Five Guys CEO – ready to load up our balance sheet for next stage of growth, three sites contributing £2m-plus profit each: John Eckbert, chief executive of Five Guys UK, has told Propel that the Sir Charles Dunstone-backed business is ready to load up its balance sheet to support its next stage of growth. The joint venture, which launched in the UK in July 2013, currently operates circa 175 sites here and a further circa 100 sites across France, Germany and Spain. Eckbert told Propel: “My mandate is to grow the brand and build the workforce to be able to open up 50 stores a year, that’s something we’ve really invested in. I think the Five Guys operators and the joint venture are the best in the world, and when you open up that number of stores, you’ve got to have great internally generated managers. We do have a refinance coming up and we’re ready to load up for the next three to five years on how best to finance and structure our balance sheet. We’ll have a couple of really good options for whether we use a unitranche that we have or a bank group or bond offer. We are at the size and scope now that all of those are on the table. I think all of those will give Sir Charles optionality on how to structure the balance sheet for the short term. If there is a good opportunity within the brand to do something, then I’m sure he’ll realise that when the moment is right for him.” Eckbert told Propel that Five Guys had reached average store sales of £30,000 on peak days at its site in London’s Wembley over the summer. He said: “Our throughput capacity is pretty strong in peak hours. We can cook 600 patties in an hour, which is roughly £6,000-worth of sales. We just opened at Wembley, and when Taylor Swift was playing there, we were cranking out some pretty phenomenal sales days. Being able to do £6,000 an hour is what it takes to hit those sales levels. Five Guys never did that kind of volume in the US – the average store sales there is $25,000 – we are doing £30,000 in a day. We have 20-plus sites that contribute more than a million in store contribution and this year, we’ll have three sites that contribute more than two million in profit (Frankfurt and Munich in Germany and Barcelona in Spain). They are just fantastically run stores that are high volume and we’ve optimised them for throughput.” 

 

Final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2024 open for bookings with free places for operators, Des Gunewardena to speak: The final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2024 has opened for bookings. The full-day conference – titled “new directions, new ideas” – takes place on Wednesday, 30 October at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London Kensington. Speakers will include Des Gunewardena, founder of the D3 Collective and co-founder of D&D London. He will talk about on his return to the hospitality sector, his three new projects with a focus on “landmark sites”, the need to provide alternative points of difference and his take on the London market. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium Club members who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium Club members to receive two new databases this week: Premium Club members are to receive two new databases this week. The next Propel UK Food & Beverage Franchisee Database will be sent out today (Wednesday, 11 September), at noon. The database, which is updated and published on a bi-monthly basis, has ten new entries. These include Chopstix franchisees KK Foods and Southern Creations, and Highway Shops Retail, the first partner for Fireaway Pizza’s new express format. The database now has 160 entries and more than 72,000 words of content. Premium Club members will also receive the next Turnover & Profits Blue Book on Friday (13 September), at midday. The database will feature 57 updated accounts and 21 new companies for a total of 978. Premium Club members will also receive the next Turnover & Profits Blue Bookon Friday (13 September), at midday. The database will feature 57 updated accounts and 21 new companies for a total of 978. Premium Club members also receive access to four other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database and the Who's Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Clubs members will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events including the Talent and Training Conference (1 October), Restaurant Marketer and Innovator (two days in January 2025) and Excellence in Pub Retail (May 2025). Operators that are Premium Club members are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club members 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 members will be sent a dedicated monthly newsletter that will highlight key updates in the sector and direct subscribers to all the vital content their membership offers. Premium Club members 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.

 

Sector vacancies fall below 100,000 for first time since covid pandemic but ‘wage pressures remain’: Sector vacancies have fallen below 100,000 for the first time since the covid pandemic but UKHospitality has warned that wage pressures remain. New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that there were 98,000 vacancies in foodservice and accommodation, but they remain 5,000 higher than pre-pandemic levels of 93,000. The ONS labour market overview also showed that annual growth in total earnings was 4%. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “As a sector, we’re continuing to drive down vacancies, but the government can make that easier in the Budget. Supporting enhanced back-to-work schemes and delivering on the manifesto commitment to reform the apprenticeship levy will help the sector recruit and reduce economic inactivity. Businesses are also nervously waiting for the Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) recommendation of next year’s wage rates. Average earnings being 4% higher than a year ago should give pause to the LPC moving too far and too fast with above-inflation wage increases. Businesses have had to shoulder increases of up to 40% in some age bands over the past three years and we must ensure there is no detrimental impact on youth employment. Making the tax burden for hospitality businesses more sustainable is essential at this Budget, which is why we’re urging the chancellor to introduce a lower, permanent and universal hospitality multiplier.”

