Midlands premium smashed burger brand set to double estate size next year as it hires former GDK franchise chief as ops director: Midlands premium smashed burger brand Burger Boi has told Propel it is set to double the size of its estate next year as it hires a second member of German Doner Kebab’s senior operations team. Founded in 2020 by Surj Bassi and opening its first store in 2021 in Wolverhampton, followed by its first franchise site, in Coventry, in 2022, Burger Boi has since grown to 15 locations. It has seven sites currently in legals – in Reading, Luton, Milton Keynes, Slough, Walsall, Nottingham and Colesley (in the Midlands) – and expects to hit the 30 to 35-site mark next year. One new franchisee has signed for a six-store deal around London, while another has signed for five stores in East London, Essex and Cambridgeshire. It is also looking to expand into Liverpool and Manchester next year and grow its presence in Leeds. Bassi said: “We want to invest in store footfall. A lot of our stores at the moment are in secondary locations, whereas a lot of our forthcoming pipeline will be in primary locations. Some franchisees are already on their second site and six or seven have now signed up for their second and third sites. Like-for-like sales are up 30% across our stores, which gives us solid foundations to grow from – it’s exciting times for Burger Boi.” It comes as Burger Boi welcomes into the fold a second member of the senior operations teams at German Doner Kebab, the Hero Brands-owned concept which has grown to more than 150 sites. In April, Burger Boi hired Chris Palmer, former development director at Hero Brands – where he spent four years as GDK’s franchise director – into a similar role. He is now being joined by Garth Almendro, who over the past three years has been GDK’s franchise business manager, regional director of operations and operations director UK. He previously spent ten years in working in his native South Africa for Wimpy owner Famous Brands – as operations manager QSRs, regional operations manager QSRs and operations executive casual dining. Burger Boi is also set to make its international debut next year, having signed a deal with a master franchisee for 30-35 stores in the Middle East over the next three to five years. It has also secured a site in Toronto, Canada, with plans to open in 2026. Burger Boi features in the UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database, the latest edition of which was sent to Premium Club members last week, featuring 50 new entries. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

 

Discover the strategies behind creating profitable brand extensions to capture new markets at Restaurant Marketer & Innovator, open for bookings: Discover the strategies behind creating profitable brand extensions to capture new markets at the Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Morena Oliveira, marketing director at Lina Stores, will share how the brand has extended beyond its deli roots into restaurants, catering, branded product lines and bars. 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, 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.

Zonal – Sundays came out on top for restaurant bookings in 2024: Sundays came out on top for restaurant bookings in 2024, according to new insight from hospitality technology firm Zonal. Its data revealed that 90% of the top booked dates for 2024 were Sundays with only two exceptions: Valentine’s Day and the Saturday before Mother’s Day. Of the top 20 dates that had the most bookings, 18 fell on Sundays. Taking Christmas/December bookings out of the equation, Mother’s Day emerged as the most popular date for bookings, followed by Father’s Day, Easter Sunday and Valentine’s Day. The rest of the top ten dates were Sunday, 5 May (the day before first May bank holiday), Sunday, 26 May (day before second May bank holiday), Saturday, 9 March (day before Mother’s Day), Sunday, 27 October, Sunday, 28 April and Sunday, 11 February. A Sunday – 26 May – also drove the most last-minute bookings, while 50% of all Sunday bookings in the top ten dates were lunchtime bookings. Tim Chapman, Zonal’s chief commercial officer, said: “Our research shows that Sundays dominate the top booking dates for 2024, highlighting the importance of these days for the hospitality industry. It’s no surprise that key occasions like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day lead the list, reflecting how integral these moments are to customer dining habits.”

 

UKHospitality – absence of tourist tax powers from devolution white paper ‘a relief’: UKHospitality has said the absence of tourist tax powers from the government’s devolution white paper is “a relief”. The paper sets out the government’s plans to provide mayors with unprecedented powers and funding and outlines how it will give communities stronger tools to shape the future of their local areas. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The biggest sigh of relief for hospitality businesses will be what was not included in the white paper – the absence of any new powers for local authorities to introduce a tourist tax. That is very encouraging and a sign that the government has listened to our concerns that such a tax would further burden struggling businesses and severely dent our competitiveness on the world stage. The white paper has big ambitions, and hospitality can be at the heart of delivering those ambitions through high street renewal, if it supported to do so.” York’s city councillors last week said they was considering a levy that could see visitors pay more for hotel rooms. Manchester and Liverpool already operate a form of tourism charge, while Edinburgh, is gearing up to introduce Scotland’s first tourist levy in 2026, and a Welsh one remains under consultation.

