Bill’s MD – we were struggling with relevance, our recovery has been based on team enjoyment: Tom James, managing director of Bill’s, has said that coming out of the pandemic, the business was struggling with relevance, while its subsequent recovery has been underpinned by team enjoyment. James told this month’s Propel Multi-Club Conference that the Richard Caring-backed restaurant group was now coming off the back of 12 months of “really good growth” and hitting its targets after consolidating in 2022. He said: “You’re seeing that buoyancy now, and there’s a lot more smiling faces than there were 12 months ago. It got to a stage where at the beginning of 2022, it was a case of pressing the stop button and taking a good hard look at the future and what that strategy was. It led to making some tough decisions on sites, and with that rising cost base, that some of our locations, even if we put the best management teams or other businesses in those locations, weren’t going to work for us long term. We needed to focus on our core estate that was performing really well. Alongside that, the big change has been repositioning the brand. We looked at the data and there’s been a couple years of cover decline – we were struggling with relevance. It was going back to the drawing board, and as an executive team, sitting down looking at every aspect of the business, the brand and product we offer. By the end of that session, which lasted about six weeks, there were 287 actions we said needed to be looked at to get to where we want to be at the end of 2023. We’ve got 42 left to get to 287.” James said one of the key things was providing clarity of strategy to the teams. He said: “The first impression of coming into Bill’s, like most companies in hospitality, was there were loads of really good, talented, passionate people who were either joining hospitality for the first time or had been there for a while and needed development, but there was a lack of a strategy. It was pulling all that talent together and putting together a plan that everyone understood and could buy into. We came up with the tagline ‘Everyone leaves happy’ as that’s what we wanted to deliver. We’re a business that had a tough three to four years. Any recovery has to be based on our team having a good time enjoying working for us, and more importantly, every single guest coming in having a brilliant experience.” James’ presentation will be among the videos from the Propel Multi-Club Conference that Premium subscribers will be given exclusive access to on Friday (29 September) at 9am. 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.

  

New speakers revealed for final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2023, three free places per company for operators: New speakers have been revealed for the final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2023. Chris Moore, property and strategy director at Star Pubs & Bars, has joined the property panel line-up. Moore will join Stephen Owens, managing director of pubs and restaurants at Christie & Co, who also talks to Jenny Stratham, property director at McMullen, and Graeme Bunn, property director at Red Oak Taverns, about how the industry landscape is changing and what buyers are looking for. Meanwhile, Gabriella Overeem, head of partner management at Uber Eats, has joined the delivery panel. She will join Joe Heather, general manager of UK & Ireland at Deliverect; Johnnie Tate, founder of Yard Sale Pizza; and Mark Murphy, founder of Burgerism; to discuss what comes next as the sector continues to seek the best way of integrating a delivery model after the boom during the pandemic. The conference takes place on Thursday, 16 November, at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London’s Kensington, and is open for bookings. The all-day conference will focus on “progress in an era of strong headwinds”. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Operators can book up to three free places per company by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium subscribers to receive two databases and access to videos from Propel Multi-Club Conference and summer party this week: Propel Premium subscribers are to receive two databases this week. The updated Propel Multi-Site Database, which is produced in association with Virgate, will be released on Friday (29 September), at midday. It will include 56 new multi-site companies, taking the number of companies featured to 2,983. Before that, the updated UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database will be sent to Premium subscribers at midday today (Wednesday, 27 September). Ten new companies have been added, while five that are no longer franchising or trading have been removed, taking the total to 215 businesses featured. Premium subscribers are also to receive access to all the videos from this month’s Propel Multi-Club Conference and summer party. They will be sent 12 videos on Friday at 9am. Premium subscribers also receive access to four other databases: the New Openings Database; the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book; the Who’s Who of UK Food & Beverage; and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. 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 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.

