Half of UK’s hospitality businesses would cut jobs and cancel investment if business rates relief ends: Half of the UK’s hospitality businesses would cut jobs and cancel investment if business rates relief ends, sector trade bodies have warned. A joint survey conducted by the British Beer & Pub Association, British Institute of Innkeeping and UKHospitality revealed the impact a return to full business rates would have on the sector. The survey showed 76% would experience lower profit and 54% would reduce their employment levels, risking job losses. The survey also revealed 51% would cancel planned investment and 28% would have to close at least one site. The trade bodies united to write to the chancellor Rachel Reeves with a common ask for support to be extended at the Budget through a lower, permanent and universal level of business rates, as a bridge until full reform of the system is delivered. The letter sounds the alarm that, despite strong consumer demand to support the sector, profit margins are being eroded by an unsustainable tax burden and rising costs. They warn that the end of relief would worsen an already perilous situation, with the average pub set to lose £12,000, while a high street restaurant could see its business rates bill increase by £30,000. In a joint statement, the trade bodies said: “This is a stark reminder of what faces our pubs, brewers and hospitality venues if business rates support isn’t addressed at the Budget. Many cash-strapped pubs, brewers, bars, restaurants and cafes, to name a few, would simply be unable to survive their rates bills quadrupling. Not only does inaction risk half of businesses having to cut jobs and cancel investment, but it also means a quarter would have to consider closing at least one site, which might be their entire business. This worst-case scenario outcome would rob towns and cities of vital community hubs. With the right investment and support, the beer, pub and hospitality sector has enormous potential to create more jobs, drive economic growth and regenerate our high streets. Across hospitality, we are united in our ask to the chancellor to continue business rates support through a lower, permanent and universal level of business rates or an extension of the current relief, while full reform of the system takes place.”

Premium Club members to receive updated segmented Multi-Site Database with 3,264 operators and 21 new companies on Friday: Premium Club members are to receive the Multi-Site Database on Friday (1 November), at midday. The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,264 multi-site operators and is now searchable in seven main segments. The database features 961 (29%) operators from the casual dining sector, 784 (24%) pub and bar operators, 548 (17%) cafe bakery operators, 445 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 267 (8%) hotel operators, 204 (6%) experiential leisure operators and 54 (2%) fine dining operators. It is updated each month and this edition includes 21 new companies. Premium Club members also receive access to five additional databases: the New Openings Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who's Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Clubs members will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events including Restaurant Marketer and Innovator (two days in January 2025) and Excellence in Pub Retail (May 2025). Operators that are Premium Club members are also 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.

Government could make it easier for tied pubs to sell beer from local breweries: The government is considering making it easier for tied pubs to serve independent, local beer as the chancellor Rachel Reeves looks for ways to boost the sector. A Treasury source said Reeves was considering ways of “expanding access to pubs for the small brewers”, and could announce some form of consultation with the industry in her Budget, reports The Guardian. The source said the government wanted to give pubs “greater flexibility to buy beer from local small breweries to help bring in more footfall, expand choice for drinkers and support local breweries”. Policies would still have to be put forward as legislation. The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates said brewers’ inability to sell to local producers was a major problem “across the sector, even in so called ‘free house’ pubs who are technically free to buy from whoever they choose”. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said on X: “The best way to deliver this is through a cut in pub business rates – make it cheaper to get a local beer served with fantastic hospitality than order it online to drink at home.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a spirits brand that is seeking a head of sales. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The head of sales will develop and execute sales strategies to expand the brand’s presence with national retail groups, on-trade accounts, and other key partners, foster and grow relationships with major on-trade and off-trade customers, including wholesalers, retailers, and hospitality groups, and collaborate with agency partners to ensure consistent growth and alignment with brand objectives across all channels.” This is a remote national position and offers a salary up to £75,000. For more information, email mark@corecruitment.com.

Hush Collection appoints advisors to explore options for Haché concept: Hush Collection has appointed advisors to explore options for its London premium burger concept, Haché. The Ed Standring and Jamie Barber-led business is working with advisors Interpath on an accelerated sales process for Hache, which operates sites in Balham, Clapham, Chelsea and Kingston. The business changed its strategy on the concept a couple of years ago, with the focus placed on larger sites. This led to the disposal of two small Hache sites in Shoreditch and Clapham, which were more exposed to increases in its cost base. A spokesperson for Haché told Propel: “Following the sale of two of our sites last year, we have received considerable interest in our remaining sites and as such, we have recently appointed advisors to help us explore our strategic options in relation to them.” The process for Haché has no impact on the group’s Cabana brand, which currently operates three sites in London and two in Saudi Arabia. Interpath declined to comment. 

