Like-for-like sales see slowest growth so far this year as costs bite: Like-for-like sales at Britain’s leading managed restaurant, pub and bar groups in March were 1.4% ahead of last year’s levels, the new Coffer CGA Business Tracker shows. It means the tracker—produced by CGA by NIQ in partnership with The Coffer Group and RSM UK – has now been in year-on-year growth for six successive months. However, March’s rate is the slowest of the first three months of 2023 and substantially below the UK’s current rate of inflation. Pressure on consumer spending, mixed weather and rail strikes all contributed to the challenges facing operators over the month. Pubs achieved like-for-like sales growth of 2.4% in March, while restaurants were 2.5% ahead of March 2022. The bars segment had a third consecutive month of negative figures, with sales down 13.2%. The tracker highlighted the ongoing revival in London since the end of covid-19 restrictions, with trading outpacing the rest of the country. Sales within the M25 were 3.1% ahead year-on-year, compared with 1.2% outside it. Karl Chessell, director hospitality operators and food EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “These figures emphasise that trading conditions in hospitality remain challenging and operators have to work hard to grab their share of sales. Consumers’ interest in eating and drinking out remains strong, but after adjustments for inflation it’s clear that in real terms, it is tougher for operators this year than last year. May’s three bank holidays will bring opportunities for strong trading, and there is cautious optimism that pressure on spending may ease as the year goes on. But the government’s reduction of support on energy bills from April, and increases in minimum wage levels, will add to the squeeze on operators, and real-terms growth will be difficult for some time to come.” Mark Sheehan, managing director at Coffer Corporate Leisure, added: “While top-line growth lags inflation across the board, many operators are looking to take advantage of better availability of property to build a selective pipeline of new sites. Much growth in sales is being derived from price increases rather than volume.”

Sponsored message – 77% of employees in the sector would use employee benefits more if they were all in one place: A new study by KAM in partnership with payroll and employee engagement platform Growth Partners has revealed the need to “reduce the clicks” to help employees get the most out of employee engagement services available to them. The research found 79% of employees would use more of the benefits available to them if they were made better aware of them with 68% agreeing they need to be easier to access. Unsurprisingly, 75% agree employee benefits make a business a more attractive place to work. However, 83% of those surveyed said they would switch jobs for a specific health and well-being benefit. The new research also reveals the most sought-after benefits and employees’ feelings towards workplace pensions. Growth Partners employee engagement expert and chief executive of employee services, Scott Read, said: “We’re keen to understand the relationship between the usage of employee engagement services and the number of vacancies in the hospitality sector. The research has really highlighted a potential problem – businesses may have employee benefits in place but if they’re not easy to access or communicated effectively, they’re not having an impact – potentially adding to the problem rather than helping to resolve it.” You can download the research here. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

Host of McDonald’s franchise operators set to join updated Premium Database of Multi-Site Companies: A host of McDonald’s franchise operators are among the 24 new multi-site companies being added to the next edition of the Propel Premium Database of Multi-Site Companies, which will be released on Friday (28 April), at midday. The updated Propel Multi-Site Database, which is produced in association with Virgate, features AG Restaurants, owned by Andrew Gibson, which operates 26 branches in Glasgow, and employs more than 2,200 people. Also added this month is south west franchise Caspian Networks, which is led by managing director Mike Guerin, and operates 12 branches in Bristol and south Gloucestershire. In addition, Lancashire franchise H&S Restaurants, which is owned by the chain’s former chief operating officer Nigel Dunnington, and operates 17 restaurants in the region, will be featured. Meanwhile, PA Crocker, which is owned by Peter Crocker, and operates 19 restaurants in Kent, is included. Premium subscribers will also receive a 2,000-word report on the new additions to the database. The comprehensive database is updated monthly and provides company names, the people in charge, how many sites each firm operates, its trading name and its registered name at Companies House if different. The database now features 2,833 companies. Premium subscribers will also receive the next edition of the New Openings Database on Friday, 5 May, at midday. It focuses on newly announced openings and upcoming launches in the sector and is updated every month. The next edition also includes a 5,000-word report on the new additions to the database. Premium subscribers also receive access to three other databases: the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book; the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database; and the Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription. Premium subscribers are also being given exclusive access to the recording and slides to Propel Multi-Club Conferences. Premium subscribers also receive their morning newsletter 11 hours early, at 7pm the evening before; regular video content and regular exclusive columns from Propel group editor Mark Wingett.

