Harts Group building up a pipeline of international opportunities, open to taking more of its brands to the Middle East: Harts Group – the London restaurant company that owns Barrafina, El Pastor, Quo Vadis and Parrillan – has told Propel it is building up a pipeline of international opportunities and is open to taking more of its brands to the Middle East. Propel reported this week that Harts Group has partnered with Anthem Hospitality Group to bring award-winning modern Spanish restaurant concept Barrafina to Dubai as part of its global expansion plans. The new restaurant will launch at the end of this year, with more locations to follow throughout the GCC. Anna Watkins, a director at Harts Group and managing director of the Barrafina brand, which has five locations in London, told Propel: “We are actively exploring a number of markets in the GCC with no limit to the scope and scale of our expansion. Currently, our focus is very much on Barrafina as a starting point – that is not to say we're closed to any future opportunities for our other brands. Our priority is getting our first international opening right in the UAE. That said, we are building up a pipeline of potential opportunities both in the GCC, as well as other international markets.” The company also operates four El Pastor sites in London – as well as Quo Vadis in Soho and Parrillan in King’s Cross and Borough Yards – and Propel reported earlier this summer that it was exploring expanding El Pastor to Manchester. Asked if this was still on the cards, Watkins said: “We are very much focusing on international expansion for Barrafina rather than the UK, as it stands.” On current trading, she added: “Given the headwinds for hospitality in the UK with increases in national insurance, wages and the new tronc regulations, we have ridden the storms to achieve a successful and profitable 2025 year to date, with a growing Ebitda year on year.” 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. Its turnover of £23,727,311 is the 484th highest in the database. 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.

Premium Club subscribers to receive new searchable and segmented New Openings Database today: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club subscribers today (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 (QSR) – making it even easier for users to search. The database includes new openings in the QSR sector such as Burger Drop opening in Middlesbrough, German Doner Kebab set to open at Brent Cross shopping centre in north London, and fast chicken brand ChicKing opening in Edinburgh. 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.

Katherine Doggrell – authenticity is replacing trying to be everything for everyone: Propel editorial advisor Katherine Doggrell has argued that authenticity is replacing trying to be everything for everyone for sector businesses, in today’s (Friday, 5 October) Propel Premium Opinion. Reporting from this week’s Propel Multi Club Conference, Doggrell cites examples from businesses such as Young’s, RedCat Hospitality, Soho House and Bear, plus insight from Alix Partners and CGA by NIQ. Doggrell writes: “When you rummage around on those social media platforms where everyone is expressing their individual selves, relentlessly, one word that leaps out is ‘authentic’. People want something which is special and real, in line with how they see themselves. There has been a move away from being everything to everyone and having a bit of faith in yourself, and that was very much the mood at this year’s Propel Multi Club.” Also in this week’s Premium Opinion, David Campbell, former chief executive of PizzaExpress and Wagamama and chair of Gaucho owner Rare Restaurants and Ole & Steen/Lagkagehuset, describes how improving efficiency can solve the sector’s people problem. Premium Opinion will be sent to Premium Club subscribers at 5pm. 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.

Christie & Co – confidence in pubs is holding firm even as costs climb: Stephen Owens, managing director – pubs and restaurants at Christie & Co, has argued that confidence in pubs is holding firm even as costs climb. Writing in today’s (Friday, 5 September) Propel Friday Opinion, Owens said 86% of the pubs Christie & Co sold in the first half of 2025 were for continued use as pubs, “underlining sector confidence and the vital role pubs play in communities around the country”. Furthermore, in the 12 months to July 2025, the company sold 46 closed pubs across the country, 35 of which were to reopen under new ownership as hospitality venues. “So, despite cost pressures causing some pubs to close their doors, we are seeing new venues emerge,” Owens said. “The £7 pint may be here to stay, but so is the pub, and we continue to see consumers choosing hospitality venues for socialising, experience and connection.” Owens will share more of his thoughts in today’s Friday Opinion, which will be sent out at 11am.

