Restaurant and pub like-for-like sales slip by 1% in October thanks to Rugby World Cup hangover: Managed pub and restaurant groups saw sales slip in October, with collective like-for-like sales down 1.0% on the same month last year, according to the latest monthly figures from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker. London saw the biggest fall, with like-for-likes 2.5% down on October 2015, with much of this being put down to the boost eating and drinking-out, especially in the capital, received from last year’s Rugby World Cup. Outside the M25, like-for-likes fell only 0.5%. “In October last year, like-for-likes were up 2.5% across the country, and ahead a bumper 3.8% in London, largely on the back of the popularity of the rugby tournament, with pubs doing especially well. This last month we seem to have seen the downside of that,” said Peter Martin, vice-president of CGA Peach, the business insight consultancy that produces the Tracker, in partnership with Coffer Group and RSM. “We have had three consecutive months of positive sales growth in the sector following the EU referendum, but these October figures demonstrate that operators need to remain cautious, with plenty of volatility, uncertainty and competition out there in the market,” Martin added. Overall, casual dining chains saw a 0.7% like-for-like decline in October, with pub groups down 1.2%. London pubs were down 3.3% on the same month last year. Total sales for the month among the 34 companies in the Tracker cohort were up 1.9% on October 2015, reflecting the fact that leading groups are continuing to open new sites. The underlying annual sales trend shows sector like-for-likes running at 0.6% up to the 12 months to the end of October, little change from the previous month. “Although the sector is expecting some strengthening headwinds, at Davis Coffer Lyons we are finding strong undiminished demand for restaurants and other licensed property in our core markets. Demand for property in London and various provincial ‘hot spots’ remains unchanged, proving that the current successes and failings within the leisure and hospitality sector do vary considerably around the country. As we approach 2017, we may start to witness some areas with slower rental growth due to the pressure of food costs, wages and rates, but premiums will certainly hold for landmark or key leisure pitches with high footfall,” said Trevor Watson, executive director, valuations, at Davis Coffer Lyons. “October will be viewed as a disappointing month for many but the longer-term trend over the past 12 months is of slightly positive like-for-like growth, which is largely reflective of the low-growth economic environment we are living in. However a perfect storm of rising inflation, relatively full employment and a potential interest rate hike on the horizon could result in an increasingly difficult trading environment for operators. Christmas leisure and retail spend results this year will be nervously anticipated as a bellwether of how confident consumers feel about their prospects going into the New Year,” added Paul Newman, head of leisure and hospitality at RSM UK.

Advanced Marketing and Insights Masterclass open for bookings: Propel is partnering with leading sector public relations and marketing expert James Hacon for the Advanced Marketing and Insights Masterclass, which is now open for bookings. The event takes place on Thursday, 12 January at One Moorgate Place in London. Charles Banks, of global food trends and ideas agency The Food People, will dive into the hot new concepts, foods and products in the international market, the eating trends shaping the industry, how the traditional business model is evolving, and how millennials are changing the models and concepts of the future. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) members and £345 plus VAT for non-ALMR members and are available by emailing Anne Steele on anne.steele@propelinfo.com

Next Propel Premium audio presentation to feature Roy Ellis: The next audio presentation sent to Propel Premium subscribers this Friday (18 November) will feature serial sector entrepreneur Roy Ellis, who presented at last month’s Bar and Nightclub Conference. Ellis sets out how his Mission Mars vehicle has hit annual turnover of £23m only three years after launch and the group’s plans for Albert’s Schloss. Propel Premium subscribers also receive the Propel Blue Book guide to sector turnover and profitability. The Blue Book lists and ranks 200 sector companies by turnover, profitability and profit conversion. It also provides a five-year overview of profitability and directors’ salaries. The current free service to all existing readers remains the same, but readers can opt to upgrade to receive the Propel Premium service. Propel Premium subscribers will be able to receive the Morning Newsletter, which is sent at 6.30am each weekday, 12 hours earlier at 6.30pm the day before. Subscribers will also receive a copy of the Propel database of 700 multi-site companies, which will be updated every six months, and receive a digital version of Propel Quarterly magazine a week before publication. For operators, annual subscription costs £345 plus VAT, with an extra £50 per additional subscriber at each company. For suppliers, annual subscription costs £445 plus VAT, with an extra £50 per additional subscriber at each company. To subscribe to the Propel Premium service, email Anne Steele at anne.steele@propelinfo.com

