Plant-based burger concept The Vurger Co hits £180,000 crowdfunding target to open permanent site within 30 hours of launch: Plant-based burger concept The Vurger Co has hit its £180,000 crowdfunding target to open a permanent site within 30 hours of launch. The company, founded by Rachel Hugh and Neil Potts, is offering a 23.08% equity stake in return for the investment as it looks to open its first bricks and mortar venue following a series of successful pop-ups. Having launched the campaign on Monday morning (3 July), it has now exceeded its target. So far, 136 investors have pledged £186,900 and the campaign is now “overfunding” with 28 days remaining. The Vurger Co’s mission is to “revolutionise fast food forever through the power of plants”. The pitch states: “We believe our restaurant will be one of the first entirely plant-based concepts to target the mainstream market, reimagining fast food completely. Simply vegetables, with no meat substitutes, lovingly crafted into one of the most accessible and informal dishes the world has ever known – the burger! Why are we doing it? Because our diets are changing and demand for plant-based food is increasing rapidly. After suffering from persistent health issues for years, and after a life-changing trip to California, we came back to London looking for fantastic and natural plant-based food, served quickly, in a space with mainstream appeal. We couldn’t find it so we created our own and our popular pop-up restaurants have shown us London is ready for, and excited about, The Vurger Co.” The company said it has more than 10,000 followers on social media, with a total reach of two million having featured on 15 prominent influencer platforms, and sold 1,148 burgers in May from only 35.5 trading hours. The Vurger Co hopes to open its first permanent site in early 2018.

More than two-fifths of diners use technology when eating and drinking out: More than two-fifths (42%) of respondents use technology when eating and drinking out of home, according to a new industry report revealing the role of technology in the “hyper-convenience revolution”. The survey by One Poll, in collaboration with Nestlé Professional, confirmed convenience is king, with takeaway apps proving the most popular form of technology (41%), especially among millennials. Nestlé Professional’s latest BuzzBites hospitality sector report also found the trend for on-demand food and drink remains strong, with more than half of respondents (60%) having eaten breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner on the go. More than two-thirds (70%) of those surveyed said they spend ten minutes maximum on breakfast, while 95% spare no more than 30 minutes to eat lunch. Nestlé Professional brand and communications manager Paul Lumley said: “In today’s 24/7 culture, fast-paced technologies such as takeaway apps, touchscreen vending, smart ordering and contactless payment are promoting a convenience revolution that is changing the way we eat and drink. Our report draws together pioneering brands that are leading the way in embracing new technologies to shape innovation in foodservice. The research shows technology and hyper-convenience are inextricably linked and businesses that recognise this within the hospitality sector can maximise their impact.”

BBPA clarifies a codes system is in place for pubs in Scotland: The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has moved to clarify suggestions there is no code governing pubs in Scotland, highlighting that the PIRRS and PICA services are available to Scottish tenants and lessees. The moves follows a statement from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) on Monday (3 July) regarding a consultation that will investigate whether a Pubs Code and Adjudicator is needed in Scotland to govern the relationship between tied pub tenants and large pub companies. CAMRA stated: “We’re hoping all beer-lovers will use this opportunity to show the government that licensees in Scotland deserve the same level of support as those in England and Wales.” However, BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “It is important to be aware there is an industry Pubs Code specific to Scotland that we and others have developed and our members are signed up to. There are Scottish-based PIRRS experts available for rent disputes and any hearings would be held in Scotland. Other code disputes can also be heard by the PICA Service in Scotland. This safeguards Scottish tenants and it is worth adding the structure of the pub industry in Scotland is different to that in England, with just 17% of pubs operating as leased or tenanted, compared with 40% in the UK as a whole, with a wide selection of beer to foster consumer choice. We need systems that work in the best interests of Scottish pubs, and the legislative route is not always the best solution.” 

Licensing update: Licensing solicitors John Gaunt & Partners produces a useful monthly summary of topical issues. The latest can be accessed here.

