Foodservice inflation eases again but beverages drive month-on-month rise: Year-on-year inflation in foodservice eased to 2.8% in August 2024, the latest Foodservice Price Index report from Prestige Purchasing and CGA by NIQ shows. It is the 14th straight month of decline, as prices continue to stabilise after a prolonged period of aggressive inflation. However, the report also reveals a 0.5% month-on-month increase in prices across the basket of goods – a third consecutive rise. This uptick was primarily fuelled by the beverage category (not including alcoholic beverages), with total inflation here reaching 5.8% year-on-year. The mineral water, soft drink and juice segment recorded a particularly steep increase of 6.7%, while the tea, coffee and cocoa category remained elevated at 4.7%. In contrast, total food basket prices experienced a more moderate inflation rate of 2.5%. Two of the eight food categories saw year-on-year decreases, with dairy falling by 0.3% and oils and fats by 1.2%. The vegetables and sugar, jam, syrup and chocolate categories generated the highest inflation, rising 9.1% and 8.2% respectively – though these figures represent a slight easing from July. Shaun Allen, Prestige Purchasing chief executive, said: “The sustained downward trajectory of foodservice inflation is undoubtedly positive, but the persistent month-on-month increases and stubbornly high inflation in certain categories, particularly beverages, underscore the fragility of the current market.” Reuben Pullan, senior insight consultant at CGA by NIQ, added: “Foodservice inflation remains above many other sectors, and an upswing over the summer shows the challenges are far from over. While some other costs continue to ease for businesses and consumers alike, both revenue and margins are likely to remain under pressure over the final third of 2024.”

 

Sourdough Sophia founder Sophia Handschuh to speak at final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2024, open for bookings with free places for operators: Sophia Handschuh, founder of Sourdough Sophia, the London micro-bakery concept that last summer raised £500,000 through a crowdfunding campaign, will be among the speakers at the final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2024. The full-day conference – titled “new directions, new ideas” – takes place on Wednesday, 30 October at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London Kensington and is open for bookings. Handschuh will discuss how Sourdough Sophia is looking to bring something new to the bakery/café category and plans for further sites. 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 updated segmented Multi-Site Database on Friday featuring 782 pub and bar operators: 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%) pub 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. New additions in the pub and bar sector include Newgate Pubs & Bars, the venture led by former Cameron’s Brewery pub estates and operations director Joe Smith; Collaborative Pub Co, with a second opening in Worcestershire; and Wunderbar, the Glasgow German beer hall concept.

 

New tipping rules come into force: Millions of hospitality workers will be able to take more cash home from work as a new law on tipping is to be introduced today (Tuesday, 1 October). Restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and other hospitality venues will be banned from withholding tips from their staff. Cash tips were already protected, but the new legislation extends this to cover card payments. The law was initially set to come into effect from July but was delayed. The new law is estimated to see around £200m put back into the pockets of workers each year through tips, gratuities and service charges. Under the new legislation, if an employer breaks the rules, they could be taken to an employment tribunal that could result in fines and potential compensation payments. As part of the new rules, employees have the right to request information about an employer’s tipping record. This will allow them to bring credible claims to an employment tribunal if the rules are not followed. Employers are also not allowed to alter someone’s salary or hourly to include gratuities so they can’t count towards the minimum wage. Tips must also now be paid within one month and they must be allocated fairly between all workers, including those on zero-hour contracts. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said that businesses have “been gradually getting ready for this” and are moving towards adopting a code of best practice endorsed by unions.