 

Younger consumers drinking more coffee than ever and leading the charge in customisation: Consumers aged 18 to 34 are now drinking more coffee than ever and customising their orders for personalised coffee perfection, according to new research. In a report published to mark the business’ 30th anniversary, Lincoln & York found almost 40% of those aged 18 to 34 are drinking more coffee out of home than in previous years and are also more likely to customise their drinks to suit their tastes. Three quarters (75%) “always” or “occasionally” opt for a flavoured syrup in their coffee. Consumers are still opting for traditional sweet flavours, with caramel ranking as the top syrup choice, followed by vanilla and then hazelnut. Whether through flavour preference or dietary requirements, 37% of those aged 18 to 34 now choose alternative milk – such as oat, almond, soya or coconut – in their coffee. The younger generation also has a growing thirst for iced coffee options, with iced coffee coming in as the group’s third favourite coffee option ahead of the flat white and cappuccino. Almost half said they would “always” or “occasionally” pay more to try a special blend or single origin coffee, demonstrating the demand for new and increasingly higher quality coffee options in recent years. 

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a luxury, five-star hospitality group with a range of different offers that is searching a marketing manager to cover maternity for 12-14 months on a fixed term contract. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The company would ideally be interested in someone coming from a different setting, from general marketing roles for high end hotel, travel, casino or fashion settings and with the ability to start immediately.” The salary is up to £60,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email hayley@corecruitment.com.

 

Promoted content – meet Eman, the founder of Bisan Bites who is proudly bringing Palestinian flavours to London’s streets: In 2022, Eman embarked on a journey to bring the authentic taste of Palestinian cuisine to the vibrant street food scene of London. Seeking guidance from the Streets Ahead programme, she transformed her passion into reality, creating Bisan Bites – a culinary venture celebrating the rich flavours of her heritage. To find out more, click here.

 

Azzurri Group CEO – Coco di Mama resurgent, to be available across Sainsbury’s estate: Steve Holmes, chief executive of Azzurri Group, the ASK Italian, Zizzi and Boojum operator, has said the company’s Italian food-to-go brand Coco di Mama is “resurgent at the moment” and is set to be introduced into Sainsbury’s grab-and-go range across circa 600 stores. The brand currently operates from 316 locations in the UK, most of which are dark kitchens. It also operates 15 sites in central London. Coco di Mama launched a partnership with Sainsbury’s in 2021, with a range of products available across selected stores in London. Speaking at last week's Propel Multi-Club Conference, Holmes said: “Coco di Mama is resurgent at the moment, it’s performed phenomenally well. It’s had an amazing summer. We’ve had the best part of 18 months of double-digit sales growth. We’ve just opened a Coco di Mama site in Liverpool Street, and that’s now the number one performing store in the estate, so we’d like to do more rail stations and airports. We’ve just signed a deal with Sainsbury’s that goes live this month where we’re going to be producing our salads and sandwiches for it, for its grab and go range. Coco’s is now beyond being the business that was set up to serve hungry City workers. While that will always be our heartland, I think moving to omnichannel will be a big part of its expansion going forward.” When it comes to trading patterns for the brand in London, Holmes said: “We still have a bit of a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday thing going on in the City, but Mondays are definitely a bit busier than they used to be. It’s gone from three days to probably four with Monday, but Fridays are still hard work. Those working in investment/banks are starting to come back to the office four days, if not five days a week.” Holmes said ASK and Zizzi have had “a bit of a softer summer” but have bounced back in the last couple of weeks again. He added: “Boojum has been phenomenal. The economics of that business are tremendous. Last month, we had a record week last in Belfast.” Holmes was among the speakers at last week’s Propel Multi-Club Conference. His video and the 12 others from the conference will be made available to Premium Club members on Friday, 27 September, at 9am. 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 a supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Soho House hires Yishay Malkov as new MD for UK & Europe: Members’ club group Soho House has hired Yishay Malkov, formerly of Various Eateries and The Ivy Collection, as its new managing director for the UK & Ireland. Malkov stepped down as chief executive of Various Eateries, the Coppa Club and Noci operator, last September after three and a half years in the role. Malkov, a former restaurant director of Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s and general manager at Roka Restaurants, joined the Richard Caring-backed Ivy Collection in May 2014 as its executive operations director and then became managing director. He left in the summer of 2018 after growing the business to more than 25 sites. He also spent a year and a half as managing director of Park Chinois, the luxury Chinese restaurant in London’s Mayfair. Propel revealed last November that Soho House was to open a new venue in London’s Mayfair, after acquiring the Hush restaurant site in Lancashire Court from the Jamie Barber-founded Hush Collection. Talking last month, Andrew Carnie, chief executive of Soho House, said: “Next up is at Soho Mews House in London, which is our first muse concept, and it’s a beautiful unique house that is going to be very much aimed at our long-term members.” He added that Manchester and Barcelona will follow next year, with future plans for sites in Madrid, Milan and Tokyo too.

