Fleurets – 2015 was the year the economic recovery reached the pub property market: Property agent Fleurets has argued that 2015 will be seen as the point where the economic recovery started to reach the pub property market in all regions of England and Wales. A spokesman said: “The effect is, however, not consistent for all locations, tenures or styles of operation. From continued strong growth of rents and capital values in central London to the early stages of increased deal activity in many northern towns, the market is clearly moving. Merger and acquisition activity is very firmly back on the agenda with several tenanted and managed package deals completed in the last 12 months. With an abundance of private equity funds eager to invest in our asset backed, high cash flow sector, a lot more is sure to follow. Pending legislation may slow short-term activity but whichever way the Market Rent Option (MRO) falls, deals are likely to follow.” Fleurets reported the average freehold sale price was up 5.5% in 2015 although there was a 22% decrease in freehold sales volume. There was a 46% increase in volume of leasehold deals with twice as many leasehold deals in the south. There was also an increase in free of tie assignments. The Fleurets spokesman added: “In keeping with the average number of pubs sold for continued pub use over the last six years or so, last year saw 50% of freehold pubs sold by Fleurets remaining as pubs. Whilst this is down from 56% the year before, it is very much in line with the trend since the early days of the recession, which averages 52% for pub use over the last six years. Despite the boom in property, and particularly in residential values in the south, the percentage of pubs sold for continued pub use in the south was 55% compared with the north which was 47%. The average sale price nationally for pub use was virtually identical to the average sale price for alternative use, being just -1.1% lower for pub use. There was, however, a significant regional variation with sale prices for continued pub use being 6.7% higher than alternative use in the south, whereas in the north pub sale prices were -12.4% lower than alternative use sale prices. (An) increase in the number of pubs sold for conversion to coffee shops is an interesting development, particularly as some multiple pub operators are starting to move into this market with combined licensed bar/coffee shop operations, promoting coffee in pubs and bars much more, or even developing their own brand of coffee shops. This diversification is likely to continue.” For more information about Fleurets’ Survey of Pub Prices please CLICK HERE

David Singleton to present at the Propel Multi Club Conference: David Singleton, vice president of hospitality firm Al Tayer Group, is to present at the first Propel Multi Club Conference of 2016, which takes place at Congress Hall in London on Wednesday 16 March. He will provide an overview of the foodservice landscape in the United Arab Emirates, the brands that are winning, the potential for UK brands and his company’s approach to growing sales. Multi-site pub, restaurant and foodservice operators can claim up to two free places by emailing Adam Dickinson on adam.dickinson@propelinfo.com

Chilango and Camden Town Brewery among ten most successful crowdfunding campaigns of 2015: Mexican brand Chilango and Camden Town Brewery were among the ten most successful crowdfunding campaigns of 2015. Chilango came second in the list and raised £3,433,010 from almost 1,500 Crowdcube investors, with one person staking £400,000. The brand wants to use the capital to expand across the UK and internationally. It also raised £2m through a Crowdcube bond in June 2015 and has attracted investments from the executives at Carluccio’s, Domino’s and Costa Coffee. Meanwhile, Camden Town Brewery raised £2,750,860, which was 183% of its target. It attracted 2,173 Crowdcube investors and became the second exit for the equity crowdfunding market when it was sold to Anheuser-Busch InBev last month.

Free app launched to tell parents sugar content of food and drink: Parents are being urged to sign up for a free app which tells them the sugar content of food and drink. The “sugar smart app”, from Public Health England (PHE), works by scanning barcodes and revealing total sugar in cubes or grams. Officials hope it will help combat tooth decay, obesity and type two diabetes and encourage families to choose healthier alternatives. PHE says young children are eating three times more than the sugar limit. Its new Change4Life advertising campaign, which includes the sugar app, suggests that on average children aged four to ten years old are consuming 22kg of added sugar a year. That’s about 5,500 sugar cubes – more than the weight of an average five-year-old child. The app has been developed to raise awareness of how much sugar is contained in everyday food and drink. It works on more than 75,000 products, offering a quick guide to help parents to assess potential purchases that may harm their children’s health.