 

West Midlands’ Merry Hill shopping centre on market: The owners of the Merry Hill shopping centre in the West Midlands, which is home to various foodservice and leisure operators, have confirmed the site is being put up for sale. The 1.4 million square-foot retail and leisure complex in Brierley Hill is being marketed by Knight Frank, with offers reportedly being sought in excess of £250m. Merry Hill has undergone a £125m investment programme in recent years and is now 96% let. Asset management has been handled by Sovereign Centros, part of CBRE. A new £15m leisure quarter, completed in 2024, has contributed to rising footfall, which is expected to exceed 15.5 million in 2025. The redevelopment has added more than 300,000 square feet of new and upgraded space. The 92-acre site also includes a fully let retail park. In a statement, the Merry Hill board said: “Merry Hill is primed for the next stage of its journey, with several initiatives planned to cement its position in the super-regional hierarchy. Consequently, now is the right time for a new owner to take on an asset that is thriving to realise further value.” Knight Frank is handling the sale on behalf of the owners, a lender consortium including Wells Fargo and AXA Investment Management. Sovereign Centros remains as asset manager, with Time Retail Partners, JLL and Font Real Estate managing leasing. The site was formerly owned by Intu Properties, which went into administration in 2020. However, Merry Hill, like other Intu centres, was held in a separate special-purpose vehicle and continued to operate outside of the insolvency process. 

 

Tourism organisation ceases trading and prepares for liquidation amid ‘perfect storm of pressures’: A tourism organisation for Kent and Hertfordshire has ceased trading and is preparing for liquidation amid a “perfect storm of pressures”. Go To Places is the Local Visitor Economy Partner (LVEP) for both Visit Kent and Visit Hertfordshire. The group has instructed insolvency practitioners at Crowe UK LLP to prepare the company for liquidation. In a statement, Go To Places said: “The situation has arisen not through any single decision or failure, but as a result of a complex and challenging set of circumstances that reflect the wider economic pressures facing the UK’s public and tourism sectors. Over recent months, we have been navigating a perfect storm of pressures that have made continued operations increasingly unsustainable. A challenging economic climate, rising costs for the sector, and reduced availability of public funding have all contributed to a tightening of available resources. Resulting from these conditions, it has left the company with a gap that has proven difficult to bridge. Our priority is to support our staff, stakeholders and partners through this process with transparency and care. We are also exploring every possible avenue to preserve the legacy of our work and to ensure that the voice of tourism continues to be heard.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with an established premium restaurant group that is seeking a general manager to lead one of its high-volume flagship sites. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The ideal candidate will be commercially focused, confident leading large teams, able to maintain exceptional standards in a fast-paced environment and have at least two years’ experience in premium or fine casual dining. They will need to combine strong operational and financial acumen with a passion for service, team culture and hospitality, and have a deep knowledge of wine and food and be able to deliver memorable guest experiences, while leading from the front to inspire and motivate large teams.” The salary is up to £75,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email kateb@corecruitment.com

 

Flat Iron secures new senior debt facility to support expansion: Flat Iron, the affordable steak concept that was acquired by McWin Capital Partners and TriSpan last month, has secured a new senior debt facility to support its expansion. The company, founded by Charlie Carroll in 2012 as a pop-up above the Owl & Pussycat pub in Shoreditch, east London, has been provided with the facility by OakNorth. Flat Iron currently operates 18 sites across London, Manchester, Leeds and Cambridge, and is now gearing up for its next phase of expansion across the UK. Chief executive Tom Byng said: “We’re incredibly proud of what the Flat Iron team has built over the last decade, and we’re thrilled to have the backing of McWin, TriSpan and OakNorth as we look to take the business to the next level. Their support gives us the confidence and capital to continue delivering ‘remarkable steak’ to more guests across the UK.” Propel revealed last month that McWin and TriSpan had acquired Flat Iron. It is understood that the deal, which is set to complete later this year, is set to value the business at circa £70m. Turnover increased 38% to a record £49.6m in the 12 months to the end of August 2024, with underlying profits rising to £5.7m, from £3.8m in 2023.

