Exclusive – PizzaExpress reassessing US relaunch plans: PizzaExpress, the Paula Mackenzie-led business, is reassessing its plans to relaunch in the US after deciding not to progress with the potential franchise partner it had initially lined up there – but told Propel that launching Stateside “remains high on our expansion agenda”. PizzaExpress announced last December that it planned to make its return to the US this year with an opening in Florida, which it said would play a key role in its ambitious plan to reach 1,000 restaurants globally, including the UK, by 2030. The company, which operates circa 360 sites in the UK and 100 international and franchise sites, was set to launch Stateside in partnership with Purple Square Management Company, a leading US franchisee founded in Tampa, Florida, which has also worked with Dunkin’ Donuts and Popeyes. Purple Square, led by Vik Patel, operates 245 franchise locations across 15 states. However, Propel has learned PizzaExpress is no longer working with Purple Square and has postponed its return to the US while it assesses its next steps there. A PizzaExpress spokesperson told Propel: “Our international business remains a significant growth opportunity for PizzaExpress, and entering the US remains high on our expansion agenda. We wish our initial potential franchise partner well as we assess multiple new avenues into this market and are confident of the opportunities ahead. With our next international restaurant opening in Dubai this week at hotel Four Points by Sheraton, Production City, our international markets continue to present an exciting opportunity, both in terms of expansion and trialling new formats, such as our recently opened offering at Hong Kong’s PolyU to cater for the university market. We look forward to sharing more as our plans progress – watch this space!” PizzaExpress previously attempted to launch in the US in the 1990s. Firstly, it opened three sites in the mid-1990s in California with Harshad Desai, at the time PizzaExpress’ biggest franchisee in the UK. A couple of years later, the business opened a restaurant in Philadelphia under a 50/50 joint venture established with US restaurant brand owner Avado Brands (known until 1998 as Apple South). The restaurant opened in the city’s Walnut Street under the name San Marzano. Avado, which had also taken a 20% stake in the UK-based Belgo group around the same time, planned to open one or two further locations as it tested the concept, including a site in Washington.

 

Propel’s sector-leading guide to the UK’s 500 largest hospitality companies returns: Propel’s sector-leading guide to the UK’s 500 largest hospitality companies is making its return. The Propel 500 – 2026 report will analyse the companies leading the charge in hospitality, reporting on turnover, number of sites and key staff. The 45,000-word report will feature exclusive analysis to provide a full understanding of the market’s dynamics, as the top companies in the sector shift position after a challenging year. Mark Wingett will review the mergers and acquisitions changing the shape of the Top 500 as size increasingly matters. Katherine Doggrell will examine the key developments in UK hotels and look into one of the sector’s brightest lights, experiential leisure, while Tim Street dissects the UK’s rapidly-developing franchise market. Data expert Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, will look at emerging growth sectors, and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vantifatova will analyse the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market. Propel 500 - 2026 will be released on Friday, 9 January at 9am and is available for £595 plus VAT. Existing Premium Club members can receive it on Friday, 9 January at 9am for £395 plus VAT. Premium Club members will receive the report for free on Friday, 27 February at 9am. Pre-order Propel 500 today by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

