Chick-fil-A to open in Leeds this autumn led by ex-Nando’s employee for England return: 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 confirmed it will launch in Leeds this autumn. The brand – which operates more than 3,100 sites across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada – said the opening in Leeds is part of the company’s commitment to open five restaurants in the UK in the next two years and invest $100m in the market throughout the next ten years. As previously revealed by Propel, the brand is opening in the former Clarks unit in Commercial Street in Leeds. The opening will be led by local owner-operator Mike Hoy, who the company said is from London and has extensive experience in the restaurant industry. Propel understands Hoy has spent the past three and a half year as an insight lead at Nando’s. He also spent four years at Restaurant Brands International, the Tim Hortons, Burger King and Popeyes owner, including a year and a half as area franchise lead for EMEA. Earlier this year, Chick-fil-A 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 Liverpool and London, the latter in Kingston. It comes as the business announced it is also set to make its debut in Singapore. “Expanding in both Europe and Asia is a meaningful milestone for Chick-fil-A,” chief executive Andrew Cathy said. “The investments we’re making in the UK and Singapore not only present opportunities for our business but are also a chance for us to bring what makes Chick-fil-A special to new places – great food and remarkable hospitality, our unique franchise model, and the positive impact we have in communities.” Chyn Koh will be the first Chick-fil-A local owner-operator in Asia. Chick-fil-A chief international officer Anita Costello said. “Wherever we do business, our unique franchise model and the dedication of our local Chick-fil-A owner-operators who are deeply involved in their restaurants every day are the keys to our success.”

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Multi-Site Database with 3,451 operators and 25 new companies on Friday: Premium Club subscribers are to receive the updated Multi-Site Database on Friday (29 August), at noon. The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,451 multi-site operators and is searchable in seven main segments. The database features 1,003 (29%) operators from the casual dining sector, 801 (23%) pub and bar operators, 600 (17%) cafe bakery operators, 483 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 283 (8%) hotel operators, 227 (7%) experiential leisure operators and 53 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month, and this edition includes 25 new companies. The database includes new companies in the cafe bakery sector such as neighbourhood café and deli concept Popin and fast-growing independent brand Cornish Bakery. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five additional databases: the New Openings Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database 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 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.

Keurig Dr Pepper to buy Peet's coffee for £13.6bn: US drinks giant Keurig Dr Pepper has agreed to buy Dutch coffee firm JDE Peet's for €15.7bn (£13.6bn) in the largest European acquisition in more than two years. The companies plan to split into two US-listed firms after the merger, with one focused on coffee brands including Douwe Egberts and L'Or, while the other will sell soft drinks such as Schweppes, Snapple and 7 Up. Executives said the purchase was intended to create a “resilient and diversified” coffee business, forming a “global coffee champion” at a time when the industry is grappling with tariffs and high prices for coffee beans. Keurig Dr Pepper will pay JDE Peet’s shareholders €31.85 per share in cash, valuing the company’s equity at €15.7bn. JDE Peet’s owns more than 50 brands, including café brand Peet’s Coffee and retail coffee brands Douwe Egberts and Kenco. The beverage group represents more than $11bn of annual net sales, while the coffee unit spin-off accounts for $16bn of yearly sales. The deal would create “two winning companies, including a new global coffee champion”, said chief executive Tim Cofer. European investment group JAB Holding, the backer of Pret A Manger, is a controlling shareholder in JDE Peet’s and still retains a large minority stake in Keurig Dr Pepper, despite selling shares following the 2018 merger. Keurig Dr Pepper’s soft drinks brands, including Dr Pepper, Canada Dry and Snapple, have performed well since the 2018 merger, but its coffee division has struggled in the face of stiff competition. Keurig said in July that the performance of its coffee maker would remain “subdued”. 

Uber Eats reveals finalists for 2025 Restaurant of the Year Awards: Uber Eats has unveiled the finalists for its 2025 Restaurant of the Year Awards. The finalists are: London: Sanjugo, Yorkshire: Silver's Deli, Scotland: Yayas, north west: Burg N Ice, north east: Sushi Me Rollin’, West Midlands: Taqi's Grill, Wales: Sharkbite Burgers, south west: Low & Slow, south east: Umami Street Food, East Midlands and Anglia: Wok & Grill, Northern Ireland: Seed and Ireland: Urban Health. Later this year, finalists will gather in London for a two-day celebration of their work. This will also include a full judging day with industry experts such as Levi Roots, Eating with Todd, Clodagh McKenna, and 2024 Restaurant of the Year winner, Natty Crutchfield, of Natty’s Jerk. The overall winner will receive £100,000.