Pubs Code adjudicator process will not be reopened, says government: Business secretary of state Greg Clark has said the appointment process for the Pubs Code Adjudicator will not be reopened. Clark was responding to Iain Wright, chairman of the business, energy and industrial strategy committee, who argued that adjudicator Paul Newby, who was appointed in May, should be replaced because of a conflict of interest. He said Newby would not be able to command the trust of pub tenants because of his previous employment at pub companies such as Enterprise Inns and Punch. However, Clark said he believed the appointment process was run in accordance with the code of practice and had considered whether Newby had conflicts of interest, concluding he did not. Wright told City AM the government’s decision not to reopen the appointment process was “short-sighted” and will further sour many relationships between pub companies and their tenants. He also stressed a “strong and clear” conflict of interest with Newby as adjudicator. The Pubs Code is a regulatory framework that governs the relationship between the UK’s six largest pub-owning companies and their tied tenants in England and Wales.

VAT reduction could add £10.3bn to UK’s hospitality sector – report: Up to £10.3bn could be ploughed into the UK’s hospitality sector if a VAT reduction is announced in the government’s autumn statement next week, according to a new report. Research by commercial insurer NFU Mutual found two-thirds of consumers would increase spending if VAT was reduced, with more than half (53%) likely to spend more on weekend breaks in the UK, eating out, and hobbies and leisure. A 5% cut in VAT could provide the average UK adult with an extra spending power of £547 per year, according to the report. NFU Mutual, which surveyed 2,040 UK adults, said 67% of consumers would increase some spend as a result of VAT savings – and 53% of them would increase spending on hospitality industries. This means British businesses in the sector could look forward to a potential cash injection of up to £10.3bn. Darren Seward, hospitality sector specialist at NFU Mutual, told Hotel Owner: “The encouraging sign is there is clearly an appetite for increased spending in the UK hospitality industry among consumers. With consumer spending coming under some pressure from rising inflation, the chancellor’s decision to ‘reset’ fiscal policy could possibly include the option of cutting VAT by as much as 5% to support growth.” Seward added that a “more probable” 1% cut could plough up to £2.1bn into the British hospitality sector.

Plymouth provides brown tourism sign for McDonald’s site: Plymouth City Council has been criticised after a brown tourist attraction sign, usually used for museums and other points of interest, was installed to point the way towards a McDonald’s restaurant. Resident Matt Eager told the Plymouth Herald: “Plymouth is becoming the fast food capital of Devon and Cornwall. This sign sums up the fast food culture in the city. Wouldn’t it be good if Plymouth City Council took a lead and encouraged a new healthier outlook to brownfield development.” The council said the sign met the criteria set out by the Department for Transport. A spokesman told Metro: “As the highway authority, all signs are the responsibility of the city council. However, the criteria for brown signs is nationally applied by the Department for Transport.”

