Pizza Pilgrims – we believe Europe holds an exciting opportunity for the brand: Thom Elliot, co-founder of Pizza Pilgrims, has told Propel that incoming investment and expertise from German restaurant group L’Osteria presents “an exciting opportunity” for the brand to launch and expand into Europe. Propel revealed that L’Osteria, the German pizza and pasta restaurant business which is backed by McWin, had acquired a majority stake in Pizza Pilgrims, the award-winning Neapolitan pizza brand, for an undisclosed sum. Originating in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1999, L’Osteria operates more than 200 restaurants across ten European countries and has been backed by McWin since the start of 2023. L’Osteria will partner with Pizza Pilgrims as it explores international opportunities, as well as further measured expansion in the UK. Pizza Pilgrims said it is set to benefit from L’Osteria’s extensive European network and expertise, as the brand looks to launch in Europe. Elliot, who founded Pizza Pilgrims with his brother James in 2012, said: “We have an internal saying, ‘Mansfield versus Madrid’, in regard to where we see the brand going. We still believe there is more growth to go after in the UK, but we are very excited about the opportunity to take the business into major European cities and tapping into L’Osteria’s, and McWin’s, expertise to help with that. They are also excited about what we can bring. L’Osteria traditionally takes space that ranges from 5,000-7,000 square feet, and we can now give them an alternative for spaces around 3,000 square feet, which opens up a lot of opportunities in locations they know very well.” L’Osteria and Pizza Pilgrims will remain independent brands and will continue to be developed internationally in parallel by their respective leadership teams. L’Osteria made its UK debut with a launch in Bristol in 2016 under a franchise agreement. A further site subsequently opened in Westquay, Southampton. McWin is believed to have bought out the original UK franchisee last year, as it looks to continue to roll out the brand here. Elliot said L’Osteria will continue to look at opportunities here and that the Pizza Pilgrims team is looking forward to helping where it can, “especially when it comes to site selection in major cities”.

 

Propel’s Culture, Talent & Training Conference open for bookings, Fuller’s people and talent director Dawn Browne to speak: Propel’s Culture, Talent & Training Conference has opened for bookings. The conference takes place on Thursday, 9 October at One Moorgate Place in London. Among the speakers will be Dawn Browne, people and talent director at Fuller’s. She will discuss how the company seeks to thrives on creating a generational balance across its circa 5,000-strong workforce, how it has attracted and rewarded different age groups, what that balance brings and how to build it sustainably. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £345 plus VAT for suppliers. Premium Club subscribers get a 20% discount. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.

 

Premium Club subscribers to new UK Food & Beverage Franchisee Database tomorrow: Premium Club subscribers will receive the latest Propel Food & Beverage Franchisee Database tomorrow (Wednesday, 13 August), at 12pm. The database will feature ten new entries, plus updates to existing entries, to take the total number to 260 and more than 106,000 words. The new entries include Coyote Ugly and Which Wich franchisee Breaking Brands, Costa Coffee franchisee Fancy A Coffee, Amorino franchisee HCP Gelato and motorway services operator and multi-brand franchisee Roadchef. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the New Openings Database, the Multi-Site Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. 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.

All Our Bars CEO – government seeking to pin blame for increase in road deaths on pub industry: All Our Bars chief executive Paul Wigham has told Propel the government is seeking to pin the blame for the increase in road deaths on the pub industry. In what is expected to be the biggest shake-up of driving rules for almost two decades, the government is looking to reduce the drink-drive limit, among other measures. They are expected to be contained in a new road safety strategy, due to be published in the autumn, amid growing evidence that deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads are rising after years of significant declines. Figures reported by The Times show that last year, 1,633 people died in road traffic accidents, while nearly 28,000 were seriously injured. Between 2000 and 2010, serious road casualties almost halved from 41,000 to 24,000, but since then have risen by nearly 20%. Ministers believe the figures show that key road safety messages about wearing seatbelts and avoiding drink-driving no longer work. Wigham said: “No one would condone drink-driving and it is a social pariah, supported positively by the development of some brilliant low/no products. But the government is again seeking to make a number of unpopular reforms outside of this and makes statements to pin the blame on our industry. The fact is the population of the UK has increased by 17% since 2000, with an additional ten million people. That is bound to statistically increase the actual numbers of accidents, especially with the crazy level of congestion on poorly constructed UK roads. I wonder what the number of accidents is as a percentage of adult or total population?”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a wine business that is seeking a commercial account manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This position will play a key role in managing and growing a portfolio of regional and multi-site group accounts across the UK, with a focus on the on-trade. The commercial account manager will work closely with national and regional route to market partners and will be responsible for both strategic account development and winning new business. A strong understanding of fine wine, producers and regions is essential, as is a history of working with Mitchells & Butlers or similar managed groups. Candidates should have a network of potential accounts for the business.” The salary is up to £55,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email mark@corecruitment.com.