Pho MD – investing in people and customer experience will lead to long-term success: Patrick Marrinan, managing director of Vietnamese street food restaurant group Pho, has said quick wins are rare, but investing in people and customer experience will create long-term success. “What covid taught me is things can go wrong very quickly and from random directions, so we don’t rest on our laurels ever,” he told the latest Propel Multi-Club Conference. “We talk about a time when things might be easier, but if we relax during those times, they won’t last too long. It also taught me to be a bit more patient for the wins as good things take time to flourish, and quick wins are few and far between. A lot more people in the sector are investing in people and we’re doubling down on customer experience, because these are the real long-term factors that will see you win in the end.” Marrinan said Pho has always had a diverse workforce as “they’re values that matter to us”, with staff actively encouraged to take time off to take part in Pride events. “We’re trying all the time to look at the gender make up of our business,” he said. “We’ve got to the point where 80% of our general managers and 40% of our senior management team are female, so we’re in a good place, but there’s always improvements that can be made.” Marrinan told Propel last month that Pho’s new smaller format sites, as seen with the opening of a 1,200 square-foot unit in Canary Wharf in February, could be a “bridgehead” into different types of formats. “It opens up more and more opportunities and a bigger pipeline,” he added. “That may take a while to come to fruition, but it’s a small but important step for us. We’re trying to roll out six or seven sites a year under conditions that are terrible to do that, but it’s those challenges that get you up in the morning.”

Kate Nicholls – no industry is feeling the labour market challenge more than the hospitality sector: UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls has said no industry is feeling the labour market challenge more than the hospitality sector. Her comments follow a report by the business, energy and industrial strategy select committee that highlighted labour market challenges are restricting economic growth. Nicholls said: “Nowhere is that more keenly felt than in hospitality, where we have a proven track record of generating growth but are currently being held back by damaging labour shortages. Enormous vacancies, 48% higher than pre-pandemic levels, are forcing venues to reduce opening hours or even days, curtailing our huge potential. As the committee’s report notes, retaining older workers is absolutely crucial to a thriving workforce and hospitality’s flexible work patterns are well suited to accommodating those needs. That’s why we launched an over-50s guide for businesses and continue to advocate for government to extend the apprentice national insurance contributions benefit to the over-25s. We absolutely agree that policy development on skills and labour markets is best done in partnership with businesses and we stand ready to assist the government on tackling ongoing labour shortages and filling crucial vacancies.”

Sector businesses continue to feel the pain as inflation refuses to yield: Businesses are braced for yet another interest rate rise as prices keep soaring. On cost rises hitting Barons Pub Company, which runs nine pubs in Surrey and Berkshire, at the start of this month, founder Clive Price told The Sunday Times: “Cornflour, up 66%. Baked beans, up 33%. Rice, up 31%. Olive oil, up 39%. It just goes on and on.” Price, who has been in the pub trade for 23 years, added: “If it were more than ten years, you’d go, ‘That sounds about right.’ But it’s not —it’s over six months.” For Price, the rise in costs facing Barons means he has to decide whether to pass them on to customers. He said: “In the past, we’d think, do we add 25p to a main course? Now it is £3 or £4 — and, even then, is it going to be enough?” He is all too aware people may not come back to pubs if they think the prices are too high, and insists none of his rises were opportunistic. “Inflation comes down the pipeline,” said Price. “We’re the last to pass it on.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a luxury private members’ club in west London that is looking for a general manager. The concept is based across two floors with four food and beverage offerings, an events space, and a rooftop. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role of general manager falls in two stages, with the initial prebuild stage, where you will be heavily involved in the recruitment and onboarding of your team – training, development, coaching etc. You will also negotiate with suppliers, contractors etc while supporting the leadership team in other areas. You will also look to build and forecast budgets and P&Ls. After opening, you will have full accountability for the private members’ club, overseeing the day-to-day operations, while strategically planning for the future, ensuring the guest experience is second to none, striving to constantly improve the business.” The salary is up to £130,000. For more information, email kate@corecruitment.com

