M&A experts – ‘generalist investors have left the market’, ‘sector starting to awaken to opportunities outside UK’: Sector M&A and investment experts have told Propel that generalist private equity firms are currently out of the hospitality market, and that those funds committed to the sector have to “be brave” and “stick with it”. Speaking on Propel’s In Conversation podcast, Ian Edward, sector investor, chair of Incipio Group and special advisor to advisory firm AlixPartners, said: “Generalist private equity are out of this market, certainly in the mid-market. They’ve pretty much gone. If you’ve got a fund that is committed to our world, for example McWin or TriSpan, you have to stick with it and you have to be brave. I think if you’re a generalist you just walk away and go somewhere else.” David Roberts, head of leisure at global law firm CMS and co-founder of Blacklock, said the sector is “starting to awaken to the opportunities that are outside the UK”. He said: “People are looking at the UK and seeing a tricky situation in which to grow. We’re seeing a lot of our clients look to the US and we’re also seeing a lot of joint venture activity in the Middle East, and not just in Dubai and the UAE. They’re looking at Saudi Arabia now as a really interesting opportunity. Putting some of the legacy issues aside, as an opportunity, it’s where London was 25 years ago before private equity really started and casual dining really started motoring in this part of the world. If you can find an operator out there and joint venture on an asset-light basis, you can start growing international revenues in a less risky process, with a bit more clarity as well. That’s a trend that we’re seeing, and I think that's going to continue.” 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.

 

Vagabond Wines MD Christobell Giles to speak at first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, open for bookings: Christobell Giles, managing director of Vagabond Wines, will be among the speakers at the first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, which is open for bookings. Giles will discuss the resurgence of the business under the ownership of Majestic, how Vagabond has redefined what a wine bar can be – including its pioneering self pour technology, developing the UK’s largest urban winery, and how the business is looking to double the size of its estate in the next three years. 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 tomorrow: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will be released to Premium Club subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 20 February), at midday. Another 56 companies have been added to the database, which now features 1,430 companies. This month’s edition also includes 196 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.

 

Peter Borg-Neal – ‘a proactive, more strategic approach is needed if the sector is to secure lasting change’: Peter Borg-Neal, founder and former chief executive of Oakman Group, has argued a proactive, more strategic approach is needed if the sector is to secure lasting change. In a Premium Opinion Special about how hospitality is becoming a political force published yesterday (Wednesday, 18 February), Borg-Neal said the goal should be getting competitive policymaking by moving from a position of “frustration to influence”. He said: “The industry has spent years reacting to policy decisions. The next phase should be more strategic. That means agreeing clear, prioritised policy asks; communicating them consistently across the sector; supporting trade-body lobbying with broader industry engagement; and demonstrating that hospitality has electoral relevance. None of this is straightforward. But the alternative is to remain a sector that complains loudly yet influences little. The current debate – sparked by new policy proposals and amplified by senior industry voices – may mark a turning point. Not because any single party has solved the sector’s challenges, but because hospitality is once again part of the political conversation. If the industry can harness that moment constructively, it may finally achieve the policy focus it has long sought. If not, the risk is that the attention will pass and the structural issues will remain.” Exclusive opinion pieces are just one of the many benefits available to Premium Club subscribers. 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.

Luke Johnson – ‘the mood among employers and those who invest in this country is the darkest I have ever seen’: Serial sector investor Luke Johnson, the former chairman of PizzaExpress and current director of fast-growing bakery brand Gail’s, has said the mood among employers and those who invest in this country is “the darkest I have ever seen”. He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The government is making it more expensive and riskier to employ people, and so I think entrepreneurs and managers will not create the jobs. The mood among employers and those who invest in this country is the darkest I have ever seen.” He argued it was fair to pay a lower rate to young workers because “if someone is less experienced and less well trained than someone who has been doing the job for a while, they are not necessarily going to be as productive”. Johnson said the timing of the planned minimum wage increase was a “tragedy” for young people because there was set to be a “substantial rise in unemployment” in the coming years due to artificial intelligence and other factors. It comes as reports suggest ministers are considering slowing down plans to pay adults of all ages the same minimum wage. Labour committed in its election manifesto to remove “discretionary age bands” and increase the wages of 18 to 20-year-olds so they are paid the same as those over 21. But government sources have confirmed ministers are interested in delaying that rise, though are unlikely to reverse the commitment entirely. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, UK government's Welsh secretary Jo Stevens said it remained government policy to equalise minimum wage. It comes after new job figures confirmed young people are the most likely to struggle in the UK job market, with 16.1% of people aged 16 to 24 unemployed compared with a national average of 5.1%.

