Exclusive – Simmons to begin national rollout after securing Manchester site: Simmons Bars, the London cocktail bar operator, is to begin its national rollout with an opening in Manchester. Propel has learned that the Nick Campbell-led company, which is backed by Lonsdale Capital Partners, has secured The Botanist site at 78 Deansgate for an opening at the end of September. Simmons Bars, which operates 23 sites in the capital, said the move into Manchester was a “really positive step for the business” and that it was continuing to look at a number of further opportunities both in and outside of London. Campbell told Propel: “We’re excited to begin the national rollout of the Simmons Bars brand. Manchester was always first on the list for a location outside of London and we’re really happy to have been able to secure a great site in a great location. The venue holds a late licence (3am Thursday to Saturday), covers 7,500 square feet over ground floor and basement (with a further 2,500 square feet that is sublet to Point Blank), and sits right in the middle of a selection of great operators – Be At One, Roxy Ballroom, Wetherspoons and Slug & Lettuce.” Campbell said that despite challenging market conditions, trade has “remained resilient”. He said: “It has picked up nicely as the year has progressed. Our new spring/summer menu has recently launched, which included the expansion of our market leading ‘Happy Hour’; adding in offers on shot paddles and expanding the selection of cocktails in our two for one offer to our full range, all the while maintaining our entry price of £2.50 for a spirit and mixer. We are also in the process of developing our own Simmons Bars app that we hope to launch in the not-too-distant future.” Earlier this year, the company appointed Greta Kachkouche, formerly of Stonegate Group, Revolution Bars Group and Novus, as its new operations director. Richard Negus, of AG&G, acted on the Deansgate deal. 

 

Sponsored message – unlock a world of flavour and commercial growth with Santa Maria: Santa Maria is helping operators unlock commercial growth. A spokesperson said: “At Santa Maria, a world of flavour is always at your fingertips. From our extensive range of seasonings, spices and sauces to our condiments and carriers, there is so much to discover. Why juggle a long list of suppliers when you can streamline with just one? You can take comfort in knowing that our journey begins with understanding your needs, commercial priorities and aspirations – the full picture. Whether you’re looking to build ‘total solutions’ or optimise specific categories, we’re here to help. From our multi-use product range and culinary, marketing and category expertise, to offering hands-on product demos and development days. We transform the ordinary into the extraordinary with innovative ideas, dishes and food concepts that work across the seasons, trends and every daypart. Put simply, we work together with our out-of-home customers to create endless opportunities that drive operational efficiency and commercial growth. We’re also proud to be part of the global Paulig PRO group, ensuring our personal and dedicated approach to customer service – akin to an independently-owned business – is backed up with the scale and know-how of an international operation.” To find more, click here. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

 

Variety of pub and bar operators to feature in next New Openings Database being released to Premium Club members on Friday: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club members on Friday (7 June). The database will show the details of 238 site openings, including which company has opened a site or its plans to open one in the future. It will have details on what type of site it is and its location, and there will also be a website link to the businesses. The database is published on a monthly basis and Premium Club members will also receive a 14,643-word report on the 238 new additions to the database. The database includes new openings in the pub and bar sector such as Alpine-inspired beer hall, bar and restaurant concept, Albert’s Schloss, set to open in London’s Soho; Lina Stores launching its hidden aperitivo bar concept, Bar Lina, in Manchester; and the launch of George De Vos’ Goodbye Horses in London’s Islington. Premium Club members also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book; the Multi-Site Database, produced in association with Virgate; the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database; the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. Premium Club members also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book; the Multi-Site Database, produced in association with Virgate; the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database; the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. Plus, all members will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events including Social Media for Profit (18 July), the Talent and Training Conference (1 October) and Restaurant Marketer and Innovator (two days in January 2025). Operators 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 a supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

UKHospitality – pragmatic migration plans needed to reflect needs of businesses: Pragmatic migration plans are needed to reflect the needs of businesses, UKHospitality has said. With next month’s general election looming, Labour has announced plans to lower legal migration, while the Conservatives have pledged to cap the number of visas made available to migrants. In response, UKHospitality has stressed the need for an employment plan that meets the needs of the economy. “With more than three-quarters of hospitality’s workforce recruited from within the UK, our commitment to recruiting, training and developing our own is unwavering,” chief executive Kate Nicholls said. “While we recognise the need to control migration, this debate cannot be arbitrary and divorced from economic reality. There needs to be a serious debate about a pragmatic and stable employment plan that balances investment in skills and training, including reform of the apprenticeship levy, with sensible access to work visas. Additional reform of the Migration Advisory Committee to provide a link between skills development and industrial strategy would also be positive in meeting the labour needs of hospitality businesses and the wider economy.”

