Online distributor EeBriaTrade launches craft beer tendering technology: Beer distributor EeBriaTrade has launched tap tendering technology that allows the UK on-trade to source craft beer from more than 400 breweries online. The process allows pubs to request quotes for craft beer events, with brewers proposing a beer line along with their best price. EeBriaTrade will ship the beer from brewery to venue. As well as sourcing beer for meet the brewer and tap takeover events, the technology also offers a “residencies” function where pubs can request quotes for a dedicated tap allowing venues to access offerings from small-scale craft beer producers for a fixed period while retaining the advantages that come from volume purchasing. For brewers listed on EeBriaTrade, the initiative gives them access to previously untouched markets and allows them to set their own pricing based on volume, timing and specific requirements. EeBriaTrade chief executive David Jackson said: “This initiative is a win-win for our customers and the breweries listed on our market place. Beer buyers and managers can take advantage of our huge brewery range and use the online tendering technology to seamlessly create and source an exciting, sales-driven events calendar with ease and in a cost effective manner. Meanwhile, breweries could find themselves at packed meet the brewer events with hundreds of pub-goers drinking their beer.” Last year, EeBria raised more than £750,000 on crowdfunding platform Crowdcube to support its roll-out, passing its initial £500,000 target within six hours of launch. EeBria operates EeBria.com, which sells craft beer to individuals, and EeBriaTrade.com for the on-trade.

Full speaker schedule for Finance and Investment Conference revealed: The full speaker schedule for the Propel Finance and Investment Conference has been revealed. The full-day event takes place on Thursday, 24 May at One Moorgate Place, London EC2R 6EA and is open for bookings. Ramzi Qattan, director at Christie & Co, will provide an overview of the pub, restaurant, foodservice and hotel sector mergers and acquisitions landscape, current valuations in the market and the do’s and don’ts when attempting to attract investment or sell a hospitality business. He will also provide insights on the range of businesses that are seeking to invest in the sector. Andrew Ball, partner at leisure sector specialist haysmacintyre, will give his top ten tips to maximise tax efficiency. Peter Hansen, partner at Sapient Corporate Finance, will provide an overview of mergers and acquisitions trends, give his view on where we are in the economic cycle and predict what lies ahead. Matt Smallwood, partner of the sector’s foremost financial public relations firm Instinctif, will provide his do’s and don’ts of financial PR. Richard Hamlin, partner at First Merchant, will offer expert insights on the London leasehold market and how to raise finance. Julia Groves, of Downing, will set out how Downing LLP has provided almost £24m of funding for Oakman Inns and Restaurants over the past three years using a variety of innovative funding solutions ranging from EIS funds to bonds from its award-winning Downing Crowd platform. Darrel Connell, of sector investor Imbiba, will talk about the company’s £50m Growth Fund, which will invest in as many as four new growth companies in the leisure and hospitality sector each year. Martin Sherwood, of Enterprise Investment Partners, will set out how pub, restaurant and foodservice companies can navigate the current rules on Enterprise Investment Schemes. Sector investor Luke Johnson will give his state-of-the-sector overview in conversation with Propel managing director Paul Charity. Clive Watson, founder and chief executive of City Pub Group, will provide insights on the process of undergoing an initial public offering and the benefits of going public. Meanwhile, there will be a panel discussion with Peel Hunt leisure analyst Douglas Jack; Steve Crosswell, commercial banking director, hospitality and leisure at Metrobank; Mowgli founder Nisha Katona; Burning Night Group chief executive Allan Harper; Jonathan Simon, of Business Growth Fund; and Gary Robins, head of business development at Growthdeck. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £445 plus VAT for suppliers, while tickets for Propel Premium subscribers are £245 plus VAT. To book, email anne.steele@propelinfo.com or call 01444 817691.

