Greggs CEO – we won't slow growth despite increased costs from Budget, warns over price rises: Roisin Currie, chief executive of food-to-go retailer Greggs, has warned the measures rolled out in the autumn Budget would put pressure on prices for customers, but they will not derail the company’s plans to grow across the UK. In an interview with Reuters, Currie said a rise in national insurance contributions and an increase in the national living wage would add tens of millions of pounds of costs to the company. But she said that would not result in any slowdown of the company’s growth plans, which currently see it adding around 150 shops a year to its estate, with hopes to reach an estate of 3,500 in the coming years. Greggs opened its 2,500th shop earlier this year and is targeting openings at petrol forecourts, retail parks and transport sites. The circa 2,600-strong Greggs was one of 75 UK retailers that last week signed an open letter to chancellor Rachel Reeves warning that increased costs for businesses could cost jobs and lead to higher prices. Currie said Greggs was likely to only put up prices by “pennies” and that its employee bonus, which shares 10% of profits with staff, was “absolutely sacred”. And on its growth plans, she said: “Our shop growth plan, our supply chain investment, none of that changes. We are still absolutely going for growth.” Greggs will open up to 160 net new shops in 2024, with a focus on outlets at petrol forecourts, retail parks and transport sites. Investment in two new supply chain sites in central England, due to open in late 2026 and early 2027, will mean Greggs can support a store estate of around 3,500. An analysis of UK locations where Greggs is either not present or is under-represented indicated scope for a store estate of more than 4,500, she said. The company is also leaning more on robots to keep costs down. A new production line at its Newcastle site alone will mean it can make up to four million more savoury items, such as steak, chicken and festive bakes each week, from its current ten million. Currie reiterated that expansion overseas was being considered, 16 years after an attempt to sell baguettes to the Belgians was abandoned, but there's no rush. She said: “There's so much growth in the UK, what we're not in the position of having to do is seek growth elsewhere.”

Sponsored message – Laine Pub Company partners with OpusApeiro to optimise security supply chain and prepare for future challenges: Laine Pub Company has appointed OpusApeiro to manage its third-party security supply chain. Lucy Bouldin, commercial manager of OpusApeiro, said: “Partnering with Laine Pub Company, a trailblazer in creating vibrant, progressive and inclusive pub experiences alongside its unique craft beer, allows us to support it as the pub landscape evolves with new regulatory and budgetary challenges. Poised to lead with innovative solutions, this dynamic partnership ensures a robust security framework and reinforces Laine's commitment to being safe zone saviours, a core value within its DNA. Following successful partnerships such as with Stonegate Group, supporting all third party labour supply, we aim to leverage expertise and our C247/Copia247 platforms to drive data-informed decisions. This will also include managing the upcoming re-tendering process, supporting ongoing regulatory adherence, and implementation of industry best practices with a focus on driving customer safety and margin protection. Its operation will be poised to thrive as lively gathering spots, inspiring the next generation to stay connected and come together to ignite the moment in their local Laine pub.” For more information about OpusApeiro, click here. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

Boparan CEO Satnam Leihal among speakers at Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit, open for bookings: Satnam Leihal, chief executive at Boparan Restaurant Group will be among the speakers at the Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Leihal will be part of a panel led by Propel group editor Mark Wingett that also features Graham Hall, chief development officer at Drake & Morgan, Lisa Buckley, chief retail officer at BrewDog, and Tas Gaitanos, co-founder of Brother Marcus, talking about their market outlook, focuses for 2025 and where they’ll be looking to innovate and evolve their brand. Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit is returning for its seventh edition, and tickets are now on sale. The event is a partnership between Propel and Think Hospitality, aiming to build a community, promote the sharing of ideas, recognise talent and define the future of eating out. Bookings are now open for the two-day conference as the centrepiece of the January event series, taking place on 21 and 22 January at One Moorgate Place in London. The conference will focus on technology, marcomms strategies, proposition, brand building, the latest market insights, digital developments and diversification of revenue streams. It is designed for customer focused chief executives, senior marketers, technology and innovation teams, as well as investors wanting to better understand the latest marketing, innovation and development opportunities to build market share and grow. For the full speaker schedule, click here. The pre-Christmas early-bird prices are as follows: a one-day ticket for operators is £295 plus VAT while a two-day ticket is £550 plus VAT. Supplier tickets are £395 plus VAT for one day and £700 plus VAT for two. Propel Premium Club members receive a 20% discount. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

