Clive Watson – City Pub Group scaling back expansion to focus on ‘bigger beasts’, share price rallies after dip: City Pub Group chairman Clive Watson has told Propel the company is scaling back expansion plans to concentrate on its new “bigger beasts”, which are “raising the profile of its portfolio”. Following the announcement it was scaling back the company saw its shares dip, with the price falling 10% to 195p at lunchtime on Thursday (19 September) before rallying to 199p in the afternoon. During the first half of its financial year, City Pub Group opened the Pride Of Paddington and Aragon House, both in west London; The Hoste in Burnham Market, Norfolk; and The Market House in Reading. Meanwhile, it is developing a further 12 bedrooms next to its Georgian Town House in Norwich as well as pubs in Exeter, Cambridge and Bath. Watson said: “There are two reasons why we’ve decided to scale back at this time. Firstly, the sites we’ve developed so far this year – and are developing – are what I call ‘bigger beasts’. They are the equivalent of two or three sites given the size – some of them have three trading floors. I liken it to being the manager of a football team – we have some great players in our squad and, when the transfer market is right, we’ll look to dip back into the market but at the moment we’re more than happy with the squad we’ve got. The second reason is Brexit. By turning off the tap it’s also good for the company. If it’s a disorderly Brexit, asset prices will drop, which means we’ll be able to pick up sites cheaper. If it’s an orderly Brexit, we’ll have clarity and can turn the tap back on. We’ve still got £20m of bank facilities available as well as cash flow so we have plenty of firepower to make selective acquisitions if those opportunities still arise. We are still looking at sites – and have one in legals. It means we might not hit that 65-site target we have talked about by mid 2021 – although I still think there’s every possibility we will – but what we are doing with these sites will raise the profile of the portfolio. We are focusing on developing large, prominent sites in our target cities. They take time but they perform well and deliver strong returns.” Watson said he felt the market was currently in a period of consolidation. He added: “Companies are certainly scaling back their expansion programmes. For us this is a long-term project – and we feel this is the right decision for the company and our shareholders at this time.” Watson said after a “good” first of the half of the year, the pleasing aspect was momentum was continuing, with sales up 35% in the first 11 weeks. He added: “We’ve got lots to be getting on with as we concentrate on getting the best out of our existing estate. When all the sites are open, we will have more than 50.”

Mark Wingett to look at which concepts could become national brands in latest Premium column, subscribers to receive Karen Jones video and 1,500-strong multi-site list: Propel insights editor Mark Wingett will look at the concepts that could become the next generation of national brands in his latest opinion piece, which will be sent to Propel Premium subscribers on Friday (20 September) at 5pm. There will also be the latest sector whispers in Premium Diary. Subscribers will also receive a 30-minute video on Friday in which Prezzo executive chairman Karen Jones talks about a “journey through hospitality”. Next week they will also receive access to our database of multi-site companies, which has grown to 1,500 businesses. 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. 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

FSA confirms food allergy and intolerance measures, plans Byron meeting: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed measures to protect people with food allergies and intolerances. The move follows an inquest into the death of Owen Carey, who died from an allergic reaction to eating a burger at Byron. The FSA said it planned to meet Byron to discuss details of the case and commission a “full root cause analysis of the incident to ensure lessons are shared”. The FSA’s actions include issuing an easy to follow guide for enforcement officers, publishing an urgent update of the Safer Food Better Business guide including a review of allergens information, launching an awareness campaign on food allergies, and a pilot project to develop better reporting. The measures were discussed as part of this week’s FSA board meeting. The board stressed its commitment to supporting food businesses to keep consumers safe and developing a greater understanding of food allergens through research.