Incipio Group marketing and brand director Rory Graham among speakers at 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit, open for bookings: Rory Graham, marketing and brand director at Incipio Group, will be among the speakers at the 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Graham will share how the company is set to transform the £1.3bn Olympia London redevelopment with five bold new venues. He will reveal the strategy and creative process behind developing these diverse concepts, from rooftop restaurants to the UK’s largest Italian, and how Incipio is shaping guest experiences for the ten million visitors expected annually. Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit is returning for its eighth edition, and tickets are on sale. The event is a partnership between Propel and Think Hospitality, aiming to build a community, promote the sharing of ideas, recognise talent and define the future of eating out. Bookings are open for the two-day conference as the centrepiece of the January event series, taking place on 20 and 21 January at Hilton Bankside in London. A bigger venue allows for a dual-stage format, meaning more content than ever before. The conference will focus on technology, marcomms strategies, proposition, brand building, the latest market insights, digital developments and diversification of revenue streams. It is designed for customer focused chief executives, senior marketers, technology and innovation teams, as well as investors wanting to better understand the latest marketing, innovation and development opportunities to build market share and grow. For the full speaker schedule, click here. A one-day ticket for operators is £320 plus VAT while a two-day ticket is £575 plus VAT. Supplier tickets are £950 plus VAT for the two days. Propel Premium Club subscribers receive a 20% discount. To book, email: rmi@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Multi-Site Database with 3,488 operators and 15 new companies on Friday: Premium Club subscribers are to receive the updated Multi-Site Database on Friday (28 November). The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,488 multi-site operators and is searchable in seven main segments. The database features 1,010 (29%) operators from the casual dining sector, 799 (23%) pub and bar operators, 611 (18%) cafe bakery operators, 492 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 287 (8%) hotel operators, 234 (7%) experiential leisure operators and 54 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month, and this edition includes 15 new companies. The database includes new companies in the cafe bakery sector such as retailer and café operator Whittard of Chelsea, London Italian sandwich concept Dal Fiorentino, and Greek coffee shop concept Coffee Rules. 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 group editor Mark Wingett and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

Sector lawyer David Roberts – ‘there is going to be another sector rising’: David Roberts, head of leisure at global law firm CMS, has argued that there is going to be “another sector rising”. Speaking at the Propel Multi-Club Conference, he said: “If you look at the industry through the 1980s, there was this great resurgence of the Italian trattorias, which came into Soho, which led to a huge burst of activity, which was picked up by Le Gavroche and the celebrity chefs. Then, private equity came into the sector, and we’ve seen a number of cycles since. The people around this room are dealing with more challenges on a weekly, monthly basis than most other sectors would deal with in a lifetime. Yet, the sector still thrives. I’m quite confident we’re probably on the start of the next cycle, where younger businesses will emerge. After the Lehman crash came Dishoom and Honest Burger and the like, and I think we’re going to see another sector rising; a set of new businesses rising. We are seeing a lot of new capital coming in backing early-stage concepts, and these are second generation entrepreneurs who have backed a business, made some money and come back again. Some will say that’s foolish, but I think there’s quite a few business models now that are taking those places in the high street. I think also, as we move towards a four-day week future, there’s just going to be more time and space for hospitality. This industry is resilient. It’s not going to go away, so I think the high street remains the domain of this industry, and if we’ve departed it a little bit, we are going to come back in strongly. Interestingly, a lot of the transactions we’re working on at the moment have foreign purchases coming in looking at the UK as a proving ground for concepts. I think hospitality is going to become one of this country’s great successful exports. because the way we do it, we think is normal, but you have to go elsewhere to realise it’s actually unique and wonderful.” Roberts was among the speakers at the Propel Multi-Club Conference. All videos from the conference were released to Premium subscribers on Friday (21 November). 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. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Fallow co-founder – ‘with this government’s tax regime, our hands are tied every single way’: James Robson, co-founder of the company behind Fallow in London’s Haymarket’s and Roe in Canary Wharf, has said he would love to launch another big site in London, but can’t risk it. Robson told The Standard: “We’re really good at opening a 5,000 to 8,000 square-foot restaurant with a spend of £5m to £10m that is going to create 100 to 200 jobs. I should be doing another one in London, but in this environment, it’s just irresponsible to the team we’ve already got – I just can’t put that at risk, not with this government’s tax regime. Our hands are tied every single way. Right now, I’m looking at what international might look like; I’m looking at other areas like digital and social media.” Fellow London restaurateur Soren Jessen, owner of 1 Lombard Street opposite the Bank of England, is another experienced operator who said while he is doing well – in terms of sales growth – profitability is so fragile that he cannot risk taking on more staff. “We have seen like-to-like top-line growth of 10% but we need that just to keep up with the bills,” he said. “It’s really quite stressful if you have to chase sales and still can’t make a profit. And we’re in the City of London; we’re in the best position any restaurant can be. I dread to think what it’s like out in the countryside.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a multi-restaurant and bar venue in London that is seeking a general manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This venue generates £200,000-plus per week, employing a team of up to 100. The business is looking for a hands-on operator who thrives on the floor, maintains exceptional standards and brings structure and cohesion to a large, multifaceted space, working directly with the operations director. The general manager will also bring strong commercial instincts, working with marketing, events and security to drive revenue and operational excellence.” The salary is up to £65,000. For more information, email kate@corecruitment.com

