Hospitality groups' like-for-like sales flat again in July but new openings fuel growth: Britain’s top pub, bar and restaurant groups continued a flat summer of trading with a fractional year-on-year drop of 0.1% in like-for like sales in July, the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals. It comes after level sales in June and a drop of 1.0% in May. The tracker’s comparisons have now been static or negative in five of the first seven months of 2025. Managed pubs outperformed restaurants throughout the first half of the year, and they again achieved the best growth of the tracker’s segments in July, at 0.6%. They were boosted by periods of warm weather in many parts of Britain, but comparisons were held down by the Euro 2024 football tournament. Managed restaurant groups lagged pubs with 0.2% growth, but this was the first year-on-year increase since December 2024, and a very tentative sign that consumer confidence is moving in the right direction. Bars’ sales were down 4.3% from July 2024, and the on the-go segment slipped by 4.5%. Growth inside the M25 was up 0.7% while outside sales slipped 0.3% – the first time since March that London has outperformed the rest of the country. The tracker – produced by CGA by NIQ in partnership with RSM UK – provides more positive indicators of total sales in hospitality, including at venues opened by groups in the last 12 months. These were 3.2% ahead of the same month in 2024 – broadly in line with the UK’s rate of inflation in 2025, as measured by the consumer prices index. Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “The summer has brought little respite from the intense trading challenges facing hospitality, and real-terms growth is elusive. Pubs can be more satisfied than restaurant groups, which have had to work very hard to sustain footfall and cope with more sharp rises in the costs of labour and food. Solid growth in total sales shows operators and investors remain confident enough to open new sites, though if trading patterns continue, they will be forced to make some difficult decisions on spending.”

Sponsored message – new white paper from Startle reveals biggest benefits and challenges of background music in hospitality: A new white paper from background music and digital signage providers, Startle, is being released today, offering fresh insight into how background music can boost atmosphere, customer experience, staff morale, sales, and brand identity. With input from numerous hospitality operators including Golf Fang, Market Place and Vinoteca, the report explores how music is being used on the ground today, the practical challenges teams face in managing music, and why getting it right can make all the difference. From the early days of ambient audio to today’s data-driven music strategies, the white paper covers the evolving role of music in creating memorable hospitality experiences, including trends in background music today and how it is expected to be used in future. Startle chief executive Adam Castleton said: “Our research shows that most operators are aware that a branded background music solution can have a really positive impact on the customer experience, as well as influencing behaviour and boosting sales. Where work clearly needs to be done is in overcoming staff interference with playlists and ensuring background music has clear ownership, to avoid harming the audio experience and losing brand integrity. We hope our white paper shines a light on the importance of treating music as a strategic brand tool, as well as provoking thought on how to manage the operational challenges it can bring.” Read the white paper for free 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 new searchable and segmented New Openings Database on Friday: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club subscribers on Friday (5 September), at 12pm. The database will show the details of 174 site openings, including which company has opened a site or its plans to open one in the future. The database will have details on what type of site it is and its location, and there will also be a website link to the businesses. The database is published on a monthly basis and Premium Club subscribers will also receive a 11,126-word report on the 174 new additions to the database. It is segmented into seven categories – cafe bakery, casual dining, experiential leisure, fine dining, hotels, pubs and bars, and quick service restaurants – making it even easier for users to search. The database includes new openings in the casual dining sector such as The Elizabeth in London’s Belgravia from chef Anthony Demetre and Lunar Pub Group owner Hubert Beatson-Hird, a new seafood restaurant called Lilibet’s in London’s Mayfair from Bone Daddies co-founder Ross Shonhan, and Maltese hospitality group, Lifestyle Group, which is bringing its Japanese dining brand Aki to London. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, 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. 