Chicken Cottage makes two promotions to senior leadership team: Halal fast food company Chicken Cottage has made two promotions to its senior leadership team. Tom Corcoran, who has been with the company for four and a half years and was previously head of operations and group head of operations, has been promoted to group chief operating officer. Rahim Naggay, who was previously head of operations south for dessert franchise Creams before joining Chicken Cottage, has been promoted to group operations manager. A Chicken Cottage spokesman said: “Tom has been the driving force behind streamlining our management operations, refining processes, strengthening our supply chain and building strong partnerships across the network. His proactive approach and unwavering commitment to Chicken Cottage have been instrumental in shaping our growth journey. Rahim has been an integral part of our journey, consistently stepping up, managing franchise operations with care and bringing his go-getter attitude to everything he does. With Tom moving into the chief operating officer role, Rahim now takes on even greater responsibility, focusing on supporting our franchise partners and driving both UK and global expansion." Last year, the circa 70-strong Chicken Cottage targeted reaching 100 stores globally by 2027 as it expanded in north Africa, opening two new stores in Kenya. In February, the company made its debut in Ireland with a launch in Moneymore, Drogheda, and in April, the brand signed a deal to expand into Iraq.

PizzaExpress opens second Cambridge restaurant: PizzaExpress has opened a second restaurant in Cambridge, on Bridge Street. Located in a listed building in the heart of the city, near the iconic Bridge of Sighs, it will offer pizzas such as the American Hot, the Calabrian Feast and a reimagined version of the Four Seasons Speciale, alongside buffalo chicken wings and a birthday cake sundae to celebrate the brand’s 60th birthday. The company’s other Cambridge restaurant is it 26-28 Regent Street. General manager Danny Hamilton said: “Pizza fans are going to love the new look and feel of our pizzeria as it brings a stylish setting for all to enjoy.”

 

Indian street food concept Chit ‘n’ Chaat to make north east debut: Indian street food concept Chit ‘n’ Chaat has secured its debut north east site, in Newcastle. The company will launch at Eldon Square for its seventh outlet. The 3,000 square-foot restaurant will open this winter. Sagar Modha, co-founder of Chit ‘n’ Chaat, said: “Eldon Square is at the heart of Newcastle city centre and is one of the UK’s most vibrant shopping and leisure destinations. Its diverse customer base, high footfall and family-friendly environment make it the perfect location for Chit ‘n’ Chaat’s first north east restaurant. This opening is a key step in our growth journey as we bring authentic Indian street food to new audiences. We are committed to combining innovation with tradition, constantly evolving our menus, practices and technology to deliver a dining experience that truly stands out.” The Eldon Square restaurant marks the second deal between the business and asset managers Pradera Lateral, following the opening at Trafford Centre in Manchester in 2024. 

 

Buzzworks hires new director of food: Scottish independent restaurant and bar operator Buzzworks Holdings has hired David Bell as its new director of food. Bell was most recently a regional executive chef for sports and entertainment caterer Levy, and before that, he spent eight years in various roles with contract caterer BaxterStorey, including culinary lead for Scotland and the north. He will help develop a scalable new menu system, designed to “blend Buzzworks’ signature classics with brand and site-specific flair, ensuring consistency, excitement and innovation for guests”. Bell said: “The opportunity to help shape the future of food across a dynamic and expanding group like Buzzworks was too exciting to pass up. My vision is flavour-forward, guest-led, sustainable food that not only delivers operationally but also emotionally, with bold seasonal dishes crafted with flair and function, alongside the classics people know and love.” Buzzworks’ managing director Kenny Blair added: “David brings a rare combination of technical expertise, creative flair and passion for people development. We’re excited to see his impact as we continue to grow Buzzworks as one of Scotland’s leading hospitality groups.” Buzzworks currently operates 22 bars and restaurants across Scotland and has said it is aiming to be turning over £100m-plus within five years – almost three times its 2024 revenue. The group is also hoping to open its first accommodation venue this year and is planning expansion into England.

 