   

UKHospitality – ‘tourist tax is wrong policy at worst time’: UKHospitality has said the proposed tourist tax is “the wrong policy at the worst time”. In its response to the government’s consultation on proposals to give mayors – and potentially other local leaders – the power to introduce overnight visitor levies in England, UKHospitality has raised serious concerns about the timing and impact of the plans. The trade body said the sector is already facing sharp increases in employment costs and business rates following the 2026 revaluation, with some accommodation businesses seeing rateable values nearly double, “leaving little scope to absorb new charges without damaging growth and investment”. UKHospitality has also cautioned a levy would raise the cost of holidays as well as impact business and events travel. With the UK already applying one of the highest VAT rates on accommodation in Europe, additional charges risk undermining international competitiveness and discouraging domestic breaks, the trade body added. UKHospitality has raised serious concerns about how a levy would operate, warning different approaches across mayoral areas could create a confusing patchwork of rules and higher compliance costs for multi site operators. The trade body said any levy must follow a nationally consistent flat fee model with rates tiered by price, with revenues ring-fenced for the visitor economy. At least 12 months’ notice must be given to businesses, it said, alongside support to cover compliance costs. UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls said: “This is the wrong policy at the worst possible time. Adding a new tax on to family holidays, business travel and international tourism will strangle growth, reduce investment and put jobs at risk.” The consultation closed yesterday (Wednesday, 18 February).

Business rates revaluation to earn London mayor’s office near £1m windfall: Labour’s business rates revaluation will earn London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan’s office a near £1m windfall. On top of paying normal business rates, pubs in the capital valued above a certain amount pay an extra 2p levy to help meet the costs of the Elizabeth Line, which opened in 2022. The revaluation, which comes into force in April, will mean that many pubs must pay the Crossrail levy for the first time and scores more will pay higher fees, reports The Telegraph. The chancellor’s recently announced support package for pubs does not apply to the London levy. This will give the mayor’s office an extra £916,000 as more than a third of business rates go to the Greater London Authority rather than individual London boroughs. Among those hit will be The Two Chairman pub in Westminster, where Rachel Reeves went to toast her Budget in November. The pub will be charged an extra £900 per year as its rateable value rises from £99,000 in 2023 to £144,000 in 2026. David Simmonds, the shadow communities minister, said: “More than 100 pubs have been pulled into scope this year and more than 650 face rises of more than £500 each. In some cases, bills are rising by many thousands of pounds – and the government’s business rates relief won’t apply to Khan’s surcharges.” A spokesman for the mayor said: “These figures are misleading. Under the changes, fewer pubs will now be paying the Crossrail Business Rates Supplement. In fact, around 280 pubs that were previously paying the business rates supplement will now not be from 2026-27. These kind of pubs, clubs and bars are a vital part of London’s social and economic life, and almost 90% of business premises in London are exempt from paying the supplement.”

 

Candid Hospitality hires Dan Brookman as chairman: Candid Hospitality, the anonymous matchmaking platform for hospitality careers, has hired Airship & Toggle founder Dan Brookman as its new chairman. Founded by Sam Brown, former director of Airship and Toggle, and Nick Holroyd-Doveton, co-founder of Omnifi, Candid launched its pilot scheme in February last year. The company said: “A huge addition to the business and one we’re going to celebrate. An individual who lives and breathes hospitality. There's little that Dan hasn’t seen or experienced as a hospitality technology supplier, and his knowledge is going to be priceless as we navigate our own journey ahead.” Brookman added: “Sam and Nick are on to a real winner and the response from the sector has been nothing less than remarkable. Over the last year, they’ve delivered a masterclass in how to launch a startup.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a procurement business that supplies UK hospitality and foodservice that is looking for a sourcing director. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The position will be responsible for developing and executing category sourcing strategies, leading supplier negotiations, managing strategic partnerships, delivering measurable commercial value across multimillion-pound spend and overseeing a team of category managers and sourcing specialists.” The salary is up to £130,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email mikey@corecruitment.com.