 

Labour warned of ‘unintended consequences’ of zero-hours ban: Labour has been warned that its plan to clamp down on zero-hours contracts could cause economically damaging “unintended consequences” for businesses. The Telegraph reported that hospitality and leisure bosses said the ban risked saddling them with needless paperwork that would make it harder to hire and expand. Stephen Burns, the chief executive of Hollywood Bowl, said a clampdown could make it harder for businesses such as his to attract staff. He said: “I’m not a fan [of the policy]. There’s quite a lot of businesses like ours that are very seasonal and rely heavily on team members who want that flexibility rather than forced hours that people can’t then commit to. At the minute, it’s really easy for somebody to start working, we ask them what hours they would like to work, and then we build our rotas around that by having the ability to have quite a few people on the books during those periods. When you’ve got contracts, you then lose that ability and you lose all the flexibility. And then you get all of these people who you’ve had to set up on a full-time contract or contracted hours that you know are going to work for you for three weeks over the October period. It’s a huge amount of extra workload.” Labour does not plan to outlaw zero-hours contracts completely and will allow companies to offer employees a choice to remain on zero-hours in a bid to make sure seasonal workers are not unduly affected. However, this in turn has left it open to criticism from union bosses this could leave scope for abuse by rogue employers. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “The key will be to make sure that the detail of the policy is right. Nobody wants to impose burdens on businesses that would cut across good employment practices.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment has a new role for an IT project manager/IT manager/head of IT for someone who comes from a restaurant, retail or leisure background. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The group has had tremendous growth and development, and therefore finds itself at the point to bring its IT function in-house and look at future strategy and development. Not only will you get discounts in store, but also private healthcare, employee benefit scheme and 34 days annual leave. Once the project is complete, you will be taking on a head of IT position within the business and starting to look at the long-term strategy and how IT and tech influences the business.” The role is based in London with a salary of up to £70,000. For more information, email hayley@corecruitment.com.

 

Exclusive – Netherlands-based Korean fried chicken concept seeking franchise partners as it eyes UK expansion: Netherlands-based Korean fried chicken concept Sojubar is seeking franchise partners as it eyes expansion to the UK, Propel has learned. Sojubar launched in Rotterdam in 2021, offering beer and soju (a Korean distilled alcoholic drink traditionally made from rice) alongside its fried chicken and other Korean dishes. It has since grown to four locations in the Netherlands and one in Belgium – in Antwerp – with a fifth Dutch location, in Breda, on its way. It has now partnered with Seeds Consulting to explore coming to the UK – either as a joint venture (JV) or a straight franchise. “We think Sojubar is a great fit for the UK market,” said Sojubar managing director, Feng Chen. “It is not just our signatory Korean fried chicken recipes that sets us apart from existing competition, but it is also the vibe that we create every day for our guests, which then invariably gets captured and shared on TikTok. Ultimately, our aim is to take our concept to all main UK cities, and we will be selective both in terms of partners and locations. The popularity of Korean cuisine has never been higher, due in part to the wider market demand for more culturally diverse dining experiences, but also specifically because of growing interest in Korean culture. The influences of Korean pop, dramas, and fashion have all naturally led to curiosity about Korean food, and thus a greater appreciation for the unique, fresh flavours of these dishes.” Seeds Consulting’s founder, Matteo Frigeri, added: “At Seeds, when taking on new clients, we look at the food, financials, scalability, trendiness and the people. Sojubar ranks incredibly highly on all these factors and we are delighted to support its fast growth in the UK and internationally. In the UK, we are open to both a JV or straight franchise with someone that wants to bring a truly innovative Korean concept to our market. In the Netherlands, the sites are packed every single day, even on a Monday evening in January. Sojubar combines excellent food with sleek aesthetics and vibrant entertainment, creating a relaxed atmosphere that has generated a massive social media presence and led to huge popularity largely through word-of-mouth. Not only that, but it also has exceptional operational prowess and genuine passion that is sure to be beneficial to any prospective franchisees.”

