F1 Arcade to launch smaller format F1 Box that offers ‘significant global growth potential’: F1 Arcade, the Formula 1-licensed experiential brand, is to launch a smaller format called F1 Box on Friday (22 August), in London. The company said the new immersive racing experience, which will open at Westfield Stratford City, offers “significant global growth potential”. The company added F1 Box will bring fans “closer to the thrill and excitement of a Formula 1 Grand Prix through a new innovative format, which pits drivers against each other in a head-to-head immersive racing challenge across its 12 Arcade-style F1 racing simulators”. It said: “With state-of-the-art, full-motion simulators, 4k screens, impressive audio-visual production and race commentary, this latest high-intensity experience from the creators of F1 Arcade is designed with competition at its core. Players will get straight to business as they battle in two back-to-back races, tracking their progress via the live leaderboards and with the help of real-time race data. F1 Box is not about mastering every track or clocking endless laps – it is about fast; competitive gameplay built for today’s social-first crowd. Expect reactive lighting and huge digital screens in an epic space.” F1 Arcade currently operates five sites across the UK and US, including London, Birmingham, Boston, Washington DC and, most recently, Philadelphia. A new site in West Midtown, Atlanta, is planned to open later this year. Adam Breeden, founder and chief executive of F1 Arcade, said: “The concept offers significant global growth potential, bringing a small-format, dramatised version of our F1 Arcade racing experience to millions more Formula 1 fans and newcomers worldwide.” Last year, F1 Arcade announced plans to open 30 locations globally within the next five years, while Propel revealed that F1 Arcade had completed a $130m (£101.2m) growth financing raise to aid its further expansion. Backed by Formula 1 and Liberty Media, F1 Arcade opened its first venue in London in 2022, followed by Birmingham in November 2023. 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.

Sponsored message – SetMenu teams up with Airship, Ten Kites and 125 Data & Insights to launch guide to maximising group bookings this Christmas: Group bookings can make (or break) Christmas for operators, so SetMenu has teamed up with leading industry partners Airship, Ten Kites and 125 Data & Insights to create “More Guests, Less Stress This Christmas – a hospitality operator's guide to managing the madness and maximising every group booking”. Louise Jooste, commercial director at SetMenu, said: “This guide is packed with practical insight to help you stay organised, drive revenue and deliver a brilliant guest experience when it matters most. Inside, you’ll find expert contributions covering everything from guest targeting and allergen management to upsells and post-visit marketing. With labour costs rising and team pressure mounting, this guide helps you get ahead, with strategies you can action now.” Download the guide here. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality on Friday featuring 87 new companies and 108 updated entries: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will feature 87 new companies and 108 updated entries when it is released to Premium Club subscribers on Friday (22 August), at midday. The database now features 1,035 companies, and this month’s edition includes more than 272,000 words of content. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent developments 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 five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, 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.

Almost three quarters of hospitality businesses have less than six months of cash reserves as tax rises force workforce cuts: Almost three quarters (73%) of hospitality businesses have less than six months of cash reserves, with one in five having no cash reserves at all, a new study has revealed. The latest member survey from UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping, the British Beer & Pub Association and Hospitality Ulster also found 69% of respondents are operating at or below 85% of their required capacity as tax rises have forced them to cut their workforce. As a direct result of April’s cost increases, 79% have increased prices, and more than half have cut staff numbers. Hospitality businesses are now asking for a reduction in VAT, an amendment to April’s changes to employers’ national insurance contributions and lower business rates for the sector. In a joint statement, the trade bodies said: “This shocking data reinforces the urgent need for government to recognise the incredible pressure hospitality businesses have been put under, particularly since April, and illustrates why it should come forward with measures to support this vital sector at the Budget. Unsustainable tax increases are squeezing businesses, stifling growth and investment, and threatening local employment, especially for young people. It is forcing businesses across the sector to make impossible decisions to cut jobs, put up prices, reduce opening hours and sadly limit the support they desperately want to give their communities. Hospitality is united in which measures will reverse this trend and drive growth: a reduction in VAT for hospitality, changes to employers’ national insurance contributions and permanently lower business rates for the sector. Now is the time to act and back a vital British sector that supports the economy, jobs, and local communities. We urge the government to do so at the Budget this autumn.”

