£729m worth of gin sold in bars and restaurants in past year as it becomes Britain’s favourite spirit: A total of £729m worth of gin was sold in bars and restaurants in the past year as it surpassed whisky and vodka to become Britain’s favourite spirit. Britons have bought more than 47 million bottles of gin in the past year, seven million more than in the same period a year ago, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association’s (WSTA) latest report. The figures, which were released as a YouGov poll, also found gin had become the most sought-after spirit, with 29% voting it their favourite ahead of whisky (25%) and vodka (23%). It came third in the same poll a year ago. Gin sales in Britain have doubled in value in the past six years, with consumers buying £630m worth in 2011 compared with more than £1.2bn in the 12 months to September 2017. The WSTA market report showed the equivalent of more than 8.8 million bottles were sold in pubs and bars in the same 12 months but the majority is bought from shops and supermarkets, where 38.7 million bottles were sold in the same period. Exports in 2016 reached a record £474m. IWSR, a market research company for alcoholic drinks, has predicted gin sales will grow by 37.2% by 2021. WSTA chief executive Miles Beale said: “Gin’s versatility has proved it is attractive to consumers who have increasingly sophisticated palettes.” There were 45 distilleries opened in Britain during 2016, according to HM Revenue & Customs, bringing the total to an estimated 273, compared with 128 in 2012.

Jay Rayner joins Restaurant Marketer & Innovator line-up, more than 350 senior executives booked: British journalist, writer, broadcaster and food critic Jay Rayner has joined the Restaurant Of The Future lock-down at Restaurant Marketer & Innovator, the most comprehensive marketing series the sector has seen. Restaurant Of The Future will see experts debate the future trends likely to have an impact on the way the industry looks and feels, particularly to consumers. More than 350 senior executives have now booked for Restaurant Marketer & Innovator. Propel will stage the two-day event in partnership with Think Hospitality on Wednesday, 17 January and Thursday, 18 January at One Moorgate Place in London. An array of marketers from agencies and early-stage, growing and rejuvenating brands will take to the stage to share their strategies and winning tactics. Companies and brands attending include Novus, Signature Pubs, Cafe Rouge, Wagamama, Brasserie Bar Co, Las Iguanas, YO! Sushi, Fuller’s, ASK Italian, Mitchells & Butlers, G1 Group, Costa Coffee, Ei Group, Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, Brewhouse & Kitchen, Stonegate Pub Company, Be At One, Revolution Bars Group, Cabana, Thai Leisure Group, New World Trading Company, Pho, Maxwell’s Group, Gather & Gather, Oakman Inns and Restaurants, The Breakfast Club, The Coaching Inn Group, Gail’s Bakery, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, K10, Giggling Squid, San Carlo Group, Ennismore, TLC Inns, Polpo, FrogPubs, The Real Eating Company, Claus Meyer Holding, VIP Pizza, 200 Degrees, Coppa Club, Snug Bars, Albion & East, Pint Shop, True North Brew Co, Darwin & Wallace, Chit Chat Chai, BabaBoom, Electric Star and Eat Poke. For full details of the two days, co-ordinated by James Hacon and Ann Elliott respectively, click here. Conference prices for two days are £525 plus VAT for operators and £795 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies buying two tickets will receive a third one free. A one-day rate of £345 plus VAT is available to operators only. For more information and to book, call Jo Charity on 01444 810304 or email jo.charity@propelinfo.com or Anne Steele on 01444 817691 or anne.steele@propelinfo.com

Sleep deprivation hitting productivity and working relationships in the hospitality sector: Accidents, arguments and underperformance are the real impact of sleep-deprivation on hospitality workers, according to a new survey. The Worldwide Sleep Census carried out by bed manufacturer Sealy found hospitality is the most sleep-deprived profession in the UK, with more than four-fifths (86%) of hospitality workers admitting they could function better at work if they slept better. Almost two-thirds (65%) of hospitality respondents said they regularly lose their temper or have been irritable to a colleague, while nearly a third (30%) claimed they suffer a lack of productivity and 19% are often late or have time off as a result of lack of sleep. While 4% admitted falling asleep at work, 11% of hospitality staff put a recent accident at work down to feeling tired. Sealy has produced a guide to managing staff sleep deprivation with Russell HR Consulting. The Worldwide Sleep Census questioned 5,000 workers from across the UK.