Chancellor in talks to raise VAT threshold in battle to grow economy: Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering raising the threshold at which businesses start paying VAT in an effort to boost growth. She is understood to be reviewing the VAT regime as she prepares to launch a raid of at least £20bn to balance the books. She will warn when she returns to parliament that the economy is “stuck” and is preparing to make raising productivity the centrepiece of her second Budget. The Telegraph reported Whitehall officials raised the prospect of lifting the VAT registration threshold from its current level of £90,000 as “a growth measure” at meetings before summer recess. However, such a move is likely to be opposed by Torsten Bell, the pensions minister who is playing a key role in drawing up the Budget plans. Bell’s former think tank, the Resolution Foundation, has called for the threshold to be slashed to £30,000. Businesses have long complained the current threshold acts as a barrier to growth, forcing them to shut their doors to avoid making too much money. Small firms that turn over less than £90,000 are exempt from charging their customers VAT. However, the rules state once businesses breach the threshold, sales tax must be charged on every transaction. The Federation of Small Businesses confirmed it had discussed raising the VAT threshold with the government as a way to increase small business growth and generate more tax revenue. Meanwhile, Britain's seaside arcades fear they will be caught in a gambling tax trap that could make them “unsustainable”. The warning comes as Reeves weighs up whether to hit the betting industry with higher levies to fund scrapping the two-child benefit cap – an idea championed by former prime minister Gordon Brown. But the amusement arcade sector fears it will be included in the same bracket as online gambling giants, reports The Mail. Gambling companies have decried talk of a sector-specific levy. Casino operator Rank Group chief executive John O'Reilly said: “The reality is the market would quickly move offshore into the unlicensed market, which is paying no tax at all.”

Urban Baristas founder – Generation Z and millennials are changing coffee culture in UK: Huw Wardrope, co-founder of Urban Baristas, the Aussie-inspired coffee concept, which operates 17 sites across London and the south east, has said Generation Z and millennials are changing coffee culture in the UK. Wardrope said: “It’s no longer just about a latte to get through the day. People want experiences, creativity and an affordable treat that feels special. That’s why smaller specialty businesses are growing while big legacy players struggle. Drinks that catch attention, coffee labs, and limited collaborations are part of how younger customers connect with brands. At Urban Baristas we’ve built our growth on this shift. Our stores and franchise partners focus on Aussie hospitality, neighbourhood connection and a menu that feels premium but accessible. The middle ground is disappearing. You either deliver quick and cheap or you build a brand people are proud to be part of.” The business is set to open six further stores in the rest of 2025, with nine more in legals. The six new stores, all located in Greater London, are all currently in the fit-out phase, as Urban Baristas continues to scale through both equity and franchise stores. The upcoming pipeline includes Highgate (franchise), Croydon East (equity) and Shoreditch (equity) all opening in September. This will be followed in October by Wimbledon (franchise), and then Fulham (equity) and Greenford (equity) in November. Other sites listed as “coming soon” on its website include Fleet Street, Old Street and Southwark. Urban Baristas has a target of more than 40 stores by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, Scott Martin, the former managing director and co-inventor of Costa Coffee’s vending machine, Costa Express, plans to roll out Unity Coffee – a new type of self-service machine that, he hopes, will offer people a coffee before they realise they need one. Unity Coffee is an app-based venture that uses artificial intelligence to offer specific discounts based on the time, the customer’s location and their previous purchases. Martin wants to roll out 500 machines over the next 24 months.

French chefs want limits on restaurant numbers: Beleaguered French chefs have come up with a radical plan to protect the nation’s gastronomy – a limit on the number of restaurants. The Times reported French chefs are demanding quotas to restrict competition and to protect traditional establishments against “an invasion of microwaved food”. Thierry Marx, a Michelin-starred chef and chairman of the Union des Métiers et des Industries de l’Hôtellerie, the restaurant and hotel owners’ federation that is behind the plan, said drastic steps were necessary to save French cuisine. He said: “I travel a lot in rural areas and I see more pizza distributors and industrial bakers than bistrots. There are only a few survivors left.” Marx’s federation has called for legislation to limit the number of restaurants in areas deemed to have too many, mirroring quota schemes applied to other sectors, including chemists and taxi operators. Franck Chaumès, chairman of the federation’s restaurant branch, also appealed for a new law to ensure that only establishments employing a chef with a cookery school diploma could officially call themselves restaurants. However, Emmanuelle Ducros, a commentator on Europe 1 radio, said the measure would reduce competition, the quality of the meals on offer, lead to a rise in prices and also bar newcomers who were “perhaps more talented and more creative”. The number of restaurants has increased from 361,000 five years ago to 407,000 – and many of the new arrivals are fast food outlets. A total of 8,681 restaurants went bankrupt last year, an increase of 17.7% compared with the annual average between 2010 and 2019.