 

Licensing update: John Gaunt & Partners licensing solicitors has just published its latest licensing update. In it is a summary of key matters being considered by the government in the recent call for evidence on alcohol licensing reform. The full update can be accessed here.

 

Iro Sushi set to expand into new parts of the UK next year ahead of planned international growth: Sushi brand Iro Sushi has told Propel it is set to expand into new parts of the UK next year ahead of planned international growth. The company, which was founded in 2014 by Chhong Sherpa, currently has 30 stores and said earlier this week that it has commitments to add ten more by this time next year. Iro Sushi has previously said it is targeting having 50-plus stores by 2027 and 100 by 2030. The majority of Iro Sushi‘s stores are currently in London and the south east – and next year will see it expand into Berkshire and Hampshire with launches in Basingstoke, Windsor and Maidenhead. Sherpa, a former sushi chef, also hopes to add to the major cities such as Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham – opening multiple locations in each. He said: “After doing ten in the next year, we will do 20 in the following year and speed up after that. At the moment, 30% of our estate is directly franchised, with another 30% in co-franchising, but our main focus will be more on the direct franchising side going forwards. I have 15-20 franchisees lined up ready to go – it’s just finding the locations. International expansion will be a bit further down the line, but we’re looking to go into Europe, and then to expand into the US and Middle East too. We’re looking to go into any high footfall location, and we already have a smaller format kiosk model, which fits nicely into shopping centres.” Sherpa said Iro Sushi has enjoyed its “biggest year yet” in 2025, adding around ten stores as well as delivering system sales of circa £16m in the year to end of March 2025 – up 56% year-on-year. Sushi is a segment of the market that has seen a huge growth in popularity in recent years, which Sherpa puts down to trends for healthier living – especially among younger consumers. He added: “People are far more health conscious now, and sushi really drives down into that. It can also work across several dayparts, from a lunch on-the-go to a sit-down platter for dinner.” 

 

Robinsons hires Beth Anderson as new director of people and culture: North west brewer and retailer Robinsons has hired Beth Anderson, formerly of The Revel Collective – previously known as Revolution Bars Group – as its new director of people and culture. Anderson spent 13 years at what was Revolution Bars Group, including five and a half as its group people director, after beginning with the business as a deputy manager. She also spent two and half years at Camerons Brewery in operational management. In August, Robinsons reported turnover increased to a record £97.7m for the year ending 31 December 2024 compared with £92.3m the previous year. Operating profit reached £6.2m (2023 £6.1m). Despite the rising costs in the industry and challenging market conditions, the business said it has remained resilient and continued to invest in its 250-strong pub estate and brewhouse, with the consolidation of brewing and production on to one site.