 

Star Pubs to create nine flagship darts venues as part of £120,000 investment to capitalise on growing popularity of sport: Heineken-owned Star Pubs is creating nine flagship darts pubs as part of a £120,000 investment to capitalise on the growing popularity of the sport. A spokesperson told Propel the nine pubs will be spread around the country geographically, but the sites haven’t yet been confirmed. The investment will also see 500 Fosters sponsored darts zones each featuring two darts flights, a darts board, score cards, posters and strut cards. In addition, Star Pubs is offering a Flight School branded darts package to its pubs to enable licensees to encourage casual players, including instructions on how to play games like 501, Killer and Around the World. Digital versions will also be available for customers to scan. Star Pubs retail director Cathy Olver said: “Many licensees tell us darts is ‘crucial’ to their business, especially on traditionally quieter midweek evenings. It increases dwell time, boost sales and encourages repeat visits, as well as building atmosphere and energy in pubs. As Luke Littler continues to ignite interest in the game, the demographic of players is broadening, and more people of all ages are wanting to give it a go and learn how to play. Our darts scheme will bring the sport alive and provide a low-cost way for all our pubs to give their customers a competitive socialising experience.” The 2025 Experiential Leisure Report, the second year of Propel’s exhaustive report on the market, is now available. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It also provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes 197 companies, marking a 10% growth in the sector since last year’s study, with 3,700 sites. The report is available for £595 plus VAT. Existing Premium Club subscribers can receive it for £395 plus VAT. The report will be made available for free to existing Premium subscribers on Wednesday, 10 September at 9am. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to order a copy.

 

Gong Cha UK master franchisee opens second store since signing 225-unit deal, five more in pipeline: The master franchisee here for Gong Cha, the fast-growing bubble tea brand headquartered in the UK, has opened its second store here since signing a 225-unit deal. Jinziex – a new company led by Diljit Brar, chief executive of Goldex; Azha Rehman, founder and chief executive of Kaspa’s Desserts; and Steve Falle, managing director of WY&SF – signed the agreement with Gong Cha in March to open stores across the UK. The first store opened earlier this year, at Christopher House, 97-99 Station Road in Sidcup, south east London. Jinziex has now followed that with a launch at 1 New Road in Gravesend, Kent. Brar said: “This is the tenth Gong Cha UK store, with five new stores in the pipeline opening soon. Gong Cha is the world’s largest bubble tea brand with circa 2,500 stores worldwide. The operations team has done an outstanding job getting the store ready and the staff fully trained in the art of brewing the unique fresh tea that we offer at Gong Cha.” Founded in Taiwan in 2006 and headquartered in London since 2019, Gong Cha enjoyed record sales last year as it stepped up aggressive expansion plans. The brand said system sales, comprising both franchise and corporate store turnover, hit more than $600m in the year to December 2024 having grown its portfolio by 240 stores to reach 2,162 outlets by the year end. Goldex is one of the UK’s largest Costa Coffee franchisees and has grown to operate more than 50 stores across Kent, Sussex and the south east of England. The group is also a significant franchisee for Kaspa’s Desserts, operating 100 dessert diners in the UK and Morocco, as well as five Döner & Gyros quick service restaurants.

 

Creams hire new franchise development manager: Fast-growing dessert parlour operator Creams has hired a new franchise development manager. Jemma Tonge-White has joined the business after two and a half years as business development manager for gym brand Anytime Fitness UK. Tonge-White has also previously worked as a sales manager for Elite Franchise and an exhibition sales manager for The Franchise Show. A Creams spokesman said. “With more than 12 years of experience in the UK franchise sector, Jemma brings a wealth of expertise in franchise recruitment, business development and large-scale event management. Her career has seen her lead the UK’s largest franchise exhibition, develop strong sales processes and support franchisees in building successful businesses. Jemma’s deep understanding of the franchise journey – from first enquiry through to launching a thriving operation – makes her perfectly placed to guide and support our growing network of Creams Cafe franchisees.” Creams has circa 100 UK locations, the majority of which are franchised. In May, chief executive Everett Fieldgate told Propel that Creams sees “strong potential” in new formats as it explores travel hubs, cinemas and education campuses, and that trading in 2025 has been “encouraging”. He also said the company’s savoury range, introduced at the end of last year, has secured new customers and opened up new dayparts for the business.

