Exclusive – Fairgame appoints advisors to accelerate expansion plans: Fairgame, the competitive socialising concept from Richard Hilton, the founder of Gymbox, and sector investor Paul Campbell has appointed advisors to advise on a fundraise as it begins to accelerate its UK and international expansion plans, Propel has learned. It is understood that Fairgame, which is backed by Business Growth Fund (BGF), will commence a process in the coming weeks with the help of Tamweel Capital, following the “phenomenal success” of its maiden site in London’s Canary Wharf. Opened in October 2022, Fairgame operates a 15,500 square-foot venue, located opposite a 25-foot giant hook-a-duck, moored on the Wharf. Propel understands Fairgame is exploring options to secure private investment and/or a strategic partnership that will support the rollout of its pipeline of new locations. Among the anticipated openings – as previously revealed by Propel – is a flagship site in One New Change, in the City of London, slated for autumn 2025. At the same time, it has an “exciting launch in the US” lined up, as well as being in advanced international franchisee discussions. The launch of the business was backed with £5m of growth capital from a combination of BGF and a consortium of private investors. Since then, the business said it has generated an “exceptionally strong financial performance”, with revenue, venue Ebitda and pre-tax profit for the year ended 31 March 2024 of £12m, £4.4m and £2m respectively. With a well-developed pipeline of sites in both the UK and US, Fairgame said it is well positioned to capitalise on the changing trends in consumer spending patterns and the rising popularity of experiential leisure formats. Hilton said: “We’ve had an incredible journey since opening at Canary Wharf. The response from guests has exceeded our expectations and it’s clear people love the unique combination of nostalgic fairground games, great food and vibrant experience. As we move into the next phase of our expansion, we are excited to explore new opportunities that will allow us to bring Fairgame to even more people across London and internationally.” Fairgame’s current food and drink offerings feature partnerships with Burger & Beyond, Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza and Taco Collective, alongside indulgent treats like Prosecco-infused candy floss, alcoholic ice cream and old school pic ‘n’ mix treats. The 600-person capacity venue also boasts three bars, several private hire areas and a 400-person-capacity riverside terrace. 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 was made available this month to Premium Club members. 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.

 

Four days to go until Propel’s Talent & Training Conference with focus on how companies can build a culture to attract, develop and retain talent: There are four 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. Attendees will hear how businesses are developing their teams, dealing with talent shortages and keeping their staff energised. Also new for this year are “parallel sessions”, which offer the chance to deep dive into specialist subjects. 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.

Luke Johnson – unsexy activities can offer wonderful returns: Serial sector investor Luke Johnson has said that when looking back at 14 years of owning catering company Genuine Dining, it provided three broad conclusions, including that “unsexy activities can offer wonderful returns”. Last week, WSH Group, the parent company of BaxterStorey and Benugo, acquired Genuine Dining, with Johnson exiting the business. Writing in today’s Propel Premium (Friday, 27 September), Johnson looks back on his investment in the business and what he describes as “a fairly long journey, but enormously successful and very satisfying”, with a business that should generate around £50m of revenue next year. At the same time, Propel’s Mark Wingett talks to Clive Chesser, as he takes his leave as chief executive of Punch Pubs & Co to take the helm at PureGym and looks at James Brown’s move from BrewDog to become Prezzo chief executive. This week’s Propel Premium also features sector consultant Flo Graham-Dixon’s look at the growth of eastern Mediterranean concepts, including the likes of Ottolenghi, Brother Marcus, Comptoir Group and US success story Cava. 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.

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a catering and events business that is seeking an experienced business development manager to join the team as it continues to expand. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The position will be responsible for driving new business within heritage venues and attractions, continuously identifying new opportunities to build partnerships and drive forward the innovation and direction of the department.” The salary package is up to £80,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email marlene@corecruitment.com.