 

Red Engine CEO – ‘pivoting toward a technology-licensing or concession model isn’t a path we are looking to take’: Steve Moore, co-founder and chief executive of Red Engine, the hospitality group behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle, has told Propel that while other operators are pivoting toward a technology-licensing or concession model, that “isn’t a path we are looking to take”. Earlier this week, the company reported sales rose 10% to £27.7m in its final three months of last year, culminating in a record December, with 22 of its 24 venues achieving their highest weekly sales. When asked if the business would look to follow some peers in putting their technology, games or concessions into other operators’ spaces, Moore said: “Our philosophy is that the games and technology are only one piece of the puzzle. The Flight Club and Electric Shuffle experience is a delicate alchemy of technology, impeccable service, and a painstakingly curated vibe that we simply couldn’t guarantee in a third-party space. This is exactly why we operate an entirely in-house model. Every tiny detail is considered by our own teams. To achieve the atmosphere for which our venues are so well known, our in-house interiors and production team doesn’t just buy furniture; they trawl antiques fairs and flea markets to source the unique items that give our venues their soul. On the technology side, our gaming teams build platforms that work in perfect harmony with our specific bar environments. We believe that to spread maximum joy, we must have total control over the guest journey, from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave. By staying committed to creating spectacular venues, we ensure every guest gets the full, authentic experience that has earned our brands such loyalty over the last decade.” 

 

Black Sheep Coffee signs 20-store US development deal: Black Sheep Coffee has said its international expansion has taken a major step forward after it signed a 20-store development agreement across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas, with Yoloway’s, an established UK franchise partner. Black Sheep Coffee said the deal marks one of the brand’s “most significant international franchise agreements to date” and sees an existing UK operator expand its partnership with Black Sheep Coffee into the US for the first time, following “strong performance and growth within the UK market”. Black Sheep Coffee said: “Yoloway’s has been part of the Black Sheep Coffee franchise network in Britain and has continued to drive momentum across key locations. Having experienced that growth first-hand, the group is now taking its partnership with Black Sheep Coffee to the next level by investing in a new territory overseas. Over the next five years, Yoloway’s will open a minimum of 20 stores across the Dallas-Fort Worth region, with confirmed locations including Bedford, Plano, Rowlett and Grapevine. The move underscores growing confidence in Black Sheep Coffee’s UK franchise model.” A spokesperson for Yoloway’s, which was founded last year by Aaron Chetwyn, Axel Dehy, Gary Sloane, Matthew Bryant and Yu Ming Tang, added: “We’ve experienced the strength of Black Sheep Coffee first-hand in the UK, and expanding into Texas felt like a natural next step for our group. We see a significant opportunity in the US market and are excited to take the partnership to the next level. The agreement reinforces Black Sheep Coffee’s strategy of scaling internationally alongside experienced, committed operators who share its long-term vision.” Black Sheep Coffee made its US debut in 2014 and currently operates sites in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (Dallas, Plano, Grapevine) and Miami.

 

Topgolf founders to launch new Poolhouse concept next month: Steve and Dave Jolliffe, the founders of Topgolf and World Golf Systems, will launch their new competitive socialising concept, Poolhouse, next month. Propel revealed in September 2024 that the Jolliffes – who also co-founded Puttshack with Adam Breeden, co-founder of Flight Club, AceBounce and All Star Lanes – would launch Poolhouse in the City of London. That debut site, at 100 Liverpool Street, will now open in March. The technology-heavy pool hall concept will use projection mapping on a regular pool table to offer more intricate games and provide golf handicap-like adjustments for less experienced players. Spanning 21,000 square feet across two floors and featuring 20 private and semi-private play suites, at the centre will be the main bar, while the kitchen will offer a “made-for-sharing” menu including crispy tacos, fluffy bao and New York–style pizza. In November, Andrew O’Brien, chief executive and co-founder of Poolhouse, told Propel that the new concept’s venues will be “like Apple stores” – serving a dual purpose in promoting its technology – while the goal is to get to “an Ivy Asia standard” of offer in competitive socialising. Global expansion is set to follow through a combination of franchise partnerships and third-party licensing of its proprietary technology platform.