Gino D’Acampo and Next reveal joint venture: Italian chef and television personality Gino D’Acampo and fashion retailer have revealed a joint venture with Manchester-based Individual Restaurants to open prosecco bars and restaurants in Next stores. D’Acampo plans to open his first restaurant in partnership with Next in the retailer’s current 70,000 square foot out-of-town store in Kingswood Retail Park, Hull, which opened in 2016. This will be followed by Manchester’s Arndale Centre that houses Next’s largest store, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment. Both restaurants are due to open this November. Next said it had always ensured stores are an “enjoyable destination and having a Gino restaurant would only add to this”. A D’Acampo spokesman added: “Gino D’Acampo not only serves great Italian food, his price points are accessible to all, which is a great fit for Next.” The partnership between D’Acampo and Next will be aided by Steven Walker, founder of Individual Restaurants, who will provide the services to ensure “delivery is of the highest standard”. The restaurants will feature an open kitchen, deli bar, a book and grocery store and a prosecco bar. The store in Hull plans to include a large alfresco dining space and will seat 210 guests. D’Acampo and Individual Restaurants are already working in partnership having launched fast-casual dining concept My Restaurant, which opened its fourth site last month, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Gallipoli Restaurant Group to launch Mediterranean concept Tuyo in Broadway Market, fourth site: Family-owned Gallipoli Restaurant Group, led by former Salt Yard chef Ricardo Pimentel, is to launch new concept Tuyo at Broadway Market in Hackney, the company’s fourth site in total. The new venture will open on Monday, 17 July in Pritchard’s Road alongside the canal and feature an open kitchen, white walls and hanging baskets. The menu will offer Mediterranean and Levantine small plates with a Spanish twist. A selection of “pinchos” (small bites) will include lamb rump with black olive couscous, and picos blue and date croquetas served with a selection of charcuterie and cheese, predominantly from Spain and Italy. Main dishes follow a Mediterranean theme, with hints of Turkish influence such as chicken thigh with honey-poached apricots, sumac yogurt and pistachio. The bar will offer a bespoke list of house cocktails designed to complement flavours on the menu, including Beso De Lavanda (Hendrick’s, lavender syrup and lime juice), and Saffron Aphrodisiac (tequila, agave, coriander, lime juice, chilli peppers and saffron). Gallipoli Restaurant Group’s other sites are two bistros in Islington – La Farola and Gallipoli – and tapas fusion cafe El Ganso in Hackney.

Robinsons to open tenth managed site: North west brewer and retailer Robinsons will open its tenth managed site on Thursday (6 July) – the Rising Sun in the village of Tarporley in Cheshire. The company has made a “substantial” investment into the refurbishment of the High Street pub and sees the continuation of the growth of its managed houses since the launch of flagship pub, The Airport, in February 2015. The Rising Sun, which closed in late April, has been completely transformed with a contemporary country pub look and feel, which will serve cask ales, craft beers, spirits and wines as well as a food menu of pub classics alongside influences from across the globe. The refurbished pub incorporates the pub’s original fireplaces, along with a mix of old and new furnishings. There is also a new courtyard garden for alfresco dining. William Robinson, managing director (pubs division) for Robinsons, said: “We are delighted to be giving the Rising Sun back to the Tarporley community. It is a classic example of a pub at the heart of its community, which has evolved at each point in its rich history to reflect the needs and requirements of its customers. We look forward to welcoming all customers, old and new, back into the pub to enjoy the excellent hospitality that (landlord) Stuart Wraith and his team look forward to providing.”

Cote opens third Limeyard site, in Leeds: Cote has opened the third site of its all-day California kitchen brand Limeyard, in Leeds – its first restaurant in the north of England. The company has opened the 3,100 square foot venue, which features an additional 700 square foot mezzanine, in the new leisure area at the expanded White Rose Shopping Centre. The 65,000 square foot extension will feature six restaurants and an 11-screen IMAX Cineworld multiplex. Limeyard’s other sites are in Ealing, west London, and Staines in Surrey. Cote acquired the company along with upmarket East Coast American-style restaurant Jackson & Rye last year.