 

Karl Jolly returns to Sticks‘n’Sushi as chief people officer: Karl Jolly has returned to Danish-Japanese premium restaurant group Sticks‘n’Sushi – in which McWin, the backer of Gail’s and Big Mamma Group, acquired a majority stake earlier this year – as its chief people officer. Jolly, who was previously the 30-strong brand’s chief people officer from the start of January 2019 to spring 2022, has been the group’s interim people director for the past six months after leaving New World Trading Co (NWTC) at the start of the year. Jolly joined NWTC as its people director at the start of 2023 after a brief stint as people director at catering equipment supplier Nisbets. Jolly, who has also had stints at Mitchells & Butlers and Pret A Manger, spent almost 13 years as director of people at motorway services operator Welcome Break. Sticks‘n’Sushi said Jolly will support more than 1,400 team members in the UK and mainland Europe, working closely with chief executive Andreas Karlsson in developing strategies that build upon the brand’s low employee turnover and high stability while focusing on daily operations and people leadership. Karlsson said: “Karl will be instrumental in supporting us in developing our teams, building strong leadership as we enter new markets.” Jolly added: “I look forward to developing our people, attracting new talent and further strengthening our culture and leadership team as the brand expands.” The business is set to further increase its regional presence in the UK, with openings in Glasgow in December and Manchester in the spring. The brand will also open its first airport restaurant as part of the Terminal 3 expansion at Copenhagen airport in 2027.

 

Mudman to close Greyhound Café UK operations: Mudman – the master franchise operator of Au Bon Pain, Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ Donuts in Thailand – is to close the sole UK site under its Bangkok-style Greyhound Cafe concept. The company opened the debut UK site for the concept in Berners Street in Fitzrovia, London, at the start of 2018. Thai designer Bhanu Inkawat launched Greyhound as a fashion house in 1980, opening a cafe in Bangkok in 1998 that now has circa 15 sites across Asia. The business said: “With heavy hearts, we announce Greyhound Café will be closing its UK operations on Saturday (29 November), with last orders at 10pm. It has been an honour to share our flavours, our creativity, and our Bangkok-born spirit with you. We are saddened to say goodbye, and we are grateful for every guest who has supported us during our time in the UK. From fashion to food, our journey began in 1980 when four partners in Bangkok came together with a shared passion for style, culture, and living. What started as the Greyhound fashion label soon grew into something bigger: in 1998, we opened the very first Greyhound Café and transformed the brand into a cutting-edge lifestyle experience. Just like our home city of Bangkok, Greyhound Café has always embraced creative chaos – where traditional meets modern, street meets couture and east meets west in the most beautifully unexpected ways. Love has always been our main ingredient. Although our UK chapter is coming to an end, our story continues in Bangkok and across Asia, and the memories we’ve shared with our UK guests will always remain a cherished part of it.”

 

La Nouvelle Garde to launch debut international site in London: French restaurant group La Nouvelle Garde is to make its international debut next year with the opening of a new Parisian brasserie, Brasserie Olivia, in London’s Chelsea. The company, which was founded by Charles Perez and Victor Dubillot, will open the new site in Sloane Square. The brasserie will serve home-style cooking, presenting classic dishes which are “resolutely homemade and elevated through the use of locally sourced and seasonal produce, in a space that is distinctly independent and full of character”. In 2019, La Nouvelle Garde opened Brasserie Bellanger in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. With nine restaurants across France including Bordeaux, Lille, Marseille, Lyon and Neuilly-sur-Seine, the company said its brasseries capture the “convivial spirit of sitting down together and sharing meals”. Perez said: "We established La Nouvelle Garde for one reason, to preserve the French art de vivre and bring a new golden age to the traditional brasseries everyone is used to. We’re excited to be bringing this to London with Brasserie Olivia and look forward to introducing our cuisine to everyone.”

 

Yorkshire dessert bar operator makes international debut: Yorkshire dessert bar operator Rassams Creamery had made its international debut with an opening in Kenya. Rassams has opened in Ring Road in Kilimani in Nairobi – joining the brand’s eight UK locations. The business, founded in 2012 by Rassam Ali, currently has five sites within Sheffield plus one each in Liverpool, Wakefield and Beeston. “After months of hard work, the doors are finally open,” Ali said. “From Sheffield to Nairobi, the journey has been long, but every step was worth it. This is just the beginning.” In January, Rassams set a target of reaching 50 sites by the end of 2027, as it looks to expand through franchising. The company said in June that it was lining up openings in Leeds, Barnsley, Leicester, Manchester and Chesterfield. Rassams’ latest UK opening was in the autumn, at 10 Duke Street in Liverpool.

