Young’s CEO – ‘we’ll be on the acquisition trail again next year’, ‘pre-booking in pubs is now as important as in restaurants’: Simon Dodd, chief executive of Young’s, has said he expects the company to be back on the acquisition trail “by this time next year”, and that pre-booking in pubs is now as important as it is in restaurants – with around 32% of the group’s business now pre-booked. Last year, the 277-strong company acquired the 55-strong City Pub Group business, which Dodd said gave Young’s the ability to look at scale in the likes of East Anglia, Cambridge and Bath. Speaking at Propel’s Multi-Club Conference, Dodd said: “When you buy 50 pubs in one go, you have to put your foot on the ball, otherwise you spread yourself a bit thin. We’ve done a lot with the City estate. We’ve got some exciting investments in the business this year. I think this time next year, we’ll be on the acquisition trail again. I would love to grow the business further. We’re 277 pubs at the moment. I’d love to get to around 350 high quality pubs in London and the south east. We’re not under any time pressure, because we have got City, and we’re doing lots of work with City, but I’d love to be acquiring again – whether that’s in ones or twos or whether that’s another City style business – we will look, but give us another year, and then we’ll be back.” Dodd said before covid, pre-booking wasn’t a very big thing in pubs but had grown in importance since the pandemic. He said: “In 2019, about 18% of our sales were pre-booked. You wind the clock forward and now we’re about 32% pre-booked, and Christmas will be up to 50%. I think pre-booking in pubs is now as important as restaurants because consumers want that certainty. But I think it’s a fine balance with walk-ins, because we are pubs, and you should be able to walk in any time. We’re seeing real growth in pre-booking, and I think that’s a trend that’s here to stay. A pre-book customer in our pub spends £54, while a walk-in customer spends £33. And that’s how the landscape’s changed, because ten years ago, pre-booking didn’t really exist in pubs, it was fully reliant on the walk-in customer.” Dodd was among the speakers at the latest Propel Multi-Club Conference. All videos from the conference will be released to Premium subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 19 September), 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. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

Tokyo Industries founder Aaron Mellor to speak at final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025, open for bookings: Aaron Mellor, founder and chief executive of Tokyo Industries, the UK’s largest private operator of bar and nightclubs alongside multiple international operations in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, New York, Palma,and Ibiza, will be among the speakers at the final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025. Mellor will talk about the late-night market, developing a new West End theatre, operating mid-century hotels in California, trading in Palma and Ibiza, operating multiple festivals, building skyscrapers in Manchester and buying a shopping centre in Hull. The all-day conference takes place on Wednesday, 5 November, at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London’s Kensington. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium subscribers who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality and videos from this month’s Propel Multi-Club Conference tomorrow: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will be released to Premium Club subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 19 September), at midday. Another 80 companies have been added to the database, which now features 1,113 companies. This month’s edition will also include 114 updated entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent results reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium Club subscribers will also receive all the videos from this month’s Propel Multi-Club Conference tomorrow, at 9am. They include Ed Devenport, co-founder and chief executive of the Incipio Group, discussing the company’s ability to curate different food and beverage offers across large spaces in high-profile locations, including its biggest project to date (across 40,000 square foot in London’s Olympia), plus the challenges and opportunities provided from continually evolving its offering and guest experience to remain at the top of its game. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. 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.

 

