GGA by NIQ – new wave of investment with growth generally coming from mid-sized operators, big boom in Asian cuisine: There is a new wave of investment in the sector and growth is generally coming from mid-sized operators, with a big boom in Asian cuisine – according to Karl Chessell, director at insights consultancy CGA by NIQ. Speaking at this month’s Propel Multi-Club Conference, Chessell said although 2024 had seen a 1% year-on-year decrease in licensed premises, “based on recent years, that’s not bad, and we’ve actually seen some growth in key market segments over the last quarter, which is encouraging to see”. He added following the significant pandemic closures, “there are signs of a new wave of investment, with some new openings and growth coming through in certain parts of the market”. He said this growth is generally coming from mid-sized (25-49 sites) operators – such as Giggling Squid, Pho, Rosa’s Thai and Wingstop – which now account for 14.3% of the market (up 140.7% on last year). By contrast, smaller operators (five-24 sites) are in decline, accounting for 30.9% of the market (down 2.9%), while larger operators (50-plus sites) are largely stable, accounting for 54.6% of the market (down 0.3%). “There’s been a big boom in Asian cuisine, which as a cohort is growing its total scale by around the 15%-20% mark, driven by like-for-like sales and new openings,” Chessell said. “There is a perception of good quality food, and these operators are also doing pretty well on spend-per-head.” Average spend per head continues to rise while eating out frequency continues to decrease, and while footfall is down, along with the number of drinks people buy when they’re out, businesses are seeing a drive for quality, CGA’s data said. With a significant decrease in late-night footfall and consumers going out earlier, the late-night sector is having to adapt and try to tap into earlier dayparts, and as a result, one in three businesses leaders said they have reduced trading hours in their estate – particularly on Mondays and Tuesdays. Furthermore, Generation Z are using nightclubs and bar less and pubs more, as they “steal some of that high tempo occasion share with experiences such as live music, gaming and live sports” – and while events are driving trade, venues are tapping into hyperlocal events as well as nationwide ones. Chessell was among the speakers at this month’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.

Eight days to go until Propel’s Talent & Training Conference, focus on how companies can build a culture to attract, develop and retain talent: There are eight days to go until Propel’s Talent & Training Conference. The all-day conference takes place on Tuesday, 1 October at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. The conference will showcase examples of outstanding people culture among companies within the sector and how the industry is attracting talent. Among the operators attending are: KFC UK & Ireland, Fuller’s, Stonegate, Hawksmoor, The Big Table Group, Burger King, Loungers, The New World Trading Company, Nando’s, The Alchemist, Drake & Morgan, Wahaca, Caffe Nero, Revolution Bars Group, The Cornish Bakery, Jeremy King Restaurants, Frederic Robinson, Honest Burgers, Individual Restaurants, Sodexo, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Mollies, Korero, Bear Coffee, The Sababah Group, Turtle Bay, Flat Iron, ETM, Rosa’s Thai, WatchHouse, Mowgli, Caravan Restaurants, Incipio Group, Liberation Group, Breakspear, Simmons Bars, Buns from Home, Parkdean Resorts, Old Spike Roastery, Comptoir Group, Premier Inn, Popeyes UK, Inn Collection Group, Greene King, Oakman Group, Wagamama, Signature Group, Harts Group, Anglian Country Inns, Professionals at Play, Welcome Break, Big Fang Collective, MyLahore, Innventure, Laine Pub Company, Kerb, Toca Social, Gail’s, Roseacre Pub Company, F1 Arcade, Everards, Chilled Pubs, McManus Pub Co, Wildwood, Fazenda, Wetherby Whaler, McMullen & Sons, Iberica Restaurants, Immersive Gamebox, SFG Club, Fitzbillies, Almond Family Pubs, Windsor & Eton Brewery, Rhode Island Coffee, HB Leisure, Frontier Pubs, True North Brew and The Coastal Kitchen Family. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £345 plus VAT for operators and £395 plus VAT for suppliers. Premium Club members get a 20% discount. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.

Premium Club members to receive updated segmented Multi-Site Database featuring 3,246 operators and 16 new companies on Friday, 4 October: Premium Club members are to receive the updated Multi-Site Database on Friday, 4 October. The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,246 multi-site operators and is now searchable in seven main segments. The database features 958 (30%) operators from the casual dining sector, 782 (24%) pubs and bar operators, 544 (17%) cafe bakery operators, 442 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 266 (8%) hotel operators, 200 (6%) experiential leisure operators and 54 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month and this edition includes 16 new companies. Premium Club members also receive access to five additional databases: the New Openings Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee 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.