 

Phat Buns team launches online doner kebab concept: The owners of better burger business Phat Buns have launched a new online-only doner kebab concept. Co-founder Hussein Sacranie said Flippin Doner will complement the group’s other concepts – Phat Buns, Doorstep Desserts, Chicken’d and Phat Ville. Sacranie and Ahtesham Moosa, who founded Phat Buns in 2019 and have since grown it to 16 bricks-and-mortar locations, also operate four Doorstep Desserts and last month opened their first Chicken’d unit, in Leicester. Sacranie said: “After months of planning, tasting and tweaking, I’m proud to introduce our newest concept under the Phat Buns family, Flippin Doner. This one hits different. Because this time, I built it from scratch, concept to creation, with every detail crafted to flip the doner world on its head. This is the modern doner reimagined for the TikTok generation, late-night flavour hunters and anyone who craves something bold, new, and unapologetically indulgent. We’re talking premium proteins, next-level sides and flavours that slap. Here’s the twist – Flippin Doner lives online. Delivered straight from our Phat Buns kitchens to your door – no queues, no compromises. Oh, and here’s the real kicker. This is the third concept added within a Phat Buns store, taking us to four separate revenue streams from one location.”

 

Wingstop UK opens fifth Leeds site: Wingstop UK, which is backed by US private equity firm Sixth Street, has opened a new location in Leeds. The outlet at The Springs retail and leisure centre is its fifth in the city. The 3,014 square-foot site hosts 77 covers and has created 50 jobs. Wingstop UK also operates sites in Leeds’ Cardigan Fields leisure park, White Rose shopping centre, Boar Lane and a delivery kitchen. Chris Sherriff, chief executive at Wingstop UK, said: “We’ve seen phenomenal demand for Wingstop UK in Leeds, which is why we’re thrilled to be opening our fifth site in the city. Expanding into such a vibrant destination for food and drink like The Springs is a natural next step, as we bring our menu to an even broader audience.”

 

Global tourism operator Skyline Enterprises gets go-ahead for debut UK site: Global tourism operator Skyline Enterprises has been given the go-ahead for its debut UK site – and first in Europe. The attraction, at Swansea’s Kilvey Hill, includes an accessible gondola (cable car), downhill karting known as the Luge, a zipline circuit spanning 1km, a five-person sky swing, a restaurant and bar, enhanced walking and mountain bike trails, picnic areas and a children’s adventure play park. All current footpaths and access points to the hill will remain, with unhindered access continuing for those who use the hill for recreation following the attraction’s approval by the city council. Skyline’s scheme involves constructing a base station at the existing Landore park and ride, which would entail knocking down the current terminal building. Visitors would then ascend Kilvey Hill via an eight-seater gondola lift crossing the River Tawe, reports Wales Online. At the summit will be a food hall and an outdoor terrace. Luge enthusiasts will be able to return uphill using a four-seater chairlift. Additionally, new pathways will connect to a freshly planned play area. The operating hours for the sky wing, zipline and luge rides would fluctuate between summer and winter seasons. However, the gondola lift and food hall are set to be open from 9am to midnight all year round. The Welsh government has granted a £4m subsidy for the project, with £1m of this being repayable. While Skyline has not received direct financial backing from Swansea Council, an investment of around £8m is under consideration. Skyline runs eight other leisure ventures across the globe, including in New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada and South Korea. 

 

Greene King – ‘almost a third of managed pub estate now has electric kitchens as we move away from fossil fuels’: Brewer and retailer Greene King, the operator of circa 2,600 pubs, has said almost a third of its managed pub estate now has electric kitchens as it seeks to move away from fossil fuels. To date, 473 of its pub kitchens are operating as fully electric, while overall energy efficiency in its pubs is being boosted through investment in voltage optimisation equipment. The redevelopment of Greene King’s new Middleton distribution centre in Greater Manchester includes solar panels covering 8,000 square metres, while business mileage is increasingly being made in electric vehicles, with 23% of all expenses claims relating to electric in 2024 compared with 12% in 2023. Charging points are available at around 20% of Greene King’s managed pubs, and the aim is to have 1,900 bays across 400 locations by the end of the year. Greene King is targeted the halving of all its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and has a net zero target of 2040. Chief experience officer Andrew Bush said: “There has been a real collective effort from our pub teams and support centre teams to use more sustainable power sources, whether that’s in the vehicles they choose to drive, or the fuels used to cook customers’ meals.”