 

Just Eat research reveals £3.5bn appetite for Korean food and products: Britain is riding a “K-Wave” boom for Korean food and products worth £3.5bn, according to new research from Just Eat. Of this spending, food accounts for 58%, with beauty and fashion accounting for the remaining 42%, according to consultancy Development Economics. The spending boom comes as powerhouses like the zombie-fuelled teen series, All of Us Are Dead, and K-Pop bands such as BTS and Blackpink capture the cultural zeitgeist in the UK. According to Just Eat’s survey of 2,000 people by OnePoll, nearly half of Brits (47%) are seeking Korean goods, with one in five saying they now eat east Asian food at least once a month. Meanwhile, almost half (47%) expressed a desire for more Korean food options in their local area. Leigh Phillipson, UK sales director, Just Eat, said: “Cultural trends increasingly influence everything from what we eat to how we take care of ourselves, and the K-wave is testament to this – orders of Korean food on Just Eat have grown 23% in the last year alone.”

 

Daniel Calvert becomes first British chef to win three Michelin stars outside the UK: Daniel Calvert has become the first British chef to win three Michelin stars outside of the UK, following the awarding of a third star to Sezanne in the latest Michelin Tokyo Guide. The French restaurant, located at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, was opened by Calvert in 2021, who previously took Belon in Hong Kong to number four on the Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants list. Sezanne, which earned its first star six months after opening and its second in 2022, tops the 2024 list. Previous to this, Surrey-born Calvert honed his skills as sous chef at Per Se in New York and also worked at Epicure at Le Bristol in Paris – both establishments that also have three Michelin stars. “We are deeply humbled and immensely proud to receive the most prestigious recognition in our industry,” he said. “Thank you to the Michelin Guide for placing its trust in our commitment to excellence. This distinction belongs to every single member of our team that has poured its heart into our vision, and it is through its tireless devotion that we have achieved this monumental milestone.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a national catering and soft facilities management provider that is looking for an account director. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This is a key contract within the portfolio that requires an established soft facilities management operator who can really lead from the front. This is a large and multifunctional and complex contract to the tune of £20m-plus per year. The account director will be overseeing all soft facilities management elements including catering and cleaning. There is a stable and strong team including an established leadership team overseeing a staff of 400 across all service streams. This is a very client focused role that requires a strong account director with a hands-on approach.” The salary is up to £100,000 and the position is based in Hertfordshire. For more information, email dan@corecruitment.com.

 

The Salad Project targets doubling its estate next year: The Salad Project, the all-day dining concept that launched in London in 2021, is looking to almost double its estate next year, with a continued focus on Central London. The company, which was launched just before the pandemic by Florian de Chezelles and James Dare, opened its seventh site, in Tottenham Court Road, last month. The Salad Project also opened a site in Fenchurch Street, alongside a central training hub for the business, in August. The group’s site in Watling Street, which opened last year, operates under the business’ Spaces format – “a digital ordering-only, ultra-convenient version of our concept catering to our loyal City customers”. On the company’s expansion plans, De Chezelles told Propel: “The Salad Project will go from seven to 12 locations, effectively doubling in size. Londoners are desperate for more stores to open!” On how many sites would come under the Spaces format, he said that was “unconfirmed at this time”. In April, de Chezelles told Propel that The Salad Project plans to reach 20 sites in London by 2026, ahead of possible expansion outside of the capital.

 

Liverpool operators aiming to expand competitive socialising concept to ten sites in ten years, opening new pub: The team behind Pins Social Club in Liverpool has told Propel it is aiming to open ten sites for the competitive socialising concept in ten years as it plans to open a pub in the city. Directors David Scowcroft, Dan Gillbanks and Dan Kelly – who joined the duo earlier this year to lead the expansion of the business portfolio – are set to launch The Dog & Collar at 60 Hope Street. They said they will diversify their offering with the Hope Street project before returning to their competitive socialising roots and getting to work on a Pins Social Club site in Manchester. Thomas Sumner, head of brand and marketing, told Propel: “We have three openings schedule for 2025 – Pins Manchester, The Dog & Collar and a third concept we have in the works, as long as timelines don’t work against us, of course! Our aim is to open ten Pins sites over the next ten years.” The Dog & Collar will span three floors – an upper ground taproom, first floor parlour and lower ground tavern – and the interiors will be “reminiscent of Cheshire country pubs, as well as some of London’s recently revived and elevated watering holes”. The name is a playful nod to the building's proximity to both the Anglican and Catholic cathedrals, located at either end of Hope Street. Sumner said: “In 2024, we have focused on shifting the business model to be less reliant on late-night, drinks-led revenue; instead, generating a more rounded business, with strong gaming, food and drink trade. This shift has made the business far more profitable, and from the third quarter onwards, we have seen this push the revenue into growth, with an even stronger Ebitda performance.” Pins Social Club was launched in Duke Street in 2020.