 

PCA’s compliance handbook could create ‘another level of complexity’, says BBPA: The Pubs Code adjudicator’s regulatory compliance handbook could “create another level of complexity”, the British Beer & Pub Association has said. Chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: “While we welcome these examples of best practice in code compliance, there is a concern this could create another level of complexity in addition to the existing code. It does, however, reflect discussions between the chief executives of individual companies covered by the statutory code and the adjudicator and we believe we are already adhering to much of this proposed best practice. We will continue to engage with the Pubs Code Adjudicator’s office in a positive way and ensure the code works as it should for all parties, with clarity and consistency for all concerned.”

 

London mayor pushes for business rates shake-up to help night-time economy: London mayor Sadiq Khan wants to save the night-time economy by cutting business rates for nightclubs, pubs and bars. Khan has published his economic development strategy and has said the government should shake-up the business rates systems to save London companies, especially businesses in the centre of the capital. He has called on the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to review its valuations for clubs, restaurants and live music venues, saying he is concerned these businesses saw disproportionately large rises in business rates in this year’s revaluation of the property tax. Some properties in central London were saddled with 50% rate rises. Alex Probyn, president of ratings advisory firm Altus Group, told City AM: “The night-time economy is vital in reinventing and revitalising many of London’s town centres and in maintaining its draw as a cultural capital. Business rates are a blunt instrument for such targeted support, especially if the mayor is looking for the VOA to take a national approach.”

 

Thai Square owner reports turnover and profit fall: Catering UK, owner of the 13-outlet Thai Square restaurant chain, has reported turnover fell to £13,566,760 for the year ending 30 June 2017 compared with £13,999,527 the previous year. Pre-tax profit was down to £196,898 compared with £246,751 the year before, according to accounts filed at Companies House. Spa revenue was up to £712,832 compared with £669,895 the previous year. The company stated: “The director was satisfied with the performance of the business in the year, which was in line with expectations. The company expects to continue to trade profitably from existing sites and will look for new opportunities to extend the existing estate as and when opportunities arise.” The company has 11 sites in London along with venues in St Albans and Windsor.

Chopstix Group promotes Jenvey to new global head of franchise role to lead international expansion: Chopstix Group, which owns and operates the eponymous chain of 75 noodle restaurants across the country, has promoted Max Hilton Jenvey to the newly created post of global head of franchise to lead international expansion. Jenvey joined Chopstix in 2015 as chief operating officer and during his tenure the brand has tripled its estate to 75 sites. With UK expansion plans in place for the next 18 months, Chopstix founders Sam Elia and Menashe Sadik have turned their attention overseas. Elia said: “Max has played a key role in establishing Chopstix across the UK in terms of company-owned sites and securing and supporting our increasing base of franchise partners. As we look to introduce the brand overseas, there is no-one better qualified than Max to spearhead our ambitious strategy.” Sadik added: “Max is to be credited for the vital role he has played in the UK growth of the Chopstix brand. During the past year, however, he has been actively working with us on our international strategy and has already generated an enormous amount of interest.” Jenvey said: “Chopstix has come an immensely long way in a relatively short time. The time is right to embark on the next phase of growth.” Last month, Chopstix Group completed its first acquisition after buying the Yangtze chain of restaurants from The Wok for an undisclosed sum.

 

FullClear reveals strong December sales with further operator deals: Beer line-cleaner business FullClear, which is currently running a £250,000 fund-raise on crowdfunding platform Crowdcube, has revealed strong December sales after securing further operator deals. The company stated: “December is typically a slow month for the dispense industry in term of venues wanting to adopt new solutions as their focus is on trading through the busiest period of the year. Despite this, FullClear has seen another month of strong sales with Brakspear purchasing FullClear for its managed estate. FullClear has also signed up more Burning Night Group venues and several independents have come on board along with more significant sales to Admiral licensees. FullClear also started pilots with Shepherd Neame and Ei Group, ensuring continued growth in subscriptions in January.” FullClear is offering a 12.82% equity stake in return for the £250,000 investment. So far, 167 investors have pledged £161,550 with six days remaining. The largest investment to date is £15,000. FullClear is a scientifically formulated beer line-cleaning solution that is non-corrosive, non-toxic and non-hazardous, allowing safe, monthly beer line cleaning, the company said. It will use the investment to further its expansion in the UK and globally alongside building its sales and marketing capabilities. FullClear also has an exclusive partnership with beer quality and waste management systems company Vianet, allowing operators “total oversight over their line-cleaning processes”.