 

Team behind London Italian restaurant group Faros to launch new Mediterranean concept in capital: The team behind London Italian restaurant group Faros is set to launch a new Mediterranean concept in the capital. The team has acquired the lease of 7–8 Market Place in Fitzrovia after agreeing a deal with landlord Woven Spaces. Burak Demirelli, co-founder of Faros, said: “This one is very close to my heart. The concept will celebrate the richness of Turkish cuisine, with a special focus on meze culture and open-fire cooking – all delivered with elegance and authenticity in Central London. The name and full concept are still under wraps for now, but we can’t wait to reveal more soon. Thank you to everyone who’s supported us on this journey so far. This is just the beginning of something very exciting.” The concept is expected to launch in early 2026. Faros operates restaurants in Holborn and Oxford Circus. One Voice Hospitality acted on the Market Place deal. Co-founder Ted Schama said: “Market Place continues to evolve as one of the West End’s most dynamic all-day dining destinations. In a competitive leasing process, we recommended the founders of Faros, demonstrating passion, dedication and a very strong track record in the Fitzrovia community.”

 

Parkdean Resorts reports record results in annual team engagement survey: Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator, has recorded record results in its annual team engagement survey. More than 7,000 team members (97%) responded to this year’s survey, up by 3% from the previous year, with a 90% positive engagement score overall – a 7% increase from 2024 and 20% above the hospitality industry benchmark. Additionally, 94% of employees agreed with the statement ‘I am motivated to do my best work in my role’ – an increase of 7% since 2024. Chief executive Steve Richards said: “Staying close and listening to our customers and our colleagues is central to do what we do, and on both fronts, we are seeing positive engagement, with TripAdvisor scores for 2025 averaging 4.5 stars and our employee satisfaction score at 90%. These results put us well ahead of our competitors and are a testament to the great work our teams are doing across the board.” Parkdean Resorts owns and operate 65 holiday parks across the UK, all of which scored more than 81% for positive engagement.

 

Nottingham hotel and conference centre operator reports growth driven by demand for events and conferencing: Nottingham Venues, which operates hotel and conference centres, has reported growth driven by demand for events and conferencing in the year to 31 July 2024. The company’s pre-tax profit grew from £859,000 in 2023 to £1,142,000 while its turnover was up from £13,869,000 to £14,750,000. Of this, £7,027,000 came from accommodation (2023: £6,734,000), £3,213,000 from food (2023: £2,899,000), £2,809,000 from room hire (2023: £2,633,000) and £1,157,000 from drinks (2023: £1,104,000). Further analysis shows the East Midlands Conference Centre and Orchard Hotel produced turnover of £11,397,211 (2023: £10,803,957) and the Jubilee Conference Centre £3,352,793 (2023: £3,065,031). Director Sally Blackamore said: “Growth has been driven by a demand for conferencing and events, which exceeded initial expectation.” She added that strong cash generation has allowed it to reduce its parent company loan by £250,000. Last month, Nottingham Venues was chosen to operate a new multi-functional venue in the city. Part of the Castle Meadow Campus, Castle Meadow Central will reopen in early September as a multi-functional venue for conferences, events and flexible working. A public-facing deli, Deli Central, will offer locally sourced fresh food and coffee. Nottingham Venues operates the East Midlands Conference Centre, Orchard Hotel, Bramleys Restaurant, Jubilee Hotel and campus venues at the University of Nottingham.

 

Bingo and experiential leisure operator lines up third site: Bingo and experiential leisure concept LOL Bingo is lining up its third site. Owner Michael Smith is planning to open the venue in Southport, Merseyside. His proposal to convert the former Lavish Home premises in Lord Street has been approved by Sefton Council and he is awaiting the outcome of a licensing application. Smith told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “LOL Bingo is a modern twist on a traditional game. Both large-scale bingo halls have closed in Southport and we like the area – Lord Street provides a good location. We build the experience around the customer, from walking in you can choose bingo, slots, American pool or interactive darts. The players are also able to choose the music from a free-to-air jukebox. As the bingo is fully electronic, you don’t need to be quiet – meaning a small lounge can hold 60 people doing multiple activities at the same time.” Explaining his reasons for wanting to open in Southport, Smith added: “My father grew up there, before meeting my mother and moving to Manchester. Following my father’s passing, my mother would regularly take us to Southport, and I can still remember spending time in Lord Street, particularly the busy cafes and independent shops.” LOL Bingo’s other sites are in Manchester and Newcastle.