Licensees Association calls on industry to take lead in abandoning ‘discredited’ RPI: The Licensees Association, the newly formed association for independent licensees, is calling on the pub industry to take a lead in abandoning the “much discredited” Retail Price Index (RPI), which is often used to calculate annual rent increases in the sector. The call came as the group published research showing the  “dramatic” effect the use of the RPI can have on rent when compared with the “more accurate and widely preferred” Consumer Price Index (CPI). The study revealed a pub that was paying rent of £35,000 ten years ago would have paid £20,000 less if CPI had been used during the period, based on June’s index. The Licensees Association chief executive Nick Griffin said: “As an industry we should take a lead, do the right thing and consign this index to the bin.” Earlier this month chancellor Sajid Javid backed away from abolishing RPI but committed to a review following a public consultation. Sir David Norgrove, chairman of the UK Statistical Authority, has previously stated: “We have been clear the RPI is not a good measure, at times significantly overestimating inflation and at other times underestimating it, and have consistently urged all – in government and the private sector – to stop using it.”

Watchdog claims Booking.com ‘continues to mislead customers’: Consumer group Which? has accused Booking.com of “continuing to mislead customers” despite a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) ruling this year that booking sites must review the way they rank and display rooms. Which? said it carried out spot checks on six leading hotel booking websites that were ordered to make changes by the CMA. Offending sites had until September to alter their practices after being accused of misleading discount claims, pressure-selling and hidden charges. According to Which?, half of ten Booking.com “only one room left on our site” claims failed to give an “accurate picture of availability”. The Banjo B&B in Liverpool showed “one room left” on a budget double room but when Which? clicked through it found four identical rooms available for the same price. Which? Travel’s Naomi Leach said: “We found clear evidence that Booking.com has not yet sufficiently cleaned up its act and is flouting the rules on pressure-selling, which could lead to millions of consumers being rushed into making a booking. It must now provide cast-iron guarantees that it won’t continue to mislead holidaymakers.” A Booking.com spokesman told the BBC: “We work continuously to bring transparency, choice and value to travellers, constantly testing and improving the way in which we present our services online. We have worked hard to implement the commitments agreed with the CMA and maintain continuing collaboration and dialogue to inform ongoing enhancement of the consumer experience.” 

Plan B mentoring initiative invites applications for final sessions of 2019: The Plan B Leadership Mentoring scheme, which helps women in the sector move up to board-level roles, is to hold its final speed-mentoring sessions of 2019 next month. The events will take place on Wednesday, 9 October and Tuesday, 15 October at Revolution in Leadenhall. London. The mentoring programme is organised in partnership with Kate Nicholls, of UKHospitality, Holly Addison, of executive search firm Odgers Berndtson, Emma Causer, of Zonal, and Ann Elliott, of sector agency Elliotts. Mentors all have board-level experience as an executive or non-executive director or as an owner/founder, while mentees are usually one to two levels below board level but ambitious to ultimately become a board member or set up their own business. Each speed-mentoring event runs from 5pm to 8pm, with mentees seeing four to six mentors for 15 minutes at a time. Mentors then determine who they would like to work with. The programme is free for mentees. Anyone interested in being a mentor or mentee and who can attend either event should email PlanB@odgersberndtson.com or ann@elliottsagency.com. Eight events will be held in 2020, with applications invited for those as well.

First brewers revealed for BrewLDN: BrewLDN, the festival being launched by Craft Beer Rising founders Daniel Rowntree and Chris Bayliss, has announced the first breweries to sign up for the event. BrewLDN will showcase 150 brewers alongside 200 exhibitor stands, a pop-up pub, street food, and music at the event running from 27 to 29 February at The Old Truman Brewery. International brewers will include To Øl, from Denmark, Cassels, from New Zealand, and New York’s Brooklyn Brewery. UK brewers will include Brixton Brewery, London Fields, Fierce Beer, Tiny Rebel, Harbour Brewing Cornwall, Brew York and Padstow Brewing Co. Bayliss said: “We expect to welcome 8,000 consumers and 4,000 trade guests across the three-day event.” Craft Beer Rising is now owned by C&C Group.

