Caledonian Heritable founder backs new London pub venture Aldrich Inns: Kevin Doyle – founder of Scottish pub, hotel and leisure operator Caledonian Heritable – is backing Aldrich Inns, the fledgling, London-based pub business, Propel has learned. Doyle’s Caledonian Heritable is understood to be the main shareholder in Aldrich Inns, which was founded and is led by Callum Murphy and Will St John. Fellow Caledonian Heritable director Gordon Russell is also a director of Aldrich Inns. Caledonian Heritable, founded in 1981, operates several pubs and bars and a golf resort alongside haulage, plant hire and property interests, in Scotland. Last month, Caledonian Heritable said it was in a “strong financial position” and “well placed to take advantage of any opportunities it identifies”. Earlier this month, Propel revealed that Aldrich Inns had secured its third site in London this year, in Covent Garden, and said it was looking to make “further opportunistic” acquisitions in the capital. The company acquired the Freemasons Arms in Long Acre, which was previously owned by brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame. The pub will now be refurbished and is set to reopen under the new name The Bull and The Egret – becoming what is believed will be the only pub in the UK with that title. Last month, Propel revealed that Aldrich Inns had secured The Goat in Fulham Road, on assignment of the lease from Stonegate Group, while earlier this year, the business reopened the Newman Arms in Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, after acquiring the freehold. Aldrich Inns is on a “mission to breathe life back into heritage-rich pubs that might otherwise fall by the wayside”.

Sponsored message – Sybron to open new distribution centre in Midlands: Sybron – a leading supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in UK hospitality – is expanding operations with the opening of a new distribution centre in Stafford in the heart of the Midlands. After many years of operating from a single depot in Harlow, Essex, Sybron’s second distribution centre will strengthen service to its growing number of national customers, offering more efficient support to key areas, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby and Leeds. Sybron said the Stafford depot is strategically located to increase delivery frequencies, minimise mileage and cut emissions and the carbon footprint of the business, in line with the company’s commitment to sustainability. “This is a big step forward and a reflection of our ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible service to our customers nationwide,” said sales and marketing director, George Mason. “We’re excited about this next chapter, focusing on ensuring the long-term success of Sybron, while at the same time preserving and expanding on the business legacy.” The management team expects the new unit to be fully operational by November. Site development will be as sustainable as possible, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, as the business works towards achieving net zero. The new warehouse will be led by Joe McCann, who joined the Sybron team five years ago. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

Soho House UK MD Yishay Malkov to speak at Propel summer conference and party, open for bookings: Yishay Malkov, managing director of Soho House UK, will be among the speakers at the Propel Multi-Club Conference and summer party on Thursday, 4 September, at the Oxford Belfry. Malkov will talk about how the members’ club business is attracting new members and also retaining its existing ones, the role food and beverage plays and plans for further growth here. The all-day conference will focus on “moving ahead with evolved thinking” and will be followed in the evening by the summer party, with a barbecue and more than four hours of live music. There are up to two free places per company for operators and Premium operator subscribers can book up to four places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com. A room can also be booked for the evening at an additional cost. For more details, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Meanwhile, the evening entertainment includes the return by popular demand of the UK’s top Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow tribute acts as Scott Borley and Daniel Hadfield again join forces. Pure Mercury, the UK’s foremost Freddie Mercury tribute act, will also be performing along with The Greek Street Live House Band, which will be playing guests’ requests. The evening will also feature a music quiz with PubQuiz. 

Premium Club subscribers to receive two updated databases this week: Premium Club subscribers will receive two updated databases this week. They will receive the next Turnover & Profits Blue Book today (Monday, 14 July), at noon. The database will feature 46 updated accounts and 13 new companies, taking the total to 1,138. A total of 721 companies are making a profit while 417 are making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Premium Club subscribers will receive the next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality on Friday (18 July), at midday. Another 23 companies have been added to the database, which now features 954 companies. This month’s edition will also include 81 updated entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent results reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to four other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers 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 subscribers 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 subscribers 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.