David Page to launch fundraising for new sector-focused investment venture: Industry veteran David Page is set to launch the first round of fundraising for his new sector-focused investment venture, Propel has learned. Propel revealed last October that the Fulham Shore founder and former chairman was looking to invest in and help up-and-coming businesses in the sector. The MeatLiquor shareholder, who co-founded Clapham House, which included Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Bombay Bicycle Club and Tootsies, before selling to Nando's, set up a new company – 1952 Projects – to oversee the venture. Propel understands that Page, who has a house on the Isle of Wight, has renamed the new vehicle The Ventnor Bay Company. He is now set to launch his first round of SEIS for the venture, looking to initially raise £250,000, then £650,000, then £4m, before looking to back a new concept. It is thought he has already secured the backing of many of those who previously backed the initial launch phase of Fulham Shore. It is thought that Page has already looked at ramen, noodle and grill restaurant businesses where he believed there were opportunities to invest and grow fledgling concepts, both here and overseas. 

Reports calls for government taskforce to overhaul ‘counterproductive’ regulatory and tax landscape that threatens future of British pubs: Government must overhaul a “counterproductive” regulatory and tax landscape that threatens the future of the British local pub as a vital social and economic, a study by think-tank Localis has warned. In a report issued today (Monday, 23 September) at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool entitled “Inn-Valuable 2: unlocking the socio-economic potential of our nation’s pubs”, Localis urged the government to launch a taskforce to clear obstacles that endanger the beer and pub sector, which cumulatively supports more than one million jobs, generates £34.3bn in GVA to the economy and delivers £11.4bn in tax revenue to the Exchequer annually. According to polling undertaken by YouGov for the report, 72% of people felt the impact of pubs to community life to be positive. A key recommendation of the report called for short-term support by extending business rates relief for hospitality and to increase the window for this to three years in line with the spending review period “to give long-term certainty to pub landlords”. The taskforce would also look at other long-term policies to ensure long-term sustainability for the sector, including: providing employment incentives so pubs keep employing younger members of staff; and examining planning policies to support the night-time economy and preserving the role of local pubs as social, cultural and economic anchors in towns and villages. Report author and Localis head of research, Joe Fyans, said: “To ensure pubs’ long-term survival, we need a policy framework that recognises their value and supports their continued success.” Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, added: “Government must use this Budget to cut beer duty, reform business rates, and maintain 75% business rates relief so pubs and brewers can remain a cherished part of society.”

Rachel Reeves considers raising alcohol duty in Budget: Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering increasing alcohol duties in next month’s Budget. The Telegraph reported Reeves has not ruled out putting up tax on beer, wine and spirits as part of efforts to plug what Labour claims is a £22bn hole in the public finances. But the drinks industry has warned the move would be counter-productive, leading to lower revenue and having a “catastrophic” impact on pubs. It comes amid fears the government is considering more “sin taxes” on unhealthy products, including fast food, sugary treats, tobacco and vapes. Pubs and drinks producers fear that Reeves will use warnings about the dire state of the public finances to justify an increase in alcohol duties. The chancellor has repeatedly warned she will have to make “difficult decisions” on tax when she delivers her first budget on 30 October. She has been presented with forecasts that show that, on paper, putting up alcohol duty would raise an extra £800m next year. But leading drinks industry figures have warned in reality it would lead to lower sales, potentially costing hundreds of millions in lost receipts. Official figures show the last time alcohol duties were put up, in 2023, tax takings plummeted by £1.3bn as Britons baulked at the higher prices. The loss in revenue was just £100m less than Reeves has said will be raised by scaling back the winter fuel allowance for pensioners. Hospitality bosses and producers have warned another increase would have a similar effect, turning more drinkers away from pubs and restaurants. The Wine and Spirits Trade Association is urging the chancellor to announce a two-year freeze in duties, which it said would “keep prices stable while optimising government income”.

