Giggling Squid co-founder – ‘delivery volumes have jumped dramatically’, ‘some sites are now effectively hybrid delivery hubs’: Delivery volumes at Giggling Squid have jumped dramatically over the last few months and the business is looking to make its site layouts more “delivery friendly”, Andy Laurillard, co-founder and chief executive of the Business Growth Fund-backed Thai restaurant brand, has told Propel. Laurillard said that delivery volumes across the 52-strong business “were up between 60 and 90%” during weekdays and attributed this to customers avoiding the high cost of going out – taxis, drinks, tips – making delivery a “more attractive, repeatable option”. He said: “If you factor in a babysitter and travel as well, you are already starting at over £100 before you get to the restaurant, whereas you can pay £50 to eat at home. That is a big amount of money being sucked out [of the] economy, and this environment makes destination dining and long travel less appealing. This shift is driving more at-home dining, especially in market towns.” This has meant that the business is no longer aggressively expanding, with just a small number of larger sites in the pipeline – including Exeter, due to open later this year, and a relocation in Reigate on the horizon. He said: “We’re not expanding as aggressively at present and we are being very, very selective. Over the next couple of years, the focus will be on refurbishing our existing restaurants, making layouts more delivery-friendly – reducing dine-in capacity where delivery is now 40%-plus of sales – and looking at innovative packaging, including new formats and kids’ packaging. Some sites are now effectively hybrid delivery hubs. That means we now have two categories of profitable sites – high-performing urban sites such as Cardiff, Leeds and Cambridge, where there is strong all-day trade less reliant on delivery, and hybrid market-town sites, where delivery is now a major revenue driver.”

 

Propel Multi-Club Female Leaders and Entrepreneurs Conference open for bookings, FTSE 100 non-executive director Moni Mannings to speak: The Propel Multi Club Female Leaders and Entrepreneurs Conference takes place on Thursday, 4 June at Park Plaza Victoria London. The all-day conference, which is organised in conjunction with Ann Elliott, will feature an all-female line-up of sector leaders. These include Moni Mannings – FTSE 100 non-executive director, founder of EPOC and chair of the Honours Diversity and Outreach Committee – who will talk about the power of self-belief and confidence. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium subscribers who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

Premium Club subscribers to receive all 13 videos from Propel Multi-Club Conference on Friday: Premium Club subscribers will receive all 13 videos from the Propel Multi-Club Conference on Friday (10 April) at 9am. These include videos featuring Graeme Smith, managing director at AlixPartners; Dan Brookman, Airship and Toggle founder and chief executive; Maria Vanifatova, founder of Meaningful Vision; Nicc Wright, founder of Barbs; Phil Eeles, the Honest Burgers co-founder; Guy Ivesha, founder and chief executive of Maslow’s; Pano Christou, chief executive of Pret A Manger; Christobell Giles, managing director of Vagabond Wines; Mat Finch, managing director of Cornish Bakery; Russell Quelch, chief executive of Neos Hospitality; Markus Thesleff, founder and chief executive of the Thesleff Group; legendary London restaurateur Jeremy King; and John Vincent, co-founder and chief executive of Leon. Premium subscribers receive all the videos from Propel conferences each year – around 100 in total. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. A new Premium Unlimited Plus option, which costs £1,995 plus VAT per annum, has some amazing additional benefits including four free tickets to Propel’s paid-for conferences – Excellence in Pub & Bar (19 May), Operational Excellence (9 July) and Talent & Training (15 October) – and the opportunity to run one free sponsored message or situation vacant notice during the year on the newsletter. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

Former Market Taverns MD passes away: Richard Peachment, former managing director of Market Taverns and ex-operations director at Draft House, has passed away. Peachment began his management career at TGI Fridays, where he oversaw some of its busiest sites, before moving into pubs at JD Wetherspoon. A highlight of his career was his appointment to the board at Draft House, as operations director, where he was instrumental in delivering the successful growth and exit of the business alongside founder Charlie McVeigh and finance director Bharti Radix. Following the sale of Draft House to BrewDog in 2018, he became managing director at Market Taverns before retiring due to ill health in 2024. He passed away on Saturday, 27 March at North London Hospice. He is survived by his partner, Sarah Swinhoe, and his daughter, Edith. McVeigh said: “Richard was one of the good guys. A man of total integrity and with an obsessive eye for detail, he left every pub a better place after a visit. His catchphrase – ‘OCD is a gift’ – belied a warm, thoughtful human being who will be hugely missed by everyone who worked with him.” A funeral service will be held on Thursday, 23 April at 12 noon at St Marylebone Crematorium, East End Road, London N2 9HG. This will be followed by a gathering from 1:15pm at The Wrestlers, North Road, London, N6 4AA.