 

Nutritics to host free webinar helping hospitality operators to improve profitability by simplifying sustainability: Leading foodservice technology provider Nutritics is to host a free webinar to showcase how Knowledge Labs, its new sustainability consultancy arm, is helping hospitality operators improve profitability by simplifying sustainability. In discussion with Mark Stretton, chief executive of Fleet Street, and Elbha Purcell, director of Knowledge Labs, BM Caterers quality standards manager Sally Grimes will talk in more detail about the role employees can play in driving forward the sustainability agenda of hospitality businesses, the desire among front-line teams to engage with and be part of the sustainability journey, and the need to help improve the sustainability knowledge of their teams so they get the results they’re looking for. The webinar will also provide a deeper look into a recent programme Purcell and her team have implemented with BM Caterers to deliver sustainable education to its teams across a number of its sites, and empower them to make a difference. The webinar will be sent out at 3pm today (Wednesday, 27 September).

 

NTIA – industry has made significant efforts to combat spiking but more must be done: The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) insists the industry has made significant efforts to combat spiking in venues but admits more must be done. It comes as new data from the National Police Chiefs’ Council reveals there were 6,732 reported spiking offences between May 2022 and May 2023, including 957 needle spiking offences. Figures show there were an average of 561 reported spiking offences per month during this period, including modified vapes. NTIA chief executive Michael Kill said: “I want to emphasise the significant efforts our industry has undertaken to mitigate the risks associated with spiking within night-time economy businesses. We have always prioritised the safety and well-being of our patrons and take any incidents of spiking very seriously. The recent data is deeply concerning, and it is especially disheartening to learn that these figures may only scratch the surface, as many victims remain silent due to fears of not being taken seriously or the stigma attached to such incidents. The emergence of spiking involving modified vapes is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of this threat, and we must adapt our security measures to encompass these new challenges effectively. While we acknowledge the steps taken by some venues and universities to address this issue, it is clear there is still much work to be done. We must work collaboratively to protect the well-being of all those who engage with our night-time economy.” Kill also echoed the call from David Sidwick and Joy Allen, of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, urging university students to be vigilant and look out for their friends during freshers’ term.

Celebratory-led events drive larger share of complaints but majority of guests satisfied with response: Celebratory-led events drive a larger share of complaints in hospitality settings – particularly on Saturdays – but the majority of guests are satisfied with the response from venues. New research by guest feedback service, Feed It Back, showed that from an analysis of 2 million surveys, 8% generated a complaint, and that the net promoter score (NPS) for these was -26 compared with 65 overall. Its Guest Recovery Loyalty study, in partnership with Airship and Toggle, revealed the lowest NPS for those who complained was -35 in December, which was mainly down to food-related topics such as menu choice, and is generally lower during holiday seasons. Of those who complained, 73% were satisfied with the response, rising to 86% when the complaint is resolved in 48 hours or less. Recovery vouchers have led to higher revisit rates, with £18.91 the average voucher value. But those over £20 saw a higher redemption rate, and those valid for 365 days the highest redemption rate at 40%. The study concluded that the most successful post visit recovery needs to be resolved within 48 hours, should be empathetic and show that any feedback has been taken on board. 

Restaurant discovery platform First Table to launch in Manchester: Restaurant discovery platform First Table is to launch in Manchester next Monday (2 October). First Table has been operating in the UK since 2018 and is now present in six cities, including London, Bristol and Birmingham. Users are rewarded for dining early with 50% off the food bill, for two to four diners. It’s free to sign up and diners pay £6 to secure the offer (drinks are regular price). “We are excited to bring First Table to Manchester, a city deeply rooted in its eclectic culinary heritage that ranges from classic British fare to modern global cuisines,” said Mat Weir, chief executive and founder of First Table. “Recognising Manchester's blend of traditional eateries and contemporary bistros, our aspiration is to unite diners with the city's diverse array of restaurants and encourage our foodies to try something new.” Among the restaurants participating in the launch is the Foundry Project, a Marston’s venue, which already has sites in Bristol and Birmingham on the platform. First Table was launched in Queenstown, New Zealand, and encourages diners to try new restaurants, cuisines and flavours “and connect with loved ones over the shared love of food”.