Children being ‘bombarded’ with ‘harmful’ fast food ads, charity warns: Children and teenagers are being bombarded with videos and pictures of unhealthy food online, polling suggests. The Independent reported that the poll by Cancer Research UK also said youngsters are more likely to engage with content about junk food if it is shared by influencers. Cancer Research UK said ministers must do more to protect young people from “harmful marketing that could increase their risk of obesity and cancer in the future”. New laws, which come into force next year, will end paid-for advertising, including online, of specific foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt. The charity said it is important for the implementation of the legislation to go ahead as planned after repeated delays and warned not all exposure to junk food will end, as there will still be online advertising loopholes. The charity surveyed 4,000 children and young people aged 11 to 21 across the UK and found that half (52%) saw unhealthy food and drink products from either businesses or influencers on social media in the last month. Almost four in ten (39%) said they engaged with these posts by commenting, liking or sharing. They were more likely to interact with a post from an influencer compared with a business. Some reported that seeing content about food high in fat, salt and sugar made them feel tempted or hungry. Liv Cheek, prevention policy manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Advertising can shape what children eat, so the UK government must help create an online environment that empowers, rather than undermines, healthy changes. Planned restrictions on junk food advertising online are a vital step to protect young people’s health. However, these measures must be properly enforced and strengthened by closing any remaining gaps in the online marketing rules. We urge the UK government and regulators to take bold action to shield young people from harmful marketing that could increase their risk of obesity and cancer in the future.”

 

US operator Black Rock Coffee Bar confirms IPO plans as it reports 24% revenue jump: US brand Black Rock Coffee Bar has confirmed its plans for an initial public offering (IPO) as it reported a 24% revenue jump in the first half of 2025. Reuters reported last month that Black Rock Coffee had filed confidentially for an IPO in New York that could value the cafe brand at more than $1bn. The company, launched in 2008 by Jeff Hernandez and Daniel Brand, has now filed the IPO paperwork. Black Rock Coffee’s revenue rose to $95.2m for the six months ended 30 June 2025, compared with $76.7m a year ago. Net loss attributable to the company narrowed to $1.9m from $2.3m during the period. As of 30 June, Black Rock Coffee, which has remained founder-owned, operated 158 locations across seven US states. Reuters reported that US IPOs have shown a recovery in recent months, buoyed by the successful debuts of several high-profile companies. But while the majority of these have come from technology-heavy companies, Black Rock Coffee’s IPO “could prove to be a litmus test for investor perception of consumer-oriented companies”, Reuters said. The report said coffee is more sensitive to supply chain disruption from US tariffs, uncertainty around which scuttled dealmaking earlier in the year. JP Morgan, Jefferies, Morgan Stanley and Baird are the lead underwriters for the offering.

Toggle and BHN to launch new gift card that champions independent and small-chain restaurants: Experience platform Toggle and global branded payments business Black Hawk Network (BHN) have partnered to launch a new gift card that champions independent and small-chain restaurants. The Foodie Favourites Gift Card is a new multi-brand gift card that will be available from October and is designed for diners who seek out unique culinary experiences and special occasions – from neighbourhood gems to authentic small chain concepts. Cards can be loaded with any value between £15 and £200 and will be available to buy from Tesco stores, excluding Tesco Express or Metro Stores, and at One4all’s website. Toggle chief executive Dan Brookman said: “The Foodie Favourites Gift Card will create a new revenue stream for operators, and being able to access the circa £300m loaded onto One4all each year will undoubtedly provide a well needed revenue boost for participating restaurants.” David Walsh, vice president original content EMEA at One4all Gift Cards, part of BHN, said: “Foodie Favourites Gift Card is a concept BHN has been eager to bring to life for several years, and with over 300 new restaurant partnerships expected, this effectively doubles our network overnight.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a food and beverage business that is looking for a global out-of-home account controller. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The out-of-home account controller will be responsible for managing and developing relationships with a high profile strategic global client. This role is crucial in driving revenue growth, enhancing customer satisfaction and ensuring the long-term success of this key account across the UK and EMEA regions.” The salary is up to £95,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email mikey@corecruitment.com.

