venue could create 69 jobs. However, a report said the plan “conflicts” with housing delivery requirements, is “contrary to the development plan” and is “not compatible with the emerging development at Edinburgh Park”. Founded in 2019, Mollie’s currently operates sites in Bristol, Oxfordshire and Manchester, with the latter, its first city centre location, opening in December. That same month, managing director Matt Bell told Propel the business is looking at opportunities throughout the UK, with any major city a possible location, and is pursuing both roadside and city centre options.