 

Exclusive – leading US fried chicken brand Bonchon plans UK launch: Bonchon, the leading Korean fried chicken brand in the US, is looking to enter the UK market, Propel has learned. The brand, which currently has more than 420 sites worldwide, including 140-plus in the US, has partnered with property adviser Christie & Co to seek “an experienced hospitality entrepreneur” to become the UK master franchisee and roll out the brand nationally. Founded in Busan, South Korea, in 2002 by Jinduk Seo, and established in New York City in 2006, Bonchon – Korean for “my home town” – has become a household name. Alongside the US, it also operates in the Philippines, Thailand, France, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. In the US, the company’s like-for-like sales were up 5% in 2022, its fifth consecutive year of like-for-like sales growth, and average unit volumes were $1.7m (£1.39m). Bonchon said it is offering its future UK franchisee partner the opportunity to become the master franchisee with an option to sub-franchise after two years of operations. It is looking for experienced, well-funded multi-site franchisees who can develop and operate an initial 15 equity stores in five years and is able to secure sites ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. The brand was included in Nation’s Restaurant News 2022 “Top 500 Restaurants”, Fast Casual Magazine’s 2022 “Top 100 Movers & Shakers”, and Entrepreneur’s 2023 “Top 10 Hot Franchise Trends” and “Top 12 Chicken Franchises to Buy” lists. The company said it prides itself on the fact that its chicken is handmade to order and finished with its signature sauces, made in South Korea. In addition to chicken wings, drumsticks and boneless wings, Bonchon also offers a selection of Asian fusion cuisine. Simon Chaplin, senior director – pubs, restaurants and franchise at Christie & Co, said: “We are excited to be working with Bonchon to bring its distinctive crunch to the UK. Chicken-led quick service restaurant brands are performing well throughout the UK, and we see Bonchon as a welcome addition to the landscape. Once again, the power of an international partner with more than 420 stores and dedicated experts to assist will help the franchisee develop a great business over the coming years.”

Pasture founder – We will not become another chain, new Birmingham site ‘completes the Pasture triangle’: Sam Elliott, chef-owner of Pasture, has told Propel that the steakhouse and late-night bar concept will not become another chain. Elliott was speaking after the business confirmed it had secured a site in Birmingham for its third Pasture site. The business, which made its debut in Bristol in 2018 before expanding to Cardiff, will occupy 6,500 square feet across one floor of a former Barclays Bank building at 15 Colmore Row, near Cathedral Square in Birmingham city centre. It will create around 100 new local jobs, and the plan is for the restaurant to be open by early spring 2024. Elliott said: “Pasture restaurants are each very individual and put huge emphasis on the cities we reside. The menus, supply chains and decor are all different from one another. Pasture will not become another chain. The restaurants are large and complex, we produce everything on site from in-house butchery to ice cream. It’s not a concept that can scale to cities and towns all over the UK, and nor would I want it too. Birmingham completes the Pasture triangle, it’s a fantastic, vibrant city and makes it easily commutable for me and the team. We have some incredible offshoots of the Pasture brand with Radius, Parallel, Prime by Pasture and Nightshade, which for me keeps it exciting and keeps us content.” Elliott told Propel that trading post covid has “certainly had its challenges” but its restaurants continue to be busy. He said: “I have an incredible team of people dedicated to making the Pasture experience unique, memorable and consistent. We face all challenges head on and will never compromise on our guest experience. We have taken a longer view on the current economic climate and absorbed many costs within the business. We are hopeful things will begin to ease.” Elliott also operates the Radius restaurant in Bristol and Parallel in Cardiff, which opened earlier this year. Next year, he will also open Prime by Pasture; a butchery, deli, cookery school and burger joint in the Redcliffe Quarter, Bristol. 