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a fast-growing hospitality business that is looking for a marketing director. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The business is seeking a highly strategic, creative, and commercially driven individual with proven expertise in customer relationship management and strong business-to-business experience. The ideal individual will bring leadership capability, guide a team while working closely with the board to shape the long-term direction of the business. The marketing director will take full ownership of the marketing plan, ensuring the brand is positioned effectively as the portfolio of venues expands. Partnering with the founders and board, the marketing director will design and deliver exceptional strategies, products, and processes to strengthen brand awareness and drive new revenue streams as the business continues to scale on a global level.” The salary is up to £80,000 and the position is based in West Yorkshire. For more information, email stuart@corecruitment.com 

Stonegate Group CEO – ‘our brands won’t disappear’, current trading ‘has been good’: David McDowall, chief executive of Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has told Propel that despite the business shrinking its managed estate and becoming a “partnership-led pub portfolio”, its brands, including Slug & Lettuce, Popworld and Be At One, “won’t disappear”. Last week the circa 4,300-strong business announced its 200th managed to leased and tenanted conversion, and in the process is creating a leaner, more focused managed estate, which now stands at 550 from 800 sites two years ago. McDowall said the strategic shift from managed to entrepreneur-led, pub partner and Craft Union models was setting the group’s estate up for long-term success. The conversion strategy means Stonegate now has the fourth largest managed estate in the sector, behind JD Wetherspoon in third, and circa 100 sites ahead of Marston’s. McDowall wouldn't comment on what size the managed business could eventually get to, but when asked whether a further 20 conversions would happen over the next 12 months, he said “it will be more than that”. He said: “The word brand is totally banned in Stonegate, because my view is the danger in a business like ours when you have eight to ten hard brands is you lose that flexibility and agility and entrepreneurial spirit to be able to react to what's happening in the local market. We want to amplify that – not just for entrepreneurial publicans and operators but also for our very best general managers. So, the formats and the facias will absolutely remain, and we continue to invest in those. But we want to encourage our teams to have real ownership over their pubs and bars, and having a very hard brand approach doesn’t help them do that.” When it comes to current trading, McDowall said it “has been good”. He said: “The weather helps, pubs have been strong, Craft Union has been strong. We've been really encouraged by the start of the Premier League season. So, the last couple of weeks, our game time numbers have been in double-digit like-for-like growth, which is encouraging.” 

Wadworth reports trade ‘holding up’ as it hires new commercial director: Brewer and retailer Wadworth has said trade is “holding up” as the company announced it has hired Adam Russell as its new commercial director. Russell has spent the past 12 years at Carlsberg Britvic and has been on-trade sales director for the past six years. At Wadworth, he will head up the sales and marketing divisions alongside drinks procurement. Managing director Toby Bartholomew said: “We have a fantastic team across the company and this addition is another great step forward after a number of transformational years for the business. With a new state-of-the-art brewery, we are increasing our volume of our own beer sold across our pubs and sales division. The old Northgate brewery has secured its future with a successful planning application for a new housing development in the centre of Devizes and this has unlocked further capital for investment. This will be invested back into our estate where there are great opportunities to increase value over the years ahead. Although there is a tough economic environment, trade is holding up throughout the summer and we are looking positively to the future.” Wadworth operates 18 managed and 129 tenanted pubs.

Kokoro exploring expansion into EU market as it reports record turnover of £36m after restructuring operations: Sushi and bento brand Kokoro has said it is exploring expansion into the EU market as it reported record turnover of £36,030,431 for the year ending 31 August 2024 after restructuring its operations. The group, which was founded in 2010 by Ray-Kyu Park and operates 83 sites across the UK, posted pre-tax profit of £3,641,142. In April 2024, a new holding company was formed that saw subsidiaries Kokoro UK, Kokoro Trading, Kokoro Franchise and Kokoro JV Management brought together to “align the entities under a unified management structure”. The restructuring involved the transfer of all shares of the four subsidiaries, previously owned by Park, to the newly formed Asan Investment. “This consolidation aimed to enhance governance, streamline decision-making, and create a robust foundation for future growth,” the company said. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “Asan Investment is committed to expanding Kokoro's presence across the UK, leveraging a balanced approach that includes franchise partnerships and joint ventures, while exploring expansion into the EU market. This strategic expansion aims to achieve nationwide coverage while maintaining the brand's standards and values. Recruiting franchise partners who align with Kokoro's philosophy and providing extensive support to joint venture partners are integral to the group's growth strategy, ensuring sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.” No dividend was paid (2023: £1m).