 

Bellfield becomes first UK brewer to use artificial intelligence to drive sales: Bellfield has become the first UK brewer to embrace new voice-controlled devices, using artificial intelligence to drive sales. The Edinburgh-based company, which is the UK’s only dedicated gluten-free micro-brewer, is seeking to grow digital sales to a point where it represents 20% of the company’s total sales volume by the end of 2018. Using Amazon’s voice-controlled digital assistant Alexa, consumers can find a local stockist of the beer and order it online using voice commands. Users can also ask the digital assistant to “tell me about Bellfield” to hear the brewery’s back story through an audio clip and get product information. Director Marie Brown said research showed nearly one in four millennials would try voice-controlled ordering of products and about 10% had already used it. She said: “This isn’t just a gimmick. Research indicates artificial intelligence-powered shopping is growing fast. It’s predicted three-in-four households in the US will have ‘smart speakers’ in their homes in the next three years. Ordering food and drink through voice-controlled devices will become as common as popping round to the corner shop is now.”

London-based steakhouse and beer restaurant concept Beef & Brew hits £250,000 crowdfunding target to open second site: London-based steakhouse and beer restaurant concept Beef & Brew has hit its £250,000 target on crowdfunding platform Seedrs as it looks to open its second site. The concept was launched by Michelin-trained Jessica Simmonds and Daniel Nathan in September 2015 in Kentish Town and hit its revenue target in its first year. Now it is raising funds to open its second site and is offering a 24.94% equity stake in return for the investment. So far, 181 investors have pledged £251,476 and the campaign is now “overfunding”. The pitch states: “Beef & Brew was established with a multi-site plan in mind. We focus on quality but also simplicity, ensuring what we do is replicable while maintaining the quality required to be successful in the competitive UK dining scene. We’re now looking to open our second site, building on our success to date. We’ve identified various locations, with a shortlist of sites we are actively pursuing. The funds raised in this campaign will be used to support the opening of our next site. We have identified a number of possibilities, with two primary sites we are pursuing. Locations we are pursuing include strong Zone 2 locations, akin to Kentish Town but with higher footfall. These include West Hampstead, Brixton, Dalston and various other London neighbourhoods. We would also consider central districts such as London Bridge, Hoxton, Shoreditch and Soho, depending on affordability and deliverability. Primarily, the strategy is to roll out a coherent brand, with shareholder exit achieved via a business sale.”

 

Anchor & Hope team to launch all-day restaurant in Stockwell: The team behind the award-winning Anchor & Hope gastro-pub in Waterloo, south London, and Lambeth’s Canton Arms is to launch an all-day restaurant in Stockwell next month. The new venue, Stockwell Continental, will offer coffee, pastries and juice for breakfast, with the lunch menu featuring a selection of focaccia, fresh pasta and salad, Hot Dinners reports. The evening menu will focus on aperitivo, sourdough pizza, wood-fired steak, homemade Italian cold cuts, pasta and seasonal specials.