Black Sheep Coffee to open new Edinburgh store: Speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee will next month open a new Edinburgh store. It will open in a former Royal Bank of Scotland branch at 206 Bruntsfield Place in Bruntesfield on Tuesday, 11 December. It will be a 20th site in Scotland for Black Sheep Coffee and an 11th in Edinburgh. Store Manager Gagan Kaur said: “We’re excited to join the Bruntsfield community and build something that goes beyond great coffee. This new store has been designed as a hub for locals – somewhere to meet, work, unwind and feel at home. We can’t wait to open the doors and become part of the neighbourhood.”

The Ivy Collection lines up Chester opening, fifth Harry’s Bar set to open: The Ivy Collection, the Richard Caring-backed restaurant brand, has added a site in Chester to its 2026 opening pipeline, Propel understands. It is thought the circa 50-strong business is set to open on the former All Bar One site in the city’s Newgate Street, which recently closed. It comes as the business is set to open the fifth site under its Harry’s Bar and Restaurant concept, on the former Tuttons site in London's Covent Garden, later today (25 November). Over the last two months, the company has opened The Ivy Northcote Road, on the Old Bank pub site in London’s Battersea, and The Ivy Nottingham, on the former Hugo Boss store in Bridlesmith Gate, for what was its debut in the East Midlands. The business also recently opened Ivy Asia sites in Liverpool and Dublin. Earlier this month, Laura Mills stepped down as managing director of The Ivy Collection. Serial sector investor Caring has been reportedly in the process of selling The Ivy Collection for a year and a half.

 

Shake Shack eyes Manchester opening: US better burger brand Shake Shack, which opened in London’s King’s Cross train station last week, is planning its first opening in the north west. Propel understands Shake Shack is in talks to open in the former Costa Coffee site in the Great Hall area of the Trafford Centre. In the summer, Shake Shack opened in Cambridge for its fourth regional location, joining its other locations outside of London in Birmingham, Cardiff and Oxford. Shake Shack’s opening on the former Giraffe Stop site on the mezzanine level at King’s Cross was its 18th UK venue.

Wendy’s franchisee Khidmat to launch brand’s first drive-thru in south west: Wendy’s franchisee Khidmat is set to launch the brand’s first drive-thru in the south west. The new location, scheduled to open in early 2026, will be in the former Chiquito’s unit at Alphington Retail Park in Exeter. It follows Khidmat, which signed up as a Wendy’s franchisee in November 2024, last month opening the brand’s first restaurant in the south west, at Drake Circus Shopping Centre in Plymouth. Farhat Abbas, managing director of Khidmat , said: “The opening of Exeter’s first Wendy’s drive-thru restaurant is a proud moment for us. Following the success of our Plymouth location, this new restaurant reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and convenience to our guests. We are excited to bring Wendy’s new look store design and signature high-quality ingredients and service to Exeter and look forward to becoming part of the local community.” The Alphington drive-thru will create 50 new jobs and serve Wendy’s full menu, including its square burgers, chicken sandwiches, freshly prepared salads and the Frosty desserts. Wendy’s currently has 48 UK locations.

Nottingham McDonald’s franchisee narrows its losses: McDonald’s franchisee Finix Restaurants, based in Nottingham and operated by Fiona Nicholls, narrowed its losses in the year ending 31 December 2024. The company’s pre-tax loss of £54,052 was more than halved to £20,197. Turnover was in line with the previous year, rising slightly from £21,847,069 to £21,882,731. Dividends of £37,000 were paid (2023: £38,000). Nicholls said: “Although turnover for the year remained at a similar level to the previous year, gross profit increased by almost 2%. Due to increases in utility costs and other overheads, the company incurred a loss before taxation adjustments of £20,197 for the year, compared to a loss of £54,052 in the previous year.” Nicholls had worked for McDonald’s in various roles since 1987 before becoming a franchisee in 2016. She is the wife of Jerry Nicholls, who owns 11 McDonald’s restaurants through his own franchise, Blades Restaurants.