Tim Hortons secures third UK site, in Ayr: Tim Hortons, the Canadian cafe and bake shop owned by Restaurant Brands, has agreed a deal for its third UK site. SK Group, an experienced franchise operator that has already played a major role in the UK expansion of Domino’s Pizza, has signed for a unit at a retail park on the edge of Ayr. The move comes after the brand’s UK debut in Argyle Street in Glasgow last month, which will be followed by a second opening at the city’s Silverburn shopping centre later this summer. A spokesman for agents Beacon Brooke told the Daily Record: “Acting on behalf of the landlord, Beacon Brooke is delighted to have secured Tim Hortons as a new tenant for the pod unit at Highfield Drive, Ayr. Tim Hortons, having made its UK debut in Glasgow, will complement existing occupiers Frankie & Benny’s and Travelodge. Beacon Brooke is the appointed managing agent on the wider scheme.” Tim Hortons was founded in 1964 by its namesake, a professional ice hockey player who wanted to create a space where “everyone would feel at home”. It is planning a “12-month rapid expansion into other major regional cities” throughout Britain later in the year, with plans for a minimum of 100 sites in total.

Turtle Bay and Cosy Club sign for Durham development: Caribbean restaurant Turtle Bay and Cosy Club, which is owned by cafe bar brand Loungers, have signed for sites at The Riverwalk development in Durham. The two companies will open the venues next year as part of phase two of the city centre scheme, which lies between Milburngate Bridge and Framwellgate Bridge. They will be joined by cinema operator Odeon and Handmade Burger Co, which have already agreed deals. Once completed, the £30m complex on the site of the former Gates shopping centre will feature a variety of restaurants, 23 refurbished shops, and 253 student rooms. Nick Berry, partner at Clearbell Capital, which is overseeing the development, told the Sunderland Echo: “Welcoming both Turtle Bay and Cosy Club to The Riverwalk will allow us to expand our retail and leisure offering in Durham city centre and complement our diverse tenant mix. This is an exciting time for Durham as we continue to work on creating a truly mixed-use centre that will cultivate the local Durham economy and deliver improvements to the city’s day and night-time offering.”

Ambassador Theatre Group wins contract to operate new Swansea indoor arena: Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) is to operate Swansea’s new digital indoor arena. ATG will run the 3,500-capacity arena on behalf of Swansea Council following a competitive process. The indoor venue, positioned above a new multi-storey car park, will be set within a landscaped space on land south of Oystermouth Road forming part of the Swansea Central development site that will also include restaurants and a boutique cinema. ATG’s appointment follows discussions between the council, Rivington Land –development managers for the site – and specialist arena consultants IPW. ATG chief executive Mark Cornell said: “With our producer and promoter relationships and by developing close links with local organisations, we believe we can bring a strong and varied programme to Swansea arena.” Cllr Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, added: “To have ATG on board at such an early stage is a real coup because they can use their global expertise to help us design the arena. Tens of thousands of people enjoy events and performances at ATG’s venues around the world so they’re a perfect company to attract up to 200 days of entertainment, exhibitions and events to Swansea every year.” Talks with potential operators are ongoing for a hotel to be built close to the arena. Work on the development site is expected to start next year, with the arena and hotel earmarked to open in 2020. ATG owns and manages 46 arenas and theatres across the UK and US, including the West End and Broadway.

Ei Group puts Brighton pub up for sale for £450,000: Ei Group, formerly known as Enterprise Inns, has put The Greys pub in Brighton up for sale for £450,000. The pub, based on the corner of Southover Street and Lewes Street in the Hanover area of the city, is being marketed by agent Fleurets. It is listed as an Asset of Community Value, reports the Brighton and Hove News. Fleurets said: “The London Road commercial district and the main city centre all lie within easy reach and a large, recently constructed students’ hall of residence is close by. This is a one-bar operation with a contemporary trade area and a well-equipped trade kitchen. Historically, the pub has had an excellent reputation for good-quality food and for its live music offering, featuring acts from all over the world.” Ei Group has sold Brighton pubs The Horse And Groom, The Albion Inn, The Cuthbert, The London Unity and the Rose Hill Tavern in the past five years.