 

Daisy Green owner breaks silence amid ‘David and Goliath’ café takeover row: Daisy Green owner Prue Freeman has defended her takeover of several popular park cafes in north London amid huge controversy over the move. Freeman has faced backlash and legal action since her company was selected by the City of London Corporation to run three cafes operated by Hoxton Beach in December last year. Speaking to The Standard, Freeman said the tendering process was “not just about money” and was “transparent”. She said: “We were on a level playing field. We put forward our tender based on the criteria we were given. It’s very difficult to see how there wasn’t transparency in that. Investment was needed, but our tender was really about things we do in the community. We have a huge focus on community projects.” As part of its bid, Daisy Green pledged to pay the London Living Wage, maintain affordable pricing and invest significantly into the cafe buildings at Queens Park, Parliament Hill Lido and Highgate Woods. Freeman explained: “There's a lot of talk about a David and Goliath situation, which couldn't be further from the truth. We definitely don’t think of ourselves as a chain. My husband and I control everything that happens within the business. No one else has any voting rights. We definitely don’t have venture capital control over Daisy Green.” Freeman’s comments come as Hoxton Beach plans to file a judicial review against the process. Co-owner of Hoxton Beach, Emma Fernandez, told The Standard: “There was no warning, no real engagement from the landlord to tell us what it expected, and no guidance. This is our livelihood that is at stake.” The City of London Corporation, the trust which owns the park cafes, said the process was “a fair, open, and independently supported process”, which considered 30 bids.

 

Spanish aparthotel operator sees scope for 20-plus UK sites in medium term after securing second property here: Spanish aparthotel operator Líbere Hospitality Group has told Propel it sees scope for 20-plus sites in the UK in the medium term after adding its second property here. The company has secured part of the Coopers Building at 10-16 Church Street in Liverpool, with the four upper floors to be repurposed into an aparthotel with 148 studios. Líbere – which has more than 1,000 operational units across Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece – made its UK debut in May 2025 with the 44-unit Líbere London Edgware Road near Paddington. John Harrington, head of business development for the UK & Ireland, told Propel trading there has been “encouraging” since opening. He added: “Over the past six months, we have welcomed more than 6,000 guests, reflecting strong demand for professionally managed, flexible urban accommodation in the London market. Performance has been driven by a balanced mix of business and leisure travellers, as well as longer-stay demand.” In terms of further expansion, Harrington said: “In the medium term, we see the potential to develop a portfolio of 20-plus sites across the UK and Ireland. Our approach remains selective and underwriting-driven, targeting assets that align with our operational model and long-term growth strategy rather than pursuing scale for its own sake. We are exploring further opportunities across both tier one and strong tier two cities. Our focus is on major urban markets with diversified demand profiles and strong connectivity, including Edinburgh, Dublin, London, Birmingham, Manchester, York and Oxford.” Líbere was founded in 2019 and specialises in a “technology-driven, asset-light” model for short and medium-stay urban accommodation.

 

JD Wetherspoon to open franchise pub in partnership with University of Surrey: JD Wetherspoon is to open a franchise pub in partnership with the University of Surrey. The bar, set to open mid-May, will launch on the site of its current bar, located on its main campus in Guildford. The venue will take its name from Sir Ronald Wates, whose family funded and constructed the original building. The pub will offer the full Wetherspoon food and drink menu and will also be open for the public to use. Wetherspoon’s chief executive John Hutson said: “We are delighted a Wetherspoon pub is to open at the University of Surrey. We are confident it will prove popular with students as well as members of the public and be a great addition for the university.” University of Surrey chief operating officer, Will Davies, added: “We wanted to give our community a pub-style venue that could offer genuine value for money alongside quality. Wetherspoon’s model means students can get a full breakfast for less than five pounds.” Wetherspoon currently has five pubs under franchise with holiday park company Haven, with four more to follow this spring, as well as franchise agreements with Newcastle, Hull and Birmingham universities, with a pub operating at each university. Wetherspoon also has franchise agreements with Thompson Holdings, which operates a pub in the Isle of Man, and The Papas Group, which operates two sites.

 

Burger King hires Alex Francis as director of omnichannel operations: Burger King UK has hired Alex Francis, formerly of Deliveroo, as director of omnichannel operations. He joins from Deliveroo, where he spent almost four years, holding such roles as head of UK and European operations. Francis said: “Joining a much-loved global legacy brand, in a new industry, during a period of constant change for hospitality, has been challenging but highly rewarding – made all the easier by the fantastic colleagues and leadership team. One of the highlights so far has been building a new omnichannel function, shaping our strategy and now seeing the positive impact flow through to restaurant teams and our guests. This year, the focus is on continuing to optimise channel operations, creating a brilliant guest experience and supporting our teams with simpler, more intuitive operations that help them serve guests the BK way.”