 

Minimum unit price of alcohol in Scotland rises by 30% to 65p: The minimum price at which alcohol can be sold in Scotland has risen by 30% in an attempt to keep up with inflation over the past six years. The minimum unit price (MUP) has not changed since it was set at 50p per unit of alcohol when it was first introduced in May 2018. It has now increased to 65p per unit, meaning a typical 12.5% bottle of wine cannot be sold for less than £6.09 and a can of lager will be at least £1.30. MUP aims to reduce the availability of cheap alcohol in shops and supermarkets by setting a minimum price. For example, a bottle of vodka will now cost at least £17.06 in Scotland – about £5 more than many supermarkets are selling it for in England, where there is no minimum pricing. Scotland was the first country in the world to set a minimum price at which alcoholic drinks can be sold. Before it was introduced, super strength cider (7.5%) was sold in two-litre bottles for as little as £1.99. After the legislation was introduced, that same two litre bottle could not be sold for less than £7.50. Under the new 65p minimum unit price it will now be £9.75. A spokesperson for the Scottish Beer & Pub Association said: “The increase to MUP is unwelcome for both producers and consumers, particularly at this time of financial strain. The evaluation of MUP showed very little evidence of the policy having a positive effect on health outcomes and comes at a time when other parts of the world are deciding to ditch similar policies. The industry is dedicated to reducing alcohol related harms, but we remain unconvinced that increasing MUP is a proportionate and effective measure to deliver this.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a company in the environmental services sector that is seeking a finance director for its treatment division, which manages several key PFI contracts. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will oversee financial management, reporting, risk management, and compliance, while fostering strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term financial sustainability and success of the division, fully aligned with the broader strategic goals of the organisation.” The salary is up to £120,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email oliwia@corecruitment.com. 

 

Brighton Pier Group to charge £1 pier admission full-time from March 2025, raised £600,000 since introduction in May: Anne Ackord, chief executive of Brighton Pier Group, has told Propel the group will continue to charge admission to the pier until the October half-term and then recommence the fee from March 2025 full-time. The £1 charge was introduced during the May 2024 bank holiday weekend with an exemption for Brighton residents living in the BN postcode area. The charge was initially applied at weekends only through the month of June, then daily from July onwards. As of 15 September 2024, the total net revenue generated from charging for admissions was £600,000, with the average percentage of visitors paying since its introduction at 61%. Speaking following the company’s interim results, Ackord said: “A press campaign communicating the group’s rationale for the introduction of the charge was launched in the weeks leading up to the May bank holiday weekend, the reception from which was highly positive. The group intends to continue to charge for admission until the October half-term and then recommence in March 2025 full-time. Since this charge was only introduced from May 2024, and was only applied daily from July 2024, this should lead to like-for-like revenue upside in 2025. Residents will still be exempt. We now have a database of circa 30,000 residents to whom we regularly communicate special offers.” Ackord said the focus on its bar division is about “driving new sessions on closed nights, making sure our student nights are running well and filling venues with parties from 6pm”. She added: “Trials for live music in the summer at Le Fez in Putney had a mixed reception but we will be doing more work on this during the winter. Putney has, however, had some very successful corporate events and private hires, and we are pleased to have added a new student weekday night to the regular schedule. Lola Lo in Bristol is maintaining its lion’s share of the student business and is performing well. Embargo in Chelsea has run its first over-45s night, which was fully sold out, and we are confident this will become a regular monthly event going forward.” In terms of asks in the forthcoming Budget, Ackord said she would like to see continuing support with rates relief for the hospitality sector. She added: “While we totally support employee rights, it’s important not to overwhelm the hospitality sector with new rules, regulations and red tape that have not been properly trialled and understood. In advance of the next Budget, we urge the government to set out its intention to continue supporting business relief for qualifying shares listed on AIM. High-growth businesses are critical to our economy in terms of job creation, innovation and, increasingly, the ability to reinvigorate parts of the UK that have suffered from a lack of investment.” 