UKHospitality unveils guidance on new acrylamide legislation: UKHospitality has published interim guidance to help operators identify and implement measures to reduce acrylamide levels in food following new legislation that comes into force today (Wednesday, 11 April). The regulation requires food businesses to identify potential sources of acrylamide and demonstrate they have taken appropriate action to reduce the levels of acrylamide according to the principle of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). The document provides operators with best practice guidance on how to mitigate acrylamide in their food businesses. Prepared by the industry, for industry, the guide has been developed with input from the Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland, and other key stakeholders in the catering and foodservice sector. Despite regulations coming into force today, the publication of interim guidance comes before EU guidance, which will provide clarity on the EU legislation on which the regulations are set. Upon clarification, the guidance will be updated and finalised. Acrylamide is a chemical that is created when many foods – particularly starchy foods such as potatoes and bread – are cooked at high temperatures, such as when baking, frying, grilling, toasting or roasting. The tentative scientific consensus is acrylamide has the potential to be carcinogenic. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “UKHospitality is dedicated to ensuring its members have the practical and easy-to-use guidance they need to make informed and confident decisions. We hope that the EU guidance will be finalised sooner rather than later so that businesses can get to grips with the new legislation and will not be unfairly penalised and given reasonable time to understand and implement any necessary changes needed.”

Dominion Hospitality chairman – ‘We have a war chest in place for acquisitions’: Dominion Hospitality chairman Ted Kennedy has told Propel the company has a war chest in place for acquisitions. Kennedy said the company, which owns and operates 28 hotels and pubs in the south of England, would focus on accommodation, with the next milestone being to grow the current 450 bedrooms in the portfolio to 1,000. With that in mind, of the six pubs in the estate, the smaller ones will be sold while rooms will be added to the bigger sites by converting areas such as function rooms. Kennedy said initially the company, which is owned by private equity firm Stellex Capital Management, would expand on a site-by site basis before looking at acquiring small packages of sites. Dominion Hospitality was formed following the acquisition of the Chapman Group in November 2016 and this week appointed Drew Brown as managing director to lead the development and growth of Dominion’s two accommodation-led portfolios, RelaxInnz and HistoricInnz. Kennedy said: “Our focus until now has been on putting the right systems in place and upgrading the infrastructure and we have got to the point now where we are ready to move on. We are now in a place where we are developing the business and the aim now is very much to expand. We are the first European investment by Stellax so we are at the front end of the fund. It means there is a war chest in place for acquisitions – they won’t be self-funded. It’s one of the main reasons we have brought Drew in to lead the business – he is purely focused on Dominion while I have other business interests.” Kennedy said its sites would have between 20 and 40 bedrooms with a “good value” drink and food offer. He added: “We’re not trying to be the next Premier Inn but we feel there is a gap in the market for a budget hotel brand that operates up to 40 rooms. We’ve now got net turnover of about £14m and an Ebitda level of £3m so we’re in a good place. We’ll also look to do three of four refits a year across the existing estate to bring it up to the standard where we want it to be.”

BrewDog plans 17 openings in 2018: Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog has unveiled plans to open 17 bars this year. There are six locations in Scotland – Inverurie, Peterhead, Perth, St Andrews, Glasgow, which will feature ten pilot homebrewing kits where visitors can try their hands at brewing beer, and Edinburgh Airport. In England there are four sites – Manchester, Brixton, London; Essex Road, London; and Tower Hill, London, which is opening in late April. Overseas, openings are planned in Seoul, Paris, Barcelona Airport, Norrkoping, and Reykjavik. The brewery will be opening two bars in Columbus in the US over the next four weeks – Franklinton and Short North – while its craft beer hotel, The DogHouse, is scheduled to open later this year. BrewDog has also announced it has grown its American distribution to six states – Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Kentucky.

Chester Race Company acquires fifth site: North west-based operator Chester Race Company has acquired its fifth site – and first outside Chester city centre. The company has added The Yew Tree in the village of Bunbury to its portfolio. The 19th century pub is currently undergoing a refurbishment to its interior before reopening next Thursday (19 April). It will be headed by Chloe Turner, who is joining the company with more than 15 years’ experience in developing pubs and restaurants around the country. She said: “I am so excited to be part of this project. We will have an impressive selection of local cask ales for guests to enjoy, along with an interesting collection of wines and artisan gins.” The Yew Tree’s menu will be created by Craig Wainwright, who has worked for Chester Race Company for four years, developing the food concepts in Commonhall St Social and The White Horse at Chester Racecourse. The company’s other two sites are 1539 Restaurant & Bar and Ginger in Chester city centre.