Northern Ireland introduces two weeks of paid leave for couples who experience a miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy: Northern Ireland has become the first UK country to introduce the entitlement to two weeks of paid leave for couples who experience a miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy. The two weeks of leave for a woman and her partner is paid at the statutory level of just more than £194 per week, or 90% of weekly pay if that's lower, reports the BBC. It can be taken as one continuous period, or as two separate weeks, within 56 weeks of miscarriage, and parents do not have to provide medical evidence. Parents will be entitled to it from the first day of their employment in any job. Before the change, parents in Northern Ireland were only entitled to two weeks' paid bereavement leave following a stillbirth after at least 24 weeks of pregnancy if they had been in their job for 26 weeks. That remains the law in the rest of the UK. However, the Westminster government is planning to bring in a change for England, Scotland and Wales in 2027 – to provide parents with a right to take unpaid leave for a minimum of one week following a miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy. Across the UK, parents are also entitled to paid statutory maternity and paternity leave after a stillbirth at 24 weeks or later.

 

TFE Hotels UK chief – ‘I don’t feel the government is taking hospitality very seriously’: Ray Goertz, the regional UK general manager for TFE Hotels, has told Propel he doesn’t feel the government here is taking hospitality very seriously. The Australian company has 57 hotels in Australia and New Zealand, 22 across in Singapore, Malaysia and Japan and a further 22 across Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Denmark. It launched into the UK in November with the opening of The Hobson Cambridge by Adina in Cambridge and followed that by opening The Wellington Glasgow by Adina in Glasgow in December. Goertz said since those launches, like everyone in the hotel industry, he has been disappointed by the impact of the business rates changes “favouring certain industries over others”. He said: “Hospitality is a revenue driver for the economy, and you need to not bite the hand that feeds you. It puts additional pressure on operators, but from our side it’s about being disciplined operationally, driving efficiencies and maximising revenue opportunities. It’s about trying to create a more sustainable approach to hospitality taxation by finding ancillary revenue to offset it but also finding efficiencies. I don’t feel the government is taking hospitality seriously. The travel and tourism industry is very important to most cities, and the UK needs to look at it as one of the main economic drivers.”

 

Layo Paskin – ‘London is strong at night and weekends with earlier dining habits, but lunch is a little less predictable’: Layo Paskin has told Propel that London is “strong at night and weekends” currently, with earlier dining habits, but lunch is a “little less predictable”. Layo and sister Zoe are behind the likes of London venues The Palomar in Soho and Evelyn’s Table in Chinatown, as well as “creative hospitality studio” Studio Paskin. In terms of market trends and what he is seeing in the capital currently, Paskin said: “We’re seeing perhaps a return to safer concepts based on classical tastes both from London to France and Italy and the US. London has been strong at night and weekends, maybe a bit earlier, with dining habits shifting in that respect. Lunch is a little less predictable, I think people have a less time, especially if they are only in the office, three to four days, it makes a working lunch trickier. I also believe that people make choices when things feel leaner and you must make sure that you are delivering. I know this has always been true, but it sharpens your approach!” In terms of current trading and how the business is coping with current economic headwinds, Paskin added: “Trading has been good, but there are some areas it’s clear the market is leaner than in previous years, which I think is across many sectors beyond hospitality. January and February have been relatively strong, so I think there is less intense focus across the festive season followed by a drop, which is a positive. We are just trying to be the best version of what we do every day.” The Paskins also launched an overseas site at the end of last year, in Sydney, Australia, and Layo told Propel last month that they are exploring further international opportunities.