Channel Four documentary finds attractive given better tables in restaurants: Researchers for Channel 4’s new documentary series, Tricks of the Restaurant Trade, found restaurants purposely seat people they deem attractive in their best tables, while hiding other customers away at the back. As part of the investigation, models posing as customers were sent into three top London restaurants and were given “golden tables” in all three. Regular customers, or those who were considered to be less attractive, were given tables near the kitchen or toilets or were told there were no tables available at all. In the episode, actor Adam Pearson, whose neurofibromatosis has left his face covered in tumours, asked the models to enter the restaurants, and then followed himself. While the models were given good seats, Pearson and his friend were hidden away or refused tables. Pearson called it “disappointing”, adding, “next time you get sat at the back of the restaurant, now you know why”. 

Licensing update: licensing solicitors John Gaunt & Partners produce a useful monthly summary of topical issues and the latest can be accessed here: LINK

Walkabout operator Intertain reports 6.3% like-for-likes in Walkabout estate: Walkabout operator Intertain, led by John Leslie and backed by Jon Moulton’s Better Capital, has reported 6.3% like-for-like sales growth in its 21-strong Walkabout estate in December. The like-for-like sales growth was boosted by four refurbishments among the 21 sites where sales grew 37% year-on-year. The uninvested Walkabout sites produced 3% like-for-like sales growth. Four new Walkabouts opened in 2015, located in Solihull, Brighton, Manchester Printworks and Lichfield, and averaged £39,000 per week net in the five weeks of December, meaning total sales across the Walkabout estate were up 29% compared to the year before. New Year’s Eve saw the estate take just under £500,000, which is circa 10% of the entire company-wide December take of £5.1m. The company’s two London sites had a quieter New Year’s Eve that had been hoped – linked by the company to increased vigilance in the capital. Leslie told Propel: “We are pretty pleased – the results are further proof of the strength of where we have go with the Walkabout concept in its new format.”

Deltic Group reports 5.9% sales increase in festive period: The UK’s largest nightclub operator The Deltic Group has reported sales up 5.9% over the Christmas period. Russell Margerrison, chief financial officer of The Deltic Group, said: “Unprecedented levels of pre-booking for key nights and our continued investment in entertainment delivered strong sales during the Christmas and New Year period with a 5.9% increase. The highlight of which was a 57% surge in pre-booked revenue on New Year’s Eve.”

JD Wetherspoon launches January sale: JD Wetherspoon launched its January sale yesterday (4 January), with the event lasting until 17 January. “Department stores and shops hold their sales in January, so it is the perfect time to have a sale in the pub too,” said John Hutson, Wetherspoon chief executive. “The range of drinks on sale in (our) pubs is aimed at suiting a wide variety of tastes.” Offers include New Year reductions on Sharp’s Doom Bar, Coors Light lager, Strongbow Dark Fruit cider, Guinness, Coldwater Creek wines, San Pellegrino soft drinks and Lavazza coffee. Vodka drinkers can choose Smirnoff Red, Zubrowka or Stolichnaya. In Scotland, customers are offered Innis & Gunn, a Scottish craft lager, as part of the sale, while the company will serve craft beer Shipyard APA in the rest of the UK. Products will vary in the Republic of Ireland. Wetherspoon is also launching Magners Original Cider, on draught, in January.

All Our Bars reports like-for-likes up 11.2% in December, Covent Garden site down on New Year’s Eve: All Our Bars, the operator of 22 pubs in the south east led by Paul Wigham, has reported like-for-like sales up 11.2% for the five weeks to 3 January. Wigham told Propel: “It was a strange mixture of trading – weeks one to three were exceptionally strong but the mid Christmas-to-New Year period felt weaker in the more ‘community’ sites. There may have been some element of “going out” fatigue after a run up to a Friday Christmas Day. “Mad Friday” was extremely busy but the following days of week commencing 21 December were also must better than expected, including our more central London sites where workers often make the most of the bank holidays to take longer breaks. The fall of Christmas weekend will have affected the numbers and Boxing Day was a relatively quiet day compared to previous years. New Year continues to reduce in importance as years go by, with New Year’s Day improving in activity. Our Covent Garden site was down on 2015 on New Year’s Eve and we suspect that the recent terrorist events will have had a bearing on visits to London that night.”