Glendola Leisure reports 8.5% sales growth in 2024, plans £50m Belfast hotel project and further expansion: Alex Salussolia, managing director of Glendola Leisure, has told Propel the company has seen an 8.5% increase in sales so far in 2024. Looking ahead, Glendola aims to add two or three sites to its cluster approach in UK cities next year, as it plans a major £50m hotel development in Belfast. Glendola Leisure currently operates 17 sites, while its sister company, Carlton Hotels, manages 11 four-star properties, including two in the UK. Combined, the companies generate a turnover of £100m. The Belfast project follows last June’s acquisition of Carlton’s 11th hotel, the Banks Antwerp, acquired for approximately €9m. Salussolia also updated on Glendola’s “eco-conscious” venue, Well & Boot, which is set to open at London’s Waterloo station. The 3,500-square-foot space will accommodate around 150 people, showcasing Glendola’s commitment to sustainability with initiatives to minimise packaging and waste. “Everything we do is entrepreneurial,” Salussolia said. “We seek locations where we can operate long-term with stability against changing consumer trends. Our focus is on bespoke concepts that endure, adapting with each new project.” Glendola’s strategy includes building clusters in cities where it operates. “We had to close sites on the south coast and in Manchester due to covid-19, a reminder of the challenges faced by the hospitality industry,” Salussolia said. “For now, we’re focused on growing in locations where we have an established presence. In Belfast, we see the opportunity to develop the land surrounding our existing site into a hotel, representing a £50m investment, pending planning approval.” Looking forward, Carlton Hotels is considering a new hotel addition in the Benelux region by 2025 and Salussolia aims to expand Glendola by two or three retail sites if the right opportunities arise. “It’s challenging to find locations that will evolve for the next 20 to 30 years,” he added. Reflecting on trading performance, Salussolia said. “After a record 2023, we’re up 8.5% year-to-date. We expect this growth rate to moderate towards year-end, projecting a 5%-6% overall increase. In entertainment-rich city areas, trade has picked up, though office-dominated locations haven’t fully rebounded.”

GSG – Nord performing beyond expectations, exploring expanding concept through private catering: GSG has told Propel that its Nord restaurant is “performing beyond expectations” and that it is exploring expanding the concept through private catering. The group, which is behind Bold Street Coffee along with several other north west concepts, opened the Scandinavian-influenced all-day restaurant in March last year in Liverpool’s The Plaza building. In May of this year, Nord was added to the Michelin Guide, which praised its menu offering “plenty of variety”, food that is “carefully executed by the kitchen and doesn’t lack for flavour” and a “cheery and chatty service team”. GSG co-founder Matt Farrell told Propel: “Launching a new concept in the hospitality sector amidst its current state can be risky. However, John [Ennis, co-founder] and I have full confidence and belief in Nord as a concept, as well as the product that Daniel Heffy (the Secret Diners Club founder who is a partner in the venture) has collaborated to create. Nord has surpassed expectations as a new concept, demonstrating outstanding performance. While we’re not currently considering a rollout plan, we are exploring an exclusive private catering solution. This service, led by our executive head chef, will provide individuals with the opportunity to enjoy Nord cuisine in the comfort of their own home, for weddings and various other celebrations. However, if the right opportunity, location, or space presents itself, it’s something we would definitely consider exploring.” GSG earlier this month opened its first pub, The Hightown in Lower Alt Road, Hightown, Liverpool. The company is also behind five Bold Street Coffee locations, two salt Dog Slims bars, speakeasy cocktail bar 81, tequila bar El Bandito, Caribbean cocktail bar Manolo and the Duke Street Food & Drink Market – all across Liverpool and Manchester.

