Sethi family plans pubs move: Karam, Jyotin and Sunaina Sethi, the family behind JKS Restaurants and London venues such as Gymkhana and Brigadiers, is set to make a move into the pub sector. Propel understands the family plans to take over The George in Great Portland Street for a gastro-pub concept. It is believed the family will work with James Knappett, chef patron of Sethi-backed, Fitzrovia-based hotdogs and champagne concept Bubbledogs, on the new venture. It’s thought the family has also run the rule over The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea’s King’s Road for what could be a similar project. The latter pub was run by ETM Group but closed in 2015 as part of a redevelopment of the building by landlord Cadogan Estate. Propel also understands the family is looking to add a third site for its Hoppers concept, in King’s Cross. JKS Restaurants has long been linked with opening one or two of its brands, including Taiwanese street food concept Bao, at the Coal Drops Yard scheme. Earlier this year Bao, supported by the Sethi family, opened its third site in Borough’s Stoney Street. Hoppers, which is inspired by the roadside food of southern India and Sri Lanka, currently operates two sites in the capital, in Soho and St Christopher’s Place. JKS Restaurants states its goal is to play an “integral part in the diverse and growing London food scene”. The group encompasses the Indian restaurants created by the Sethis and the restaurants JKS has partnered with. Its portfolio also includes delivery brand Motu and Iranian-influenced restaurant Berenjak. An international launch for JKS had been mooted for Dubai but it’s understood the company has put those plans on the back-burner.

Mark Wingett to look at whether operators are planning long-term enough on delivery in latest Premium column: Propel insights editor Mark Wingett will look at whether operators are planning long-term enough when it comes to delivery as part of his latest opinion piece, which will be sent to Propel Premium subscribers on Friday (26 July) at 5pm. He will also explore why having a smaller sub-brand can be beautiful and whether it’s a better method than developing from within. Subscribers can also read about the latest industry whispers in Premium Diary. Propel Premium subscribers also receive their morning newsletter 11 hours early, at 7pm the evening before our 6am send-out, discounts to attend Propel conferences and events, regular video recordings of key speakers from Propel events and conferences, and regular columns from Mark Wingett. They also receive access to our database of multi-site companies, which has now grown to 1,400 businesses. An annual premium subscription costs £345 plus VAT for operators and £445 plus VAT for suppliers – plus £50 each for additional team members. Email anne.steele@propelinfo.com

UK food-to-go sector to grow 26.4% by 2024, ‘double the rate’ of wider UK market: The UK food-to-go market is forecast to increase 26.4% to reach £23.4bn by 2024, up from £18.5bn in 2019, according to new research from retail analysis company IGD. The channel is set to undergo double the growth of the wider UK food and grocery retail market (12.5%) during the next five years, according to the report. IGD forecasts food-to-go specialists such as Greggs, Subway, Pret A Manger and Leon will see sales increase from £5.0bn in 2019 to £6.3bn in 2024, with market share falling slightly from 27% to 26.9% during the same period. Regarding quick service restaurants (QSR), IGD forecasts sales will increase from £5.8bn in 2019 to £7.2bn in 2024, with the sector’s market share falling slightly from 31.5% to 30.9%. IGD forecasts coffee shop operators will see their sales share increase from £3.3bn in 2019 to £4.3bn in 2024. The sector’s market share will increase from 17.8% to 18.2% during the same period, according to the report. Rhian Thomas, head of shopper and food-to-go insight at IGD, said: “Significant growth opportunities exist for those with a relevant proposition who target the right locations. The location question is a fascinating one as the combination of high rents and increased competition encourages a growing number of operators to vary their location strategy. The QSR channel has remained strong despite an increase in the choice of food-to-go options and a greater focus on healthier eating, which is not an area QSRs are known for. Improved in-store environments and technology along with targeting the online meal delivery channel have all been factors driving growth. We have seen significant developments from coffee specialists, with a clear trend towards the expansion of smaller, more niche chains. We are also seeing coffee shops develop their offer to appeal to different shopper needs, whether a stronger all-round food offer at the likes of Costa, Starbucks and Caffe Nero, a targeted offer such as waffles at Black Sheep Coffee or a broader push into evening and alcohol as we’ve seen at Grind and, globally, at Starbucks’ roastery openings in New York, Tokyo and Milan.”