 

Team behind The Crystal Maze Live Experience and Chaos Karts secures new funding package: Little Lion Entertainment – the Edition Capital-backed business behind the Crystal Maze Live Experiences, Chaos Karts and Pac-Man Live Experience – plans to open three new Arcade Arenas across the UK in the next 12 months after securing a “substantial” new funding package. Little Lion Entertainment said the multimillion-pound loan facility from HSBC will enable it to accelerate its UK expansion plans. Two of the new Arcade Arenas will be based in London, with one in west London set to open later in 2025, and a flagship site scheduled to open in 2026 in a prime central location. A third venue is planned for northern England. Tom Lionetti-Maguire, founder and chief executive of Little Lion Entertainment, said: “This funding is a huge vote of confidence in both our vision and the next stage of our journey. With the backing of HSBC UK, we’re supercharging our ability to create jaw-dropping, genre-busting experiences that continue to thrill and delight audiences across the globe.” Little Lion Entertainment said it is currently developing two new live game experiences specifically for the Arcade Arena platform and aims to announce both titles within the next six months. Last December, Little Lion Entertainment managing director Neil Dolan told Propel the business is planning a UK roll out for its Arcade Arena concept alongside overseas expansion. He said: “The adaptability and repeatability of this concept means there’s no reason why we can’t have ten to 15 Arcade Arenas across the UK with different content. We will also be looking to develop new games and franchise our games internationally.”

 

Zambrero signs up first UK franchisee, makes Scotland debut: Zambrero, Australia’s largest Mexican quick-service franchise, has made its debut in Scotland after signing up its first franchisee in the UK. The company has partnered with Dan Hawley to open a dark kitchen site in Scotland, which will be the first of a number of sites Zambrero will open with Hawley north of the border. Zambrero said: “Not only is it amazing to have taken our first orders in a new country, but this also marks a great step in the growth of our franchise partner network as we welcome Dan and his team into the UK ‘Zam Fam’. Dan and his family recently relocated to Scotland from Australia, bringing their love of Zambrero halfway around the world, and we’re all looking forward to more exciting developments from our team north of the border soon. Watch this space.” Propel revealed last month that Zambrero had launched a franchise recruitment programme in the UK, with plans to open 100 sites by 2030. The company, which opened its debut UK site in Kentish Town in 2021, said the expansion plans will create 1,500 jobs, including full and part-time roles. Propel understands Zambrero has signed up its first three franchise partners, which will look to open their first sites in Scotland, north London and Hampshire, respectively, within the next 12 months. The company has more than 300 restaurants in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Ireland and the UK. The brand, which is the largest Mexican restaurant franchise in both Australia and Ireland, currently operates 13 restaurants around England, located in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Reading and Essex. 

Dave’s Hot Chicken lines up Westfield London opening: Dave’s Hot Chicken, which is being rolled out here by Azzurri Group – the ASK Italian, Coco di Mama, Boojum and Zizzi owner – is set to open its second site in the capital, at Westfield London. Propel understands that the brand, which opened its third UK site earlier this month, in Manchester, has secured the former Spaghetti House site, next to Five Guys and PizzaExpress, at the Westfield scheme in Shepherd’s Bush. The third UK Dave’s Hot Chicken opened at Manchester Printworks, following launches in London in December and Birmingham last month. Keyana Mohammadi, head of marketing at Dave's Hot Chicken UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to bring Dave’s Hot Chicken to Printworks, an iconic location that matches our bold flavours and energetic vibe. This is just the beginning – we have big plans to expand across Greater Manchester and the north of England before the end of the year.” Propel understands that the brand is in talks on a site in Liverpool. It has also lined up its first leisure park site here, which will see Azzurri Group convert its ASK Italian site in Stevenage to a Dave’s Hot Chicken, due to open next month.

The Beautiful Pubs to invest £1.1m with Everards into latest acquisition but says increased taxation is impacting the ability to grow estate: The Beautiful Pubs Collective, the independent pub operator led by Sam Hagger, has said it will jointly invest £1.1m with Leicestershire brewer and retailer Everards into their latest pub together but said increased taxation is impacting the ability to grow its estate. The Beautiful Pubs Collective, which operates four pubs in Leicestershire, acquired the lease of The Old Horse in London Road, Leicester, in November 2024 – the fourth pub it has taken on. The joint investment in the pub will take place next year and follows a £300,000 transformation, again with Everards, earlier this year of its original Leicester city centre pub, The Rutland & Derby Arms. The Beautiful Pubs Collective said despite a challenging trading environment in the city, this investment is already showing a return, with increased guest satisfaction and market share growth. The Beautiful Pubs Collective also recently completed a refresh of its award-winning Leicester gastropub, Knight & Garter, repositioning it as a “vibrant” city-centre pub with an adjoining Italian restaurant, which it said has been warmly received by guests. Hagger said: “As we approach our 17th year in business, our growth continues to be fuelled by our passion for evolving our pubs, expanding guest occasions and delivering outstanding hospitality. Every commercial decision we make is weighed not only on its impact to the P&L, but also how it benefits our incredible teams and the communities we operate in. It’s a shame our government doesn’t take the same approach to hospitality as we do to our pubs. Increased taxation this year has cost our business more than £200,000, which directly impacts our ability to grow our estate, support our communities and create rewarding jobs.” It comes as The Beautiful Pubs Collective reported 36.24% sales growth (like-for-like 9.03%) in the second quarter of its financial year, following 27.54% growth (like-for-like 4.97%) in the first quarter. The company said this was boosted by the acquisition of The Old Horse, while underlying like-for-like sales were driven by warmer weather and ongoing investment into the estate.