Red Dog Saloon to open sandwich concept at Lakeside, Essex: Red Dog Saloon is to open its first American BBQ sandwich concept in Lakeside, Essex. Authentic, fresh hickory smoked barbecue from their imported American BBQ smokers will be offered in a casual atmosphere for eat in or takeaway at reasonable prices. Prices for sandwiches start at £4.50 and the site will have 87 covers.

Plans submitted for 500 cover Australasia in Liverpool: Living Ventures has submitted plans to open Australasia, seating 500 diners on the ground floor of Liverpool’s Cunard Building. Plans have been submitted to Liverpool city council seeking some alterations to the listed building to accommodate the restaurant. Last year it was revealed that the council had signed a deal with Living Ventures for two “world class restaurants” and bars at the Cunard Building. If planning permission is granted, Australasia will be located on the ground floor, where it will serve modern Australian cuisine combining Pacific Rim flavours “underpinned by European cooking tradition”. It will also have a bar serving cocktails and music from resident and guest DJs. The second restaurant, Cunard House, headed up by Liverpool celebrity chef Aiden Byrne, will take space on the first floor. A total of £6m will be invested on the ground and first floors of Cunard Building, creating approximately 150 new jobs, as well as a training academy. The iconic building was once the headquarters and main passenger terminal for the world’s most famous shipping company, the Cunard Steamship Company. It was bought by the council in 2014 for £15m and many of its staff are now based there. An independent valuation of the building has shown that it is currently worth £27.8m.

Enterprise earmarks more than £2 million for investment in Beacon pubs: Enterprise Inns is poised to further develop its Beacon estate after forming a dedicated national operating division within its leased and tenanted business. Mark Brooke has been appointed divisional director of Beacon, which, for the first time, has a dedicated support team of ten regional managers, plus focused head office backing across marketing, property and business analysis. Over the next 12 months, the company has earmarked over £2 million for investment in its 172-strong Beacon estate which is set to grow by 30 pubs during the period. The first batch of 14 pubs have recently been transferred to a Beacon partnership agreement. Beacon is a highly supported managed tenancy model that is designed to allow tenants to deliver a great value-based, wet-led offer to customers. Mark Brooke joined Enterprise four years ago and has most recently overseen the Manchester city centre region. He said: “By having a stand-alone, dedicated national division we are able to enhance Beacon and introduce a new way of working with more frequent business visits and a greater level of support. Regional managers are now having structured monthly meetings with publicans, rather than once a quarter, and we have introduced a “Your Pub” Retail Agenda so that each business meeting focuses on a specific topic such as marketing, merchandising, product quality, cash control. The approach is designed to support our publicans and as part of each meeting they receive supporting material which they can add to their “Your Pub” Retail Agenda folder.”

Pod launches new menu for 2016: Pod, the healthy eating brand with 22 sites in London, launched a new menu yesterday with a focus on ‘powerful breakfasts, lean lunches and immune boosting salads and fresh blitzed drinks’. Pod has added a seasonal immune boost blitz to its range. It has vitamin-rich fresh kiwi, mango and spinach and a sprinkle of spirulina. A new hot item is Keralan chicken, with three-grain rice and fresh crunchy salad and a Go Green salad has been added. Meg Ellis, Pod’s marketing director said: “This is one of my favourite New Year menus for a while. We’ve kept hold of the classics that people trust us for at this food-conscious time, but added some excitement with porridge recipes that bring functional health benefits and offering helpful additions like our immune boost blitz designed by our nutritionist to ward off the inevitable seasonal ills. It’s a competitive time of year in food, but ten years of creating nutritious, delicious food should see us in good health.”

Costa Coffee becomes first UK coffee shop brand to launch Vegan Society-approved product: Costa Coffee is to introduce a new vegan fruit crumble to its 2016 menu, making it the first coffee shop chain in the UK to launch a vegan product registered with The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark. It is estimated that there are at least 300,000 vegans in the UK – a number growing rapidly – and there has been a huge increase in demand among UK consumers for ‘free-from’ choices when eating out. Costa said its inspiration for the new product came from listening to customer and social media feedback. The new dairy-, gluten-, and wheat-free Fruit Crumble consists of a cinnamon spiced biscuit base with a fruity plum, cranberry and sultana filling, finished with a crumble topping. The fruit crumble is made in the UK by family run bakery, Bells of Lazonby, based in the Lake District in Cumbria. Working closely with Costa and The Vegan Society, the bakery has ensured full compliance with The Vegan Society’s criteria, allowing the Vegan Trademark to be displayed on the packaging. Jane Treasure, Costa’s head of food and beverage development in the UK, said: “We’re dedicated to offering all our customers a variety of products and I am really pleased to add a vegan option to provide more choice for those with dietary requirements. We’re delighted that this sweet treat will be featured alongside our other Celiac Society approved menu options including our Chicken with Coconut and Lime Dressing Wrap and our Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie.” Costa’s vegan fruit crumble will be available in Costa stores nationwide from Thursday 7 January for £1.70.