Next UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database to feature 50 new entries: The next UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database will feature 50 new entries, when it is sent to Premium subscribers next month. The database has grown to feature 280 businesses since it was first launched with 100 entries in April 2022. The database includes UK companies offering a franchise and overseas companies either franchising here or looking to launch here through franchising. It includes contact details, a background to each business and details of its franchise offer. The 50 new entries, which cover the broad spectrum of food and beverage franchising in the UK, will bring the overall total to 330 companies. The database is sent to Premier subscribers every two months, including new entries and updates to existing entries. The next edition will be sent out at 12pm on Wednesday, 11 December. The new entries are: Ivan Ramen, iLunch, Captain D’s, SoBe Burger, Chicken & Blues, 92 Degrees, Little Bao Boy, Smoky Boys, Jones the Grocer, Bageterie Boulevard, Sojubar, Smashville, Oakberry, Champagne + Fromage, The Halal Guys, Gooey, Galito’s, Papa Ji, Cheat Daze, Marlowe’s, Chocoberry, Churros Locos, Pasta Evangelists, Pizza Rebel, Insomnia Coffee, HeyBoba, Cactus Jacks, 12th Street Burgers, Rico Burrito & Jimmy’s Burgers, Udderlicious, Side Street Burgers, Project Bun, Popeyes, The Souvlaki, CoffeeLab, Ben & Jerry’s, BeLeaf Juice Bar, Wolf, Bagel Corner, Mayfair House Group, Mikel Coffee Company, Salad Box, Incredible Ice Cream Co, Brunch & Cake, Freddy’s Chicken & Pizza, Gringo’s Nacho Factory, Rio’s Piri Piri, Mother Hubbard’s, Zambrero and Centenary Lounge. 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. 

Budget tax raid will put us off hiring, say bosses: Tax increases in the Budget have made it harder for businesses to “take a chance” on hiring people, the head of the CBI has said as the government prepares to announce big welfare reforms that aim to “get Britain working”. Rain Newton-Smith told business leaders that measures announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves last month are undermining the government’s mission to get people back into jobs. A CBI survey suggested that half of employers are looking to cut jobs since the £25bn increase in their national insurance contributions was announced. The poll of 266 companies also suggests nearly two thirds are now reconsidering recruitment plans. Newton-Smith said business will be key to getting the nine million working-age people who are out of the labour force back into work. She added: “Getting them back in and raising productivity are mission critical not only for growth, but for the well-being, the life opportunities of those people. However, the Budget just made it harder for firms to take a chance on people.” The government will announce its reforms today (Tuesday, 26 November) and will promise the biggest overhaul of employment support in a generation. Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, confirmed reports by The Times last week that people aged 18-21 would lose their benefits if they refused work and training opportunities. A new youth guarantee will ensure that every youngster has the opportunity to engage with skills or employment programmes but she said that they would “have a responsibility to take them up”. However, Newton-Smith said the Budget has left “so many” businesses holding off investment because the lowering of the threshold to start paying employers’ national insurance is “catching us all off guard”. She added the government has sent businesses into “crisis containment” and “damage control” through tax rises.