Be At One co-founder acquires Sit & Sip business: Rhys Oldfield, the co-founder of the Be At One cocktail chain, has made a return to the sector, after acquiring JJB Bars, the owner of the Sit & Sip concept, Propel has learned. Founded in Chichester, West Sussex, by James Mattingley in 2018, Sit & Sip subsequently opened sites in Wokingham, Berkshire, and most recently, in Horsham, West Sussex. The concept specialises in craft beer from local brewers and spirits created by small family businesses alongside meat and cheese tasting boards, many sourced locally. Oldfield founded Be At One in London’s Battersea in 1998, with Steve Locke, and Leigh Miller and 20 years later they sold the business, which had grown to 35 sites across the UK, to Stonegate Pub Company in a deal valued at £50m. Oldfield has taken control of the running and operation of the business, which has recently closed its original site in Chichester’s Northgate, from Mattingley. It is thought that Oldfield will assess the two remaining sites over the coming months, before making any decision on the future of the concept and its roll out potential. Oldfield told Propel: “A change of direction for the Mattingley family resulted in this opportunity coming about. Two well equipped sites in two lively commuter towns made it difficult to turn down. The craft beer is a strong offer, but the wider offer will be improved with more cocktails expected. I look forward to the summer and we'll see about the prospects.” Oldfield’s fellow Be At One co-founder Locke made his return to the sector in 2019, with the launch of his own bar Lockes in Covent Garden. He has also had a stint as interim managing director of all-day dining concept The Breakfast Club. Miller continues to enjoy his time out of the sector.

WatchHouse MD – expanding outside of London while retaining our core values is the challenge: Caroline Ottoy, managing director of Edition Capital-backed coffee concept WatchHouse, has said one of the biggest challenges she faces is expanding the brand outside of London while retaining its core values. “I’m very new to WatchHouse but very excited about the growth journey we’re on,” she told the latest Propel Multi-Club Conference. “We’ve got a lot of new openings this year, including our first outside of London, in Bath this summer. The founder has also signed a site in New York that opens in October, which is really exciting, but also terrifying! For me, the excitement of the growth journey we’re on is matched by the challenge of keeping the core values that have made WatchHouse successful in London, and doing that further afield. We have a team of very talented and passionate baristas, but the challenge is how we continue to nurture that. They roast a different coffee every week – how do we get that across to our customers as we grow? Is it sustainable from a logistics point of view, and if we stop that, is it still WatchHouse?”

Technology-inspired competitive football experience concept Metrix plans Manchester opening: Metrix, the fledgling concept that provides “technology-inspired competitive football experiences”, is set to open a flagship location in Manchester. Propel understands Metrix is in advanced talks to take space in Peel L&P’s Trafford Palazzo scheme. A planning application stated the Manchester site will be the company’s “original flagship venue, with plans to open several more across the UK over the next five years”. Propel reported last year that after a pop-up in Westfield White City, the venture, which is the brainchild of Tim Worboys, was working with property advisory firm P-Three to find a new flagship location for its UEFA Champions League competitive socialising concept. The company said at the time that the venue will leverage UEFA’s key partners including EA Sports, Adidas, PlayStation, and Heineken to create an interactive mixed use venue combining football skills, gaming, food and beverage and retail. The flagship will be between 20,000-30,000 square feet in a prime location. Backed by football stars including Glenn Hoddle, Serge Gnabry and Gary Cahill, the game – Football Re-Coded – measures the power, accuracy and speed with which players can hit targets on a wall.

