Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen in Cornwall re-opens after £1.5m refit to create more open plan kitchen and antipasti bar: Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant in Cornwall re-opened at the weekend after a £1.5 refurbishment to create an antipasti bar and an improved open-plan kitchen design to give the 17 professional chefs and 20 apprentices extra space to work. Oliver said: “Fifteen Cornwall has been open now for six wonderful years, and so it was definitely time to give it a bit of a face-lift and put some love back into the four walls. The guys have created a brilliant place for our apprentices to learn, develop and hone all their skills and, of course, there is nothing else like it in the south west. I’m ridiculously proud.” Chief executive Matthew Thomson added: “It’s important to secure growth for the business for its long-term stability. Tourism-wise, Cornwall had a difficult 2012 because of the recession, the weather and the Olympics. Like lots of other restaurants we saw fewer customers coming through the doors. Also since we launched more top-quality restaurants, including Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth, have opened up so there’s obviously an element of extra competition. If people are travelling to Cornwall on holiday and maybe having two or three special meals out then we want to be one of those two or three. The new kitchen cost three times the amount of the old one and should last the restaurant 15 to 20 years.” The centerpiece of the kitchen is a £90,000 French-made Athanor 20ft long “hot island”. Head chef Andrew Appleton said: “Everyone can work around the hot island, which creates a better workflow around the kitchen. It’s so much better for the apprentices because they’ve got more space to stand next to one of the professionals to learn and watch what’s going on. It’s even more open-plan than before, so customers can enjoy the theatre of the kitchen.”

Leon founders – ban packed lunches: Leon founders Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent, who has been asked by the government to examine school dinners, have recommended that pupils’ packed lunches be banned to prop up the “economically bust” school dinners system. The move would save parents £2bn a year that could be invested in school canteens. If ministers decline to ban packed lunches, the duo believe that schools should police what parents give their children and confiscate unhealthy items such as sweets and fizzy drinks. The government has already agreed to their suggestion to make food and cookery lessons compulsory for the first time. Pupils aged seven to 14 will be taught basic techniques such as whisking and will be taught how to make a range of basic savoury meals.

Drinks industry condemns minimum pricing: A study by the Centre for Economic and Business Research, on behalf of major drinks companies, has condemned flawed research on minimum pricing. The study looked at predictions made by Sheffield University that claimed alcohol consumption would fall by 4.3% if a 45p per unit minimum price was introduced. The report points out that alcohol consumption fell by 13% between 2006 and 2010 while alcohol-related hospital admissions rose significantly. Olive Hogan, who wrote the report, said: “The evidence seems to suggest sensible drinkers are cutting back but problem drinkers are relatively undeterred by cost.”

Christmas a success in the on-trade: Over two thirds of the adult population made at least one trip into the on-trade during an average week in December 2012. Christmas 2012 brought success to many outlets this year with both food sales and drink sales increasing versus. 2011. CGA Strategy’s most in-depth ever Christmas Review, which combines both daily sales performance data from over 5,500 pubs & bars, with a unique week-by-week consumer panel of over 4,000 respondents, shows that the average outlet increased cash in the till by 5.6% (drink sales) and 7.4% (food sales) versus. December 2011. Christmas was largely more successful this year due to the big day falling on a Tuesday, therefore providing two extra key trading dates compared to last year when Christmas Eve fell on a Saturday and Christmas Day on a Sunday. CGA’s report also shows that women and the older generation were visiting on-trade outlets more frequently during the festive period than they would normally. Spirits were the biggest winner over Christmas with one in five drinks served over the festivities coming from a spirit brand, as opposed to one in six last year. Wine and Champagne also become more important to the trade with the category, growing share of total drinks value by one percentage point. Tom Lynch, account director at CGA, said: “Celebratory occasions such as Christmas fundamentally change the demographics of footfall into our pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants meaning retailers have a genuine opportunity expand their customer base with repeat visits from a wider audience. Unsurprisingly, our survey respondents referenced outlet and drinks quality as drivers of a positive on-trade experience, highlighting the opportunity for drinks brands to also recruit, or re-engage loyalist consumers over this key trading period.”

Martin Rawlings joins John Gaunt & Partners: Martin Rawlings, who was formerly director of pub and leisure at the British Beer and Pub Association, is to join the solicitors John Gaunt & Partners as a consultant on licensing issues with a particular brief in relation to potential challenges to the Late Night Levy and Early Morning Restriction Orders. John Gaunt said: “We regard this as a key strategic appointment for the practice, particularly at a time when we are starting to see early signs of consultation on the possible adoption of Late Night Levies and Early Morning Restriction Orders. We are absolutely delighted that Martin has agreed to come on board with us at this critical time and we look forward to having him work with us going forward”.