Calories on menus ‘fails to cut how much people eat in restaurants’: Calorie labelling on menus in England has failed to cut the amount that people purchase or consume, new research has suggested. The Daily Mail reported that a study found that the policy introduced for out-of-home food outlets with more than 250 employees in April 2022 made customers more aware of the energy content of their choices. But it did not significantly change the amount of calories people consumed and only 22% reported using the labels when making food selections. Study author professor Eric Robinson, a behavioural scientist at the University of Liverpool, said some businesses were not complying with the policy, “which of course may explain our results”. He said: “Our results may also indicate that a combination of strategies, such as improved business compliance measures, public education on calorie intake and clearer labelling, could be necessary to support healthier consumer choices.” The study gathered data from 6,500 people who were surveyed at 330 food outlets before and after the introduction of levelling. The team also noted the initial surveys were conducted shortly after covid restrictions eased, which may have influenced the results. Professor Tom Sanders, an expert in nutrition and dietetics at King’s College London, who was not involved in the research, said: “The takeaway finding from this study is that on its own mandatory calorie labelling is an ineffective public health measure to prevent obesity. This would support the view that calorie labelling alone does not motivate people to change their dietary habits. However, calorie labelling is useful for individuals who are motivated.” Professor Keith Frayn, emeritus professor of human metabolism at the University of Oxford, said calorie labelling “should not be seen as an end in itself, more as part of a package of measures”.

Half of Brits admit their meals are swayed by what they see online: Social media is feeding eating habits – with almost half of meal choices being driven by what consumers see online, according to Just Eat’s Food Trends Report 2024. The report revealed this year's eating habits are heavily influenced by TikTok, with half of the 2,000 Brits surveyed (49%) admitting their meals are swayed by what they see online. More than half (55%) even confessed to buying specific groceries after seeing influencers talking about them on social media. The report said 64% of orders on Just Eat are now vegan or vegetarian, with Greggs’ vegan sausage roll, McDonald’s McPlant Burger, and KFC’s vegan burger being among the most popular orders. While less than one in ten (5%) are vegetarians, a quarter (25%) of women have admitted to trying a “flexitarian” lifestyle, ordering meat-free options where they can. Food futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye also outlined her food trends for the year ahead, which will be “leaner and cleaner” – apart from the odd “little treat” in the form of coffee, pastries and bubble tea. Two thirds (62%) of those polled said they are trying to eat cleaner, rising to 69% in Bristol and Liverpool. Gaye predicted that immunity boosting foods will be big next year, with extra healthy ingredients being added to yoghurt and smoothies and fruit shots. Alcohol consumption will continue to decline in the under-40s and decadent desserts will be “frowned upon as excessive and wasteful”. Gaye said: “2025 is the year of the ‘conscious consumer’ – it’s going to be a time to protect ourselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually. We want convenience and more value for money, and we’ll see this reflected in the groceries we order and the restaurants we eat at.”

£1.25 a night Welsh tourism tax may start in 2027: A £1.25 per night tourism tax could be introduced in Wales from 2027, it has been announced. Guests at hotels, B&Bs and self-catered accommodation would pay the visitor levy if councils decide to introduce it in their areas. A lower rate of 75p would be charged for hostels and campsites. The Welsh government said the money raised would help fund services in tourism hotspots, but critics said it will deter visitors. The levy will be charged per person, per night, and will also apply to children. The plans require a piece of legislation – which was published on Monday (25 November) – to be passed by the Welsh parliament. If that happens, officials think April 2027 is the earliest date the tax could start. Councils could charge more in future if they go through a consultation process and give 12 months’ notice. Not all councils are expected to introduce the visitor levy, but if they did it would raise an estimated £33m a year. Stays of more than 31 nights will not be taxed. Neither will people forced into temporary accommodation or people in homeless hostels have to pay. Officials said they wanted the tax to be simple to understand, so the same rate will be paid for adults and children. The legislation explains how councils have to spend the money, which will be ring-fenced in their budgets for specific things. Finance secretary Mark Drakeford said it was “fair visitors contribute towards local facilities, helping to fund infrastructure and services integral to their experience”. He added: “Visitor levies are common around the world, benefiting local communities, tourists and businesses – and we want the same for Wales.” Anyone providing accommodation, including owners of short-term accommodation such as Airbnbs, will have to register under the law creating the tax. Eventually, they will need a licence to operate to make sure they all follow the same rules and safety standards. More legislation to create the licensing scheme is expected before the next Senedd election in 2026.

