Harrods restaurant workers call off strike after landing 25% pay rise dubbed a ‘benchmark for the hospitality sector’: Restaurant staff Harrod’s have called off a threatened strike during Christmas week after securing a 25% pay increase in pay – which is now being seen as a benchmark for hospitality workers. The team members had looked set to strike during the busiest week of the festive season after United Voices of the World (UVW), which represents waiters and chefs at the Knightsbridge store, demanded pay be raised from £9 an hour to a minimum of £12 an hour. The union said this was partly prompted by a heavy workload for staff following job cuts, with the number of staff reduced by 145 to just under 4,000. However, a new deal which UVW said represented a “new benchmark for pay in the hospitality sector”, has been struck, with some chefs now earning more than £12.50 an hour. Some Harrods workers will now be in line for £5,000 extra in annual pay, while for some, the deal included agreed annual pay rises of 3% from 2023. Petros Elia, UVW general secretary, said: “We’re proud to set a new benchmark for the sector, a sector notorious for poverty pay and appalling conditions. This is affirmation of the power of organised and strike-ready workers – this remains the biggest and most powerful tool in workers’ arsenal today. The fight does not stop here – we are now talking with retail staff to ensure they are not left behind. We’ve been saying it’s time for £12, and now that time has arrived.” Harrods has insisted that the pay rise for its restaurant staff was not driven by the threat of union action but came after three months of reviews to ensure pay was in line with industry benchmarks. In a statement, the company said: “This has been entirely driven by ongoing discussions and work internally with our restaurant colleagues, and at no point during this three-month process have we engaged with a third party. We are consistently reviewing our pay policies to ensure we continue to attract and retain the best talent.” At the time of its restaurant workers being balloted, Harrod’s published accounts which showed it has plunged £68m into the red last year after pandemic lockdowns halved its revenue to £429.5m. This followed a £232m profit for the Qatar Holdings-owned company the year before.

Propel Premium Advent Video Calendar to feature Chapati Club founders: Propel has launched its Premium Advent Video Calendar, giving subscribers access to a great video each day in December from our autumn conference series. Each day in December in the run-up to Christmas, Premium subscribers will be sent a video featuring some of the sector’s leading operators, who will share insights, advice and expertise. The next video – which will be sent at 9am today (Wednesday 8 December) – features Resh Sonchhatla and Heena Varambhia, founders of Chapati Club in Acton, who talk about their experience of building a successful restaurant business from scratch and expanding it into a delivery operation – all with no previous experience. Premium subscribers received the fifth edition of The New Openings Database, which is produced in association with StarStock, on Friday (3 December). The database showed the details of 366 newly announced site openings and upcoming launches. Premium subscribers also receive access to two other databases. The latest Propel Multi-Site Database, which is produced in association with Virgate, and the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is produced in association with Mapal Group. Subscribers also receive access to Propel’s library of lockdown videos and Friday Wrap interviews and now also have access to a curated video library of the sector’s finest leaders and entrepreneurs, offering their insights on running outstanding businesses in the sector. Premium subscribers also receive their morning newsletter 11 hours early, at 7pm the evening before our 6am send-out, regular video content and regular exclusive columns from Propel group editor Mark Wingett. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £895 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The regular single subscription rate of £395 plus VAT for operators and £495 plus VAT for suppliers remains the same. To subscribe, email jo.charity@propelinfo.com

Almost a quarter of Brits ‘uncomfortable’ about going to bar or restaurant indoors over covid fears: Almost a quarter (24%) of Brits are “uncomfortable” about going to a bar or restaurant indoors over fears of catching covid-19, according to new research from Mintel. Meanwhile, 58% feel it is important people wear masks in bars and restaurants – even though it’s not compulsory. The return of the office Christmas party is also being met with some reluctance, with more than four in ten (41%) of British workers worried about going. Fear of catching covid-19 remains high as 43% of consumers now say they are worried about catching the virus – similar to the 44% who said the same in early November 2020. One potential reason for lingering discomfort around socialising could be the majority (61%) of Brits said they plan to limit their time in crowded areas before seeing family for Christmas. Paul Davies, Mintel foodservice and leisure research director, said: “Even before the emergence of the Omicron variant, concerns about being exposed to covid-19 were running high. Now, the constant media attention surrounding the new strain will focus people’s minds on balancing the desire for festive socialising with their worries about potentially being infected.”