 

Swingers’ parent company completes further growth capital raise of $10m, reports record turnover of £43.3m and pays off CBILS and term A bank loan in full: Crazy golf brand Swingers’ parent company, Competitive Socialising Group, has completed a further growth capital raise of $10m and paid off its Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and HSBC term A bank loans in full. In May 2023, the group completed a Series-C $52m growth capital raise to fund its expansion through to 2026. In its accounts for the year to 24 December 2023, it said: “Since the period end, Competitive Socialising Group has had a further growth capital raise of $10m, funded by the same third-party institutional investors as the growth capital raises within the period.” It added: “During the period, the CBILS and HSBC term A loan balances were repaid in full. The directors believe that the company is in a satisfactory position, with further Swingers venues expected to open across the world over the next few years.” To that end, its flagship Las Vegas venue, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, is due to open this autumn. So too is its new location on Bluewaters Island in Dubai, which will be Swingers’ first franchise, in partnership with Daud Investments. Last month, Propel reported that Swingers had added a site in Boston to its international opening pipeline, launching next year, which will become its fourth site in the US. It comes as Swingers reported turnover increased to a record £43,335,136 for the year, up from £36,160,072 in 2022. Of this, £15,197,955 came from the UK (2022: £17,203,242) and £28,137,181 from the rest of the world (2022: £18,956,830). Pre-tax losses widened from £7,862,824 in 2022 to £17,039,252. Administration expenses rose by more than £14m, alongside exceptional administration expenses of almost £7m. A profit on disposal of investment of £8,280,514 was also reported for the year (2022: nil). “The group remains focused on developing in new geographies and offering innovative competitive experiences combined with best-in-class food, cocktails and service,” director Matt Grech-Smith said. “The board continues to manage the group’s cost base despite significant macroeconomic cost pressures but is well placed for growth over the coming years.” 

M&B CEO – growth over last quarter driven by price, Toby Carvery and Nicholsons leading the way: Phil Urban, chief executive of Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), the Harvester, All Bar One and Premium Country Dining operator, has told Propel that growth over last quarter was driven by price as “volumes are down due to no/little summer and the riots”. M&B reported year-to-date like-for-like sales were up 5.2% with all brands in growth. Like-for-like sales were up 2.5% in its fourth quarter compared with last year with sales growth “remaining ahead of the market”. Urban said the business expects “a good full year profit towards the top end of consensus, and once the rain stops, to see sales kick on again”. In terms of what of the group’s brands were leading the way, Urban said: “It is still Toby Carvery and Nicholson’s. Value for money and freshness for Toby and return of office working and tourism for Nicholson’s.” Derren Nathan, head of equity research at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “The group has been consistently outperforming the market and it’s not taking its eye off the ball, continuing to prioritise investment in the estate when it comes to the use of cash. With 50 pubs a month closing in the first half of 2024 in England and Wales, solid operators like Mitchells & Butlers are well placed to keep mopping up market share.”

Zhang Chao to open joint Tofu Vegan and Xi’an Biang Biang site: Zhang Chao, one of the co-founders of Xi’an Impression in Highbury, north London, is to open a site in South Kensington housing both his Tofu Vegan and Xi’an Biang Biang concepts. Propel understands that Chao has secured the ex-Hux American Brasserie site in Gloucester Road for the double opening. Tofu Vegan opened its fourth site in London, on the former Dim T premises at 32 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, this week. The plant-based restaurant concept takes its menu influences from all over China. Chao launched the concept, which also has sites in Golders Green and Spitalfields, in Islington in 2021. Xi’an Biang Biang, the noodle-focused concept, already operates sites in Spitalfields and Covent Garden. Emma Wright, of CDG Leisure, acted on the Gloucester Road deal. 