 

Côte appoints Ashley Hamilton as new MD: Côte, the French brasserie chain backed by the Partners Group, has appointed Ashley Hamilton, formerly of Liberation Group, Greene King and Wagamama, as its new managing director, Propel has learned. Hamilton, who will report into Côte chief operating officer Sarah Hills, joins the 84-strong company after a year as operations director at The Liberation Group, where he led operations across The Liberation Group and Butcombe Pubs. Prior to that, he spent more than two years as operations director for Greene King’s Premium and Urban division. He also spent more than five years at Wagamama as operations director. Hills said: “Ash is an exceptional operator and people leader. Côte is a fabulous brand, and we have big growth plans that Ash will play an important role in.” Last month, Propel revealed that Amanda Underwood, formerly of PizzaExpress, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants and Rhubarb, had joined Côte as its new people director. In May, the Jane Holbrook-chaired Côte said it was “excited” by its recent progress after seeing sustained improvements in guest satisfaction, operational controls and labour turnover. It came as the business reported turnover of £144.9m for the year ending September 2022 (2021: £72.7m), with adjusted Ebitda of £3.6m (2021: £0.3m).

 

Simmons Bars – sales remain well ahead of the market, further extends banking facilities: Simmons Bars, the London cocktail bar operator, has said despite the train and tube strikes, it “continues to perform very strongly, with further year-on-year sales growth and remaining well ahead of the market”. The 26-strong company said the financial period ended 2 April 2023 was “a fantastic period for the group with record levels of revenue and profit being delivered”. The Nick Campbell-led company, which is backed by Lonsdale Capital Partners, told Propel: “Performance was more than 60% up on FY22 with revenue for FY23 increasing to £28.1m (FY22: £17.1m) and Ebitda of £3.7m (FY21: £2.3m). This growth was achieved by a combination of strong trading from the group’s like-for-like estate and the continuation of the group’s new site opening programme, with four new sites opened in the period taking the group to 25 sites. This growth was achieved despite a backdrop of the rising cost of living, high energy prices and industrial action, which have continued into FY24, but the group continues to perform very strongly, with further year-on-year sales growth and remaining well ahead of the market. The group opened its first site of FY24 in Curtain Road, Shoreditch (formerly the Hoxton Pony) in June and has five sites in legals, plus numerous other opportunities being pursued. The group remains focused on expanding to more than 50 sites over the next three to five years and plans to start its regional expansion in the near future.” Of the four openings in FY23, the business said: “These sites have performed well with trading exceeding expectations, particularly at the Holborn and Clapham sites.” Last December, Propel revealed Simmons Bars had completed the refinancing of its banking facilities with OakNorth. The expanded £5.5m facility further strengthened Simmons Bars’ balance sheet and supported its new site opening programme. This facility was expanded further to £7.5m in May 2023 to increase the group’s growth funding available, with an uncommitted accordion facility for a further £5m also put in place. It said: “FY23 represents another record set of financial results for the group, and this is despite some significant headwinds, in particular persistently high inflation, the cost-of-living crisis and transport strikes. While the macro-economic challenges faced in the period have continued into the next financial year, the directors remain optimistic the group will continue to demonstrate its resilience across economic cycles and in the face of market challenges.”