 

PureGym sees potential for 600 UK sites as it hits 400-venue milestone in Britain: PureGym, Britain’s biggest health and fitness club operator, has said it sees potential for around 600 sites in the UK after opening its 400th venue in Britain. The outlet, at Derriford District Centre in Plymouth, is its third in the Devon city. The group, which opened its first gym in Leeds in 2009, has now launched 44 new sites this year. Rebecca Passmore, group chief operating officer, said: “Since opening our first gym, demand for high-quality, low-cost fitness has grown exponentially, with a gym membership moving from a ‘nice to have’ to a ‘must have’ for millions of people. We’ve embarked on ambitious expansion to meet this demand, investing in cities, towns and retail parks across the UK to provide greater access to affordable and flexible fitness facilities. Reaching the milestone of opening our 400th UK gym is an incredible achievement. Over the last ten years, we have facilitated more than 582 million gym visits – supporting the health and well-being of our members across the UK. And we’re just getting started, with plans to open as many as 200 more gyms across the UK in the years to come.” Previously, PureGym, which has around two million members across more than 600 gyms in six countries, has said it expects to open 70-plus sites in 2025. A new report has been produced by Propel on the fast-growing experiential leisure sector. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes more than 180 companies, 3,500 sites and a 35,000-word report. The report is available to Premium Club members. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

 

Rapper Stormzy invests in Padel Social Club: British rapper and Brit Award-winner Stormzy has become an investor in multi-format padel concept Padel Social Club, as its eyes a nationwide rollout. The company launched its first site in London’s Earl’s Court and recently joined The O2’s leisure line-up. A third London site is also set to open, at the Southside shopping centre in Wandsworth. The company said: “Our mission is to create an inclusive, vibrant community centred around the sport we love – one that brings people together, on and off the court. This partnership marks an exciting moment for Padel Social Club, as we look ahead to some big plans. From our expanding London locations to our upcoming nationwide rollout, Stormzy’s backing is a significant endorsement of our mission to lead the padel movement in the UK.” Stormzy added: “Padel isn’t just another sport – it’s got something that draws everyone in, whether you’re new to the game or already hooked, as I am. What really stood out to me about Padel Social Club is it’s doing more than just building courts – it’s creating a community and bringing people together through the sport. That’s why I’m excited to be an investor and part of this journey. Big things are coming.” Originally planned as a three-court club, the business said the “incredible response from our community” has led it to expand Its O2 project to five courts – featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces. The full club is set to open in summer 2025, with “state-of-the-art courts, riverside views, and a curated food and drink menu from top London chefs”. The business said: “We see the potential for padel to grow far beyond London. Our mission is to lead the way in bringing premium, socially inclusive padel experiences to places across the UK. As the UK’s interest in padel continues to grow, we’re ready to meet that demand by creating spaces where people can play, connect, and build community.”

 