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a third-party service provider that is seeking an operations director to lead its cleaning operations across a high-profile London portfolio. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This role requires an inspiring leader who can drive operational excellence, ensure service delivery across diverse cleaning contracts, and maintain compliance while fostering strong client relationships that encourage trust, retention, and long-term growth. The position will be responsible for supporting and developing regional managers and site teams, driving innovation and continuous improvement, and ensuring standards remain best in class. The operations director will need proven senior leadership experience within the cleaning or facilities management sector, a strong commercial mindset with a track record in managing complex budgets and contracts, excellent communication and team leadership skills to bring out the best in people, and the ability to think strategically while remaining hands-on in solving problems and driving change.” The salary is up to £110,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email joe@corecruitment.com. 

Wafflemeister partners with TRG Concessions for first airport site: Wafflemeister, the Belgian waffle operator, has partnered with TRG Concessions to launch its first airport site, at London Heathrow Terminal 4. Wafflemeister, which was founded in 2009, said it aims to open more transport hub sites in the next 24 months. Wafflemeister currently operates 24 sites across the UK, including at Legoland, Alton Towers, Bluestone Resort and Butlins. The new Heathrow site serves Wafflemeister's Liége waffles, with a variety of toppings and a selection of gelato flavours also available. The menu also includes freshly baked pastries with option to dip into melted Belgian chocolate, fruit pots, a new range of handmade on-site toasties, as well as coffee and a full drinks range. Rikos Leong-Son, chief executive of Wafflemeister, said: “Opening our first site at Heathrow is a milestone moment for our brand. Heathrow is one of the world's busiest international airports, and we're proud to bring travellers a taste of our wonderful waffles, made with love as well as our full range of all-day products. Wafflemeister has always enjoyed a diverse range of customers, and we have always attracted customers from all over the world, so it always made sense to open in the place where they served the most travellers! Airports are traditionally known for their functional food range. We have always been in the business of making smiles, and now we get a chance to add a smile to Heathrow.” Kirsten Pottinger, commercial director of TRG Concessions, said: “We're proud to have partnered with Wafflemeister to support it with its debut airport opening. It's a fantastic brand and one the team at TRG Concessions has loved bringing to life in an airport setting, leveraging our unique experience in the travel sector to help create the perfect concept for the space. This new site adds to our growing presence at Heathrow – now eight locations strong – and builds on a busy year for us, with plenty more to come.”

Bingo club operator Castle Leisure anticipates further consolidation of market in near term, acquires first Scottish sites: Bingo club operator Castle Leisure has said it anticipates further consolidation of the market in the near term as it assesses further expansion opportunities after acquiring its first Scottish sites. It comes as the company reported turnover increased to a record £37,136,548 for the year ending 29 December 2024 compared with £35,291,470 the previous year. Pre-tax profit was up to £4,800,309 from £4,300,436 from the year before. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “Post year end, the company completed the acquisition of three freehold properties in Scotland. During 2024, the company incurred capital expenditure of £11.7m, inclusive of acquisition of freehold properties in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton. Additionally, a major project at Neath and rollout of fixed bingo terminals across all sites were successfully delivered. All clubs grew profitability compared with 2023, with eight clubs achieving an all-time record high in profit contributions. The directors anticipate further consolidation and contraction within the bingo market in the near term, which the company will assess for potential expansion opportunities.” A dividend of £961,740 was paid (2023: £870,280). The company, which was formed in 1856 and constructed the UK’s first purpose-built bingo hall, operates 11 sites – eight in Wales and three in England, employing around 550 staff.