Lack of free Wi-Fi voted most annoying things in hotels: An overwhelming two-thirds of people surveyed have voted lack of free Wi-Fi as the most annoying things about hotel rooms. This was followed by lack of power points next to the bed and insufficient soundproofing which each got 12% of the vote. Just 3% of respondents thought high-tech light switches as their most annoying hotel feature, the same percentage as voted for confusing television systems. Finally, just 1.5% of the vote went to over-sized phones in hotel rooms.

Country dwellers outspend city folk on at-home alcohol consumption: An Office of National Statistics survey has found that country dwellers spend a lot more on alcohol for home consumption than people living in cities. Country residents spend 2.6% of their weekly outgoings on alcohol and tobacco to be consumed at home. By contrast, city dwellers spend 2.1% of their outgoings in the same category – or £10.80 a week. The lowest at-home spend is in London where £10.10 a week is spent. Analysts believe the difference relates to the fact that places to drink out-of-home are more accessible in cities than in the country.

Spirit converts Roast Inn carvery site to Fayre & Square carvery: Managed company Spirit has converted its Roast Inn carvery site, The Hare and Hounds at Menton, to its Fayre & Square brand. The venue, on the A65 between Guiseley and Otley, traded as a Roast Inn site for almost three years. Roast Inn is a brand that was first trialed at The Sir Jack in Rotherham in the early days of Spirit developing a brands portfolio – but has not been pursued. The Sir Jack has already been converted to the Fayre and Square brand. The focus will remain on the carvery, but the pub has been given a new menu offering five dishes on a two for £10 deal that runs all day every day. Russell Furlong, general manager of The Hare and Hounds, said: “Obviously, our carvery is a key draw for guests because of its great price point and now with our cracking ‘two for’ deals running across starters, mains and desserts, a tasty three-course meal for two is only £20, providing great value on our main menu as well.” The pub will also be offering a new children’s menu.

Pret A Manger - decline of the high street has provided us with opportunities: The decline of UK high street has provided Pret A Manger with more opportunities to rent bigger sites, Pret A Manger chief executive Clive Schlee has told The Sunday Telegraph. He said: “The way we have expanded and the size of the shop spaces we have been able to rent could never have happened five year ago.” Schlee reported the company has been able to negotiate rents 70% lower allowing the company to take sites as big as 3,000 square feet. “The problems of the high street are well rehearsed. But there are opportunities out there. But you need to provide an experience for the consumer.” Meanwhile, owner Bridgepoint is expected to extend its ownership of Pret for a few more years rather than pursue a plan to launch an Initial Public Offering. Instead, the private equity firm is likely to refinance in the wake of better than expected earnings of £60m in 2012, paying itself a dividend and raising cash for expansion.

Pricetag of £120m placed on Byron: The Sunday Telegraph has claimed that DC Advisory, which is overseeing the sale of better burger concept Byron, has put a £120m valuation on the business. The valuation is based on ten times its current run-rate Ebitda of £10m to £12m. A sale process began in November last year after the brand’s owner Gondola received a number of unsolicited approaches. The most likely buyer is thought to be a private equity firm looking to continue its roll-out – it currently trades at 25 sites.

Busaba Eathai reports 36.8% increase in turnover: Busaba Eathai, the Thai restaurant chain founded by Alan Yau and chaired by Stephen Gee, has reported turnover rose by 36.8% to £20,955,000 in the year to 26 May 2012. Restaurant Ebitda climbed 42.9% to £3,390,000 and Ebitda before pre-opening costs are deducted rose 11.1% to £1,788,000. At the end of the period the company had cash reserves ‘approaching £1m’. The group also had unutilised borrowing facilities from shareholders of £2m and a further £1.5m available from its bankers to finance the continuing roll-out programme. During the year, three new restaurants were opened – in Covent Garden, Westfield, Stratford and on the King’s Road. The company opened its all-day Asian café Naamyaa in Islington in November last year. The company stated: “The second brand will enhance the company’s growth prospects by increasing the number of suitable locations for future openings.” One-off costs linked to openings were £318,790. The company made a pre-tax loss of £241,325 compared to a profit of £93,583 the year before.