Exclusive – James Croft Joins Punch as group strategy and commercial director: Punch Pubs & Co has hired James Croft, formerly of Ei Group and Valiant Pub Company, as its new group strategy and commercial director, Propel has learned. The Fortress Investment Group-backed, circa 1,300-strong business said Croft brings with him a wealth of experience, having spent 18 years at Ei Group, where he held a number of roles including group strategy and retail director, plus managing director of both Craft Union and Bermondsey Pub Company. Croft was also co-founder and chief financial officer of the Valiant Pub Company, which was launched in 2021. He said: “While at Ernst & Young, I gained my first experience of tenanted pubs when Punch was originally founded in 1997, and I very much feel like I have come home.” Punch chief executive Andy Spencer said: “James is an experienced multi-disciplinary business leader, and we are confident that his insight and expertise will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen and grow our business.” In other executive team changes at Punch, Steve Worrall has been promoted to the role of managing director (leased and tenanted and shared services) and Andy Carlill has become marketing and communications director. Meanwhile, Stephen Allen and Laura Cavendish have assumed wider roles, to include the Laine portfolio, as group property director and group people director, respectively. Last week, Clive Chesser stepped down as chief executive of Punch after six years in the role to become chief executive at The PureGym Group. At the same time, the business announced Spencer, the group’s chief operating officer, had been promoted to chief executive. Meanwhile, Punch has acquired The Straw Bear pub in the Peterborough suburb of Whittlesey. It will sit within Punch’s leased and tenanted estate, with current managers Kim Howard and Jemma Burgess remaining at the helm. Last week, the company added a further 14 pubs to its estate with the acquisition of the Milton 1 & 2 portfolio from real estate investment company Aprirose. 

 

US halal food business lines up four further UK locations as it targets 50-plus sites here by end of 2024 and 50 units a year thereafter: US halal food business Shah’s Halal has lined up four further UK locations as it targets 50-plus sites by end of 2024 and 50 units a year thereafter. Founded in New York, Shah’s Halal opened its first mobile food card in 2005 and has grown to 40-plus location in the US and a handful in Canada. In 2020, it launched in the UK with a food truck in Colindale, north London, and now operates in circa 35 locations here across vans, units, kiosks, pop-ups and stores. “It’s all go at Shahs, with confirmed openings in Luton, Paddington, Walthamstow and Harrow,” said franchise consultant Paolo Peretti. “The aim is to be at 50 units by the end of this year and thereafter open 50 units a year.” Shah’s offering includes platters, salads, gyros, sauces, sides and drinks.

 

Frankie & Benny’s launches biggest brand refresh in its near 30-year history: Frankie & Benny’s, the Big Table Group-owned business, has launched the biggest brand refresh in its near 30-year history, with a new menu and refreshed look. The brand said the refresh looks back to its original concept when it first launched in 1995, embracing the “swagger and energetic vibe of New York”. The refresh brings back “big portions, bold flavours and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere”. Brunch includes loaded bagels and buttermilk pancakes “stacked high dripping with indulgent toppings”. There is also The Great NYC Breakfast, plus stuffed calzones, classic meatballs, sourdough pizza, burgers, bowls of pasta and baked pretzels. There are also more contemporary employee uniforms and all new branded crockery, as well as updated imagery, lighting and music. Frankie & Benny’s managing director Debbie Husband said: “Over the last year, we have stabilised the business and got the engine ticking well. Now it is about driving awareness and connecting with customers so we can drive growth and move forward. The next phase will be key to creating more brand love and more customers choosing Frankie & Benny’s.” Propel revealed earlier this month that Big Table Group had launched the pilot of the new brand proposition for Frankie & Benny’s in three sites across England – in Newcastle, London’s The Strand and Bristol’s Cribbs Causeway. 

 