Bubba Oasis – ‘we’re in a strong place’, flagship site up 12.4% year-on-year, co-founder steps down: Rob Huysinga, co-founder of Bubba Oasis, the all-day restaurant and bar concept, has told Propel that the business is in a “strong place”, with sales at its flagship site in London’s Islington up 12.4% year-on-year. The company, which was founded in summer 2021 by Huysinga and Moe Sahrie, currently operates sites in Angel and Clapham. It comes as Sahrie, formerly of Joe & The Juice, has stepped down from the business, where he was also chief operating officer. Huysinga told Propel: “Our Angel flagship just turned four and it's 12.4% up year-on-year. This summer has been especially busy, with dozens of corporate events hosting TikTok, L'Oréal and Sky, through to rooftop evenings with Spotify and Universal Music. Last month we had a particularly strong performance, with sales of £285,286 and 40.1% Ebitda. It's encouraging, but we know there's still lots of room to grow and improve. For example, demand has been so high for meeting space that we ended up redecorating our storeroom into an extra conference room. We've also been experimenting with new ways to connect with the community. Our ‘Friends With Benefits’ programme, launched in May, gives locals a daily bar-made and barista-made drink plus other perks for £25 a month. We're now at 106 members, which is a small but promising start. At the same time, Bubba Ice, our fun and theatrical ice cream catering brand, has just finished its first year in the US. Partnering with names like 1 Hotel, Soho House and Nikki Beach has been a real milestone, and we're excited to see where it can go next. For us, the balance is what makes Bubba Hospitality Group interesting: running Bubba Oasis as an asset-heavy, high-revenue model here in London, while building Bubba Ice as a nimble, scalable, asset-light event brand in the US. Moe has moved on and we are grateful for all he's done for the business and wish him well.”

Cardiff pie & coffee business Donald's Pies plans expansion after acquiring production kitchen: Cardiff pie and coffee business Donald's Pies, which launched last year, is set to go on the expansion trail, after acquiring its first dedicated production kitchen in the Welsh capital. Donald's Pies started as a nod to founder Gareth Owens' travels around New Zealand, and his late, pie-loving grandad, Donald. Teaming up with graphic designer Harri Owain Rees, Donald's Pies started as a side hustle in a converted van. Parked up at Radyr Cricket Club, the van began serving hot, handmade pies to a growing crowd. Last October, the business took over a small former coffee shop in Quay Street. The business has now acquired a new kitchen based in Penarth Road, which will serve as the “engine room for production, freeing the team from the hassle of rented kitchens, and enabling it to meet growing demand”. The business has also begun working with property firm EJ Hales to find new sites. Donald's Pies is seeking small units/shipping container sites of 300-500 square foot in high footfall, office and suburban areas or transportation hubs. Donald's Pies is seeking locations in the likes of Swansea, Reading, Bristol, Bath and London. “We've had so much support, but to really go for it we needed a home of our own,” said Owens. “This kitchen has given us the capacity to say yes to a lot more, and it means shorter days on the M4.” With the new kitchen, the Donald's team will also start supplying The Grange Pub in Grangetown, the National Museum of Wales and five outlets at St Fagan's Museum of Welsh Life. Kitchen takeover events are also planned in Bristol, Birmingham and the London Welsh centre in the coming months. To fund the kitchen build-out and scale the next phase of growth, the Donald's Pies team has also launched a crowdfunding campaign. “Donald's has always been about community,” said Owens. “So, it's only right the people who helped us get here can now say they have their fingers in pies, so to speak.”

Toca Social hires Mike Parnham as head of global operations: Toca Social, the interactive football bar concept, has hired Mike Parnham, former managing director of Rum Kitchen, as head of global operations. Parnham spent seven years at Rum Kitchen, including almost five years as its managing director. The Caribbean-inspired restaurant and bar concept closed all of its four sites last spring. Parnham also had stints at Muriel’s Kitchen and Las Iguanas. Earlier this summer, Toca Social opened its third site in the UK, at Westfield White City. Toca Social also operates sites in London’s O2 and Birmingham’s Bullring. Earlier this year, its parent company secured $35m (£26.2m) in additional funding to help expand the brand globally. Toca Football operates Toca Soccer, the largest operator of indoor soccer training centres in North America, alongside Toca Social. The new funding included $15m in equity, while separately, the company has also received $20m in debt financing from JP Morgan. The new capital will fuel Toca Social’s international growth as well as developing of Toca Soccer’s training technology. Toca Social will open its first US venue, at Grandscape, near Dallas, Texas, later this year. Further expansion is planned across the US and other international markets in 2026 and beyond.  