Guy and Julia Hands plan 100 new McDonald’s restaurants: Guy and Julia Hands are planning 100 new Nordic-region McDonald’s over the next five years and 200 over the next decade. The Hands purchased McDonald’s Nordic operation – about 435 restaurants – last year. They are also upgrading existing restaurants, including digital kiosks for ordering, new kitchens, and table service. This spring, McDonald’s in Sweden will begin offering home delivery.

Line-up for ‘next-level’ food hall in Fulham revealed: The line-up for the first of six “next-level” food halls to be developed by former property investor Andy Lewis-Pratt and Simon Anderson, the restaurateur behind London’s Pitt Cue Co, has been revealed. Market Hall Fulham is opening in the entrance hall of the Edwardian underground station at Fulham Broadway. Anderson told Hot Dinners: “We’re very excited to bring the Fulham Broadway ticket hall back to life and think we’ve created something new and unique for Fulham and London. We’ve studied the local area and pulled together a varied roster of traders, from local favourites to street food stars, which we hope will please everyone. All of this under one roof alongside a bar selling the best British craft beers and spirits, open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” There’ll be nine kitchens in total, a deli, coffee shop and bar and a large communal dining area for more than 180 people. The operators will be Calcutta Canteen, a new venue from chef Asma Khan who operates Carnaby restaurant Darjeeling Express; Thima by Farang; Claude’s Deli; Soft Serve Society; Yard Sale Pizza; Press Coffee; Hot Box, Butchies; Fanny’s Kebabs; and Ahi Poké.

London’s first 100% vegan diner to launch in Camden Market this month: London’s first 100% vegan diner is set to launch in Camden Market. Rudy’s Dirty Vegan Diner will open in North Yard this month continuing the market’s record of “vegan firsts”, including the UK’s first vegan pie and mash shop and first festive vegan deli. Rudy’s Dirty Vegan Diner will offer vegan-friendly versions of US fast food favourites, including a weekly changing menu of comfort food takes on meatloaf, buffalo wings and fried chicken. The concept is the brainchild of former teacher Ruth (Rudy) Mumma and vegan chef Matthew Foster, who has worked in the foodservice industry for 25 years. They said: “The market has an established vegan following and we’re excited to see what they think of our food. We’ll be welcoming feedback and incorporating it into our weekly changing specials menu.” Rudy’s Dirty Vegan Diner plans to open for dinner reservations in the summer.

Nuno Mendes launches intimate Shoreditch space Mãos: Michelin-starred chef Nuno Mendes has launched a kitchen, table and wine room in Shoreditch. Mendes, who is executive chef of Chiltern Firehouse and won a Michelin star for his Bethnal Green restaurant Viajante, has launched 14-cover Mãos at Blue Mountain School, a store in Chance Street recently opened by James Brown and Christie Fels, founders of cult Shoreditch store Hostem. The intimate space sees all diners seated around one table. Mendes stated on Instagram: “Mãos is an idea conceived with my good friend James Brown. It has been two years in the making. It is an intimate space to create culinary freedom, exploration and shared experience.” Last month, Mendes moved his Portuguese restaurant Taberna do Mercado into The Kitchens space at Old Spitalfields Market as part of a revamp of the market’s food offering overseen by Ten Ten, a company set up by Mendes and hospitality consultant Stephen Macintosh.

Kent-based Turkish restaurant to open fourth site, in Ramsgate: Kent-based Turkish restaurant A La Turka is to open its fourth site, in Ramsgate. Owner Mehmet Dari is opening the venue in Ramsgate harbour on the site of tapas bar The Bench, which will shut on Sunday (15 April). A La Turka stated on its Facebook page: “We are happy to announce we’re expanding our family by opening a new restaurant in Ramsgate. It’s in a beautiful location just a few steps from the beach across the street from the newly renovated Royal Victoria Pavilion.” A La Turka serves dishes originating from Gaziantep, a city and settlement in Turkey’s south eastern region, where Dari grew up, reports Kent Live. A La Turka, which is expected to open the new restaurant next month, currently operates two venues in Canterbury and one in Herne Bay.