 

Gail’s builds Midlands pipeline: Fast-growing Gail’s Bakery is building its pipeline in the Midlands after securing a site in Solihull. The circa 125-strong brand made its debut in the Midlands after opening a site in Stratford-upon-Avon, earlier this month. It has now lined up the former Laura Ashley site in Solihull’s High Street, which closed four years ago, for an opening this autumn. It is also understood to be in talks on a site in Moseley. Earlier this month, Propel revealed that Gail’s is set to open a second transport hub site, at London’s St Pancras International station for an opening later this year. Propel reported earlier this summer that Gail’s has set its sights on opening in multiple travel hub locations, with the first opening in London’s Liverpool Street station. Gail’s is backed by Bain Capital Credit and Ebitda Investments, a fund led by serial restaurant investor Henry McGovern. 

 

MeatLiquor team plans new Covent Garden opening: Meatailer, the Scott Collins-led operator of the MeatLiquor concept, is set to open a new venue in London’s West End. The business has acquired the lease of the former Circus site at 27-29 Endell Street, via a share purchase. The property extends to approximately 7,000 square feet, with the ground floor sales area extending to approximately 5,000 square feet. The lease expires in 2036 and the current rent passing is £185,400 per annum. It is thought that Meatailer intends to open the venue, which may be under a new concept, in January 2025. MeatLiquor currently operates seven sites across the capital, plus sites in Brighton and Leeds. It also operates The Dartmouth Arms in Forest Hill. Selsian acted for Circus and Teague & Capital acted for Meatailer on the Covent Garden deal.

 

Bedfordshire Mexican street food concept sets 40-site target as it lines up prospective franchisees: Bedfordshire Mexican street food concept Sabrosa Tacos has told Propel it has set a 40-site target as it lines up prospective franchisees. Sabrosa Tacos was launched in 2020 by Hamim Ahmed and Nadira Miah and opened its first site at 84 Old Bedford Road in Luton. Earlier this year, it launched its first franchise programme and partnered with Paul Tough, managing director of Franchise Options and former operations and projects manager at Whitbread. “We are currently talking with a number of prospective franchisees across the UK,” Ahmed, a former Amazon business analyst who started the business at home during covid, told Propel. “We’re looking at developing around 40 stores in the UK, although given our flexible format, that could rise (eg container sites, pop-ups etc). We definitely see a bright future in the overseas market too.” A Sabrosa Tacos franchise starts with a deposit (refundable) of £1,500 to secure an exclusive territory and a franchise fee of £9,995 (discounted to £6,995 for multi-site deals). Site lease and turnkey fit out packages ranges from £80,000 to £120,000.

 

PizzaExpress and Seoul Bird to open sites at Edinburgh airport: PizzaExpress and Korean concept Seoul Bird are to open new sites at Edinburgh airport next year. PizzaExpress, which opened its first UK airport restaurant at London Gatwick’s South Terminal in May, will open a new restaurant in Edinburgh airport’s departures area. Seoul Bird will launch its first Scottish and airport franchise site at the airport. At the same time, Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog is set to expand and move into a larger premises previously occupied by Hudson St Grill, close to gate 11, with the existing BrewDog outlet making way for a new sports bar concept called Icons. The new food and beverage outlets will be operated by Airport Retail Enterprises (ARE), with the company making Edinburgh airport its first entry into the Scottish aviation market. John Butts, director at ARE, said: “We are thrilled to be entering the Scottish market with these exciting food and beverage opportunities at Edinburgh airport. We have two fantastic brand partners in PizzaExpress and Seoul Bird and are very proud to unveil our very own sports bar concept in Icons.” Work will begin later this year, with the new outlets opening in 2025.

 

ChicKing eyes Leicester opening for 14th UK site: Dubai-headquartered fast chicken brand ChicKing is set to expand its UK estate with an opening in Leicester. The company has submitted plans to the city council to open in the former Belgian Chips premises in Granby Street, reports Leicestershire Live. ChicKing has 13 branches in the UK, including in Birmingham, Slough and Stoke-on-Trent. In May, Propel revealed ChicKing is looking to ramp up its UK expansion as it targets 500-plus sites globally over next five years. Founded by AK Mansoor in the UAE in 2000, ChicKing has since grown to more than 300 sites in excess of 35 countries. It made its UK debut in 2017 with a couple of sites in west London – in Acton and Marylebone – before making its regional debut the following year with a launch in Wednesbury, in the West Midlands. ChicKing is part of the Al Bayan group of companies, which has grown from a Dubai-based enterprise to spread across the Middle East, Asian subcontinent and Far East, while its franchise division is BFI Management DMCC.