Kirkstall Brewery takes on ex-Banyan site as Arc Inspirations continues to reposition estate: Leeds brewer and retailer Kirkstall Brewery has taken on the former Banyan site in Horsforth, after Arc Inspirations decided to exit the venue as part of its ongoing repositioning to be more prime and city-centre-led. Kirkstall Brewery owns The Cardigan Arms, The Kirkstall Bridge Inn and its taproom in Leeds, as well as The Sparrow in Bradford. Owner Steve Holt said: “Kirkstall Brewery is delighted to announce it is taking over the lease on the former Banyan site in Horsforth. The property is now closed for refurbishment, and the plan is to reopen under a new name and concept later this year.” It is thought the sale of the site by Arc came following “a very attractive offer”. A spokesperson said: “After careful consideration, we have concluded an agreement that will see our venue in Horsforth move to new owners. This has not been an easy decision, however we are confident the new operators, Kirkstall Brewery, a respected local operator, will serve the community with the same care, attention and engagement that we have, and we wish it well.” Arc, the Martin Wolstencroft-led business, was recently given the go-ahead to transform a grade II-listed building in Nottingham city centre into a 12,000 square-foot sports bar. The company has been granted planning permission by the city council to open one of its Box venues at 2-3 Thurland Street, which was formerly occupied by All Saints clothing store. The business also wants to open a Manahatta cocktail bar in the former French Connection unit in Victoria Street. Earlier this year, Wolstencroft said 2023 was set to be a “transformational” year for the business, which is also set to open a Box site in Birmingham and a Manahatta venue in Newcastle.

 

Gravity set to step up UK and international expansion plans: Experiential leisure operator Gravity is set to step up its expansion plans after appointing real estate advisory business Stärka to secure a series of new sites in the UK and internationally. Stärka is seeking sites of between 50,000 square foot and 100,000 square foot in prime UK cities, leading regional destinations and internationally, with a focus on dominant shopping centres and large mixed-use schemes to add to Gravity’s existing domestic portfolio of 17 sites. A focus will be predominantly on supporting the expansion of Gravity’s Gravity Max concept, which includes e-karting, bowling, urban golf and a modern food and beverage offering with a bar concept and live entertainment. This was launched in Wandsworth, south London, in August 2020, with Liverpool ONE and Westfield Stratford expected to open this year. In February, Gravity announced it had secured £30m of investment from Sculptor Real Estate, the property arm of New York Stock Exchange-listed Sculptor Capital Management. This funding is allowing Gravity, which was founded by Harvey Jenkinson, Michael Harrison, and Simon Whicker in 2014, to bring forward its plans to ramp up expansion and refurbish existing Gravity Active sites to enhance the customer experience. It also recently opened a franchise site in Mauritius, and a second location in Saudi Arabia. David Bell, co-Founder of Stärka, said: “The opportunity in the UK and internationally is significant, with Gravity’s longevity, creativity and adaptability the perfect concept for cities globally.”

Hinckley burger and shakes restaurant seeks investment for further growth as it opens second site: Hinckley burger and shakes restaurant, The Udder Guy, has expanded to Leicester’s Fosse Park – and is now seeking extra investment to grow. Graham Butler launched the concept in Rugby Road, Hinckley, last year. He said: “We are thrilled to bring our passion for great milkshakes and vegan shakes to Fosse Park. We have received an overwhelming response from the Hinckley community over the past 12 months and are confident that our expansion into Fosse Park will be a success. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and are actively seeking investors who share our vision and passion for delivering exceptional food and service. We believe that our proven track record, combined with our ambitious plans for growth, make this an excellent investment opportunity for those who are passionate about the food and drink industry.”

High-end Japanese patisserie concept secures third London site: WA Café & Patisserie, a high-end Japanese concept, has secured its third site in London, in Marylebone. The business has acquired a property at the southern end of Marylebone High Street for its “luxury, high-end Japanese patisserie offer”. WA Café, which already operates sites in Covent Garden and Ealing, describes itself as “an independent business with highly skilled Japanese bakers and pâtissiers producing a unique range of quintessentially Japanese bread, pastries and cakes baked fresh on-site daily”. Panayiotis Themistocli, of AG&G, acted for WA Café and Colliers International acted for the freeholder on the Marylebone deal.