Study finds children’s menus fail to support British farmers: A study ranking children’s food at 28 restaurant chains and supermarket cafes has revealed a lack of support for British farmers, with chains such as Wagamama and Giraffe serving no British meat on their menus. The Soil Association conducted a survey of 600 parents who each visited and reviewed more than 100 restaurants and cafes. The charity used findings to create the Out To Lunch league table, which ranks eateries based on the quality and sustainability of children’s meals. JD Wetherspoon topped the table followed by Ikea and Mitchells & Butlers brand Harvester, with organic and sustainable ingredients and plenty of vegetables on the menu. Wahaca also scored highly, sourcing meat and vegetables from the UK. In contrast, Marks & Spencer served no vegetables on its children’s menu, while many chains were unable to trace meat back to the farm. Chains including Azzurri Group-owned ASK Italian and Zizzi, Giraffe, Greene King brand Hungry Horse and Prezzo had sought no farm assurance through schemes such as Red Tractor. Out To Lunch also found a trend towards organic items on the high street, with 15 chains found to serve organic ingredients on their children’s menu – up from four when the Out To Lunch campaign launched in 2013. Children’s meals in the highest-scoring chains were on average £1 cheaper than meals in the lowest scoring chains, showing price isn’t a barrier to good food, the Soil Association said. Almost 90% of parents surveyed said children’s food in high street chains “wasn’t good enough”, while 70% said environmental sustainability was “important”. Soil Association policy officer Hattie Shepherd said: “Out To Lunch has kick-started a veg revolution on the high street with more than a dozen popular chains committing to serving two portions of vegetables with every child’s meal – but many chains are failing to support British farmers by serving British and seasonal ingredients. Top-performing chains such as Wetherspoon and Ikea are showing cost isn’t a barrier to good food. It’s disappointing to see lower welfare standards and environmental degradation dished up to kids through the import of low-quality meat from abroad. Children and farmers deserve better.”

OpenTable adds restaurant delivery and pick-up options in US: Restaurant booking platform OpenTable has added delivery to its capabilities in the US. The company has partnered with Caviar, Grubhub and UberEats to offer delivery and pick-up options at thousands of restaurants on its updated iOS app. Diners can now select from multiple delivery providers to order or pick up a meal. At launch, Caviar, Grubhub and UberEats will power delivery for more than 8,000 restaurants across the US. Future features will include estimated delivery time and cost. When searching for a restaurant or visiting a restaurant profile page on the app, diners will see a “get it delivered” button. For restaurants with multiple delivery partners, OpenTable shows each choice. OpenTable chief technology officer Joseph Essas said: “Sometimes plans change or the weather doesn’t co-operate. Instead of cancelling their reservation, diners can now enjoy the meal they planned from home. Our goal is to make OpenTable the go-to app for all dining occasions. Adding delivery is an important next step.”

Waste reduction measures will cost businesses and consumers, says UKHospitality: The government’s next steps to tackle waste reduction will lead to “significant costs for businesses and consumers”, UKHospitality has said. The government has published summaries of responses to four consultations outlining steps to tackle packaging. It confirmed the scope of a deposit return scheme for drinks containers would be fully consulted on in 2020. The government also said it intended to mandate further segregation of business waste materials and set out the next steps for a proposed plastic tax in the 2019 Budget statement. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “Any deposit return scheme needs to be consistent across the whole UK. There’s still a worry the scope of the scheme may be unwieldy for hospitality outlets. Including coffee cups could be a logistical nightmare and the government needs to provide more clarity. Any additional requirement for businesses to separate waste materials will mean an additional burden. This needs to be met with a higher level of waste collection.” Nicholls also criticised government timing of the announcement, which coincided with Boris Johnson’s confirmation as Conservative leader. She said: “It is disappointing to see the government outline its next steps when all eyes are elsewhere.”