 

Bella Italia launches first rewards app: Bella Italia, the Big Table Group-owned brand, has launched its first rewards app, designed to “treat customers with exclusive discounts and perks”. The 70-strong brand said it created the app “to showcase delicious new dishes, offers and competitions”. The app, which took six months to develop, allows customers to find the nearest Bella Italia, while also staying up to date with the latest menu launches and limited-time-only dishes. The app also features a “spin the wheel” section, where users can unlock exclusive discounts, perks and freebies, along with the chance to win a £100 voucher every week. Bella Italia’s marketing director Megan Trimble said: “We are thrilled to launch the Bella Italia app, which is a significant step in enhancing our customers’ experience. With this app, we’re making it easier than ever for our guests to enjoy their favourite dishes. As a special thank you, we’re offering a £10 welcome voucher to everyone who downloads the app.” Last month, Alan Morgan, chief executive of Big Table Group, told Propel that Bella Italia was to return to the expansion trail.

 

New Marco Pierre White concept trading ‘incredibly well’, working on three new sites: Black & White Hospitality (B&W), which operates seven Marco Pierre White brands, has told Propel the chef’s latest concept is trading “incredibly well” and that it is working on three new sites. B&W earlier this year opened the first Marco Pierre White Ale House, The Queen’s Head, in Felixstowe, Suffolk. Located on the corner of Queens Road and Orwell Road, it formed part of a major refurbishment project that also saw the opening of a new boutique-style hotel called Hotel Coco and a new Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill restaurant. “Since opening, the new Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Felixstowe, as well as the Ale House, both have traded incredibly,” a B&W spokesman said. “Enjoying an increase in the number of guests, it proves that by transforming what was already a popular place to eat out or enjoy a drink into a Marco Pierre White branded restaurant and pub is a formula that works. The timing of this rebrand was perfect, with the hotel rebranding, which we were a key part of and support. In terms of new sites, we are currently working on three new UK sites, one which is in legals at the moment.” B&W now operates 30 venues under various Marco Pierre White brands alongside a portfolio of ten hotels and health clubs around London and the south west, with several more in the pipeline. It comes as Marco Pierre White Restaurants (MPW) launches a new “value” autumn menu includes a “1961 Prix Fixe”, which offers a starter and main for £19.61. Darren Coslett-Blaize, brand director at MPW Restaurants said: “We’re incredibly conscious that the current cost of living is making guests think twice about dining out. The introduction of this new set menu gives our franchise partners a very competitive offer that can be used at selected periods of the week, in order to attract guests into their restaurants while delivering an excellent gross profit on their bottom line.”

