Thunderbird Fried Chicken CEO – ‘Strip Shack could be a gamechanger and opens up new opportunities’: Paul Gilchrist, chief executive of Thunderbird Fried Chicken, the wings and fried chicken concept backed by TriSpan, has told Propel that the company’s new grab-and-go concept, Strip Shack, could be a game changer for the business and opens new opportunities “both for us and through franchise and licensing”. The business launched the first stand-alone site under spin-off concept Strip Shack at Boxpark Shoreditch, in London, last week. Strip Shack focuses on chicken strips, dips, fries and shakes. Gilchrist said: “It’s more of a grab-and-go concept, designed for smaller spaces, with or without extraction. With the lower capex and running costs, it’s a more efficient concept. Not only have we reduced the footprint, but we have simplified the overall operation, which means less labour and less complexity. We see Strip Shack opening doors into sports venues, stadiums and music festivals, but also within such trading spaces as shopping centres, stations etc, given our ability to operate in small spaces and without extraction.” The company will open a further Strip Shack site later this month, at Parkdean Resorts’ Sandy Bay Park in Ashington, Northumberland. Gilchrist said: “This year will see our tenth location open with Parkdean, our franchisee, with six being Thunderbird Fried Chickens and four being Thunderbird Strip Shacks.” Thunderbird currently operates six sites under its eponymous concept – and on opportunities for more, Gilchrist said: “We are always looking for new locations for Thunderbird Fried Chicken, but second-generation locations on the high street are hard to find, especially ones that make commercial sense.” Thunderbird Fried Chicken will features in the UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database, which is exclusive to Premium Club subscribers. The latest edition features 380 companies. 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.

Barbs founder Nicc Wright joins speaker line-up for first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, open for bookings: Nicc Wright, founder of Barbs, the fast-casual Bajan restaurant concept, has joined the speaker line-up for the first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, which is open for bookings. Wright will talk about launching his first stand-alone site, why his business isn’t just about restaurants but “a movement to showcase what Barbados has to offer” and aspiring to be the next Nando’s. The conference takes place on Wednesday, 25 March, at the Park Plaza, Victoria. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium subscribers who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality on Friday featuring more than 343,000 words of content: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will feature more than 343,000 words of content when it is released to Premium Club subscribers on Friday (20 February), at midday. The database now features 1,430 companies, and this month’s edition includes 50 new additions and 183 updated entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent developments reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club subscribers also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel chief operating officer – editorial, 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.

 

Premium Special today – Propel’s Mark Wingett looks at what comes next for BrewDog: In an opinion special available that will be sent to Premium subscribers today (Tuesday, 17 February), at 3pm, Propel’s chief editorial operating officer Mark Wingett takes a look at what the future holds for BrewDog, the Scottish brewer and retailer that was once the poster child of the British craft beer movement and that is now preparing for a sale. Wingett writes: “After years of rapid expansion and mounting losses, the company has begun exploring a sale. The move signals a dramatic shift for a business that built its reputation on independence – and now finds itself at a crossroads between reinvention and rescue.” Will co-founder James Watt make a comeback? What happens to US private equity firm TSG’s 21% stake and how much is it now worth? Does the brand still have relevance? Is having the BrewDog name above a bar a help or a hindrance now? And who will look to take on the whole or parts of the business? These are among the questions examined in Wingett’s article. 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.

 