Warner Hotels to invest £15.5m transforming Nottinghamshire property as demand for UK short breaks remains ‘strong’: Warner Hotels, which provides short breaks exclusively for adults, has unveiled plans to invest £15.5m into a stately home destination in Nottinghamshire as part of an ongoing transformation programme. Thoresby Hall is set to become a flagship “Reserve, by Warner” destination, the company said. The project will deliver a premium wellness retreat within the restored historic estate, alongside 221 refurbished rooms, newly added accommodation and 51 upgraded patios. The investment at Thoresby Hall will also reconfigure modern wings “to encourage exploration and social interaction”, complemented by dining experiences at the brasseries and market kitchen, a revamped live lounge bar and the introduction of pop-up and seasonal refreshment stations. Thoresby Hall is the third hotel to be refurbished into a “Reserve, by Warner” property. Since 2021, Warner Hotels, which is backed by private equity firm Blackstone and operates 16 sites, has advanced a £120m transformation programme in renovating and refurbishing country and coastal hideaways. Landmark projects have included the £45m restoration of Studley Castle in Warwickshire, the £47m refurbishment of Heythrop Park in the Cotswolds, further multimillion-pound upgrades at The Runnymede on Thames in Surrey and the strategic acquisitions of Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club near Edinburgh and The Forest of Arden Country Club near Birmingham. Paul Pomroy, chief executive of Warner Hotels, said: "Thoresby Hall represents the next step in our transformation strategy, by taking an estate steeped in history and reimagining it as a flagship ‘Reserve by Warner’ destination for today’s holidaymakers. Industry data shows demand for UK short breaks and experiences remains strong, with nearly four in five adults planning an overnight stay in the year ahead. This is reflected in the strong year-round occupancy we are seeing across the Warner portfolio. We’re proud to be setting new standards as a market leader and continuing to grow our nationwide collection.”

 

Chef entrepreneur Robin Gill to open all-day café-deli and aperitivo bar: Chef entrepreneur Robin Gill is to open a new site in London. Bar Brasso will be a coffee bar, deli and bakery by day and aperitivo bar by night. Opening in Viaduct Gardens, beside Gill’s restaurant Darby’s, on Saturday, 27 September, Bar Brasso is inspired by the bar culture of San Sebastián and Venice. Opening daily from 8am-5pm as a café, the menu will include house bakes, salads and filled sandwiches alongside a rotating menu of hot lunch dishes and daily specials. From Tuesday to Saturday, from 5pm-10pm, Bar Brasso will transition into an aperitivo bar with a concise menu of snacks and small plates. The drinks list will feature negronis and spritzes, and a selection of house cocktails, vermouths, digestivi, and wine by the glass focused primarily on northern Italian selections, complemented by lighter styles from the San Sebastián region. Gill is also behind southern Italian-inspired concept, Maria G’s, which has sites in Fulham and Kensington, Bottle + Rye in Brixton and Italian-focused Sorella in Clapham.

 

North west padel operator Ignite Padel opens second site, plans to add three more within next 12 months: North west padel operator Ignite Padel has opened its second site – and plans to add three more across the region within the next 12 months. The company has launched the venue at Cheshire Oaks. Based off the M53, the site includes five indoor and two outdoor courts and builds on a six-floodlit outdoor court hub in Liverpool, which opened in April. The Cheshire Oaks centre is open from 8am to midnight initially, with plans to extend to 6am–midnight and then eventually move to 24-hour access, subject to staffing requirements. A spokesperson for Ignite Padel said: “We have imported the courts from Spain and they are championship standard quality and LTA approved. Being able to create indoor padel courts was also a key factor in the company’s expansion plans. Having the five indoor courts, and two outdoor, will give us greater flexibility in what we’re able to offer and allow us to host top-level tournaments.”

 

Welsh bakery and coffee business set to open fifth site: Welsh bakery and coffee business Ground is set to open its fifth site. The company has been given the go-ahead for the outlet in Merthyr Road in the Whitchurch area of Cardiff by the city council. The venue will add to Ground’s sites in Pontcanna, Penarth, Cowbridge and Canton. The Cardiff shop will sell hot and cold drinks and a range of artisan baked goods produced off-site. Also included will be retail displays, a servery and seating for 18 customers, reports Insider Media. The property was previously occupied by a health food store, which relocated nearby in September 2024.

 