Ole & Steen – focus for 2024 and 2025 is driving organic growth, turnover up 25% last year: Danish bakery brand Ole & Steen has told Propel its turnover increased 25% to £34,820,879 for the year to 31 December 2023 (2022: £27,774,473) and that its steady growth has continued into 2024. The company, which operates 26 sites in the UK, said its primary focus during 2024 and 2025 is driving organic growth in its existing store base through improved operations. The company said it expects to expand again in the future, with a primary focus still on Greater London and transportation hubs. Ole & Steen said a prudent investment strategy in 2023 allowed the opening of four new stores in Central London, significant development of its loyalty app, the addition of a new senior management team, and the introduction of a new central bakery in Leyton that will drive new expansion plans in the UK. It said turnover growth was as a result of the momentum in existing stores as well as the addition of new locations in Kingston, Guildford, Jubilee Place in Canary Wharf and London Wall. In total, the company spent more than £4m in capital investment during 2023. It said: “Commodity costs peaked during the early months of 2023 and were gradually decreased during the last quarters of the year. Despite this the company managed to retain gross margin levels for the year at 2022 levels. The investment programme has seen Ebitda drop from £4,666,753 in 2022 to £3,926,824 in the year ending 2023.” In 2024, Ole & Steen said it expects “current stores to increase profitable turnover and exploit the economics of scale from the new production site”. Ole & Steen Group chief executive Joachim Knudsen said: “The business has been through a period of high investment to build for a strong future in the UK market. During this period, the industry has navigated an economic climate that has come with exceptional challenges. However, in terms of solidifying our foundations and ensuring we are in the strongest position for positive growth in both existing stores and the new openings, we are very confident the investment has put us in the best possible position. The UK market is hugely important to us as a business and we are very pleased to see the current trading position and are confident it will continue.”

 

Honi Poke looking to add 15 sites over next 12 month: Hawaiian poké specialist Honi Poké is looking to add a further 15 sites to its UK estate over the next 12 months after adding two more sites in London to its opening pipeline, Propel has learned. Honi Poké, which was founded by Vladimir Martynov and Kosta Varesko in 2017, currently operates 17 sites across London, and three regionally, in Bristol, Leeds and Manchester. It has recently secured the former Veggie Pret site in St Mary Axe in the City of London and is set to also take the ex-Veggie Pret in King William Street. It has a further site close to completion. It recently secured the former Itsu site in Great New Street for an opening later this year. Brandon Elmon, of Genius1 Group, acts on behalf of Honi Poké.

 

SSP debuts its new premium bar concept at Heathrow: SSP Group, the operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has debuted its new premium bar concept at Heathrow airport. It has launched wine bar and restaurant The Vinery at Terminal 2, featuring an extensive wine list and curated food menu. Breakfast items include prosciutto di Parma and sun-blushed tomato baked British eggs, while during the rest of the day there is a selection of open sandwiches, hot sourdough toast and freshly made salads. The comprehensive wine list has varieties from around the world as well as celebrating English wine, while Gusbourne Wines’ master sommelier Laura Rhys will host wine tastings throughout the year. The Vinery also offers themed tasting flights, while the broader drinks menu features coffee as well as tea, classic cocktails craft beer and soft drinks. It also features order-at-table technology, pre-order options, a digital wait-time screen and a sommelier app recommending wine pairings. SSP UK & Ireland chief executive Kari Daniels said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Heathrow passengers to this stunning new venue, which is tone of a kind. We have a long-standing partnership with the airport, where we’ve had success operating Starbucks and M&S Simply Food, and now we are operating our first bar in Terminal 2.”

 

Artfarm sees losses widen ‘as it sets foundation work for further growth’, turnover increases to £42.3m: Artfarm, the hospitality group behind London's Groucho Club, has seen losses widen as it “sets the foundation work for further growth”. The company, owned by Swiss art gallery investors Iwan and Manuela Wirth, reported turnover increased 48% to £42,283,603 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £28,641,767 the year before. Of that, £35,159,500 came from the UK (2022: £21,271,605) and £7,124,103 from the US (2022: £7,370,162). Ebitda stood at minus £2.5m compared with minus £1.1m. Pre-tax losses widened to £11,793,501 from £7,570,414 the year before. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “2023 was a successful year in the evolution of Artfarm, with remarkable pace of change and growth in sales year on year and the opening of two new outlets: Fish Shop, a restaurant and fishmonger in Ballater, Scotland, and Farm Shop in Mayfair, London. 2023 was also a year of foundational work in preparation for further growth and openings in 2024, 2025 and beyond. By its nature, driven by ambitious expansion plans, Artfarm is currently resource and capital-intensive, both of which act as a significant brake on profitability.” The company’s other sites include Mount Street restaurant in Mayfair, The Audley in Mayfair, the Fife Arms in Scotland, Durslade Farm Shop in Somerset and Manuela in Los Angeles. Artfarm said a second Manuela is due to open in New York this autumn and a second Fish Shop restaurant will open in Washington DC in early 2025. In the UK, Italian-inspired restaurant Da Costa will open in autumn 2024. Reflecting on the performance on its sites in 2023, Artfarm said The Fife Arms “continues to enjoy success”, achieving occupancy of 73% (2022: 70%) and delivering sales up 16% year on year and positive Ebitda of £2m. Regarding The Groucho Club, Artfarm said 2023 “was a period of change” as it embarked on an ambitious upgrade. In May 2024, the group entered into a new refinancing agreement that saw two loans totalling £7,340,000 repaid and a new facility totalling £7,340,000 agreed with the lender. The loan is repayable in May 2027 and has a variable commercial rate of interest. The group, which employs about 650 people, did not receive any government grants (2022: £377,890). No dividend was paid (2022: nil). The results follow the news that Artfarm’s chief executive, Ewan Venters, is set to depart in January, or earlier if a successor is appointed. Venters, who previously led Fortnum & Mason, joined Artfarm in 2021.

