Caravan starts discussions on funding options, current trading ‘strong’, confirms regional launch: Laura Harper-Hinton, co-founder of Caravan, the restaurant, bar and coffee-roasting concept, has told Propel that the business has begun discussions on funding options, as it confirmed it will make its regional debut in Manchester. She said the business, which operates seven eponymous sites across London, plus a flagship roastery, and the restaurant Vardo in Chelsea, had started discussions with Ashcombe Advisers about “what funding options we may have for the business in 2024-2025”. She added while there was no official appointment yet, it was “helping us with some modelling”. It comes as Harper-Hinton told Propel that current trading across the business is “strong, both in sales and conversion”. On the group’s most recent opening, she said: “Covent Garden is doing very well. We're very pleased with the first four months.” She was speaking after Caravan confirmed its first regional restaurant will open this summer. Propel revealed in January that the Active Partners-backed business had applied to open a site in the Goods Yard section of Manchester's St John's regeneration scheme, for its first location outside of London. The 10,000 square-foot site will now open this summer, offering 200 covers split over two all-day dining rooms, a bar, a private dining room with a turntable and private sound system, two outside terraces and a takeout coffee brew bar. Caravan will also establish its second dedicated coffee roastery, aiming to provide beans and specialist training to coffee shops and restaurants across the north of England. Harper-Hinton said: “We are so excited to be taking Caravan on the road to Manchester, but more importantly, we are really looking forward to spending more time in this incredible city. We've chosen a unique location that sits right next to the new Aviva Studios, behind the historic Granada Studios and right in the heart of a growing new district at St John's.” On further expansion, she told Propel: “We're looking to continue to grow in a mindful, yet ambitious way over the coming months. Further regional locations are definitely on the cards, as are other London locations.” Gillingham Bell advised landlord Allied London on the Manchester deal.

Liberation Group chief executive Jonathan Lawson to speak at Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference, open for bookings with 20% discount on tickets for Premium Club members: Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of Liberation Group, will be among the speakers at the Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference. The all-day conference takes place on Tuesday, 14 May at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. Lawson will discuss how the award-winning business has maintained its high standards while continuing to grow its mainland estate, the development of its bedrooms business as it targets a 700-bedrooms division, and the integration of the Cirrus Inns business, including its entry into the London market. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £395 plus VAT for suppliers. There is a 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club members. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places. 

Next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality to be released on Friday featuring 866 companies: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will be released to Premium Club members on Friday (15 March), at midday. Another 11 companies have been added to the database, which now features 866 companies. This month’s edition will also include 36 updated entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent results reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium Club members also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, produced in association with Virgate; the New Openings Database; the Turnover & Profits Blue Book; the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. All Premium Clubs members will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to five Propel paid-for events – The Excellence in Pub Retailing Conference (14 May), Social Media for Profit (18 July), the Talent and Training Conference (1 October) and Restaurant Marketer and Innovator (two days in January 2025). Operators that are Premium Club members will also be able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club members receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club members will be sent a dedicated monthly newsletter that will highlight key updates in the sector and direct subscribers to all the vital content their membership offers. Premium Club members also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel group editor Mark Wingett and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