 

The Stafford Collection to open new restaurant with Michael Caines next month: The Stafford Collection will open its new restaurant in partnership with chef Michael Caines next month. The luxury hospitality group, which includes The Stafford London and Norma in the capital, appointed Caines as its new culinary strategist at The Stafford London in April. Michael Caines at The Stafford will now open on Wednesday, 17 September, offering “modern European cuisine” and marking Caines’ first residence in the capital. Previously known as The Game Bird, the restaurant is taking on a new identity “reflective of Caines’ distinctive terroir cuisine”, championing the finest ingredients and reflecting the changing seasons. With a focus on produce from within the British Isles, the offering will feature an à la carte menu incorporating classics from The Stafford London, such as Stafford beef wellington and Brixham Dover sole. Caines’ London debut will also showcase his signature tasting menu, featuring dishes such as warm lobster salad, cardamon vinaigrette, pan-roasted Brixham turbot and shell fish chowder. John McLean, managing director of the Stafford Collection, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Michael Caines on his first London restaurant. Michael Caines at The Stafford represents a natural evolution for our hotel, bringing together our rich heritage with Michael’s culinary excellence and vision.” Caines added: “I’m thrilled to be bringing my cuisine to The Stafford, an iconic London destination that shares my passion for excellence and warm hospitality. This new restaurant is a celebration of British seasonal produce, and I can’t wait to share our vision with guests in the heart of St James’s.”

 

The Padel Club set to open in Cheltenham as it expands south west presence: The Padel Club – which is backed by sports stars including Michael Vaughan, James Milner, Jos Buttler and Shay Given – is set to open a site in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, as it adds to its presence in the south west. The new facility, at Festival Trade Park, will include four indoor panoramic padel courts, premium seating, lockers, showers and a ten-metre-high roof. Cheltenham marks the latest step in making padel accessible to more players for The Padel Club, which was founded in 2022. The Cheltenham site follows clubs in Wilmslow and Trafford in the north west along with Gloucester Quays in the south west. Chief executive Kris Ball said: “We’ve always believed padel is more than just a sport – it’s a way to connect people. You don’t need a partner to start playing, and it’s easy to meet new friends on the court. We want The Padel Club to be a place where people come together, share experiences and leave with more than just a great game.” Last week, the group revealed its expansion plans as padel’s popularity continues to grow. The Padel Club said it will have 30 courts at four sites by the end of 2025 and 100 courts at 15 locations by the end of 2026. The pipeline includes sites in Knutsford in Cheshire, Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands and the Tees Valley in the north east. The Padel Club is also looking at Sheffield, Liverpool, Brighton, Reading, Tunbridge Wells and Cardiff.

 

London Japanese restaurant concept Doumo opens second site: London Japanese restaurant concept Doumo has opened its second site, Propel has learned. The venue has launched at 110 Great Portland Street in Fitzrovia – in the former Kibako premises – joining its sister site in Tottenham Street. Doumo’s website states: “Doumo is a contemporary Japanese and Asian new-style sushi and hot food restaurant. We have combined the traditional Japanese and new dishes with modern cuisine, sourcing a wide range of choices. Using the best Japanese ingredients, we serve classic dishes in a simple, stylish space with communal tables.” Percy Fricker, of Restaurant Property, acted on behalf of the seller on the deal.