Franchisee increases profitability through new Costa pricing system following ‘short-term relief’ from parent company, in talks for new drive-thru locations and ‘better properties in existing towns’: Costa franchisee Sim Trava said it has increased profitability in 2023 through a new pricing system after having received short-term price pressures relief from its parent company. It is also currently in talks for several new drive-thru locations and for “better properties in existing towns” in a bid to increase Ebitda. “Due to the erosion of our margin from the increased price pressures forced on us by Costa and the economy in general, in mid 2022 we entered into discussions with Costa to attempt to resolve these issues and redress the balance to allow our margins to return back to historic percentages,” director Simon Vardy said in the company’s accounts for the year to 31 December 2022. “This has resulted in some significant short-term relief from Costa, which was much appreciated, as it acknowledged there was an issue with the balance of profitability in the model. In 2023, Costa has implemented a new pricing system that gives us much better control of individual store profitability, and has increased the price of products, taking them back in line with competitors and inflation. We have started to see the benefits of this in 2023 and should get back to pre-covid levels of Ebitda in 2024. As a group, we are still looking to grow our portfolio and are in discussions over a number of new drive-thru sites. We are also actively negotiating new leases and/or moving to better properties in existing towns to increase Ebitda. This has been done in Northwich, where moving 100 yards to a better location has reduced property costs by around £110,000 and increased turnover by 40%.” It comes after the 17 new north west stores Sim Trava acquired over the winter of 2021-2022 contributed £8,436,284 of turnover for the period. This saw overall turnover rise from £14,202,245 in 2021 to £23,312,311. But a pre-tax profit of £1,037,119 turned into a loss of £689,306 and Ebitda fell from £1,914,971 to £1,432,636 as costs rose by almost £4m. No government grants were received compared with £1,010,953 in 2021. It was the first full year of Sim Trava operating as purely a Costa franchisee after exiting other loss-making operations. The year also saw the plug pulled on a loss-making partnership with M&S. Vardy said: “We also had the introduction of the M&S range of products in May 2022 – this was not successful and has now been reversed. The margin impact in increased food costs and waste due to forced product drops at the launch of the M&S range, and for the three months of unchecked forced supply, cost the group around £650,000.” Dividends of £225,000 were paid (2021: £252,000). The accounts are for Sim Trava’s 31-strong north west estate, with its nine north east stores operating as a separate entity. Sim Trava features in the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database – the first time that profiles of 100 of the top food and beverage franchisees have been available in one place in the UK. This exclusive new database was sent out for the first time in August to Premium subscribers and will be sent out again bi-monthly, including new entries and updates to existing entries. 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.

Miss Millie’s Fried Chicken to open first new Bristol site in over 30 years: Bristol-based brand Miss Millie’s will open its first new site in the city in over 30 years later this autumn. The 11-strong business is set to open on St Augustine’s Parade, just a few doors along from the Bristol Hippodrome, and will be the first site in the city to showcase Miss Millie’s new brand, instore design and menu. Miss Millie’s has been operating in Bristol and the south west for over 30 years. The brand was originally created by Harry Latham and his daughters back in 1988. In 2019, the family sold the business to its new owners, and since 2020, Miss Millie’s has opened new stores in Southampton, Yate, Weston-super-Mare, Wellington and Eastbourne. With at least three more new stores planned to open in 2023, including its third forecourt store in Newquay, with Motor Fuel Group. Carl Traill, managing director for Miss Millie’s, said: “We are delighted to be opening this new Miss Millie’s store in Bristol, the home and birthplace for the brand. Bristolians have been enjoying Miss Millie’s chicken for over 30 years, and we are excited to introduce a new generation to the brand with some exciting new menu items. In July, we celebrated Miss Millie’s 35th birthday, and it feels very poignant to be able to open a new store right in the heart of Bristol in this 35th year.” The new city centre store will be operated by the same franchisee who currently operates Miss Millie’s in Staple Hill, and who has been working with the brand for over 15 years.