Last week for bookings for Propel Chicago study tour 2024, new operator visits announced: A deadline of Friday (15 March) has been announced for the 2024 Propel Chicago study tour, which takes place between Saturday,18 May and Monday, 21 May. Trip organiser Myles Doran said: “Those who want to attend need to confirm their places this week.” The trip’s itinerary includes a wide range of restaurant, bar, speakeasy, and nightclub tours, where delegates can explore and learn about the hottest concepts in the city. The trip now includes a visit to Ennismore’s Hoxton hotel in the heart of the Fulton Market District, one of Chicago’s most creative neighbourhoods. Delegates will take in Cabra, the hotel’s Peruvian inspired rooftop restaurant, and Lazy Bird, which is its speakeasy bar tucked away in plain sight. The tour will also visit the team at Virgin Hotels to see Cerise, which is its rooftop cocktail lounge and nightclub perched on the 26th floor. Also added to the itinerary is Fogo De Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse brand that is taking the US by storm and features an open-air churrasco grill in the heart of the dining room where guests can watch Gaucho chefs practice the art of churrasco as they butcher and grill a variety of fire-roasted meat. Delegates will be treated to a masterclass of its latest format, which is unique and awe-inspiring to experience first-hand. Also on the itinerary is a full day at the National Restaurant Association Show, featuring more than 2,000 exhibitors. The itinerary also features a pizza making masterclass at Uno Pizzeria & Grill – the restaurant that created the deep-dish pizza – as well as a study tour of the Fulton Market and two hosted dinners. Propel managing director Paul Charity said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable insight into the trends and concepts that are shaping the US hospitality market, which will no doubt provide fresh ideas and inspiration for delegates.” The single occupancy price is £3,500 and twin occupancy is £3,250 with the price also including flights, three nights’ accommodation, transfers, and a welcome drinks reception. For more information or to book, email myles@hospitality-inc.co.uk or call 07710 783485.

Jerry Brunning – in nearly 45 years of being a publican I have never known a harder economic climate: Jerry Brunning, co-founder of Brunning & Price, has said that in nearly 45 years of being a publican he has “never known a harder economic climate”. Brunning co-founded Brunning & Price with Graham Price, with the 14-strong business subsequently sold to The Restaurant Group in a £32m deal in 2007. He is currently gearing up to open his fifth site under his Pubs Ltd vehicle – The Druid Inn in Gorsedd, North Wales – later this month. In a 1,500-word opinion article that appeared in full in Friday’s (8 March) Premium Club Opinion, he wrote: “The business pays more tax now than it ever has and we get less for it than we ever have. It now seems that councils spend their time trying to work out how to charge for things. The classic is rubbish collection, which was included with the rates when I started but is no longer. Or perhaps I'd like to talk to someone – oh no, you can't do that. Mostly you can't talk at all, some, such as planners, will do so only if you pay. I can't talk to HM Revenue & Customs so I have to pay my accountant to answer queries instead. I'm harassed by tedious, ill thought-out administrative tasks from all sorts of regulatory bodies that eat up our office time and seem to be mostly concerned with covering the instigators behinds. Energy, a very big cost for us, is the highest I have known and everything else seems to be going up in sympathy. Wages too are at their highest with the government pushing up national insurance and pension costs as well as massive jumps in the minimum wage. I was looking at one of my first profit and loss accounts from the early 1980s – wages were at 20%, now they run at more than 40%, which is shortly to go up yet again. The breakeven of the average pub is now so high that only busy pubs can survive.” A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

London hospitality and music venues welcome mayor's off-peak fares trial: Hospitality and music venues in London have welcome the mayor's off-peak fares trial. The three-month pilot will see pay as you go fares on the Tube and railways across the capital and parts of the south east stay off-peak all day on Fridays. Freedom Pass and 60-plus holders will also be able to use their passes all day on Fridays. It is aimed at supporting economic growth by encouraging more people back into the office, and the city, on a day that is currently quieter than other weekdays. Amy Lamé, London’s night czar, said: “We’re committed to doing all we can to support our hospitality industry, and I’ve no doubt our Let’s do Fridays initiative will encourage even more people to come into London during the day and stay on to make the most of everything our capital has to offer at night.” Simon Champion, chief executive at Boxpark, said: “We love that coming out to visit us has just become that much easier and we very much look forward to working on future projects to keep London as a world class night-time city.” Jeremy Joseph, owner of G-A-Y and Heaven nightclubs, added: “We need to see as many initiatives as possible to support our hospitality venues, which are facing tough challenges – with duty too high, landlords increasing rents and the cost-of-living crisis.” Jeff Horton, owner of The 100 Club in Oxford Street, said: “This is a much needed shot in the arm for the night-time industry and for business in general – every bit of help is needed in encouraging people to visit our fantastic city more frequently in the evening as well as during the day.” Dominic Madden, co-founder of Electric Brixton, added: “The Off Peak Friday initiative will encourage more people into London on Fridays, which can only help venues and the hospitality sector as people stay out after work.” Lohan Presencer, executive chairman of Ministry of Sound, said: “We know the impact that seeing more people in the office on a Friday can have in encouraging them to go on to bars and clubs at night.” Cameron Leslie, director of Fabric, added: “Encouraging more people into our great city on Fridays will undoubtedly help boost venues and the hospitality industry as a whole as people stay out after work.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a drinks business that is seeking a head of on-trade. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The business has been operating for more than 15 years. It has a small range of products but is launching six new ones this month – growing the portfolio with the current alcohol trends in the industry. This company also has exceptional growth plans. As the head of on-trade, you will be responsible for managing and executing all sales strategies at a senior level within the business. You will be directly responsible for revenue growth, expansion of the business and developing the market presence, growing a sales team in line with the business growth strategy. You must have fantastic links into large national pub and restaurant groups along with a network of on-trade senior leaders.” The salary is up to £80,000 and is a nationwide position. For more information, email mark@corecruitment.com.