Arlo’s owner plans ‘cautious, managed expansion’ after opening second site: Former L’Atelier des Chefs managing director Tom McNeile has told Propel he plans “cautious, measured expansion” after opening the second site for his informal steak restaurant concept Arlo’s. McNeile has opened the 65-cover venue in Northcote Road, Battersea, on the site of the former Indian Moment restaurant. Like the inaugural site in Balham that opened last July, the Battersea restaurant serves a simple all-day menu of grass-fed British beef with an expanded drinks and cocktails list. McNeile said: “Our Balham site is trading very well and it felt like the right time to look at opening further sites. I’m local to Northcote Road and I’ve always seen it as the perfect location for Arlo’s, all the more so as there are so many much bigger operators there and I want to zero in on that competition. Battersea is the perfect spot for us to pause and evaluate before moving ahead with our expansion plans.” McNeile said trading at the Balham site was “above expectations” with its brunch menu and cocktails – particularly martinis – proving to be real drivers. McNeile said: “I think we have a different approach at Arlo’s and I am utterly focused on doing one thing – steak – and doing it very well. Expansion was my hope from the very start and I am fortunate to have such a breadth of experience among our advisors.” Jonny Brackenbury, seed investor and senior board director of Soho House Group from 1997 to 2008, is an original backer of Arlo’s and sits on the board alongside Lindsay McNeile, chairman of Fortune 500 financial services firm INTL FCStone. McNeile is also planning to launch an Arlo’s food truck in the new year to build on his work with local schools. MKR Property acted on behalf of the seller in the Northcote Road deal.

Veeno founders eye new venture after closure of Blue Lobster restaurant: The founders of Italian wine cafe Veeno will potentially launch a new venture after closing their Blue Lobster restaurant in Cheshire. Andrea Zacchino and Nino Caruso have shut the Italian seafood restaurant and Franciacorta bar in Alderley Edge, less than nine months after opening. Blue Lobster, located on the corner of London Road and Brown Street, opened in April in the premises previously occupied by Tomfoolery. Zacchino told alderleyedge.com: “Unfortunately, our Italian investors decided to withdraw their interest in the business and recalled the chef back to Italy. For these reasons, the restaurant has been closed until further notice. I was disappointed by this too but we will take it as an opportunity to potentially take over and start a new venture.” Zacchino and Caruso launched Veeno in 2013 and now have 18 sites in the UK. They plan to open ten franchised sites for the brand next year.

Ormsborough opens fourth Potting Shed, in Guiseley, with ‘lawned’ roof terrace: Concept bar specialist Ormsborough has opened its fourth Potting Shed site, in Guiseley, near Leeds, following a multimillion-pound investment that includes the addition of a “lawned” roof terrace. The company has converted a former HSBC bank branch in Oxford Road into its latest venue, creating more than 40 jobs. The terrace has a retractable roof, while there is also a gin bar and a large outdoor shed providing booth seating. A three-level extension has also been added to the rear of the building. The Potting Shed’s signature menu focuses on wood-fired pizza and stacked burgers alongside craft beer, cocktails and artisan spirits. Operations director Rebecca Eastwood said: “Creating the extension has given us much more space on the ground and first floors so we can now seat about 100 downstairs and 50 upstairs. We have green touches right through the bar, lots of hanging baskets and plant pots but especially the roof terrace – it has artificial grass and hedging so you really get that garden feeling out there.” Ormsborough is being backed by industry investor Downing, which has already invested more than £8m in the business. Ormsborough director Allan Harper said: “We take a lot of care in finding all our sites and a landmark building like this fits perfectly with our brand.” The other Potting Shed sites are in Bingley, Beverley and Northallerton.

 

Subway on collision course with US franchisees over promotion deals: Subway is on a collision course with its US franchisees over its promotion deals, which they claim are pushing their businesses to the edge. More than 400 franchisees, led by Virginia franchisee Mitesh Raval, have signed a petition that protests against Subway’s plans to roll out its $5 foot-long deal in January. Subway has been pushing its promotion deals with visits to its stores falling by 25% during the past five years. In 2016, sales fell 1.7% and its site count dropped by 359 locations in the US – marking the first time in the company’s history it closed more stores in a year than it opened. Like-for-like sales have dropped 13% since 2013. Subway is currently rolling out a new store design in an attempt to modernise the company as well as launching a digitally-focused loyalty programme. A Subway spokesman told Business Insider: “Our franchisees are actively involved in many aspects of our decision-making process and we welcome and encourage their feedback. We have support from the majority of franchisees on this programme and many others we are testing. However, we typically do have a number of restaurants that don’t participate in our national promotions. It is always optional. We are realigning markets to ensure the right Subway restaurants are in the right locations. This includes remodelling our restaurants, many of which are already reporting significant lifts in sales and positive customer feedback. We are also introducing new and improved products, refining operations, and launching new digital products. We have built Subway into the largest restaurant chain in the world and we are confident these changes will position the brand for long-term growth.”