Wingstop secures Derby site, opens in Northampton: Wingstop UK, which is backed here by US private equity firm Sixth Street, is to open a site in Derby. The business, which plans to grow to as many as 200 sites in the UK within the next five years, has agreed a 15-year lease to occupy a 1,700 square-foot unit at the Derbion scheme in the city. Chris Sherriff, chief executive at Wingstop UK, said: “Wingstop UK has expanded significantly over the last year, and our new site in Derby will be a crucial continuation of that growth. We're excited to bring our flavours to a new city and Derbion’s position as a key retail and leisure destination for the East Midlands makes it the perfect home.” It comes as the business has opened its latest site, its 81st in the UK, in Northampton. The 65-cover, 2,643 square-foot site has opened in the town’s The Drapery. Sherriff said: “Northampton is a growing town blending heritage with modern development – a perfect match for us. With two successful locations already operating in the region, we’re excited to join the busy centre of this vibrant community.”

 

Chicken Cottage launches three new London locations in one day: Halal fast food company Chicken Cottage has launched three new London locations in one day. Chicken Cottage has opened at 264 West Hendon Broadway in West Hendon, 256 Neasden Lane in Neasden and 40 Pitshanger Lane in West Ealing. The company, which has previously targeted reaching 100 sites by 2027, has more than 70 UK locations plus a handful of overseas sites. Safad Khan, franchise and development officer at Chicken Cottage, said: “What an incredible milestone forvChicken Cottage – three grand openings in a single day, each one a testament to the momentum, passion and dedication driving our brand forward. A huge shout-out to our incredible operations team for its hard work, energy and commitment in bringing the launches to life. None of this would be possible without its dedication.” Last month, Chicken Cottage launched its first service station site, within the Esso Hylands service station in Bookham, near Leatherhead, in Surrey.

 

Oodles Wok preparing to open second Canadian site: Indo-Chinese brand Oodles Wok is preparing to open its second site in Canada. The brand, which has circa 50 UK sites, signed a 50-store development deal for Canada in March and opened its first store there in June, in Scarborough, Ontario. Oodles Wok is now getting ready to launch in Brampton, also in Ontario. “From our first store in Scarborough to our upcoming launch in Brampton, we’re thrilled to see the Oodles Wok family expanding across Canada,” the company said. “Each new pin on the map represents more than just a location, it’s a milestone in our journey to share bold Asian fusion flavours with new communities and food lovers around the world. Here’s to more growth, more flavour, and many more pins to come!” Oodles Wok’s first international market was Dubai, having launched in its Motor City in October 2024. Last month, the brand said it is set to launch in a further international market, having partnered with The Oryx Group, which is a franchisee for Nando’s in Qatar, to roll out there too.

 

Bow Hospitality to open second Mezcal site in Glasgow: Scottish operator Bow Hospitality will open the second site under its Mexican restaurant and bar concept, Mezcal, in Glasgow, tomorrow (Wednesday, 26 November). The new site will open at the Glasgow Fort scheme and join the existing Mezcal site in the city’s Hope Street. The business closed its Mezcal site in Edinburgh earlier this autumn, with plans to reopen in a “bigger and better” location in the Scottish capital next year. Daryl Knox, the company’s area operations manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our doors at Glasgow Fort and introducing even more people to the bold, fresh flavours that make Mezcal special. From tacos to margaritas, our menu is all about fun, flavour and celebrating the Mexican street-food experience.” The company, which was founded in 2001, is owned by the Bowman family and currently operates 12 sites across Scotland, including eight in Glasgow. Last year, the business made its debut in Edinburgh with the opening of “Pacific-fusion” bar and restaurant Cabo in Hanover Street.