M&A experts – ‘some mergers have got to happen’, QSR and coffee shops a current focus for investors: Sector M&A and investment experts have told Propel that some mergers “have got to happen”, with the bar industry of particular interest, while quick service restaurants (QSR) and coffee shops are currently of particular interest to investors. Speaking on Propel’s In Conversation podcast, Ian Edward, sector investor, chair of Incipio Group and special advisor to advisory firm AlixPartners, said: “Take the bar industry as an example. There are a bunch of businesses out there that are bumping along, making a few bob, but they’re under-invested. They’re going to go backwards over the long term unless they get reinvested in and the opportunity is there, without crystalising a value on either side, for a couple of these businesses to get together, take out head office costs and get better buying power and reinvest that money in refurbing the sites, making them fit for purpose, giving yourself a story at the other end. If you don’t do that, the only thing that’s going to happen is you’re going to have more erosion of value.” Craig Rachel, director at AlixPartners, said this process has already started. He added: “Look at Neos taking a bunch of sites out of The Revel Collective. Neos is going to deploy capital to reinvest in those sites. They’re going to get a new lease of life, and then suddenly you’ve got additional new businesses within the local area that are going to create jobs that are going to be great for consumers. People are there and are going to spend the money – if you deploy capital the right way.” Edward said: “That’s a good example of a company (Revel) that went too far before it actually had a chance to do it. It could have done something a number of years ago. It didn’t and so it’s ended up being gobbled.” Rachel said coffee and QSR is a key area of focus for investors, “particularly with all challenges that are happening at the moment”. He added: “The more you can slim down that labour cost and make things less complicated and effectively drive high throughput, and relatively high gross margin after labour, it makes a whole lot more sites work that don’t under other models. So, they’re going to actually be able to roll out very quickly and deliver some interesting return on capital. And if you can get QSR right, then there’s plenty of white space out there.” In Conversation is a series of podcasts, exclusive for Propel Premium Club subscribers, featuring industry leaders and sector players talking about their businesses and issues impacting the UK’s hospitality market. 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.

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a four-star hotel in Devon that is seeking a hotel manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will involve managing operations throughout the hotel, developing and motivating the team, maximising revenue and forecasting budgets. The individual must have proven hotel management experience, strong rooms and revenue management expertise, a genuine passion for food and beverage, excellent leadership ability, and exceptional communication skills combined with a highly operational, hands-on approach. This position will report to the general manager.” The salary is up to £55,000. For more information, email ed@corecruitment.com.

 

New padel concept aiming to open 12-15 sites over next five years, agrees deal for first Scottish site: New padel concept Court de Padel has said it is aiming to open 12-15 sites over the next five years. Court de Padel launched its flagship first padel club, with eight indoor courts, in Norwich, in November, and is currently fitting out its next site, in, Hull – with further sites planned in Wales, England and Scotland. Court de Padel is aiming to “bring padel to many new towns and cities across the UK” with funds raised on Crowdcube supporting court construction. In an update to investors, the Court De Padel team said: “Great to have more than 300 of you show interest in joining us on our next stage of growth across the UK. Our first site is highly profitable after three months and ahead of schedule, and our next site is generating a lot of excitement locally from players and corporates – again, we will be the first indoor padel club in this city! Our target is to open 12-15 padel clubs across the next five years – and we have some exciting sites and locations agreed, with an excellent site in Edinburgh now agreed. We look forward to you joining us on our growth, and as padel continues to exponentially grow across the UK.” Court de Padel managing director Alan Forsyth also holds the same role at East Midlands property developer, Hockley Developments.

 

Amorino to open in Birmingham: Italian gelato brand Amorino will next month open in Birmingham for its 43rd UK site. Amorino will open at 109 New Street in the city following the signing of a new area development agreement. Hubert Attali, owner of master franchisee Amorino UK, said: “I’m really pleased to share that work has begun on our newest Amorino boutique. This site is a significant milestone for us – it’s the first to open under a new area development agreement for the Birmingham area and will be the 43rd Amorino in the UK. We’re currently on track to open t this March, and I’m looking forward to seeing the flower gelato finally arrive in the heart of the city.” Earlier this month, Amorino signed a franchise deal with Edinburgh-based operator, the Vittoria Group, to launch in Scotland. The new development agreement is for four sites in Edinburgh and St Andrews, with the first site under the agreement in Edinburgh’s North Bridge, next to the Royal Mile. The brand’s broader expansion plan is to have 100 locations nationwide by 2030.