Nando’s promises to invest in New Zealand: Nando’s has promised to invest in New Zealand after buying back the franchise rights. In the last year, Nando’s has closed six of its restaurants. But Nando’s New Zealand chief executive Justin Scotti said: “We recognise that the brand has slipped in New Zealand compared to what we’re doing in the rest of the world. We have 26 restaurants in New Zealand and our intention is to grow that number in the next three to five years and next year, depending on site availability, we’d be hoping to open another three. What you’ll see is a shift in the quality of the restaurants and how they look – it’s a significant lift in standards.” Scotti said the company had become aware that the master franchise partner, who had previously operated the New Zealand sites, had failed to adequately invest in the business.

Punch donates £25,000 to Pub is the Hub: Punch Taverns has donated £25,000 to the rural pubs champions, Pub is the Hub for the sixth year running. Its donation helps to support the core cost of running the not-for-profit organisation which, in turn, has supported hundreds of pub licensees and communities in diversifying their businesses since its inception in 2001 by HRH The Prince of Wales. This includes providing advice, hands-on support and, where appropriate, some funding in getting projects off the ground. Neil Griffiths, chief strategy officer for Punch Taverns, said: “Resources such as post offices, local shops and libraries are such valuable community assets and very much missed if they happen to close down. I am delighted, therefore, that through our continued support of Pub is the Hub, pubs are able to fill that void and become the heartbeat of their communities. We are delighted to have been a supporter of Pub is the Hub for six years and look forward to providing continued support nationwide, particularly in Scotland as they launch their rural services initiative there in January.”

Heineken reports record cider apple crop: Heineken, which produces Strongbow and Bulmers cider, is toasting a record-breaking apple harvest which saw nearly two billion apples harvested. The brewer, which uses around 30% of all the apples grown in the UK for its ciders, harvested and milled over 128,000 tonnes of apples in 2015 at its mill in Ledbury, Herefordshire. The record is thanks to the hundreds of farmers who work at the 10,000 acres of orchards Heineken source their apples from. Alexander Brinkerink, cider plant manager said: “Our cider is down to the dedication and commitment of the hundreds of farmers who nurture, grow and harvest the bittersweet apples we need for the distinctive taste of Strongbow and Bulmers.” If placed on top of one another, the two billion apples would reach the International Space Station and back 100 times, Heineken claimed.

Yorkshire couple open second micro-pub: A Yorkshire couple have opened their second micro-pub, located in Cross Hills, between Keighley and Skipton, in a former betting shop. Steve Banks and Janet Langton, who have The Beer Engine off Coach Street, Skipton, are now running Gallagher’s off East Keltus in Main Street, Cross Hills. The Beer Engine won CAMRA pub of the season in the summer and the couple plan to run Gallagher’s with the same ethos – free of television and music.

Marston’s site in Huntingdon to undergo licence review: Huntingdonshire District Council’s licensing sub-committee has been asked by Cambridgeshire police to review the premises licence for Cromwells Bar Café in High Street, Huntingdon, which is operated by Marston’s. In a notice in the bar’s window and on the district council’s website it states that the review has been requested: “On the grounds of a number of violent incidents at and in close proximity to the premises and a breach of the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance and failing to promote public safety in the way the business is operated.” Police are currently producing reports which will be put before the district council’s licensing sub-committee in order for the review to take place. A police spokesman said: “A licence review application has been submitted concerning Cromwells Café Bar, so it would be inappropriate to comment on the specific details.”