Spending in bars and pubs grows 34.2% in November against 2019 but remains below pre-pandemic levels in restaurants: Spending in bars, pubs and clubs grew 34.2% in November compared with 2019 but remains below pre-pandemic levels in restaurants, according to the latest research from Barclaycard. The data showed spending in restaurants was down 4.3% against 2019, but saw an improvement on October (minus 8.3%). Colder and darker evenings also encouraged Brits to spend more on at-home activities, leading to 63.2% growth in spending on takeaways and fast food versus 2019. This trend is likely to continue as more than one in five (21%) Brits are planning to spend more on takeaways to enjoy nights in over the winter months. Overall, consumer spending grew 16.0% in November compared with the same period in 2019. However, Brits are still worried about the long-term stability of their personal finances, with nine in ten (88%) concerned about rising household and energy bills, and a similar proportion (87%) concerned about rising inflation. Overall, household confidence improved slightly month-on-month, rising to 72% from 70% in October. However, Barclaycard said this may be a temporary increase given the arrival of the latest covid variant, the return of mandatory face coverings and an anticipation by consumers of further restrictions. Following the COP26 climate conference, environmental concerns are weighing on consumers’ minds this festive season, with 15% having, or considering, a meat-free Christmas – a figure that increases to 28% for 18 to 34-year-olds.

FSA launches consultation on ‘may contain’ allergen labelling: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a consultation to gather views from businesses and consumers on the use of precautionary allergen information and labels, often written as “may contain” on food packaging. The consultation will run until 14 March and will ask for views on how to make on-pack allergen information clearer. Recent FSA studies have found food-hypersensitive consumers – people who live with food allergies, intolerances, or coeliac disease – appreciate precautionary allergen information or labelling when it clearly tells them about an unavoidable risk of allergen cross-contamination. But consumers can also be confused by the range of precautionary labelling statements on prepacked foods, such as chocolate bars, biscuits and other products sold in supermarkets, where the wording can differ between products, and it may not be clear precisely what the risk is. The FSA is also seeking views on the provision of precautionary allergen information about non-prepacked foods, such as meals served in restaurants, where precautionary information can be given verbally – but sometimes is not provided at all. The studies found most food businesses are using these labels to try to protect consumers but are confused about when and how they need to do so. There is evidence businesses need clarity on the measures they need to take to control the risk of allergen cross-contamination, which then informs their labelling decision. FSA director of policy Rebecca Sudworth said: “The responses we get will help inform our next steps in making a workable system for businesses to put into practice that consumers understand and trust.”

Subway and Papa John’s named among UK’s leading franchises: Subway and Papa John’s have been ranked among the best franchises by the Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100). Subway came fourth in the list and Papa John’s sixth, followed by gym franchises Energie Fitness and Anytime Fitness in tenth and 11th. Chopstix, the pan-Asian quick service restaurant concept, (32nd) and Really Awesome Coffee (45th) made the top 50, followed by Southern Fried Chicken in 63rd and dessert parlour brand Kapsa’s in 68th, while completing the hospitality businesses in the top 100 are adventure park operator Flip Out in 90th place. Established four years ago in association with HSBC, the EF100 ranks leading franchise businesses by longevity, size, community contribution, franchisee support, innovation and future plans. Scott English, brand director of Elite Franchise, said: “This definitive league table of the top 100 franchisors shows just what Britain has to offer. Each year, the ranking becomes more competitive, and this year has been no exception for our panel of industry-leading judges. At EF100 we take into account entrants’ sales and growth figures as well as the training and support systems in place for their network of franchisees.” In-home senior care operator Home Instead came top of the list. 