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a beer brand that is seeking a head of off trade. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This role will play a pivotal role in developing the off-trade strategy across major multiple groups (Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose) along with developing relationships, managing P&L and supporting the founders in their export expansion. Experience in drinks fast moving consumer goods along with work across the top four grocers is essential and a background in export would also be preferred.” The salary is up to £80,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email mark@corecruitment.com

 

Rum Kitchen owner – ‘our growth forecast is to reach six sites in the first two years’: Rhumshack Group, the new owner of the Caribbean-inspired concept Rum Kitchen, has told Propel that its growth forecast for the brand is to reach six sites in the first two years and “a more accelerated approach thereafter”. Propel reported last month that London operator Rhumshack Group was set to expand its estate this spring with the relaunch of The Rum Kitchen, in Camden. The group confirmed plans to roll out additional The Rum Kitchen sites across London as part of its wider growth strategy. The new site in Inverness Street marks the group’s first dedicated bar brand and a repositioning of The Rum Kitchen name, which previously operated under separate ownership. The Rum Kitchen will sit alongside the group’s four-strong Cottons portfolio in Vauxhall, Notting Hill, Shoreditch and Camden. The Rum Kitchen closed all its four sites in the spring of 2024 after having “a poor first quarter of trading” and requiring “a working capital injection that was not forthcoming”. Rhumshack Group acquired The Rum Kitchen brand last October. Chris Singam, managing director of Rhumshack Group, told Propel: “We are conscious of the present economic climate and the pressures we are facing, and this may hinder our ambitions of rolling the concept out on a national basis fast. However, we have earmarked sites in Manchester and Bath. Despite the economic pressures, there are quite a lot of good opportunities in the marketplace, with some brilliant sites in great locations. Our growth forecast is to reach six in the first two years and a more accelerated approach thereafter.” Rhumshack Group currently also operates two locations for Caribbean diner concept, Ma Petite Jamaica, in Shoreditch and Camden. 

Smash burger brand launches £3.2m fundraiser as it aims for 25 new stores over next 18 months, early backing secured from rappers-turned-entrepreneurs: Smash burger brand Smacks has launched a £3.2m equity fundraise as it aims for 25 new stores over next 18 months – and has secured early backing from rappers-turned-entrepreneurs Krept & Konan. The brand, founded in 2021 by Kaysor Ali, currently has 14 locations – including a single overseas site in Dubai’s Motor City. The fundraise, launched with Allenby Capital, will support the next phase of its UK expansion and includes a £200,000 crowdfunding campaign via Republic. Early pre-registration investors Krept & Konan have also joined the business as creative directors. Over the past year, the group said it has increased system sales by more than 50% to £7.9m, driven by new franchised store openings in Glasgow, Cardiff, Brighton, and a corporate store in London Victoria – which has traded ahead of expectations. It remains debt-free, Ebitda-positive and is wholly owned by Ali. The group plans to use proceeds to fund new company-owned and franchised openings in the UK and has already signed five locations with new and existing franchisees. It is targeting at least 25 additional UK sites over the next 18 months, as part of a plan to reach 100 UK locations by 2029. Ali said: “This fundraise is about building on our momentum. We believe there is an opportunity for a vibrant and unique quick service restaurant brand that is one-of-a-kind to scale across the UK and compete with the international chains dominating the sector today, and that is what we are setting out to build.” Krept and Konan added: “We have followed Smacks and Kaysor’s journey closely and have been impressed by the brand’s growth, quality and ambition. We are excited to support the business at this stage of its growth and to help build the brand’s cultural relevance as it expands.”

Honi Poké sees first quarter sales growth of 5% and exploring new franchise partnerships, to trial expanded food offering: Hilary Brett, chief executive of Hawaiian poké specialist Honi Poké has told Propel that 2026 has started positively, with first quarter sales growth of 5%, and is exploring growth opportunities through new franchise partnerships across the UK and France. It comes as the business prepares to open a new site in London’s Fitzrovia on Thursday (9 April) that will see the business trial an expanded food offering. The outlet, at 247 Tottenham Court Road, sees the introduction of new menu formats, including a hot food range, grab-and-go options and revised portion sizes. Developed by Honi Poké head of food, Richard de la Cruz, formerly development chef at Coya London and Arros QD, the new menu introduces several innovations, including warm bowls such as katsu chicken and miso salmon, alongside an expanded range of hot sides including chicken skewers, pumpkin croquettes and gyozas. The Fitzrovia site will also debut a new grab-and-go range, featuring ready-made salads and freshly prepared sushi sets. The site will also introduce updated bowl sizes, with small (750ml) and regular (1,100ml) options. In January, Honi Poké set out the next stage of growth for itself and Island Poke, the 18-strong business it acquired last summer. Honi Poké, which was founded by Martynov and Kosta Varesko in 2017 and has 27 UK sites, said it will continue to scale Honi Poké as the group’s primary in-store brand. As part of this evolution, Island Poké locations will transition into Honi Poke stores, while Island Poke will evolve into a delivery-first business while retaining Bow Lane as its flagship store. On the integration, Brett told Propel: “We have successfully converted three London locations, with key sites in Canary Wharf and Soho scheduled for conversion in the second quarter. We have also expanded Island Poke’s delivery footprint across London and are now reaching more customers than ever through our delivery partners in areas including Battersea, Fulham, Stratford and Angel.”