Labour’s ‘ludicrous’ state-funded restaurants plan sparks backlash: Labour’s plan to launch state-funded restaurants has sparked a backlash from hospitality chiefs who have branded the move “anti-business”. Hugh Osmond, the serial restaurant entrepreneur who co-founded PizzaExpress, said plans for government-backed Second World War-style diners were a “ludicrous idea”, arguing the restaurants would “cost a lot of money, provide absolutely terrible food and, in the end, fail”. Luke Johnson, restaurant entrepreneur and board member of Gail’s, said the industry was already “highly competitive”, adding: “The very idea that state-backed restaurants could operate more efficiently than the private sector is surely a bad joke.” Ministers this week said they were trialling new state-funded restaurants that would serve meals for as little as £3 in Nottingham and Dundee. The diners, which have received £1.5m of taxpayer funding, will resemble the subsidised civic kitchens of the 1940s. Peter Kyle, the science and technology secretary, said the aim was to “actively explore the best ways to get healthy food into the mouths of those who need it”. The trial could lead to the launch of similar schemes if successful. Johnson said: “Politicians and civil servants should focus on their core activities like defence, law and order and education – and run them more effectively, rather than ludicrous displacement activity like ‘state-sponsored diners’.” Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, urged ministers to turn their attention to easing pressures for existing restaurants rather than setting up state subsidised rivals. She said: “You’ve got a third of the sector operating at a loss. The key thing here is the government should focus more of its attention and resources on tackling the underlying causes of that. Fundamentally, the better way to help will be to get out of the way, and not add extra costs and regulatory burdens like packaging taxes, tourism taxes, employment taxes.”

Sir Tim Martin – 'widening of the selling price between pubs and supermarkets will inevitably precipitate pub closures and dereliction': Sir Tim Martin, founder and chairman of JD Wetherspoon, has said the widening of the “selling price between pubs and supermarkets will inevitably precipitate pub closures and dereliction”. In a wide-ranging piece on the current state of the UK’s pubs sector and the impact of last October’s Budget in The Telegraph, Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, said the woes of the pub sector should worry the chancellor Rachel Reeves. “We are the canary in the coal mine,” she said. “You could see that with covid. You can see that in every financial or economic crash that we’ve had. If they’re small or large recessionary periods, pub-going is one of the first things that is hit because it’s discretionary spend.” Phil Thorley, the owner of pub group Thorley Taverns, said: “The autumn statement last year was the worst Budget that I’ve known, and I’ve been working in this industry for more than 40 years. The government has absolutely kiboshed growth and jobs and investment in hospitality, full stop.” On expecting help from the government, Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of Butcombe Group, said: “The limit of my ambition is just stop inflicting pain.” Nicholls added: “Ultimately, it’s the national insurance that is the real game changer for the sector. Overnight, it’s pushed many businesses from being viable, dynamic and vibrant to being unviable and fearful for their future.”

Small business sentiment at record low: More small businesses expect to downsize or shut up shop than grow over the next 12 months, according to a new survey. The Sunday Times reported that of those surveyed, 27% of owners expect their businesses to either close, shrink or be sold in the coming year, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Only 25% believed their businesses would expand. The sentiment is the worst since the annual survey began in 2008. After suffering from tax rises since Labour swept to power, Tina McKenzie, the FSB policy chair, said small businesses were “facing a very dangerous situation”. She added: “Confidence being so low, and not showing any improvement since the start of the year, is bad enough. Stagnation and pessimism among small businesses spells huge risk for the overall economy.” 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a sports and entertainment organisation that is seeking a venue experience director for a six to nine-month maternity contract. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role involves overseeing guest experience strategy and operations, driving exceptional guest satisfaction, leading cross-functional teams to ensure operational excellence, managing partnerships with key service providers, and using data insights to enhance the visitor journey. Responsibilities also include budget management, large-scale event planning, and ensuring seamless delivery across all touchpoints. The ideal candidate will bring senior leadership experience from the sports, hospitality, or leisure sectors, with a proven ability to shape and deliver premium guest experiences. The individual will possess strong commercial and operational acumen, excellent stakeholder and project management skills, and a passion for creating engaging, high-quality environments for diverse audiences.” The salary is up to £115,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email marlene@corecruitment.com.