France to shut nightclubs for four weeks from Friday amid covid surge: France has announced nightclubs in the country will be closed for the next four weeks. During a press conference, prime minister Jean Castex said they would shut from Friday (10 December) to fight what he described as a fifth covid-19 wave. But for now, no curfew or lockdown measures will be taken, Castex said. French health minister Olivier Véran announced with an incidence rate of 400 per 100,000 cases, rates were already higher than in the peak of the third wave. The infection wave is stronger where the vaccine coverage is weaker, Véran added. People aged over 65 will be able to get a booster dose of the covid vaccine without an appointment. 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a growing street food concept that has big expansion plans for 2022 and beyond, which is looking for a head of digital marketing. A COREcruitment spokesman said: “You will be crafting strategies for all marketing teams, including digital, advertising, communications and creative. The head of marketing responsibilities include developing plans to help establish the brand, allocating resources to different projects and setting short-term and long-term department goals and will report directly into the founder and chief executive. The role is remote based in London and is paying up to £70,000.” For more information on this role and to apply, email Abbie@corecruitment.com

 

Hornby – Wagamama is not a brand you would take to more than 200 UK sites: Andy Hornby, chief executive of The Restaurant Group, has told Propel that Wagamama is not a brand you would take to more than 200 UK sites, and to do that “would be a very, very big mistake”. He said: “The three or four management teams over the course of the past 15 years have made three big calls with the brand. One was they never over-expanded. If you look at the careful site selection even now, there are less than 150 sites. When we look ahead, and you can shoot me if we break this rule, but this is not a brand you would take to more than 200 sites in the UK, and to do that would be a very, very big mistake, because you have to make sure the catchments you go to, the demographics are right, there are a lot of young people and the social environment of Wagamama will work. Secondly, everyone talks about obsession with the product, but the obsession with fresh food is real, and you can feel that going around from site to site, and that is critical. Those two have always been at the core, and we have also got a bit lucky with delivery on top, because it is a product that fits delivery very, very well. I would be surprised if you saw our current sales mix of 25%-plus for delivery going much lower again. It has more than doubled during the pandemic. The big one now is you have to keep innovating on food, because ultimately that is the core difference.” Hornby said the business has probably “got the road for another 40 to 50 openings in the UK, and that will include some delivery kitchens”. He said: “I am personally very positive about our joint venture in the US, we have a good pipeline there and expect to open five to six sites there next year. Retail will be a slow burn, but I do think Wagamama products will prosper in this category over time. The sales levels we are achieving in supermarkets currently are very positive. Our European franchise business is up to 50 sites now and there is definitely more legroom there. So that is a lot of scope for the brand, there is a five-to-seven-year roadmap there.” Hornby said relaunching grab-and-go format Mamago, which opened its debut site in Fenchurch Street, near the end of 2019, was not a priority, with the business having “other growth vehicles that make more sense to prioritise over the next three years”.

Chatterton – scope for Loungers to have 600 Lounges and 100 Cosy Clubs: Alex Chatterton, sector analyst at Panmure Gordon, has argued there is scope for cafe bar operator Loungers to operate 600 Lounge sites and 100 Cosy Clubs across the UK. He said: “The initial public offering admission document issued in 2019 identified scope for 400 Lounges and 100 Cosy Clubs in the UK. Based on our analysis, we believe this is conservative, with there being scope in our view for 600 Lounges and 100 Cosy Clubs. The enlarged estate of 700 sites would represent an average site density per 1,000 people of 1:93,000, which is in between the average site density of JD Wetherspoon (1:75,000) and Starbucks in the UK (1:123,000).” Earlier this week, Propel reported Nick Collins, chief executive of Loungers, said the business was now confident it could add a fifth build team and increase its openings capacity to 30-32 sites a year. To underpin its expansion, the 188-strong business has evolved its property function, with Tom Trenchard promoted to director of property and build, and a head of development and head of construction (Mark Suggitt, ex-The Restaurant Group) roles put in place. Collins said: “We haven’t taken the decision to do that yet [increase openings capacity]. I also hope we will be able to more efficiently manage our capex. I think there is more we can do from a labour perspective and a process point of view.”