London Craft Beer Festival returns with first best-in-class trade awards: The London Craft Beer Festival, run by craft beer events company We Are Beer, will return for its seventh year next month and feature the inaugural best-in-class awards at its dedicated trade session. The festival, founded by Dan Sylvester and Greg Wells, will take place from Friday, 9 August to Sunday, 11 August at Tobacco Dock, east London, with more than 80 brewers from around the world in attendance. This year’s trade session will run on the opening day and feature the WABies – a word play on We Are Beer. Awards will be presented in four categories – best on-trade retailer; most engaging and knowledgeable bar staff; best beer can or bottle design; and best craft beer brewer. Sylvester said: “Recognising best-in-class shows our trade guests modern beer is overflowing with quality and innovation.” The trade session will be held on Friday, 9 August between 11.30am and 4.30pm. For details and tickets, click here

European hotel industry shows strong growth in second quarter: The European hotel industry saw strong growth in all three key performance metrics in the second quarter of 2019, according to data from STR. Revpar increased 4.1% year-on-year to €89.31, while average daily rate rose 3.4% to €118.16. Occupancy was up 0.7% to 75.6%. STR focused on the performance of two cities during the quarter – Paris and Istanbul. The French capital saw its highest second-quarter revpar level since 2014 – up 5.1% year-on-year to €195.17 – with the biennial Paris Air Show and Fifa Women’s World Cup spearheading the performance. Average daily rate in the city rose 5.8% to €240.09, while occupancy was down 0.7% to 81.3%. In Istanbul, the Turkish capital saw record-breaking second-quarter average daily rate and revpar levels. A 12.4% rise in demand drove a 52.7% jump in revpar to TRY434.06 and average daily rate soar 40.4% to TRY602.53. Occupancy was up 8.7% to 72.0%. STR analysts noted the market continued to show impressive signs of recovery after terrorist attacks in 2016 lowered performance levels.   

Open House and Brewhouse & Kitchen receive Puma VCT investment: Open House, the London-based restaurant and bar operator, has secured new growth funds from investment house Puma VCT, Propel has learned. Puma has invested £1.8m in the business, which operates The Lighterman and Percy & Founders in the capital, as part of a £5m transaction, investing alongside its Puma Alpha EIS fund. The business was launched by the team behind Cubitt House in 2015 and the new investment will support plans for growth though further flagship units across London. Earlier this year, Puma invested a further £847,000 in Knott End Pub Company, which last year entered into a franchise agreement with Brewhouse & Kitchen to roll out a portfolio of pubs offering “on-site craft micro-brewing activities and good-quality food”. Knott End opened its first two pubs, in Milton Keynes and Horsham, West Sussex, last year. Puma said both were trading well. Puma had previously invested £2.4m in Knott End Pub Company.  

Ole & Steen appoints Ward-Nicholson as managing director: Danish baker Ole & Steen has appointed SSP operations director Simon Ward-Nicholson as managing director, Propel has learned. Ward-Nicholson spent the past four years at the travel concessions company, with stints as concept development director and operations director. Before that he was operations director at BaxterStorey and Corney and Barrow Bars. While at SSP, Ward-Nicholson was responsible for creating brands from scratch, forming partnerships with emerging brand owners and driving brand performance of brands within the company’s portfolio. Brands included Knead by Paul Hollywood, Gino D’Acampo’s My Restaurant, Leon, James Martin Kitchen, Cabin, Barzetti and Pita & Brew. Ole & Steen, which made its UK debut in Haymarket in 2016, operates ten sites in London plus a unit in Oxford. Its parent company operates more than 70 sites in Denmark. Alastair Gordon stepped down as operations director of Ole & Steen in October after overseeing its launch and expansion in the UK. Earlier this year the company opened on the ground floor of 31 Eccleston Place. In February, former Tragus chief executive Graham Turner joined the board of the Danish bakery and cafe chain.