 

Bread Ahead, Butchies and Club Mexicana among operators opening at Market Place Leicester Square: Independent bakery and baking school business Bread Ahead, London chicken sandwich concept Butchies and Club Mexicana, the vegan restaurant concept that offers Mexican and Californian-inspired street food, are among the traders opening at food hall concept Market Place’s new Leicester Square site in the capital. They are among 15 operators opening at the five-storey food hall, which launches on Thursday, 11 December. The concession will be Bread Ahead’s eighth site in the capital, joining its location in Manchester and four in the Middle East. Butchies, founded and led by Garrett FitzGerald, will also be launching its eighth London site, while Club Mexicana will open its fourth in the capital. They will be joined by a fifth London site for Sunday roast meets street food concept Yorkshire Burrito, and a fourth outlet in the capital for slow roasted pulled duck-focused The Duck Shed. As previously reported by Propel, London tech-restaurant group Inamo is opening an eighth location for its sushi and fusion street food sister-brand Inamo Sukoshi at Leicester Square. Meanwhile, Caribbean focused Hot Scotch is opening its second London site, as is Soft Serve Society, with its range of desserts. Burger concept Cheeky Burger, Greek-inspired Hide and Greek, seafood focused Molo, Thai House, Crumble Mania, Strip Steak and Mister Lasagna complete the line-up. Blake Henderson, managing director at Market Place, said: “Leicester Square has always been at the heart of London’s excitement and energy, and now we’re bringing food and flavour into the mix too. We’ve brought together the very best food vendors from viral street food sensations to Michelin-trained chefs so everyone can find something that keeps them coming back for more.”

 

Mr Bao team to open Cantonese restaurant Café Kowloon: 6 of 1 Hospitality Group, the team behind Mr Bao and Master Bao, is to open Cafe Kowloon – a modern Cantonese kitchen-style restaurant – in east London next year. The new site will open alongside the group’s recently launched Hong Kong-style wonton noodle soup bar – Wonton Charlie’s – in London Fields. The business said Café Kowloon will take inspiration from “everything from dai pai dong street food vendors to dim sum houses, world-class cocktail spots and restaurants that are renowned for one specific dish, the menu will celebrate the city’s eclectic and evolving culinary scene”. Wonton Charlie’s, the 18-seat wonton noodle soup bar, sits at the front of the site – through which guests will pass into Cafe Kowloon. Founded by Frank Yeung and Abhinav Malde, 6 of 1 also operates the Mr Bao, Daddy Bao, Master Bao and Good Measure concepts in the capital. The group said Cafe Kowloon continues its evolution as it branches into new cuisines and concepts. Yeung and Malde said: “This opening has been a long time in the making, so it’s exciting to finally see all the site hunting, research and development come to life. This marks a big step in the journey for 6 of 1: a new site, a new corner of London,and our first move beyond Taiwanese food. It’s a project fuelled by real passion from the whole team, and we can't wait to open the doors. As always, our focus is on building a team, a menu and a space that allows people to relax and have fun, and we’re excited to bring that spirit to this new space.”

 

Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud reveal restaurant concepts opening at Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch: Chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud, who together hold seven Michelin stars, have revealed the restaurant concepts they will launch at the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch in London. In February, the duo were announced as the official chef partners for the hotel, which will launch in 2026. Now, details of the restaurants have been revealed. Smyth, who is chef patron of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Core by Clare Smyth in London’s Notting Hill and Corenucopia by Clare Smyth in Chelsea, is launching fine dining venue Coreus. The seafood concept aligns with the maritime heritage of Admiralty Arch. Meanwhile, Lyon-born, New York-based Boulud – who operates 18 restaurants worldwide, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Daniel – is bringing his Café Boulud to Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch. The venture marks a return to London for Boulud, who previously collaborated with Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in Knightsbridge to run Bar Boulud until its closure in 2020. The all-day dining restaurant at Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch will feature a breakfast offering of Café Boulud classics, signature pastries and speciality drinks and afternoon tea, followed by lunch and dinner menus “highlighting the restaurant’s hero dishes”. Café Boulud will be located on the rooftop of the hotel. Hilton – in partnership with Reuben Brothers – is transforming the historic monument in The Mall into a 100-room luxury hotel.