Majority of business leaders see technology as essential to boosting productivity: The majority of business leaders see technology as essential to boosting productivity, according to a new report from artificial intelligence (AI)-native workforce management software firm Sona. The report, in partnership with Peach 20/20, shows 82% of executives believe improved productivity will impact their Ebitda, while 53% strongly believe technology plays an important role in productivity strategy. Of these, 61% pointed to an increasing automation of basic tasks, while 45% see greater opportunity in workforce scheduling and 39% recognise an opportunity for marketing optimisation. However, only 35% expressed confidence in their data and 58% of respondents said outdated systems hinder productivity. Ben Dixon, chief technology officer and co-founder of Sona, said: “The challenges the hospitality industry continues to face are exhaustive and ongoing, and leaders are constantly looking for innovative ways to navigate through to greater profitability. The research shows technology is considered as an essential way to boost productivity but what is less clear to some is knowing where to best invest. We increasingly see leading hospitality businesses evaluating existing systems and identifying the functions where significant value can be driven – with the support of AI – to drive the team and guest experience, cost benefits, revenue and profit.” 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a London venue that is home to restaurants, bars and event spaces and is looking for a general manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “With a major refurbishment underway, this is an opportunity for someone to make their mark and play a key role in a transformative project. The high-volume operation, with a turnover of £8m-plus, requires a proven general manager with at least three years’ senior leadership experience (general manager, senior food and beverage director or similar) in large-scale, high-profile venues, ideally within private members’ clubs or luxury hospitality. They will bring strong financial acumen and the ability to inspire, develop, and lead teams to deliver outstanding service.” The salary is up to £140,000. For more information, email stuart@corecruitment.com

 

Ex-Luminar co-owner acquires Lola Lo sites from Brighton Pier Group: Joe Heanen, who once co-owned Luminar – at the time the UK’s largest nightclub operator – has acquired two Lola Lo sites from Brighton Pier Group, Propel has learned. At the end of 2011, Heanen joined Peter Marks, the former Luminar executive, and Alex Geffert, a former managing director of the Whitbread leisure and nightclub business, to rescue the then 66-strong Luminar out of administration in a £45m deal that saved 3,000 jobs. Heanen has now returned to the sector with the acquisition of the Lola Lo sites in Bristol and Reading. It is thought he will keep both trading under the Lola Lo name for the time being. Last month, Propel revealed Urban Pubs & Bars, the London pub operator founded by Malc Heap and Nick Pring and backed by Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual, had acquired the Lowlander bar in London’s Covent Garden from Brighton Pier Group. The site in Drury Lane, which has now reverted to its former name of The Marlborough Head, was part of Brighton Pier Group’s Eclectic Bars division, which now comprises Embargo Republica in Chelsea and Le Fez in Putney in the capital. It is thought deals are close for both of those remaining sites, which will see Brighton Pier Group exit the bar sector. Rob Meadows, of Davis Coffer Lyons, acted on the Lola Lo deal.

 

BabaBoom to explore franchising route: London Middle Eastern quick service restaurant concept BabaBoom has begun to explore franchising as it believes there is potential to expand to 50-plus sites in the UK. Propel understands BabaBoom, which has secured its fourth site in the capital, is working with franchise consultants Presman & Colard on its growth plans. It is understood BabaBoom is seeking franchisees to introduce the business into major cities in the UK. Earlier this week, Propel reported that BabaBoom is to open at Angel Central shopping centre in north east London after agreeing a deal with landlord CBRE Investment Management. BabaBoom has taken a 2,745 square-foot store on the first floor next to Wagamama. BabaBoom was founded by Eve Bugler, Travis Fish and Jono Jenkins in 2016 and also has outlets in Battersea Rise, Camden and Westfield Stratford. In December last year, the business was acquired by Brand Bae, a fast-growing multi-brand operator, for an undisclosed sum.

 

Whittard of Chelsea secures £12m funding deal to support expansion: Retailer and café operator Whittard of Chelsea has secured a £12m funding deal aimed at supporting its continued growth and expansion. The company said it was now “well-positioned” to build on its UK base and international markets such as China and the US following the deal with OakNorth. Nathan Smith, chief executive of Whittard of Chelsea, said: “As we continue to develop the Whittard brand and expand our footprint both domestically and overseas, it’s essential we work with partners who understand the nuances of a global, multi-channel business. With this additional support, we’re well-positioned to build on the strong momentum we've achieved in the UK and in key international markets such as China and the US.” Founded in 1886, Whittard of Chelsea, which operates 42 sites in the UK, remained under family ownership until 1973. The company went public on AIM in 1996 but faced bankruptcy in 2008, leading to a deal with private equity firm Epic Investment Partners. Earlier this month, Whittard of Chelsea said it was targeting further openings after reporting the rollout of its new concept stores helped drive a fourth consecutive year of growth. The company reported turnover increased 9.1% to £49.8m for the year ending 28 December 2024 compared with £45.6m the previous year. UK sales of £42m were up 6.5% year on year, while overseas revenue of £7.8m was up 26%. The company also reported like-for-like retail sales growth of 6% and an operating profit of £2.4m, a 12% year-on-year increase.