 

McDonald’s workers left furious after brand cuts staff discount: McDonald’s has sparked an uproar from its own employees after cutting its staff discount and increasing prices by up to 75%. The Sun reported that McDonald’s has increased the cost of value offers for staff – with workers furious at the “unfair” change to the perk. The brand’s staff previously got bargain deals, even outside of working hours, such as a breakfast meal, with a muffin, hash brown and coffee, for just £1.99. Staff could also buy a value meal, including a Big Mac, fries and drink, for £2.29 – more than half the price of the regular deal for customers. The Sun said McDonald’s has now hiked prices to make the breakfast meal £2.99 for staff, and £3.99 for extra value meals. Bosses are understood to have raised the prices for the first time in a decade after it became economically unsustainable to offer the comapny’s 170,000 staff hugely subsidised meals. Workers still get a free meal during shifts and can use the employee discount twice a day. A McDonald’s spokesman said: “We are committed to making sure our employees have access to great value food that we are proud to serve. We remain proud to offer our employees good value discounts, alongside exclusive offers through the My McDonald’s app.”

 

Hollywood Bowl reports bookings up more than 30% for Valentine’s Day: Hollywood Bowl has said it saw bookings for Valentine’s Day across its estate rise more than 30% year on year. The company said total bookings for 14 February were up 34% across Hollywood Bowl’s 77 UK centres compared with last year. The average booking lead time rose by 62% year on year, increasing from 2.1 days in 2025 to 3.4 days in 2026 – suggesting more couples locked in their date night with time to spare. The company said while Valentine’s Day bowling proved popular nationwide, several centres saw particularly strong growth, with its Carlisle site up 56.3%, Oxford up 55.7%, Wigan up 52.4%, Colchester up 52.0% and Wellingborough up 51.8%. The company said: “From Carlisle to Colchester, centres across the UK recorded booking increases of more than 50%, highlighting the growing appeal of bowling as a fun, accessible date night option.” Darryl Lewis, UK managing director at Hollywood Bowl said: “Couples were still keen to mark Valentine’s Day this year, but many wanted to do so in a more relaxed way. Bowling hits that sweet spot – it’s easy to book, easy to enjoy, and still feels like a proper date.”

 

Professionals at Play opens second Scottish King Pins site: Professionals at Play – the Foresight-backed, parent company of the Roxy Lanes, Roxy Ball Room, King Pins and Star Pins concepts – has opened its second Scottish site for King Pins. The venue has launched in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh and follows that of King Pins Glasgow in June last year. King Pins Edinburgh has ten pin bowling lanes and immersive games, including crazy golf, ice-free curling, shuffleboard, karaoke, American pool and an arcade. The venue also has a bar and an onsite eatery, Marvin’s, which serves Neapolitan-style pizza, fried chicken and a selection of sides. Since launching its first two sites in Manchester in summer 2023 and May 2024, Kings Pins has expanded across the UK, opening venues in Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds and Belfast last year. In January, Propel revealed the 28-strong Professionals at Play had promoted Ben Turnock to managing director, as the group continues its rapid expansion across the UK and Ireland. The business is planning to open at least five new venues this year, including Roxy Ball Room sites in London’s Holborn, Dublin and Glasgow.

 

Sukho Group makes a loss, failed Gai Zaap venture contributes to drop in sales and Ebitda: Sukho Group, which operates the Sukhothai and Zaap Thai concepts, made a loss in the year to 31 March 2025 and said it failed Gai Zaap venture contributed to a drop in sales and Ebitda. The group, which operates eight Zaap Thai sites and three Sukhotahi locations, opened new concept Gai Zaap in Nottingham in July 2024 but closed it just three months later. Sukho Group reported a pre-tax loss of £750 compared with a profit of £1,024,483 in 2024. Turnover fell from £16,661,200 to £16,056,484 while adjusted Ebitda dropped from £2,754,310 to £1,981,556. Director Gerrard Marks said: “During the year, group sales decreased 3.6%, with £343,000 of the decrease due to Gai Zaap ceasing to trade in the year. Group Ebitda has decreased mainly due to losses from Gai Zaap, and also a reduction in sales and cost pressures, including increased wage rates and utility prices. Gai Zaap had £381,322 of exceptional costs relating to the closure of the site and generated an Ebitda loss of £689,000, which is included within the group's results for the year. These costs are not expected to recur within future periods.” Zaap Thai openings in Durham during the year, and in Manchester post year end, were funded through group reserves. Marks added: “Trading conditions remained challenging in the year. Food and wage inflation have also put pressure on the gross margin and profit as the group made the decision to not pass on all increased costs to the customer. The group continues to directly import ingredients from Thailand as a way of mitigating against rising food prices. Thanks to the strong financial strength of the group, we will be able to take advantage of any further opportunities that become available.”