 

Stonegate’s MiXR app reaches one million downloads and ‘transforms on-trade guest engagement’: Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has reported its app, MiXR, has reached one million downloads since its launch in November 2023. Stonegate said this landmark achievement emphasises MiXR’s role in increasing customer engagement and driving sales across its portfolio of more than 700 managed venues. MiXR allows users to discover nearby venues, access exclusive deals, skip queues and redeem points for rewards. Users are offered a free drink when they download the app and register, along with a range of perks from selected partner brands, which can be redeemed at any Stonegate venue. Stonegate said 62% of users are aged between 18 to 34. In under a year, more than 500,000 drinks have been sampled through the app, with £1.8m in points redeemed. The app is supported by MiXR’s digital retail screen network, installed in more than 500 venues within its first year. The screens promote exclusive deals with partner brands and deliver six million impressions daily. Chief executive David McDowall said: “MiXR is revolutionising the way our venues connect with guests, offering a personalised experience that keeps people returning to our pubs, bars and venues. Reaching one million downloads and 500 venues with screen media coverage at such pace is a testament to the platform’s success and the significant value it brings to both our guests and partner brands.” MiXR is set to introduce a bespoke student area within the app, allowing targeted campaigns through university email verification, while a web ordering platform will also be launched.

 

Honi Poke ups London presence: Hawaiian poké specialist Honi Poké is to further increase its presence in the capital with an opening in the City. The company has secured the former Itsu site in Great New Street for an opening later this year. Honi Poké currently operates 17 sites across London, plus sites in Manchester and Leeds. This summer, it secured a site on the upper ground floor of the Cabot Circus scheme in Bristol. The company is actively looking for more sites across central London and regionally. Sally French, of SF Commercial, acted for Honi Poké on the Great New Street deal.

 

Puttshack to expand US presence as it heads to Minnesota: Indoor mini golf experience Puttshack is to expand its US presence with an opening in the state of Minnesota. The 25,000 square-foot venue in Edina will launch at the Southdale Center on Wednesday, 9 October and will feature four tech-driven, nine-hole mini golf courses powered by the brand’s Trackaball technology. The space will have two full-service bars, a private event space and an outdoor patio with seating for up to 100 guests. The globally-inspired food menu includes several nods to local flavours including the Pierogi flatbread – featuring roasted garlic bechamel, sliced potato, roasted chicken, smoked Gouda and mozzarella cheese; and the Minnesota Tailpipe – a chicken and wild rice soup-inspired spring roll served with a poblano cheese dipping sauce. “We’re thrilled to bring Puttshack to Minnesota for the first time, and specifically to be joining a vibrant community like Edina in the historic Southdale Center,” said chief executive Logan Powell. The opening will mark Puttshack’s 15th US venue, and the group also operates four sites in the UK. A new report has been produced by Propel on the fast-growing experiential leisure sector. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes more than 180 companies, 3,500 sites and a 35,000-word report. The report is available for £595 plus VAT although Premium Club members can receive it for free. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to order a copy.

 

Hotel operator Fragrance Group reports record turnover of £32.9m but sees losses increase: Hotel developer and operator Fragrance Group has reported turnover increased to a record £32,904,351 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £21,009,682 the year before. The company, which operates 11 sites across the UK, saw pre-tax losses increase to £10,841,360 from £1,501,026 the previous year. The group said this was primarily due to higher administrative expenses associated with ongoing development projects and the opening of three new hotels – the Mercure Hotel Paignton and the Ibis Styles Hotel Paignton in Devon, and The Municipal Hotel Liverpool – via a franchise agreement with Accor. Additionally, Fragrance Group had higher finance costs, totalling £7m (2022: £1.9m) due to higher interest rates and new external borrowings. The group is developing two new hotels – a conversion of the former Royal national hospital site in Bath and the redevelopment of St Chads Hotel in Blackpool into a 143-bedroom hotel. During the period, the group borrowed an additional £26.7m to fund the development projects and for working capital purposes, which is repayable by July 2028. The group, which employs about 570 staff, did not receive any government grants (2022: £30,000).