World’s Biggest Pub Quiz to return in 2020 with new charity partner: The World’s Biggest Pub Quiz will return next year with a new official charity partner – Action Against Hunger. The event, organised by PubAid, will run from 8 to 12 March, although pubs can hold it any time in 2020. Pubs will be encouraged to hold the quiz in aid of Action Against Hunger, which provides life-saving food and nutrition to thousands of children around the world. A number of pubs elect to divide funds raised from the quiz between the official charity partner and a local charity or cause. All pubs taking part in the event will receive a free fund-raising pack containing a choice of question sheets, posters and social media assets. Fund-raising packs will be available later this year but pubs can register their interest now at www.pubaid.com/quiz. This year’s quiz involved 1,400 pubs and raised more than £230,000 for Prostate Cancer UK. Since its launch in 2016, the quiz has raised £750,000 for hundreds of charities.

Wagamama partners with Gousto to enter recipe-box market: Wagamama has partnered with Gousto to offer four of its dishes in recipe-box format – a first of its kind tie-up for both brands. Prices for the dishes – chilli chicken ramen, pork tonkotsu with sticky rice, yasai yaki udon, and teriyaki chicken donburi bowl – will start at £2.98. Wagamama executive chef Steve Mangleshot said: “We are passionate about spreading our ethos of positivity from bowl to soul and, with Gousto, we can extend this passion to households where they can recreate these classic dishes from the comfort of their own home.” The recipes will be available to order from Tuesday (24 September).

Former TRG directors line up third site, first in north west: Former Chiquito managing director Jason Green and Frankie & Benny’s brand director David Salmon are to open their third site and first in the north west, Propel understands. Their company, which operates two sites under its bar and kitchen concept CockNBull.Co (CnB), will launch Coal & Cotton in Boothstown, Greater Manchester, in November. The company will make its own Boothstown Gin on-site with the venue offering live music at weekends. Green and Salmon left The Restaurant Group to set up CnB in 2017, launching the concept in Stourbridge in September that year. CnB offers “chicken, filthy burgers and liquor”, with the menu built around free-range chicken marinated in buttermilk and burgers made from rarebreed Herefordshire beef. CnB also offers breakfast and lunch menus as well as sandwiches, homemade crisps and vegetarian options. A second CnB opened in Mere Green at the end of April.

Core Benito’s Hat business has ‘real potential’: CBW, the adviser to Benito’s Hat, which underwent a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in the summer, believes the brand’s core business has “real potential” and the ability to move forward once its “immediate creditor position is resolved”. The Calculus Capital-backed company appointed CBW to assess the Mexican restaurant brand’s options, resulting in the board’s decision to pursue a CVA. The CVA received support from 93% of creditors, which the company said was testament to their “belief in our plan”. Chief executive Mike Pearson told Propel: “Over the past 11 years, Benito’s has been a firm favourite in the fast-casual dining market in London and the south east. However, like many others in the retail and food and drink sectors we have had to adapt to changes in the market and economic conditions. During the past 12 months the Benito’s brand has developed a new business model, reducing new-build costs and giving the brand the ability to open stores without extraction and in smaller footprints. While this work has been necessary to ensure the ongoing success and future growth of the brand, it has meant the business has borne a number of one-off costs that have had a significant impact on the cash flow position of the business. Combined with the slower-than-expected maturity of newly opened stores, this has meant the Benito’s business found itself with a cash flow challenge.” The clear view of the company’s adviser was that while the business was facing short-term challenges, the core business had “real potential and the ability to move forward once the immediate creditor position was resolved”.  The company had already taken corrective action to close poorly performing stores in Leicester’s Highcross scheme and its original site in Goodge Street but Pearson said the now eight-strong company wasn’t looking to close further locations. He said: “Each store was assessed on an individual basis and negotiations held directly with the landlords to find the most appropriate course of action in adjusting any lease terms.” Propel understands the company agreed a new lease on its King’s Cross station site earlier this year, before the CVA process. The business raised £1m from existing investors in August 2018 to fuel its next stage of growth. Ben Fordham and Felipe Fuentes Cruz founded Benito’s Hat in London in 2008. Fordham stepped back from the business at the end of 2017 to fulfil a promise to his Texan wife to move to the US.