Leonardo DiCaprio to visit social enterprise sandwich shop chain Social Bite: Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio is set to visit social enterprise sandwich shop chain Social Bite in Edinburgh during his first visit to Scotland. The Oscar winner was invited to visit the latest Social Bite venture by co-founder Josh Littlejohn before he speaks at the Scottish Business Awards in the capital today (Thursday, 17 November). DiCaprio will follow in the footsteps of fellow movie star George Clooney, who met staff at a Social Bite sandwich shop in Edinburgh last year before making the keynote speech at the awards ceremony. DiCaprio is expected to meet staff and eat at Home, a new restaurant set up by Littlejohn and Dean Gassabi, who owns the Maison Bleue restaurants, the Clydebank Post reports. It was set up to provide training and employment for members of the Social Bite Academy, a four-year paid course for homeless people. Customers are encouraged to “pay forward” meals for the homeless, who can attend a special service for those sleeping rough every Monday. Social Bite has cafes in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, which operate the same “pay forward” scheme and employ a number of people who have previously been homeless. Littlejohn also set up the Scottish Business Awards, with recent high-profile speakers including Bill Clinton and Sir Richard Branson.

Stephen Crawley resurrects Higsons with plans to build brewery, takes over Liverpool Craft Beer Co: Former Caledonian managing director Stephen Crawley has resurrected famous Liverpool brewer Higsons, with plans to build a brewery and visitor centre in the city. The Higsons brewery in Bridgewater Street, in the city’s Baltic Triangle, would also feature a “sampling hall”. Plans for the brewery were approved by Liverpool Council in May. In a document submitted to planners, CLA Architects said the plan was to “create a unique space that will attract visitors to the city”. This week the company asked the council for permission to amend the internal layout of the building, suggesting plans are progressing well. Meanwhile, the move could unite Liverpool breweries old and new as Crawley has also taken over Liverpool Craft Beer Co, best known for its Love Lane Pale Ale. Documents filed at Companies House show Crawley became a director of Liverpool Craft Beer Co earlier this year, with company founders Paul Seiffert and Terry Langton leaving their directors’ posts the same day. Higsons, which was founded in 1780 and closed in 1990, was best known for its cask bitter. It was also renowned for its punning beer mats with characters such as Birk’n’Head, Ann Field, Wallace E Tunnel and secret agent M62. Many pubs in Liverpool and surrounding areas still have Higsons signs, and the name can still be seen on the company’s old head office in Dale Street. The company also used to operate the giant Stanhope Street brewery that is today better known as Cains. The Higsons name is still visible on the sides of the building. Crawley stepped down from his position at Caledonian in December 2013.

Wagamama opens New York flagship site: Wagamama has made its debut in New York with an opening in Fifth Avenue. The 7,000 square foot site serves as the US flagship for the company, which has 140 venues. The building overlooks Madison Square Park and has an asking rent of $800,000. The opening marks several firsts for Wagamama, including the debut of an Asian-inspired weekend brunch and a full bar and cocktail list created with New Yorkers in mind. Drinks are Wagamama’s take on classic cocktails, such as the whisky sawa with Iwai Japanese whisky and lapsang souchong liqueur, and the yuzu mojito made with Tanduay rum and yuzu liqueur, in addition to an extensive Asian craft beer range. The restaurant features exposed brick walls, pendant lamps and rich wood accents. Minimalist wood and metal stools offer seating at individual tables throughout, while communal tables – another founding principle of Wagamama – seat up to 18 on long benches. Additional seating is available at a long, marble bar and on a large mezzanine overlooking the main dining room. Wagamama chief executive David Campbell said: “Our Fifth Avenue location is really special, overlooking Madison Square Park. The whole NoMad/Flatiron area it is so vibrant and evolving fast into a key New York food hub. New York has always been on our wish list and in my mind, alongside London, is one of the world’s two top cities.” Earlier this year, Wagamama agreed a deal for a second site in New York. The company reported like-for-like sales rose by 9.8% in the 16 weeks to 14 August. Total sales increased 16.6% to £75.6m.