Pub garden smoking ban ‘only if voters want it’: Ministers are backing away from a ban on smoking in pub gardens, saying they will not impose one unless voters want it. Health secretary Wes Streeting is said to be reluctant to force through a ban being pushed by public health officials, saying he wanted a “genuine national conversation” before making a decision. While a ban on smoking outside hospitals, schools and in playgrounds is seen as almost certain, ministers are worried there will be a backlash from the hospitality industry and some voters if the ban extends to café, pub and restaurant gardens, reports The Times. Professor Sir Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, has been leading the push for an outdoor smoking ban, which in its toughest version would include parks and beaches. These are considered unlikely, with the inclusion of pub gardens at the centre of what is said to be a “live debate” in government. A Tobacco and Vapes Bill due in the coming weeks will raise the legal age of sale each year, so children aged under 14 will never legally be allowed to buy cigarettes. Streeting is planning to take powers in the bill to ban smoking in outdoor locations but is expected to promise detailed consultation before deciding where such a ban applies. A leak of the planned outdoor smoking ban was seen by the Department of Health as an attempt by other departments to kill off the reforms. Pub landlords, many customers and Conservative politicians criticised the ban, which has divided voters. A poll by YouGov in September found 51% of people backed a ban on smoking in pub gardens, with 43% opposed. More people were strongly opposed than strongly supportive at 24% and 20%.

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a growing drinks business that is seeking an experienced key account manager to join its team. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This role will focus on driving new business growth while managing key relationships across the UK. The key account manager will be responsible for leading new business acquisition and managing existing accounts across the on-trade sector. They will be tasked with expanding the company’s market presence, building strong relationships with key customers, and ensuring consistent revenue growth.” The salary for this national role is up to £55,000. For more information, email mark@corecruitment.com.

Flat Iron to open on London’s Southbank: Flat Iron, the Piper-backed affordable steak concept, is to add to its London estate, with an opening in Southbank. Propel has learned that Flat Iron has secured a lease on the ex-Canteen site at Royal Festival Hall for an opening next spring. Earlier this month, Propel revealed the Tom Byng-led business, which operates 16 sites across England, with the majority in London, is working with advisors Houlihan Lokey on its future funding options, which may include securing new investment or a sale of the business. Propel understands that a process may commence early next year and will come off the back of another strong year of trading for Flat Iron, which has opened sites in London’s Hammersmith and Manchester this year, both of which are reportedly trading materially ahead of expectations. The company, which made its regional debut last year in Cambridge – followed by a further regional opening in Leeds – will open its 17th site in November, at Terminus Place in London’s Victoria. It is understood to have a well-developed pipeline for 2025, both in London and the regions.

Fulham Shore hires Nicki Sahota as new people director: Fulham Shore, the Franco Manca and The Real Greek operator, has hired Nicki Sahota, formerly of Marugame Udon Europe and Tortilla, as its new people director, Propel has learned. Sahota joins the Toridoll/Capdesia-backed business after nearly three years at Marugame Udon Europe, including the last nine months as its people director. Prior to that she spent four years at Tortilla, including three years as its head of people, and more than 13 years at The Restaurant Group. In June, Propel revealed that Fulham Shore had made a number of significant changes to its management team as it geared up for the next phase of its development. The business, which appointed Marcel Khan, formerly of Nando’s and Five Guys, as its new chief executive at the start of the year, hired Laura Mimoun, formerly of Mondelez and PepsiCo and founder of Kaleido Salad Rolls, as its new group chief marketing officer, and Paulina Fraczyk, formerly head of operations at Itsu, as operations director of Franco Manca. The company currently operates circa 70 Franco Manca and circa 30 The Real Greek sites. It recently opened a site under the latter brand in London’s St Paul’s.

Two Magpies MD – sales excluding new sites up 8% in 2024, experienced record August: Steve Magnall, owner and managing director of East Anglia bakery Two Magpies, has told Propel that sales, excluding new sites, are up 8% in 2024 while the business experienced a record August. Last week, the group created its fourth “Mini Magpies” site as it looks to meet the rising demand from customers looking to eat on-the-go by converting its restaurant in Holt to the smaller format. Magnall said the group would run with both the “mini” and full format going forward, depending upon location. He added: “Trading in 2024 has been exactly as we forecast – so, modest growth of circa 8% excluding new sites. We had a record August with turnover at £1.25m. We have also invested significantly in our main bakery at Walpole to the tune of £300,000.” Magnall said its Framlingham site, which opened in April, has now got planning for extraction in the kitchen, which is being fitted and will become a full Magpie. He added: “Trading at Framlingham is at expectations and should achieve sales of just over £750,000 for a full year’s trading, even though it hasn’t had a kitchen.” Last year, Magnall said the ten-strong group had potential to expand to 50 sites and he believes that is still the case. He added: “We have used this year to focus on getting our back of house efficiencies better, with still some work to do. With the refit at Darsham, Framlingham, Walpole and Blakeney, we have spent capital to the tune of £750,000, so we are still investing heavily. Once our back of house moves are finished, we will be much better positioned for growth. However, we are obviously waiting to see what the Budget brings in terms of costs and then will plan from there.”