Buns From Home to grow estate by 25% in next four weeks, hires Stuart McNamara as FD: Buns from Home, the independent London bakery brand, is to open three new sites in the next four weeks, increasing its estate by 25%, Propel has learned. It comes as Buns from Home hires Stuart McNamara, formerly of Cote and Flat Iron, as its new finance director. The group will open its “lucky” 13th site in Thayer Street, Marylebone, tomorrow (Tuesday, 12 March), as well as sites in Hammersmith and Victoria in the coming weeks. At the same time, McNamara joins Buns from Home from Flat Iron, where he spent five years as finance director, having also held the same position at Cote for two and half years. Buns from Home’s leadership team has grown since the initial appointment of chief executive Shereen Ritchie, and now includes John Brooks as operations director and Claire Kennedy as people director. Ritchie told Propel: “We took a long time searching for someone like Stuart. We wanted someone who could lead our financial strategy and stewardship as we expand the business, and someone who we thought was a like-minded human who understood the finer details of hospitality outside of the finance function. We have no room for boring at Buns, and Stuart isn’t. He’s going to hit the ground running; we’ve got three new openings in the next four weeks. We’re amazed and delighted by the reaction we’ve had to our openings – Londoners want more buns, and we’re very well-placed to serve them.”

Dubai-based doughnut brand set to head to UK: Dubai-based doughnut brand La Donuteria is set to head to the UK. La Donuteria was founded seven years ago when Peter Stranak, an investment banker travelling the word for his work in finance, discovered a shop on a trip to New York that would always have long queues outside, come rain or shine. Upon realising it was a handmade doughnut bakery, “the cogs in his entrepreneurial brain started turning”, and he now has circa 31 stores across Europe and the Middle East. The majority are in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, while the brand is also “coming soon” to Austria, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and Abu Dhabi. “Attention all doughnut aficionados, the moment you've been waiting for is finally here,” said Gene Astell, a franchising specialist at Infinity Business Growth Network. “La Donuteria, the undisputed champion of mouth-watering treats, is about to make waves across the UK, with our very first franchise signing on the horizon. The excitement is only just getting started, and we're here to turn up the heat in the UK doughnut scene. La Donuteria is already being hailed as the Starbucks of doughnuts – just like Starbucks revolutionised the coffee game, we're poised to do the same for doughnuts. Join us as we embark on this epic journey to bring a little piece of doughnut heaven to every corner of the UK.”