The Ivy Collection hires Colin Kendrick as new IT director: The Ivy Collection, the Richard Caring-backed restaurant brand, has hired Colin Kendrick, formerly of Everyman and Ann Summers, as its new IT director. Kendrick joins The Ivy Collection after almost five years as head of IT as cinema operator Everyman. He also spent 14 months as head of IT at retailer Ann Summers, and seven years in the same role at Day Lewis. In June, The Ivy Collection reported turnover increased to a record £327,126,000 for the year ending 5 January 2025 compared with £314,744,000 the year before. This included £104,000 in franchise income compared with £143,000 the previous year. Adjusted Ebitda was up to £61,869,000 from £57,484,000 the year before. Pre-tax profit fell to £32,273,000 from £37,695,000 the previous year, which the company said was substantially impacted by an increase in pre-opening costs and one-off exceptional charges of £3,938,000. This included £3,587,000 in other professional fees, £176,000 in management restructuring and other employee related costs and £175,000 in contract terminations. Caring is reportedly in advanced talks to sell a significant portion of his UK hospitality empire – which includes The Ivy Collection and London private members’ club Annabel’s – to an entity controlled by the Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan. The FT reported earlier this summer that talks between Caring and Sheikh Tahnoon’s holding company IHC may result in a deal that could exceed more than £1bn.

Dubai-headquartered fast chicken brand ChicKing lines up Edinburgh opening: Dubai-headquartered fast chicken brand ChicKing has lined up an opening in Edinburgh. The business will open in Home Street in the Scottish capital, on Saturday, 6 September. The opening will be the brand’s third restaurant in Scotland, after Aberdeen and Livingston. A spokesperson from ChicKing said: “We are thrilled to bring ChicKing to Edinburgh as part of our continued expansion in the UK, especially in Scotland. This new location represents an exciting step forward for our brand, and we can't wait to welcome the local community to experience what ChicKing has to offer.” ChicKing is also set to open its first drive-thru site in the UK, in Scotland. Franchisee Foodfixx has applied to open a drive-thru unit in the corner of Munro Road in Stirling. Since securing the master franchise for ChicKing last summer, Foodfixx has expanded from nine to 17 locations across England and Ireland and is moving into Scotland with this store in Stirling. The two companies signed a franchise agreement to open up to 30 sites in Scotland over the next three years under the brand. Founded by AK Mansoor in the UAE in 2000, ChicKing has since grown to in excess of 300 sites in more than 35 countries. It made its UK debut in 2017 with a couple of sites in west London – in Acton and Marylebone – before making its regional debut the following year with a launch in Wednesbury, in the West Midlands. 

Wagamama opens new Preston restaurant: Wagamama, The Restaurant Group-owned brand, has opened its new site in Preston. Wagamama has opened in the city’s newly launched £45m Animate leisure scheme. The brand has taken a 4,125 square-foot unit on a 15-year lease. The venue seats 164 guests inside, with an additional 32 seats outdoors, and has created 55 jobs. The opening marks Wagamama's 167th restaurant in the UK and Ireland and its 59th in the north of England. The Preston restaurant offers two of the brand’s newest initiatives, with students able to get 20% off Sunday to Thursday when they sign up to the platform Student Beans, while emergency service workers are able to obtain a discount through the Blue Light Card programme. The new restaurant follows the launch of Wagamama’s new brand platform, “Food Is Life”, which celebrates food’s emotional power and cultural importance.

Irish sustainable restaurant business plans two new openings: Irish sustainable restaurant business Sprout & Co is planning two new openings, including its first outside Dublin and Kildare. The eight-strong business, which grows much of its own produce at its own farm in Rathcoffey, County Kildare, is set to open in the former Ulster Bank site in Winthrop Street, in Cork. The company’s first site outside Dublin and Kildare is set to open this October. The business, which was founded by Theo and Jack Kirwan, is also set to open a new site in Dublin, in James’ Place off Baggot Street, which is set to be called the Green House. Earlier this year, the business made its debut in the suburbs of Dublin, with an opening in Monkstown. The company currently employs more than 200 people across its restaurants and farm, serving about 40,000 salad bowls a week.

Lockdown Bakehouse lines up fifth site: Lockdown Bakehouse, which was founded in 2020 as a family-run business by Chris and Dawn Brumby, is to open a fifth site in London, in Raynes Park. The company will open at 82 Durham Road before the end of the year. The company – which currently operates sites in Wandsworth, Barnes, Clapham, and Earlsfield – is also understood to be in advanced talks on a sixth site in Greater London. The business, which also supplies more than 150 coffee shops across London, began as a way to provide essentials to the local community during the national covid lockdown, initially delivering supplies and later shifting to baking bread and pastries.