 

Big Table Group – Banana Tree delivering consistently strong like-for-like sales: The Big Table Group – the operator of Las Iguanas, Frankie & Benny’s, Café Rouge and Bella Italia – has told Propel that its 20-strong Banana Tree brand has delivered “consistently strong” like-for-like sales in recent months, and that it has provisionally signed on two new site leases for the brand. The company acquired the then nine-strong Banana Tree for an undisclosed sum in September 2022 and has since converted 11 of its existing sites, the majority Café Rouges, to Banana Tree. Kate Wilton, formerly of Stonegate Group, who was appointed the new managing director of the fast-casual pan-Asian brand earlier this year, told Propel: “We are really pleased with the strong performance coming from Banana Tree, with both the original and the conversion sites delivering consistently strong like-for-like sales in recent months. We have a fantastic team who are all excited for the future of the brand and this, together with our industry leading guest scores, give us great confidence in our plans for Banana Tree. There are a couple of conversions lined up for this year and I can now confirm that we have provisionally signed on two new site leases with a few more potentially in the pipeline for early next year.” At the end of last year, Big Table Group chief executive Alan Morgan told Propel that he believes the company can grow Banana Tree to a “Las Iguanas-sized business in 18-24 months”. Big Table Group currently operates 51 sites under its Las Iguanas brand. In March, Morgan said that the company expects to convert one of the single brands it acquired through the TRG Leisure division deal to a Banana Tree in the next couple of months. It comes as Banana Tree posted turnover for the 18 months to 23 October 2023 of £20,422,000 (12 months to 30 April 2022: £13,552,000), with adjusted Ebitda of £1,215,000 (12 months to 30 April 2022: £2,316,000), and a pre-tax loss of £182,000 (12 months to 30 April 2022: pre-tax profit of £1,509,000).

 

Chopstix – we see huge opportunity and considerable headroom for growth in travel hubs, FY turnover tops £51m: Fast-growing, quick service restaurant brand Chopstix has said it sees “huge opportunity and considerable headroom for growth in travel hubs” as it gears up to launch a further site with service area operator, Welcome Break. The new unit at Welcome Break Gretna Green Services A74(M), is the 18th Chopstix restaurant to open with the franchisee, and the third roadside location opened by Chopstix in 2024. The business said that strengthening the brand’s presence at travel hubs is a core focus and has already proven “highly effective at not only driving revenue, but also supporting the brand’s uplift in awareness”. Aaron Moore-Saxton, Chopstix franchise director, said: “We see huge opportunity and considerable headroom for growth in travel hubs, so I’m thrilled we’re opening another site with Welcome Break. Located on the Scottish border, where we know Chopstix is very popular, while catering to both sides of the A74(M), we agreed with Welcome Break that this was the ideal next opening for the brand.” It comes as Chopstix, which consists of more than 100 Chopstix sites, in addition to ten sites operating as Yangtze, and 27 sites under the Chozen Noodle brand, saw turnover for the year to 23 April 2023 reach £51,636,075 (2022: £38,675,537), with a pre-tax profit of £890,911 (2022: £3,819,279). The business said that maintaining strong sales and tight cost control during the period helped deliver a group Ebitda of more than £6.7m. Adjusted Ebitda for the period was £6m (2022: £7m). 

 

NQ64 lines up Leeds opening, founders back in day-to-day involvement of business: NQ64, the immersive retro arcade bar concept, plans to open a site in Leeds later this summer, while its co-founders, Andy Haygarth and Matt Robson, are back in more day-to-day involvement in the 12-strong business, Propel has learned. Robson told Propel that NQ64 is about to complete on a site in Leeds with the aim of opening it at the end of the summer. The business is also believed to be in legals on a site in Nottingham. It comes as Haygarth and Robson have moved back into the day-to-day operation of the business after the departure of chief operating officer Clinton Ghent, who joined NQ64, initially as operations director, at the start of 2022. Ghent joined the business after 11 years with Revolution Bars Group, where he was most recently brand operations director for its Revolución de Cuba brand. He was promoted to chief operating officer at NQ64 last April. For the year to 28 February 2023, the business reported turnover of £13,065,061 (2022: £6,614,376). Ebitda stood at £3.5m after adjusting for exceptional items of £1.2m relating to pre-opening costs of new sites and the costs incurred in raising £2.5m of bank funding. It reported a pre-tax profit of £1,519,168 for the year (2022: £1,443,855). 