Spanish restaurant group Camino acquires two Iberica sites: Spanish restaurant and bar group Camino has acquired two Iberica sites – in London’s Farringdon and Victoria – out of administration, saving around 40 jobs. Nigel Foster and Richard Bigg, who founded Camino in 2007, told Propel they were “thrilled” to add the two sites to their three existing Camino sites located in Shoreditch, Monument and King’s Cross and their speciality wine bar, Bar Rioja. Iberica Farringdon will continue to trade as such for this week, up to and including Saturday (21 December). Bigg told Propel that it will then close and “be spruced up and open later in January” once converted to a Camino. The Victoria site has closed already and will be also reopening early in the new year. Bigg said: “The locations and fit outs are impressive, and we have inherited some excellent staff who we warmly welcome into our group and keenly look forward to building the business together.” Iberica, the Spanish restaurant business which operated four London sites and one in Leeds, fell into administration earlier this month after a sales process failed to find a buyer. Propel revealed last month that Iberica, which was founded in London in 2008, had appointed RSM UK to assist in the disposal of the business. It is thought that would-be suitors had the opportunity to acquire the brand and intellectual property. The deadline for offers for the business was set for 4pm on 28 November. The company’s other sites, in London’s Canary Wharf and Marylebone, and in Leeds, have all since closed. In October, the company said it was looking to extend the leases of its UK restaurants but not undergo any further expansion here, while it was also still exploring international opportunities. It came as the company reported a slight increase in turnover for the year to 30 September 2023, up from £9,042,000 in 2022 to £9,075,000. Restaurant Ebitda was down from £1,376,000 to £1,084,000, with Ebitda before pre-opening and exceptional costs down from £309,000 to a loss of £93,000, and overall Ebitda down from £399,000 to a loss of £72,000. The company’s pre-tax loss widened from £309,304 to £826,985, and post year-end, in May 2024, it refinanced its loan facilities. Bank loans at the year-end had stood at £4,230,166 (2022: £4,589,478) and had been due for repayment in April 2025. 

 

Original Flip Out UK master franchisor launches new experiential concept in Sweden: The original UK master franchisor in the UK for trampoline park operator Flip Out has launched a new experiential concept in Sweden. Jon Inwards acquired the UK master licence for Flip Out, which was established in Australia in 2012 by Brent Grundy, in 2015. He in turn sold the UK master rights to Richard Beese, owner of experiential group We Do Play, in 2018, to focus instead on expanding the concept across Europe. Inwards and Rikki Moss, co-founders of Flip Out Europe, have now launched Smash!, which is described as the “ultimate entertainment venue for people of all ages”. The first site, which has opened in Stockholm, offers golf, batting cages, shuffleboard, augmented reality darts, duckpin bowling, beer pong, karaoke, arcades, food and drink and live music and comedy. We Do Play, which is also behind Putt Putt Noodle, opened its latest Flip Out site on Saturday (14 December), in the former TJ Hughes store in Coventry’s Lower Precinct shopping centre. We Do Play also yesterday (Monday, 16 December) opened the first UK site for Canadian experiential brand Activate, and last week launched new concept Rumble Rooms in Milton Keynes.

 

Young’s to open new landmark pub overlooking Surrey’s Epsom racecourse next month: Young’s will open its new landmark pub – Tattenham Corner in Epsom Downs, Surrey – next month following an extensive refurbishment. Overlooking Epsom racecourse, the two-storey, 8,000 square-foot, freehold pub, which was acquired from Whitbread last year having operated under the Beefeater brand, has been transformed to create a premium, destination pub and dining room. The pub will feature a new garden room along with a conservatory. Upstairs will be home to a first-floor terrace facing the Downs and two new spaces, The Paddock and The Oaks, both available for private hire. Outdoors, the garden is undergoing a full transformation to add an additional 400 covers, which will be serviced by its own outdoor bar and kitchen. Young’s chief executive Simon Dodd said: “Since acquiring the landmark site, we have been hard at work creating a pub fit for the local community and racegoers alike. Marking our first site in Epsom, we are investing time and care into crafting a premium pub offering, from the interiors and expansive garden to a menu that showcases the best of British produce.” Tattenham Corner joins Young’s collection of premium pubs in Surrey including The Bear in Cobham and Chequers in Walton on the Hill. In September, Dodd told Propel that Tattenham Corner will turn out to be “our biggest taking pub outside of London” – especially with a number of rooms set to be added.

 

Joe & The Juice to make return to Manchester city centre: Joe & The Juice, the juice and cafe bar brand, is making its return to Manchester city centre. The company has agreed a deal with M&G Real Estate to open at Manchester Arndale. Joe & The Juice has signed a ten-year lease to occupy the 2,685 square-foot former EE unit in Cross Street. The deal will see Joe & The Juice return to the city centre after its previous location in Debenhams closed following the collapse of the retailer. Last week, Joe & The Juice said it sees the potential for hundreds more sites in the UK. The company, which has 72 UK locations among a worldwide portfolio of 380 stores, said it sees “the opportunity for expansion of its UK footprint, with the potential for hundreds more sites in the UK, regionally as well as in London, as it works towards a goal of growing its global estate to 1,000 stores in the next five years”. M&G Real Estate and Global Mutual act as joint asset managers of Manchester Arndale and New Cathedral Street while Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners are the centre’s retained letting agents, with Green & Partners retained lease advisory agents.