 

Chick-fil-A adds to UK operational team: US brand Chick-fil-A, which made its debut site in Northern Ireland earlier this year as it begins its return to these shores, has further added to its UK operational team with two new hires. Propel understands the brand, which operates more than 3,000 sites across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada, has hired Bryn Hames, formerly of Tim Hortons UK & Ireland, Domino’s Pizza and McDonald’s UK, as principal development lead for the UK. Hames spent almost five years at the SK Group, the franchisee for Tim Hortons UK & Ireland, and Domino’s, as their construction director. At the same time, Chick-fil-A has hired John Robson, formerly of McDonald’s UK, as its principal real estate lead for the UK. Robson spent 15 months as head of acquisitions and disposals at the Royal Mail and more than seven years at McDonald’s, including three and a half years as senior acquisitions manager – North UK & Republic of Ireland. Earlier this year, the brand entered a new licensing partnership for Northern Ireland with service station operator Applegreen. The first of two Northern Irish Chick-Fil-A locations opened at Applegreen’s Lisburn South motorway service area on the M1, and at Applegreen Templepatrick on the M2. The brand will also open single sites in Leeds, Liverpool and London over two years, and Chick-fil-A has opened applications for those wishing to take on a franchise.

 

Urban Pubs & Bars acquires Lowlander site in London’s Covent Garden from Brighton Pier Group: Urban Pubs & Bars, the London pub operator founded by Malc Heap and Nick Pring and backed by Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual, has acquired the Lowlander bar in London’s Covent Garden from Brighton Pier Group, Propel has learned. The site in Drury Lane was part of Brighton Pier Group’s Eclectic Bars division, which now comprises Embargo Republica in Chelsea and Le Fez in Putney in the capital, and the Lola Lo bars in Bristol and Reading. Urban Pubs & Bars, which is led by Chris Hill, operates circa 55 sites. Paul Tallentyre, of Davis Coffer Lyons, acted on the Lowlander deal. 

 

Adam Dilks to step down as group people director at Nightcap: Adam Dilks is to step down as group people director of Nightcap – the owner of The Cocktail Club, the Adventure Bar Group and the Barrio Familia group of bars – after two and a half years with the business. Dilks joined Nightcap in spring 2023 after four and a half years with Greene King, including the last three years as HR director of its Premium, Urban and Venture Brands division. Previous to that, he was head of PR at Pendragon, before which he spent 11 years in various roles at Tesco, including group talent partner, people business partner and senior manager. He is leaving Nightcap later this year and has set up his own consultancy business. He said: “After an incredible few years leading people strategy at group level, I’ve taken some time to reflect on what I enjoy most – partnering with leaders to build cultures, solve complex people challenges, and enable business growth. As part of that, I’ve set up AD London HR Consultancy, giving me the flexibility to work with businesses on a consultancy or advisory basis while also continuing my search for the right permanent role.” Nightcap told Propel that the company is not replacing Dilks “as he is leaving us with a phenomenal team”. In May, Propel revealed that Nightcap was planning a fundraise of up to £5m to finance a “significant capital expenditure programme” for the acquired i360 venue in Brighton and “other key investments” across its existing circa 45-strong estate. 