 

Gerard Barnes succeeds Will Michelmore as St Austell chairman: Gerard Barnes, who has been a non-executive director at St Austell Brewery for 19 years, has succeeded Will Michelmore as chairman of the south west brewer and pub company. Michelmore has retired from the board after 27 years of service, 16 of these as chairman. Barnes, who has worked closely with him as vice chairman for past four years, has significant experience across the consumer healthcare and finance sectors. He is the co-founder and chief executive of Smart TMS, a provider of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for mental health conditions. He is also a chartered accountant and has previously held director-level roles at KPMG and Barclays. “I am honoured to be taking up the reins from Will,” Barnes said. “As the great-great grandson of St Austell’s founder, Walter Hicks, I am incredibly proud of our family business and excited to take on a leading role in its ambitious growth plans for the future. I look forward to working with Kevin Georgel, our chief executive, and his talented team as we seek to release the full potential of our business.” Georgel added: “Gerard’s vast experience has made him a great asset to our board for over 19 years. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new role during this exciting chapter for the business. I would also like to convey my own personal thanks to Will for his unwavering support and wise counsel.”

 

Popeyes UK launches AI powered drive-thru, lines up Birmingham site: Popeyes UK, the US fried chicken quick service restaurant (QSR) brand backed here by TDR Capital, is launching artificial intelligence (AI) powered drive-thrus following a successful pilot in Northampton. The trial is being extended to two further drive-thru locations, in Cardiff and Rotherham this month, as well as all future Popeyes UK drive-thru sites – with a view to expanding to all current Popeyes UK drive-thru sites by July. The business said that the innovation sees Popeyes become the first QSR in the UK to leverage AI at drive-thru ordering and is the first voice AI solution launched by any QSR brand in the UK. The company said the technology, which has been in testing at Popeyes Northampton drive-thru since the beginning of March, has delivered consistently successful results across its trial period. Following the pilot, Popeyes reported 97% order accuracy, zero customer complaints and higher scoring in its mystery diner records. During the trial, the AI system also learned to recommend meal combinations based on a customer’s preference and explain what’s in every product. David Carey, chief technology officer at Popeyes UK, said: “We believe this technology has the power to revolutionise the drive-thru experience for the better. We’ve worked closely with our Northampton restaurant to integrate the technology with ease, and we’re already starting to see the benefits that the drive-thru AI is having on our Popeyes team members there. The team has embraced the technology and is excited by the new freedom of not needing to stand at the order window. We're also currently looking at other ways AI can help the Popeyes team in the future, such as order forecasting.” Earlier this year, Popeyes UK announced plans to double its estate in 2024, opening more than 30 new locations by the end of year. The business currently operates 48 sites in the UK.

 

The Ivy Collection plans Canterbury opening: The Ivy Collection, the Richard Caring-backed restaurant brand, is planning an opening in Canterbury, Kent. The business is understood to be planning an opening in the cathedral city’s high street, in a building that formerly housed retailers Burton and Dorothy Perkins. Last month, Propel reported that the company was again eyeing an opening in Liverpool. The business has applied to open a The Ivy Brasserie at the former Bank of England site in Castle Street. Pre-pandemic, the company had been linked with an opening in the redevelopment of the Bank of Liverpool’s former head office in nearby Water Street. In March, the Sunday Times reported that at least ten sovereign wealth funds and family offices registered interest when serial sector investor Caring kicked off the £1bn sale of The Ivy Collection business earlier this year. Sources said that suitors included the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala, the UAE fund controlled by Manchester City football club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan. HSBC is overseeing the sale of Troia (The Ivy Collection’s parent company).

 

Sixes set to open in the Caribbean: Sixes, the cricket-based competitive socialising concept, is to grow its international estate with an opening in the Caribbean, in Trinidad and Tobago. Propel understands that Sixes, which last June secured investment from 4CAST Investment Group – that includes England international cricketers Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer – will open a site this summer in One Woodbrook Place, Port of Spain. The venue will become the company’s second overseas site, after it made its international debut in the US last summer, in Dallas. In March, the company opened its latest UK site, on the former Tanner & Co site in Bermondsey Street, near London Bridge. Speaking to Propel last November, Calum Mackinnon, co-founder of Sixes, said the company had had several hundred franchise requests, with the majority from the US. He also said the business hoped to add a further six new sites in the UK in 2024.