 

Padel Social Club hires David C Hill as new chairman: Multi-format padel concept Padel Social Club has hired David C Hill as its new non-executive chairman. Hill was previously chairman of restaurant businesses Mac & Wild and Whyte & Brown, plus Goals Soccer Centres. He is currently chairman of Oxygen Jumping. Padel Social Club said: “David brings a wealth of experience in leading multi-site, high-growth, consumer-facing businesses. His expertise will be instrumental as we continue to expand and elevate the Padel Social Club experience.” Padel Social Club is to open its third London site, at the Southside shopping centre in Wandsworth. The company agreed a deal earlier this year with landlords, Landsec and Invesco Real Estate, to transform the rooftop of the centre’s multi-storey car park into a 30,000 square-foot innovative sports and recreational space. Once open in late 2024, it will feature six covered courts, changing rooms and a fitness centre complete with wellness rooms, as well as a rotating line-up of food and beverage kiosks across two floors. Padel Social Club operates sites in Earl’s Court and at The 02, as well as at Soho House’s Babington House in Frome, Somerset. 

 

West Midlands wedding venue operator sees turnover and profit dip: West Midlands wedding venue operator Ensarb has reported turnover fell to £5,178,500 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £5,589,747 the previous year. Pre-tax profit was down to £1,858,772 from £2,521,211 the year before. Gross profit margin stood at 65% (2022: 67%). In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “The company continues to heavily invest in IT infrastructure, creating an enhanced wedding planning experience for our clients. The company is continuing to invest in the upgrading of the property assets and wider customer services. The balance sheet at the period end indicates continued strength, with net assets of £7,108,825 (2022: £5,750,543).” The company, which employs about 90 staff, did not receive any government grants. (2022: £19,417). No dividend was paid (2022: £129,601). Ensarb was founded in 2006 by Ben and Sarah Reeves and operates eight venues across the region.

 

Brother Marcus opens in London’s Covent Garden for largest site to date: Mediterranean restaurant concept Brother Marcus has opened its fifth site in London, in The Yards, Covent Garden. The company has open in the former Miscusi site in Slingsby Place, having previously agreed a deal with Longmartin Properties, which is a joint venture between Shaftesbury Capital and the Mercers’ Company. The 4,190 square-foot, two-floor, venue is Brother Marcus’ largest to date and includes two terraces and two bars, plus an open kitchen. Founded in 2016 by three school friends, Alex Large, Arthur Campbell and Tas Gaitanos, Brother Marcus also operates sites in Spitalfields Market, Islington’s Camden Passage, South Kensington and Borough Yards. Large and Gaitanos said: “Launching our largest restaurant to date is a key moment for Brother Marcus and we are delighted to have opened in such a prominent space in The Yards. The continual investment by Longmartin Properties in the area has been instrumental in making this such an attractive location for our debut central London site.” Hanover Green and DCL acted for The Yards. Savills represented Brother Marcus. Large and Gaitanos were among the speakers at last week’s Propel Multi-Club Conference. Their video and the 12 others from the conference will be made available to Premium Club members on Friday, 27 September, at 9am. 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 a supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Team behind El Gato Negro to open second venue for luxury sports and gaming concept this month: Mills Hill Development will open the second site for its luxury sports and gaming concept, Black Cat Club, this month. The venue is opening in the company’s former El Gato Negro restaurant in Park Row in Leeds. The venue – which will open on Friday, 20 September – will offer interactive shuffleboard and darts as well as nine screens showing live sport, and live DJs every weekend. The food menu will feature dishes such as buttermilk chicken bites with curry mayonnaise, salt and pepper ribs, dirty fries and its £10 lunch offer. There will also be a bar offering cocktails and a variety of beer and wine. Mills Hill Development also operates El Gato Negro restaurants in Liverpool and Manchester, plus Canto Manchester.