Langham Hotel to launch London tavern this month featuring Michel Roux Jnr menu: The Langham Hotel in Regent Street is to launch a London tavern next door that will feature a menu by celebrity chef Michel Roux Jnr. The Wigmore will open on Thursday, 20 July featuring a daily changing menu focusing on British cuisine, with dishes such as Balvenie whisky-smoked salmon with honey pickled onions, and paprika-glazed shortrib with bone marrow and thyme crumb. Bar snacks will include masala-spiced scotch egg and a stovetop cheese toastie presented with a cast-iron bacon press to ensure cheese remains molten. The former banking hall has been transformed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, enhancing original features such as listed panelling. Two separate, bookable semi-private areas have also been incorporated into the space. The drinks menu, created by the team behind The Langham’s Artesian Bar, will feature the venue’s own beer, Saison, made in partnership with Bermondsey-based craft brewer Brew by Numbers, alongside punch, “hoptails”, and classic cocktails. A spokesman said: “The Wigmore is set to become a new social institution with a touch of London polish and a place where everyone is welcome.”

Greene King’s Philip Yea to become Equiniti chairman: Greene King chairman Philip Yea has been appointed chairman designate of payment and administration outsourcer Equiniti. Yea, who has been chairman of Greene King since May last year, has joined the Equiniti board as a non-executive director and will succeed Kevin Beeston as chairman when he retires in September. Yea said: “Equiniti is a business that provides vital services to some of the biggest companies and organisations in the UK. It has a reputation for reliability, with strong customer relationships stretching back decades. I look forward to working with the board and (chief executive) Guy Wakeley and his team and to being part of Equiniti’s growth story and to helping deliver further value to customers, employees and shareholders.” Yea is also a senior independent director at Computacenter, a non-executive director of Aberdeen Asian Smaller Companies Investment Trust and Marshall of Cambridge (Holdings), and also an independent director and trustee of the Francis Crick Institute. He will retire as senior independent director of Vodafone Group at its annual general meeting at the end of this month.

Wickwar Wessex to open tenth site on Friday, in Bristol: South west-based brewer and retailer Wickwar Wessex will open its tenth site on Friday (7 July), in Bristol. The company will reopen The Punch Bowl in Market Street, which closed earlier this year, as the Punch Bowl Ale House and Kitchen. Wickwar said it had worked to preserve the grade II-listed building's character and aimed to deliver a “relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with a contemporary twist”. There will be a rotating range of guest ales along with an extensive selection of lager, wine and spirits. Wickwar director Mick Flavin told the Bristol Post: “This is a very exciting time for our company as we take our portfolio of pubs up to ten sites across our south west heartland. We are also delighted to be investing in the thriving community of Bristol Old Market.” Wickwar’s other sites include three others in Bristol – the White Lion in the city centre, the Gloucester Road Ale House, and the Jersey Lily in Whiteladies Road.

JD Wetherspoon to close Merseyside pub: JD Wetherspoon is to close The John Laird pub in Birkenhead, Merseyside. The pub in Europa Boulevard is named after Birkenhead’s first MP John Laird, who was a shipbuilder and key figure in the town’s development. Laird also founded the shipbuilding company that went on to become Cammell Laird. Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon told the Wirral Globe: “We can confirm The John Laird in Birkenhead is to close. All staff at the pub will be relocated to other Wetherspoon pubs and there will be no job losses as a result of the closure. We appreciate our loyal customers will be disappointed by the decision. Wetherspoon has to make commercial decisions and on occasion it closes some of its pubs. This is the case with The John Laird. The pub will close in mid-to-late August. However, a final closing date has not yet been decided. The Brass Balance, JD Wetherspoon’s other pub in Birkenhead, is not affected by the closure of The John Laird.” Earlier this year, the company decided not to sell the Dee Hotel in West Kirby after pub regulars campaigned against the proposed closure.