Starbucks pares hedging programme despite coffee market surge: Starbucks has slashed its use of hedges against coffee price shocks even as the price of beans has soared, raising concerns that it may be unusually exposed to market swings. The FT reported that the world’s largest café brand held less than $200m worth of fixed-price contracts for so-called green, or unroasted, coffee at the end of its fiscal year in September, according to its newly filed annual report, down from $1bn as recently as 2019. The decline has occurred at a time when roasters confront supply deficits after persistently poor crops in major exporters such as Brazil. Benchmark coffee futures rose above $3 a pound in New York on Friday (22 November) to a 13-year high, following a more than 70% gain in the past 12 months. Starbucks buys 3% of the world’s coffee to supply its 40,000 cafés and retail businesses. A team based in Lausanne, Switzerland, manages the purchasing of high-quality arabica beans under a subsidiary named the Starbucks Coffee Trading Company. The decline in the value of its fixed-price contracts has attracted attention on Wall Street. “Starbucks is substantially less hedged than it used to be,” said Gregory Francfort, a restaurant analyst at Guggenheim Securities. “It makes the next 12 months of coffee prices more important than they’ve ever been.” In response, Starbucks said: “Like others, right now we’re remaining agile in a very dynamic market. An example of that agility is that our current priced coverage is slightly lower than our typical range of nine-18 months.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a family-owned business that delivers products in the food and beverage industry and is seeking an experienced key account manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “With a turnover in excess of £1bn and a huge focus on sustainability, this business supplies its products to many countries across Europe. The company is seeking a UK key account manager to join its customer brands sales team. The key account manager will be responsible for driving growth, expanding market share and developing customer brand partnerships with a portfolio of UK grocery retail accounts.” The salary is between £50,000 and £75,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email mikey@corecruitment.com.

Gail’s appoints advisors to review options: The owners of Gail’s, the fast-growing bakery brand, has hired Goldman Sachs to handle a sale of the circa 150-strong business. Sky News reported banking sources said the appointment had taken place in recent days, and was likely to lead to a partial or full exit for the company’s existing backers. Gail's parent company, Bread Holdings, announced in September 2021 that it had secured new investment from Bain Capital Credit and Ebitda Investments, the food investment fund spearheaded by industry entrepreneurs Henry McGovern and Steven Winegar. Luke Johnson, the sector investor who engineered the sale three years ago, remained as an investor through his private equity firm, Risk Capital Partners, and as a board member. Analysts speculated that Gail’s could be worth as much as £500m, having expanded rapidly since the last deal. The precise timing of an auction is unclear as is the likely field of bidders. Some industry sources had speculated in recent weeks that the impact of the Budget on hospitality businesses might cause the sale to be delayed. Goldman Sachs declined to comment, while Bain Capital, Ebitda Investments and Johnson have all been contacted for comment. Gail’s opened its 150th site last month, in Watford, Hertfordshire. This year has seen the business venture into the south west, secure a first Midlands site and will see it open its first major travel hub location – in London’s St Pancras station – next month. 

Wellington Pub Co sees FY losses narrow, real estate market ‘still under pressure’: Wellington Pub Co, which operates the UK’s largest free-of-tie pub estate with circa 850 tenants, saw its losses narrow in the year to 31 March 2024, as it said the current real estate market “was still under pressure”. The company said that its pre-tax loss stood at £4,896,000 for the year against a loss of £31,386,000 in the previous 12 months. It followed valuation losses of £19,328,000 (2023: losses of £46,809,000). Turnover from rental income stood at £30,600,000 (2023: £30,406,000). Director Eileen Sawyer, in her statement accompanying the accounts, said: “Rent income has increased by 0.6% to £30.6m (2023: £30.4m), driven by the performance of the additional residential conversions that reached practical completion in the year. Ever since the economic downturn in the latter half of 2022, the real estate market in the UK has been facing challenges due to geopolitical events and macroeconomic issues. In 2023-24, the market is still under pressure with the possibility of a moderate recession. Interest rates peaked and stabilised at 5.0%, an increase from 4.2% on March 2023. Given the continuing uncertain market conditions, the company decided to review and adjust its rental yields across all segments within its portfolio. As a result, this has led to a fall in valuation of 3.7% to £484m (2023: £502m). Operating profit for the year was £3.5m (2023: loss of £25m) including a revaluation loss of £19.3m (2023: loss of £46.8m).” Sawyer added a small number of its sites were assessed for alternative use or disposal, and nine pubs were disposed of in the year generating a net loss of £3.3m (2022: £400,000 loss). Sawyer said: “The directors have continued with a pipeline of developments within the property portfolio that will create value in the long-term. Development expenditure for the year totalled £6.96m (2023: £7.9m). For the year ended 31 March 2024, investment properties were valued at £484m (2023: £502m) and the rental income was £30.6m. The rental yield of 6.3% is an increase of 0.3% to last year (2023: 6%).” For the year ended 31 March 2024, the business said that trade debt was £3.7m which is a £1.6m reduction to last year (2023: £5.3m).