JD Wetherspoon rebuts Investors’ Chronicle article clarifying misconceptions about founder and Brexit stance: JD Wetherspoon has rebutted inaccuracies in a recent Investors’ Chronicle article, clarifying misconceptions about its founder, Sir Tim Martin, and its Brexit stance. The company emphasised its “balanced” coverage of the Brexit debate in its Wetherspoon News magazine and explained financial losses during the pandemic despite government subsidies. Wetherspoon said the article on Wednesday (23 October) repeated the myth that Wetherspoon was named “after a teacher” who said that Sir Tim would “never make it”. Wetherspoon again stated the company was named after a teacher “who struggled to control the class – just as Sir Tim struggled to control the first pub”. The article also said he “visited pubs anonymously with a hygrometer” in the early days of the company, which Wetherspoon said was untrue. The company added: “More importantly, the article says, with regard to the 2016 referendum, that Sir Tim ‘plastered his pubs with……biased articles in the pub chain's free magazine’. In fact, unlike most mainstream newspapers, Wetherspoon News published articles reflecting views on both sides of the referendum debate. The Investors' Chronicle also says Wetherspoon ‘lost £210m between 2020 and 2022 despite receiving government subsidies of £377m’. This is a confusing statement – pubs were closed for long periods during the pandemic. Furlough payments covered most, but not all, employment costs, but clearly did not cover rent, interest and a plethora of other business costs. Therefore, all pub and restaurant companies inevitably made substantial losses ‘despite’ receiving furlough payments. The article contained other inaccuracies, falsely linking, for example, the resignation of long serving non-executive directors to Sir Tim’s stance on the referendum.” Sir Tim said: “The accusation that Wetherspoon News was biased cannot be sustained, since it clearly featured arguments for and against Brexit and urged readers to make up their own mind – unlike, for example, the Financial Times, a sister publication of Investors' Chronicle, which adopted an entirely pro-remain stance.”

Welsh Subway franchisee takes on brand’s original two flagship stores in the country, targets having 25 sites by 2030: Welsh Subway franchisee William Evans has taken on the brand’s original two flagship stores in the country and has targeted having 25 stores by 2030. Evans, a former professional rugby player with Moseley RFC and Newport RFC, has built his portfolio to five stores across Cardiff and Newport over the past five years. The franchisee, who was forced to give up rugby following a couple of neck injuries, has now taken on two more stores in the Welsh capital. “I’m not quite sure where to start, but the last two months have been challenging to say the least,” he said. “However, I’m excited to announce that we’ve taken on the two original flagship stores in Wales: Duke Street and St Mary’s Street, Cardiff. My team and I are looking forward to transforming these stores, both aesthetically and operationally. After minimal improvements over the past 15 years, we’re eager to turn these locations into real statement stores in the heart of the capital. Speaking of transformations, our store at Spytty Retail Park has had a complete overhaul. Proud to share it’s the first store in Wales with the Fresh Forward 2.0 design, and the second in the UK.” Evans has also received plaudits locally for opening up on Christmas Day for the last two years to help feed those who are struggling, as well as helping put together care packages for the homeless in the run up to the festive season. 

Team behind Madre to bring Norwegian burger concept to UK: The team behind Mexican taco restaurant and bar concept, Madre, is gearing up to open the first UK site for Norwegian burger concept, Doug’s Hamburgers. The concept, which currently operates three sites in Norway, will make its UK debut in Manchester’s Circle Square, before the end of the year. Earlier this year, the team behind Madre opened new venture, Medlock Canteen in the South Tower, Deansgate Square, in Manchester’s Owen Street. The restaurant is inspired by “down-to-earth American diners and Parisian bistros with a menu centred around dishes you know and love to eat”. Madre, which is from the founders of the Liverpool restaurants Belzan and Volpi and London’s Breddos Tacos, opened a permanent site in Manchester last summer, in the city’s Chorlton Street, as part of the Kampus scheme. The Madre collaboration started in 2018, when Belzan founders Sam Grainger, Owain Williams and Chris Edwards hosted a collaboration event with Nud Dudhia and Chris Whitney, of Breddos Tacos in Liverpool, which sold out in less than an hour.

EL&N makes Austria debut with sixth opening inside a month: Cafe and lifestyle brand EL&N has made its debut in Austria, in Vienna – its sixth opening within a month. The opening, in the Austrian capital’s Westfield Donau Zentrum scheme, marked its entry into its 14th territory and its 40th site overall. It follows openings in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, India and Newcastle over the past month. The brand made its debut in India, with an opening in Mumbai. The business, which signed a franchise partnership with retail conglomerate Reliance Brands last year to launch in India, opened a site at Jio World Plaza, in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex. Founded in London in 2017, EL&N made its debut in the north east with an opening in Newcastle earlier this month, at Fenwick Newcastle, located in the beauty hall on the ground floor of the retail store. New territories under consideration for the brand are thought to include the US, Japan, India and further parts of Europe, while in the past few months, it has signed to open new sites in Holland, Berlin, Lebanon, Cambodia and Malta.