 

Itsu confirms new Paris flagship site, to further boost presence in London: Itsu, the healthy Asian food brand, has confirmed it will open a second site in Paris and revealed it will add to its presence in the City of London, with an opening in Fenchurch Street. In 2022, the company signed a franchisee agreement with French restaurant company Groupe Bertrand, which would see it open sites across France. It opened its debut site in France at the end of that same year in Paris, at 4 Avenue du Président Wilson. Itsu Opéra opens in Paris today (Wednesday, 5 June). Nick Shapira, Itsu partnership director, said: “Following the success of Itsu Alma we are thrilled to see Groupe Bertrand open a second location, Our eat beautiful menu will be available for takeaway and dine in, with more than 120 seats and stunning views.” On Monday (10 June), the circa 85-strong business will open in London’s Fenchurch Street. Speaking to Propel last month, Itsu founder Julian Metcalfe said the business has 15 sites in the pipeline and will start building its first sites in the Netherlands soon. Of the sites in the group’s pipeline, two will open in Oxford Street, while Propel understands that Itsu has also lined up an opening on the former Le Pain Quotidien site in Fish Street, near Monument station. Propel understands that Itsu is currently committed to opening three sites in the Netherlands – two in Amsterdam and one in Schiphol airport.

Greene King joins global sustainability initiative: Brewer and retailer Greene King has joined the RE100 global initiative, which brings together the world’s most influential companies to lead the transition to 100% renewable electricity. Companies joining RE100 must have made a commitment to go 100% renewable. This means the electricity used in Greene King’s pubs, breweries, head offices and depots is balanced by electricity generated from renewable sources. Greene King’s chief communications and sustainability officer, Assad Malic, said: “Joining RE100 is another step on our net zero journey, as we move ever closer to our 2030 emissions target. It adds to the sustainability work we are doing in the day-to-day operations across the business to improve our energy efficiency and reduce our scope 1 emissions, as well as working to improve sustainability within our supply chain and so reduce our scope 3 emissions.” The company’s new £40m brewery in its home town of Bury St Edmunds will significantly improve the sustainability of its brewing operations, while voltage optimisation is also being rolled out in 600 pubs across the UK. Greene King has committed to reaching net zero by 2040, a key part of which is reducing its scope 2 emissions, which are emissions that are created through the generation of electricity.

 

Tom Brown confirms closure of Michelin-starred restaurant Cornerstone: Chef Tom Brown has confirmed the closure of Michelin-starred restaurant, Cornerstone. Propel revealed in April that Brown was looking to relocate the restaurant, in London’s Hackney Wick, to a larger premises. Brown has now decided to close Cornerstone after six years of trading and focus on Pearly Queen, the oyster and fish restaurant he opened in Shoreditch in November. Citing the high running costs of a tasting menu concept, and changing tastes in diners’ preferences, he said his energy is best directed to his newest opening. “Cornerstone has been my proudest moment, and it still fills my heart with pride to reflect on what it represents for me, the people who have worked here, and those we have had the pleasure of serving,” Brown added. “As well as being my home for the last six years, it has been a place where I have had the privilege of working with some of London’s greatest talent, including James Toth and Kelly Cullen. Now, I’m excited about the future of Pearly Queen and what we’re doing there and exploring new projects in the future too.”

Blackstone in exclusive talks to buy Village Hotels: Private equity firm Blackstone is in exclusive talks to buy Village Hotels, reports Sky News. Village Hotels was put up for sale earlier this year with a valuation of about £850m. The development comes just days after Sky News revealed that Blackstone had tabled an offer for Village Hotels. CitySixth Street, another US-based investment firm, and Aermont, the majority backer of Pinewood Studios, were also interested in buying Village Hotels, which operates more than 30 sites across the UK, and is owned by KSL Capital Partners. Founded in 1995 as Village Urban Resorts, the hotels feature pub-style restaurants and gyms. KSL was reported to have paid £485m for Village Hotels when it bought it in 2014 from De Vere Group. Blackstone declined to comment.