Shoryu Ramen – lfl sales are on course to surpass pre-pandemic baseline sales in 2025: Shoryu Ramen Restaurant Group, which is owned by Toridoll, has said while its 2024 sales are forecasting to be break even with 2019 levels, like-for-like sales are on course to “surpass pre-pandemic baseline sales in 2025”. During the year ended 31 December 2023, the group recorded a net loss of £28,189 (2022: net loss of £125,854) on turnover of £15,262,266 (2022: £15,549,097). The company made a pre-tax profit of £73,733 (2022: loss of £40,689). The business had net current liabilities of £1,366,756 (2022: liabilities of £1,354,558) but overall net assets of £361,853 (2022: £390,042). The company, which opened its 12th site earlier this summer, in London’s Westfield Stratford City, said: “While the UK economy experienced tough monetary policies aimed at reigning in spiralling inflation and a technical recession in the second half of the year and globally the geopolitical uncertainties and growing pressures on economies to ease, continued to skew economic outlook towards a negative forecast since outbreak of the pandemic, for the first time the hospitality sector started to see some light at the end of the long tunnel by the end of 2023. In the year under review, notwithstanding the challenges presented post the pandemic, Shoryu's like-for-like sales decreased slightly by 1.8% showing the challenges hospitality is still facing due to the pandemic. On the other hand, mature locations (Regent Street, Denman Street, Covent Garden and Shoreditch) recorded a sales increase of 5.5%, the out of London sites (Manchester and Oxford) recorded an increase of 8.7%. Like-for-like sales were 3.3% behind compared with pre-pandemic year 2019. While 2024 sales are forecast to break even with 2019 level, like-for-like sales are on course to surpass pre-pandemic baseline sales in 2025.” Shoryu said it plans to expand both owned and franchising sites in the coming years bringing “high quality ramen, creating unique and engaging experiences to its growing customer base”. 

Bundobust co-founder – closing Birmingham allowed us to look at the next steps, Indian food could really land well in the US: Mayur Patel, co-founder of Indian street food and craft beer concept Bundobust, has said closing its Birmingham site has allowed the company to be able to look at its next steps. Patel and co-founder Marko Husak took the decision to close its 120-cover outlet at 38 Bennetts Hill in July, barely a year after launching it – leaving it with sites in Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool. “We had Birmingham for just over a year, and it was a genuine evolution in terms of what we had learnt about site design and layout,” Patel said. “We thought we were on to a winner with it, but it was a lesson learnt and a tough realisation. Birmingham is a really good city with a lot going for it, but we opened when there was still a lot of vacant office space. But the fact we were able to make that decision protected us so that we could start looking for the next step, and we are looking at other cities.” While expansion outside of the UK is too far in the future to consider at the moment, Patel believes there is a big opportunity to do Indian food properly in the US. “I have a sister in Chicago, and Indian food in the US is pretty bad,” he said. “I do think Indian food could really land well in the US though. It has a synergy with Mexican food, which is huge over there, with a similar profile of flavour. It would be great for us to do it, but it’s not on our radar at the moment. Outside the UK, we don’t really think about because it’s a long-term view – we want to do a few more in the UK first.”

Apostrophe founder to open third site for Delamina concept: Apostrophe founder Amir Chen is to open a third site for his Delamina concept. Chen and wife Limor are launching Delamina Townhouse in London’s Covent Garden. The restaurant will open on Monday, 28 October, adding to Delamina in Marylebone and Delamina East in Shoreditch. Limor, who recently published her debut cookbook My Tel Aviv Table, will deliver a menu that combines “bold eastern Mediterranean flavours with a health-conscious approach, and a focus on grilling and roasting complemented by the fragrant herbs and spices of the region”. The Chens will be offering an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner, as well as their eastern Mediterranean style brunch on weekends. A pre and post-theatre menu will also be available. New dishes will include Arak-cured sea trout, mixed herbs and foamed labneh; and Za’atar-marinated seafood on the plancha with golden beetroot aioli. Drinks will include small-batch wine from across the Mediterranean, alongside house cocktails that incorporate the aromatic ingredients used in the kitchen. Located in a grade II-listed Georgian townhouse at 13-15 Tavistock Street, the restaurant will have 110 seats comprising multiple dining areas, including a dining bar, two drawing rooms with fireplaces, and several private dining spaces, as well as a small outdoor terrace. Amir said: “Limor and I have been searching for several years for the perfect site that will allow us to develop a further expression of the Delamina cooking style and hospitality. When we came across this beautiful townhouse in Covent Garden it was love at first sight. We’ve loved developing the menu and space of this new sister to our restaurant family, bringing exciting dishes alongside all-time favourites in a beautifully designed environment.” Amir founded Apostrophe in 2004 and was chief executive until the company was acquired by CH&Co in 2016, remaining as an advisor until leaving to launch Delamina.