 

Knoops makes Northern Ireland debut, to open in Newcastle next week: Luxury hot chocolate shop brand Knoops has made its Northern Ireland debut and will follow that with an opening in Newcastle next week. Knoops has opened in Belfast’s Victoria Square shopping centre, for its 17th regional location and 23rd in the UK in total. This will be followed next week by a launch at 150 Grainger Street in Newcastle, the brand’s first in the north east. Last month, Knoops opened its first international site, in the City Centre Mirdif shopping mall in Dubai. The company plans to use the proceeds of its recent crowdfunding campaign, which raised more than £2m, to expand its footprint both in the UK as well as internationally. In September, Knoops told Propel it plans to open between ten and 20 stores in the UK next year and is engaging in franchise conversations in territories like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Turkey.

 

FB Holdings opens new concept at Harvey Nichols in Birmingham: FB Holdings, which is behind the Dirty Wild Wings virtual restaurant brand and the four-strong Jaqks chicken concept, has opened a new Persian/Lebanese-inspired concept in the Harvey Nichols store in Birmingham’s Mailbox scheme. The all-day dining concept, called Bazar, offers a” fresh, elevated menu that reimagines traditional dishes with a contemporary approach”. “We are thrilled to bring Bazar to Harvey Nichols, a concept that reflects the cultural diversity of Birmingham while showcasing the artistry of our chefs in creating a modern cuisine within a stylish, fashion-forward environment,” said Sahar Rezazadeh, co-founder and managing director of Bazar. “This collaboration is a natural fit, combining Harvey Nichols’ reputation for luxury with our passion for delivering a fresh and flavourful dining experience.” FB Holdings also owns Jamaican restaurant Jamaya, which can be found upstairs in Touchwood in Solihull, as well as concepts including Karaage at Resorts World, The Mayan in The Mailbox, Baloci in Edgbaston and Qavali in Brindleyplace, Birmingham. 

 

Forbes opens private members’ club: Forbes, the global media company, has opened a high-end private members’ club in Madrid as part of a wider effort to diversify revenues at the US media group. Forbes House Madrid, aimed at business executives and entrepreneurs, is situated in the Spanish capital’s financial district. The venue is a partnership between Forbes and SpainMedia, publisher of Forbes España, one of Forbes’ 43 local licensed editions. The FT reported that the US company, which started as a magazine in 1917, plans to use Madrid as the first step of a wider rollout of private members’ clubs around the world. Last week, Forbes Media promoted Sherry Phillips to chief executive from chief revenue officer, making her the first female chief executive in Forbes’ 107-year history. Phillips said Madrid would “prove it out” as a concept for a private members’ club before Forbes decided on other locations. Forbes House Madrid is set across seven floors and features a rooftop bar, a restaurant headed by Michelin starred-chef Adolfo Santos and a wine cellar. Founding members have been invited by the Forbes España team.

 

Pret franchisee Dallas Holdings opens site in Henley-on-Thames: Pret franchisee Dallas Holdings has opened a site in Henley-on -Thames. The company has opened the outlet at 12-16 Market Place. Dallas Holdings, which is also leading the roll out of Pret in North America, is looking to grow its UK presence in Oxfordshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and its US footprint in New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Orange County and further afield through southern California.

 

North west McDonald’s franchisee grows sales by 65% and returns to profit after doubling size of estate: North west McDonald’s franchisee Llpt Foods has grown its sales by 65% and returned to profit after doubling the size of its estate. The company, founded in 2019 by Lance Flor, who previously ran a law firm, grew its turnover from £13,838,986 in 2022 to £22,774,416 in the year ending 31 December 2023. The company also turned a £253,318 pre-tax loss into a profit of £189,219 during the year, in which it grew from three to six restaurants in and around Liverpool. “Sales for the year amounted to £22.77m, an increase of £8.94m from 2022, giving an overall sales increase of approximately 64.57%,” Flor said. “The growth in sales is predominantly due to the acquisition of three new stores within the year and the continued growth in delivery sales. On a like-for-like basis for the three stores trading in both financial years, sales increased 8.03%.The gross profit margin is 64.24% compared with 62.85% in 2022 and is in line with expectations. The financial position of the company is healthy, with the balance sheet showing net assets of £490,000 compared with £463,000 in 2022.” Dividends of £112,797 were paid (2022: £58,500).