 

Former Lakeshore Leisure CEO launches new holiday park business, aims to operate 15-20 sites within next five years: Former Lakeshore Leisure chief executive Stephen Twiss has launched a new holiday park business, with the aim of operating 15-20 sites within the next five years. Evergreen Escapes Group’s first acquisition is The Manor and Ashbury Resorts in Okehampton, Devon, where it plans to modernise the accommodation and leisure facilities. Twiss, Evergreen Escapes’ executive chairman, said working with the venue’s existing 280-strong team to breathe new life into the site is just the first step in a strategy “to own and operate between 15 to 20 aspirational lodge parks and flagship resorts within the next five years”. He said: “The establishment of Evergreen Escapes, the bringing together of a supremely talented and focused senior leadership team and the subsequent acquisition of this incredible site are things we’ve been working away on in the background for the last 18 months, so it’s incredibly exciting to see them finally come to fruition. However, this is just the beginning – we’re already working on a number of other assets under management and discussions continue with a view to adding more locations to a portfolio we intend to become a standard bearer for aspirational parks and resorts across the UK. We’re backed by an institutional level fund that shares our desire for broader expansion through the innovative development of carefully selected established locations, alongside potential new greenfield projects.” Lakeshore Leisure, the Kings Park Capital (KPC)-owned operator of three holiday parks in Devon, was acquired by Capfun in 2022. This marked the France-headquartered Capfun’s entry into the UK market and private equity group KPC’s exit from Lakeshore Leisure. It was created in July 2019 when KPC partnered with Twiss to acquire under-invested and under-managed domestic holiday parks and drive performance improvement.

 

Indian restaurant brand China Bistro to make UK debut next month: Indian restaurant brand China Bistro, which operates 18 sites across India and Dubai, is to make its UK debut next month. Propel revealed in April that China Bistro has acquired the former Meadow restaurant and bar premises at 5-6 The Green in Ealing, west London. Since opening its first outlet in Mumbai in 2012, China Bistro has expanded across India and the UAE, and the 90-cover Ealing site will showcase dishes such as chicken basil dumplings, eight treasure soup, Mao’s favourite chicken and wok-tossed hakka noodles, alongside live robata grills, dim sum counters and an open kitchen. The drinks list will include Asian-inspired cocktails, jasmine tea and wine selected to complement its spice-led menu. China Bistro is one of the brands owned by Foodlink Global, which was founded in 2003 by Sanjay Vazirani, and the Ealing opening marks the company’s entry into the European market. The company started with small-scale events in Mumbai, gradually transforming into operating across luxury catering, banquets, restaurants and venue partnerships in 30 countries and has grown to become India’s largest food and beverage company. Its other restaurant brands include Glocal Junction and India Bistro. “We’re excited to bring China Bistro’s authentic Tangra experience to London,” said Vazirani. “This launch represents our first step into the UK market and builds on two decades of operational expertise across our international portfolio.” Percy Fricker, of Restaurant Property, acted on the deal.