 

Pure Padel begins work on UK's first ‘purpose-built padel warehouse’: Padel operator Pure Padel has begun work on the UK’s “first purpose-built padel warehouse”, in North Tyneside. The development, in Salters Lane, in Gosforth Business Park in Longbenton will cover 40,000 square feet and have ten indoor courts. The projected site, which is expected to open at the end of this year, will become the first to be constructed, rather than converted, to accommodate the sport. The development will also have a hospitality-led clubhouse with a café, licenced bar, sports lounge, "premium" changing facilities and dedicated space for corporate events. Sammy Arora, founder and chief executive of Pure Padel, said “There is huge demand for padel across Newcastle and the wider north east, with people travelling significant distances to play, and we’re proud to finally be delivering a facility that matches that appetite.” The company opened its first club, in Alderley Park, in October 2023 and has since added locations in Manchester city centre, Darlington, Stockport and north Leeds. Sites are also set to open in  Lightwater in Surrey, Birmingham city centre, Solihull, York and Glasgow.

 

South Wales operator reports increased turnover from price adjustments but profit drops due to cost pressures and higher taxation: South Wales operator Town & Country Collective has reported increased turnover from price adjustments in the year to 31 March 2025 but a drop in profit due to cost pressures and higher taxation. The company, which operates five hotels and pubs across Glamorgan, Cardiff, Bridgend and Llantwit Major, saw turnover climb from £8,717,669 in 2024 to £9,876,604. Pre-tax profit dropped from £553,635 to £524,146 as costs rose by almost £1m. The company also reported a negative goodwill write down of £114,849 (2024: £17,958), while dividends of £100,000 were paid (2024: £402,000). Director Fred Hitchcock said: “Group turnover increased by 13%, reflecting price adjustments made to offset significant cost inflation. However, it has not been possible to pass through the full extent of rising costs in the current economic climate. Profit after tax fell, reflecting increased cost pressures and higher taxation. Payroll remains the group’s most challenging cost, reflecting both external factors such as national minimum wage increases and higher national insurance contributions, and the group’s own decision to strengthen its employee value proposition. Becoming a competitive regional employer, not just within hospitality but across the labour market more broadly, has meant further investment in wages, training and retention. This strengthens long-term resilience but has added to near-term cost pressures. The directors acknowledge that trading conditions will remain difficult in the near term, particularly as sector-wide payroll and utility costs show little sign of abating. However, the group has demonstrated resilience through year-on-year turnover growth, stable operating profit, and continued focus on people and guest experience.”

 

Indoor adventure park operator signs for 50,000 square-foot site in Oxfordshire: Indoor multi-activity adventure park FunParx has signed for a 50,000 square-foot site in Banbury, Oxfordshire. The park, which is set to open in the former Debenhams unit this summer at Castle Quay, will comprise a giant inflatable arena with ball pits, ninja-style assault courses, obstacle challenges, slide city, arcade games, inflatable sports pitches, carnival-style games and dedicated soft play zones for younger children. The park will also feature a bar games area with pool, air hockey and classic games. Matt Tofts, co-founder of FunParx, said: “We are excited to be opening in Banbury. This site is going to be fantastic for everyone, and we cannot wait to welcome people in to experience all the fun.” FunParx currently operates sites in Basildon, Dundee and Edinburgh, with a further site in the pipeline, in Birmingham.