Moto hires Noel Collett as new COO: Moto, the motorway services operator, has hired Noel Collett, formerly of SSP Group and Lidl, as its new chief operating officer. UK-based transport hub foodservice specialist SSP Group hired Collett as its chief operating officer in summer 2022. Before that Collett spent three years as chief executive of the retail division of Eurocash Group, Poland’s leading food wholesaler. Prior to that he spent more than three and a half years as group chief executive of the AIM-listed, meat retailer Crawshaw Group. He also spent more than 16 years at Lidl, including 12 as the discount retailer’s chief operating officer. Ken McMeikan, Moto chief executive, said: “Noel’s extensive hospitality and retail experience as chief operating officer at SSP, and before that at Lidl, will be invaluable in accelerating our vision to ‘transform the UK’s rest stop experience’. This is an exciting time for Moto and Noel’s appointment reflects our continued commitment to our customers, and colleagues, with further significant investment planned in EV charging, new motorway service areas, and digital and artificial intelligence solutions. I’d also like to thank Michelle Madeley, our operations director, who will leave us at the end of September. Michelle has made significant contributions during her tenure – more than doubling our customer satisfaction levels and supporting our colleagues, which has resulted in Moto being named in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for the last two years running.” In June, Moto reported a £22m increase in non-fuel turnover for the year to 25 December 2024 after rolling out 16 new KFC, Greggs and Pret A Manger units across its network. Total turnover for the year was £1,075,430,000, up from £1,067,526,000 in 2023. Of this, £478,237,000 was non-fuel turnover, compared with £456,122,000 in 2023. The group – which operates a national network of 70 sites at 53 locations, including 54 sites at 39 motorway service area locations – reported 64 million non-fuel and forecourt transactions, up from 63 million in 2023.

Sixes – company transitioning into a cash flow-positive position, planning further franchising: The parent company of Sixes, the cricket-based competitive socialising concept, said it was transitioning into a cash flow-positive position, as it posted full year turnover to the year to 31 August 2024 that topped £11m. The company posted turnover of £11,386,795 (2023: £7,499,770) with an Ebitda loss of £333,238 (2023: loss of £1,082,037). Pre-tax loss for the year stood at £2,061,429 (2023: £2,014,181). The company said: “The group is transitioning into a cash flow-positive position, with the company expecting to be in a cash flow positive position by March 2025 after head office costs. This has been a dynamic year of growth for the group across both business arms. Within Sixes Social Cricket, we successfully launched new venues in Southampton, Oxford, Guildford, and London Bridge. Meanwhile, our franchise arm expanded through strategic partnership agreements with TeamSport, opening new locations in Docklands and Watford, alongside the addition of Bristol and Trinidad & Tobago as franchised operations. In the financial year 2025, there has been several openings, including: High Wycombe (TeamSport partnership), Boxpark Wembley (franchise), Guildford (two further nets), and Manchester (one further net). Management has reviewed the current estate and think there is the opportunity to install two further nets in the current estate. Sixes Brighton closed at Christmas due to the landlord going into administration. There are several further franchises that the group is looking to undertake in the financial year 2025. The social entertainment sector continues to expand as consumers shift from purchasing physical products to seeking immersive experiences, leading to increased market competition. To stay ahead, the brand has been evolving beyond its traditional cricket roots, creating a more dynamic and engaging experience. To further drive this evolution, the group is undertaking a brand refresh aimed at refining the brand identity, improving the customer journey, and enhancing the overall customer experience.”