Wagamama hires Suk Singh as chief development officer for US operation: Wagamama, The Restaurant Group (TRG)-owned brand, has hired Suk Singh as chief development officer of its US operation. With more than 25 years of executive experience focusing on real estate, asset management, revenue diversification, franchising and concept design and at some of the world’s largest restaurant groups, Wagamama said Singh will lead its expansion strategy in the US, overseeing growth, partner engagement and operational excellence. His past positions include president of Aussie Grill and international officer as well as executive vice-president of global, chief development, franchising and international officer at Bloomin’. He also served as senior vice-president of development and chief development officer at Darden. At Bloomin’ and Darden, Singh oversaw new concept development and global growth of brands including Aussie Grill, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse and Red Lobster. Propel revealed in May that TRG had hired Stephen Judge as chief executive of its North American division. Judge, who was the chief operating officer of Gibsons Restaurant Group, joined as chief executive of Wagamama USA last month. Wagamama currently operates seven locations in the US, including restaurants in Boston, New York City, Arlington, and Tampa. Wagamama said on Singh: “He led multi-unit development strategies, formed key partnerships with top developers and retailers and delivered successful new concepts to markets across North America and abroad — skills he will utilise to accelerate Wagamama USA’s expansion.” Judge added: “Suk brings a wealth of experience in real estate development, site acquisition and large-scale rollouts. His vision, leadership and industry insight will be instrumental. I’m thrilled to welcome Suk to the team.” 

 

Darwin & Wallace – slowly beginning to see the benefits of new group structure, exits Ealing and Battersea sites: London neighbourhood bar-restaurant business Darwin & Wallace, which was acquired by Portobello Starboard in spring last year, has said it is “slowly beginning to see the benefits of the new group structure” and revealed it has exited its sites in Ealing and at Battersea Power Station. Turnover for the 70-week period to 30 September 2024 was £20,690,436 (52 weeks to 28 May 2023: £17,844,912), while it posted a pre-tax loss of £11,321,619 (2023: loss of £1,911,425). The company said: “The sales for the year were impacted by the sale/sub-let of two sites during the year: Pimlico and Battersea Rise. The industry continues to be impacted by a number of factors, including structural labour cost increases from national minimum wage/national living wage and cost inflation; despite gross profit conversion improving. We expect to see further improvements this year from the combined purchasing efficiencies of the group. Significant changes to the menu, pricing, and offer have been made under the new group structure, and we are slowly beginning to see the benefits. The group has benefited from a reduced central team and has become more agile in decision-making. The national minimum wage increase, averaging 13% from April 2025 and the national insurance changes will raise staff wage costs. However, we will mitigate this by reviewing menu prices and scheduling efficiencies. During the year, following a review of the performance of the trial of a smaller site format at Battersea Rise against the changing operating cost landscape, the Battersea Rise lease was reassigned in June 2023 to a new operator. Pimlico was sold in December 2023, and post-year-end we surrendered Ealing and Battersea Power Station in March 2025 and May 2025 respectively. The surrender of these two sites meant we had to provide an impairment provision for the total assets including the right of use assets for these two sites at a total value of £3.5m. However, the corresponding lease liability of £2.6m will be released in the current financial year. In addition, a further impairment provision was made at £3.8m. The start of the financial year was challenging as the business was making changes under the new ownership and management team. Significant changes have been made to the food and drink offerings, and this is slowly paying off. Along with the well-located sites and food and drink offerings, the brand continues to be an attractive offer in the long run.” Earlier this month, Propel revealed Portobello paid £1,272,170 to acquire the then eight-strong Darwin & Wallace last spring. The company now operates from four sites. 

 

Big Mamma Group to make debut in Ireland: Big Mamma Group, which is backed by McWin, is set to take its first step into Ireland, with an opening in Dublin. Big Mamma Group, which operates circa 30 sites across Europe, including seven in England, has signed a 20-year lease with John Malone’s MHL Hotel Collection for the old AIB bank branch at 41 Westmoreland Street in the Irish capital. Renovations of the building, which is located next door to the College Green Hotel, are under way and the restaurant will open by the end of the year. A tribute to the Italian osterias of the 1970s, Gloria Dublin will be a 180-seater space. “Dublin is a city I love, as it reminds us Italians of home, [with] its strong sense of community and vibrant restaurant culture, which, with the beautiful Gloria osteria, we hope to be a small part of,” said Enrico Pireddu, co-managing director of Big Mamma Group. “After throwing open the doors to Gloria in Milan in 2023, we knew we had such something special – an osteria paying tribute to the iconic Italian glamour of the seventies, where exceptional produce and a vibrant, groovy ambiance come together to create a truly memorable experience. We are now hugely excited to be bringing this charming yet elegant restaurant [to Dublin], with a menu of great Italian classics and creative twists.” Last month, the company opened a new restaurant under its Barbarella brand in London’s Canary Wharf. The group has also submitted plans to turn part of the ground floor of the former Scottish Provident building at 1-6 Lombard Street in the City of London into a new restaurant. The group is believed to be close to announcing its first site in the Middle East, in Dubai.