Crosstown hires Jo Blundell as new CEO, appoints new marketing director: Crosstown, the artisan doughnut and specialty coffee brand, has hired Jo Blundell, formerly of Papa John’s, Le Pain Quotidien and Burger King, as its new chief executive. Blundell was previously managing director of Papa John’s for just under a year, and prior to that she was the brand’s vice-president, marketing, for two years. She also spent two years as chief marketing officer for Le Pain Quotidien. She also had stints as UK marketing director at McDonald’s and marketing director at Burger King. Blundell replaces Howard Ebison, who stepped down as chief executive of Crosstown, this summer. Crosstown said: “Under Jo’s leadership, Crosstown is poised for its next chapter of expansion, innovation, and customer delight. Jo will focus on strengthening our brand, enhancing our product range, and ensuring every customer experience reflects Crosstown’s artisanal quality and creativity.” At the same time, Propel understands that Crosstown has also hired Kieran Simmonds, formerly of Papa John’s International, as its new marketing director. Simmonds spent more than three years as senior marketing manager at the pizza brand. He also spent time as head of marketing operations – Europe at Le Pain Quotidien. In June, Crosstown was acquired by Karali Snack for a total consideration of £500,000. The transaction included the acquisition of 27 operating locations as well as the transfer of 140 staff, including the leadership team of the business. Crosstown had been working with advisers from Interpath Advisory to explore investment options that could support its continued operations and its future expansion. Karali Group is led by Salim Janmohamed and Karim Janmohamed and is a diversified, multinational hospitality and real estate platform operating franchises in the fast-food, casual dining and hospitality sectors. The company previously operated 74 Burger King restaurants, which were acquired by Burger King UK in October 2022. Earlier this year, Karali Group paid a total consideration of £3.5m to acquire 46 Taco Bell sites out of administration, becoming one of the biggest Taco Bell franchisees in the UK in the process. 

Wingstop UK builds 2025 opening pipeline: Wingstop, which is being rolled out here by Lemon Pepper Holdings and is currently seeking new investment, has added further sites to its 2025 opening pipeline, including sites in Aberdeen, Swansea and Norwich. Wingstop UK, which has a target of operating 200 sites within the next five years, currently operates 55, with openings in Bradford and London’s Walthamstow lined up for before the end of the year. Wingstop UK recently signed up to open at the Brewery Quarter scheme in Cheltenham, and Propel understands the brand has already added a further four sites to its 2025 pipeline. The business is understood to have secured the ex-Superdry site in Union Square, Aberdeen, and a site in Wind Street, Swansea. The brand is also understood to have lined up an opening in Chantry Place, Norwich, and is in talks on a site in Peterborough. In August, it was reported that Wingstop UK, which is majority-owned by the trio of entrepreneurs who brought it to Britain in 2018, had hired Goldman Sachs to find new investors for the business. 