Former Merlin CEO invests in visitor economy website platform business: Former Merlin Entertainments chief executive Sir Nick Varney has invested in visitor economy website platform business Loop. Semantic, the digital agency behind Loop, said it has seen growing demand for the platform from leading UK attractions. It said the investment is “more than financial backing” and enables continued product innovation, stronger strategic focus and expansion into adjacent markets. Semantics said Varney brings “a proven track record of scaling international attractions businesses” after transforming Merlin into the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator. Varney said: “In location-based entertainment, and indeed broader hospitality, a brand’s website is its most important asset after the physical venue or attraction. It is both the provider of information and the key route to market for converting customer interest into ticket sales or attendance. I am very much looking forward to working with Neil to develop the business further to the benefit of current and future clients.”

Gail’s eyes debut in the north east: Fast-growing bakery brand Gail’s is lining up a debut site in the north east. Propel understands that the circa 190-strong business plans to open a site on the High Street in the town of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Last November, the business, which has expanded into the north west, south west and The Midlands over the past few years, said it planned to open 40 sites in its financial year to the end of February 2026, after opening 36 sites in the previous year. It came after the business reported sales across its retail arm increased to £219,828,000 in the year to 28 February 2025 (2024: £179,050,000). Including its wholesale arm, the business reported full-year revenue of £278,045,000 (2024: £231,785,000), with adjusted Ebitda up 20% to £53,553,000. The company’s pre-tax loss stood at £7,845,000 (2024: £7,442,000).

 

Shepherd Neame launches immersive sports bar concept: South east brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has launched an immersive sports bar concept. The company has opened Sin Bin, at Chatham’s Maritime Marina in Kent. Previously known as Pier Five Bar and Kitchen, the venue has been transformed into a “high-energy, immersive space dedicated to live sport, social gaming and bold food and drink”. Sin Bin features tags and murals by London graffiti artist James Titchner, multiple large screens for live sport, interactive darts and retro gaming consoles in booths. A bespoke resin bar top highlights iconic sporting moments and memorabilia. The menu includes dirty burgers, mucky fries and spice bags, alongside wings, pizza, lighter bites and a kids’ menu. Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “The concept for the Sin Bin is something of a departure for Shepherd Neame – and we are thrilled with the outcome. It has been a lot of work for many people to get this unique project off the ground in such a short space of time.” The project was led by Ed Cornwell, Shepherd Neame’s head of hotel operations and retail innovation. He said: “We believe Sin Bin will be popular with fans of football, rugby, boxing, motor racing and more – if it’s sport, we’ll be showing it!” The venue will also host DJs and live music.

 

Chucs owner – focus is on current estate, which is ‘operating better than it has for many years’: The owner of luxury restaurant and cafe collection Chucs has told Propel his focus is on the current estate, which is “operating better than it has for many years”. Graziano Arricale is behind the four-strong business – as well as private members club KX and boutique gym concept KXU in London – and relaunched iconic Mayfair brasserie Langan’s with James Hitchin. But while Arricale told Propel last month that he has various plans to expand KX, KXU and Langan’s, he is doubling down on the existing Chucs estate – although this could change in the future. Arricale said: “Chucs occupies a tough area of the market currently. It’s performing okay, during a tough time currently for hospitality in general. In the past, we were potentially too aggressive on expansion plans with Chucs, and the thinking around it now is just to focus on food and service and quality, and just to work on conversion of our existing estate. And in the future, if we feel we we’re confident enough and secure enough to do more, we’ll look at it on a case-by-case basis. But currently we’ve got four sites that are operating better than they have done for many years, and so we just want to concentrate on that and make sure we’re hitting all the right notes in terms of service and food quality.” Arricale previously told Propel he is open to taking Langan’s, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, overseas. He is also exploring further overseas expansion for KXU, which will this year open a debut international site in Bahrain, and could also expand KX both here and overseas. Arricale will also this year launch a new “super exclusive” padel concept, in Switzerland, and said he is actively seeking to launch padel clubs in the UK.