Doner Shack secures first site in India: Doner Shack, the Berlin fast casual kebab brand, has secured its first site in India. The brand signed a franchise deal in May with Anand Chandnani to launch in Mumbai. This followed the signings of a 150-site deal to expand in India with FranGlobal – the international arm of Asia’s largest franchising firm, Franchise India Holdings – last November. Chandnani said: “The first property for Doner Shack India is officially signed – right in the heart of Bandra, at the corner of Linking Road and Waterfield Road, just below Bastian. Construction is underway, and we’re gearing up to open by mid-August. Exciting times lie ahead – both personally, as an entrepreneur embracing the hustle and energy that comes with launching a new store, and for the brand, as Doner Shack takes its first bold step into the Indian market. The first location is always special, and we’re building this one with ambition, love and a whole lot of hard work. Looking forward to a long, successful partnership and a strong collaboration ahead.” Doner Shack has also this year signed several franchise agreements to expand into the US.

Bread Holdings MD steps down to joins Bells of Lazonby: Rob Keeping, managing director of the Tom Molnar-founded Bread Holdings – the wholesale sister business of the fast-growing bakery brand Gail’s – has stepped down to take up a new role in the bakery sector. Keeping is to join family bakery business Bells of Lazonby as its new managing director later this year. In 2013, Keeping became head of operations for Exeter Street Cafes & Wholesale. He then joined the Richard Caring-backed Caprice Holdings in 2016, supporting the growth of well-known brands such as The Ivy and Balthazar in London and New York. In 2017, Keeping joined Bread Holdings as managing director for the north west, where he focused on growing foodservice, grocery and supporting Gail’s growth from 25 stores to more than 170 stores nationwide. Under Keeping’s leadership, Bread Holdings’ northern revenue increased by 300%. Keeping said: “I have made the thoughtful decision to move on from Bread Holdings after eight incredibly successful and contented years. It’s a company that has and continues to shape the bakery and hospitality industry through meaning and care. I’m extremely thankful for the learnings and opportunities I received and want to thank my fellow colleagues at The Bread Factory, Gail's and Bertinet Bakery, of whom I wish the very best of futures. Finally, my appreciation for Tom Molnar, a true inspirational captain and friend.”

 

Largest bakery and cafe brand in Israel set to open two more UK sites for its luxury pastry concept: Roladin, the largest bakery and cafe brand in Israel, is set to open two more UK sites for its luxury pastry concept, Donutelier. In 2023, Donutelier made its UK debut, in the former Patisserie Valerie site on the corner of Charing Cross Road and Great Newport Street in London, describing the launch as the world’s first “Donutelier” concept. A second site opened at 49 Upper St John Street, off Carnaby Street, last November. The business has now secured a site in Oxford Street – “right opposite the West End’s busiest station, in a flagship building by Derwent London”, for an opening later this year. At the same time, it has secured space at 442 Strand – within the Coutts building, for its first slightly smaller format. Founded by Yaakov Hakak and Avi Kenan in 1989, Roladin currently operates circa 100 eponymous sites across Israel. Josh Rose, of Matta.London, acted on the Oxford Street and Strand deals.

Fitness First hires Marc Diaper as CEO: Fitness First, which operates 27 gyms across the UK, has hired Marc Diaper as its new chief executive. Diaper was most recently chief executive of Gymbox for eight years. During his overall 14-year tenure with Gymbox, he also held the roles of sales and marketing director and managing director. Fitness First chairman Scott Best said: “Marc is an exceptional leader with incredible energy and a proven track record of innovation and growth in the fitness industry. He has a clear vision for growth and innovation at Fitness First and I’m confident he’ll propel the business into an exciting new era.” Diaper added: “I have long admired Fitness First as a pioneer and one of the brands that first introduced us all to fitness. I see significant opportunities to build on the great work the team have completed over the past few years, and I am excited to join such a talented and passionate team as we enter a new and exciting phase of growth.” Diaper replaces Justin Musgrove, who stepped down as chief executive in May “to pursue non-executive and consultancy work” after less than two years in the role. He oversaw the opening of the brand’s first new site in ten years, when Fitness First opened in a former PureGym site in London’s Marylebone in January. Fitness First was founded in 1993. 