Bill’s opens first new site in six years: Bill’s, the Richard Caring-backed group, has opened its first new sites in six years, in Milton Keynes, as it returns to the expansion trail. As revealed by Propel in August, the 45-strong group secured the 3,500 square-foot former Café Rouge site in the city’s Queens Court, for its new opening. A further opening before the end of the year, is expected on the ex-Frankie & Benny's site in the Clarks Village shopping outlet in Street, Somerset. On the Milton Keynes opening, Bill’s managing director Tom James said: “As our first new opening in six years, we are looking ahead to the new year and beyond with great excitement for the next stage of growth for the business. We have long been eyeing up Milton Keynes with its strong regional catchment and centre:mk encapsulates everything we are looking for in a location.”  Last month, Propel revealed that Bill’s hired Raj Manek as its new head of property acquisitions. It came after Bill’s appointed Savills to advise on its UK expansion plans. Bill’s is in the process of securing a pipeline of properties for 2025 and beyond. James declined to put a number on how many sites Bill’s could potentially open. At one time, the brand operated more than 80 sites across the UK, and James didn’t rule out re-entering towns and cities that the business had previously operated in. FMX and Time Retail Partners acted for centre:mk. Teague and Capital represented Bill’s.

Dubai operator Admo to bring rooftop bar and restaurant brand to UK: Dubai operator Admo Lifestyle Holding is to bring its rooftop bar and restaurant brand CeLa Vi to the UK. The opening in Paddington Square in west London will make the first European outpost for the brand having launched in Singapore, Dubai, Taipei, and Tokyo. Spanning 17,000 square foot over levels 17 and 18 of Paddington Square, CeLa Vi London will have a total capacity of 425. The first floor will feature an indoor bar, upper lounge dining area, indoor restaurant, and outdoor dining area. Situated one level up will be a private dining room, indoor lounge area, and cocktail bar. Admo chief executive Sanjay Nandi said: “We’re excited to bring CeLa Vi, a rooftop dining and nightlife brand born in south east Asia, to London. The opening will mark a milestone for Admo, signifying the group’s rising prominence within the hospitality industry and growing presence in London’s phenomenal restaurant scene.” Admo’s portfolio of brands also includes Nammos and Clap, which has a site in London.

Rosa’s Thai opens site in Norwich: Rosa’s Thai, the TriSpan-backed business, has opened a site in Norwich. The circa 40-strong brand has launched in the split of the unit that was previously occupied by better burger brand Byron in the city’s Chantry Place. The Rosa’s Thai restaurant occupies 3,100 square feet of space. Earlier this month, Propel revealed Gavin Adair was stepping down as chief executive of Rosa’s Thai after seven and a half years in the role. Adair, who was previously commercial and strategy director at Mexican restaurant brand Wahaca and finance director at Azzurri Group-owned ASK Italian, will become a non-executive director of Rosa’s Thai, supporting the board and management team as they continue to grow the business. He will be succeeded as chief executive by Sarah Hills, who was most recently chief operating officer at Côte Brasserie, as well as previously being managing director at all-day, neighbourhood restaurant concept Megan’s, Bill’s and The Restaurant Group-owned Wagamama.

Dutch smash burger brand Fat Phill’s to make its UK debut next month: Dutch smash burger brand Fat Phill’s has confirmed it will make its UK debut next month. Propel revealed in January that Fat Phill’s, which has 18 locations in the Netherlands, had signed a master franchisee deal for the UK with Freshly Baked, which also holds the UK master franchise for US pretzel brand Auntie Anne’s. Armin Vahabian, who founded Fat Phill’s in 2019, told Propel at the time of the signing that he plans 100 UK sites for the brand over the next decade, with the first to open in Clapham, south London. The restaurant will open on the former Moss Bros site at 16 St John’s Hill. Fat Phill’s is aiming to open 100 locations in the UK over the next ten years. The brand is working with Seeds Consulting on its expansion. Seeds said: “The Fat Phill’s brand has proven to be hugely successful for its current franchise partners, with all benefiting from a competitive return on investment and most planning for the opening of their second or third location.”