 

London luxury health club business Third Space reports profit more than doubles to £11.2m as turnover nears £100m: London luxury health club business Third Space has reported its profit has more than doubled following an expansion drive that sparked a further rise in membership. The company, which operates 14 sites and is owned by American private equity firm KSL Capital Partners, saw its pre-tax profit grow 115% to £11,241,748 for the year ending 31 December 2024 compared with £5,262,599 the previous year. Adjusted Ebitda was up to £26,295,965 from £16,509,136 the year before. Turnover increased 43% to a record £99,033,011 compared with £69,312,930 the previous year. The group’s performance represents a turnaround from a challenging spell throughout the pandemic, when revenue plummeted and losses approached £20m between 2020 and 2021. In her report accompanying the accounts, director Suzanne Clarkson said: “2024 was a positive year for the business, as it saw continued growth in membership levels and profitability. The improved results are driven by both like-for-like trading clubs and reflect additional trading in the year from four new clubs.” No dividend was paid (2023: nil). Third Space, which employs around 900 staff, is poised to expand further, including the launch of a new venue in Queensway, west London, housed within the former Whiteley's shopping centre, which has been transformed into luxury apartments as part of a £1bn regeneration project.

 

Clermont Hotel Group agrees dining partnership with Gordon Ramsay: Clermont Hotel Group has agreed a long-term partnership with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants to open branded dining concepts across its portfolio. The exact terms of the “strategic partnership” were not revealed but Clermont Hotel Group said the chef’s involvement would offer more opportunities for immersive dining at its properties. Both parties said that site-specific restaurant announcements would be unveiled in the coming weeks. Clermont Hotel Group operates 14 hotels across London and is the largest hotel owner-operator in the capital, with 5,000-plus bedrooms across brands such as The Royal Horseguards Hotel, The Clermont and Thistle. Gavin Taylor, Clermont Hotel Group chief executive, said: “This partnership represents a significant and exciting step for us with a collaboration that enhances our guest journey with gastronomic experiences that feel both elevated and exclusive. We are confident this long-term partnership will create something special for every guest who walks through our doors.” Andy Wenlock, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants global’s chief executive, added: “This partnership marks a powerful full-circle moment for us. While we’ve built extraordinary success on a global stage, our story began here in the UK, and there’s something meaningful about returning to our roots.”

 

Zambrero hires development agents to drive expansion in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire: Zambrero, Australia’s largest Mexican quick-service franchise, has hired two development agents to help drive its expansion in Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire. Damian Bennett and Dawn Catherall bring more than 20 years of franchising expertise, having previously spearheaded growth in the region for Subway. Their track record spans recruiting high-performing franchise partners, providing strong operational support, securing prime property deals and successfully launching new stores. Bennett said: “We are looking for passionate, committed and like-minded franchise partners to open Zambrero restaurants across our region. This is an opportunity for both new and experienced franchise partners to join a fast-growing global brand at an early stage.” Emily Teh, chief executive of Zambrero UK, added: “We’re delighted to have Damian and Dawn join our ‘Zam Fam’, and are looking forward to the impact that such experienced operators will have on our expansion in the north west. This marks an exciting step-change in our plans, and we can’t wait to start introducing Zambrero to more people across the north west. We’ve had great success through establishing regional development agents in other markets, including Australia and Ireland, and we’re looking forward to supporting the team to replicate that approach in the UK.” It follows last month’s announcement that Dan Hawley had joined as the brand’s first franchise partner in Scotland. Hawley, who owns four Zambrero restaurants in Australia and has relocated to Glasgow with his family to launch the brand in Scotland, currently operates a delivery kitchen in the region and is finalising plans to open the brand’s first high street restaurant in the country in the coming months. Since its 2021 launch in London, Zambrero UK now has 13 restaurants and one delivery kitchen. Zambrero was founded in Australia in 2005 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Sam Prince and has more than 300 locations globally.

 