 

Pub company whose partners include The Apprentice candidate secures third site amid nationwide ambitions: Pub company Elephant & Barrel, whose partners include a candidate in the current series of BBC show The Apprentice, has secured its third site as it aims to grow a nationwide business. Priyesh Bathia is one of four partners behind the opening of an Anglo-Indian pub in London’s Stockwell in early June. The former Royal Oak, part of the Heineken-owned owned Star Pubs portfolio, is being renamed The Elephant & Barrel. The other two Elephant & Barrel pubs opened in Fulham two years ago, and Felixstowe in Suffolk in 2025. The pubs all have the ambience of a traditional English pub with a menu celebrating both British and Indian cuisine. The Elephant & Barrel concept was founded by Kumar Pillai and Yogesh Datta, with Bathia and Karan Datta joining more recently. The partners’ plan is to grow a scalable business with nationwide potential. The joint £495,000 revamp by Star Pubs and the partners will see the Elephant & Barrel Stockwell transformed. Also outside will be a bar with six beers on tap and a food truck with a rotating menu of dishes including pizza, jerk chicken, chicken tikka and seasonal specials. There will be outdoor seating for 198. Bathia, whose experience running a mobile cocktail business is being tapped into with a small cocktail menu for drinkers, said: “Each Elephant & Barrel pub is a real local with the added appeal of Indian dishes and a signature animatronic life-sized elephant, which children and adults love. We have big plans long term but are taking expansion steadily, ensuring each pub is well established before taking on another site. We are also considering developing a franchise option.”

 

Popeyes UK strengthens London footprint with Tottenham Court Road opening: Popeyes UK, the TDR Capital-backed business, has opened its new flagship restaurant in Fitzrovia, further strengthening its London footprint. The new site is the company’s 14th in London and follows the opening of its 100th restaurant in November, at London Bridge station. The new 72-seat restaurant – at Unit 6, 6-17 Tottenham Court Road – has created 112 jobs and is the brand’s tenth opening here so far in 2026. Since entering the UK in 2021, Popeyes has grown to more than 110 locations nationwide and employs approximately 3,500 people. The Tottenham Court Road opening also comes as the company prepares to launch its first restaurant in the Republic of Ireland this spring. Tom Crowley, chief executive at Popeyes UK, said: "After opening our 100th store in the capital last year, we couldn't wait to add another Central London location on the map. Tottenham Court Road is full of energy and vibrancy – the perfect spot for us to showcase a bit more of that Louisiana spirit we're famous for.” Having opened circa 50 sites in 2025, Crowley previously said he believes the brand can “keep opening at a similar pace” in 2026.

 

Adnams names Simon Townsend as permanent chair: Suffolk brewer and retailer Adnams has named Simon Townsend as its permanent chair. Townsend, who had been interim chair since 2024, joined the Adnams board in January 2023 and continues to be a non-executive director and chair of the remuneration committee. Townsend, the former Ei Group chief executive, is also chair of Wadworth and a non-executive director of JW Lees. He is also a senior advisor at global consultancy Teneo and a member of the advisory board of diversity and inclusion organisation WiHTL. Townsend said: “Since my appointment as interim chair, I have been fully committed to securing the long-term financial solution we need to support our growth. The board, including myself, and the team at Adnams, continue to take active steps to promote the success of the company for its shareholders and wider stakeholders, including its employees and the communities it serves.” In September last year, Adnams said the business has made “good progress” in implementing its simplified strategy, with debt reduction on target and was “seeing some successes” in the turnaround plan.