Kodagoda leaves Anglian Country Inns to launch pub company: Harry Kodagoda has left his role as food and beverage director at Anglian Country Inns, the operator of gastro-pubs and restaurants led by James Nye, to set up his own pub company, Propel has learned. Kodagoda has launched Horizon Pub Company and acquired a debut site after taking on Punch-owned The Cricketers Arms in the Essex village of Rickling Green on a ten-year lease. The pub, which has ten en-suite bedrooms and a 70-cover restaurant, is set to reopen next weekend offering a “gastro-pub” menu. Kodagoda told Propel: “After 15 years with Anglian Country Inns it’s time for me to go it alone. I’ve learned so much from my time with the Nye family and I’m going to take bits and pieces from my time there and incorporate them into my business. I’m going to be very hands-on in terms of the kitchen side of things and we’re currently assembling the rest of the front-of-house team.” He added: “I saw a great opportunity with this pub – it’s in a great spot overlooking the village green and the cricket field. At the moment it’s a case of making sure we get this one right and then see where we go.”

Coffeesmiths Collective acquires CoffeeWorks Project: Coffeesmiths Collective, the Toby Smith-led business that runs various coffee chains including the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs (DoCaSA) and Filmore & Union, has added yet another brand to its portfolio by acquiring The CoffeeWorks Project out of administration, Propel understands. The move adds CoffeeWorks Project stores in Battersea, Great Titchfield Street, Islington and Blackfriars Road to Coffeesmiths Collective’s growing London estate. It’s thought the CoffeeWorks site in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park wasn’t part of the deal. Coffeesmiths Collective rolls out and acquires speciality coffee shops and companies preserving, wherever appropriate, their strong individual identities. Its flagship brand is DoCaSA. It also owns Bea’s of Bloomsbury, Small Batch Coffee, Baker & Spice, Nordic Bakery and Urban Tea Rooms.

Rileys acquires Bierkeller site in Liverpool: Sports bar operator Rileys has acquired the Bierkeller site in Liverpool, Propel has learned. Rileys has agreed a new lease for the venue at Liverpool ONE, taking over from Access Commercial Investors 6, which was awarded temporary tenancy for the outlet in December. Rileys said it views the opportunity as an “exciting extension” to its 23-strong portfolio of sports-themed bars following the recent refurbishment of its sites in Harlow and Liverpool. Chief executive Craig Mayes said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to take the venue forward. We will continue to offer great entertainment including live music, sport and themed events that all come together to give the people of Liverpool more reasons to visit. I’m excited to welcome this new venue into the Rileys family and we’re looking forward to building a bright future.” Access Commercial Investors 6 took over the tenancy of the building after Access Commercial Finance set up a special-purpose vehicle to acquire Burning Night Group, which operated Bierkeller, out of administration in December. The change of tenancy has left Access Commercial Investors 6 looking for a new Liverpool home. The Bierkeller venues in Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham remain open. Access Commercial Investors 6 head of operations David Howarth said: “Liverpool has been amazing for us. We’ve had more than two million customers over the seven years we’ve been in Liverpool ONE.” Rileys, which was founded by Edward John Riley in 1878, is owned by private equity firm Weight Partners Capital.

Fledgling pub company Lunar to open debut site, plans two more in next 18 months: Fledgling pub company Lunar will open its debut site in September, with plans to launch two more outlets in the next 18 months. Founded by Hubert Beatson-Hird and Oliver Marlowe, Lunar will open The Hunter’s Moon in South Kensington, west London. The Hunter’s Moon will launch at a 2,587 square foot site in Fulham Road, which will be split between a 25-cover pub and a 48-cover dining room at the rear. The venue will offer a modern European menu with dishes created by Marlowe, who has held executive chef positions at a number of pub groups as well as Michelin-starred restaurants The Glasshouse and Chez Bruce. The dining room will serve a daily changing menu with dishes such as scallop ceviche with whipped avocado, pickled ginger and truffled ponzu. Beatson-Hird said: “Having managed London pubs since 2012 for a variety of independent groups, it is great to open a site I can call my own. The opportunity to do this with Olly is fantastic as the food he creates is exceptional and we have worked together as a team in the past.” Marlowe added: “Food-focused pubs have been offering some of the best dining experiences in London and that’s the bar we’re setting ourselves.”