Bubbleology to launch Bristol site on Saturday for third regional venue: Bubbleology, the London bubble tea bar operator, is to launch its third regional site, in Bristol on Saturday (14 April). The cafe will open in Queens Road, Clifton, offering the brand’s tea-infused fruity or milky drinks with chewy tapioca balls in the bottom designed to be sucked up and chewed through a wide straw, the Bristol Post reports. The drinks are served over ice and can be customised with toppings. Bubbleology operates nine sites in London with its other UK venues in Bluewater, Kent; and Leeds. The company is also set to open a venue in Cardiff for its first site in Wales. Founder Assad Khan launched Bubbleology after discovering the drink in New York’s Chinatown. On returning to the UK in 2011, he started working on a plan for Bubbleology and now operates 60 sites in nine countries.

EatFirst sets sustainability goals as it looks to grow nationwide delivery service: Online restaurant delivery service EatFirst has set major sustainability goals as it looks to grow its nationwide delivery service. The company already uses 95% biodegradable packaging but plans to use only 100% recyclable plastic and be 100% waste free by the end of 2018 by working with local suppliers and eco charities. EatFirst also plans to launch a range of Asian meals into supermarkets. Founder Rahul Parekh said: “A huge focus of ours over the next year will be to grow the nationwide delivery service we just launched. The team has worked hard to scale the business to be able to ship our meals, sides and drinks overnight anywhere across the UK and is working even harder to do this as economically as possible. We’re also planning to launch into the retail space with a special range of Asian meals created by head chef Benn Hodges. With our food we are looking to redefine how people view a supermarket ready meal. Our healthy focus will prove you don’t need to be packed full of sugar and fat for them to be delicious. We’re planning to launch into Ocado and Selfridges.” EatFirst uses only seasonal ingredients with no added sugar, preservatives or additives.

Subway outlines expansion plans in Kent and Surrey: Subway has outlined expansion plans in Kent and Surrey with plans to increase its portfolio in the region from 92 to more than 125 by 2020. The company is looking to open a further 15 by the end of this year, and an additional 20 throughout 2019 and 2020, creating 350 jobs. Subway currently operates 61 outlets in Kent and 31 in Surrey. Regional development manager Hemina Haque told Kent Live: “We have ambitious plans to grow the Subway brand across Kent and Surrey. To succeed, we need the right people, with the right blend of team work, leadership and work ethic to become new franchisees and help us to deliver our ambitious growth target. We believe there is still plenty of room to grow the Subway brand in Kent and Surrey, with great locations available now.” Subway is looking to strengthen its position within the UK with plans to open 3,000 outlets and create 5,000 jobs by 2020.

Brooklyn Pizza to double up: New York-style pizza brand Brooklyn Pizza, which opened its first restaurant in Northampton last year, is to expand with a second branch in Wellingborough. While the location of the new venue has yet to be revealed, the company reported it is working on the site and hopes to open within the next few weeks. A message posted on its website earlier this month stated: “Work is currently taking place on-site and coming along nicely. The team has been very busy in the background instilling the passion and characteristics of our Northampton restaurant into the build. Our team for the Wellingborough site is coming together and we are really excited to be working with them. More news to be announced on social media over the coming couple of weeks.”

Waitrose to axe disposable cups: Waitrose is to stop using disposable coffee cups in a move the supermarket said would save 52 million cups a year. Some 2.5 billion coffee cups are thrown away annually in the UK, almost none of which are recycled because of their plastic lining. Disposable cups will be removed from all Waitrose stores by the autumn. Members of its loyalty scheme will still be able to get free tea or coffee from self-service machines but must use their own reusable cup. Waitrose said the decision underlined its commitment to plastic and packaging reduction. Head of sustainability Tor Harris said: “We realise this is a major change, but we are confident the majority of customers will support the environmental benefits.” Initially, disposable cups will be removed from nine stores by the end of April – Banbury; Billericay; Ipswich; Newmarket; Norwich; Sudbury; Wymondham; Upminster, east London; and Fitzroy Street, Cambridge. The scheme will then be rolled out to all its stores by the autumn. The Waitrose move comes as the government considers a “latte levy” that would impose a charge on disposable coffee cups after the Commons Environmental Audit Committee called for a 25p tax to improve the UK’s recycling and reprocessing facilities.