Edinburgh operator set to open fifth pub in the city: Edinburgh pub operator Martin Proudler is set to open his fifth pub in the city. Proudler is behind the Brass Monkey group of pubs which has locations on Drummond Street, Leith Walk, Grange Road and The Shore. It has now, in a deal brokered through Christie & Co, acquired Jessie May’s bar and kitchen on Gorgie Road, which was also formerly known as the Station Bar. Simon Watson, business agent at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, said: “Following a completely off-market process, we are delighted to have secured a new experienced tenant for our client. The new venture is exactly what the Gorgie area needs, and I would like to wish Martin and his team all the best with their new venture.”

London Shell Co to close its two barge restaurants: London Shell Co is to close its two barge restaurants in London’s Paddington after nearly nine years of trading, citing the rising cost of doing business. The company, which launched in 2016, said that its static Grand Duchess boat will run its last service on 28 September, while the cruising Prince Regent will set sail for the last time on 13 October. London Shell Co’s fishmonger, restaurant and wine shop on Swain’s Lane on the edge of Hampstead Heath is unaffected and will continue to trade as normal. The company said: “For almost nine years, we’ve floated, sailed and served. Feasting on the water. We can’t change the wind, but we can adjust the sails. We will now focus our attention on our Swain’s Lane fishmonger site and landlubber activities. Swain’s Lane continues to go from strength to strength and we’re looking forward to developing this concept and seeing where the next adventure takes us. It’s been the biggest trip of our lives, the greatest thing any of us have achieved in our still fledgling careers. We built these businesses from scratch and have been helped along the way by too many to mention. So many wonderful people have boarded our boats over the years. Thank you for celebrating your successes, your birthdays, your weddings and everything in between with us.”

 

South London pub company set to open second gastropub next month, third to follow next year: South London pub company, Polygon Public House, is set to open its second gastropub next month, with a third to follow next year. Polygon Public House, led by Josephine Savry, was established in 2017 with the acquisition of its first site, The Rose & Crown, at 2 The Polygon in Clapham. Last month, it acquired The Saxon, at 50 Clapham High Street, out of administration for £2m, from East London Pub Co. The pub will reopen as The Ox on Monday, 14 October after undergoing an extensive refurbishment. Spread over 4,815 square feet, it will feature a main bar, a 30-cover mezzanine restaurant, a snug, a rooftop terrace and a 55-capacity private events space. A menu of farm to fork plates will include aged fillet of Scottish Luing beef with smoked eel, potato terrine and salt baked celeriac; and a Japanese double patty smash burger made with minced aged beef, bone marrow mayo and dipping jus. There will also be an extensive range of wine, draught and bottled beer, spirits and cocktails. “Post the success of the Rose & Crown Clapham, we are confident that The Ox will quickly establish itself as a local favourite,” Savry said. “Whether it’s a quick pint or a feasting menu, we’re all about quality and our passion for British produce shines through in every dish.” Polygon Public House will open a third pub with rooms, The Florence, in Islington in 2025.

 

Glasgow operator set to open new £2.3m state-of-the-art bar and live entertainment venue: Glasgow operator Dawncrest will open a new £2.3m state-of-the-art bar and live entertainment venue in the city next Friday (4 October). Dawncrest, which is also behind the Bamboo nightclub in West Regent Street and the Bunker bar and restaurant in Bath Street, will launch Berlinkys at 396 Sauchiehall Street – featuring two stages, an array of bars and booths and benches for guests to dance on. The venue said it has secured “an exciting line-up of performers”, including live bands, musicians, dancers, aerial artists and stand-up comedians. There will also be a menu featuring treats such as steak frittes and cinnamon donut rolls. Operations manager Brendan Curran said: “This has been Glasgow’s best kept secret for months, and now we’re thrilled to finally unveil our vision to the world. There really is nothing quite like Berlinkys in the city. It’s all about bringing back the good times. It’s a unique venue and we’re confident it will offer guests an experience unlike anything else currently on offer in Glasgow.” Dawncrest is owned by Brian Richards.