Burger King removes plastic toys from UK estate, McDonald’s trials swap-out: Burger King has removed all non-biodegradable plastic toys from King Junior Meals in the UK as part of new environmental initiative Meltdown. Customers can also dump unwanted plastic toys, not just Burger King’s, into amnesty bins in the brand’s 500-plus UK restaurants. Those taking part in the initiative up to 30 September will receive discounts and limited-edition gifts. The move, a partnership with circular economy company Pentatonic, will save 320 tonnes of single-use plastic a year, the company said. Pentatonic will turn the toys into items for restaurant play areas and objects such as trays. Burger King UK marketing director Katie Evans said: “It is impossible to ignore the growing problem excessive plastic waste is causing. We know we can contribute to finding new, more sustainable solutions.” Burger King global chief marketing officer Fernando Machado added: “We are a global brand and the UK market will lead the way in making this first step towards change.” Meanwhile, McDonald’s UK and Ireland is to trial “swapping out” its Happy Meal toy having pledged in the summer to cut them by 60%. McDonald’s will give customers an option to swap the toy for a fruit bag in select restaurants next month. In early 2020 it will also trial offering customers a choice between a book and a toy. McDonald’s UK and Ireland chief executive Paul Pomroy said: “We recognise some people may not want a plastic Happy Meal toy but we also know the gifts provide fun for many families and children.” 

Sri Lankan concept Paradise confirmed for former Spuntino site: Paradise, a contemporary Sri Lankan casual dining concept, has confirmed it will open at the former Spuntino site in Rupert Street, Soho. Paradise is led by hospitality entrepreneur Dom Fernando and chef Charith Priyadarshena, a former sous chef at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The Paradise menu will feature curries for sharing, including a slow-cooked venison curry, and a large plant-based selection, with influences from southern India, North Africa, Malaysia, Portugal, Holland and the UK. Paradise will also feature a retail area selling produce and ingredients. Agent Davis Coffer Lyons (DCL) was instructed to market the site on behalf of landlord Hallmark Estates at an annual rent of £200,000. A new 16-year A3 lease was granted for the 1,195 square foot restaurant over ground floor and basement. Louie Gazdar, of DCL, said: “Sri Lankan cuisine has shot up the radar on the London food scene following the success of restaurants such as Hoppers and was named BBC Food’s hottest trend of 2019. I’m sure Paradise will further diversify the type of Sri Lankan food on offer in the capital.” Russell Norman and Richard Beatty, who are also behind Polpo, announced in March they would relocate Spuntino after agreeing to return the lease to Hallmark Estates.

Rick Stein Restaurants promotes Delourme to group chef: Stephane Delourme, who has been head chef at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall, for 20 years, has been promoted to group chef. Rick Stein Restaurants said the move would allow Delourme to “inspire the next generation of chefs across Rick Stein restaurants” and spend more time with apprentices and students who enrol through the Rick Stein Academy. Applications to replace Delourme at The Seafood will close on Monday, 7 October. Rick Stein said: “Steph is not just a head chef, he’s a huge inspiration. He will spread his wealth of knowledge across the group of restaurants and I’m proud to call him my friend.” Delourme added: “I am looking forward to passing on my knowledge and experience to front of house and kitchen teams around the business. We have exciting times ahead.” Rick and Jill Stein launched their flagship restaurant in 1975.

Landsec confirms Alchemist and Bill’s signings for Gunwharf Quays: Landsec has confirmed The Alchemist and Bill’s Restaurants have signed to open at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. The Alchemist, the 16-strong Simon Potts-led bar and restaurant concept, will open a 175-cover venue spanning more than 4,100 square feet, with room for another 80 diners on the terrace. Meanwhile, Bill’s will open a restaurant in spring 2020. The company, which announced on Thursday (19 September) it is relocating its Manchester site, is rolling out a new look across its 78-strong estate. Oli Marcroft, associate partner at leasing agent KLM Retail, said: “Gunwharf Quays continues to attract leading names and these brands are a great addition to the already strong line-up.” Hubbox, the south west-based burger and barbecue concept led by Richard Boon, opened at Gunwharf Quays last week. Its eighth site has opened opposite the Spinnaker Tower. Other recent launches at the leisure complex include Vietnamese street food restaurant group Pho and Loungers brand Cosy Club.