Smoky Boys lines up Islington opening to expand London presence: Barbecue and grill restaurant concept Smoky Boys is to increase its presence in London, with an opening in Islington. Propel understands that Smoky Boys has secured the former Dirty Martini site at 74 Upper Street. Earlier this year, the business opened its 11th site, at the Southside shopping centre in Wandsworth, south London. Founded in 2015 by Sharif Rahman and Hiron Miah, Smoky Boys offers guests a fully halal menu, serving barbecue and grill meat dishes. Brandon Elmon, of Genius1 Group, acted on the Upper Street deal.

Moose Coffee to open eighth site: Moose Coffee, the American diner-influenced cafe company, is to open its eighth site, and third in Manchester. The business, which was founded by Nick and Kathy van Breemen in 2006, has acquired the former General Store unit at Manchester’s Media City, for an opening before the end of the year. Moose Coffee also operates sites in the city’s York Street and Piccadilly. The company also operates four sites in Liverpool, plus one in Leeds’ Bond Court. The business said: “We’re excited to be opening this November in the heart of Media City. We can't wait to become part of this vibrant community and bring the Moose experience to a whole new crowd. This opening is extra special for our 18th year! We’ve got some exciting things cooking.”

Academy hit by venue closure: One of Britain’s largest music venue operators suffered a significant drop in admissions last year after safety concerns forced it to close two major premises temporarily. Academy Music, part owned by music behemoth Live Nation, operates 18 venues across the UK, from Bournemouth and Bristol to Newcastle and Glasgow. The Sunday Times reported that last year Academy Music put on 2,500 shows, including Little Simz, and Maisie Peters, for which it sold just over 2.3 million tickets. But this was down from 2022, when 3,000 shows sold nearly 3.1 million tickets. As a result, Academy Music Holdings’ revenue fell from £75m to £61m, and its profit from £8.1m to £1.6m. The fall was largely attributed to the temporary closures of the O2 Academy Brixton in London and the O2 Academy Sheffield. The Brixton venue was closed in December 2022 after two fans died in a crush at a sold-out concert by Afropop artist Asake. The venue reopened in April, after approval by Lambeth Council, and has since hosted shows by Janelle Monáe and Arcade Fire. The Sheffield venue is still closed after a survey found the roof may include reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, a lightweight building material linked to risk of collapse. Academy Music did not respond to a request for comment.

Nottinghamshire pub operator Sean Reddington adds two sites to portfolio: Nottinghamshire operator Sean Reddington has added two more sites to his Reddington Pubs Company portfolio. Reddington – who is also the founder of learning and skills platform Thrive, which turns over £70m a year – has acquired the award-winning Tom Browns Brasserie in Gunthorpe, which has been closed since last month after nearly 40 years of service. The restaurant, which retained its two AA Rosettes for 2024, had originally been in the hands of the same family since opening in 1986. RedCat Pub Company, founded and chaired by Rooney Anand, acquired the site in 2022 but it was put up for sale earlier this year. A temporary closure was announced amid a change of ownership, with the restaurant closing on 2 September. The Reddington Pub Company has now confirmed it will be taking on the site, with plans to open in spring 2025. The company, which already owns The Old Vol in Caythorpe and The Reindeer in Hoveringham, has also announced the acquisition of The Anchor pub in Gunthorpe, reports Nottinghamshire Live. The Anchor will also be opening next year, with the new owner promising “cosy pub vibes” including homemade food and an events space. In terms of what will be on offer at Tom Browns, the Reddington Pub Company said in a social media post: “Picture a sophisticated wine bar, perfectly paired with the freshest sushi and oysters, alongside a seafood and steakhouse restaurant that celebrates bold, exquisite flavours. But that's not all! Tom Browns will also be a vibrant hub for live music and entertainment.” The Reindeer became the first Nottinghamshire pub to be awarded the Bib Gourmand accolade from Michelin earlier this year, recognising “good quality food at an affordable price”.