Knoops makes US hire, plans ten sites in 18 months: Luxury hot chocolate shop brand Knoops has hired Mike Jensen, formerly of Coca-Cola and Pepsico, to oversee its initial launch in the US, where it hopes to have ten sites open with 18 months. In July, William Gordon-Harris, chief executive of Knoops, told Propel the company plans to have its first cluster of sites in the US and its at-home production facility opened in Utah within six to nine months. In June, the brand signed a deal to make its US debut, in Utah. The business has secured its first US site, which will open in 9th and 9th – a neighbourhood in Salt Lake City. Propel now understands that Knoops has hired Jensen, who is based in Salt Lake City and has “more than 25 years of professional experience with world class brands and organisations driving growth initiatives through innovative problem solving and market driven solutions”, to oversee its initial launch in the US. Propel understands that the plan for Knoops in the US is to get to around ten shops in the next 18 months. It comes after Gordon-Harris paid a visit to the US to drop his son and fourth child to Georgetown University. He said: “The energy of the place blew me away – chancellor Rachel Reeves and the cabinet should be well aware. It's not the politics I am talking about (far from it), it's the sense of the possible that I saw – this is what we need if we want to get growth here in the UK. A lead indicator of future growth must be the power and drive of the next generation. We all need to give them hope and optimism though. After my visit I could not be more excited about Knoops in the USA. The data from the UK shows us we can be a billion-dollar brand in the UK alone but the energy I saw in the US makes me understand why businesses like Dutch Bros Coffee and Cava built what they built.”

Cubitt House reports sales up 7% and Ebitda ahead of budget in first seven months of 2025: London gastropub operator Cubitt House, which is backed by funds managed by TDR Capital, the owner of Stonegate Group, has reported sales were up 7% and Ebitda was ahead of budget in the first seven months of 2025. It comes as Cubitt House, which operates eight sites, reported turnover increased to a record £20,047,858 for the year ending 29 December 2024 compared with £19,932,710 the previous year. Of this, £8,106,756 came from dry sales (2023: £8,339,452), £11,451,137 from wet sales (2023: £11,065,792), £440,731 from accommodation (2023: £481,712) and £49,234 from other income (2023: £45,754). Like-for-like sales were up 1%. Pre-tax loss increased to £1,942,282 from £1,375,671 the year before. Adjusted Ebitda was down to £1,117,000 from £1,478,000 the previous year. Exceptional items included pre-opening costs of £367,709 (2023: £32,951), £242,276 of exceptional utility costs (2023: £571,382), £49,799 of settlements costs (2023: £30,951) and £127,959 of other costs (2023: £96,286). In his report accompanying the accounts, director Brian Magnus said: “Ongoing inflationary pressures, consumer uncertainty and increases in the national living wage has placed pressure on margins. However, the company has withstood these pressures and is well placed to continue to develop its existing estate and grow the business further. In February 2024, the company refurbished The Orange in Belgravia. The early signs are the refurbishment has been a success. Minor capital projects were also performed on other sites. In April 2025, the company rebranded and relaunched the first-floor restaurant space at The Alfred Tennyson in Belgravia. Early signs and feedback has been positive. In the 30 weeks following the period end, the company's sales have increased 7% versus FY24 and on budget. The company also remains ahead of budget Ebitda for the 30-week period. Looking ahead further, the chancellor's autumn Budget will have an impact on the company from a cost perspective. The dual impact of national minimum wage and the stealth increase in employers’ national insurance will suppress margins moving forward. However, the strategic opportunity for the group is to focus on high quality product alongside highly competitive prices; with a strong emphasis on value for money.” No dividends were paid (2023: nil).

Jenny McPhee to step down as brand director at The Alchemist: Jenny McPhee is to step down as brand director at bar and restaurant brand The Alchemist, after 12 and a half years with the 23-strong business. McPhee began as a business development manager at the brand when it was owned by Living Ventures, before spending more than two years as its brand business development manager, and then three years as its head of brand. She said: “After 12 and a half incredible years, I'm entering my final few days at The Alchemist and reflecting on what has honestly been a life-changing journey. Hospitality wasn't a career path I ever imagined for myself, but this role has given me lifelong friendships, incredible collaborations with suppliers, and even introduced me to my husband. It's been nothing short of transformative. I'm incredibly proud of what's been achieved and my part in growing The Alchemist into the UK's leading cocktail bar brand. It's been so much more than just a job, I've genuinely loved every minute. I'm going to miss the dry ice, grapefruit and apricot martinis but most of all my talented colleagues and friends. Making the decision to move on hasn't been easy, but it's the right time for a new challenge. I'll be focusing on a personal passion project (more to follow) over the next few months before exploring new opportunities.” 