Experienced restaurateur acquires Hampshire pub: Experienced restaurateur Jamshed Miah has bought The Sun Inn, near the Hampshire village of Dummer, off a guide price of £695,000. Miah has acquired the roadside pub, which is known for its food offering, from previous owner Clive Fisher through agent Christie & Co. The pub has been sold with the benefit of planning permission and plans are afoot to extend the property with an additional 20 en-suite bedrooms. Richard Wood, business agent in Christie & Co’s Winchester office, who handled the sale, said: “We have no doubt with new owner Jamshed’s knowledge and experience of the restaurant industry, he will continue to take the pub on an upward trajectory. Due to the pub’s location and planning permissions, we saw significant interest, which is indicative of the current trend we are seeing throughout the market here in the south of England, particularly the affluent villages of Hampshire.” 

Indian street food cafe Chaiiwala to expand into north west with Bolton opening, seventh UK site: Street food cafe franchise Chaiiwala is to expand into the north west of England with an opening in Bolton. The new venue will launch in Deane Road next week adding to three sites in Leicester and one each in Birmingham, Derby and Peterborough. Chaiiwala, which means “tea artist”, offers a “sip of India” alongside a range of light snacks and sweet treats from the sub-continent. Sohel Seedat, who will run the cafe with brothers Omar and Usman Ahmed, said the chain prided itself on its distinctive Indian tea. He told The Bolton News: “It’s a very milky, spiced tea that’s quite sweet as well. We do other stuff as well, Indian snacks like spicy chips, samosas and different chapatis, some with Nutella, some with honey glaze. The unit we have got for it is sizeable and for the amount of money we have spent it should be a nice, relaxing environment.” Chaiiwala was founded in Delhi 90 years ago, with a first UK site launching as a takeaway in Leicester. Its website lists venues in Blackburn, Dewsbury and Nottingham as “coming soon”.

George’s Great British Kitchen to launch Liverpool city centre site in September for fourth venue: Fish and chip restaurant George’s Great British Kitchen is to open its fourth site, in early September, this time in Liverpool city centre. The family-run business, which operates restaurants in Nottingham, Newcastle and Leeds, will open its latest venue in Paradise Street offering dishes such as chicken schnitzel burger and a cod version of a classic hotdog, alongside traditional fish and chips, pies and charcoal-grilled steak. Desserts will include ice cream and freshly made doughnuts. George’s Gin Bar will offer cocktails and signature serves with a focus on British gin and vodka. Co-founder Andrew Constantinou told the Liverpool Echo: “Classic fish and chips are just a small part of our menu. It offers buckets of variety, with many dishes fusing flavours from various corners of Britain, including our ham hock and mushy pea fritters covered in crunchy seaweed batter and served with wasabi mayonnaise. Our cauliflower and mushroom jalfrezi pie pays homage to some of Britain’s favourite cuisines. It goes without saying only the best ingredients make it to our kitchen. We cook all of our food using carefully sourced ingredients with no additives.”

Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group future-proofs POS system: Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group has enhanced its customer service by upgrading its systems. The company operates 36 restaurants in the UK, including Fifteen, Barbecoa and casual dining chain Jamie’s Italian. Having implemented kitchen display systems from Box Technologies across its UK estate to streamline orders, the group is looking to future-proof its point of sale system by selecting the tech company’s Cielo PX-150. Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group head of IT systems Marcin Korowiecki told BDaily: “Our larger restaurants can process up to 600 covers each day, seven days a week, so we knew our POS hardware needed to be fast, sleek, easy to use and very reliable. As the Cielo PX-150 is an open system, which supports the latest POS applications and peripheral connectivity, we are now free to choose software from whichever provider best meets our needs.” The company will launch a second site for its American-inspired concept Jamie’s Diner next month, at Gatwick airport.

Shrewsbury wine bar and restaurant goes on the market for £1.5m: Cromwell’s Hotel & Wine Bar in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, has been put up for sale for £1.5m. The 16th century grade II-listed building, which features its own secluded garden bar, is being marketed by agents Christie & Co. The restaurant and bar caters for 62 covers and the property also offers six en-suite letting rooms. Christie & Co business agent Josh Sullivan, who is handling the sale, said: “As well as being rich in history, Shrewsbury hosts an array of events throughout the year such as the Shrewsbury Flower Show and music and food festivals, which attract an additional 100,000 visitors per annum to the town. Cromwell’s is centrally located in the town and attracts a wide range of clientele. Cromwell’s has an excellent reputation among the local and wider community and with potential to develop the letting rooms and other areas of the business, this is a great opportunity for a new buyer.”