Dorchester Group pursuing opportunities to grow portfolio but falls to loss due to economic and inflationary pressures: Dorchester Group, which operates three London hotels – including The Dorchester – and several abroad, has said it is pursuing opportunities to grow its portfolio but fell to a loss due to economic and inflationary pressures. As well as The Dorchester, it owns two hotels each in Paris and Los Angeles and one each in Milan and Rome, and leases Coworth Park in Ascot and 45 Park Lane in London. The group also manages a luxury hotel in Dubai called The Lana, which it started operating in 2024, and has entered into an agreement to operate a hotel in Tokyo that is due to open in 2028. The company, which employs around 3,100 staff, also has two commercial properties in the US. “The group continues to be well placed in our existing mature markets in Europe and USA, as well as in other critical markets such as the Middle East,” chairman Dr Amin Liew Abdullah said in the company’s accounts for the year ending 31 December 2023. “This, together with our robust sales, marketing and revenue management strategies, and our proven ability to build compelling product offerings, will continue to help the group increase market share. Utility costs have increased significantly, driven by global geopolitical instability in Ukraine and the Middle East. Inflation has increased general operating expenditure. Furthermore a highly competitive labour market has added cost pressures. To increase the exposure and value of the brand in new and key world feeder markets, the group will pursue opportunities to grow the hotel portfolio such as through organic growth, acquisitions or third-party management contracts such as the ones achieved in Tokyo and Dubai.” It comes as the business reported revenue increased to a record £464,278,000 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £450,107,000 the year before. The group posted a pre-tax loss of £5,203,000 compared with a profit of £17,087,000 the previous year “as a result of reduced occupancy, inflationary costs, global economic slowdown, impairment losses on asset revaluation and the impact of the ongoing renovation at The Dorchester hotel”. During the period, the company entered into a £150m facility, with a five-year term, with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam for the purpose of funding the ongoing development of The Dorchester. The group’s hotel occupancy rate was 47% (2021: 51%), while average room rate increased to £1,131 from £1,042 and revpar fell to £527 from £531. No dividends were paid (2021: nil). 

Manchester Detroit pizza concept launches franchise programme: Manchester Detroit pizza concept The Dough Club has launched a franchise programme. The business launched earlier this year as a hole-in-the-wall concept in Manchester’s Queen Street. The Dough Club has now partnered with former Hero Brands, Chaiiwala and Doner Shack franchise director Nil Naik as it seeks to expand. “Since partnering with this amazing business 16 days ago, we have had an astonishing 98 franchise enquiries,” Naik said. “We are in deep discussions of signing our first three franchise partners (who are all wanting to secure three-plus locations), and two of them are existing franchise partners with other brands. So, what’s all the fuss about? Low food cost, super-efficient labour cost, operationally perfect (from point of placing order to receiving product in hand is a mere five minutes) and fresh products never frozen. It is highly adaptable and can operate from 350 to 1,000 square feet. Total investment including franchise fee is £120,000 plus VAT per location.”

Team behind Officina 00 to open third site: The team behind pasta workshop and restaurant concept Officina 00 is set to open a third site. The business – which was founded by Elia Sebregondi, former Bone Daddies head chef and sous chef at Kiln, and Enzo Mirto, ex-general manager of Mexican restaurant Ella Canta – is set to open later this year in a newly developed space at 8-10 Dryden Street in London’s Covent Garden, reports Hot Dinners. Officina 00 launched in London’s Old Street in 2019, followed by a second site, in Fitzrovia, last year. Earlier this year, it launched a range of cook-at-home Neapolitan pasta kits called Casa 00, a no-subscription service with a seasonally changing menu.

Kent Korean barbecue concept set to open third site: Kent Korean barbecue concept The Korean Cowgirl is set to open its third site. The business, which has locations in Canterbury and Faversham, is poised to open in the former Chiquito unit at Eureka Park in Ashford, reports Kent Live. The Korean Cowgirl has submitted a licensing application to Ashford Borough Council for the site, which has been empty for four years. Owners The Restaurant Group shut the Chiquito site, which until 2005 housed the M20 nightclub, in October 2020. The Korean Cowgirl is from the team behind The Cave Hotel & Golf Resort in Faversham – where one of its restaurants is based. The Cave is co-owned by Johnathan Callister and James Tory, who opened it in 2019 following a £12m pound investment.