Bagel Factory set to open eight sites in 2024, indicates it reached profitability in 2023: Bagel Factory, which is owned by Cremonini Group, one of the largest European food operators, has revealed it is set to open eight sites in 2024 and remains on track with its plan to have a 38-strong estate before the end of 2025. The openings by the company, which operates 24 sites in the UK – 18 of which are company owned – include further sites in London – in Westminster and at Baker Street station. The details were revealed in Bagel Factory’s accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022, which also said the business has launched a new loyalty app and invested in its e-commerce site. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “During 2023, the company opened a further five sites – Ealing Broadway, Luton airport, Southampton West Quay, Covent Garden and Liverpool Street station. Two further units are in the process of being opened – at Westminster and Baker Street station in London. The shareholders have developed and approved a strategic plan with the aim to take the company to a different level with the opening of eight stores in 2024 and six in 2025. To support this plan, the company has invested further development in the e-commerce site and has launched a new loyalty app to increase and retain the customer base and enhance service and product offer. The app features a new rewards programme and click-and-collect experience. The business plan, which outlines an expansion plan reaching 34 stores at the end of 2024 and 38 stores at the end of 2025, with strong focus on enlarging sites portfolio, improving profitability, and controlling food and labour costs, is on track.” It comes as the business reported turnover from company-owned sites increased to £3,057,465 for the year ending 31 December 2022 compared with £1,593,155 the year before. Pre-tax losses were up to £604,029 from £518,032 the previous year. It indicated that its most recent full year, 2023, had seen it reach profitability although it has not provided detail. The company did not receive any government grants (2021: £184,899). No dividend was paid (2021: nil).

London immersive lawn bowls business launches new croquet concept: The founder of a London immersive lawn bowls business has launched a new croquet concept. Christopher Scrivens co-founded The Bowls Club London, near Waterloo station, in 2022, offering “a 21st century twist on the quintessentially British sport of lawn bowls with delicious cocktails, exquisite street food, live music and entertainment”. He has now co-founded The Croquet Club London, “an electrifying spin on the quintessential British summertime game” with live music, fine cuisine and classic cocktails. “The Croquet Club is more than just a game – it's a celebration of summer, camaraderie, and the joy of living,” said Scrivens. “So, dust off your whites and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of British summer – with a twist. Launching this summer in London – stay tuned for more details.”

Aubaine reports current trading ‘above expected levels’ as it sees full-year losses increase: Aubaine, the all-day French restaurant and bakery business, has said trading in its current financial year is “above expected levels”. It comes as the company, which now operates five sites in Central London after closing its Covent Garden restaurant in May 2023, reported turnover increased to £7,788,218 for the year ending 26 March 2023 compared with £6,532,326 the previous year. Pre-tax losses rose to £1,185,838 from £311,434 the year before. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “The financial year ended 26 March 2023 was a challenging period of unprecedented inflationary cost pressures on food and beverage ingredients and utility costs. The increase in minimum wage and staff shortages, coupled with a cost-of-living crisis and continuous industrial rail action, made trading difficult. Despite this the group managed to increase like-for-like revenue by 24.8%, by focusing our efforts on our guests needs and providing them with affordable indulgence. Sales momentum has continued into the current financial year with trading performance above expected levels, confirming the constant appeal of our restaurants and customers' desire to continue to go out. The investments we have made in marketing mainly our social media and digital platform, have shown strong results. Aubaine culture contributes significantly to the success of the group. We have great people and great people make a great business.” The company did not receive any government grants (2022: £142,179).

Market Place plans central London opening: Food hall concept Market Place is planning to open a central London site, near St Paul’s. The four-strong concept is understood to be working on an opening at 150 Cheapside, which will include eight food and beverage kiosks and pool tables. The business, which was founded in 2020 and is led by Blake Henderson, currently operates sites in Hounslow, Peckham, Vauxhall and Harrow. It currently works with circa 55 independent, international street food traders across its four sites. Last summer, the business reopened its original site in Peckham – a 250-capacity space that spans five indoor seating zones and ten street food traders. Current Market Place vendors include the likes of Little Tokyo, Los Tacos, Mr Schwarma, Pepper Spice, Argentinian Grill, The Duck Shed and Made in Puglia.