 

Roadchef sees Yorkshire motorway services scheme delayed after Moto goes to court: A decision to grant Roadchef planning permission for a multimillion-pound motorway service area in North Yorkshire has been quashed by the High Court following an intervention by a rival firm. Roadchef is planning an 11-hectare service station at Catterick, which were approved by North Yorkshire Council in December 2024. But a legal challenge at the High Court in Leeds by rival services operator Moto, which runs a service area at Scotch Corner and has planning permission in place to redevelop nearby Barton Services, has delayed the development. The challenge was based around the risk of the site flooding, with Moto arguing that Roadchef had not demonstrated there were no alternative sites with a lower risk of flooding. The court agreed, and the application will now need to be reassessed by the council, with a new consultation process already underway. A spokesperson for Roadchef said the High Court ruling was an “unfortunate and disappointing issue” brought about by a technical error. They added: “We are actively working with North Yorkshire Council to resubmit this application and remain committed to delivering this development.” Roadchef operates 31 motorway service areas across the UK, featuring brands such as McDonald’s, Costa Coffee, Leon, Pret, Cornish Bakery and Coco Di Mama. Last week, Chopstix opened its first site on partnership with Roadchef, at its Strensham South services on the M5 in Worcestershire.

 

US indoor water park business Great Wolf Resorts submits plans for Hampshire site: US indoor water park business Great Wolf Resorts has submitted plans to transform a golf centre in Hampshire into an indoor water park and hotel of more than 500 rooms. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council previously backed the plans in principle and will now consider the application. It states the company proposes to build a 512-bedroom hotel, water park, restaurants and retail space at the current site of Basingstoke Golf Centre in Worting Road. The scheme would see the existing driving range, adventure golf and nine hole pitch and putt demolished and replaced with a large, enclosed resort offering a water park, hotel, conference space, restaurants and an indoor adventure zone featuring ropes course, bowling, arcade and the MagiQuest interactive game. If approved, Great Wolf Resorts said the plans would deliver “significant economic, social and environmental benefits including substantial and far-reaching investment in the area”. The area will remain as a golf centre until the development progresses, subject to getting planning permission. Great Wolf Resorts operates 23 indoor water park resorts across the United States and Canada and has plans to create three sites in the UK – in Oxfordshire, Derbyshire and Hampshire.

Knoops secures Milton Keynes site: Luxury hot chocolate shop brand Knoops is to open a site at centre:mk in Milton Keynes. The brand has secured a 1,720 square-foot unit in Sunset Walk, adjacent to the City Square entrance. The new store will showcase Knoops’ latest interior concept, “designed to reflect the indulgent nature of our products”. Aaron Pennington, operations director at Knoops, said: “Opening in Centre:mk is an exciting step for Knoops as we continue to grow across the UK. It’s a destination that gives us the chance to connect with a new and diverse audience who care about quality, craft and experience.” Last month, Knoops chief executive William Gordon-Harris told Propel that its performance makes it believe the business could have “a far larger UK store estate opportunity than we are currently modelling”. The company is targeting having 150 UK equity stores by 2032, having opened circa 30 in Britain so far. The brand reported UK store like-for-like sales increased 12% over the six-week Christmas trading period, “reflecting strong consumer demand and the growing presence of the Knoops brand”.

 

Indian street food concept to make Scottish debut next week: Indian street food concept Tikka Nation will open its first site in Scotland next week – with a second to follow soon after. Propel revealed last May that Tikka Nation, founded by Sumit Jain and Vikas Narula in 2020, was lining up its first sites in Central London and Scotland. Tikka Nation will now open at Livingston Designer Outlet in Livingston next Monday (23 February). Propel understands this will be followed by a second Scottish location, at Fort Glasgow shopping centre in Glasgow. Paolo Peretti, Tikka Nation’s franchise consultant, said: “Similar to all of its other ventures, the Indian street food business will offer a delicious array of tikkas, street food favourites and authentic flavours – all in one bite. Tikka Nation also offers a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options. Menu highlights include tikka loaded fries, seekh kebab rolls, masala fries and bhel puri. Tailored to a quick service restaurant format, Tikka Nation will offer great flexibility and convenience to each and every one of its consumers. We are proud to support Tikka Nation on its franchising journey.” Livingston will be an 11th location for Tikka Nation, with most of its sites in and around London – plus regional ones in Birmingham, Leeds, Egham, St Albans and Watford.