 

Safestay CEO – perception of hostels is changing as more consumers look for value for money and convenience: Larry Lipman, chief executive of hostel operator Safestay, has told Propel the perception of hostels is changing as more consumers look for value for money and convenience. Speaking following the company’s interim results where the business reported revenue above pre-pandemic levels, Lipman said the company was now providing a “real alternative option to hotels” and “there was everything to play for” in the market. He added: “Safestay is a strong brand with great sites in great locations. For example, in Pisa in Italy, you can walk from the airport to our hostel, and from there to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Not many other hotels and hostels can offer that. We are all about location, providing a high-quality experience and value for money. We’ve got a good geographical spread in terms of countries and we’re keen to add more sites. Everybody wants to get out and about again after covid and we’re seeing a real mix of people staying with us. In 2019, larger group bookings made up 38% of our revenue, and that’s now nearer 13%. We’re also working to attract school, colleges and universities back to us. We’ve invested heavily in our sites, making sure they are of the highest standard, and we’re working hard on the food and beverage offer. I think families and business travellers are seeing that, and that’s why we are attracting that demographic now. We are providing a real alternative option to hotels.” Looking ahead, Lipman said: “The second half of the year has started well and is traditionally better than the first, so we’re confident of what lies ahead. There’s still plenty for us to go after – in terms of market share and growing the business – and we’re in great shape to do that. There’s everything to play for.”

 

Cupp promotes Paul Tanner to MD: UK bubble tea brand Cupp has promoted Paul Tanner to managing director. Tanner joined the business as head of franchise UK in May 2022 and oversaw a period of rapid growth for the brand to circa 33 stores today. He was formerly an area manager with both Hana Group and Warrens Bakery, for which he was also franchise manager, and also spent three years as food and beverage manager for Wyevale Garden Centres. “Exciting news! I’m delighted to announce my promotion to managing director at Cupp,” Tanner said. “Cupp is more than a company; it’s a family. As we continue crafting delicious boba tea, I’m eager to lead our amazing team to new heights. Cheers to an exciting journey ahead!” The franchise brand, founded in 2012 by Lee Peacock, is aiming to reach 50 UK sites by Christmas and also has international ambitions. Propel reported earlier this month that it is holding talks with potential international master franchisees and could make its overseas debut by the end of the year.

 

Vaulkhard Group acquires freehold to two of its Newcastle city centre sites as it returns to profit: Vaulkhard Group, the Newcastle-based leisure firm, has acquired the freeholds to two of its Newcastle city centre sites as it returned to profit in the 15 months ending 25 December 2022. It turned a £290,786 pre-tax loss in the 12 months to 30 September 2021 into a £259,461 profit. This compares to a profit of £1,114,226 in the last full year not impacted by covid, ending 31 March 2019. Turnover and Ebitda both exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Ebitda increased from £573,000 to £1,388,494 (2019: £777,678) while turnover was up from £5,947,446 to £18,824,880 (2019: £10.2m). The group said while the accounting period saw a reduced impact from covid, it was still affected early on by the Omicron variant, which is “estimated to have reduced turnover by 20% to 25% compared with anticipated trading levels”. Director Oliver Vaulkhard, in his statement accompanying the accounts, said: “During the period, the group further invested into the core leisure estate and disposed of three non-core leasehold venues. Post year end, the group has continued with its strategy to acquire freehold trading sites and has purchased the freeholds of two of its trading sites in Newcastle city centre. As we approach the final quarter of FY23, the board believes that the group is well placed to overcome the challenging market conditions and the well documented inflationary pressures, including high utility costs, wage inflation and an overall increase in costs, The positive changes made by the directors during the period of the pandemic and beyond can now be seen to be taking effect and gives the board confidence as we look toward 2024 and beyond.” No government grants were received (2021: £598,308). Dividends of £396,500 were paid (2021: £637,000). Net assets increased from £13.9m to £15.2m, while a revaluation exercise saw an overall gain of approximately £1.1m.