Wall Street billionaire Ken Griffin makes £27m bet against Deliveroo: A hedge fund founded by billionaire American investor Ken Griffin has taken a multimillion-pound short position in food delivery company Deliveroo. The Telegraph reported that Citadel Advisors opened up a bet against Deliveroo’s stock in February, which has since increased in size, with around 1.4% of the company’s shares held short. Griffin, the fund’s 54-year-old chief executive who is worth around $35bn (£28bn), founded Citadel in 1990. The investment company now has more than $60bn in assets under management. Deliveroo’s stock reached a 12-month high last week, settling at around £1.10 after climbing 3.4% in Friday (21 April) trading. The delivery company is now worth around £1.9bn, making Citadel’s short position worth £27m. The only other fund to take out a significant short position in Deliveroo is Marshall Wace, according to regulatory filings. A hedge fund owned by Crispin Odey also took out a short position against Deliveroo in 2021, shortly after it went public, although below a disclosure threshold of 0.5% of the company’s shares.

 

Midlands ‘battered chips’ concept reports record daily takings at first franchise store launch: Midlands “battered chips” concept Bek’s has reported record daily takings at the launch of its first franchise store. The third-generation family fish and chip business was opened in Wednesbury in 1989 by owner Bek Halil’s grandfather, who had emigrated from Cyprus in the 1960s and run several chip shops in the region. Last week it opened its second site and first franchise store, at 8 Croft Parade in Walsall, operated by former McDonald’s business manager Dean Haynes. On what was supposed to be a soft opening, it managed to break the record for front of house takings and footfall in a single trading day in Bek’s history, reports whichfranchise. “No deliveries, no paid marketing, no influencers, no grand opening, no crazy discounts or offers, just a great food business with a strong reputation,” said Halil. “I’m so excited the journey for our Aldridge franchisee, Dean Haynes, has started with us, and we look forward to opening more Bek's franchises across the UK.”

Oodles Chinese opens eighth London location: Indo-Chinese concept Oodles Chinese has opened its eight London location – at 77 George Street in Croydon. Its 35th site overall, the restaurant joins other Oodles in the capital at Walthamstow, Kilburn, Holborn, Ilford, Upton Park, Tooting and Southall. A further London site, at 13 Brick Lane in Whitechapel, is also in the franchise company’s pipeline for 2023. It also intends to open its third and fourth Birmingham locations this year, as well as sites in Walsall (44 High Street), Newcastle (55 Grainger Street), Aberdeen (206a Union Street) and Glasgow. As previously reported, the Aberdeen restaurant will be the brand’s Scottish debut. Simon Robinson, who was brought in as operations director last September following previous roles with German Doner Kebab, Heavenly Desserts and Starbucks, said: “We opened our 35th restaurant and one of ten new sites opening within the next few months. Croydon is the latest community to have an Oodles! A huge congratulations to our franchise partners for their first site, and I am so proud of the passion and hard work from everyone within the Oodles team that makes these openings possible. Walsall, Newcastle, Whitechapel, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Birmingham – you’re next!”

Knoops opens first northern site and largest yet: Luxury hot chocolate shop Knoops has opened its first northern site, which is also its largest yet. It has opened in a grade II-listed building at 68 Cross Street, which was once the offices of Eagle Insurance, offering 14 indoor seats. The company said: “We’re excited to open our tenth store, in Manchester. This is an exciting step for Knoops, as our first store in the north of England and our largest site yet.” Anna Chapman, head of marketing at Knoops, added: “This, our tenth store, feels like such an important milestone, and we’re so delighted to be part of the buzzy Manchester scene.” It follows the opening of a new flagship store at 130 Brompton Road, in London’s Knightsbridge, last month. Chief executive Tori Nunn told Propel in May last year that Knoops is aiming for 100 UK stores by 2027.

London food hall concept launches Harrow site with strong visitor numbers: Food hall concept Market Place London has launched its Harrow site with strong visitor numbers. The venue officially opened to the public on Thursday, 6 April, with almost 5,000 guests visiting in its first week. Figures also revealed Pepper Spice sold just under 1,000 units of its Cantonese rice and noodle boxes over the course of opening week. Blake Henderson, managing director of Market Place London, said: “We’re so pleased with the success of the launch of our newest venture in Harrow, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors through our doors over the coming months. It signals a bright future ahead and is a true testament to the hard work of the full team, our vendors and service staff.” Other vendors at the market include Bread Ahead Bakery, Chaii & Spice, Argentinian Grill, Farm House Kebab, Little Tokyo and Chelo along with a bar serving cocktails, beer, freshly squeezed juice and coffee. Located at 80-84 St Ann’s Road, the site is cashless, wheelchair accessible and is open daily from 11am until late.