Costa Coffee plans fifth Belfast site, fallen behind Caffe Nero in the city: Costa Coffee, which is run under franchise across Northern Ireland and the Republic by Cork-based MBCC Foods Ireland, is planning it fifth Belfast site – operates 20 outlets in Northern Ireland. It is set to take over the former Jean Scene store on Castle Place, across the road from Donegall Arcade. Costa will be competing with a host of big names close by, including Starbucks just a couple of doors down. There are now nine Starbucks stores throughout Belfast, with Caffe Nero, growing quickly to ten shops in the city alone. The biggest increase in store numbers has been at Caffe Nero, despite it only setting up shop here a few years ago. It has 18 branches across Northern Ireland, with half of those based in Belfast. Local brand Clements now has ten shops scattered across Belfast, with several others elsewhere in Northern Ireland.

Mitchells & Butlers to open All Bar One at Edinburgh airport: Mitchells & Butlers is to open an All Bar One site at Edinburgh airport in May, creating 70 jobs. The air-side opening will come six months after the opening of Flutes and Tails champagne bar, which opened in the final weeks of 2015. November saw passenger number up 12.4% with 794,792 passengers passing through the airport. Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said: “2015 was an incredible year for Edinburgh Airport. The growth in our passenger numbers is thanks to the increased choice of destinations and our commitment to improving the overall passenger experience. The expansion of the retail side of the business is a key element of our success. The fact is that Edinburgh Airport’s growth in the non-aero market allows us to be competitive and attract more airlines and more routes in and out of Scotland’s capital.”

Plans for £25m Yorkshire hotel with three restaurants submitted: Plans have been submitted for a £25m luxury hotel redevelopment of a grade II-listed mansion dating back to the 17th century and described as “one of the finest houses in Yorkshire”. Grantley Hall, which lies five miles west of Ripon, was purchased last year by Grantley Hall Ltd, a business established by Valeria Sykes specifically to operate the hotel. Sykes is the wife of multimillionaire Paul Sykes, the financier who bankrolled UKIP’s General Election campaign, although the pair are understood to be currently separated. Now, plans have been submitted to Harrogate Borough Council for alterations and extensions to the main hall alongside developments within the grounds. New elements include a spa facility building which will house a pool, treatment rooms and a gym on the ground floor with space for 28 guest rooms above. If appoval is secured, a link from the spa to the hall will also be constructed as well as a pavilion structure to create a semi-outdoor dining area and an extension to a former stables to create staff accommodation. Externally, a 1910 Japanese garden will be restored. The project involves an investment of £25m to create a 52-bedroom five-star hotel with three restaurants and a spa. The hotel, which will create about 160 jobs, including 90 full-time roles, will offer guests a choice of signature restaurant, a brasserie and a semi-external dining area to the rear of the property.

Koh Thai Tapas secures its ninth restaurant in the market town of Salisbury and reaffirms target of 23 sites by 2018: Koh Thai Tapas has secured is ninth site, this time in Salisbury. It aims to have 23 sites by 2018 and a total of 30 sites opened by 2020. The new restaurant in Salisbury will be one of the larger in the business with over 140 covers. Co-Founder and chief executive Andrew Lennox, said: “Salisbury is a fantastic addition to our group and we have been working hard to secure the right site. Salisbury is an important town for us and we have a great fan base there who regularly travel to our Bournemouth and Ringwood sites, we have seen a phenomenal response already to the rumours we might be opening in the town. We looking forward to welcoming the people of Salisbury.”

New smokehouse concept closes after ‘opening too early’: A new Merseyside smokehouse concept has temporarily closed after complaints about broken taps, splinters, lack of alcohol and long delays. The US-inspired Smokehouse restaurant on Bridge Street, St Helens, is expected to reopen next week, after closing on New Year’s Day less than two weeks after its launch. A statement on its Facebook page said it had been “unable to deliver the level of service we pride ourselves on” for all customers, and would close to tackle the problems. Chris Howell, the restaurant’s founder, admitted Smokehouse had opened too early, but said feedback suggested the vast majority of customers so far had left satisfied. Around 60% of the 81 reviews on its Facebook page gave it five stars, but just over 30% gave it just one or two stars out of five. Several customers claimed online there were long waits for food, not enough service, splinters in tables, no alcohol available, cold conditions, large gaps in the menu including no desserts, and several bathroom taps not working.