 

Scottish distillery rescued from administration: Scottish distillery Eden Mill has been rescued from administration, securing all 42 jobs and ensuring continued operations at the Guardbridge venue. Eden Mill has been acquired by Ruby Capital after entering administration last week, with Kenny Craig and Kevin Mapstone, of Begbies Traynor, appointed as administrators. Eden Mill suffered a period of financial strain driven by significant debt and delays to the opening of its flagship site, which also includes a cocktail bar. The business had faced cash flow challenges linked to a downturn in the global whisky market, rising costs and softer consumer demand. Thomas McKay, managing partner of Begbies Traynor in Scotland, said: “The whisky sector as a whole continues to have a number of challenges, largely as a result of the ongoing recession in the global whisky market. Eden Mill experienced a drop in sales and delays in the opening of its flagship visitor centre in St Andrews which took around 12 months longer than expected to open its doors creating cash flow difficulties for the business.” Ruby Capital, led by Dundee entrepreneur Tony Banks, plans to invest further in the brand and broaden its reach. Banks said: “I’m delighted that Eden Mill will continue to thrive as a world-class destination for visitors and a proud ambassador of Scottish craftsmanship. We believe strongly that a brand as iconic as Eden Mill should not be allowed to fail and we’re ready to grow it even further.”

 

London DJ and promoter launches fundraiser to open new music venue in Islington: London DJ and promoter Rod Gilmore has launched a £23,000 fundraiser to help open new music venue in Islington. Gilmore, who is behind hip hop, house and soul events business The Doctor’s Orders, wants to open independent record shop, café and DJ bar One Eighty One at 181 Holloway Road. Currently in the final stages of renovation, the venue hopes to soft launch before Christmas. Having secured the lease and the licence for serving food and drink, Gilmore is raising funds to complete the fit-out, sound system, furniture, signage and stock. The appeal is live on Kickstarter and runs until the end of November, with £5,328 having so far been pledged. Rewards include a hot drink, song requests, exclusive t-shirts, personalised mix tapes and having your photo on the wall. Alongside the record shop and DJ setup, One Eighty One will serve coffee, cocktails and “simple high-quality food”. Gilmore said: “London has given me everything in my career, and Islington has always been home. One Eighty One is a chance to create a space that reflects the community I grew up in and the music that shaped me. If you care about keeping independent venues alive in London. Every pledge and every share helps make this a reality.”

 

Scottish operators to close fine-dining restaurant in Glasgow and replace it with neighbourhood bistro: Scottish operators Peter McKenna and Kevin Dow will close their fine-dining restaurant in Glasgow, The Gannet, at the end of this year and replace it with a new neighbourhood bistro. McKenna and Dow, who have operated the three-AA rosette The Gannet at 1,155 Argyle Street in Finnieston, for 12 years will close it on Wednesday, 31 December, and in its place, launch Eleven Fifty Five – “drawing inspiration from cosy Irish snugs, years of travel and Parisian bistrots”. The new venue will “celebrate Scottish produce while honouring McKenna’s Irish roots, with a menu featuring “some of Scotland’s top producers and introducing some exciting Irish producers”. Dow will curate a drinks menu showcasing a refined selection of old world wine, new world offerings and English sparkling – alongside classic cocktails, rare and unique whiskies and beer. McKenna said: “The time is right to close this page and move on to the next. It’s been an incredible run with The Gannet, and I’m grateful for how our work has resonated with so many. Eleven Fifty Five feels like a natural evolution. While we will maintain the high standards we've set, we’ll refocus our offerings to emphasise comfort from the dishes we serve to the inviting atmosphere of the different dining spaces.”