 

Turtle Bay to open Winchester site next month: Caribbean restaurant Turtle Bay will open a site in Winchester, Hampshire, next month. The company is investing £800,000 in the 166-seater restaurant in St George Street, which will launch on Sunday, 21 January. The 3,500 square foot site will feature an open “street kitchen” and a “beach shack” bar, creating 50 jobs. Turtle Bay secured the property in an off-market deal through agent Savills and has agreed a new 20-year lease. Established in 2010 Turtle Bay, which is backed by Piper Private Equity, has 40 restaurants across the UK and two in Germany.

 

Doughnut Time starts UK roll-out with Old Street site: Australian chain Doughnut Time has started its UK roll-out by opening a second London site, this time in Old Street. The company, which launched a site in Shaftesbury Avenue at the end of October that will eventually feature a “doughnut academy”, is focusing on the capital for its first UK sites, with further stores set to open in Notting Hill and London City airport before the end of the year. The brand offers a range of regularly changing doughnuts with “punny” names such as the Donutella Versace and Melon Degeneres, including vegan and gluten-free options. The new venue exclusively stocks the Stout Out To Shoreditch doughnut and the opening follows the company’s six-week pop-up in Old Street earlier this year, Hot Dinners reports. Damian Griffith founded Doughnut Time in 2015. It operates 23 sites in Australia.

 

Ei Group partners with Diageo for never drink and drive campaign: Ei Group has partnered with Diageo for its global programme Johnnie Walker #JoinThePact, which has secured more than seven million pledges from people stating they will never drink and drive. The number of pledges has beaten the campaign’s five million target a year ahead of its goal, with Diageo now increasing that target tenfold in a bid to secure 50 million pledges by 2025. Diageo launched the campaign in 2008 and it is now active in more than 40 countries. Ei Group is encouraging its customers to pledge to never drink and drive and provide safe rides home during the festive period. Commercial director Paul Harbottle said: “Giving people a positive action they can take, like making a pledge never to drink and drive through #JoinThePact in return for a safe ride home, is a great way to engage people on an important issue like drink-driving at this time of year.” Charles Ireland, general manager of Diageo Great Britain, Ireland and France, added: “Our partnership with Ei Group will ensure the message to never drink and drive is seen by people as they are celebrating and potentially deciding how to get home.”

Authentic Alehouses extends crowdfunding campaign after raising more than £4.3m: Leeds-based Authentic Alehouses, led by Burning Night Group boss Allan Harper, has extended its fund-raise on crowdfunding platform Crowdstacker having raised more than £4.3m. The company launched its funding bid to revive the fortunes of underperforming pubs by attracting a new generation of customers with a menu of “quality artisan food and drink, updated decor and a variety of entertainment”. It opened its first venue last month having relaunched The Albert Hotel in Hull following a £1m refurbishment. Authentic Alehouses is aiming to raise £5m on the platform, offering investors a 6.5% per annum interest rate through a peer-to-peer loan. Backers are also given the potential to earn income tax-free by investing via Crowdstacker’s Innovative Finance ISA. Authentic Alehouses launched the campaign in July and has so far raised £4,377,299. The next closing is on Wednesday, 24 January. Authentic Alehouses plans to use the capital to refurbish sites in prime locations, streamline and modernise its operation to cut waste, and introduce higher-quality food, a broader range of drinks, and more family-orientated entertainment.