Fentimans reaps reward of brand relaunch as it reports turnover and profit boost: Botanical brewer Fentimans has said it is reaping the rewards of its brand relaunch as it reported a boost in turnover and profit. Revenue increased 35% to £40,443,288 for the year ending 31 December 2018, compared with £30,076,373 the previous year. UK revenue was up 31% to £24,797,864, compared with £18,968,020 the year before. The company achieved strong sales internationally with export sales rising to £15,645,425, accounting for 39% of total sales and reflecting a 41% increase on the year before. Operating profit was up to £1,020,049 compared with £634,005 the previous year, while pre-tax profit rose to £962,526 compared with £719,068 the year before. In a report accompanying the accounts, the directors said gains from the first full year of the brand relaunch and packaging across the soft drinks and mixers portfolio had met expectations and the company was continuing to see rewards of the investment made. The report added: “Net assets have risen from £3.5m to £4.5m – being the retained profit for the year. Working capital requirements have increased with the significant growth of our business in 2018. Inventory has seen a significant increase, from £3.3m to £7.9m, as we held inventory ahead of planned plant shutdowns and Brexit contingency planning and gear up for increased sales in 2019. Trade debt has increased from £5.4m to £9.0m and creditors have increased from £8.1m to £15.0m. Cash balances were £266,000 less than at the end of 2017 as a result of the increase in working capital and repayment of amounts due on director’s loan account.” 

Ei Group opens £1.7m Craft Union pub featuring group-wide support hub: Ei Group has invested £1.7m to transform a Wakefield bank branch into a pub under its Craft Union banner featuring a group-wide support hub. The Union Bank also hosts Craft Union Pub Company’s support team and a suite of training and meeting facilities for use by the wider Ei Group. The Union Bank is Craft Union’s third pub in Wakefield. Craft Union, part of Ei Managed Operations, has rapidly grown to 330 pubs since launching in May 2015. Craft Union is aiming to build its pipeline of sites to 400 during the next year. Operations director Frazer Grimbleby said: “Our people are the most important part of our business and this facility gives them a base for the support and training they need to continually deliver exceptional experiences in our pubs.” The Craft Union support team was previously based in Preston.

BaxterStorey launches degree apprenticeship scheme: Contract catering company BaxterStorey has launched a degree apprenticeship scheme – the first of its kind in the sector. The company has partnered with Pearson Business School to offer seven students a three-year business management Honours degree. The programme sees students work four days a week at one of BaxterStorey’s client locations while completing a chartered manager degree one day a week at Pearson Business School. Students will experience all elements of the business – spending time in the kitchen, front of house and in support functions such as finance, health and safety, and project management. Apprentices will receive a “competitive salary”, which will increase after the three years, with tuition fees paid by BaxterStorey so students graduate debt-free. BaxterStorey co-chief executive Noel Mahony said: “Our partnership with Pearson Business School is the next step for us in supporting future stars of the industry with their training and career development.”

North Wales resort targets tripling turnover to £10m through new attractions and hotel: North Wales resort Adventure Parc Snowdonia is aiming to triple turnover to £10m by 2024, up from £3m this year, through new attractions and accommodation. Growth at the resort in Dolgarrog has been boosted by the £4m Adrenaline Indoors activity centre, which opened this summer, while a Hilton Garden Inn hotel is scheduled to open next year. The resort, formerly called Surf Snowdonia, opened in 2015 around a surfing lagoon. Further ideas for expansion include a gondola that would travel between the site and nearby hills. Managing director Andy Ainscough told Wales Business Insider: “It would be another gateway to Snowdonia.”