Robin Birley opens his first US venue: Sandwich shop and deli owner and nightclub operator Robin Birley has opened his first US venue. He has launched Birley Bakery at 20 East 69th Street in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side in New York, joining its London location, at 28-30 Cale Street in Chelsea. A menu overseen by maître pâtissier Vincent Zanardi “blends old-world craftsmanship with modern creativity” for signatures such as the cravat pastry (a savoury take on the classic pork hot dog) and the raspberry tarte tropézienne (a delicately soaked orange blossom brioche filled with light crème diplomat). Zandari said: “The Upper East Side felt like the perfect home for us – there’s a strong sense of tradition here that reflects our own values. Day by day, baguette by baguette, we’re looking forward to becoming part of the rhythm of the neighbourhood – a true local bakery for the community.” The ground floor houses a bakery and chocolate shop, while a wooden spiral staircase leads to the second floor, where guests will find 25 café seats. Birley, who also owns London members’ clubs Oswald’s and 5 Hertford Street, last summer opened The Birley Chocolate Shop at 24 Cale Street in Chelsea, just two doors down from the original Birley Bakery. He also operates eight sites across the City and the capital’s financial district of his sandwich and deli business, Birley’s, which he acquired via a pre-pack administration process in 2021.

Irish customisable toastie concept to open four travel hubs locations this year, further launches planned for 2026: Irish customisable toastie concept Griolladh, which currently has three sites in the country, will open four travel hubs locations this year, with further launches planned for 2026. Co-owners Jack Brennan and Jacob Long, who founded Griolladh in 2020, will open at two of Ireland’s busiest rail hubs this October – Heuston Station in Dublin and Colbert Station in Limerick. This will be followed in November and December with the addition of two new forecourt locations. The company has also secured a new partnership with Compass Group, adding to its calendar of pop-ups and special events, and in November, will unveil a bespoke sauce range, marking the brand’s first foray into retail. Beyond 2025, the business has further store openings planned for 2026, having partnered with Seeds Consulting to lead its franchising strategy in the UK and further into Ireland. Long said: “Reaching our fifth birthday has been an incredible milestone for us, and we’re excited to kick off this next chapter of growth. From major transport hubs to retail and now franchising, we’re determined to bring Griolladh to more people than ever before.” Matteo Frigeri, managing director of Seeds Consulting, added: “Griolladh has proven itself as one of Ireland’s most exciting and resilient food brands. With its strong brand identity, innovative product rang, and growing fan base, we believe Griolladh is perfectly positioned for success in new markets.” Meanwhile, former Hero Brands development director Chris Palmer has joined Seeds Consulting as senior franchise consultant. Palmer’s experience includes senior roles at German Doner Kebab, Taco Bell, Creams Café, Harry Ramsden’s and, most recently, Burger Boi. Palmer said: “Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to work with outstanding brands and franchise partners, building networks that have achieved sustainable growth. I look forward to bringing that experience to Seeds, supporting our clients on their own journeys, and helping to create the next generation of successful franchise stories.”

 

Maguro Group to open first Bunsik franchise location this weekend: Maguro Group will open the first franchise site for its Bunsik concept this weekend. Propel revealed in June that former Subway franchisee Will Bray had become Bunsik’s first franchise partner after selling his four-strong Subway portfolio in the south west, and was lining up Bristol for a debut site. It will now open on Saturday (20 September) in the city’s Cabot Circus, for an eighth Bunsik site overall. The menu will showcase Bunsik’s signature Korean corn dogs, along with Tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes simmered in a rich, spicy gochujang-based sauce) and crispy Korean fried chicken, plus a range of burgers and wraps. Maguro Group founder Jae Cho said: “This is such an exciting milestone for Bunsik as we open in Bristol, a city with such a vibrant food scene. Cabot Circus is the perfect location for our debut here, and we’re thrilled to bring our bold and playful take on Korean street food to a new audience.” Bray added: “I explored many different franchises, but Bunsik really stood out. The food and flavours are exceptional, and Jae’s experience as a restaurateur, backed by a talented team, gave me real confidence. That passion and expertise convinced me this was the right next step, and I’m excited to be part of growing the UK’s number oneKorean street food concept.” Cho told Propel in 2023 that Bunsik would the first of Maguro Group’s concepts to be franchised. The group is also behind concepts such as Maguro Sushi, Gogi, Bullgogi, Itaewon Burger & Chicken and Pochawa Grill.