Tommy Banks opens first site for new pub venture: Chef and restaurateur Tommy Banks has opened the first site for his new pub venture. Banks – together with Matthew Lockwood, brother James Banks and businessman Neil Armstrong – launched Jeopardy Hospitality in May, which will focus on bringing “great places out of jeopardy” and “returning them to their former glory”. The first project, The General Tarleton in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, has reopened following months of careful restoration to the 18th-century coaching inn. The newly restored building has relaunched as an eight-bedroom pub with a private dining space, bar and beer garden. Executive chef Aled Williams, previously head chef at Michelin-starred Northcote, oversees a menu of British pub classics, where regularly changing specials reflect the seasons. A set menu is available Monday to Friday evenings, with two courses for £26 or three for £30 (also available at lunch on Thursday and Friday). Curated by James Banks, the 40-strong wine list brings together classic regions, emerging producers and lesser-seen bottles from across Europe and beyond – with more than 20 varieties available by the glass. There are also cocktails and a selection of local ale. Tommy Banks said: “The General Tarleton is the first step in what we hope will be a really exciting journey for Jeopardy Hospitality. We want to breathe new life into pubs with history and character, giving them the care they deserve while making them places people genuinely want to spend time in again. It’s brilliant to see The General Tarleton open its doors once more – with great food, proper hospitality and a real sense of connection to the community.” The Tommy Banks Group includes The Black Swan, Oldstead; Roots, York; The Abbey Inn, Byland; and Made In Oldstead, a premium food box delivery service and events company.

 

K&G Hospitality confirms October opening for second Amazing Grace venue: K&G Hospitality has confirmed the second venue for its live music bar and restaurant concept Amazing Grace will open next month. The venue – part of Imbiba’s new 65,000 square-foot hotel, restaurant and music venue at 12 Bank Street in London’s Canary Wharf – will open on Saturday, 25 October. The site will be a third for K&G Hospitality, adding to its original Amazing Grace location in London Bridge and street food destination Pop Brixton. The company, founded in 2020 by Ricardo Guimarães and Vineet Kalra, is also planning to open sports bar and microbrewery The Dial in Greenwich. Amazing Grace Canary Wharf will offer more than 450 covers, including a waterfront terrace overlooking Eden Dock and a semi-private mezzanine. Kalra said: “When we opened our London Bridge site, we set out to create something special, combining vibrant live music with exceptional food and drink. The response has been overwhelming, and opening our second site in Canary Wharf is a true testament to that success.” Guimarães added: “Canary Wharf is the perfect stage for us to expand our vision. We’re excited to bring our unique blend of entertainment and hospitality to this thriving community and continue building on the energy and passion that have defined us from the start.” The venue will feature Amazing Grace’s live programming, including “See You Next Tuesday” acoustic nights with signature bao buns, “Live from the Altar” midweek cocktail sessions with live band karaoke, “Fall From Grace” Thursdays featuring live bands and DJs, “Out of Office” Fridays and “Take Me to Church” Saturdays – while new to the Canary Wharf site will be a decadent “Sinful Cabaret”. Propel reported earlier this week that Imbiba-backed boutique hotel concept House of Gods will open its latest site at the new complex on Monday, 27 October.

 

Danish-inspired cafe operator to open fourth site and first outside of Sheffield: Danish-inspired cafe operator Hygge is to open a fourth site and first outside of Sheffield. Hygge, founded by Alex Moore and known for its Scandinavian-inspired coffee and brunches, will this month open a 2,000 square-foot venue at the Merrion Centre in Leeds. The cafe will serve artisan coffee, freshly baked cakes, pastries, toasties and wholesome brunch dishes, alongside salads and seasonal specials, reports BDaily. Moore said: “We’re excited to be bringing Hygge to Leeds for the first time. We’ve built a loyal following in Sheffield, and when the opportunity came up to open in such a prominent location at the Merrion Centre, we knew it was the perfect fit. Our aim has always been to create spaces where people can slow down, relax, and enjoy great food and coffee – and we can’t wait to welcome our new Leeds customers into the Hygge family.” Hygge also had sites in Sheffield’s Fitzalan Square, Eyre Street and Elshaw House. The company previously had plans for a Manchester location, but this has never opened.

 

All-day brunch cafe concept Lekker to open in Nottingham for third site: All-day brunch cafe concept Lekker is set to open its third site, in Nottingham. The company will launch the outlet in Upper Parliament Street in the property previously occupied by sandwich and salad bar Phillpotts, which closed during the covid pandemic, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Lekker, which translates as “delicious” or “tasty” in Afrikaans and Dutch, offers dishes including shakshuka (eggs in a tomato, onion and pepper sauce), pancake stacks, omelettes and French toast with fried chicken and syrup. The drinks list features mocktails, juice, smoothies, milkshakes, hot chocolate and coffee. The business also has cafes in Manchester and Birmingham.