 

Village Hotels launches ‘ambitious growth strategy’, appoints director of M&A: Village Hotels, which was acquired by Blackstone earlier this year, has announced the launch of a major investment programme across a number of properties in its portfolio of 33 hotels and leisure clubs. The investment plan, which will eventually see more than 50% of the portfolio upgraded, includes bedroom and facility extensions, refurbishments to existing bedrooms, upgraded facilities and acquisitions. It coincides with the appointment of Robin Leahy in the newly created role of director of M&A, who will lead the growth plans. The first phase of refurbishment is set to be completed in early 2025, which will see nearly 600 rooms fully refurbished. Village Hotels is also investing heavily in its leisure facilities, with multiple gym expansions and refurbishments, while adding new facilities including padel courts, recovery lounges and new changing rooms, alongside refurbished and extended Starbucks at several locations. Village Hotels said that extending and growing its portfolio through acquisitions is a key part of its growth strategy. Construction will soon start on the approved extensions of Village Hotel Club in Ashton-under-Lyme in Manchester and Solihull, which will see an additional 48 bedrooms in each. A further three locations are expected to be extended in 2025. It said the appointment of Leahy, who has more than a decade of experience working within the real estate and development sector, is a strategic move to accelerate Village Hotel’s growth plans. Chief executive Gary Davis said: “With Blackstone's partnership, we see significant opportunities to grow our business and brand, including investing in our existing hotels and leisure clubs to add more value to guests. I am delighted that Robin has joined the team and will lead us in growing our footprint with acquisitions and new development opportunities across the UK.”

 

The Lucky Onion founders to reopen West Oxfordshire pub: Sam and Georgie Pearman, the duo behind The Double Red Duke and Country Creatures and founder of the Lucky Onion business, are to reopen The Mason’s Arms in Clanfield, near Bampton, west Oxfordshire, on Wednesday, 16 October. The pub was bought by Country Creatures, which also owns the hotel The Double Red Duke opposite the pub, for £1.4m in September 2023. The Pearmans, who are also on the board of London-based premium pub operator Cubitt House, will open rooms above the pub later in the new year. The company said: “Chef Chris Lindsay, who trained under Pierre Koffman, before becoming sous at The Ritz and opening Koffman's pub The Muddy Duck, has written a menu to celebrate the British pub – English in its provenance and robust in its reserve.” Sam Pearman said: “Much like Orwell and his fictional, The Moon Under Water, we want our regulars to occupy the same chair every evening, and to visit as much for the conversation as for the beer! And, of course, to be particular about our drinking vessels.” 