 

Old Spike Roastery hires Lucy Mavlian as commercial director: Social enterprise Old Spike Roastery has hired Lucie Mavlian, formerly of Allpress Espresso, as its new commercial director. Mavlian previously spent almost 11 years at All Press, including two and half years as its commercial director for the UK and Europe. Prior to that, she was an area operations manager at the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs and a general manager at Grind. Old Spike Roastery was founded in 2014 by Richard Robinson and Cemal Ezal, who went on to found fellow coffee social enterprise, Change Please. Old Spike Roastery currently operates seven sites across London, including The Roastery in Gastineau Yard.

 

Coffee business Toast lines up two new sites: Toast, the independent coffee business, has lined up two new openings as it continues its expansion across the Home Counties and East Anglia. The six-strong business, which was founded by friends Rob Ely, Louis McNamee and Daniel Pearson, will open a further site in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, next month. Toast will follow this with an opening on the former Sneezums site, in Bury St Edmunds, for its second opening in Suffolk. The business also operates sites in Colchester, Braintree, Chelmsford, Witham (where it has two sites) and Sudbury. The company said: “Toast are proud supporters of local, working with local suppliers, producers and farmers to supply us with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients for your toasties and sandwiches. We also understand coffee and the power of Toast can make positive change too, which is why we’re committed to doing our bit for the environment, using 100% compostable paper cups and ensuring none of our waste goes to landfill, including our coffee grounds (they are turned into plant power).”

Utopia Leisure profit dip ‘still a strong result in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis’, turnover hit by drop in occupancy rates: Utopia Leisure said its profit dip in the year to 30 March 2025 is “still a strong result in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis”, and that its turnover was hit by a drop in occupancy rates. The company, which owns and operates five luxury hotels across the south east of England, reported a pre-tax profit of £2,830,083 for the year, down from £3,102,382 in 2024. Its turnover fell from £27,756,968 to £25,409,073. No dividends were paid (2024: £22,786). Director Deborah Hinchcliffe said: “Turnover is £25.4m and the company made a profit before tax of £2.8m, down on the previous year, but still a strong result in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. The decrease in turnover was driven by a decrease in occupancy rates across all five hotels from 59% in 2024 to 57% in 2025. Overall, the net profit margin has been maintained at 11%. The company remains committed to providing a high quality experience for its guests and already this trading year there are more encouraging signs with an uptake for future bookings.”

 

DL/Service gets set to open fifth site: Landlord Derwent London is to open a fifth site under its all-day neighbourhood café concept – DL/Service – in Marylebone. The landlord launched the concept in summer 2024 across four of its properties in the capital. Open to the public and located in four of the group’s buildings, the cafes – including in Fitzrovia, Old Street, and Whitechapel – serve drinks from Extract Coffee as well as breakfast, lunch and snack options. The landlord is now gearing up to open a further site at 25 Baker Street on Monday, 2 March. Derwent London said: “Designed with Marylebone in mind, the new space will be serving up seasonal food and great coffee to one of London’s most recognisable streets.”

 

Sichuan restaurant concept DanDan to open fourth London site: DanDan, the Chinese restaurant concept specialising in authentic Sichuan cuisine, is to open a fourth site in the capital, in Battersea. The business will open at the Bloom Nine Elms development, a short walk from Battersea Power Station, next month. The concept specialises in handmade Dan Dan noodles, Chinese barbecue and “bold flavours”. DanDan already operates eponymous sites in Aldgate East, London Bridge and Wimbledon. The business also operates Sichuan hot pot concept Hotto Potto in Aldgate and two sites under its takeaway concept – Kung Food – in Liverpool Street and Clerkenwell.

 

North east coffee and artisan doughnut cafe concept Deep North opens fourth site and new production facility: North east coffee and artisan doughnut cafe concept Deep North has opened its fourth site. The company has launched the outlet in Ouseburn, which also acts as a new production facility and headquarters. The company said the move will significantly increase its production capacity, while transforming the working environment for its 29-strong team, providing a purpose-built space designed to also improve employee well-being. Phil King, owner and director of Deep North, said: “This marks yet another major milestone for the business. It is central to ensuring we can achieve our goal of continuing to open more stores across the region as we continue to expand. The new shop is adjoined to the kitchen, and customers can watch our team make the doughnuts. We wanted to create an experiential environment that would open the doors on how we do things.” In addition to production and office space, the new facility provides Deep North with space to host a programme of events as it seeks to continue diversifying its offer. Business support service UMi provided a £40,000 grant to Deep North through the Business Growth Fund, which it managed on behalf of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, North East Combined Authority and Sunderland City Council.