Pub company formed by Kirkstall Brewery and Five Points Brewing founders acquires lease of Sheffield site from True North Brew Co for second venue: All Points North Pub Company – the joint venture pub company set up by Kirkstall Brewery founder Steve Holt and Ed Mason, founder of Five Points Brewing and Whitelock’s Ale House, has acquired its second site. The company has acquired the lease of The York in Sheffield from True North Brew Co. The York is a free-of-tie Victorian public house in the Broomhill area of Sheffield. The pub will showcase Kirkstall and Five Points beer alongside guest Sheffield craft and independent breweries, drinks and food suppliers. Mason said: “We are delighted to be spreading our wings to Sheffield and for The York to be joining our growing portfolio of pubs. Kane [Yeardley] and his team at True North have done a great job of establishing The York as a welcoming and popular pub in Broomhill and we look forward to building on their achievements.” Holt added: “Ed and I believe in running friendly, welcoming pubs with an emphasis on a wide range of well-kept beer and a quality food menu – respecting the pub’s history, supporting local suppliers and providing a warm welcome to a diverse range of the local community.” Yeardley said: “We are thrilled to be handing over the ropes to All Points North Pub Company. The York has a very special place in our hearts and we're confident it will do a fantastic job. Welcome to the Sheffield pub scene.” All Points North Pub Company will be keeping on the existing team, and will continue to trade the pub before a refurbishment planned for this summer. The York pub follows on the heels of its recent acquisition of the lease of the grade II-listed Victoria & Commercial pub in Leeds city centre, which is due to reopen in the autumn following a refurbishment. Mason told Propel there were no other imminent openings this year but the plan is to grow the estate “when the right opportunities come along”. He said the aspiration was for two a year over the next few years. Holt recently added the North Brew Co brands to his growing portfolio of beer brands. In July last year, True North Brew Co put the leasehold of The York on the market along with two freehold opportunities – The Milton Arms in Elsecar, Barnsley; and The Norfolk Arms in Grenoside, Sheffield – through agent Fleurets.

Azzurri Group announces 10% reduction in carbon emissions: Azzurri Group, the hospitality investment platform, which operates ASK Italian, Zizzi, Coco di Mama and Boojum, has said it has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by around 10% across its business while expanding its estate. Launching its third annual Sustainable Dining Report, the Steve Holmes-led business said that it had achieved a reduction in carbon emissions of 9.7%, driven by “strategic developments” in its supply chain. The company said its “first-of-its-kind for the UK hospitality sector” circular food waste initiative contributed to a significant improvement in waste management. The initiative, in partnership with Bio Collectors, collects restaurant food waste in London and converts it into biogas and fertiliser to support wheat growth. The wheat is harvested by ADM Milling to make flour that’s used in 200 ASK Italian and Zizzi restaurants – creating a “traceable, closed loop supply chain”. The business said it also achieved its target of using 100% widely recyclable takeaway packaging across its ASK Italian and Zizzi brands, resulting in new purchasing guidelines for buyers and suppliers. The company has transitioned takeaway pasta bowls from recyclable plastic to paper-based packaging – eliminating 48 tonnes of plastic from its supply chain every year. By redesigning takeaway pizza boxes, the company said it had also cut more than 145,000 square metres of cardboard – equivalent to 16 football pitches. At the same time, it improved its food distribution, cutting more than 140,000 food miles. ASK Italian and Zizzi cut 75,000 food miles by partnering with Best Food, while Coco di Mama optimised its delivery strategy, saving 66,000 food miles. Each of Azzurri’s brands made significant contributions to local communities, donating more than £120,650 to support charities. The company said the Zizzi in Leeds and Coco di Mama in Reading achieved SKA Gold Certification this year, bringing the total to three sites with further scheduled for the coming year. Improvements made at Zizzi's Leeds branch lowered its carbon footprint by reducing energy usage by 31% and diverting 100% of waste materials away from landfill. Holmes said: “We remain fully committed to becoming net zero across our operations and supply chains by 2040, to reduce food waste by 15% by 2030, and to ensure that all out-of-restaurant packaging is widely recyclable by 2025.”

