Deliveroo extends network: Deliveroo is to add 5,000 UK restaurants to its delivery platform. Restaurants that have their own delivery fleets will be able to tap Deliveroo’s 15,000 riders in the UK under the new service, called “Marketplace+”. The new additions bring the number of restaurants in Deliveroo’s UK network to 15,000. Marketplace+ will be available in July and aims to help the London-based delivery app strengthen its position in its core UK market. Deliveroo plans to expand into 50 new towns and cities and reach around 6 million new customers in the UK this year. Deliveroo, launched in 2013, has operations in 12 markets including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. It has 35,000 riders worldwide. “Today we are unveiling the next big step in our plan to offer customers an even greater choice of restaurants, at a greater range of prices while continually improving service,” said Deliveroo chief executive and co-founder Will Shu. The company has been moving to differentiate its business, as rivals expand in markets where it operates, as well as ahead of a possible initial public offering. It has rolled out Deliveroo “Editions”, or delivery-only restaurants, and recently launched £5m innovation fund to expand promising restaurants.

Franco Manca to strengthen Debenhams partnership with site at flagship Oxford Street store: Pizza brand Franco Manca, which is owned by Fulham Shore, is to strengthen its partnership with Debenhams by opening a concession at its flagship department store in London’s Oxford Street. Debenhams has submitted plans to Westminster Council for a 2,977 square foot Franco Manca at the rear of the building, with a new entrance created close to the corner of Vere Street and Henrietta Place. A planning statement accompanying the application read: “The introduction of food and beverage concessions within department (and other retail) stores is becoming increasingly common and reflects changing trends in the sector.” Franco Manca has opened outlets in Debenhams stores in Bournemouth, White City and Reading, reports Drapers.

Pub Invest Group launches Bavarian bierhaus concept at former Liverpool Walkabout: Pub Invest Group has opened its latest venue in Liverpool – Bavarian bierhaus concept Einstein. The 1,200-capacity venue has opened at a former Walkabout site in Concert Square creating more than 90 jobs. It is set across several floors and features three bars offering more than 20 German beers. Operating from 11am to 3am daily, Einstein offers a variety of entertainment including live music and cabaret sets. Pub Invest Group operates the McCooley’s brand alongside other venues in the city such as Boston Pool Loft and Sgt Peppers, while it is set to launch a drag club in the city inspired by US television celebrity RuPaul. The former Lomax live music venue in Cumberland Street will be transformed into Out! Showbar & Club and open at the end of this month.

Yorkshire-based operator Lucia’s lodges plans for restaurant and bar in York: Yorkshire-based operator Lucia’s has lodged plans for a new bar and restaurant in York. The company has applied to open the site in St Sampsons Square, with raised floors stripped out and a new centralised circular bar with surrounding seating areas created on the ground floor. The building, which dates to the 1930s, was originally part of Brown’s department store. Handmade Burger Co previously secured planning permission in June 2017 for a restaurant conversion. Lucia’s operates a lounge bar at Swinegate Court in York as well as venues in Beverley and Harrogate, offering a mix of Italian food, cocktails, wine and beer, reports Insider Media.

Birmingham-based chicken shop owner to launch ‘desi pub’ for second site: Birmingham-based chicken shop owner Daniel Fisher is to launch a “desi pub” for his second site in the city. Desi pubs offer authentic Punjabi food in a British pub-style setting, with the concept rapidly gaining popularity in the Midlands. The 28-cover Rebel Desi will open in the Jewellery Quarter next month at a site formerly occupied by Turkish restaurant Konya’s Gold and offering a range of mixed grills and curries. Fisher recently opened Rebel Chicken bar in an adjacent unit that housed former seafood restaurant Fishylicious. Rebel Desi will have its own bar but will be connected to Rebel Chicken so diners can move between the two venues as well as access a shared courtyard. Rebel Chicken manager Andrew Purvis told Birmingham Live: “Everyone loves a beer and curry and Rebel Desi will nicely complement what we’re doing at Rebel Chicken. We have hired someone very experienced in setting up desi pubs across the Midlands and he will be looking after the day-to-day running while Daniel and I concentrate on Rebel Chicken.”