Aquarium operator Deep Sea Leisure reports turnover exceeds pre-covid levels: Aquarium operator Deep Sea Leisure has reported turnover increased to £15,739,000 for the year ending 31 October 2022 compared with £11,059,000 the previous year. Revenue was also above the £12,169,000 reported for the year ending 31 October 2019 – the last full year before the pandemic. Pre-tax profit was up to £3,845,000 from £2,888,000 the year before (2019: £2,323,000). Net assets increased 12.4% to £26,108,000 (2021: £23,237,000). Cash increased during the year to £16,429,000 (2021: £10,165,000). In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “The 2021-22 season operated without covid-19 restrictions and closures and sites returned to their pre-covid operations with one way systems removed and capacity restrictions lifted. The company continues to invest in its attractions competing the refurbishment of its Hastings aquarium and is planning to refurbish the Blue Reef aquarium in Portsmouth.” A dividend of £2,871,000 was paid (2021: £1,648,000).

Haute Dolci opens third London store: Premium dessert and gourmet burger concept Haute Dolci has opened its third London store, and 16th overall. The business, launched by Heavenly Desserts founder Nizam Mohamed in 2017, has taken on a 3,100 square-foot site at The O2, as previously reported, which has now opened. “After months of hard work and dedication by our team, we have officially opened our doors, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished,” Mohamed said. “So, come and join us at Haute Dolci O2 for an unforgettable dining experience. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we can’t wait to see you soon.”

Roxy Leisure confirms June opening for Leicester site: Roxy Leisure, the operator of the Roxy Lanes and Roxy Ball Room concepts, has confirmed its new Leicester site will open in June. Propel revealed last month that Roxy Leisure had secured a site in the city’s Humberstone Gate for its Ball Room brand, as well as a site in Liverpool’s School Lane for its Roxy Lanes format. The Leicester site will feature ten pin bowling, ice-free curling, batting cages, three karaoke rooms, shuffleboard, American pool, deck shuffle, ping pong, crazy pool and beer pong. The group currently has 15 sites across the UK, following its most recent launches in Cardiff and Edinburgh. Commercial manager Joel Mitchell said: “We’ve been searching for the right location to introduce Roxy Leisure into Leicester and have finally found the ideal spot. We can’t wait to be part of the city’s bustling night life and we’re excited about bringing our competitive gaming concept to a new audience.” Roxy has also lined up a Cheltenham site, understood to be for another Ball Room, as it targets 19 locations by the end of the year, followed by another five in 2024. It will also launch its new King Pins family bowling concept in June, with a debut site in Manchester’s Trafford City.

Papa John’s opens in Wilmslow: Papa John’s has opened a new store in Wilmslow, Cheshire, creating 15 jobs. The store, in the former Motrax Motor Accessories unit at 88 Chapel Lane, is run by Karthik Subraminian, who has worked as a manager for the brand for three years and is responsible for operating ten other stores. “The secret to our success is our team, as no business can exist without great people,” he said. “We provide on and off-line training, plus an internal programme, inclusive for all team members, which takes them all the way to management level if they choose. We encourage individuals to take ownership and responsibility, and this means everyone is motivated and working towards the same goal of delivering the best pizza in town.”

Parlour and Six Portland Road chef-owner to open third London site next month: Jesse Dunford Wood, chef-owner at gastropubs Parlour in Kensal Green and Six Portland Road in Holland Park, is set to open a third London site next month. As previously reported, Harvest will open at the former site of curry house Bawarchi, in Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, as an all-day restaurant. There will be an emphasis on contemporary vegetarian dishes, which will complement British coastal fish and direct-from-farm meat, while the drinks offering will be wine-led, with refined cocktails and a strong non-alcoholic offering. The restaurant – which will open on Tuesday, 4 May – will have 35 covers inside and a secret heated covered garden in the back for 35, as well as a front terrace. Dunford Wood made a name for himself originally having trained with the likes of Rowley Leigh and Michael Caines before opening the National Dining Rooms with Oliver Peyton and then relaunching The Mall Tavern prior to the arrival of Parlour in 2012.