Real Eating Company to open in Marble Arch: Real Eating Company, the independent cafe and coffee concept led by Helena Hudson, is to open a third London site, in Marble Arch. The company has secured the ex-Patisserie Valerie site in Cumberland Place, for what will become its ninth site in total. It follows the recent opening of a site opposite Charing Cross station. That followed the milestone opening of the brand’s first London site in 2020, located in King’s Road, Chelsea. The business, founded by Hudson in 2004, plans to open further sites “in desirable locations”, including expanding its footprint in the capital. Hudson said: “Our independent march continues, hopefully bringing some new energy into the covid-battered streets of London. Community, connectedness and localness is what we aim to bring plus our great coffee and breakfasts, traditional British produce and service with a smile, of course. We are still one of the small guys, physically surrounded by the chains and dwarfed financially. We’re growing the hard way. But we are truly independent, without external shareholders dictating what we do or how we spend our money. It isn’t easy this way but it is so important to our culture, our DNA and how we see the future. We can make decisions for the right reasons – not for bankers or shareholders. We have to fight hard for our place at the table. But we intend to stick around. Watch this space.”

Young’s appoints Stuart Gallyot as property director: London pub operator Young’s has appointed Stuart Gallyot, formerly of Stonegate, Ei Group and Punch, as its new property director, Propel has learned. Gallyot, who is also currently non-executive chairman of Moose Coffee, was previously director of legal operations at Stonegate and before that group compliance director at Ei Group. He spent more than 14 years at Punch, including four years as its director of property. He also spent more than a year at Admiral Taverns as its acquisitions and estates director. Last month, Young’s acquired the award-winning The Bull in Ditchling, East Sussex, for an undisclosed sum, as part of its “strategy of acquiring scalable pubs in strong demographical areas”.

BabaBoom appoints Nicola Pegues as managing director: Fledgling kebab restaurant concept BabaBoom has appointed Nicola Pegues, formerly of Fridays and Nando’s, as its new managing director, Propel understands. Pegues was previously a regional director at Fridays and a regional managing director at Nando’s. She was also previously operations director at Bleecker Burger. Bababoom, which currently operates a site in Battersea Rise, has been seeking a permanent managing director since last October. Founder Eve Bugler joined Loungers as its chief operating officer last December, while Graham Ford, formerly of Bill’s, Carluccio’s and Strada, has been overseeing the business as its interim managing director, for more than a year. Last year, the company said it was recruiting for a managing director “who will take on full responsibility for running all aspects of the business and contribute to deciding our future strategic direction”. It said at the time it remained “firmly committed to bringing our delicious kebabs to London and beyond”.

Brother Marcus to take its London footprint back up to three with spring opening: Brunch brand Brother Marcus, which took the decision to permanently close it Balham-based debut site in October, will restore its estate of three London sites with a new opening in the spring. The eastern Mediterranean cuisine concept, founded in 2016 by Alex Large, Arthur Campbell and Tasos Gaitanos, launched in Balham that year before opening in Islington in 2018 and Spitalfields Market the following year. While the Balham site has now closed, Brother Marcus is set to open a new restaurant at Borough Yards early next year. It will join three planned new openings from the Hart Brothers portfolio – tapas bar Barrafina, self-grilling concept Parrillan and Spanish wine bar Daskal – as well as new sites for fried chicken burger brand Butchies and wine bar group Vinoteca. Adam Bowers, of onepoint2, acted for Brother Marcus while Distrkt represented the landlord.

Lyle’s operators to open Bermondsey bakery this weekend: The team behind Michelin-starred Shoreditch restaurant Lyle’s will on Saturday (11 December) open its new bakery, Flor Bakery at Spa Terminus – offering fresh bread, pastries and coffee to eat in or be delivered. The venue will be overseen by Flor and Lyle’s head of bread and pastry Helen Evans, whose focus is on bread and pastries made with heritage and long-straw grain varieties. Among her offerings will be a house sourdough loaf, a 100% rye tin loaf, croissants, brown butter cakes, lardy buns and Danishes. Founder James Lowe said: “We’ve been blown away by the response to our Flor baked goods and so we’re excited to open the doors to Flor Bakery at Spa Terminus. Helen and the team’s love of heritage grains and regenerative farming mean the loaves and pastries coming out of the oven each day are uniquely innovative and delicious, and our new bakery arch will allow them to experiment even more.” The opening follows the team last month switching its Borough Market restaurant Flor into a bakery and wine house, serving small plates to eat in or take away.