TGI Friday’s raises more than £100,000 for Comic Relief: TGI Friday’s has raised more than £100,000 for this year’s Red Nose Day campaign. The company donated money from the purchase of every Chief Burger, Strawberry Fields Mocktail and Kid’s Strawberry Slush, raising £101,679 in total. In addition, staff took part in other activities such as sponsored walks, sports matches and eating challenges to raise money for projects supported by Comic Relief. TGI Friday’s UK head of culture Dawn Cheetham said: “We’re so proud to be a key partner with Comic Relief, and it’s been a pleasure for the Friday’s family to come together and raise money for some really worthwhile causes. The results have been astounding, and we hope to work together again soon to deliver more of the same for some more great charities across the UK.” Michele Settle, director of UK campaigns and brands at Comic Relief, added: “It’s just brilliant to have the support of such a household name like TGI Friday’s for our Red Nose Day campaign, and to see how much time and effort has been put in by its people to raise such a significant sum of money for fantastic causes across the country.”

Hippo Inns to launch tenth site, next week in Twickenham: Hippo Inns, the joint venture between Enterprise Inns and Geronimo Inns founder Rupert Clevely, is to open its tenth site, in Twickenham, south west London. The pub will reopen next week – following a £400,000 refurbishment – under its original name, The Royal Oak, having formerly been called Stokes & Moncrieff. The 2,927 square foot pub will feature an open plan bar and dining room with a glass kitchen pass allowing diners to see their food being prepared. There will be two rooms upstairs – The Roundhead, with a bar and 40-cover dining space, and 12-cover private dining room The Cavalier, which will offer a “press for beer” button. Two 500-litre copper beer tanks will stand at the centre of the pub dispensing east London-based brewer Truman’s debut tank beer Raw Lager, alongside regularly rotating craft beer, cask ale, draught lager, cocktails and wine. The menu, developed by Hippo Inns executive chef Stan Perry and The Royal Oak’s new head chef Marty West, will feature gastro-pub dishes such as ale-battered cod with chips, tartar sauce and peas; and steak with bone marrow, herb crumb and fries. Pizza will also be served by the foot on paddles. Furniture will include upcycled benches made from gym equipment, a teak-topped bar, antiques, hand-painted ceramics and second-hand books. Hippo Inns was formed in 2015. Its other sites include The Duke of Sussex in Waterloo and The Black Horse in Kingston.

YO! Sushi and TGI Friday’s revamp Cardiff shopping centre restaurants to enhance customer offer: YO! Sushi and TGI Friday’s have revamped their restaurants at the St David’s shopping centre in Cardiff to enhance the customer experience. YO! Sushi has revamped its 2,200 square foot restaurant on the Lower East Side Arcade to “enhance the dining experience” for its customers. The redesign has created a “lighter, brighter environment” and the new restaurant incorporates modern features such as USB chargers at every table and new LED screens showing branded content. Meanwhile, TGI Friday’s has revamped its site on the Upper East Side Arcade to create more comfortable and luxurious seating areas within the 9,500 square foot restaurant. Larger tables have been replaced by booths and smaller, more intimate tables to help with flow and flexibility. The work has increased its overall number of covers to 304. New lighting has been installed throughout and, on the ground floor, new external seating has been added. Speaking on behalf of the centre’s owner, the St David’s Partnership, a joint venture between Intu and Land Securities, Intu regional managing director Colin Flinn said: “The impetus from leading restaurant brands such as YO! Sushi and TGI Friday’s to advance in St David’s is a clear marker of the scheme’s success and importance to those brands within the UK market as a whole. We are delighted they are building on this success and creating a more appealing offer for customers.” JLL and Cushman & Wakefield are letting agents for the St David’s Partnership.