 

Kent operator takes over Michelin-starred pub in Canterbury: Kent operator Elliott Hewitt has taken over Michelin-starred pub The Bridge Arms in Canterbury. Hewitt – former general manager at The Rose, The Blue Pelican and The Zetland Arms in Deal – will relaunch the pub on Friday (15 August). Last service under former owners Dan and Natasha Smith, who also own the Fordwich Arms in Fordwich, was at the weekend. Hewitt, who was also previously a restaurant manager at the Fordwich Arms, will relaunch the pub alongside head chef David Gadd. Although the Smiths will no longer be involved day to day, they will still be a part of the business as part owners. Dan Smith said: “It’s been a wonderful journey, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved. Given the current economic climate, however, it is important to be versatile and adjust to people’s wants and needs and the current market. Elliot has been a friend and colleague for many years and is a true professional. We just know he is going to excel at the Bridge Arms and create a special place that will no doubt be a huge success. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this much-loved space.” The Smiths took over the former 16th century coaching inn in 2021 and it was awarded a Michelin star ten months later. Hewitt and Gadd will take the pub in a new, more casual direction, with a focus on fresh and seasonal Kent produce. Dishes will include celeriac gnocchi, watercress and summer truffle; butter poached skate wing, brown shrimp and fresh corn; and sandy and black pork chop with summer cabbage. Hewitt added: “It’s a beautiful pub with cosy fireplaces for the winter and a huge garden and outdoor bar for summer. It’s a vital part of the village and local community.”

 

Ilkley Brewery founder acquires Yorkshire venue that was the first non-smoking pub in the world: Ilkley Brewery founder Chris Ives has acquired a Yorkshire venue that was the world’s first non-smoking pub more than 50 years ago. The New Inn in Appletreewick rose to fame in 1971 as the first non-smoking pub in the world under the ownership of Jack Showers. In the 1990s, the pub also became a favourite for cyclists under landlord and endurance rider, John Pitchers. The pub has now been acquired by husband-and-wife team Alexa and Chris Ives, who are also founding partners in Otterbeck Distillery. Chris Ives also founded Ilkley Brewery in 2009, which was acquired out of administration by local businessman Graham Smith earlier this year. 

 

New owner of Leeds sports bar concept eyes expansion: The new owner of Leeds sports bar concept Toast is eyeing expansion into other cities. Jacob Georgallis, a former general manager at the venue, is now seeking to take the brand into cities like Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester. Georgallis completed the takeover of the West Point-based bar with a £350,000 Lloyds lending facility. The bar’s former owners were Gilda Porcelli, who opened Pasta Romagna in Albion Place in the 1950s, and her son, James. Georgallis said: “A year into my tenure, the bar was taken over by current owners James and Gilda, both of whom I’d had the fortune of knowing since I was a child. The family-like atmosphere and implicit trust in me and my vision for the space is the reason I’ve stayed with the business so long. We started the process of the sale earlier this year, and it has been smooth sailing since. I look forward to investigating new opportunities for locations across the north of England.”

 

North of Scotland operator expands into Inverness with new restaurant and cocktail bar: North of Scotland operator Heron House Group is set to expand into Inverness with a new restaurant and cocktail bar. The company, which is behind the Drouthy Cobbler in Elgin and Bonnie Beastie in Forres, will this autumn open Betty's Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in an empty unit in Academy Street. The building has sat empty since February, when Cairngorm Taverns closed The Rose Street Foundry restaurant and bar. A spokesman for Heron House Group said the new venue will offer everything “from artisan sandwiches over lunch, to lobster frites and Scottish staples such as fish and chips”. The new-look venue’s 50-seater bar area will also be stocked with wine, beer and cocktails that will “complement the dining offering”. Kevin Smith, the co-founder and director of Heron House Group, said: “Following the success of Drouthy Cobbler and Bonnie Beastie, we have long been searching for the ideal property in Inverness to expand and I’m delighted work is now underway to open later this year. My husband, Tony, and I were inspired to create Bettys Restaurant and Cocktail Bar by our travels to New York City.” Smith previously held the role of managing director at The Craigellachie Hotel, spearheading its relaunch in 2013. He opened Drouthy Cobbler in 2021 and Bonnie Beastie in 2022. His husband, Tony Pollock, also owns the Tony Christopher Hair Salon in Inverness.

 

East Lothian operator converts historic former pub into Indian restaurant: East Lothian operator Michael Singh has converted a historic former pub into a new Indian restaurant. Singh, who operates Bombay Lounge in Dalkeith, has opened Bombay Bar & Grill in Prestonpans. The venue has opened in the historic former The Prestoungrange Gothenburg pub at 227–229 High Street, which dates to 1908 but closed in January. Singh said: “Huge thanks to everyone who came along to the opening day of Bombay Bar & Grill, Prestonpans – you showed up hungry and made it a massive success. We’re just getting started, see you soon for round two.” Singh has run Bombay Lounge in Dalkeith since 2010.