London-based craft brewer Two Tribes launches King’s Cross brewhouse and taproom: London-based craft brewer Two Tribes has launched a brewhouse and taproom in King’s Cross. Two Tribes KX has opened at Tileyard Studios aiming to unite craft beer, street food and music in one space. In addition to brewing one-off beers and serving hand-stretched pizzas, Two Tribes KX offers events such as cookouts, gigs, DJ sets and parties. The music offering is part of the brewer’s partnership with record label Island Records. Two Tribes KX is also available to hire for meetings, private events and tours of the on-site brewery. Two Tribes founder Justin Deighton told BDaily: “Two Tribes has always been about pushing boundaries, bringing like-minded creatives together through the collaborative brewing process and challenging drinkers’ taste buds.”

S4Labour reports 60% sales growth in past year: S4Labour, the online labour-scheduling management system from Catton Hospitality, has reported 60% sales growth in the year to 31 March 2018. Building on similar increases in recent years, the company said the growth had been driven by implementations across high-profile operators including SA Brain, Revolution Bars Group, Oakman Inns and Restaurants, and Butcombe Brewery, as well as the introduction of a comprehensive HR module.

Colicci to open 20 kiosks in London public parks: Colicci, which serves single origin coffee, freshly baked cakes from its own bakery and ice cream, has secured a multimillion-pound contract with The Royal Parks to open 20 kiosks across Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and Victoria Tower Gardens. The historic green spaces are to be enhanced by new sculptural structures, created by Mizzi Studios, which will pioneer the next generation of kiosk design. Opening from 1 October 2018 onwards, the 20 sites will include ten free-standing mobile kiosks and three refurbished Colicci kiosks. The Colicci brand began more than three decades ago when Ernie Colicci arrived in London from Italy with a dream to sell ice cream. Over the years, the company has expanded from one van to 34 sites employing 250 people. Rob Colicci said: “These (new sites) are the culmination of a life-long dream for the Colicci brand and for our family. We began our association with The Royal Parks more than 20 years ago – with the opening of The Pheasantry Cafe in Bushy Park in 2013 giving rise to a new Colicci brand – and are thrilled that this relationship has now been cemented further. We couldn’t be more excited for the next steps to unfold.” 

North west-based nightclub concept Switch opens third site, in Blackburn: North west-based nightclub concept Switch has opened its third site, in Blackburn. The company has invested more than £250,000 transforming the former Liquid and Envy building in St Peter Street. The venue said it offered “state-of-the-art” clubbing, playing a variety of grime, hip hop, R&B, pop, and dance music over three floors, reports the Lancashire Telegraph. Switch also operates clubs in Preston and Poulton-le-Fylde.

Novus launches new Balls Brothers menu: Novus, the London bar and restaurant operator, has launched a new food menu for its Balls Brothers brand. The overhaul includes new starters and mains, available for lunch and dinner, as well as a new specials section that comprises five dishes that rotate daily. On Fridays, the menu offers “posh fish and chips” featuring haddock, salmon and king scallop fried in beer batter and served with chips, crushed minted peas and tartar sauce. Novus customer experience director Simon Gaske said: “The food development team has worked hard on the new menu to make sure it is right and fitting with the Balls Brothers brand. The passion that has gone into creating each dish, as well as the outstanding quality of each product and ingredient, provides a fresh flavour to the classic bold British essence Balls Brothers is known for.” Earlier this month, Novus chief executive Toby Smith told Propel the company was looking to grow the Ball Brothers brand beyond its current ten sites. 