 

Heard founder plans to open in London’s ‘busiest spots’ before going nationwide: Two-Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey has told Propel that the plan for his smash burger concept Heard is to bring it to the “busiest spots across London's boroughs and then take things nationwide”. Bailey, whose fine dining career spans the three-Michelin starred Maaemo in Oslo and his own two-star restaurant Aimsir in Ireland, launched Heard in London’s Borough in March after a year of perfecting his recipes and touring some of the biggest UK events in the Heard food truck. Bailey is to open a second site under the concept in Soho, within Foubert’s Place, today (Thursday, 18 September). The 38-cover restaurant is split across two levels, while Heard’s burgers are made with aged British beef topped with English cheese and home-made pickles, served in a butter-toasted, roast potato bun. Bailey told Propel: “We’re excited to share Heard with even more people. The plan is to bring our burgers to the busiest spots across London's boroughs and then take things nationwide.”

 

UK’s largest indoor ski centre operator plans expansion into health and fitness market: Snozone, operators of the UK’s largest indoor ski centres, is planning its expansion into the UK health and fitness market. To complement its existing portfolio, the company is actively seeking both individual sites and portfolio acquisitions, on both freehold and leasehold bases, across health and fitness, gyms, sport-based centres and experiential leisure opportunities. Owned by NewRiver, Snozone currently operates ski centres in Milton Keynes, at Xscape in Castleford in West Yorkshire, and Madrid in Spain. To support its expansion strategy, the business has retained Kevin Conibear, of Fleurets, to identify and secure new opportunities across the active leisure market on its behalf. Snozone managing director Nick Phillips said: “We have been exploring expansion opportunities for some time, to add year-round operations to complement our existing portfolio and given our experience in the sector, we view health and fitness and active leisure operations as a key focus for our continued growth.”

 

Taco Bell makes Ireland debut: Mexican restaurant brand Taco Bell has opened its debut site in Ireland, in partnership with motorway services operator Applegreen. Taco Bell has opened at Applegreen’s Dunshaughlin site, in County Meath, near Dublin. In the spring, Applegreen said that its new Dunshaughlin service station marked its largest single investment project this year. Applegreen also said the motorway service area is part of a €1bn plan to expand its business in Ireland, the UK and the US over the next five years. Seamus Stapleton, managing director of the business'’Republic of Ireland arm, previously said the company plans to open several additional Taco Bell restaurants at its locations in the country during that period. Taco Bell operates circa 135 sites in the UK, and recently added to its equity store estate with openings in Haverhill, Suffolk, and in Bromley, south east London, to take the total to eight.

 

Lane7 acquires high-profile Glasgow event space: Boutique bowling company Lane7 has acquired Platform, the 35,000 square-foot event space which sits in the railway arches underneath Glasgow’s Central railway station, formerly known as The Arches. Lane7 said it had “identified huge potential for Platform”. The company and Platform insisted it’s “business as usual” for the venue, and all 2025 booked events will go ahead as planned. Lane7 group managing director, Gavin Hughes, said: “Platform is a stalwart of the Glasgow cultural scene, and we’re honoured to have secured an agreement with the Platform team. We’ve identified huge potential for Platform, its space, and its location. It's a perfect addition to our portfolio of entertainment and hospitality spaces.” A spokesperson for Platform said: “Lane7 is an organisation with soul, has ambition and creativity and operates with integrity. We know it’ll have some very cool plans to make sure the venue remains a long-term fixture in the Glaswegian hospitality and night-time scene.” Lane7 currently operates 20 eponymous sites across the UK and Europe, including long-standing venues in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The group also owns two Level X sites, including one in Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, that cater for “next generation” gaming attractions and three family-oriented Gutterball gaming sites in England.

 

Maki & Ramen to open at Gateshead’s Metrocentre for biggest site to date: Japanese restaurant concept Maki & Ramen is to open its biggest site to date, at the Metrocentre in Gateshead. The 13-strong business, which was founded by Teddy Lee in 2015 and is led by Michael Salvador, is opening within The Qube after agreeing a deal with The Metrocentre Partnership. The 7,065 square-foot unit will be located in Upper Yellow Mall, offering just under 200 covers, and means The Qube – the centre’s hospitality hub – is fully let. Salvador said: “Maki & Ramen is excited to bring its amazing food to the Gateshead community. We cannot wait to give our ‘Maki Fam’ the biggest site to date, and the same quality that our ramen lovers across the UK have come to expect.” In June, Maki & Ramen outlined plans to grow to 50 sites in five years following the launch of its franchise programme. The group’s first franchise location opened in March, in Byers Road, Glasgow.