 

Starbucks hires John Elliott as vice-president, technology for EMEA: Starbucks has hired John Elliott, formerly of Sainsburys, as vice-president, technology for its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Elliott has worked for some of the UK’s most prominent businesses, spending the past seven years holding a number of senior technology roles at Sainsbury’s, including serving as chief technology officer from January 2023. At Sainsbury’s, he was responsible for radically transforming both the customer and channel experience, modernising the technology architecture, embedding new artificial intelligence and data capabilities and building strategic relationships with global vendors. At Starbucks he will be accountable for setting and executing all aspects of the technology strategy across the EMEA region, spanning 42 countries, including the UK. Duncan Moir, president of Starbucks EMEA, said: “John joins Starbucks at a time when we are building on our strong growth in the region. His impressive track record, particularly his experience in consumer facing food retailing, will help support our strategy. This will see us drive further investment in technology that enhances the partner and customer experience, improve our supply chain and evolve our app and mobile ordering platform.”

 

Devon operator confident of good continuing levels of profitability despite ‘uncertainty’ in tourism industry: Braddicks Leisure, operator of several bars and restaurants and a holiday park in Devon, has said it is confident of good continuing levels of profitability despite “uncertainty” in the tourism industry. The company saw its turnover rise to £7,816,709 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £7,304,799 in 2022. Of this, £5,318,979 came from its pubs and restaurants (2022: £4,854,205), £1,902,128 from holiday accommodation (2022: £1,834,232), £385,209 from amusement takings (2022: £426,746) and £210,393 from property rentals (£189,616). A pre-tax profit of £1,011,363 in 2022 decreased to £864,436. No government grants were received (2022: £18,667). No dividends were paid (2022: nil). Director Robert Braddick said: “The directors are very pleased with the overall results of the company in 2023, particularly in light of quite challenging economic conditions that impact on both operating costs and customer discretionary spending. As these challenges continue and customer habits begin to reset post-covid, there remains a degree of uncertainty in the tourism industry especially, but the directors consider the company well diversified, and projections for the next 12 months indicate continuing good levels of profitability as a result.”

 

Dakota gets green light for debut airport hotel: Boutique hotel brand Dakota has secured planning permission for its debut airport hotel – at the Mix Manchester scheme next to Manchester airport. The 154-bedroom hotel is expected to create 150 jobs and feature a premium bar and brasserie-style grill on the ground floor. It will also provide a dedicated shuttle service to and from the airport terminals. Andrew Ovenstone, managing director of Dakota Hotels, said: “This is an exceptional location for the latest hotel in our northern portfolio. Not only is it strategically placed next to one of the busiest airports in the world, but it will be central to the development coming forward across the Mix Manchester site.” Dakota currently operates five sites in the UK.

 

Bristol cafe operator opens second site: Bristol cafe operator Riccardo Sedda has opened his second site. Sedda, who owns Mocha Mocha in St Michael’s Hill, has partnered with Nicola Vinci to launch Espresso Coffee Shop in Upper Maudlin Street. Espresso offers a selection of coffee, hot and cold drinks, breakfast, lunch and pastries, reports Bristol Live. All the pastries and sandwiches are made on site with seasonal and local produce. Espresso also serves a range of vegan and vegetarian options. Sedda has a wealth of experience in hospitality, having worked in his father’s restaurant for more than 20 years before opening Mocha Mocha in 2021. Vinci also has 20 years of experience working in the industry, having studied at hospitality college before working as a general manager for more than nine years in Bristol.