 

Indian street food concept Tamila confirms debut stand-alone site: Tamila, the south Indian street food concept from former Roti King executive chef Prince Durairaj and ex-Market Halls operations director Glen Leeson, has confirmed is to open its first stand-alone site, in south London. Propel revealed last month the pair had secured the VE Kitchen site in Northcote Road, Clapham. Now, Tamila has confirmed the venue will launch on Tuesday, 1 October. The menu features dishes from across the subcontinent, and while roti and curries will be a central component, guests can expect new additions and regular specials. The team will also be expanding its bread offering, with the likes of garlic coriander naan, kulcha naan, and peshwari sitting alongside the flaky roti. Other highlights include a dedicated dosa section and a large snack selection, while the drinks menu will include Indian-spiced cocktails alongside the house Tamila lager and a selection of draught wine. Tamila will provide seating for 50 covers inside, with additional outdoor seating. “We’re excited to come south of the river, bringing Tamila to Clapham,” said Durairaj. “This isn’t just about opening a new restaurant; it’s about elevating the curry house experience to a whole new level.” Durairaj and Leeson launched Tamila in the Hackney Bridge food court in 2021. They also operate The Tamil Prince in Islington’s Hemingford Road, and the Tamil Crown, in Elia Street, also in Islington. Emma Wright, of CDG Leisure, acted on behalf of VE Kitchen and Tom Richards, of ARC, acted on behalf of Tamil.

 

North west Indian dining restaurant concept to expand to Liverpool for second site: North west Indian dining restaurant concept Delhi House Cafe is expanding to open a second site, in Liverpool. Delhi House, which is owned and run by the Lamba family from Delhi, is opening a site in The Albert Dock. Having relocated from Delhi to Manchester in 2020, Varendra Lamba and his wife Rajinder, their son Sherry and daughter-in-law Preen, joined forces to create Delhi House Cafe, which opened in August 2020 in the Corn Exchange. Arriving in Liverpool on Tuesday, 17 September, Delhi House will be open daily for lunch and dinner. Preen Lamba said: “When we opened in Manchester almost five years ago, we couldn't have imagined how well Delhi House Cafe would be received. We really believe that there is a gap in the market for Indian food in Liverpool and the dishes that we’ll offer at Delhi House. We want to change the common preconception that Indian food is for hangovers, that it’s curries from a takeaway courier, or that it’s just unhealthy. True authentic Indian cuisine is so much more than that.” Representing a real family effort, Varendra is head of expansion, interiors and development; Rajinder is head of the kitchen; Sherry is chef patron and head of operations and Preen takes care of marketing and managing the venues.

High-end Japanese-Peruvian restaurant to open in Manchester led by team with experience at Nobu and Zuma: A new high-end Japanese-Peruvian restaurant is being opened in Manchester, led by a team that has experience of working in restaurants including Nobu, Sexyfish and Zuma. Nichi will make its debut next month at the Trafford Centre. The restaurant is taking 3,000 square feet of space in the new-look dining area in the Upper Orient. Nichi will offer a “premium, immersive dining experience”, allowing diners to indulge in a wide variety of Japanese delicacies paired with an extensive selection of fine wine and sake. Bento boxes will be sold at lunchtime. The homegrown Mancunian concept will be led by a seasoned team, with head chef Kentaro Yanagisawa having worked at Sexyfish and Nobu, and managing partner Vanessa Mornet coming from Zuma. Mornet said: “Retail destinations are about so much more than shopping. However, while there are plenty of high-end stores, there are often not as many high-end dining experiences. Our aim is to be a pioneer and elevate the food offering found within UK shopping malls, and Trafford Centre provides the ideal platform to do just that.”

 

London Chinese concept China Tang branches out with Harrods opening: London Chinese concept China Tang has branched out almost two decades after opening its first site inside the Dorchester hotel. The restaurant, which was the brainchild of the late Sir David Tang, has opened a dim sum counter in Harrods, reports Hot Dinners. The restaurant is in the Knightsbridge department store’s Dining Hall on the ground floor. The menu includes dishes such as truffle and shiitake mushroom bao; and wagyu taro puffs. Larger dishes include Peking duck, salt and pepper prawns and the stir-fried fillet of A5 wagyu in black pepper.

 

Bristol Italian restaurant owners open new cafe in the city: Bristol Italian restaurant owners Patrick Krasniqi and Dita Beu have opened a new cafe in the city. The husband-and-wife team, who own Bella Vista at 2b Victoria Street in Redcliffe, have opened Buonissima in a former Starbucks just a few doors down the same road. The new venue serves a range of fresh sandwiches, cakes, pastries and Italian desserts, reports Bristol Live.