Former The Apprentice star opens second site and first delivery kitchen for ‘fusion pizza’ concept, aiming for London-wide coverage: Former The Apprentice star Anisa Khan has opened a second site and first delivery kitchen for her “fusion pizza” concept Bombay Pizza and said she is aiming for London-wide coverage. Khan, who was the losing finalist in this year’s The Apprentice, launched Bombay Pizza earlier this year at 145 Stafford Road in Wallington, south London, offering handcrafted pizzas with an Indian twist. She has now launched a delivery kitchen in Kingston, and has plans to roll out further such sites across the capital. “If you’ve been waiting for Bombay Pizza delivery – it’s happening,” Khan posted to social media. “I’m so proud of how far this has come. From a single shop in Wallington to people travelling across the city just to try Bombay Pizza – and now we’re expanding. We’re launching new kitchens across London, starting with our first one in Kingston.” Khan also told Yahoo Entertainment that two further delivery kitchens are already in the pipeline for different parts of London. She also said had she won the show – and a slice of Sir Alan Sugar’s fortune – she would have started expanding sooner. “The money would have made a big difference,” she said. “To have a quarter of a million pounds, I could have expanded right away, and I probably could have done like my flagship store and stuff like that without having to wait it out. It’s a lot, lot harder to have a restaurant than to have a dark kitchen. Finance-wise, we need ten times more money, we need a lot of staff, and it is a big investment, whereas with the dark kitchens, you can do quicker, cheaper and have higher coverage of the areas.”

Coffee#1 opens in Brighton: Coffee#1, the Nero Group-owned business, has opened in Brighton for its 128th site. The outlet has opened at 7 London Road, adding to recent launches in Bournemouth, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead. “We’re proud to continue our growth across the south with the launch of our newest store in London Road, Brighton,” the company posted to social media. “This latest opening is another important step in our journey to bring hand-crafted coffee, quality food and welcoming, community-first spaces to even more high streets.”

Popeyes secures Manchester Arndale site: Popeyes UK, the US fried chicken quick service restaurant (QSR) brand backed here by TDR Capital, has secured a site in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre. The company has signed a lease agreement that will see it occupy 2,816 square feet of space in the centre’s food court. The venue will be Popeyes UK’s third location in Manchester, following its restaurant in Manchester Piccadilly and its drive-thru in Bury New Road. Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK’s chief executive, said: “We’re excited to confirm our opening in one of the city’s busiest shopping centres, Manchester Arndale. This marks our third location in the city, and we can’t wait to share more information about this exciting launch very soon.” Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners are Manchester Arndale’s retained letting agents. Popeyes UK has more than 80 sites.

Professionals at Play to open King Pins site in Leeds next month: Professionals at Play – the Foresight-backed, parent company of the Roxy Lanes, Roxy Ball Room, King Pins and Star Pins concepts – has confirmed it will open its new King Pins site in Leeds next month. The venue at the White Rose shopping centre will launch on Friday, 15 August. The site will offer ten-pin bowling, duck pin bowling, tech darts, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, American pool, karaoke, Wild West shooting, and arcade games. Crazy pool will also be on offer at King Pins for the first time. James Travis, brand manager of King Pins, said: “King Pins’ headquarters is in Leeds, so it’s really special for us to open in our home city.” Last week, King Pins made its Scottish debut, at the Silverburn shopping centre in Glasgow while a Belfast launch is also planned. Founded by Matt and Ben Jones in 2013, the group, which rebranded as Professionals at Play last year, has since grown to 11 Roxy Ball Rooms, eight Roxy Lanes, three King Pins and one Star Pins site. In January, Professionals at Play told Propel it plans to open at least six new venues across its brands in 2025 to deliver more than £50m of revenue and further Ebitda growth.

Irish-themed bar concept Katie O’Brien’s to open in Birmingham: Irish-themed bar concept Katie O’Brien’s is set to open in Birmingham. Katie O’Brien’s has acquired the former The Botanist site in Temple Street, which closed last week, reports Birmingham Live. Announcing its new location, Katie O’Brien’s posted a picture of the keys to the site to social media, writing: “Our new home. See you on Temple Street!” Katie O'Briens currently has seven locations across England with four more on the horizon, including Birmingham. The group’s bars are in Durham, Newcastle, Leicester, Harrogate, Sheffield, Nottingham and Leeds, with new branches also opening York, Lincoln and Barnsley. Propel revealed last October Botanist owner New World Trading Company (NWTC) intended to restructure its business to focus on its large Botanist-branded sites, and as part of the restructuring, it launched a company voluntary arrangement that saw the closure of three loss-making sites. Earlier this year, NWTC also shut The Botanist venues in Coventry, Sheffield and Salford as well as North Light restaurant in Chester. As well as closing sites, the group has rebranded others and opened a new The Botanist site in Bournemouth in May. NWTC currently operates 24 sites under The Botanist brand.

Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson to launch first solo London venture: Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson is to open a new restaurant in London. Solaya, a French Mediterranean restaurant and bar in art’otel London Hoxton, will open in early autumn. Situated on the 25th floor of the hotel, the main restaurant space will offer 70 covers, alongside a lounge and bar area, seating up to 110 people. There will also be several balconies available for private dining and private hire, with the feature balcony seating 12 people. Atkinson, owner and chef patron at the one Michelin-starred Newcastle restaurants House of Tides and Solstice by Kenny Atkinson, has created the menu. The day-to-day running of Solaya’s kitchen will be led by head chef Nicola Losquadro, previously of Sucre in Soho, Mere Restaurant by Monica Galetti and The Oystermen. The main bar and lounge space at Solaya will offer a curated selection of handcrafted cocktails that complement the seasonal menu. The wine list will feature a strong French and Mediterranean influence. Atkinson said: “Solaya is an exciting project for me as my first solo venture in London and a chance to bring something special to the city. I’ve always been drawn to the warmth and soul of Mediterranean cooking, and Solaya is about capturing that feeling – sunshine on a plate, bold flavours, and food that brings people together.”

Mugshot Restaurants set to appoint administrators: Mugshot Restaurants, which operates two sites in Bristol and Cardiff, has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators. Adam Bryan and Zowie Yip launched the Mugshot concept in Bristol’s St Nicholas Street in 2018, specialising in unusual and creative cuts of meat. The 1920s-inspired restaurant is spread over two floors. A second site under the concept launched in Cardiff’s Wharton Street last year. The two sites, which continue to trade, are part of the wider Round the Clock & Co business that also operates The Bistro La Brousse and The Archive in Bristol.

North Yorkshire operator to launch new venture in Leeds: North Yorkshire operator John Quinlan is set to launch a new venture in Leeds – five months after exiting his former site in the city. Quinlan, a former operations manager at boutique hotel Dakota Deluxe in Leeds, will later this month launch CrowdedHouse in D&D London’s former Angelica & Crafthouse site in Trinity House. It comes after Quinlan’s Three’s A Crowd gastropub, which was located at 76-78 North Street in Leeds, closed in February. Quinlan had opened the venue in 2023 as the second site for his Three’s A Crowd concept after taking over the former The Reliance pub. Quinlan still operates the original Three’s A Crowd site in Harrogate’s West Park, which he launched in 2019 with ex-D&D London executive chef Lee Murdoch. Quinlan and Murdoch also launched shared dining concept Farrands in Leeds’ Swinegate in 2020. Quinlan said: “A sense of pride really characterises the launch of CrowdedHouse for me. It’s a true cultural moment for Leeds – a flexible venue that works with you and whatever you need. From coffee to cocktails, we’re here to offer you a haven above the noise of the city. CrowdedHouse will offer the very best of Leeds right in the heart of the city, enjoying dedicated dining spaces across floors five and six with unrivalled views from the terrace, and accompanied by live music as a regular feature.” Double AA rosette winner Simon Jewitt will lead a menu championing Yorkshire provenance and featuring plates such as Korean fried chicken, Shorthorn beef tartare, beetroot pappardelle and crispy Jerusalem artichokes.

Sheffield operators planning fourth site: Sheffield operators Tom Aronica and Jack Wakelin are planning to launch a fourth site in the city. They have applied for a licence to open Maria’s restaurant in the former Henry’s wine bar in Wellington Street, in a prominent unit in the city council’s £470m Heart of the City regeneration scheme, reports The Star. The duo first came together in 2017 when Wakelin was general manager and Aronica head chef at Public – the cocktail bar from James O'Hara and James Hill, who are behind other Sheffield venues like The Great Gatsby and Picture House Social. Aronica and Wakelin ran supper club Bench at various locations in the city before opening a restaurant of the same name in Nether Edge. The Pearl at Park Hill, which opened in September 2023 and was named in the country’s top 50 cocktail bars, was their second venue. They have also opened Bench La Cave restaurant next door, described as a “bakery by day, wine bar by night and bottle shop all day”.