Hakkasan Group to bring Yauatcha brand to US with Honolulu opening: UK-based restaurant and nightclub company Hakkasan Group will launch its dim sum tea house brand Yauatcha in the US with an opening in Hawaii. The company will bring the brand to Honolulu on 1 February at the redeveloped International Market Place. Yauatcha Waikiki, located on the Grand Lanai level, will feature dim sum, a patisserie, an extensive tea menu and eclectic mixology programme in a contemporary setting with 276 seats. The dim sum dining experience, a modern interpretation of the traditional Hong Kong tea house, serves steamed, baked, grilled or fried dim sum as well as duck, fish and noodle dishes. Yauatcha is also famed for its wide selection of tea and assorted patisseries. Each colour of the five feng shui elements is represented throughout the restaurant – blue, yellow, red, black and white, reports Breaking Travel News. Launched in London in 2004, Yauatcha Soho earned a Michelin star within its first year, which it has since retained.

Living Ventures opens first ‘suburban’ Alchemist site, in Alderley Edge: Living Ventures has opened its first branch of The Alchemist cocktail bar and restaurant at a “suburban” site – in the village of Alderley Edge, Cheshire. The company has transformed its Blackhouse-branded The Grill On The Edge in London Road into the new venue, creating 40 jobs. The two-storey site, which has a central island bar on the ground floor for 55 people, has a capacity of 150, including a 44-seat restaurant within the venue’s conservatory. Alchemist managing director Simon Potts told Alderleyedge.com: “We are thrilled to be bringing The Alchemist to Alderley Edge. Some residents will already be aware of the brand from our Manchester sites and we’ve had a huge amount of enquiry and enthusiasm during development. We believe it will be a welcome addition to the bustling social scene in the village and we can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the local community.” Living Ventures launched The Alchemist in Manchester’s Spinningfields more than five years ago. The standalone business under Living Ventures’ umbrella operates seven UK sites – two in Manchester, two in Leeds and one in London, Liverpool and Birmingham. Sites at MediaCityUK in Salford and Newcastle are scheduled to open in the first half of 2017, while it has also exchanged contracts on a venue in Oxford. The company has projected turnover of £21m for this financial year and employs more than 350 people.

Owner of new Manchester-based steak restaurant denies Flat Iron copycat claims: The owner of new Manchester-based steak restaurant Featherblade has denied his company has copied the concept from London-based brand Flat Iron. Twitter users have pointed out the striking similarities between the pair, including the identical side dishes, steak price (£10), menu design and even the inclusion of the mini meat cleaver in promotional material. Both restaurants also run an identical concept, with only one cut of steak on the menu. The companies are in no way affiliated and Lee Brennan, the owner of Featherblade, which opened last week, has dismissed it as an “unfortunate coincidence”. He told the Manchester Evening News: “We’ve worked hard to create the concept and are just trying to provide a great deal which is, of course, what others have done, including London, Australia and New York. We’ve had no negative feedback from our customers and it is very unfortunate that people have made the connection – it is just an unfortunate coincidence. I think the pure suggestion of it (Featherblade copying another restaurant) is narrow-minded. We are Featherblade, our own brand and brand new.” Brennan, who also runs Panama Hatty’s, which is housed in the same building in the King Street area of the city, added: “Manchester shouldn’t be deprived of a good deal just because London has also provided a good deal. Ideas can be duplicated, but we haven't come from that place. I have been doing this for 40 years and in that time I have had my own ideas used elsewhere and not had a problem with it. We have been serving our steak on a wooden plate since 1977.”

Byron eyes Cardiff for first Wales site: Better burger brand Byron is planning to open its first restaurant in Wales – in Cardiff city centre. The site is in St David’s shopping centre in Tredegar Street, opposite John Lewis. The opening could create up to 50 jobs, Wales Online reports. Byron has submitted proposals to Cardiff council for a change of use for the premises from retail to restaurant. The plans include a first-floor unit that has not been occupied since the centre opened in 2009. A statement submitted as part of the planning application said: “The proposed restaurant at St David’s would be the first in Wales and represents a new and exciting brand for Cardiff. The restaurant is expected to cater for circa 160 covers, with additional external seating being provided in Tredegar Street.” Founder Tom Byng opened the first Byron restaurant in London in 2007. Earlier this month, the company opened its 69th site, in Windsor. In July, Byron secured a £12m banking facility to fund its national expansion plans. The business plans to reach 100 eateries in the next three years.