Hard Rock Cafe postpones plans for York opening: Hard Rock Cafe has abandoned plans to open in York’s Coney Street, but said the city remains an “important market” for the brand. The company, which currently operates six sites in the UK and Ireland, and more than 60 worldwide, was set to open a site in an empty unit previously occupied by TK Maxx. North Star Developments had submitted a planning application for the venue, as well as a 64-bed hotel, to the City of York Council last year. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the plans would have included a restaurant, shop, bar and coffee shop area, as well as the hotel. It would have created 100 jobs at the Hard Rock Cafe and ten more at the hotel. The firm did not give a reason for its decision to opt out of the Coney Street plans, but said it was still interested in York as a location. A statement from Hard Rock Cafe said: “Hard Rock International will unfortunately not be opening a Hard Rock Cafe with business entity North Star at 48 Coney Street. However, York remains an important market for Hard Rock International, and there is a vested interest in opening an outlet in York.” Last month, Propel reported that Hard Rock had closed its site in Glasgow. The company posted on social media that the site, which is located in Glasgow city centre in Buchanan Street, “would not be operating at this time”. The restaurant and bar opened in 2013.

Jean-Michel Orieux joins Tamweel advisory panel: Jean-Michel Orieux, the former managing director of Paul UK and chief executive of Ping Pong, has joined the advisory panel of Tamweel, the boutique M&A advisory firm. Most recently, he was appointed chief executive of the Argyll Club, the premium workspace group. He currently sits on the board of Comptoir Libanais and provides advisory services to support businesses in their growth, transformation and international plans. He joins an advisory panel that includes JKS Restaurants chief executive Jyo Sethi, Gymbox and Fair Game founder Richard Hilton, Draft House founder Charlie McVeigh, as well as marketing expert Ann Elliott. 

We Do Play launches new Putt Putt Social concept in Gloucester, includes first You Me Sushi location in Gloucestershire: We Do Play, which is also behind trampolining concept Flip Out, has launched its new Putt Putt Social concept in Gloucester, which includes the first Gloucestershire location for You Me Sushi, the London restaurant and takeaway brand. Formerly called Putt Putt Noodle, Putt Putt Social features an elevated fine dining, drinking and music offer alongside its crazy golf competitive socialising element. The site – in the former Primark store in Kings Walk – follows Putt Putt Noodle launches in Bedford, Norwich, Poole and Telford. The new venue features nine-hole courses inspired by “the beauty and buzz of the Far East”. You Me Sushi, which has circa 25 locations including four others with Putt Putt Social – offers sushi rolls, nigiri, katsu, dumplings and more, while Putt Putt Social has a range of cocktails, including bubble tea specials and large sharing drinks. The venue sits alongside We Do Play’s recently launched Laser Quest at the same site and also has themed music nights with guest DJs. We Do Play co-founder Richard Beese said: “Gloucester will be the first city that we have launched Putt Putt Social in. It's a concept that my team is really proud of. The combination of competitive socialising, fine food and drink and music – what more could you want from a night out?” Propel reported earlier this month that We Do Play is also planning to launch the concept in Coventry, in the former TJ Hughes branch at 98-100 Lower Precinct. 

McDonald’s launches new personalised inclusive uniform: McDonald’s has launched a new personalised inclusive uniform that allows staff to wear the clothes “they feel most comfortable in”. The company has announced a uniform trial that will give workers the option to wear beanies, bucket hats and bandanas – as well as jeans, chinos, denim skirts and even joggers, reports the Daily Mail. Employees can “create a personalised uniform that best reflects their own identity” and have the choice between classic and tailored fits to ensure that “all preferences are catered for”, McDonald’s said. This will be the time the chain has made changes to its uniform since 2016, which McDonald’s said is in response to employee feedback to ensure it is “modern, inclusive and functional”. The new uniform will be trialled in selected restaurants in the next few weeks ahead of a full launch in all UK and Ireland restaurants next year. It is understood that each item designed will be fully recyclable. McDonald’s will also launch new versions of religious headwear and maternity wear in the near future, with improved comfort and style, incorporating feedback from multi-faith groups within the business. James Thorne, chief people officer, McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, so I’m really excited to get their feedback on what we think is a fantastic range. The collection will give team members the opportunity to really create a look that reflects who they are – while still absolutely looking and feeling like part of the team. Combined with the fact that the collection has been designed with the circular economy in mind and is made from recycled or sustainable materials – it’s a collection that we know our people will feel proud to wear.”