Foxlow Soho back on the market: The former Foxlow site in Soho has been placed back on the market, Propel understands. The venue, which closed earlier this year, was due to be taken over by award-winning Australian chef Shaun Presland, who intended to make his London debut by opening a Japanese restaurant. It was understood Presland, who was executive chef of contemporary Japanese restaurant chain Saké in Australia, would open the restaurant under the name Pacific. In April, Hawksmoor announced it would close the Foxlow site following two years of trading. The group said although the restaurant had been “successful in many ways”, it had received a “great unsolicited offer”. Davis Coffer Lyons (DCL) is marketing the Soho site. Hawksmoor closed the two remaining Foxlow sites in Balham and Clerkenwell at the end of June. Propel understands Clerkenwell Green-based restaurant Dans Le Noir has secured the former Foxlow in St John Street. DCL acted on the deal.

Post office franchisee introduces cafe concept: Post office franchisee Zco is to move into the foodservice sector by opening a cafe. Zco is also the biggest franchisee for WHSmiths in the UK and will launch cafe and bistro Roti Bar after taking on the franchise of a post office in Huddersfield that will incorporate the cafe concept. Customers will have to walk through the cafe in New Street to get to the post office. The all-day menu will feature filled jacket potatoes, pasta, burgers and “rice and three” – any three types of curry with rice. A Zco spokesman told the Huddersfield Examiner: “We will make it into a place where people can enjoy themselves. If there are queues at the post office they can sit down, have a coffee and chill out.”

Samuel Smith ‘closes Hale pub after customers break mobile phone rules’: Tadcaster-based brewer and pub operator Samuel Smith has reportedly closed the Cheshire Midland pub in Hale, Greater Manchester, after customers broke its ban on using mobile phones. The chain introduced the phone rule last year to encourage people to talk to one another. Customers have to go outside to use their phone while the company also banned swearing in 2017 and has removed jukeboxes, slot machines and televisions from its estate. A customer told the Metro brewery representatives ordered him to stop texting during an unannounced “inspection” of the pub, which was then closed. The pub has remained closed since last Thursday (18 July), with no official reason given. One customer said: “The ban on phones was known about at the pub but was never really enforced as bar staff accepted some of the punters had to keep an eye on their phones. The customers were happy with the ban on jukeboxes and TVs and fruit machines but this is a ban too far.” Samuel Smith, which is renowned for its low prices and runs its pubs on a directly managed basis, is known for not responding to press inquiries.

Chilled Pubs takes on Lichfield gastro-pub for fifth site: Chilled Pubs, owned by former British Institute of Innkeeping licensees of the year Richard and Loren Pope, has taken over The Barn in Lichfield, Staffordshire, for its fifth site. The Walsall Road gastro-pub will undergo a refurbishment to reopen under its former name, The Three Tuns. The venue had a spell as Indian restaurant Panache after The Three Tuns closed before becoming The Barn, Lichfield Live reports. Chilled Pubs wrote on its Facebook page: “We are excited to take this amazing venue under our wing. We only ask for your patience while we grow the business and get up to our popular Chilled Pubs standard. This standard doesn’t happen overnight but we assure you we will get there together. The Three Tuns will be extensively refurbished and offer something different in every corner. We are eager and excited to bring this pub back to its former glory.” In an advert for new staff, the company stated: “Expansion is a key focus for us as a business.” Chilled Pubs also operates The Bull’s Head in Repton, The Joiners Arms in Quarndon, The Swan in Walton-on-Trent and The Hunloke Arms in Wingerworth, all in Derbyshire. Last year, Richard Pope told Propel the company was targeting an estate of “12 to 15 pubs in the next ten to 12 years”.

Sheffield-based cafe concept Marmadukes to double up: Sheffield-based cafe concept Marmadukes is doubling up in the city. Founders Tim and Claire Nye have agreed a deal for a 1,500 square foot unit on the ground floor of Grosvenor House, below the new HSBC offices in Charter Square. The venue, which will feature a terrace, will join H&M-owned fashion stores Monki and Weekday, which have already been confirmed as tenants at the Heart of the City II scheme. Marmadukes offers coffee, salads, sandwiches and baked goods but the new venue will have a stronger focus on vegan and vegetarian food. The debut site opened in Norfolk Row in 2012. Tim Nye said: “We are proud to call Sheffield our home and excited to play a part in the Heart of the City II regeneration scheme.” Heart of the City II is led by Sheffield Council, which is acting as the scheme’s developer. Mazher Iqbal, the council’s cabinet member for business and investment, said: “Marmadukes is one of Sheffield city centre’s best-loved independents so we’re delighted it is continuing to grow its business.”