 

Leisure climbing business Clip ‘n’ Climb set to open at London’s O2: Leisure climbing business Clip ‘n’ Climb is set to open in London’s The O2 this summer, marking the brand’s second site in London. The company, which operates more than 350 locations in 43 countries, will open a new 3,731 square-foot site featuring a vertical drop slide and 20 different climbing challenges for children and adults alike. There will also hold “mini mountaineer” sessions for toddlers, as well as dedicated special educational needs sessions. Richard Lucas Property Consultants acted for Clip ‘n Climb while Lunson Mitchenall represented The O2.

Edyn co-founder launches new real estate platform focused on development of lifestyle aparthotels: Eric Jafari, co-founder and former chief development officer of aparthotel operator Edyn, has launched a new real estate platform focused on the development and conceptualisation of lifestyle aparthotels. Aendre Group has launched with backing from newly formed private equity firm JuneX Capital Partners and co-investor New End. It aims to convert office buildings and hotels in London and European gateway cities into lifestyle extended stay hotels. Its co-founder is Chris Strong, previously Edyn’s head of UK & Ireland acquisitions. Jafari and his team were responsible for creating and launching the Locke brand before selling the platform to Brookfield in 2018. Under Brookfield’s ownership, it scaled the platform fourfold across Europe through the acquisition and development of real estate. Prior to this, Jafari was co-founder and managing director of Union Hanover Securities, where he oversaw a £400m development portfolio. “We intend on taking our experience and learnings to capitalise on the current market conditions and launch Aendre in response to evolving consumer needs that are not being met by existing brands,” Jafari said. “We have identified a number of gaps in the market and intend on creating a series of new scalable hospitality brands.” Strong added: “We seek to create spaces that attract locals and travellers with an opportunity to experience a better way of life. Coincidentally, these office conversions uniquely lend themselves to lifestyle extended stay due to their high-quality locations and relatively deep floor plates, which are challenging for traditional hotel layouts.” JuneX Capital Partners, set up by Benjamin Vedrenne-Cloquet and Régis Micheli, has just launched a €100m evergreen fund to invest in entrepreneurs in Europe, while New End is a London based advisory firm active providing support to private capital general partners.

 

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet East Midlands set to redevelop food court, to add Slim Chickens: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet East Midlands has revealed plans for the redevelopment of the centre’s food court, as part of an extensive multimillion-pound investment to “enhance the food and beverage, leisure and shopping experience for guests”. The redevelopment will welcome new operators to the scheme, including Slim Chickens, which is being rolled out in the UK by Boparan Restaurant Group, while fast-growing, quick service restaurant brand Chopstix will be returning with an improved fit out. Further names will be announced in the near future. The new and improved food offering will be complemented by increased seating capacity and a variety of seating options, and a new central circle bar. Construction is set to commence in June, when the restaurants within the existing food court are set to close. However, operators including PizzaExpress, The Restaurant Group-owned Wagamama, Five Guys, Costa Coffee, Starbucks and coffee roaster and retailer 200 Degrees will remain open.

 

Simon Shaw to close El Gato Negro in Leeds and launch new concept: Simon Shaw, chef-patron and creative director of the El Gato Negro and Canto concepts, is to close the El Gato Negro site in Leeds to make way for a new concept. The tapas bar and restaurant, which launched in Park Row in 2019, will shut on Sunday, 16 June. The building will reopen later this year, promising an “exciting new concept”. Shaw said: “As of June, we have made the decision to close the doors of El Gato Negro in Leeds. However, we are delighted to reveal that it’s not the end – our Park Row venue promises an exciting new concept. Until we close, we will continue to serve up the tapas you know and love, so please pop in one final time, to share a few small plates with friends and celebrate with us, as we embark on our new journey. We would like to thank all of our guests. We look forward to welcoming you to our new exciting concept later this year.” Shaw also owns El Gato Negros in Liverpool and Manchester, plus Canto Manchester, and the Black Cat Club pub, also in Manchester.