 

Kerb hires Shivani Mawji as new commercial director: Street food collective and hospitality group Kerb has hired Shivani Mawji, formerly of Time Out Market, as its new commercial director. Mawji joins Kerb, which recently launched its new smaller format Kerb Social Club in London’s Spitalfields, after five years at Time Out Market, including a year and a half as its global commercial director. She said: “Kerb is in an exciting phase of growth, and I’m inspired by the team’s energy, talent and ambition to become the most impactful hospitality company in the world. I’m actively looking for new sites for flagship Kerb food halls and white-label food halls to join Kerb’s portfolio in London, Berlin, Copenhagen and San Francisco. I’m even looking at sites to grow Kerb Social Club.” Earlier this summer, Simon Mitchell, chief executive of Kerb, told Propel that the business was excited to see how its new smaller format Kerb Social Club “connects with people in a different way” but still delivers “everything we care about”. Kerb Social Club spans two floors and is billed as a place where “American sports bar energy meets proper pub comfort, fused with an inclusive community buzz”. Since launching as a pop-up in 2012, Kerb has grown into an international operator of food halls, event catering and its own social enterprise.

 

Flight Club to open in Newcastle in November for 15th UK site: Red Engine, the hospitality group behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle, will open its 15th UK Flight Club, in Newcastle, in November. The venue will be the third opening for Red Engine this year and the seventh inclusive of franchise openings, with two more planned before year-end. As with all Flight Club venues, the Newcastle site, which will be at the Eldon Square shopping centre, will feature semi-private oches around a bar, and an outdoor terrace. Steve Moore, chief executive and co-founder of Flight Club, said: “We are excited to be making our way to the incredible city of Newcastle. It’s no secret that Newcastle knows how to throw an epic party, and at Flight Club, we pride ourselves on perfecting the art of the unforgettable night out. We cannot wait to kick off the fun with everyone in the city.” Once Newcastle opens on Friday, 7 November, the total Red Engine and partners estate will stand at 38. This portfolio is set to increase to 40 by year-end, with Flight Club Cincinnati and a second Sydney site yet to open. In March, Red Engine said it and its franchise partners are aiming to open 45 venues over the next five years as it targets an estate of 84 sites by 2030. It came as Red Engine reported revenue increased 15% to a record £77.1m for the year ending 31 December 2024 compared with £66.8m the previous year. Red Engine’s sales, combined with its franchise partners’, reached £118.3m.

 

Lancashire KFC franchisee returns to profit: Lancashire-based 1st Rate Investment UK, which owns and operates a KFC franchise business comprising of 22 stores in the north west, returned to profit in the year to 29 December 2024. The business turned a pre-tax loss of £876,930 in 2023 into a profit of £216,253. The company’s turnover grew from £40,360,297 in 2023 to £41,027,408 while Ebitda increased from £1,332,703 to £2,287,530. Director Zafar Abbasi said: “The increase in turnover is primarily due to price increases during the year. The directors consider the results for the year to be satisfactory.” Dividends of £1,200,000 were paid (2023: nil). Starting out as BJR Foods, which was founded in 1980 and opened its first store in Lostock Hall, Preston, the business was acquired by 1st Rate Investment in 2013.

 

Yorkshire multi-brand operator launches first health and wellness concept alongside latest F&B opening: Yorkshire multi-brand operator Rahat Javid, who owns more than 20 food and beverage units across the region, has launched his first health and wellness concept. The entrepreneur is behind six-strong Punjabi restaurant concept Shimlas, nine-strong fast food concept Mr Ts, two-strong jacket potato business Phat Spuds and seven-strong fried chicken concept NYK Chicken. He has now launched Reforma Club in Blenheim Terrace, Leeds, which specialises in Pilates classes and also features a cafe. “Something new, something exciting and something I’ve always wanted to do,” Javid said. “My brother Fez Mahzar and I have just launched Reforma Club, our first step into the health and wellness world. We’ve set up right in the heart of Leeds, opposite the university, with a state-of-the-art Pilates studio and a boutique cafe serving matcha, speciality coffee, açai bowls and more. It’s a new industry for me, but one I’ve had my eye on for years, and now it’s finally happening.” It comes in the same week that Javid launched his latest Mr Ts site, at 125-129 London Road in Highfield, Sheffield. “Since 2013, I’ve dedicated myself to building and growing businesses within the food industry,” he added. “It began with my family concept, Shimlas, where I learned the craft of not just making great food, but also creating memorable experiences. After mastering and expanding Shimlas, I felt ready to branch out into new outlets and have since launched several concepts. Over the years, I’ve opened more than 20 sites. None of it has come without sacrifice, and I’ve done it by working tirelessly for my close people and community. I’m deeply grateful for the journey so far and the future is bright.”