Vegan Shack ends Boxpark Croydon residency, exploring expansion opportunities in Manchester: Vegan Shack has ended its residency at Boxpark Croydon but is looking for a new company-owned site in London while the business is also exploring expansion opportunities in Manchester. Vegan Shack, which was launched in Manchester in 2019, joined the line-up at Boxpark Croydon in November 2022, but in an update to investors confirmed it has now left. The company stated: “Our time at Boxpark Croydon has come to an end but not to worry, the plan was always to leave once we can. We are currently on the hunt for a new site but we want our own unit. We’re looking for the right size, the right price and the ‘right’ location. This won’t be quick but it’s important we don’t rush this process as we don’t want to make the wrong decision and face the same fate that so many in our industry are facing right now.” Meanwhile, the company, which operates sites in Collyhurst and Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester, said it is exploring further expansion in the city. “We’re currently viewing units in north and south Manchester,” Vegan Shack said. “Feel free to get in touch if you see any sites you think Vegan Shack would thrive in.” Last summer, Vegan Shack closed a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube, to help it develop delivery kitchens and “test new cities”, after raising almost £200,000. 

Rooster’s acquires fellow Harrogate brewery: Harrogate-based Rooster’s Brewery has acquired Daleside Brewery, which is located in the same Yorkshire town. To facilitate the acquisition and enable future growth, Rooster’s has raised a “substantial” amount of new capital from a private investor. Daleside will continue to operate as a separate company with its existing team of staff. The operation of the Daleside business will, in due course, transfer and fill spare capacity at the Rooster’s brewery in Hornbeam Park. However, the two businesses will continue to trade separately within their respective markets. Sean and Alison Franklin founded Rooster’s in 2011 before selling it to Ian Fozard and his sons, Tom and Oliver, in 2011. Daleside Brewery was founded in 1991 by Bill Witty, who passed away in 2007, while current managing director Eric Lucas, who joined the brewery in 1993, is retiring. Ian Fozard said: “We are delighted to enable the Daleside business to continue beyond Eric’s retirement. We know the business and the team well and, with only a few miles between us, have helped each other countless times out over the years. In addition, my son Oliver, Rooster’s head brewer, did his apprenticeship and cut his teeth in the world of brewing at Daleside in the early 2000’s, while I was also a good friend of the Daleside founder, Bill Witty.” Eric Lucas added: “I’m delighted that the long-term future of Daleside Brewery, its team and its brands have been secured and will remain in Harrogate with the highly respected and acclaimed Rooster’s Brewery.”

Sticks‘n’Sushi partners exclusively with Deliveroo: Japanese premium restaurant group Sticks‘n’Sushi – in which McWin, the backer of Gail’s and Big Mamma Group, recently acquired a majority stake – has partnered exclusively with Deliveroo. Sticks‘n’Sushi will be available on the platform across all 14 of its UK locations. It has opened five new stores since first partnering with Deliveroo, including three delivery only kitchens in Central London, “leveraging insights from Deliveroo to select prime locations and optimise delivery services”. Since its opening in 2019, its restaurant in the King’s Road has seen a 106% increase in delivery orders, making it the busiest Sticks‘n’Sushi store for Deliveroo. Anders Kjørup, chief operating officer at Sticks‘n’Sushi, said: “We are excited to continue our good collaboration with Deliveroo and embark on this exclusive partnership, a pivotal move that aligns perfectly with our vision to bring Sticks‘n’Sushi's exceptional dining experience directly to our guests’ doorsteps. We look forward to this venture, believing it will bring a new level of convenience and excellence to our service.” Carlo Mocci, chief business officer Europe at Deliveroo, added: “We are thrilled to strengthen our already successful partnership with Sticks‘n’Sushi, and we look forward to bringing Sticks‘n’Sushi favourites to even more customers exclusively through Deliveroo.”