Mayfair luxury hotel returns to profitability with occupancy almost in line with pre-pandemic levels: Dukes Hotel, a luxury property in London’s St James Mayfair, has reported a return to profitability in recent months with occupancy almost in line with pre-pandemic levels. It comes as the business reported turnover increased to £3,569,637 for the year ending 31 March 2022 compared with £293,535 the year before as trade continued to be impacted by the pandemic. For the year ending 31 March 2020, when the final few weeks of trading were affected by covid, the company reported turnover of £9,939,502. Pre-tax losses narrowed to £614,204 from £2,260,414 the previous year (2020: profit of £253,809). In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “Since April 2022, a proactive recruitment campaign has seen the hotel return to full staffing, which has allowed occupancy to increase almost in-line with pre-pandemic levels. The recruitment of a new general manager and commercial director has stimulated business growth and in recent months the company has seen a return to profitability. In November 2022, the parent company refinanced its bank loans for a term of three years. Energy costs have increased significantly in recent months and management have taken steps to mitigate as much risk as possible by selecting the most appropriate contract duration and price. Interest rates are also less favourable than previous years but with a buoyant London luxury hotel market and closely monitored cash flow, management is confident all increased costs will be comfortably absorbed.” The business received government grants of £194,475 (2021: £1,197,459) and a business interruption insurance claim of £1.25m (2021: £1.25m). No dividend was paid (2021: nil).

Kripsy Kreme opens new store in Manchester: Kripsy Kreme has opened a new store in Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre. The JAB Holdings-owned doughnut and coffee chain has taken a new 3,700 square-foot shop at the centre on a 15-year lease. It features a click and collect service and is open daily, offering an exclusive limited-edition Manchester Bee Doughnut among its treats, reports BDaily. Earlier this year, Krispy Kreme confirmed that Manchester had been chosen to debut its late-night bakery brand, Insomnia Cookies. Propel revealed last August that Krispy Kreme had applied to open a site under the Insomnia Cookies brand in the city’s Royal Exchange, in Cross Street, with an opening planned for this summer.

London restaurant group opens third site: London restaurant group CJ One has opened a third site, Korean barbecue concept Chungadam, in the former YMing Chinese restaurant site at 35-36 Greek Street. The 35-cover restaurant is named after one of Seoul’s major food districts, Cheongdam-dong, and focuses on “both modern and traditional Korean cooking techniques”. Among the offering is the Pyeonbaek steam box, which is a rarity in London and will potentially have its first-ever outing in Soho, reports Hot Dinners. The three-tiered box is made from Hinoki wood, creating a unique flavouring when steaming meats and vegetables, and features a tray of broth to capture the juices, which can be consumed as a soup with noodles and vegetables. There are also cocktails, rice wine and Soju-based drinks available, alongside world wine, spirits and beer. Founded by Jay Choi in 2015, CJ One Group also operates Japanese cafe Shibuya Soho and the Hongdae Pocha restaurant in Romily Street. It is also set to launch friend chicken concept Hongdae Chicken later this year.

Former Apex Hotels chef launches ‘Antipodean-influenced’ restaurant in London: Former Apex Hotels chef Mirko Pisano has launched “Antipodean-influenced” restaurant Terra Moderna in London’s Belsize Park. Pisano, who was previously senior chef partie at Apex Temple Court Hotel, has teamed up with Jeffrey Young, who has an Australian background, for the venture. Combining Australian cuisine with Italian cooking techniques, it offers dishes such as octopus carpaccio with lemon emulsion and rucola; beef tartare with slow-cooked egg yolk and crispy focaccia; and Sardinian seafood stew with fregola and parsley; alongside Italian Sunday roasts. There is also wine from Italy, Australia, New Zealand and France, as well as cocktails and coffee. The venue, at 2b England’s Lane, also offers seats at a small bar and on an outdoor terrace, reports Hot Dinners.