 

Camino to launch new pintxo bar in London’s Covent Garden later this month: Spanish restaurant and bar group Camino, which acquired two Iberica sites out of administration at the end of last year, is to open a new pintxo bar in London’s Covent Garden later this month. Pintxito will be an intimate 40-cover bar situated under the arches of Covent Garden Piazza. Inspired by The Basque country, Pintxito will serve pintxos, “small, delicious bites of food found in bars across the region”, alongside locally produced drinks. Pintxito is a new concept from Hispanophile Richard Bigg, founder of Camino Group and Bar Rioja – the UK’s only wine bar dedicated to wine from the Rioja region of Spain. Pintxito will have 30 covers inside and a further ten outside. Blackboards will list a changing selection of 15 to 20 hot and ambient pintxos. The launch menu will include the likes of classic baby squid in squid ink and anchovy gildas to crispy pig’s ears and king oyster mushrooms with piquillo and salsa verde. 

 

Neighbourhood café and deli concept Popin secures third site: Neighbourhood café and deli concept Popin has secured its third site in London, in Battersea. The concept, which is the brainchild of Archie Bellville, has acquired the former Cast design studio site at 127 Northcote Road for an opening later this year. The company currently operates sites in West Kensington and Pimlico and is understood to be looking at expanding into more neighbourhoods around the capital. Edward Pearse Wheatley, of Cafe Ventures, acted on the Battersea deal.

 

Spitfire Barbecue concept to open second site: Spitfire Barbecue, the Bristol-based concept, is set to open a second site, in Cardiff. The concept, which is the brainchild of Billy Steyn, launched in Bristol, on the former Jacks Brasserie premises on Hanover Quay, in 2014. The new site is set to open on Cardiff’s Mary Street in the Morgan Quarter. The company said: “At Spitfire Barbecue, we believe that great barbecue starts with great ingredients. That’s why we hand-select the highest quality meats and prepare them fresh every day. Cooked low and slow in our authentic smokers, each bite delivers the deep, rich flavour of true Texan-style BBQ. Our menu celebrates the bold, smoky traditions of global barbecue culture. From South African Braai seared over our wood-fired grill to American classics, we bring the world’s best barbecue styles together under one roof.”

 

London Korean/Japanese restaurateur to open second site: Alan Tse – who is behind Korean/Japanese restaurant Dotori in Finsbury Park, north London – is to open his second site. Tse is launching The Azuki Room in the City. He has acquired the lease of the former The Pineapple Club in Rolls Passage, off Chancery Lane, in a deal brokered by Christie & Co. Tse said The Azuki Room, which will span two floors and have a terrace, will “blend fine Japanese cuisine with the soulful energy of a Tokyo backstreet izakaya”. He added: “The Azuki Room reflects a personal culinary journey shaped by heritage, mentorship and a deep passion for Japanese cooking. In the early evening, guests are invited to enjoy a refined chef’s tasting menu. As night approaches, the space shifts into a vibrant izakaya-style lounge and a relaxed, social setting, open until 2am. We’re also proud to be bringing in an exceptional lunch offering, with beautifully crafted set meals at accessible prices.” Tse began his food journey at a young age, helping in his family’s Chinese takeaway before later exploring Japanese cuisine during a formative gap year in Tokyo. After graduating from Kingston University, he met Sam Kang, the founder of Dotori, who was looking for someone to carry on the legacy of the restaurant he had built. Tse stepped in and has been running the venue for the past eight years. To further deepen his knowledge, he trained at the Japan Culinary Institute in Tokyo.

 

London craft beer and pizza concept Crate to open second site: London craft beer and pizza concept Crate is to open its second site, in Canary Wharf. Founders Neil Hinchley and Tom and Jess Seaton launched Crate in Hackney Wick in 2012, converting “The White Building”, a dilapidated ex-print factory. Now the trio are heading to Wood Wharf in Water Street in October. The site will offer the same Crate core range of lagers, pale ales, stout and cider alongside a new range of experimental soda cocktails. They will be served alongside the concept’s thin-crust pizzas, including toppings such as sage and truffle, spicy salami and Middle Eastern lamb. Post-launch, an enclosed garden will offer additional seating for up to 80 outside. Jess Seaton said: “We can’t wait to bring Crate to a new part of London. We feel so lucky to have built an incredible community in Hackney Wick, then we found a space in Wood Wharf that we fell in love with and wanted to bring the authentic Crate vibe to.” The Wood Wharf site will also participate in Crate’s four-day work week trial for full-time, salaried employees.