 

Bruce Group see underlying profitability ‘strengthen significantly’, turnover up 5.3%: Scottish pub group Bruce Group, which operates 15 managed and four tenanted sites around Edinburgh and Fife, saw turnover for the year to 30 June 2025 increase 5.3% to £18,818,768 (2024: £17,874,989), helped by the successful reopening of the Royal Mile Tavern in the Scottish capital following its comprehensive refurbishment after fire damage. The business said that gross profit increased to £7,489,115 during the year (up from £7,227,206) and that it maintained “an industry-leading” gross margin of 40% (2024: 40%). It said: “Underlying profitability strengthened significantly. Adjusted profit before tax (excluding property revaluation movements and the one-off impairment) rose to £1,010,844 (2024: £776,272), demonstrating the underlying health and momentum of the core trading business. Ebitda (excluding property revaluation impacts) improved to £1,902,814 (2024: £1,858,751), while cash generated from operations increased substantially to £2,352,737 (2024: £1,794,124). The group remained strongly cash generative, recording a net cash inflow of £320,868 for the year. Net debt reduced by £319,185 to £8,221,071, further strengthening the balance sheet. A slight reduction in reported operating profit reflects planned investment in rents and enhanced live entertainment, together with a prudent one-off impairment of £272,516 relating to capitalised design and feasibility costs for the cancelled Cowgate project. Despite well-publicised sector headwinds, including wage inflation and shifting consumption patterns among younger demographics, the group has continued to adapt effectively. Our venues have successfully broadened their appeal through diverse food offerings and high-quality live music, reducing reliance on traditional wet led sales and attracting a wider customer base. The group remains well placed to capitalise on opportunities and navigate the sector’s evolving landscape with confidence and agility.”

 

WTW Cinemas swings to profit on back of small increase in admissions: WTW Cinemas, which operates four sites in Cornwall under its eponymous concept and six outlets under the Scott name, swung back into a pre-tax profit in the year to 31 March 2025, on the back of “small increases in admissions alongside ticket price and concession price increases”. The business posted a pre-tax profit in the year of £251,677 (2024: loss of £368,410). Turnover was up to a record £9,003,657 from £8,658,499 the year before. Of this, £5,520,204 came from admission fees (2024: £5,490,132), £2,652,289 from confectionary and bar sales (2024: ££2,520,792), £570,912 from advertising (2024: £404,382) and £260,252 from booking fees (2024: £243,193). Director David Williams said: “The increased profits are directly linked to small increases in admissions alongside ticket price and concession price increases. Costs continued to increase as worldwide inflation remains high, with regret these costs have had to be passed on to customers. The year saw WTW-Cinemas SW sell the remaining term of the lease at the cinema in East Grinstead, West Sussex, to a more local operator, reducing the group's number of cinemas from 11 to ten. The legacy of the covid-19 pandemic continues to cause problems for the cinema industry with admissions now accepted as unlikely to return to 2019 levels. Rising costs of utilities and wages and taxation from the change in central government make profitability significantly more difficult. The reduction in output of high-profile film releases (impacted further by the Hollywood actors and writers strike in 2023) continues to impact admissions. The group will continue with the maintenance and repair of its cinemas as it has in the past but careful consideration will need to be taken soon regarding the financial viability of some of the group’s sites and the potential sale of certain sites that are not performing.”

 

Cubitt House lines up third site in London’s Belgravia: London gastropub operator Cubitt House, which is backed by funds managed by TDR Capital, is lining up a third site in Belgravia. The company is looking to convert the former post office in Eccleston Street into The Duke of Connaught pub and hotel. The name is a reference to the building's use during the early part of the 20th century, when it was The Duke of Connaught’s Soldiers & Sailors Home with bedrooms, a bar and a billiard room. If permission is granted, the new pub will feature a bar on the ground and lower ground floors, a restaurant up on the first floor and ten boutique hotel rooms on the floors above that, reports Hot Dinners. As well as breakfast, the menu is expected to focus on a chophouse grill offering with steak and grilled whole fish. Cubitt House operates eight sites in the capital.