 

Chotto Matte to open in Georgia, eyeing expansion to other European cities: Chotto Matte, the Nikkei cuisine concept founded by Kurt Zdesar, is to open a site in Georgia. The company will launch the venue at Central Park Towers in Tbilisi. The opening will be the tenth location for Chotto Matte, with the only other sites in Europe currently in London and Manchester. Chotto Matte Tbilisi will occupy a rooftop site in the building, set across two floors. Measuring 140,000 square metres, Central Park Towers is the latest five-star and multi-functional space from Orbi Group and Block Group. The complex – comprising two towers, 1,398 rooms and suites, concert arena, the largest casino in Georgia, a luxury shopping mall, spa and wellness centre, and numerous high-end restaurants – is set to open in May 2024 at the heart of Tbilisi’s commercial district. Zdesar, who launched Chotto Matte in London in 2013, said: “The Central Park Towers resort is set to epitomise modern luxury, revolutionising the landscape of Georgia, and setting a new standard in both aesthetic and experience. I’m thrilled that Chotto Matte will be a key player in this transformative epoch for the city. Expanding the brand’s European presence further is a key focus in the coming years, with plans for both Milan and Rome, and conversations surrounding many more of Europe’s most influential cities.” Central Park Towers will feature a 2,000 square-metre production kitchen servicing all restaurants in the building, split into zones that feature high-end restaurants, a “statement” café, a member’s lounge, cigar bar and a Georgian restaurant “that pushes the boundaries of Georgian cuisine”. Central Park Towers will also have a curated pop-up restaurant space that will invite internationally renowned chefs to stage their own residencies. 

Spinners begins roll out with £1.2m investment: Spinners, the competitive socialising concept, is to begin its roll out with the opening of a site in Plymouth next month, following a £1.2m investment. The business, which was founded by Jamie Bylett in Reading in 2021, will open in The Barcode in Drake Circus on 12 October. Spinners Plymouth will play host to a brand-new, innovative “clayshot” concept, where the classic British pursuit will be brought indoors. Situated on The Barcode’s lower ground floor, guests can choose between five clay shooting booths, five Duckpin bowling lanes and two darts oches. Operating over two floors, Spinners has a capacity of 150 and will open daily, from midday until late. The upstairs of the venue plays host to a private bar, which is available for events and exclusive use. Amy Trott, head of operations at Spinners UK, said: “Following the success of Reading, we’re delighted to welcome Spinners to Plymouth. Guests can expect unique games, such as the clay shooting game, which is the first of its kind. The reduced lane length and smaller pins and balls that feature in Duckpin bowling mean that there’s more rivalry to be had – we just encourage guests to keep it as healthy competition!” The business has also lined up an opening in the Touchwood scheme in Solihull. It is also thought to have openings in Northampton and Colchester lined up.

 

TGI Fridays appoints Steph Williams as people and culture director: TGI Fridays, the Hostmore-owned brand, has appointed Steph Williams, formerly of B&M Retail, as its new people and culture director. Williams previously spent 11 years as head of HR for B&M and had responsibility for delivering its people strategy to a team of 36,000 across retail stores and distribution centres. Williams will join TGI’s executive team, and the business said she will bring a “wealth of experience and a track record of success in the field of human resources and people development”. Julie McEwan, chief executive of TGI Fridays, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Steph to the TGI Fridays family. With Steph’s experience and background, we have no doubt that in partnership with the wider leadership team, she will excel and help bring the business and our people to even greater heights. We want TGI Fridays to be the best place to work, supporting our teams to deliver a first-class experience for our guests.” Williams added: “I’m delighted to be joining TGI Fridays at what is such an exciting time for the business. I look forward to setting out our strategy for further growing, developing, and engaging talent within the business, to make TGI Fridays the very best place to work.” Earlier this month, Hostmore announced that Alan Clark had informed the board of his decision to resign as chief financial officer and executive director to pursue other interests. Matthew Bibby, the company’s finance director, was appointed interim chief financial officer.