Topland Group sells Bournemouth hotel: Topland Group, led by Sol Zakay, has sold the Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth West Cliff for an undisclosed sum. The property has been acquired by Motoring and Leisure Services in a deal brokered by agents Christie & Co. Set in a 1.6-acre plot, the hotel comprises 83 en-suite bedrooms, bar, restaurant, lounge, five meeting and event rooms and leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and fitness suite. GVA advised Motoring and Leisure Services on the freehold purchase. GVA director David Creamore said: “The West Cliff hotel represents a significant investment for Motoring and Leisure Services. Bournemouth is one of the top leisure destinations on the south coast with a cosmopolitan and cultural town centre that offers a wealth of bars and restaurants. Tourism accounts for some 15% of the town’s total economy – or £501m per annum – and the hotel sector remains a robust yardstick of overall interest.” Dentons advised Topland Group.

Camerons invests more than £300,000 in rebrand of Scarborough managed pub: Camerons Brewery is rebranding and refurbishing one of its managed pubs in Scarborough. The company is investing more than £300,000 revamping the Blue Lounge in St Nicholas Street, which will reopen on Thursday, 10 May as Sanctuary. It will have an eclectic range of lager, beer and cider and will include four cask ales as well as two rotating craft keg beer lines. In addition, the venue will offer an extensive range of premium wines and spirits plus a new cocktail menu. Sanctuary will serve food daily, which will include a range of classic pub dishes and international cuisine. A mixture of live music, quizzes and DJs will form part of the weekly entertainment at the venue, which will also feature a separate function area. Jim Bentley, retail managed house director for Cameron Brewery, said: “We are really excited to be investing into our Scarborough venue. The Blue Lounge has been a key venue in our pub group and we felt the time was right to revamp the look and offer at the site.” Camerons Brewery operates more than 70 pubs. 

JD Wetherspoon opens hotel and roof garden above Andover pub following £3.4m refurbishment: JD Wetherspoon has opened a hotel and roof garden above The John Russell Fox pub in Andover, Hampshire, following a £3.4m refurbishment. Work started at the town centre pub in September, with the downstairs bar reopening in December with floor space increased 25%. The 30-bedroom hotel has opened on the first and second floors of the building. The rooftop garden features pergolas, trees and planting with an area for food and drink and a self-service coffee station. Pub manager Barry Price told the Andover Advertiser: “The project has created more jobs for local people and provided further investment into the town. The new 30-bedroom hotel is a wonderful addition to the outlet and we are confident it will also be a great addition to the Andover community.”

Dorset-based family-run craft beer bar to open second site: Dorset-based family-run craft beer bar The Butcher’s Dog is to open its second site next month. John Hewitson and Laura Green launched the concept in Wimborne in 2016. Now they will open the new site in the Ashley Cross area of Poole in late May. The bar in Parr Street will feature more than 15 craft ales on tap, a selection of organic wine, local spirits and a “bottle shop” for takeaways. There will also be a large beer garden that will provide additional outside seating and feature pop-ups from local food vendors. Hewitson told the Bournemouth Echo: “The heart of our family business is good beer; before opening the bar in Wimborne we spent years visiting micro-breweries and beer festivals across the country and holidaying in some of the world’s best beer cities such as Munich and Copenhagen. We would often discuss what our own place would look like and The Butcher’s Dog bars are a dream come true for the family.”

Award-winning Northumberland hotel and restaurant secures £1.25m funding for expansion: Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant in Northumberland is to expand and create jobs after securing a £1.25m funding package from HSBC. The award-winning venue in Wark, close to the Northumberland National Park, plans to use the cash to acquire two residential properties to house staff and add to its management team. Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant owner Richard Slade told Insider Media: “By investing in two properties near to the business, our staff can live close by and not have to drive to work, which will further help to lower our carbon footprint.”

Family behind Skegness leisure complex to add nightclub: The family behind a Skegness seafront leisure complex is adding a nightclub to the site. The Bola family has been redeveloping the venue in Grand Parade that was destroyed by fire ten years ago. It has already opened a pub called Busters and pirate-themed fish and chip restaurant the Trawlers Catch on the site. Now it will launch nightclub Kush below Busters in mid-May. The club will include a rotating dance floor and water feature. There will also be a VIP room featuring a French 1930s theme and burlesque shows. There are also plans to create a champagne and prosecco bar at the complex. Taj Bola told Lincolnshire Live: “Our objective was to build something iconic but with a heavy focus on entertainment. We want to be the best possible entertainment spot in the resort.”