Offworld Industries to open new concept Hamilton & Brown: Offworld Industries, which earlier this summer opened its third Cafebar site, is to open a premium deli and tasting bar called Hamilton & Brown, at Livingston Designer Outlet. Offworld Industries, which is led by David Stein, has signed a ten-year lease for the new delicatessen and eatery that is set to open in the autumn after agreeing a deal with landlord Global Mutual. Taking a 3,500 square-foot ground-floor unit, Hamilton & Brown will bring “an elevated culinary offering to the centre, prioritising locally sourced produce and incorporating a gourmet tasting counter, dedicated rotisserie and deli, and decadent dessert station”. Cafebar 1962 opened at the centre last summer. Stein said: “We are excited to open a second venue within Livingston Designer Outlet. Hamilton & Brown is set to redefine our offering with an all-encompassing experience.” Earlier this summer, Stein opened the 4,000 square-foot Cafebar eighteen38 at the Dalton Park Outlet in Seaham, County Durham, the company’s first opening in England. Last month, Stein told Propel he is aiming to grow the business through partnerships with his staff as he looks to reward their loyalty. Stein is the second generation of a family butchers’ business with sites in Bathgate and Blackburn in West Lothian, which expanded into hospitality in 2013.

Caribbean concept Jerk Junction to open in Liverpool: Caribbean concept Jerk Junction is set to open its fourth restaurant site, in Liverpool. Propel understands that Jerk Junction, which was founded by Jake Shaffi, has secured the former Gourmet Burger Kitchen site in the Liverpool ONE scheme. Last year, Jerk Junction, which is “on a mission to make authentic Jamaican food more accessible in the UK”, opened its first shopping centre in Manchester’s Trafford Centre, offering dishes such as jerk chicken, curried goat and lentil stew – all served with rice and peas and prepared with traditional spices. It joined the business’ other locations in Chorlton and Wilmslow. Earlier this year, Jerk Junction hired Mickey McCarthy, formerly head of food partner operations at Blend Family, as its new managing director.

London bakery operator opens all-day dining destination at The Owo hotel: Shaheen Peerbhai, founder of Miel Bakery in London’s Fitzrovia, has launched a new all-day dining destination at The Owo hotel in Whitehall. Peerbhai has partnered with Vedika Hinduja to open Café Ciel in the courtyard of The Owo, in the space previously occupied by Cafe Laperouse. Café Ciel offers seasonal bakes and brunch by day, followed by curated cocktails and tapas by night. Seasonal evening menus will change regularly with a selection of tapas-inspired small plates alongside larger plates. After training at Le Cordon Bleu and Ecole Ducasse in Paris, Peerbhai honed her craft in Mumbai, Paris, and London, including kitchens ranging from terroir-driven bistros to Michelin-starred establishments. She opened Miel Bakery in 2019. Café Ciel’s long-term residency marks The Owo’s third independent restaurant, joining the contemporary Milanese Paper Moon and chef Endo Kazutoshi's rooftop Kioku by Endo. The Owo is also home to Raffles London at The Owo hotel, encompassing five restaurants and two bars.

Catering business Gather & Gather to operate new cafe and event space at Oxford Technology Park: Catering business Gather & Gather is to operate a new cafe and event space at Oxford Technology Park. Owner Life Science REIT has chosen Gather & Gather to run Nexus, which will be located within the park's Innovation Quarter. The cafe will have 239 seats both in and outdoors, while the event space will have room for 60 people. Both are expected to open in the autumn. Nathan Franks, operations director at Gather & Gather, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Oxford Technology Park on Nexus. Our mission is to deliver fresh, high-quality food and drink that enhances the daily experience of everyone at the park. Nexus will be more than just a cafe – it will be a place where people come together to enjoy great food, connect with others and foster business relationships.” Ian Harris, director of asset management at Ironstone Asset Management, the investment adviser to Life Science REIT, added: “As the park continues to grow, it is vital that it offers high-quality amenities that not only serve the occupiers but also help create a stronger sense of community. We're delighted to be partnering with Gather & Gather and look forward to seeing Nexus become a central hub for collaboration, innovation and connection across the park.”

Nottinghamshire operator opens second site: Nottinghamshire operator Houlia Mola has opened her second site. Mola, who is behind French style boulangerie The DoughMother in Beeston, has launched The Doughter in the former Saint Property Services premises in the town. The High Road property has been transformed and sells cakes, pastries and bread like its sister site in Central Avenue. Drinks include speciality coffee, plus, in a nod to Mola’s heritage, Greek coffee, reports Nottinghamshire Live.

