Harts Group to make international debut by taking Barrafina to Dubai: Harts Group – the London restaurant company that owns Barrafina, El Pastor, Quo Vadis and Parrillan – is to make its international debut. The company has partnered with Anthem Hospitality to bring award-winning modern Spanish restaurant concept Barrafina to Dubai as part of its global expansion plans. This marks Barrafina’s strategic entry into the Middle East market, “taking its celebrated authentic Spanish cuisine beyond the UK”. The new restaurant will launch in partnership with Anthem Hospitality at DIFC Gate Village 01 in Dubai, in the UAE, with locations to follow throughout the GCC. The Dubai restaurant is scheduled to open at the end of this year. London is home to five Barrafina locations: the original in Dean Street in Soho, Adelaide Street and Drury Lane in Covent Garden, Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross and Borough Yards. The website states: “Each restaurant has an open kitchen, a marble and steel bar and red leather stools, inviting guests to watch the chefs at work. Unique daily specials are created at each site, inspired by the finest ingredients delivered that morning.” In July, Propel reported Harts Group was looking to expand its Mexican restaurant concept El Pastor to Manchester. The group has appointed Stärka to acquire a “high profile” site in Manchester city centre between 2,500 and 4,000 square feet. El Pastor operates four sites in the capital – in Soho, London Bridge, King’s Cross and Battersea. The group also operates Quo Vadis in Soho and Parrillan restaurants in King’s Cross and Borough Yards. Latest available accounts show Harts Group reported a 58.3% increase in turnover from to £23,727,311 for the year to 31 July 2023 compared with £14,987,128 the year before. Pre-tax profit dropped from £435,184 in 2022 to £391,443 as costs more than doubled from £3,541,156 to £7,771,536. Harts Group features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is available exclusively to Premium Club subscribers and features 1,151 companies. Harts Group’s turnover of £23,727,311 is the 484th highest in the database. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

Yorkshire bakery secures investment from co-founders of Pipers Crisps and Lincoln & York Coffee: Yorkshire bakery business Luke’s Bakery has secured investment from the co-founders of Pipers Crisps and Lincoln & York Coffee. Founded by Luke Jenneson in 2022, Luke’s Bakery delivers artisan sourdough to shops and hospitality outlets across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Alex Albone, co-founder of Pipers Crisps, and James Sweeting, co-founder of Pipers Crisps and Lincoln & York Coffee, have now made a significant investment in the Brough-based business. The company recently moved to a larger, 6,500 square-foot bakery, which is more than double the size of its first home and will enable the team to produce more loaves and diversify their range in future too. Jenneson said: “I couldn’t be prouder to have James and Alex on-board as investors. They’ve both provided invaluable counsel during the journey so far and their investment has already helped take us to the next level with the move to a new bakery. Roll on the next chapter.” Sweeting said: “I knew when I first tasted one of Luke’s loaves that he was onto something. The market for fresh, local bread made with simple ingredients is growing, and Luke’s baking skills and business brain are impressive.” Albone added: “I’m delighted to be getting involved to support them towards their next goals, growing distribution, expanding their range and raising brand awareness across the region and beyond.”