Batemans raises £60,000 for charity in 2015: Batemans, the family brewer based in Lincolnshire, has raised nearly £60,000 for eight worthy causes throughout 2015. The brewer and retailer supported both local and national charities throughout 2015, a highlight of which was the first ‘Big Week’ which took place from 25 May to 31 May last year. This raised £10,629 for the local learning disability charity, Linkage Community Trust, and 52 of Batemans’ pubs took part, with events held in both the pubs and at the head office. The week was launched at the brewery Visitors Centre with a beer festival opening attended by the chief executive of Linkage, Ges Roulstone. Jaclyn Bateman, marketing director of Batemans, said: “I am incredibly proud of both our brewery team, and our pubs, for their dedication to raising money for such a variety of good causes throughout 2015.”

Oxford hotel accommodation shortage set to be eased with flood of applications: A shortage of hotel accommodation in Oxford is being rapidly reduced by “a flood” of new hotel proposals. A new city-centre Premier Inn could be built in Paradise Square, with plans already revealed for a Hotel Indigo nearby in Paradise Street. According to Land Registry documents, Premier Inn is now the freeholder of Greyfriars Court, currently leased by accountancy firm Critchley’s. Martin Walker, head of marketing and development at the tourism agency Experience Oxfordshire, told The Oxford Mail: “For some time there has been a static market, but there now seems to be many more development proposals for mid-range hotels coming through. That is welcome, because although Oxfordshire has lots of visitors it is crucial for us to make sure more of them choose to stay overnight and spend more money here.” Alongside the city centre proposals, several other schemes have been completed, or are planned, elsewhere in the city. As well as an 83-bed Travelodge which opened last month at Redbridge, another 71-bedroom hotel is part of plans to overhaul the Templars Square Shopping Centre in Cowley, and a 103-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel opened near the Kassam Stadium this month. The Oxford Spires Four Pillars in Abingdon Road – already the biggest hotel in the city with 220 rooms – is also due to add another 57 bedrooms in 2016, with the Premier Inn in Garsington Road, Cowley, set to expand by 63 rooms. According to Oxford City Council, a 150-room hotel is likely to be part of the redevelopment of the Oxpens and another hotel, with up to 180 rooms, has been included in a blueprint for the Northern Gateway in North Oxford. Space at Oxford Station is also to be earmarked for another hotel. Chairman of city business group ROX and hotelier Jeremy Mogford said he expected “a flood” of new mid-range and budget hotel proposals to continue coming through in the next few years.

SSP expands hospital presence with Camden Food Co opening: SSP, the operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has expanded its presence in the hospital market with the opening of a Camden Food Co outlet at the newly constructed Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. The outlet will serve a range of sandwiches, hot snacks and salads alongside a selection of hot and cold drinks. It is located in a central area of the hospital, adjacent to a number of complementary retail outlets including a well-known grocery brand and a newsagent. Simon Smith, chief executive of SSP UK and Ireland, said: “Camden has always been a brand that appeals to consumers who want to eat a balanced diet without compromising on taste. We have revised and reshaped the offer even further to meet the needs of hospital workers, visitors and patients, bringing high street quality offers into the campus. As experts in retail, we understand how to deliver high-street brands that are really attractive to customers as well as delivering incremental income for the hospital.” The local NHS has recently introduced a policy that insists on the availability and promotion of a wide range of healthy food and drink choices in the all the health board’s food retail outlets. SSP has worked closely with the Health Board to further improve the offer of healthy choices and reduce sugar, salt and fat content of products served, and is one of the first retailers in the NHS to take the step of removing all sugared drinks from sale.

Sector wine supplier reports turnover of £8.14m: Jascots Wine Merchants, specialist wine supplier to restaurants, hotels and caterers, has reported turnover rose to £8.14m for the 2015 calendar year, 12 months after closing its on-line shop to better focus on sales to the on-trade. Miles MacInnes, sales and marketing director, said: “We’re pleased with our progress over the last year, closing the e-commerce side of the business was a decision for the long term. We may have lost out on some sales but our offering to the on-trade is even stronger as a result, which is evidenced by our performance. We’ve made some significant strides in our company this year, strengthened our marketing and purchasing teams with key appointments, introduced a dozen new producers to our portfolio and successfully launched wines and sparkling wines on-tap to our clients. 2016 is looking very exciting with more growth predicted and some very exciting developments in our training offer, watch this space!”