Muriel’s Kitchen founders rebrand their restaurant within London’s National Gallery: Charlotte and Sam Miller, co-founders of casual dining concept Muriel’s Kitchen, have rebranded their restaurant within the National Gallery in London. The husband-and-wife duo took on the catering contract for the venue in 2022 and launched a new cafe, bar and bistro called Ochre. This has now evolved to become Ochre Brasserie, which will showcase the best of British seasonal produce, with a range of crafted menus including a new two-course set menu priced at £26 per person. Sam Miller said: “The transition reflects our vision to create a more approachable and recognisable dining experience, while staying true to the quality, creativity and championing the best of British seasonal ingredients and the hospitality our guests have come to expect. ‘Brasserie’ better captures the vibrant, all-day offering we’ve always embraced – warm, unpretentious and with a modern London touch.” Starters include smoked chalk stream trout with dill crème fraiche and caper berries, and Tamworth pork scotch egg with pickled walnut ketchup, while among the main courses are Cornish mussels with cider and leek and rotisserie chicken with rosemary and garlic, jus, roasted Cornish mids and garden salad. There is also be a list of standout English sparkling wine and a diverse selection of still wine from around the world, with a strong emphasis on affordability and craftsmanship. Alongside the restaurant, diners can enjoy a cocktail bar and lounge or access an intimate private dining room with views of Nelson’s Column and St Martins Church. The Millers now operate just one Muriel’s Kitchen location, in South Kensington.

 

Birmingham Indian restaurant concept opens second site: Birmingham Indian restaurant concept Indian Cafe Racer has opened a second site. Originally launched in 2022 from the back of The Wellington pub in Bristol Street, the concept has now added a 65-cover restaurant in the same road to meet demand. Founder Azad Kayes grew up in a family of restaurateurs. Inspired by a research trip to India and fuelled by a no-rules approach to running a restaurant, he launched Indian Café Racer during lockdown “to showcase the energy of India’s streets through food, in a relaxed, modern setting”.  The new site has an expanded menu that includes truffle paneer tikka, the meat-free farzi steak and mango fish curry. “We never imagined it would grow this fast,” said Kayes. “When we started at the back of a pub during lockdown, it was about getting our food into people’s hands, nothing more. But the support we’ve had from the community has been unreal and this new space is for everyone who has supported us. Our restaurant at The Wellington will remain open, and we’ll be keeping the name Indian Café Racer that fuses the vintage ‘café racer’ motorcycle scene of 1960s Britain and India’s vibrant café culture.”

 

Team behind pub in London’s Belgravia to open two restaurants and deli under same roof: The team behind The Prince Arthur pub in London’s Belgravia is set to open two restaurants and a deli under the same roof. The Prince Arthur, which specialises in Spanish cuisine, opened at 11 Pimlico Road in 2024, with Yaroslav Slyuzberg one of the co-founders. The same team has now acquired the space that used to be Le Deli Robuchon at 279 King's Road in Chelsea to open a mini food hall, reports Hot Dinners. This will feature Japanese handroll izakaya concept Asa, Mediterranean-inspired grill concept Salvador and Arthur’s Market, a luxury supermarket and deli selling everything from caviar to ready-made dinners.

 

Boutique Belfast hotel acquired out of administration: A boutique Belfast hotel has been acquired out of administration, safeguarding the future of the venue and almost 50 staff. House Belfast – a 31-room hotel, restaurant, and bar and event space – has been acquired by Havana Trading No 3. The hotel, in Botanic Avenue, had been operated by Botanic Way, which entered administration on 19 August 2025. James Neill and John Donaldson, of KPMG, were appointed as joint administrators to implement the sales process and ensure the continuity of the business. The sale to Havana Trading No 3 included all trading assets of the company, securing the ongoing operation of the hotel and the jobs of all 46 staff. “We are delighted to have completed the sale of House Belfast as a going concern,” said James Neill. “This transaction not only protects jobs but also ensures the hotel can continue to serve guests and the local community. We extend our sincere thanks to the staff for their dedication and support throughout the process.” House Belfast will continue to operate under its current name, with Havana Trading No 3 expected to bring fresh investment to the business. A Havana Trading No 3 spokesperson said it had been working for a number of weeks to secure the future of the House Belfast business and team. They added: “We are looking forward to investing in its future and re-establishing its presence in the city.”