 

PureGym secures Greater Manchester and Essex sites: PureGym, Britain’s biggest health and fitness club operator, has secured new sites in Sale, Greater Manchester, and Wickford, Essex. PureGym has agreed a 15-year lease on a former Wilko unit in Stanley Square, Sale, with a 16,800 square-foot gym scheduled to open in December. Before that, PureGym will open a new 6,400 square-foot gym in The Willlows shopping centre in Wickford on Friday, 10 October. A spokesperson for PureGym said: “With our flexible, no-contract memberships, members will enjoy 24/7 access to everything they need to support both their physical and mental well-being, helping them leave every workout feeling their best.” Meanwhile, PureGym opened the doors of its 435 gyms nationwide for free on Wednesday (17 September) to allow everyone to try three new gym classes, as part of National Fitness Day.

 

Haute Dolci secures ex-Marugame Udon site: Premium dessert and gourmet burger brand Haute Dolci is to open a site in Bromley, south east London. The business, which earlier this month opened its 20th site in the UK, in Manchester, has secured the former Marugame Udon site in the town’s East Street, for an opening later this year. Last month, Haute Dolci opened its third site in Pakistan and fourth overseas location overall. The outlet opened in the Dolmen Mall in Lahore – joining its other locations in the city in the Gulberg Galleria and Defence Raya Golf Resort. The company, founded in 2017 by managing director Nizam Mohamed, also has a site at 2,415 Al Muthanna Street in Hawally, Kuwait. Mohamed was a co-founder of Heavenly Desserts before selling his rights in the brand in 2021.

Beckford Group to open three new venues in early 2026 including its first hotel and first British brasserie with rooms: South west operator Beckford Group – run by co-founders Dan Brod, Charlie Luxton and Matt Greenlees – will open three new venues in early 2026, including its first hotel and first British brasserie with rooms. The first to open, in February, will be Corsham House, which will open as a modern British brasserie with bedrooms in Corsham’s high street. The menu will build on that of the Beckford Bottle Shop in Bath, and the main brasserie will have 94 covers in total, including a small courtyard to the rear. In addition, there will be a Beckford Bottle Shop and tasting room, selling some of the team’s favourite wine, which will also feature a small number of tables and chairs. This will be followed in March by the group’s fifth inn with rooms, The King’s Arms, which will open in Monkton Farleigh. The group’s first pub opening since 2020, the 17th century pub will reopen with six bedrooms upstairs and two further bedrooms outside, alongside around 50 covers for drinks and dining inside and a further 30 covers in the courtyard garden. Finally, in April, the group will open Teffont House, its first village hotel, inspired by its sister restaurant, The Beckford Canteen in Bath. Previously known as Howard’s House and situated in Teffont Evias, the traditional stone building dates to 1623 and will have 17 bedrooms upstairs and in neighbouring buildings. There will also be a croquet court, barbecue area, apple orchard and a treatment cabin with a sauna and wild plunge pond. Inside, there will be a restaurant and bar with around 40 covers in a newly designed orangery. Brod said: “There is much doom and gloom in UK hospitality at the moment, but we are not moaning; we want to be doing more of what we and our staff do well, looking after our guests with great experiences at reasonable prices. It is an ambitious plan, but we are delighted to be defying the norm, crazy or not, opening three sites in three months and creating up to 100 jobs in the process.” The group also operates The Beckford Arms in Fonthill Gifford, The Talbot Inn in Mells, The Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton St George, and The Bath Arms in Horningsham.