 

North east pizza company opens new site in Sunderland: Independent north east pizza company, Scream for Pizza Group, has opened a new site in Sunderland. The business has launched its I Scream for Pizza concept at leisure venue Sheepfolds Stables, adding to its first outlet, which opened in Newcastle Quayside in 2021. The new venue is the group’s largest restaurant, providing 60 seats and serving food all-day. Sarah Kilby, I Scream for Pizza’s group operations manager, said: “Being part of Sheepfolds Stables has given us a brilliant opportunity to expand the business, and people will notice that we’ve introduced some new menu items in Sunderland, like our weekend breakfast and hot dogs.” I Scream for Pizza was founded by Victoria Featherby in 2021 following the success of its street food and events business, which launched in 2014. I Scream for Pizza focuses on New York-style slices and homemade soft serve ice cream. The group also has a Scream for Pizza restaurant in Sandyford in Newcastle and a mobile pizza van, both serving Neapolitan-style pizza.

 

Manchester restaurant concept Almost Famous shuts one of its sites ‘after opening in the wrong spot’: Manchester restaurant concept Almost Famous has shut one of its sites “after opening in the wrong spot”. The company has closed its outlet in the suburb of Withington because it wasn’t “busy enough” and was “dragging us down”. Founder Beau Myers opened the restaurant in May 2023 on the site of the Old District Bank, adding to the other locations in the Great Northern Warehouse and Edge Street in the Northern Quarter. In May, Myers was forced to issue a message on social media admitting the venue was “struggling” and offered 50% off burgers to give the site “a much-needed boost”. Now, Almost Famous has announced the restaurant has closed. An Instagram post stated: “It’s not working, we’re not busy enough and it’s dragging us down. We got sucked in with perhaps the most beautiful site ever in the totally wrong location.” It comes just a few months after the Manchester Evening News reported that Myers was planning a new smash burger takeaway concept in the city. SuperAwesomeDeluxe will launch in the former Lono Cove bar site in Thomas Street in the coming weeks.

 

Former Gordon Ramsay alumni to take Filipino barbecue concept from pop-up to permanent: Former Gordon Ramsay alumni Rex De Guzman is set to take his Filipino barbecue concept from pop-up to permanent. De Guzman used to work for Ramsay at Maze in London’s Mayfair before leaving to start up Turo Turo as a street food stall, before landing a residency at The Queen’s Head pub in Holborn. He has now taken over the former Good Neighbour site in Tooting High Street for the first Turo Turo restaurant. According to an Instagram post, the business will soon be launching a crowdfunding campaign to help fund the launch. Dishes served up at Turo Turo’s Holborn residency include a beef longganisa sandwich (Filipino sweet and spiced beef sausage topped with yoghurt and sriracha) and prawn ginataan (prawns in turmeric spiced coconut sauce with sweet potato, green beans and roasted cherry tomatoes), reports Hot Dinners.

 

Former Wedgwood the Restaurant chef duo open their first solo venture: Chef partners Sarah Baldry and Alan Keery, who met while working in the kitchen at Paul Wedgwood’s Wedgwood the Restaurant in Edinburgh, have opened their first solo venture. The pair have opened Nàdair, which means “nature” in Scottish Gaelic, at 15 Roseneath Street in Edinburgh’s Marchmont neighbourhood. The 20-cover restaurant offers a daily-changing five-course set menu focusing on the best of Scottish produce with Scandi influences, based on local and foraged ingredients. Dishes include foraged chanterelles with cultured cream, pine and black garlic; and sea trout with onion, buttermilk and sweet cicely, while among the drinks are organic wine and forage-based cocktails. Keery said: “We’re so proud to open our first restaurant together in the city where we met, and we’re really looking forward to working together to showcase the best produce that Scotland’s larder has to offer.” Baldry added: “We’re working with the best local suppliers and using our restaurant as a platform to show the people of Edinburgh the real quality of ingredients we have available to us in Scotland.”