 

Seafood Pub Company sees 38% uplift from ‘tax-free Mondays’: Seafood Pub Company has seen a 38% uplift in business after launching “tax-free Mondays” – a scheme that sees tax removed from various food and drinks at the start of each week. The Burnley Express reported the offer, which runs until chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils her autumn Budget on 30 October, sees the company, which owns six sites in Lancashire, deduct the value of the VAT from its food and VAT and duty from all pints and half pints, large and regular glasses of wine and double and single gins. The business said it has seen around 200 extra people through the door each Monday. As well as boosting turnover on Mondays, the Seafood Pub Company has also seen more 1,500 people sign up to its new SPC Membership, where customers can receive exclusive rewards and discounts. Seafood Pub Company managing director Joycelyn Neve said: “We’ve been working on the SPC Membership programme behind the scenes for months now to try and deliver the best possible rewards for our guests and recognise how much we appreciate their loyalty. Feedback from our guests has been fantastic. Tax-free Mondays works brilliantly because it’s so versatile, which we pride ourselves on being, as local pubs with great food and rooms.” 

 

Big Mamma confirms November launch for regional UK debut in Birmingham: Big Mamma Group, the McWin-backed restaurant group, has confirmed it will make its regional UK debut in Birmingham in November. As revealed by Propel in June, Big Mamma, which operates 26 sites across Europe, will open on the former Vinoteca site at the Paradise development, 2 Chamberlain Square. Called La Bellezza, the restaurant will feature a collection of homemade Italian dishes, with 150 covers indoors and a 25-cover terrace. It will open on Friday, 29 November, offering “romantic and whimsical interiors and a menu filled with homemade Italian classics”. Dishes will include Il Gran Carbonara, served from an 8kg pecorino wheel; Mafaldine al Tartufo, with truffle and rich mascarpone sauce topped with fresh black truffle; and Pici al Ragu di Agnello, served in a spiced San Marzano tomato sauce with slow-cooked Cornish lamb ragu. There will also be an extensive Italian organic wine list and cocktails.

 

Mollie’s achieves B-Corp certification: Budget motel concept Mollie’s has achieved B-Corp certification, with what it described as “an industry leading score of 95.8”. The concept – conceived by Soho House founder Nick Jones and initially launched under its umbrella before being spun-off as an independent entity in 2020 – currently has sites in Oxfordshire and Bristol. Director Darren Sweetland said: “This certification marks a new chapter in our growth journey with sustainability woven into our core values and long-term vision and we couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds.” Last month, Propel reported that Mollie’s had drawn down more than half of a £25m parent company loan to allow for expansion across new sites – and said its Manchester site will open next year as it explores potential further locations. The company’s largest site is in its final stages of development in Manchester and is targeted to open in FY25.

 

The Scotsman Group adds student accommodation to portfolio: The Scotsman Group, which operates more than 50 venues in Scotland, has moved into the student accommodation market with the launch of Space in the university town of St Andrews. The group, which last year secured a £21.5m refinancing, has converted the former Kilrymont High School into a state-of-the-art collection of self-contained studios and apartments. The campus also features a gym and several study and social spaces, including bookable private dinner and party rooms. Students have access to a dedicated shuttle service to enable them to get around, as well as a range of pedal and e-bikes. The campus also has a schedule of events, from cooking classes to yoga, planned for its residents. The first phase of the development launched last month, with Space welcoming its first residents, and further phased launches are well underway. 

 

North east operator secures Gateshead site for new Tomahawk Steakhouse featuring hot stone concept: North east operator Howard Eggleston, who owns the Tomahawk Steakhouse brand and co-owns the Rio Brazilian brand, has secured a site in Gateshead for a new Tomahawk Steakhouse, featuring a hot stone concept. The site, in the Metrocentre, with be Eggleston’s 11th Tomahawk Steakhouse following the recent closure of his Darlington site. He also co-owns eight Rio Brazilian restaurants with Rodrigo Grassi, with a Sunderland site coming next for that brand. “Very proud to announce we have signed the deal on a new site at the Metrocentre,” Eggleston said. “Bit of a twist on the usual Tomahawk with steaks, being cooked on a hot stone. You take over the cooking and cook however you want! Situated right next door to the cinema, you can’t miss us – opens October.” Propel revealed in August that Eggelston was also set to launch his first pub concept, The Hawk, in the site of his former Tomahawk Steakhouse in Ponteland. The concept was originally going to be in partnership with Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer, but the plan changed after Clarkson opened his own pub in the Cotswolds. The Hawk will still serve Clarkson’s beer but will now be run independently and operate as a Tomahawk Steakhouse with more of a pub offering.