BrewDog co-founder launches Q&A sessions for investors: James Watt, co-founder of Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog, is holding a series of question and answer sessions for the company’s UK investors. Shareholders, also known as Equity Punks, can buy £5 tickets for the events, which kick-off on Monday, 12 December in London, then Manchester, Glasgow and Aberdeen on consecutive nights. The venues have yet to be announced apart from Aberdeen, which will take place at UnderDog, below BrewDog Castlegate. The company stated in its blog: “With so much happening and even more yet to come, our epic army of shareholders may well have a question or two burning in the back of their minds. So our captain and co-founder James is hitting the road to field them in a series of exclusive events – if you are a UK Equity Punk and there’s anything you’d like to ask James directly, now is your chance! We would love as many as possible of our amazing Equity Punks to attend as the main aim of the evening is to hear from you in the Q&A section. So if there’s anything you want to ask about our performance, beers or bars, start mentally queuing up those questions. The sessions are also a chance for you to suggest ideas for BrewDog or things you would love to see us start doing, so get practising those pitches for Captain James!”

Coyote Ugly to open first UK site next month, in Cardiff: Coyote Ugly, the Western-themed bar that inspired a Hollywood movie, is set to open its first UK site next month, in Cardiff. The bar, which will have capacity for about 900 people, will open on Wednesday, 14 December in former nightclub The Square in St Mary Street. It will be operated by Steve Lewis, who runs two bars – Jack Murphy’s and The Adelphi – in Swansea having signed a franchise agreement in January. The venue will feature a craft beer bar with 24 different types of draught beer and also offer American barbecue food. It will have a VIP section and booths, while a television screen will take up the entire back wall that will screen live sport. There will also be a stage for live music and a bucking bronco, reports the Spirits Business. Coyote Ugly founder Liliana “Lil” Lovell previously said: “We couldn’t be more excited about exporting our version of honky-tonk to the United Kingdom and could not have found a better team with whom to partner as we enter the market. We expect a strong and positive reception in the UK.” Coyote Ugly currently has 21 sites in four countries – the US, Russia, Ukraine and Germany.

Former Gordon Ramsay chef lodges plans to launch Spanish-inspired restaurant in Beverley: Former Gordon Ramsay chef James Allcock has lodged plans to open a Spanish-inspired restaurant in Beverley, East Yorkshire. Allcock, who worked at Petrus, has applied to East Riding of Yorkshire Council to launch The Pig and Whistle in Sow Hill Road. The restaurant would have about 20 seats and a separate bar and offer Spanish-style food such as cured meat and cheese, along with fine wine and artisan beer. In the application, Allcock said: “With a shabby-chic interior design offering a perfect blend of aesthetics and comfort, diners can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the market town safe in the knowledge that, when they dine with us, they’ll always be given a warm welcoming atmosphere where they can enjoy a selection of small plates, charcuterie or a spot of cheese. With its warm, inviting surroundings and unique food and wine offering, The Pig and Whistle will put Beverley on the culture map.”

University of West London renames College of Hospitality and Tourism in honour of Laurence Geller: The University of West London has renamed its award-winning College of Hospitality and Tourism as London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism in honour of university chancellor and alumnus Laurence Geller CBE. The renaming of the college celebrates the distinguished role Geller has played in advancing excellence in hospitality and tourism worldwide. He has more than 45 years of international industry experience with some of the world’s best-known brands, including Holiday Inn, Hyatt and Strategic Hotels. A committed philanthropist, Geller is also a prolific published author of professional articles, regularly lecturing at universities throughout the world and is a pioneer in specialist educational programmes. Professor Peter John said: “Laurence’s passion for, and commitment to, the university and his former college over the years has been remarkable, so naming the college in his honour was a natural step and I know he will not rest until it is recognised as the leading college for hospitality and tourism in the world.” Also announced on the evening was the appointment of James Edmunds as the new dean of London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism. Edmunds has more than two decades of experience in teaching and managing tourism, hospitality and aviation courses within higher education.