 

Hotel group completes portfolio revamp and makes senior promotions: Hotel group The Kronen Collection, which has four locations across England, has completed a multimillion-pound refurbishment programme and strengthened its senior team as it prepares for expansion in 2026. Upgrades include the refurbishment of Waltons Bar and the entrance at The Crown Hotel in Wetheral, a full revamp of all 66 bedrooms at The Kilbirnie Hotel in Newquay, plus improvements to bedrooms and public areas at Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle and Borrowdale Gates in Keswick. At the same time, Chris McLaughlin has been promoted to chief executive and Christina Stephenson to group sales and marketing manager. McLaughlin said: “Completing this level of investment across our portfolio while promoting experienced leaders from within the business gives us a strong platform for 2026. We are focused on long-term value creation, operational excellence and protecting the individual character of each of our hotels as we continue to grow.”

 

The Other House founder and CEO steps down: Naomi Heaton is to step down as chief executive of lifestyle hospitality concept The Other House to assume the role of executive chair of LCP Private Office. The Other House was founded by Heaton in 2019 as a joint venture between LCP and pension provider APG. The Other House was launched in London with the aim of disrupting the hotel sector with its “clubby feel” of accommodation. The debut site opened in South Kensington in 2022. The property features 200 club flats, ranging between one to four bedrooms, each with a living area and kitchen. Hotel-style amenities include a private club exclusively for residents and members with two bars, spa and fitness studio. A second property in Covent Garden is expected to open this year, with a third in the pipeline located in Belgravia. Last spring, it was reported APG had appointed Eastdil Secured to evaluate a recapitalisation of its stake in The Other House or a potential sale. Heaton said: “Having worked on developing The Other House vision and brand for the last 14 years and had the privilege of being chief executive since the company launched in 2019, I have now moved on from the business. The Other House has been groundbreaking within the hospitality market. I will now take on the role as executive chair of LCP Private Office – founder and equity partner in The Other House – where I will be launching and advising on further new initiatives.”

 

Former Gordon Ramsay Holdings CEO introduces robot waiter at Kent restaurant: Stuart Gillies, former chief executive of Gordon Ramsay Holdings, has introduced a robot waiter at his Number Eight restaurant in Sevenoaks, Kent. Named Jean-Claude, the robot will take cocktail orders tableside and deliver finished drinks from the bar directly to guests. Gillies said the limited-time trial will allow him to see how artificial intelligence (AI) can support front-of-house teams during peak periods. He said: “Hospitality should always feel human, and the craft behind the bar remains exactly that, with every cocktail still made by our team. Jean-Claude is about enhancing the guest experience rather than replacing people, while also allowing us to explore how emerging technologies and AI-led thinking might support restaurants facing ongoing staffing pressures and the need for greater efficiency. The robot represents investment, and this trial is helping us understand guest perception, operational impact and whether this kind of technology has a meaningful long-term role to play in hospitality. It’s a fun, forward-looking experiment, but the priority will always be genuine warmth, personality and community-led hospitality.” As part of the trial, the restaurant will be serving a range of robot-inspired cocktails such as Server Error (aged rum, Campari, Chambord and lemon) and Short Circuit (blended tequila, lemon and agave). Gillies, who stepped down from Gordon Ramsay Holdings in 2018 after more than 15 years with the company, also owns the Bank House Wine Bar and Kitchen in Chislehurst, south east London. He told Propel in December that he and wife Cecilia plan to eventually open more new restaurants as “we believe the landscape will improve at some point”.