Gordon Ramsay plans to open Hell’s Kitchen restaurants in UK: Chef Gordon Ramsay could bring his TV hit Hell’s Kitchen back next year – while also cooking up plans to open restaurants in the UK under the show’s name. His American version of the show, launched after he hosted the first UK series, has been popular for 20 years and he has seven sites bearing the name in the US. The Sun reported that Ramsay has now also trademarked the Hell’s Kitchen name in the UK so it can be used in restaurants that could open immediately after the show reboots on ITV. A TV insider told The Sun: “Fans of the show will be doubly thrilled by the prospect of the competition coming back and being able to dine in a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant over here. Business-savvy Gordon has watched as the popularity of Hell’s Kitchen in the US has helped bring in thousands of customers to his restaurants. The programme is broadcast in more than 100 countries around the world so between tourists visiting Britain and developing a whole new audience for the telly contest in the UK, it’s an incredibly smart move on his part.” Ramsay opened his first Hell’s Kitchen restaurant in the US in 2018, serving British favourites including beef wellington and sticky toffee pudding. The seven Hell’s Kitchen locations across the US include Las Vegas, Miami, California and Washington DC.

The Ivy Collection to bring Ivy Asia to Liverpool: The Ivy Collection, the Richard Caring-backed restaurant brand, is to bring its Ivy Asia concept to Liverpool. The restaurant will open above the Ivy Liverpool Brasserie in Castle Street this autumn. A spokesperson said: “As the newest addition to its existing eight locations nationwide, The Ivy Asia Liverpool will showcase the concept’s signature blend of vibrant interiors, theatrical dining, and Asian-inspired cuisine. Guests will be taken on a sensory journey of bold flavours, creative cocktails, and an atmosphere like no other.” In May, the FT reported that Caring was 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 in a deal that could exceed more than £1bn.

Toca Social signs deal to launch in Central America: Toca Social, the interactive football bar business, has signed a deal to launch in Central America, with a first site in the region set to launch next year in Guatemala City. The business has signed a franchise deal with the Boco Group to launch in the region. The first site under the new agreement will be located in Paseo Cayalá and will open in the second half of 2026, in time for the 2026 World Cup. Christian Bonifasi, chief operating officer of Boco, said: “We are committed to bringing to Guatemala unique experiences and solutions that are on par with the best in the world. We take an important step forward with the arrival of Toca Social, an interactive soccer experience that unites sport, technology and entertainment like never before. We do so because we deeply believe Guatemalans deserve world-class experiences, and because we recognise the love for soccer that unites us as a country.” Alex Harman, president of Toca Social, said: “Central America is an exciting soccer market and an exciting growth prospect for Toca Social. We are pleased to partner with Boco, an exceptional operator that shares our vision of bringing world-class experiential entertainment experiences to the region.” Toca Social opened its first location in August 2021 at London's O2 – attracting more than 300,000 visitors in its first year, and securing backing from England national team captain Harry Kane. Earlier this summer, Toca Social opened its third site in the UK, at Westfield White City. Toca Social will open its first US venue, at Grandscape, near Dallas, Texas, later this year. 

Evolv Collection offers 50% at Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel as it estimates £1m impact from tube strikes: The Evolv Collection is offering 50% off standard room rates at its South Place Hotel in the City and 50% off food at its Bluebird and Michelin-starred Angler restaurants during the upcoming tube strikes. Earlier this month, trade union RMT said the strikes will take place across the tube network for seven days starting from Friday (5 September), which will cause “significant disruption”. The Evolv Collection said it has taken this action as it estimates an impact on revenue of around £1m as a result of the tube strike action. Chief executive Martin Williams said: “Our hotel, members’ club and restaurants are the heartbeat of the Square Mile and the City of London community. During the tube strike action, the city pulls together and shows itself at its best. In this spirit we have decided to offer 50% off standard room rates and 50% off food in the hotel's restaurants. Additionally, we will be hosting wine tastings and cocktail masterclasses each evening to ensure the hotel is its usual hotspot, filled with fun; despite the industrial action.” Angler reopens after its annual summer break on Wednesday (3 September) with a menu that celebrates head chef Craig Johnston being crowned the winner of the “Roux Scholarship”. Williams said: “At Evolv we have enjoyed incredibly strong trading in the past months and are about to open two new restaurants. The government must support our sector's growth through campaigning to end this industrial action imminently, while taking the long-awaited action to reduce VAT for tourists and deliver on their promises for business rate reform.”