Million pounds invested in Cranborne estate restaurant: A total of 35 jobs have been created with the opening of a private members’ club and a restaurant open to the public on the Cranborne Estate in Hampshire. Alex and Gretchen Boon have spent a seven figure sum converting and updating the grade-II listed Cranborne Lodge on the Cranborne Estate. The private members’ club is on the first and second floors and includes a members’ bar, dining room, drawing room, billiards room, children’s playroom and nine bedrooms. Non-members may also stay for the night as ‘passing members’. The Boons, who previously ran the King John Inn in Tollard Royal, Wiltshire, have taken out a 25-year lease for Ten Castle Street and plan to add a spa and fitness centre as well as further bedrooms.

Itinerary unveiled for second Propel and Thinking Drinkers Craft Beer Retail Study Tour: The itinerary has been unveiled for the second Propel and Thinking Drinkers Craft Beer Retail Study Tour. The event, which this year focuses on south London, takes place on Thursday, 28 January and will visit seven of the capital’s leading craft beer retailers in an eight-hour period. It starts at the Four Thieves brewpub in Battersea, owned by Laine Pub Company. The tour will then visit hybrid craft beer and bottle shop We Brought Beer in Clapham Junction, which was founded by former BrewDog employee James Hickson, followed by the Craft Beer Co site in Clapham Manor Street. The next stop will be the Crown & Anchor in Brixton run by London Village Inns before heading to independently operated Stormbird in Camberwell Church Street, which was runner-up in the Timeout Love London Awards this year. The tour then continues to Late Knights Brewery’s micro-pub Beer Rebellion in Gypsy Hill and ends at Utobeer’s The Rake in Borough Market. The tour will again be led by Thinking Drinkers, award-winning beer writers Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, who will provide the latest craft beer facts and figures, market segmentation, analysis and spot up-and-coming trends. The day includes lunch and breakfast and travel between venues by coach. Tickets are £345 for Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) members and £395 for non-ALMR members. To book, email adam.dickinson@propelinfo.com

Final panel line-up confirmed for Propel and Elliotts Advanced Marketing Masterclass: The final panel line-up for the inaugural Advanced Marketing Masterclass has been confirmed. Elliotts strategy and development director James Hacon will leads a discussion with newly appointed Thai Leisure Group marketing director Iain White-Duncan, ETM Group group marketing manager Zoe Knowles and Greene King partnership director Russell Danks about where they see success, their plans for the future and other topics discussed throughout the day. Propel is partnering leading sector public relations and marketing firm Elliotts for the event, which takes place on Thursday, 14 January at One Moorgate Place in London. The day will provide an insight into all aspects of marketing including contributions from Novus Leisure and Brazilian barbecue restaurant Cabana about some of the marketing initiatives they have used to improve results for their business. It will also include the best ways to recognise and tell a brand’s story to maximise its PR or social media potential and how to develop and deliver effective digital initiatives. There will also be the latest insight into consumers’ behaviour to help companies develop marketing strategies around their customers as well as how to brief and work with an agency effectively. Tickets are priced at £295 for Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) members and £345 for non-ALMR members and are available by emailing Adam Dickinson on adam.dickinson@propelinfo.com 

ALMR National Restaurant Association Study Tour to Chicago open for bookings: The Propel and Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) 2016 Chicago Study Tour is open for bookings. The trip, sponsored by CPL Training and Sky, takes place between Thursday, 19 May and Monday, 23 May 2016. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) draws 58,000-plus industry professionals from all 50 states and 100 countries, seeking the newest innovations and up-to-the-minute information about trends and issues. The ALMR trip provides: insights from industry experts on the rise in fast-casual dining, social media, new and emerging brands, menu development, staff management and a host of other issues – with 70 free education sessions at the NRA show. It also involves two tours of Chicago’s hottest concepts and a market overview briefing sessions from US experts. Paul Charity, managing director of Propel Info, said: “The NRA show combined with our tour of Chicago is a fantastic opportunity to find fresh inspiration and understand the emerging trends shaping the fast-changing US market.” To get more information or to book, email jo.charity@propelinfo.com