Nelson Hotels to open fourth site - £2.9m pub: Nelson Hotels is to re-open The Fishpool Inn in Delamere after a £2.9 million refurbishment. It’s been given an oak-framed sandstone extension, allowing it to cater for twice as many diners as well as extensive landscaping outside. Nelson Hotels have planted more than 300 extra trees, plants and shrubs to enhance the grounds and provide a picturesque beer garden. Andrew Nelson, Nelson Hotels’ operations director, said: “We’re very excited about The Fishpool Inn and we’ve been working extremely hard to deliver another outstanding venue for Cheshire.” Nelson Hotels also owns The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa near Chester, The Bear’s Paw in Warmingham, and The Pheasant Inn in Higher Burwardsey.

Robinsons £2m visitor centre and restaurant to open in March: North west brewer and retailer Robinsons will open its new £2m visitor centre and conference facility at the landmark Unicorn brewery in Stockport in March. It follows a £5m investment on a new brewhouse last year. The new brewhouse is currently running at around half of its 90,000 barrels-per-year capacity, with most volume growth expected to be achieved through exports and sales to customers outside of Robinsons’ 350-strong tenanted pub estate. The visitor centre includes artefacts from the 175-year-old brewer’s history. Visitors will be able to tour the brewing hall and enjoy refreshments in a modernised restaurant.

Be At One buys second Smithfield site: Be At One has acquired a second site in London’s Smithfield, the former site of FluidBar, a sushi bar and nightclub. The cocktail bar chain has taken an assignment of the ground floor and basement unit from Springdene (trading as FluidBar) at 40/42 Charterhouse Street, EC1, according to Restaurant Property, which brokered the deal. It is paying a rent of £50,000 per year and an undisclosed premium on a ten-year lease from 19th January 1998 with an extension of 15 years from 19th January 2008. Be At One opens in first site outside of London in Reading in March.

Marston’s chief executive accepts honorary degree: Marston’s chief executive Ralph Findlay has received an honorary degree for his contribution to the Midlands economy. He was presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Wolverhampton at a graduation ceremony at the city’s Grand Theatre. Findlay said: “Over the past 12 years, Marston’s has developed into a national beer and pubs business, with significant growth despite the recession – but we are very much a Midlands firm. I am delighted that the University of Wolverhampton has decided to recognise the role that Marston’s plays in community and commercial life in the West Midlands.”

Saltire Taverns forecast to bounceback this year: Pub entrepreneur Billy Lowe has forecast a strong rebound into profitability for his Saltire Taverns this year after a year of disruption at the company. Accounts filed at Companies House show a pre-tax loss of nearly £33,000 for the year to 31 January 2012, the period covering the sale of Saltire’s Frankenstein pubs to Glendola Leisure. The disposal was followed just a month later by the acquisition of The Hudson Hotel and the attached Bacaro nightclub in the west side of Edinburgh from KPMG, which took control of those and other venues after previous owner Festival Group went into administration. Turnover fell by £1m to £5.8m. Lowe, Saltire’s majority owner, said the figures were affected by the closure of his main outlet – the Le Monde bar, restaurant and club complex on Edinburgh’s George Street – for refurbishment during September and October of 2011. “The results at Le Monde have been excellent,” Lowe told The Scotsman. “Sales and profits are both up strongly, which will be more reflected in this year’s accounts.”

Another Michelin-starred chef plans a gastro-pub: Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin is to launch a new gastro pub in Stockbridge. Kitchin, who already runs award-winning restaurant The Kitchin at The Shore in Leith, is teaming up with fellow Michelin-starred chef Dominic Jack to take over the site that was previously home to San Marco Restaurant on Mary’s Place off Comely Bank Road, a move which they say will see “one family run business take the reins from another”. The planned gastro pub is set to open in the spring.

Foundation Inns reports strong December and January: Foundation Inns, the four-strong pub company managed by Ian Grundy and Gavin Drew of Flagstone Inns, has reported like-for-like growth of 9% in December with like-for-like sales up six year per cent in January. Grundy said: “We were very happy with the pubs performances over this period and despite increased competition, the “snow effect”, and the continuing difficult market place for the pub sector the estate continues to show strong growth, as a result of hard work by the site managers, who are determined to remain close to their customers and offer a personal experience alongside a great product and service. It was especially pleasing to see our food sales increase at an even greater rate, while still growing our liquor figures and retaining our great pub atmospheres”.