David Lloyd to open new site in Kent: Health and leisure business David Lloyd is set to open its newest location in Herne Bay on the Kent coast this December. Located at Altira Park, the club will house a gym with more than 100 stations, both indoor and heated outdoor swimming pools, racquet facilities, and a luxury spa retreat and garden. “It has been fantastic to see such excitement and anticipation for the new club among the Herne Bay community,” said Mike van Heerden, general manager at David Lloyd Herne Bay. “We are pleased to be opening in December.” David Lloyd is one of Europe’s biggest health and fitness operators, with 134 clubs and more than 11,500 employees. In July, Sky News reported TDR Capital, which has owned David Lloyd since 2013, was putting the finishing touches to a continuation vehicle that effectively transfers ownership of the group from one of its funds to another entity that has many of the same investors in a £2bn deal.

Croeso Pubs to open ninth site: South Wales operator Croeso Pubs is to open its ninth pub. The company acquired the lease of The Cricketers in Pontcanna in July and has been carrying out £250,000 worth of improvements. Alongside the extensive refurbishment, there will be selected live sport, as well as a new range of draught beer and traditional Welsh cask ale. The new menu at the Cathedral Road pub will feature local favourites and daily specials when it reopens this month. Area director Michael Haygarth said: "The Cricketers is such a great venue in Pontcanna, and we know it’s well loved by regulars. We have really enjoyed working to give it a new lease of life.” The company operates venues in and around Cardiff and Penarth. Croeso runs two community pubs, The Bear’s Head in Penarth and The Discovery in Lakeside. The group also runs city centre venues The Philharmonic, Brewhouse, Blue Bell, Retro and gastropub Daffodil, as well as The Dock in Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay.

Chef Clare Smyth to launch new luxury bistro in London’s Chelsea: Clare Smyth, chef patron of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Core by Clare Smyth in London’s Notting Hill, is to open a new luxury bistro in the capital this November. Smyth will open Corenucopia by Clare Smyth at 18-22 Holbein Place, in Chelsea. Next year, Smyth and Daniel Boulud, who together hold seven Michelin stars, are to open new restaurants at the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch in London. As official chef partners, the two will each oversee one of the hotel’s signature restaurants when it opens in 2026. Previously Smyth was chef patron at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay from 2012 to 2016, and won the Chef of the Year award in 2013. She is the first and only British female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars for her restaurant Core by Clare Smyth. Nick Garston, of the Found Agency, acted on the Holbein Place deal.

Boutique hotel concept House of Gods to make London debut in October: Boutique hotel concept House of Gods, which is backed by Imbiba, will open its debut London site in October. The opening in Canary Wharf forms part of Imbiba’s new 65,000 square-foot hotel, restaurant and music venue at 12 Bank Street. The 79-room House of Gods hotel – which opens on Monday, 27 October – will also feature Sacred Garden, a 300-capacity rooftop bar and restaurant. Founded in 2019 by brothers Mike and Ross Baxter, House of Gods also has hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Mike Baxter said: “Since 2019, House of Gods has been built on a simple promise: every guest should be treated like they’re famous. At House of Gods, our guests aren’t just visitors, they’re the stars of the show. With our incredible new hotel in Canary Wharf, we’re taking that philosophy to dazzling new heights. London is our boldest move yet and every detail has been designed to make guests feel truly celebrated.” The Imbiba development will also feature a new Amazing Grace music venue from K&G Hospitality, adding to its site in London Bridge.

Lido plans submitted for London’s Canary Wharf: The developers behind Canary Wharf have submitted a planning application for a 50m lido in the heart of the east London financial district. The Times reported the plans for an addition to Eden Dock, which sits directly opposite the main entrance to Canary Wharf’s tube station, show a “floating, natural water” pool with saunas, a clubhouse and a restaurant. The plans were published on Canary Wharf’s website last week before submission to Tower Hamlets Council, and if permission is granted the lido would open in time for next summer. The water at Eden Dock is cut off from the River Thames and naturally filtered, meaning it quickly became a favourite of open water swimmers. The “waterfront oasis” was opened almost a year ago in collaboration with the environmental charity, the Eden Project, and is already home to activities such as kayaking. The move is the latest push by Canary Wharf Group to transform what was once exclusively a financial hub into a mixed-use neighbourhood. The six-lane lido will be operated by Sea Lanes, which operates Sea Lanes Brighton, a beachside pool complex in the south coast city. Saunas and fitness classes will also be available alongside a restaurant and seating and will be operated on a pay-as-you-go basis.