Former Ennismore colleagues to open Georgian restaurant in Mayfair: Giorgi Mindiashvili and Mitz Vora, who met at Ennismore, are to open a new Georgian restaurant called DakaDaka in London’s Mayfair. DakaDaka, which will open this November in Heddon Street, is the debut London project from Berkeley Square Hospitality, the new venture led by Mindiashvili and Vora, who have spent the last decade shaping celebrated restaurants across Georgia, the UK and Europe. At its heart, DakaDaka will offer a “modern interpretation of Georgian culinary tradition – bold, expressive, and rooted in technique”. Dishes will centre around open-fire grilling, native Georgian ingredients, and seasonal British produce. The drinks list will feature a focused selection of 100 Georgian natural wines, curated by award-winning wine expert Honey Spencer, alongside Georgian beer and bespoke ChaCha-based cocktails. The 110-cover space will span two floors and includes a bar, dining room. Formerly of Ennismore, the pair first worked together at the group, where they led the development and openings of Hoxton hotels and London restaurants, including Tandoor Chop House, Egg Break, Breddos Tacos Soho, and Seabird. Mindiashvili said: “DakaDaka is a project we've been building toward for years. Georgian food is rich in history and soul, and we've long felt there was space in London to showcase it with care and precision.” Vora said: “There's a beautiful depth to Georgian cooking – in the techniques, the ingredients, and the stories behind each dish. DakaDaka is a chance to bring something purposeful and soulful to London's dining scene.” Dan Brown, of Restaurant Property, acted on behalf of DakaDaka.

  

Historic West Midlands farm opens hotel: The team behind a historic West Midlands farm has launched a new hotel. The Barn At Berryfields’ new venue features 33 bedrooms, including two suites, following the conversion of an existing barn. The Barn Hotel comes from brothers Tom, Joe and Will Barber, who have returned to the family business over the last 15 years to join their parents Chris and Fiona. The business has been in the family since 1934, and it opened a farm shop on site in 2008 to showcase its home-reared produce. In the years since, the business has added a two-AA Rosette restaurant and private function room, a bar, a pizzeria and artisan bakery and event spaces. Will Barber said: “As a family-run independent business, we are thrilled to be launching our next venture – The Barn Hotel. Hospitality is something that we are very passionate about, and the new hotel is the natural next step in our diversification and one we are hugely proud of.”

 

Aberdeen operator set to open Scotland’s first alcohol-free bar: Aberdeen operator Kate Kenyon is set to open Scotland’s first alcohol-free bar. The 22-cover Sobr will open at 39 Thistle Street in October, offering “health-boosting mocktails” and other alcohol-free drinks, including coffee. Kenyon said she was inspired to bring an alcohol-free space to Aberdeen after a lifetime of health issues due to kidney failure, including a failed kidney transplant at 19. “It failed partly because of alcohol,” she told The Herald. “I was just a normal teenager; I went out and partied like everybody else. A lot of other kids that age, their bodies can handle going out four days a week and drinking. However, because of my kidney, I couldn’t do that.” Following a second transplant, Kenyon fell ill again last summer when she was hit by two flu strains and a chest infection. “Now I want to live every day as though it’s my first and not have any regrets,” Kenyon said. “I knew if someone did this before me, I would so regret it – so I had to just go for it. I think there is definitely a social shift that needs to happen, and it’s great that the younger generation are thinking more about their health and stepping away from the binge drinking that my generation did. I’d seen sober events in LA, New York and London, and I really thought Aberdeen could use a place like this. I want to create something that is inclusive for all, where people can come and not feel pressured into drinking.” Kenyon said she has experienced a limited alcohol-free offering when out for drinks with her friends. “It’s an afterthought,” she added. “It is either juice, or there isn’t a huge variety. At Sobr, people will have these amazing, nice, aesthetic drinks that taste good and have a benefit to them as well.”

 

Freehold of Virgin Active gym at The Island Quarter in Nottingham sells for £6.75m: The freehold of the Virgin Active gym located within The Island Quarter regeneration area in Nottingham has been sold in a deal worth £6.75m. The Conygar Investment Company has exchanged contracts to sell the site to Monoprop, a property investment company. Net proceeds will be used to partly repay the £12m ASK Partners loan secured against the wider site. Conygar will record a loss of £750,000 from the transaction based on the March 2025 accounts valuation of £7.5m. For the year to 30 September 2024, the holding company of the Virgin Active gym recorded a net loss of £67,000. Christopher Ware, managing director of Conygar, said: “This sale represents a good piece of asset management for the team having purchased the long leasehold interest for £5.9m in May 2024 and we look forward to progressing other areas of the site in the near future.”