Cantonese roast meat concept Three Uncles to open debut restaurant, in Liverpool Street: Cantonese roast meat concept Three Uncles is to open its first restaurant next month, in London’s Liverpool Street. Three Uncles will open at a site in Devonshire Row formerly occupied by Mexican restaurant chain Poncho 8. Three Uncles’ menu will include chopped-to-order siu mei alongside pak choi and steamed jasmine rice. As well as a selection of hot and cold grab-and-go specials, it will also offer Hainan chicken rice, Lo Mien noodles and dim sum, reports Hot Dinners. Three Uncles is also due to open at Nag’s Head Market in Holloway – the dedicated street food space from Simone Moroni, managing director of Italian craft beer pub concept The Italian Job – but is currently sorting out licensing issues. Poncho 8 currently operates two sites – in Paddington and St Paul’s.

Property investment company behind six hotels goes into administration: Property investment company Carlauren Group, which owns six hotels, has gone into administration. The Somerset-based business also manages and operates residential and care facilities and has architecture, engineering and interior design divisions. A letter sent to clients and customers stated: “Carlauren Group has instructed administrators. There is no cause for concern. This step is intended to protect all studio owners while updating them on the companies’ past financial trading by an independent third party.” A petition to wind up an associated company, CHF 3, which trades from the same address as Carlauren Group, has been presented by a creditor at the High Court in Manchester, reports The Business Desk. In June, Carlauren Group dropped plans to develop a luxury hotel and Ibiza-style beach club on the Isle of Wight. Earlier this month Carlauren Group closed a care home in Somerset with only a week’s notice due to financial losses. Somerset County Council stepped in to take care of residents at the home.

Spalding-based operator to open second site: Spalding-based operator Paul Jeynes is to open his second site in the Lincolnshire town. Jeynes will launch #PE11 at the former Hole In The Wall pub on Thursday, 1 August. Jeynes told Spalding Today: “We are going along the lines of the Cosy Club in Stamford – a safe, comfortable environment. It will be aimed at the more mature clientele. We’re not going to have run-of-the-mill lager and cider, there will be premium-quality lager and a large selection of gin.” Jeynes also operates The Ship Albion Inn in Albion Street.

The Chestnut Group signs deal with Paddy & Scott’s as it looks to boost coffee offer: East Anglian-based pub and restaurant company The Chestnut Group has signed a deal with coffee shop operator and wholesaler Paddy & Scott’s as it looks to boost its coffee offer. Paddy & Scott’s will supply eight Chestnut Group sites with coffee and train its baristas. Scott Russell, founder and chief executive of Paddy & Scott’s, said: “We are proud of our Suffolk roots and love linking up with other local firms. The Chestnut Group has much the same ethos as us, with quality and customer service top priorities. We look forward to working with its team, improving its coffee offer and ultimately boosting sales of coffee across the board.” Last week, The Chestnut Group acquired The Crown in Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk, for its tenth site.

BrewDog to open St Andrews site next week: Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog will open a bar in St Andrews next week. The company will launch the venue in South Street on Friday, 2 August in premises formerly occupied by restaurant and ice cream parlour Nardini. The bar, which will be the company’s 16th in Scotland, will feature 24 taps of craft beer alongside BrewDog’s menu of pizza, burgers and wings. Earlier this month BrewDog extended its latest Equity for Punks fund-raise and is now allowing people to invest in cryptocurrency. The campaign, which aims to raise a minimum of £7m and has a stretch goal of £50m, will now run until April. So far, 25,678 investors have pledged £5,676,225, which means the total amount pledged to date through BrewDog’s six Equity for Punks campaigns is almost £73m from more than 117,000 people.