Groucho boss exits: The chief executive of the owner of Soho’s famed Groucho Club is leaving amid a row over whether the celebrity haunt has “gone corporate”. The Sunday Times reported that Ewan Venters, former boss of Fortnum & Mason, will step down from Artfarm in January, or sooner if a replacement is found. Artfarm, owned by Swiss investors Iwan and Manuela Wirth, has come under pressure from members of the Groucho, frequented by celebrities including Stephen Fry and Noel Gallagher. This summer, an anonymous letter circulated accusing it of “destruction” of the club’s culture. Some feel the Groucho has come to feel overly “corporate”. One insider said it appeared that Venters had been “pushed”. Another said: “He wasn’t.” They said criticism of the club was not behind his exit. Iwan Wirth emailed staff last week and said: “Artfarm has benefited enormously from Ewan’s vision and expertise.” Artfarm declined to comment. Venters did not respond to a request for comment.

Cinema owners rebel over rent cut: Cineworld’s landlords are weighing whether to oust the cinema business from dozens of its sites after voting against rent cuts. The company’s hedge fund owners scored a victory last week after a controversial business restructuring passed the threshold for approval. But landlords rebelled, with more than 30 property owners voting against. The Sunday Times reported that landlords argue that the hedge fund shareholders, which include Travelodge owner GoldenTree, are using the company’s plight to extract unfair cuts. The dissent proved futile as Cineworld needed only 75% of one of its creditor classes to vote in favour to “cram down” counterparts. Questions remain on whether a judge will approve the plan. Senior accounting experts said it was highly unusual for all or nearly all landlord creditor classes to oppose a restructuring in this way. A High Court judge could conclude rent cuts were not in the interests of creditors. Cineworld landlords retain the option to void leases and take back their properties. Many have held talks with other operators, including former Cineworld boss Mooky Griedinger, to insert them in Cineworld’s place.

The Coffee House gearing up to open first city centre location: North west independent coffee shop The Coffee House is gearing up to open its first city centre location. It will next month launch at the St Johns shopping centre in Liverpool, which will also be the brand’s 26th site overall. Before that, store number 25 will open this Saturday (28 September) at Cockhedge Shopping Park in Warrington. Propel revealed exclusively in May that The Coffee House is eyeing an estate of more than 80 sites after securing a £4m cash injection from the founder of investment platform AJ Bell, Andy Bell. The investment will help accelerate the growth of The Coffee House – founded in 2011 by brothers Chris and Stephen Shelmerdine – with plans to operate more than 30 outlets by the end of 2024. At the time, it had 21 outlets, and has since also opened in Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Castle Walk, Leigh’s Spinning Gate shopping centre and Stockton Heath’s London Road. Also in the pipeline is an opening in Wallasey’s Cherry Tree shopping centre.

Greater Manchester McDonald’s franchisee returns to profit as turnover grows by almost £14m: Greater Manchester McDonald’s franchisee C&T Restaurants returned to profit in the year to 31 December 2023 as its turnover grew by almost £14m. The company, which operates 18 restaurants in the region, turned a pre-tax loss of £476,350 into a profit of £556,431 – despite a rise in costs of almost £11m. Turnover was up from £63,277,656 in 2022 to £77,258,358. No government grants were received (2022: £3,315) and dividends of £320,000 were paid (2022: £706,000). C&T Restaurants is run by Judith Chapman and Gerald Thompson, who joined McDonald’s as a part-time worker when he was 16 and opened his first restaurant as a franchisee in Middleton, near Manchester, in 2000. “There are no anticipated franchise acquisitions in 2024, however, the directors intend to continue their policy of expansion and will look to acquire further suitable McDonald’s franchises should they become available,” Chapman said. “The directors also intend to continue the company's refurbishment policy to existing franchises as and when necessary throughout 2024 and beyond.”