Drinks brand Asterley Bros eyes £150,000 stretch target in crowdfunding campaign: London-based drinks brand Asterley Bros has launched a stretch target of £150,000 for its fund-raise on crowdfunding platform Crowdcube after passing the initial £100,000 target. Asterley Bros, which was founded by brothers Rob and Jim Berry, is offering 9.09% equity in return for the investment, giving the company a pre-money valuation of £1m. So far, 160 investors have pledged £112,080 with 20 days of the campaign remaining. The initial target funding will be used to upgrade facilities, increase capacity, develop new products, and support sales and marketing. Funds secured up to the stretch target will support export growth, the company said. Founder Rob Berry added: “Sourcing opinion from our supporters has always been key to our development process through beta testing so turning to our fans to help us reach the next stage of our journey seemed the obvious choice. The aperitif category is undergoing a renaissance due, in part, to the spritz effect so now is the perfect time for us to expand our production and offering.”

Luxury sea fort hotels brought to market: Mike Clare, the entrepreneur behind bed company Dreams, has placed three Napoleonic sea forts – two of them redeveloped into luxury hotels – on the market. The forts were built in the Solent in the 1860s to counter a feared French invasion. No Man’s Fort is a 23-bedroom hotel with a restaurant, themed bars, laser battle play area and spa, while Spitbank Fort has nine luxury guest suites, a restaurant, two bars and a “wine cave”. The third fort, Horse Sand, records the history of the forts – known as Palmerston’s Follies – and retains 100 chambers, gun quarters and armour-plated walls. The two hotels are being marketed by Colliers International, with the estimated freehold for the pair in excess of £8m. Horse Sand Fort is being sold via auction with a price tag of £750,000. Paul Barrasford, of Colliers International, told Insider Media: “This is an incredible opportunity to acquire two of the most remarkable properties to come to market in recent years.”

Mothership transforms Shoreditch restaurant to boost live music scene: Bar and events company Mothership Group has relaunched Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen as Colours to inject a “much-needed vibrancy into Shoreditch’s music landscape”. Mothership, which also runs Shoreditch’s Queen Of Hoxton and The Book Club as well as Patterns in Brighton, has partnered on programming with fellow east London multi-art spaces Village Underground and EartH. The new-look venue hosts gigs, club nights and other cultural events while still operating as a restaurant during the day. Mothership said it hoped Colours would become an “incubator for invited local artists and creative networks, providing a free space for collaborators to host meetings, rehearsals and record podcasts”. Mothership acquired Hoxton Bar & Kitchen off previous owner MAMA in 2015 following the latter’s acquisition by Live Nation.

Jason Atherton opens Betterment at Mayfair hotel: Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton and his business The Social Company has opened The Betterment restaurant at The Biltmore hotel in Mayfair. The restaurant focuses on wood-fired fish and meat, seafood, salads and plant-based plates cooked on an open grill. Atherton also oversees The Terrace, The Tea Lounge and The Pine Bar at The Biltmore. Atherton’s empire spans six countries and includes eight restaurants in London alone. He opened his first theatre bar – Pavlova’s – in Victoria Palace Theatre in June.

Reel signs to anchor £26m Burnley scheme: Independent cinema operator Reel has signed to be anchor tenant of the £26m Pioneer Place development in Burnley. Reel will bring an eight-screen venue to the town centre project, which will also feature a restaurant plaza, shops and a 125-space car park. Burnley Council leader Charlie Briggs said: “We have already held initial talks with some leading restaurant chains and the signing of Reel as anchor tenant should provide them with the confidence to commit.”

Tamweel strengthens deals team: Advisory firm Tamweel Capital has appointed Ben Merrifield as deal partner. Merrifield joins director Adam Spencer and founder Ali Aneizi on the team. Merrifield, who owns a pub, began his career at Hawkpoint, advising on mid-market leisure, consumer and retail transactions. More recently he was founding partner of Irish private equity firm Causeway Capital. Before that he spent seven years at $3bn transatlantic private equity fund GI Partners, where he gained hands-on experience buying, restructuring and growing multi-site consumer-facing businesses. He said: “I was introduced to Ali and Adam about a year ago and we hit it off. Their love for brand-led businesses and passion, creativity and obsession for client care was a head-turner.” Aneizi added: “Ben has great deal credentials and a rare combination of advisory, investor and operator skills. More importantly, he’s our type of guy. He sees the world in the same way we do and speaks our language. Together, the three of us are gonna make the jump to hyper space.”