 

Vegetarian Indian restaurant group Namaste Village opens sixth site, plans more openings: Vegetarian Indian restaurant concept Namaste Village has opened its sixth site, in Oxford, and said it has “further sites on the horizon”. The business, which was founded in 2016 by Vijay and Dalsukh Jetani, has opened in the former Prezzo site opposite The Malmaison in Oxford’s Castle development. Namaste Village opened its first site in Norwich and has further restaurants in Twickenham, Southend and Cambridge, and OmNom at Namaste in Islington. Namaste Village said it has “further sites on the horizon for 2025 and beyond”. The business is reportedly exploring launching a site in Birmingham. Jetani said: “Bringing Namaste Village to Oxford is a dream come true. As passionate advocates of a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle, we’re honoured to join the city's rich food scene and showcase how vibrant and satisfying plant-based Indian cuisine can be. We also hope to soon bring our Namaste cookery school to Oxford, so these flavours and values can be shared beyond the restaurant and into people's homes and daily lives.” 

US smash burger brand Chuck’s opens permanent UK site: US smash burger brand Chuck’s has opened a permanent site in the UK. After a series of pop-ups and residencies, Chuck’s has open in London’s Fitzrovia, at incubator space Carousel’s adjoining cocktail bar No 23. Owner Chuck George is offering his “slinging smashburgers” and “cult-favourite griddle-burger stacks” alongside other dishes such as fish sauce wings and crispy chicken burger. The cocktail bar, meanwhile, offers crafted cocktails like Carousel’s twist on a classic Manhattan featuring The Lost Explorer Espadín, “Carousel 10” vermouth, Botivo and fino sherry. After launching Chuck’s in Milan in 2022, expansions in Paris, Rome and Madrid followed. He said: “If you told me there’d be a Chuck’s in London three years ago, I wouldn’t have believed you but here we are. I’m thrilled to be joining Ed and Ollie [Templeton, co-founders of Carousel] as co-inspirators in a permanent Chuck’s set within the townhouse walls of No23.” Ed Templeton added: “Chuck instantly became part of the Carousel family when he first popped up with us last summer. We’re happy that he’s joining us full time, and No. 23 really is the perfect fit.”

Immersive theatrical dining experience based on The Nutcracker to launch in London this November: An immersive theatrical dining experience based on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet will launch in London this November. The Nutcracker Noir, which will open at Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, is from creative industry stalwarts DesignScene and Secret Theatre. DesignScene has been behind experiences at events including Cannes Lions, Bacardi Triangle and SXSW, while Secret Theatre has toured the world with productions including an adaptation of Tarantino’s Dusk till Dawn, The Great Gatsby and Pandora’s Box. The Nutcracker Noir will combine “world-class performances, mischief and theatrical storytelling with decadent dishes and immersive sets” in a reimaging of the classic Christmas tale. Guests will explore several interactive spaces before emerging into a grand theatre for the main show. Attila Keskin, chief executive of DesignScene, said: “After more than a year in the making, but years in dreaming, we are really excited to present this new show to the world. Creating this show was a brilliant opportunity to bring together some amazing talents and harness all our passions, experience and knowledge to create something of our own.” Richard Crawford, artistic director of Secret Theatre, added: “The Nutcracker Noir is a thrilling climax to my relationship with DesignScene as artistic director. We have been planning our spectacle since we started working together, and by bringing together a truly amazing, award-winning team, we feel we are giving London a fantastic Christmas gift.”

AP&Co secures Guildhall catering deal: Luxury caterer AP&Co has become an official catering partner for the Guildhall in London. In comes as the business also renews its partnership at The Courtauld Gallery, also in London. AP&Co said its appointment across the landmark venues “highlights its reputation for creativity, elegance and exceptional service”. Managing director Kate Bendall added: “We’re thrilled to be named an official caterer for Guildhall and to return to the list at The Courtauld. Both venues represent the very best of London’s heritage and culture, and it’s a privilege to create extraordinary dining experiences within such inspiring settings. Our team looks forward to working closely with clients to make every occasion truly unforgettable.”