 

Freehold investment of Michelin-starred Kerfield Arms brought to market: The freehold investment of the Kerfield Arms in Camberwell, which last week became only the second London pub to hold a Michelin star, has been brought to market, Propel has learned. Savills, on behalf of a private client, is marketing the freehold investment interest in the Kerfield Arms, located at 16 Grove Lane, for offers in excess of £1,570,000, reflecting a net initial yield of 7.5%. The pub – from Adam Symonds and Rob Tecwyn, who are also behind the Baring in Islington – joined The Harwood Arms in Fulham, which retained its star since first being awarded it soon after opening in 2009. Symonds and Tecwyn have recently completed a substantial programme of investment, enhancing the pub’s interiors and trading areas. The property extends to 3,916 square feet, arranged over the basement, ground and first floors. The ground floor provides an open plan bar and restaurant with seating for 86 covers, while the first floor offers a private function room accommodating 15 covers, complete with its own bar servery. The entire property is let to The Kerfield Arms on a 15 year full repairing and Insuring lease from January 2025, at a current rent of £125,000 per annum, subject to five yearly rent reviews to the greater of open market rent or a 10% uplift. The business is unaffected by the sale. Stuart Stares, director in Savills licensed leisure team, said: “We’re seeing sustained investor demand for well invested and well located pub assets, particularly those offering strong trading fundamentals in desirable residential areas. The Kerfield Arms combines long income and a high quality trading environment – making it a compelling opportunity for investors seeking resilient leisure exposure.”

 

Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell to close gastropub: Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell has announced The Mount by Glynn Purnell in Henley in Arden, Warwickshire, is to close as “it’s simply not sustainable to continue”. The venue was opened by Luke and Tania Fryer in 2022, with Purnell operating the kitchen. Purnell described The Mount as a “special place”. He said: “After four wonderful years, the very tough decision has been made to close The Mount on Sunday, 15 March. I’ve genuinely loved my time at the pub – it’s been a special place with a brilliant team and fantastic guests who have supported us from day one. The hospitality landscape has become increasingly challenging, and despite everyone’s hard work, it’s simply not sustainable to continue. I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity and for the commitment shown throughout. I wish the owners every success for the future.” Purnell said he will be focusing his time on his other ventures, including Trillium and Plates by Purnell’s in Birmingham, and The Wood Norton in Evesham.

 

Welsh holiday park operator acquires Cheshire site: Welsh holiday park operator Ty Gwyn has acquired a caravan park in Cheshire. Ty Gwyn, based in North Wales, a third-generation family business and one of the UK’s oldest holiday park operators – with its Ty Gwyn holiday park in Abergele dating to the 1930s. The group has acquired Fishpool Farm Caravan Park in Delamere and renamed it Fishpool Holiday Park, which will reopen towards the end of April following “a programme of infrastructure works” and the delivery of a mix of new luxury lodges and caravans. Rhodri Owen, a director of Ty Gwyn, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming new holiday makers to Fishpool Holiday Park after the completion of our programme of works, which are already well underway. We believe the new site will provide a wonderful base with the choice of holiday lodges and caravans and pitches for touring caravans.”

 

Former Gordon Ramsay Restaurants general manager to open Japanese restaurant in London’s Shoreditch in April: Former Gordon Ramsay Restaurants general manager Steve Bonnington will open a Japanese restaurant in London’s Shoreditch in April. Bonnington, who worked for Ramsay for three years between 2022 and 2025, following similar roles with New World Trading Company, Hickory Smokehouse and Nuvo Bar, will be both general manager and co-founder of Mitsu, which will open at 50 Willow Street. Inspired by the izakayas of east Tokyo, the restaurant will offer a blend of Japanese dining and authentic izakaya culture, with executive chef Aaj Fernando leading a menu focused on robata cooking forms. This includes plates of gyoza, chicken karaage, kushikatsu and hamachi sashimi alongside Wagyu, pork and tamago sandos and crisp tempura of ebi, vegetables and soft-shell crab. The drinks programme, created by Soul Shakers, includes a Japanese style sake created through a collaboration with Kanpai Sake Brewery, as well as Japanese whisky on draught, in collaboration with Suntory Whisky. There will also be vinyl-led sets inspired by east Tokyo’s underground music culture, while an outside terrace will feature DJ decks, tables and hosting stations. As previously reported, the restaurant will form part of the debut UK site for European hospitality brand and members’ club Aethos. The company operates seven destinations across Europe and is also opening in Madrid, acquired the Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch last year and reopened the 164-room venue as its UK flagship.