Scottish restaurant group Scoop opens fifth site: Scottish restaurant group Scoop has opened its new underground bar and restaurant. The company has launched Sebb’s at 68 Miller Street in Glasgow for its fifth site. The venue, which pairs a dedicated cocktail kitchen with a menu focused on food cooked over fire, is based underneath the group’s restaurant Margo that opened last month. Sebb’s seats 68, with a further 12 covers in the private dining room, and takes inspiration from the vinyl bars of Europe, hosting DJs from the city. The group launched with the Ox and Finch restaurant in Glasgow’s Sauciehall Street a decade ago before opening south east Asian concept Ka Pao in Vincombe Street in 2020 and branching out to Edinburgh in 2022 with a second Ka Pao site, in St James Quarter.

Fish and chip shop operators to open debut London site: Fish and chip shop operators Inan Dogus and Kasim Has are opening their debut London site. The duo, who operate three sites outside the capital, will launch Cod & Brew in Stoke Newington on Friday (29 November). Cod & Brew will occupy the former Truffle Burger premises in Stoke Newington Church Street. The menu will offer the standard fish and chip shop experience with cod, haddock and rock eel all in the fryer. There will be vegan alternatives, pies, battered sausages and a range of sides that include mushy peas, curry sauce and pickled eggs. Dogus and Has grew up in Stoke Newington and told Hot Dinners the “Brew” in the name was because they had teamed up with a local brewery to create speciality beer on tap. The venue will be mainly takeaway, with a hatch for delivery drivers, but there will be few counter stools.

Essex coffee shop concept opens second site: Essex coffee shop concept opens Natural Bean has opened a second site. Owner Don Altizo spent 15 years in the catering industry before launching his first Natural Bean café, in Gidea Park, in 2020, He has now opened a second site, in Brentwood, opposite the town’s railway station in Warley Hill. Altizo also previously competed in the UK Barista Championship for several years.

Argentinian chef bringing his South American concept to London: Argentinian chef Ricardo Younis Moreno is bringing his South American concept, Alfonsina, to London. He will open the restaurant at 50-52 Long Lane in early 2025, offering Argentine, Brazilian, Mexican, and Peruvian flavours. Moreno, who most recently worked for Ricker Restaurants (La Bodega Negra and Stoke House) was previously at La Mar by Gaston Acurio in San Francisco. He told Hot Dinners that Alfonsina “will be a mix of Latin American cuisines in a fusion style” inspired by “places where I worked and lived for several years”. There will be room for 40 diners in the ground floor dining room, with a terrace and the downstairs bar area to be added. Drinks will include cocktails, craft beer and wine that complement the Latin American cuisine.

South Yorkshire brewery Acorn returns to ownership of its founder: South Yorkshire brewery Acorn has returned to the ownership of its founder Dave Hughes. Last year, a phased sale of the Barnsley brewery was agreed with business development company Sonas Capital. Now Sonas has relinquished all interest, handing back control of the 25-barrel cask ale plant to Dave and Christy Hughes as sole directors and opening a fresh chapter for the brewery. Dave Hughes said: “Born in 2003 as a humble ten-barrel plant in Wombwell, Acorn became successful in a highly challenging business environment. Now, we are set to steer the brewery once again with pride, determination, and innovation to assure our valued suppliers, treasured trade customers, and loyal beer fans that Acorn goes forward offering the best quality cask ale and first-class service.” Acorn is marking Dave Hughes’ return with the launch of a Reboot Series as it revisits six brews from its past to give them a new look on a bi-monthly basis.

 

Former Ottolenghi and The Fat Duck pastry chef opens bakery in London’s Battersea: Ru-Yan Foong, a former pastry chef for Ottolenghi and The Fat Duck, has opened a bakery in London. Foong partnered with Miguel Jocson to launch bakery delivery and catering company Mahali and Co in 2019. Now the pair have opened their first retail location, Mahali Bakery, in Battersea. They told Hot Dinners their aim is to diversify London’s café culture “by embracing our own cultural backgrounds”. Foong grew up in China and Jocson is from the Philippines and was previously head pastry chef at The Langham Sydney. The new bakery in Battersea Park Road offers pastries and cookies such as miso white chocolate, a chocolate-flavoured pain au chocolate and black sesame madeleines.