 

Team behind Lebanese restaurant open second site for concept and fifth overall: The team behind Lebanese restaurant Beit El Zaytoun in London’s Park Royal have opened a second site for the concept and fifth overall. Ayman Assi, who opened the first Beit El Zaytoun, at 15 Barrets Green Road, in 2016, has now doubled up with a site at 24a New Kings Road in Chelsea. The launch comes two months after Assi opened a first franchise location – and third overall – for Mayyil, the Lebanese street food concept he launched in 2022. “While Beit El Zaytoun retained its single location, its reputation soared, winning the title of best Lebanese restaurant in the UK in 2023,”Assi said. “After eight years of delighting guests at the Park Royal location, Beit El Zaytoun is now expanding with a second branch, in Chelsea, in New Kings Road. Beit El Zaytoun Chelsea will stay true to the values and authentic experience of the original location but with a modern twist to complement its unique space and ambiance. This new venue, with seating for up to 60 guests, offers a stylish resto-café atmosphere and will feature a refined menu with all the signature mezze and grills that have made Beit El Zaytoun one of the best Lebanese restaurants in London. For those craving an extra touch of Lebanese culture, the Chelsea branch will also host weekly live oud performances, providing that classic Lebanese vibe without overwhelming the relaxed atmosphere.” In March, Propel revealed that Assi was targeting 20 UK Mayyil sites over the next five years, as he rolls out the franchise programme. A further company-owned store is also set to open next year, while Assi is also planning to take Mayyil overseas.

 

Chef Carlo Scotto to open restaurant at Buckinghamshire hotel: Carlo Scotto, who was part of the team behind Amethyst in Mayfair, is to open a restaurant at Crazy Bear Group’s hotel in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Bear By Carlo Scotto, which is set to open in the spring 2025, aims to “redefine fine dining”, and at the heart of the new venture will be a tasting menu “that reimagines the farm-to-plate philosophy”. The menu will celebrate his global journey, incorporating flavours and techniques honed over two decades in kitchens in London, Paris, Tokyo and New York. Prior to joining the Crazy Bear Group, Scotto announced a hiatus from the industry after departing Amethyst in June last year. Bear By Carlo Scotto will open in tandem with ongoing renovations across both of Crazy Bear’s properties – Beaconsfield and Stadhampton in Oxfordshire – where it was announced last week that Chris Emery, formerly executive chef with D&D London, is opening a restaurant.

 

Isaac McHale of the Clove Club to open casual restaurant in London’s Shoreditch: Chef Isaac McHale is to open a new European-inspired restaurant in London’s Kingsland Road in Shoreditch. Best-known for his two Michelin-star restaurant the Clove Club, home to a £215 tasting menu, Bar Valette will be à la carte, taking cues from McHale’s love of simpler cooking from coastal France and Spain. The Scottish chef told the Evening Standard that the food will be “considered yet informal”, while the dining room is to be designed for “interminable dinners fuelled by wine and sherry”. Sharing dishes will be encouraged and “comfort king”. McHale said: “It’s inspired by a simple love of Spanish cooking, with French influences. It will be about amazing seafood and game, meat and dairy. We’ll be using the same producers as we do at the Clove Club and there will be some crossover.” In charge of the kitchen will be head chef Erin Jackson Yates, who joins with other alumni from the Clove Club. McHale said there will be no ambitions to win a star, despite the high-standard team. “We’re not going for a star, here, we’re going for good times,” he said. “We want to capture all that beautiful food from holidays and travel – fritters, venison meatballs, mousse and clafoutis.” McHale hopes the new venture will be ready by mid-January.

 

London Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant set to open second site: London Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant Angelina is set to open a second site in the city. Joshua Owens-Baigler and Amar Takhar opened the original Angelina at 56 Dalston Lane in 2019, which they followed with Omakese restaurant Dai Chi at 16a D’Arblay Street in Soho in 2022. While Dai Chi has now closed, the duo will launch Osteria Angelina in the Nolton Folgate development by Shoreditch station in March 2025. Opening at 1 Nicholl's Clarke Yard, off Blossom Steet, it will keep to the mix of Italian and Japanese cooking that the original Dalston restaurant features, reports Hot Dinners. The restaurant will be set around an open kitchen, where guests will be able to see the pasta-making in action, and alongside the food, there will be more than 300 Italian wines and a large saké offering.