 

Vita Group sets out plans for second House of Social site: Developer Vita Group has set out plans for a second site under its House of Social concept, in Glasgow. The company plans to transform the derelict ABC building in Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street into a “vibrant destination food hall concept” with more than 400 covers and a large bar. The company said: “Moving from day-to-night, the hall will be brought to life with an active events calendar celebrating some of the city’s best music and entertainment as well as acting as a community hub. Above this, plans for this House of Social concept include homes for Glasgow’s second and third-year students who due to a lack of available purpose-built student accommodation and craving more independent living find their way into Glasgow’s private rented accommodation.” Vita Group is already planning to open a debut House of Social site in Manchester. The developer wants to build a 14-storey building comprising 576 student beds on the city’s First Street. It will also feature a 14,000 square-foot food hall on the ground floor. The food hall will feature a central bar and five independent kitchens. Earlier this year, Vita secured £91.5m from Cain International, the backer of Prezzo, for the Manchester development. On the Glasgow site, Max Bielby, chief operating officer for Vita Group, said: “Our aim is to regenerate this anchor site, bringing forward exciting plans that celebrate the city’s best independent food and minds.”

 

Chaiiwala confirms airport debut at London Luton as ‘one of many’ such sites: Indian street food franchise Chaiiwala has confirmed it will make its airport debut at London Luton and said it will be “one of many” such sites. Propel revealed in March that Chaiiwala would this summer open a unit at London Luton, as the airport looks to “reach beyond traditional airport food and beverage options” and explore “enhanced dine-in experiences”. Co-founder Sohail Ali has now posted to social media: “A huge milestone for the team. Excited to announce this one, the first of many airport stores.” Chaiiwala last month launched its 105th store worldwide with an opening at 18 Station Road in Hayes, west London. The business reached 100 stores at the end of 2023 with an opening in Brantford, Canada, and has a long-term target of 500 stores as it looks to grow in the US, Canada and Middle East as well as here.

 

Liverpool operator BoBo Group set to open third site: Liverpool operator BoBo Group is set to open its third site in the region. BoBo Chester will open in a 3,000 square-foot site in the Chester Northgate development, at Unit 9 in Princess Street, early next year – next to the new Chester Market and Picturehouse Cinema. The 120-cover Iberian-themed bar and grill will follow the launch of BoBo West Kirby in August 2023, and its debut site in Liverpool’s Castle Street, which opened in 2020. BoBo offers authentic Algarve charcoal cooking and drinks including traditional piri-piri recipes and homemade Sangria, with its all-day menus featuring sharing plates inspired by other traditional Portuguese and Spanish cuisine. Josh Moore, BoBo Group’s managing director, said: “We’ve long had an ambition to bring our take on Portuguese and Spanish food to Chester. It’s a historic destination city where the old and new sit comfortably together and which fits closely with our own values. Our dishes celebrate the rich heritage and culture of their origin countries, and we feel our bar and grill will be a perfect fit for Chester.” Steven Burgess, BoBo Group director, added: “BoBo is not about formal restaurant dining, it’s a good time venue, informal and relaxed. Those who walk through our doors can make of it whatever they will.” Burgess and Moore, former AA rosette chefs, previously set up and operated hospitality consultancy Lucky Penny Group together. They have also opened venues across the region such as Camp & Furnace and Love Lane Brewery, and most recently, Leveltap in Liverpool ONE.

 

Former BrewDog manager who helped open its first ten bars launches new football-themed craft beer pub in London: A former BrewDog manager who helped open its first ten bars has launched a new football-themed craft beer venue in London. Mark Hislop, who also worked in BrewDog’s first brewery and was manager of its first bottle shop, BottleDog in London, has launched The Volley at 211 Old Street. It aims to “redefine the football-watching experience” by “blending a love for the game with an unmatched selection of craft beer, gourmet viral burgers and sandwiches” – all in an inclusive setting. It will show all televised games across TNT, Sky, Amazon and terrestrial – from all women’s internationals and WSL games to all men’s domestic and international games. It is also planning live podcasts, pub quizzes, exhibitions, gigs and more. “At The Volley, we’re more than just a pub – we’re a community hub where football fans can come together to celebrate their love for the game,” Hislop said. “We wanted to create a space where everyone feels welcome, regardless of gender, background, or football allegiance. With our inclusive approach, we’re excited to bring people together over great beer, delicious food, and, of course, the beautiful game.” After six years with BrewDog in its early days, Hislop was business development manager at Redchurch Brewery for two years before leaving to open a nightclub in Tottenham called Five Miles. After three years, he left again to open the Exale Brewery and Taproom in Walthamstow, which he still operates.