Award-winning burger restaurant El Perro Negro doubles up with opening at Bonnie & Wild in Edinburgh: Glasgow-based burger restaurant concept El Perro Negro has doubled up, with an opening at Bonnie & Wild – the food hall concept from the founders of Scottish restaurant brand Mac & Wild – at the St James Quarter in Edinburgh. El Perro Negro co-founder Nick Watkins said the business had been looking for the right Edinburgh location for a while, and the prospect of “joining the Bonnie & Wild family was a brilliant opportunity, and too good to pass up on”. El Perro Negro, which has a restaurant in the Woodlands area of Glasgow, has won a string of culinary and business accolades in recent years, including UK’s best burger in 2021 and in 2019. Now it has joined the Bonnie & Wild’s line-up, which hosts a variety of operators, including Scottish chef Jimmy Lee’s third restaurant – Salt & Chilli Oriental Edinburgh – and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean. Watkins, who founded El Perro Negro with Peter McKenna and Ivan Stein, said: “The support from customers over the past seven years, since we started out as a small pop-up in Glasgow, has been overwhelming and we can’t wait to welcome everyone at our newest location.” Among its selection of burgers is the Top Dog, twice winner of the National Burger Awards, which is made with bone marrow and Roquefort butter, double bacon, caramelised onions and black truffle mayo. Bonnie & Wild’s director of operations Ryan Barrie said: “Nick’s focus on high quality and responsible sourcing really chimes with Bonnie & Wild.” Since opening in July, Bonnie & Wild has served more than 150,000 guests.

CMBC proposes closure and sale of London Fields Brewery: Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has proposed the closure of London Fields Brewery, which it acquired in 2017, with a view to selling the site and brand. London Fields Brewery, which was founded in 2011 in the London Fields neighbourhood of Hackney, east London, came to prominence through its range of craft beer, including Craft Lager, Easy IPA and Shoreditch Triangle IPA. Carlsberg acquired the business in the summer of 2017 in a deal worth circa £4m. Paul Davies, chief executive of CMBC, said: “We’ve taken the difficult decision to propose the closure of London Fields Brewery with a view to selling the site and brand. The team has been informed of this decision and we will now enter into a period of consultation while we also explore the market’s interest in the brewery. Our primary aim now is supporting the team through what will be a difficult time. As it may take some months to find the right buyer for the brewery, we will close the taproom and stop brewing on site immediately. Our brewing partner Camerons will continue to brew in the usual manner to meet existing on-trade customer supply until we finalise a sale. After several months of careful review, it is clear growing London Fields Brewery will require significant time, resource, and marketing investment. We understand this news will be devastating and disappointing, but we cannot shy away from making the difficult choices that we believe are crucial to investing in scaling the right brands for the future and making CMBC a stronger industry-leading business.”

Brothers brings Babycham back into portfolio: Brothers Drinks Co has acquired Babycham, following an agreement with the sparkling perry brand’s current owner, Accolade Wines. The family-owned Brothers Drinks Co plans to reinvigorate the brand and to relaunch it in 2022. Babycham was originally launched across the UK in 1953 and invented by Francis Showering, who helped start Brothers Drinks Co in Shepton Mallet in 1992. Accolade Wines acquired the Babycham brand when the Showerings company was bought out in the 1990’s. The acquisition is part of Brothers Drinks Co’s strategy and future growth plans following “exceptionally strong growth” in 2021. Co-owner Matthew Showering said: “We are proud to welcome the Babycham brand back into our drinks portfolio and are already receiving extremely positive feedback on the decision by many who consider it a ‘sleeping giant’ within the drinks industry. It’s a sentimental brand, not only for our family, but for families across the nation who associate Babycham with fond memories and celebratory milestones. We want to share the brand’s fun, sparkly and aspirational persona with new and familiar customers.”