 

Team behind London’s Monopoly Lifesized experience expands Hasbro partnership with Cluedo concept: The team behind London’s Monopoly Lifesized experience is expanding its partnership with Hasbro by launching a similar Cluedo concept. Path Entertainment Group is set to transform the popular board game into a real-life, immersive social experience called Cluedo Lifesized. No launch date or venue has yet been confirmed, but the group is currently appearing at the IAAPA Expo Europe, and will next month appear at Brand Licensing Europe, looking to connect with operators to franchise and operate the brand’s experiences worldwide. Lifesized Monopoly, which opened in Tottenham Court Road in November 2021, has since welcomed more than 160,000 guests and has also launched in Saudi Arabia. David Hutchinson, group chief executive, said: “Monopoly Lifesized has enjoyed two very successful years in London already and has gone on to be successfully sub-licensed in the KSA, as we continue to rollout the experience internationally. From the start of our relationship with Hasbro, we’ve always felt Cluedo was a natural IP for us to explore. It’s innately theatrical, and combined with its nostalgic family favourite mystery origin, it’s the perfect brand for our team to play with and create a new thrilling, location-based entertainment concept. We’re very excited to bring this to life in an ambitious new lifesized concept.”

 

Joe & The Juice opens second Liverpool ONE site: Juice bar chain Joe & The Juice has opened its second site at Liverpool ONE. Following its concession at John Lewis & Partners, Joe & the Juice has agreed a deal with Grosvenor to launch in Paradise Street. The 1,800 square-foot unit joins more than 350 locations worldwide, offering its trademark health-centred menu. Sam Moloney, retail director at Joe & the Juice, said: “After the success of our existing café in Liverpool ONE, opening a second, standalone location was a step we took with confidence. We’re over the moon to have strengthened our presence in the destination.” Metis and Starka acted for Liverpool ONE. Prime Retail acted for Joe & the Juice.

 

Michelin-starred Somerset restaurant launches £125,000 fundraise to help it move to new home: Michelin-starred Somerset restaurant Osip has launched a £125,000 fundraise to help it move to a new home. The French-inspired restaurant, opened by chef Merlin Labron-Johnson in 2019, is currently located at 1 High Street in Bruton. It will next year move to 25 Kingsettle Hill in the same town, with the new site featuring a garden, living space, dining room and four bedrooms. Rewards such as a Maison Osip tote bag, a private dinner cooked by Labron-Johnson or dinner at the new Osiop are available to those who donate. At the time of writing, £12,199 had been raised on Kickstarter from 52 backers, with 28 days to go. Labron-Johnson said: “Since opening in 2019, Osip has developed into a restaurant that I am really proud of. We have so loved being right in the middle of the Bruton community, but it is time to move on – not far, I might add – to a larger space that allows us to enhance the Osip experience in every way. Taking the form of a country auberge, we will welcome guests to explore the gardens, tour the kitchen, relax by the fire for a post-dinner drink and stay overnight. The intention is that this will be an extension of my home, and showcase from start to finish of the craft, design and delicious food that I have fallen in love with of late.” The new Osip will also have a bigger wine cellar and more extensive wine list, curated with a focus on organic wines from small scale producers.

London craft sake brewery Kanpai to open new larger taproom and kitchen this weekend: London craft sake brewery Kanpai will open its new larger taproom and kitchen this weekend. Previously located in Peckham, Kanpai will launch its new premises, in Druid Street near London Bridge, on Sunday, 1 October – which is also World Sake Day. It will serve sake from ten taps as well as seasonal Japan-inspired cocktails, collaborative craft beers and Japanese spirits. There will also be a food menu of Japanese izakaya-inspired dishes prepared by Tai Nguyen, former head chef at Hakata and BoneDaddies, including sando, gyoza and udon. The brewery will also run tours each Saturday, plus hands-on experiences and events throughout the year. Co-founder Tom Wilson said: “The Kanpai team have crafted every inch of this brewery and taproom with passion, with many late nights to get it over the line, and we are very proud to put sake on the map in this huge elevation.” Fellow co-founder Lucy Wilson added: “World Sake Day is essentially New Year’s Day for sake – it’s the traditional start of the brewing year, so it feels serendipitous that this is our launch day. We’ll be cracking open a ceremonial barrel to mark the new beginning.”