Middle Eastern restaurant group confirms October launch for UK debut: Middle Eastern restaurant group Claro has confirmed its debut UK site will launch next month. Claro London, which will be the group’s first flagship restaurant outside the Middle East, will open in the former Villandry unit at 12 Waterloo Place on Saturday, 12 October. Led by chef Ran Shmueli, it will offer “contemporary Mediterranean food with Middle Eastern influences” including a weekend brunch. If the first site proves to be a success, there are also plans for further Claro sites in the UK, reports Hot Dinners.

Red Carnation Hotels reports record revenue of £64.8m: Red Carnation Hotels has reported revenue increased to a record £64,756,635 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £55,815,149 the year before. Of that £63,203,269 came from the UK (2022: £54,611,549), £1,239,128 from the European Union (2022: £887,985) and £314,238 from the rest of the world (2022: £315,615). The company, which operate 17 sites globally including seven in Britain and employs around 750 staff, saw pre-tax losses rise to £1,975,950 from £664,116 the year before. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “During the year, the company has seen an increase in costs incurred. However, management has been working hard to manage and control expenses, which have increased due to inflation and the increased cost of living in the UK. The overall results of the year are due to improved market conditions. Management has approved investment improvement projects within the hotels in order to continue to compete in the four and five-star hotel market.” No dividend was paid (2022: nil).

Wimpy left with one Surrey site after closing Dorking restaurant: Wimpy has closed its restaurant in Dorking, leaving the business with just one site in Surrey. The company has shut the outlet in High Street that has been there for more than 50 years, reports Surrey Live. Wimpy has 61 locations in the UK, including its remainder in Surrey, in Addlestone. Earlier this year, Chris Woolfenden, general manager at Famous Brands UK, told Propel that Wimpy is targeting expansion in the north, Midlands and Scotland in the UK, and is open to more non-high street formats.

NEC Group pulls out of £50m Bradford music venue: The search is underway for a new operator for Bradford Live – the new £50m entertainment centre on the site of the former Bradford Odeon – after NEC Group pulled out. Following a strategic review of its business, NEC said it will focus on its existing operations in the Birmingham area. Settlement terms to release NEC from the contract have been agreed, while Bradford Live and Bradford Council said they will now look to identify a new operator as soon as possible, reports Business Insider. Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “Advice from the sector leads us to believe there are a number of potential operators who have shown initial interest in the venue. We are now in a position to have further discussions with them about the opportunity. We are aiming to have the venue operational in 2025 to host events as part of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture.”

 

Husband and wife team to open their second Korean restaurant in Bristol this week: Husband and wife team, Kyu Jeong Jeon and Duncan Robertson, will open their second Korean restaurant in Bristol this week. The duo – who met in Paris while working at two Michelin star L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and went on to be executive chefs for the opening of Restaurant L’Envie in south west France, securing the restaurant a Michelin star – opened their first restaurant, Bokman, in Stokes Croft in 2019. They will follow this with Dongnae, opening at 5-7 Chandos Road on Friday (27 September). As well as offering a £24 lunch menu and a £55 Hanjeongsik (Korean-style full-course meal) menu, the à la carte menu will feature dishes such as octopus crythanthemum jeon, salted jellyfish naengchae with hot mustard and Korean fried wings with chilli seed glaze. Head chef Clarence Fung joins from Dovetale Restaurant by Tom Sellers in London and previously worked with Gordon Ramsay Restaurant Group and at Popham’s Bakery in Hackney.

 

Former River Cottage chef opens debut solo restaurant: Chef Sam Lomas, who began his career at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage, has opened his debut solo restaurant venture. He has launched to launch Briar, a neighbourhood restaurant celebrating hyperlocal produce and foraged ingredients, at the Number One Bruton hotel in Bruton, Somerset. The restaurant has launched in the former home of Michelin-starred restaurant Osip, which has relocated. Briar’s menu is dictated by the growing seasons of the kitchen garden. Serving a daily changing blackboard menu of small plates, snacks, sharing dishes and puddings, it focuses on Somerset ingredients and food traditions as well as craft cooking and “unfussy” dishes. Lomas, a former Roux Scholarship finalist and Great British Menu contestant, also plans to run a calendar of “foodie occasions” including long-tabled supper clubs in the venue’s ancient courtyard. He said: “I’m delighted to bring Briar into the beautiful space at Number One – we are flattered by the shoes we’re stepping into.”