200 Degrees Coffee urging charitable donations in exchange for free coffee: Nottingham-based coffee roasters 200 Degrees will continue its festive goodwill programme today (Wednesday, 8 December) with a charitable “swap shop” across its 15 coffee houses. Customers will be invited to donate new, unused and unopened personal hygiene products at any of its coffee shops in exchange for a free cup of coffee. The items will then be distributed to local charities within each city. Other festive initiatives from the company include messages of kindness on takeaway coffee cups and rewarding loyal customers with 200 Degrees goodies. Will Kenney, commercial director at 200 Degrees Coffee, said: “The festive season should be a restful time of year for everyone, but sadly there are many thousands of people who are facing difficult circumstances. This is about us trying to make a small, positive difference to people who are having a tough time and thanking our customers for being brilliant.” 200 Degrees started roasting coffee at Meadow Lane, Nottingham, in 2012 and opened its first shop in the city in October 2014. The business has opened four new sites this year, its most recent being a second York outlet in September, and plans more in 2022. Last month, Propel revealed that 200 Degrees Coffee had appointed Paul Campbell, the founder and owner of Hill Street Capital, as chairman.

Beyond the Bean announces return of Laura Sherwood as sales and marketing director: Coffee supplier Beyond the Bean has announced the return of Laura Sherwood to the company. Previously UK sales manager, Sherwood will now act as the company’s sales and marketing director, heading up the UK and international sales teams. Having worked at Beyond the Bean between 2011 and 2016, Sherwood moved on to launch coffee into new markets for coffee roasters in the UK and Europe. Subsequently becoming head of franchise operations for Soho Coffee Co between July 2019 and December last year, Sherwood has extensive industry experience and existing knowledge of the Beyond the Bean customer base “so is the ideal fit for the role”, the company said.

Thinking Drinkers launch subscription service: Drinks experts and comedians Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, also known as The Thinking Drinkers, have launched a new premium subscription service. The Thinking Drinkers Club will deliver a themed pack of drinks to subscribers every month – expanding on the brand’s live tasting shows, which have reached more than 150,000 consumers over the last 12 years. McFarland said: “We’re always encouraging a more adventurous approach that celebrates the diversity of distilling.” The duo have also created Blind Tiger Films, a new video production company specialising in drinks-led content. Launched in partnership with Birmingham-based film company Spark Media, the new company has signed on with Bacardi Martini for a five-part series for its Freepour platform and is now in talks with other brands. “We were being asked to present on projects for brands but were a bit disillusioned with some of the dull drink content, so decided to create our own,” added Sandham.

Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern’s York Minster restaurant project gets green light: The York Minster Refectory Restaurant – a joint venture between Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern, York Minster, Gem Construction and interior designer Rachel McLane – has been granted planning permission by York Council. With contract arrangements now being finalised, award-winning chef Bex Toppin and partner Will Pearce of York’s Robinsons Cafe have been brought on board to run the restaurant, on the site of the former Minster School. Gem Construction chairman Mike Green, who is joint director and partner in the venture with Pern, director of The Star Group, said: “This is an ambitious but accessible restaurant launch in an historically sensitive refurbishment of The Minster School that will benefit the people and the city of York with new jobs and a fabulous restaurant. Plans are still being finalised, but we expect there will be a daytime takeaway element and daytime and evening dining. We also aim to have a mix of smaller function and private dining rooms, which are relatively rare in York. Although Andrew and I have been working very closely together on this project, as we have on our other Star restaurants, people can expect the Minster Refectory to be a distinctly different concept to the Star.” Pern also operates the Star at Harome and The Star Inn the City in York, the former of which was devastated by a fire last month. The 40-cover restaurant burned down along with a private dining room, but the medieval walls in the former 14th century barn that hosted the restaurant were thick enough to survive the blaze. The Star Inn was also renovated after being hit by a fire three years ago.