  

Tim Hortons to open fifth Scottish site, in Dunfermline this week: Tim Hortons, the Canadian cafe and bake shop owned by Restaurant Brands, will open its fifth site in Scotland, this time in Dunfermline, on Thursday (21 December). SK Group is leading the UK roll-out of Tim Hortons and the Dunfermline opening continues its nationwide expansion plan. The outlet is in Hospital Hill on the site that was previously occupied by Carphone Warehouse. The first Tim Hortons UK venue opened in Argyle Street, Glasgow, in early June and the brand has since added two sites in the city – at the Silverburn shopping centre and Strathkelvin Retail Park. Its other Scottish site is in Hamilton. It has also opened a restaurant in Cardiff while five sites are earmarked for the Manchester area, including its first UK drive-thru. Kevin Hydes, chief finance and commercial officer of the Tim Hortons franchise in the UK, told the Dunfermline Press: “The excitement levels in Scotland following our last four openings have been sensational and we’re confident this will continue as we spread the Tim Hortons joy across the nation.” Tim Hortons is planning up to 100 UK sites. The company was founded in 1964 by its namesake, a professional ice hockey player who wanted to create a space where “everyone would feel at home”.

 

North east-based cocktail bar and restaurant Black Olive starts expansion with second site: Cocktail bar and restaurant concept Black Olive, which operates a venue in Hartlepool Marina, has started expansion by opening a second site, in Yarm, North Yorkshire. The venue has launched in High Street at a site formerly occupied by Lucia’s restaurant following a six-figure investment by James Pennington. The conversion has created four individually themed rooms, including a library with Chesterfield sofas and a bookcase door, plus a champagne zone and dining room. The a la carte menu features chorizo chicken, braised ox cheeks, monkfish and half lobster, while the lunch menu features paninis, wraps, pizza and pasta dishes. Alongside cocktails, Black Olive also offers 60 gins. Pennington, who co-owns Black Olive in Hartlepool, told BDaily: “Yarm is special to me because I grew up there. Every room has been taken to the next level and given its own identity. It’s definitely got the wow-factor. We feel we’ve got the perfect offering in the perfect place. Yarm is on the rise. There’s a lot of investment going on and a real buzz about High Street again.”

UberEats drivers to get free insurance: Delivery service UberEats is offering its UK drivers a free insurance package with AXA. The plan will be introduced from Monday, 8 January, and will include personal accident insurance during a delivery trip; a cash benefit for severe sickness or injury up to a maximum of 15 days; and third party liability cover. UberEats said it would provide “additional protection and security” for couriers delivering in Austria, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK. It was seen as a move to address concern about the gig economy, in which workers are paid on a per-task basis meaning rights, such as minimum wage, do not apply.

  

Patisserie Valerie secures Cwmbran Centre site in Wales: Patisserie Valerie, the company that has sector investor Luke Johnson as executive chairman, has secured a site at the Cwmbran Centre in Wales. The company will open a 1,533 square foot cafe at the complex having agreed a ten-year lease with landlord M&G Real Estate, reports Insider Media. The venue will offer the foodservice brand’s patisserie and cake range, with items hand-made on-site. Patisserie Valerie, launched in 1926 in Soho by Belgian-born Madame Valerie, has more than 150 sites across the UK and Ireland.

Britvic to close Norwich manufacturing site: Britvic has confirmed it will leave its Norwich site in 2019. The company, which co-owns Carrow Works with Unilever, said it would transfer production of Robinsons and Fruit Shoot to its other sites. It said it would offer employees redeployment and “help to find alternative employment” for the 249 staff at the site. Manufacturing will instead take place at Rugby, east London and Leeds. The decision follows a consultation with employee representatives, including the GMB and Unite unions. Chief executive Simon Litherland said: “This was not a proposal that we made lightly and we understand that the outcome of the collective consultation process will be upsetting for our colleagues in Norwich. It is a sad and difficult time. I want to thank everyone at Norwich, past and present, for their dedication, hard work and commitment, and I would like to say again that this decision is in no way a reflection of their performance.”

 

Woking-based steak and burger concept gets go-ahead for second site, in Southampton: Woking-based steak and burger concept Cattle Steakhouse has been given the go-ahead to open its second site, in Southampton. Owner Nazim Ahmed has been granted permission by the city council to convert the ground floor of 14-15 Hanover Buildings. The restaurant would have 59 covers inside with a further ten on the pavement outside Hanover Buildings and another 21 fronting the Strand with views of a nearby park, reports Insider Media. Planning officers said the scheme would “bring life back into a currently inactive shopfront” and “provide a desirable service to members of the public”. Cattle Steakhouse’s debut site is in High Street, Woking.