 

UK’s largest cava bar opens next month: Spanish restaurant Aqua Nueva in Oxford Circus is to open London’s largest cava bar next month. The Aqua Nueva Cava Bar, which opens on 4 March, will offer 15 different cavas by the glass and bottle, alongside a selection of tapas. The restaurant aims to educate guests about the sparkling wine style, made predominantly in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain.

 

Greene King to open Hungry Horse in Sherwood next month: Suffolk-based brewer and retailer Greene Kin will open a Hungry Horse on the site of the former Robin Hood pub in Sherwood next month. The pub closed suddenly in August last year and residents feared their community’s only pub would be turned into housing. But pub chain Greene King bought the Birken Road site instead – it will reopen on March 20 and move Greene King closer to its target of 200 Hungry Horses by the second half of its financial year. 

Mitcham pub sells for £860,000: A pub in Mitcham, The Ravensbury Arms, let to multi-site operator Butcher & Barrel, has sold for £860,000 at an Allsop auction. The price was below the guide price of £900,000 – the tenant pays £83,730 a year in rent, which means the buyer is earning a 9.74% yield on their money.

 

Aspall Cider reports gross profit squeeze: Aspall Cider has reported that turnover jumped to £17,958,233 in the year ended 31 March 2012 compared to £12,177,173 the year before. However, profit before tax dropped to £346,005 compared to £381,062 after gross profit dipped from 26% to 22%. The company stated: “The company has managed to increase its level of turnover within a highly competitive market but has seen a reduction in the margin gained due to an increase in raw materials.”

 

JD Wetherspoon owed £35,000 in Heritage Inns crash: Managed operator JD Wetherspoon is owed £35,000 in the wake of the crash into administration of Heritage Inns, which bought its site in St Albans to launch Baroque in October of last year. Heritage Inns was headed by industry veteran Andrew Marker, who sold Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin his first site in Muswell Inn. Baroque closed just two months after opened - the site has been bought by Bill’s Restaurants. A Statement of Affairs lodged at Companies House shows a likely deficiency or £587,000 in respect of the Heritage Inns collapse.

 

McDonald’s plans 20 new UK openings in 2013: McDonald’s will add around 20 new sites to its 1,208-strong UK estate in 2013. Chief executive Jill McDonald reported that sales of its saver menu rose by 8% in 2012 and “premium food events” – such as its Great Tastes of America menus last May – pushed sales growth up 15%. “We’re finding that increasingly people are looking for some sort of affordable treat,” McDonald told The Sunday Telegraph. The newspaper also reported that sales of cappuccinos, lattes and espressos at McDonald’s have increased 237% since 2008. Elsewhere, the company has moved to an increasingly franchised model – 64% of UK sites are now franchised compared to 45% five years ago. 

Penswood Inns to re-open Falmouth’s largest nightclub: Penswood Inns is to re-open the largest nightclub in Falmouth, formerly known as Remedies, with a new name – it will be called Vanilla. The venue, which closed in November 2011, will have its capacity reduced from 650 people to 300 and will trade from only the first floor – the ground floor bar area is still on the market. Penswood Inns also runs Truro’s Vanilla bar and nightclub.

 

Obika secures third site: International mozzarella bar chain Obika has secured its third site at 11-13 Charlotte Street. Obika is led by David Haimes, the former managing director of Itsu, and already operates sites in Canary Wharf and South Kensington, as well as 19 sites across Italy, the US, Canada, and Tokyo. Agent was Davis Coffer Lyons.

City Pub Company sets target of 25 pubs: City Pub Company, the EIS company led by veterans David Bruce and Clive Watson that’s set to raise another £10m from investors, is aiming to create an estate of 25 freehouses – with a target of 12 for a year’s time. Watson told The Sunday Telegraph: “All of the pubs we have bought are operated to suit the local neighbourhood so we are not imposing a brand from head office. I think people are tired of plastic menus and brands being forced down on them by regional and national brewers.”

British Land acquires Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre – plan to increase the leisure offer: British Land has acquired a portfolio of properties in London from Wereldhave for £183.8 million. The most significant asset in the portfolio is Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre, which has been purchased for £142.5 million by way of share acquisition, representing a net initial yield of 6.9%. Tenants of the Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre includes Wagamama. Charles Maudsley, head of retail, said: “Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre is a highly attractive retail destination which meets the needs of today’s consumers for convenient, well-located shopping. We believe there are significant opportunities to grow and develop the shopping centre as a retail destination both as we further improve the retail mix and increase the leisure offer and as the area benefits from residential development and the completion of Crossrail.”