Exclusive Collection launches new fine-dining restaurant within Warwickshire’s Ansty Hall: Exclusive Collection, which operates eight luxury hotels and spas across the UK, has launched a new fine-dining restaurant within the grade II-listed Ansty Hall in Ansty, Warwickshire. Twine is led by executive chef Ryan Swift and looks to highlight fresh local ingredients. “We’re excited to introduce Twine to our guests at Ansty Hall,” said Swift. “Our menu reflects the craftsmanship of the Warwickshire region, with each dish designed to bring familiar flavours to life in unexpected ways.” Exclusive Collection was founded in 1981 by former managing director of Trust House Forte and Ciga Hotels, Guiseppe Pecorelli, with the purchase of Pennyhill Park in Surrey. He has since added Ansty Hall along with Fanhams Hall in Ware, Hertfordshire; Lainston House in Winchester; Royal Berkshire in Ascot, Berkshire; and South Lodge near Horsham, West Sussex plus The Castle Inn and The Manor House – both in Castle Combe, Wiltshire.

Essex bakery opens third site: Essex bakery Wilma’s has opened its third site. Founded by husband-and-wife dup Gemma and Will Jones in 2016, it first launched at 9-11 Broadway in Leigh-on-Sea before expanding to a second store, at 97 High Street in Rayleigh. Wilma’s has now opened in the former Wenzel’s unit at 119 High Street in Southend. Offering a range of cakes, cupcakes, coffee and paninis, the business has also expanded its offering, with kids’ paninis, savoury croissants and flapjacks all being trialled as part of an ever-growing menu. “I hope we can build the same way as our other two shops,” Gemma told the Southend Echo. “We believe in our products, and everything is made with love and care and attention. We provide a different offer to the usual and the mainstream.”

Macaron shop brand Ladurée set to launch second London site for its new cafe format: Macaron shop brand Ladurée is set to launch a second London site for its new cafe format, Ladurée Café. The first UK Ladurée Café, and only second overall following its debut site in Paris, launched at 216 Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill in April. Ladurée Café is now set to double up with a site at 51-52 South Audley Street in Mayfair, reports Hot Dinners. With room for eating in as well as takeaway, it will offer the macaron house’s signature lattes (topped with a mini macaron) alongside its cookies and finger patisserie, and a new savoury range including savoury croissants, club sandwiches and millefeuilles.

Artist and publican opens European-influenced bistro, wine and piano bar in Gloucestershire: Artist and publican Daniel Chadwick has opened a European-influenced bistro, wine and piano bar in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Chadwick, who has owned the Woolpack in the nearby village of Slad for 25 years, has launched Juliet – named after his wife – in Stroud’s Old Music Centre building, previously used as a factory producing the Chadwick Pizza Oven, a tabletop oven of his own design, reports Harden’s. The son of post-war sculptor Lynn Chadwick, he trained as an engineer and worked with star architect Zaha Hadad while also pursuing his own career as an artist. He acquired the Woolpack in 1999. Chadwick told the licensing committee of Stroud District Council that the building had represented “a very sorry entrance to Stroud” when he bought it in 2011. “I lovingly restored it,” he said. “I love the building and I love Stroud. The people we attract to Juliet will be gentle, nice people. We are not looking for crowds.” The menu at Juliet is inspired by small bistros in France and Italy, with a wine list featuring European artisan producers using low-intervention methods. The kitchen works closely with local farmers and butchers, following the seasons and featuring produce from Chadwick’s own walled garden at Lypiatt Park. The intimate piano bar features different pianists most evenings. 

Former UKHospitality chair and Merlin Entertainments CEO becomes non-executive chairman of live events business: Former UKHospitality chair Sir Nick Varney has taken on a non-executive chairman role at live events business, the NEC Group. Varney, who was chief executive at Merlin Entertainments from its inception in 1999 to November 2022, is also currently a non-executive director of Marston’s and a senior adviser to private equity firm Blackstone. “I am delighted to be joining the board of the NEC Group – this is a great business with a unique offering,” he said. “I look forward to supporting the team in delivering on its significant potential.” NEC Group chief executive Melanie Smith added: “We have ambitious plans to transform our site into the UK's entertainment and leisure capital. Nick’s deep expertise in the leisure sector will be invaluable as we execute our plans.”