Subway franchisee secures five-figure investment to expand in Liverpool area: Subway franchisee Locally Owned has secured a five-figure investment to expand in the Liverpool area. The company has received the funding from NPIF River & GC Microfinance, which River Capital manages in partnership with GC Business Finance as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. The funds have been used by Locally Owned to secure a new site in Fazakerley and revamp the building. Michael Peasgood, director of Locally Owned, said: “We're grateful to River Capital and the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund as we embark on adding a further store to our Ormskirk location. By increasing our presence, we are not only ensuring further success for ourselves but can provide more options to our communities while creating new jobs.”

Master Wei team opens second London site: The team behind Master Wei, the concept from one of the co-founders of Xi’an Impression in Highbury, north London, has open its second site in the capital, in Tower Hill. Propel revealed in August last year the team had secured the ex-Gourmet Burger Kitchen site in Tower Place. Now the master Wei team has launched Dream Xi’an, which like its sister site focuses on focused on Shaanxi cooking, reports Hot Dinners. Co-founder and head chef at Xi’an Impression, Wei Guirong, opened Master Wei in Bloomsbury in March 2019. Fellow Xi’an Impression co-founder Zhang Chao is behind Xi’an Biang Biang, the noodle-focused concept in Spitalfields and Covent Garden. Ben Martin, of Etch, acted on the Tower Hill deal.

Sam Harrison confirms April opening for Sam Kitchen’s site in Chiswick: Sam Harrison has confirms his new Sam Kitchen’s site in Chiswick will open next month. The 40-cover cafe, which will also have several outside tables, will open on the site previously occupied by Sam’s Larder, at 59-61 Turnham Green Terrace, fully opening on Tuesday, 2 April following a soft launch. Harrison, whose other Sam’s Kitchen site is in Hammersmith, said: “I couldn’t be more excited to open our second Sam's Kitchen, in Chiswick. I'm often told how much our old regulars from Sam's Brasserie still miss our breakfasts, and with our first Sam's Kitchen in Hammersmith proving so popular, it just made sense to bring it back to where it all started for us. Chiswick has lots of great options already, so we're certainly in good company, but I feel Sam's Kitchen really stands out with the quality of our offering. My hope is that Sam's Kitchen will become a beloved go-to spot for breakfast and brunch just like Sam's Brasserie was all those years ago.” Breakfast dishes will include: Brixham crab crumpet with brown crab butter, poached egg and hollandaise; and toasted banana bread with whipped coconut cream and tropical fruits. Lunch options will feature pork schnitzel with crispy sage, Caesar dressed leaves, anchovy and cacklebean egg; and Brindisa chorizo with jalapeño and honey butter cornbread, charred corn salsa and mojo verde.

The Alchemist expands London footprint with Victoria opening: Bar and restaurant brand The Alchemist has expanded its presence in London after opening its new site in Victoria. The company has invested £1.8m fitting out the 4,858 square-foot venue in Grosvenor Gardens, opposite Victoria station. Propel understands The Alchemist is in advanced talks on a site in the City, and that it is looking at further opportunities to expand in the capital. At the same time, it is actively searching for a second site in Berlin after the success of its debut site there. Last month, The Alchemist set out plans to open ten new sites over the next three years after securing a £15m loan from OakNorth. The new funding will aid The Alchemist’s expansion plans and refinance existing debt. The Palatine-backed, Simon Potts-led business operates 24 sites in the UK along with its Berlin venue.