  

Company behind four-star Hampshire hotel sees losses grow after ‘particularly challenging trading period’: The company behind the four-star Langstone Quays Resort hotel in Hayling Island, Hampshire, saw its losses increase in the year to 30 November 2024 in a “particularly challenging trading period”. Pre-tax losses grew to £741,954 from £244,551 the year before as turnover fell from £5,339,979 to £4,815,655. Of this, £2,258,977 came from rooms (2023: £2,669,549), £2,067,254 from food and beverage (2023: £2,233,788), £366,911 from the health club and spa (2023: £356,977) and £122,513 in other income (2023: £187,303). The group balance sheet showed net liabilities of £388,219 compared with net assets of £54,787 the year before but said it continued to be supported by its parent company. Director Paula Walker said: “The year was a particularly challenging trading period, reflecting both wider economic pressures and significant operational disruption. The hotel was adversely affected by major facilities failures and mechanical breakdowns for a second successive year. In particular, the total failure of the boiler systems resulted in the loss of more than 2,000 room nights from Secret Escapes following adverse customer feedback. Efforts to replace this lost business through alternative leisure channels were hindered by exceptionally poor weather conditions, broader economic pressures affecting coastal destinations, and weak trading during key summer periods, with consequential impacts on food and beverage revenue. Staffing challenges within the kitchen led to increased reliance on agency staff, which adversely affected both operating standards and profitability.” No dividend was paid (2023: nil). The hotel is owned by LQ Resorts, which also owns Lion Quays in Shropshire and Ufford Park in Suffolk.

 

Owner of West Sussex country pub gets go-ahead to transform it into ‘refined countryside retreat’ as it aims for Michelin Green Star: The Woodcote, a country pub near the village of Graffham in West Sussex, has secured approval to add a new fine-dining restaurant and bedrooms as it looks to transform into a “refined countryside retreat”. Owner Ledmore Capital, a London-based single-family office that manages a diverse range of entrepreneurial interests, has been given the go-ahead by the South Downs National Park Authority as it looks to establish The Woodcote as a Michelin Green Star destination. The scheme involves restoring the historic cottage that forms the original pub building, transforming it into a “relaxed village bistro”, while introducing a new flagship fine-dining restaurant alongside 16 guest suites. Jamie Lumsden, managing director of Ledmore Capital, said: “This is an important step forward in realising our vision for The Woodcote as an enduring luxury destination within the South Downs National Park. The opportunity to bring together exceptional accommodation, sensitively designed to capture the stunning views of this remarkable landscape, with a flagship fine dining restaurant carrying a clear ambition for Michelin Green Star recognition, marks an exciting next chapter for us. Alongside this, a relaxed bistro will remain accessible to both our guests and the community.”

 

Vietnamese food entrepreneur returns to bricks and mortar with restaurant launch in London’s Wembley: Vietnamese food entrepreneur Teresa Le has returned to bricks and mortar with the launch of a restaurant in London’s Wembley. Le founded Ladudu in 2009, initially offering private Vietnamese cooking classes, before opening a restaurant at 152a West End Lane, West Hampstead, in 2011. This closed in 2017, since when Le has produced a line of Ladudu retail sauces while also working as a restaurant consultant. Le has now opened a restaurant once more, at Berkeley Group’s Grand Union development in north west London. Diners can enjoy a wide range of classic Vietnamese dishes, including fragrant pho, rich curries, fresh Vietnamese salads, stir-fries, matcha beverages and homemade desserts. The menu also features a selection of vegan options, alongside weekly specials, while its signature sauces and ingredients are also on sale. The restaurant also offers a dedicated play space for children, complete with its own miniature kitchen. Le said: “Ladudu is all about happy, healthy, and hearty food. After more than 15 years working in the food industry, including running a successful restaurant in West Hampstead, I’m now bringing Ladudu’s fresh flavours to Wembley, and hope to be a key part of this thriving neighbourhood.”

 

Scottish operators to open new neighbourhood bistro next week in place of fine-dining restaurant: Scottish operators Peter McKenna and Kevin Dow will open their new neighbourhood bistro next week in Glasgow in place of their fine-dining restaurant. The duo closed the three-AA rosette The Gannet at 1,155 Argyle Street in Finnieston at the end of last year after 12 years. The venue will relaunch as Eleven Fifty Five on Thursday, 26 February – “drawing inspiration from cosy Irish snugs, years of travel and Parisian bistrots”. The new 52-cover venue will “celebrate Scottish produce while honouring McKenna’s Irish roots”, with a menu featuring “some of Scotland’s top producers and introducing some exciting Irish producers”. The bar area has been altered to accommodate space for dining while the mezzanine has been rebuilt to create a dedicated private dining room for up to 12 guests. McKenna said: “To me, this feels like a natural evolution – we have stripped back then built up the restaurant and food offering, creating a space and menu that will draw guests back time and time again.”