Multi-brand franchisee Acca Group reports Ebitda up 23.4% as turnover increases to record £18.3m: Multi brand franchisee Acca Group has reported turnover increased 10.9% to a record £18,322,320 for the year ending 31 March 2025 compared with £16,527,295 the previous year. Of the 2025 revenue, £9,741,832 came from retail coffee outlets (2024: £9,762,655), £6,952,425 from retail takeaway outlets (2024: £5,706,089), £961,784 from service office income (2024: £714,275) and £666,279 from rental income (2024: £344,276). The company – which operates Costa Coffee, Pizza Hut and German Doner Kebab sites – saw Ebitda grow 23.4% to £3,519,244 from £2,853,270 the year before. Pre-tax profit was up to £1,596,972 from £1,501,898 the previous year. Gross margin was 47.38% compared with 46.38% the year before. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “The turnover increase was partly due to the German Doner Kebab store having a full year of trading, totalling £1.47m in sales. During the year, the group opened another coffee drive-thru, in Norwich, and expanded the group’s property portfolio. The group has also invested in a new beauty franchise opportunity. The directors believe the outlook for the group is strong.” The group balance sheet shows fixed assets of £18.55m, consisting of tangible fixed assets of £8.91m, investments of £0.98m, investment properties of £8.99m and intangible a negative £0.34m. Current assets were £6.98m (including cash of £2.02m) but with current liabilities of £4.58m and net current assets were £2.41m. Long term liabilities and provisions were £8.51m, leaving group net assets of £9.30m. Dividends of £250,000 were paid (2024: £260,000).

 

North west acai bowls concept Plant Blends secures fourth site: North west acai bowls concept Plant Blends has secured its fourth site in the region and second in Manchester city centre. The business, which was founded in Hale in 2020 by former professional footballer Hope Akpan and Malia Arkian, is set to open a new site in Manchester’s Deansgate. It also operates sites in Wilmslow and the Trafford Centre. The business said: “Plant Blends was born out of a necessity – a genuine need to make healthier food options more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable for people living fast-paced, modern lifestyles. We set out to redefine what ‘fast food’ could be by creating a better-for-you alternative that never compromises on quality, flavour or nutrition. What started as a single location has grown into a thriving, community-first brand with multiple stores across the north west – and more to come. We’re proud to be leading the way in modern, health-forward fast food that’s fresh, functional and full of flavour.”

 

Wine shop, bar and tasting room concept to open third site: Once Upon A Vine, the Yorkshire-based wine shop, bar and tasting room concept, is to open its third site in the region. Founded in 2018, the business is set to open a new site in Headingley Central, on Otley Road, later this summer. The independent concept made its debut in the village of Horsforth. Last November, it opened a second site in Wetherby. The business is known for its “shelves brimming with beautiful bottles, plenty of fizz, a cracking line-up of local beers and those dangerously good sharing boards that turn ‘just one drink’ into a full-on evening”.

 

London pasta restaurant concept Padella to open third site this month: London pasta restaurant concept Padella is to open its third site this month. The concept, founded by Tim Siadatan and Jordan Frieda, is launching in Kingly Street in Soho on Thursday, 16 April, having previously agreed a deal with landlord Shaftesbury Capital. Siadatan and Frieda launched Padella in 2016 in Borough Market before opening a restaurant in Shoreditch in 2020. Spanning two floors, the Kingly Street site will have a ground floor restaurant and a downstairs bar and private dining room for up to eight guests. The restaurant will have 80 covers in total. Siadatan said: “We are pumped to be opening in Soho and bringing our pasta to the neighbourhood. It’s a very exciting moment for us.” Siadatan and Frieda also co-founded Italian restaurant Trullo in Highbury, which opened in 2010. 

 

Kinsfolk & Co team plans Fitzrovia all-day restaurant and micro gin distillery: The team behind Kinsfolk & Co, the hospitality management company from Paul Brackley, the former managing director of Corbin & King’s Beaumont Hotel, has submitted plans to open an all-day Levante restaurant and micro-gin distillery in London’s Fitzrovia. The site, at 27-31 Charlotte Street, was formerly a bank. The new restaurant, which would be called Dila, would operate as a Levante restaurant and lounge, wine bar and micro gin distillery. Fitzrovia Operations has applied for a license for the site. The company is also behind the nearby 81-room, boutique hotel, The Newman, which was recently named 2026 London Hotel of the Year by The Times. The licensing application for the proposed new venue stated: “Dila is intended to be a welcoming, all-day neighbourhood restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a setting that feels both relaxed and refined. Our goal is to create a warm and approachable environment where guests can enjoy high-quality food and hospitality throughout the day, without the venue operating as a late-night drinking destination.”