Rotisserie chicken brand Pecking Order to start expansion with football stadium restaurant and bar: Rotisserie chicken brand Pecking Order, which was co-founded by former Living Room head of marketing Dhilon Solanki, is set to start expansion by opening a second site, at a football stadium. The concept launched in April 2015 in Stanmore, north west London, offering Red Tractor-approved rotisserie chicken alongside burgers made from 100% Aberdeen beef and a long cocktail list. Pecking Order will open a second restaurant as well as a bar at The Hive – home of Barnet FC – with Solanki and co-founder Vishav Roma also managing food outlets at the stadium. The bar will open on Saturday, 26 November for Barnet’s match against Notts County, with the restaurant opening three weeks later in time for the local derby against Stevenage. Solanki said: “The premise behind Pecking Order is simple – great food and drinks available on your doorstep, with the standards and ambience you’d expect in a central London venue.” Pecking Order in Stanmore was crowned Harrow Times Restaurant of the Year in 2015.

CPL Training launches digital marketing training initiative tailored for sector: CPL Training, which provides licensed retail and hospitality training across the UK, has launched a digital marketing training initiative. The Digital Allstars programme is specifically tailored for businesses operating in the licensed retail and hospitality sectors. The face-to-face programme aims to teach all aspects of digital marketing and help businesses implement an effective strategy. It comprises three separate workshops, which are available at beginner, intermediate and advanced level. The digital marketing workshop explores “what digital marketing means” and provides an introduction to the various platforms and techniques required to succeed. The two other workshops provide comprehensive training on two key aspects of digital marketing – social media marketing and email database marketing. In an attempt to establish a close connection with customers, both workshops centre on how to develop responsive content for a range of different audiences. Commercial director Louise Sui said: “We’ve worked hard with internal and external partners to ensure this initiative is suitable for the market. We understand that small and large pubcos, both tenanted and managed, each require a digital marketing strategy that is fine-tuned to their operations. The beauty of the programme is that it’s designed to accommodate the varying levels of all abilities – regardless of your skills or experience. In particular, it’s highly suitable for businesses that are first embarking with digital marketing, including companies that are already competent but just need extra knowledge to enhance their skills. We hope Digital Allstars will be an important resource in helping our clients increase sales and establish a loyal customer base.”

Rusk & Rusk to launch The Spanish Butcher concept in Glasgow next month, group’s third city site: Independent restaurant group Rusk & Rusk will launch its latest concept, The Spanish Butcher, in Glasgow next month, the group’s third venue in the city. The new 3,600 square foot venue in Miller Street, which opens on Thursday, 1 December, will feature a 100-cover restaurant with a wine and cocktail bar, creating 40 jobs. The menu will feature high-grade Galician beef, Iberico ham and fresh seafood alongside a wide selection of Spanish wine, beer and cava. The decor will feature New York loft-inspired interiors, including exposed brickwork and highly polished concrete flooring. Co-founder James Rusk told Glasgow Live: “We are well known in Glasgow and beyond for serving the most flavoursome cuts of Scotch beef. With The Spanish Butcher we are taking this approach further afield, introducing a very different flavour profile.” Co-founder Louise Rusk added: “Combining our focus on food, service and design, we love to create lifestyle dining environments that are dynamic, yet relaxed spaces we love to dine in.” Rusk & Rusk also operates Hutchesons Bar & Brasserie and The Butchershop Bar & Grill in the city.

Lincolnshire-based restaurateur to open third site: Lincolnshire-based restaurateur Jax Hussein is to open his third site, in Waltham. Hussein is launching Italian Affair at the end of the month on the site of the former Fourteen restaurant in High Street. Italian Affair revives the name of a former Lincolnshire venue that was run by Mario and Vito Cataffo. Vito achieved national acclaim in Channel 4 series Dolce Vito, in which he established a restaurant serving British food in Bologna in 2009. He passed away at his Lincoln home the following year. The business will be led by operations manager Theo Lacatus, a chef with 35 years’ experience who has been working in Italy for the past decade. The venue will feature an outdoor terrace and separate bar and offer a range of traditional Italian and local food. A spokesman for the new Italian Affair told the Grimsby Telegraph: “Everyone still talks about Italian Affair and we want the legacy of Mario and Vito to carry on. We want to bring back memories. We put 100% behind everything we do and everything we have done up to now has been well supported. We have been working with local people who have been crying out for a good Italian.” Hussein also operates Indian restaurant Mumbai Blues in Waltham and bar restaurant Lids Tapas and Cocktails in Grimsby.

MOD Pizza to open Nottingham site next month: Fast-casual artisan pizza brand MOD Pizza will open a site in Nottingham next month. The company, which launched in the UK earlier this year, is opening the restaurant in Old Market Square on the site of the former Schuh unit, creating about 15 jobs. MOD’s artisan-style pizzas and salads are individually crafted using fresh-pressed dough and signature sauces. Customers create their own pizza and salads, choosing any combination from more than 30 featured toppings. Alternatively, they can choose from a menu of MOD classics. Pizzas are hand-fired in a 300C oven in minutes, while salads are hand-tossed for each customer. The menu is rounded out with soft drinks and hand-spun milkshakes. A MOD Pizza spokeswoman told West Bridgford Wire: “Nottingham has a strong community presence and MOD Pizza believes its vibe attracts their tribe.” MOD Pizza has three sites – in Leeds, Brighton and Newcastle – with a restaurant due to open in London this month.

Noma co-founder’s New York restaurant gets first Michelin star: Danish restaurant Agern in New York, owned by Noma co-founder Claus Meyer, has been awarded its first Michelin star. Agern opened in Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan only six months ago. Meyer wrote on his Facebook page that the award was a “big day for head chef Gunnar Gislason and the entire team in the US”. He added: “After previously receiving the coveted three stars in the New York Times earlier this year, the Michelin Guide (has) awarded Agern one star just six months after the restaurant opened.” Agern takes Nordic gastronomy as its theme, using ingredients harvested from New York state. Meanwhile, Meyer applauded fellow Dane Fredrik Berselius, whose restaurant Aska in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has been awarded two Michelin stars. Meyer revealed he and Berselius are looking at opening a restaurant together in a design centre in Williamsburg at the start of 2017.

New independent craft beer shop and bar concept to launch in Swindon: A beer shop and bar that supports independent craft brewers, distillers and suppliers will launch in Swindon on Friday (18 November). No mainstream brands will be stocked at The Tuppenny, which will open at a former hair salon in Devizes Road in Old Town. The concept is the brainchild of former pub manager Linda Gulliford and Jamie Stapleton, who will work closely with local craft brewers Renegade Brewery and West Berkshire Brewery to provide a high-class “house beer” range, featuring a changing selection of brews from other independent brewers. The Tuppenny will also offer wine, premium spirits and classic cocktails, alongside hot beverages, cakes and sandwiches. It will also be Swindon’s first growler supplier for takeaway beer. The decor will feature repurposed and upcycled furniture, with board games and vintage books available to customers.

New prosecco and wine bar concept to open in Derby: A new prosecco and wine bar concept is set to launch in Derby. Stephen Rouse, who has 37 years of experience in the bar industry, has submitted proposals to the city council to open the venue in a property at the junction of George Street and Friargate, reports Insider Media. According to the planning documents, the building has been “vacant for a long time”. It added: “There is a large number of restaurants and drinking establishments in Friargate, which is a centre for social nights out. The provision of a new use will be of benefit to the long-term maintenance and conservation of the building and the vitality of the street scene.”