 

KoKoDoo relaunches franchise programme, lining up flagship London site: KoKoDoo, the Korean fried chicken concept founded as a restaurant by Joseph and Mary Yoon in 2006 before evolving into a street food operation, has relaunched its franchise programme and is set to launch a new flagship site in London. Over the summer, KoKoDoo launched its fifth site, at Market Place Harrow in north west London. It also operates a restaurant in Shoreditch and a takeaway in Camberwell, and outside of the capital, it has a restaurant in Swansea and a food truck in Bristol. “When we first launched our catering business in 2016, we could have never imagined we’d end up serving our food at so many prestigious events like the PGA Championship, Royal Ascot, Silverstone F1 and Lord’s Cricket Ground, to name a few,” Joseph said. “Now, moving into 2025, we’re taking things to the next level as we officially fully transition into the fast-food franchise market. Over the past eight years, the demand for our Korean fried chicken has skyrocketed at stadiums and venues across the UK. With five thriving franchised locations across the UK and more on the way, we’re just getting started. Korean food is getting more popular than ever, and with our own flagship location launching soon and a growing list of prospective franchisees eager to join, let’s make something big together.”

 

Immersive museum opens first UK site: Museum of Illusions, the world’s largest and fastest-growing brand of private museums, has made its UK debut. The attraction has opened in Market Street, Manchester, offering a “mind-bending, immersive experience” that combines entertainment with education. In addition to the brand’s signature exhibits such as the “walk-in kaleidoscope”, “vortex tunnel” and “infinity room”, there are also custom-made installations that celebrate the city’s culture and heritage. Examples include “The Reversed Room” – an interactive tram-inspired illusion; and “The Building Illusion”, where visitors can appear to hang from an iconic Manchester building. Founded in Croatia in 2015, Museum of Illusions has more than 50 locations across 25 countries and in excess of 15 million visitors globally.

 

Stock Exchange and Hotel Football management team secure contract for Stratford-upon-Avon hotel that once hosted William Shakespeare: The management team behind Gary Neville’s Stock Exchange and Hotel Football have secured a contract for a Stratford-upon-Avon hotel that once hosted William Shakespeare. Troo Hospitality has been appointed to manage the four-star, grade II-listed Billesley Manor Hotel and Spa, where Shakespeare was a guest in 1599. Set in 11 acres of Warwickshire woodland, the venue features 71 bedrooms across the original manor house and neighbouring barns. It also has a restaurant serving an à la carte menu, afternoon tea and a Sunday lunch, plus a new health club and spa. Winston Zahra, chief executive of Troo Hospitality, said: “We are incredibly proud to be working with the owners and team on this stunning property. We are looking forward to working closely with the Billesley team and continuing to build on the great reputation of the property in the years ahead.” As well as the Stock Exchange and Hotel Football in Manchester, Troo Hospitality also manages the Shakespeare Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Eastgate Hotel in Oxford and the Caledonian Hotel in Aberdeen. It was founded in 2022 by Zahra, in partnership with Millemont Capital Partners. Zahra was previously co-owner and chief executive of Malta-based Island Hotels Group Holdings and managing director for Malta and Spain for International Hotel Investments.

 

Immersive close-up magic experience launches in London: An immersive close-up magic experience has launched in London. The Magician’s Table has opened at a “secret” London Bridge location and runs until February 2025. It invites guests to celebrate the life of carnival owner, magician and renowned collector of curios, the Great Dieter Roterberg. Throughout a two-hour experience, guests will witness close-up magic from the UK’s finest magicians, set against a backdrop of live music, cocktails and snacks. It has been created by Right Angle Entertainment (RAE), which was co-founded by Alison Spiriti and Justin Sudds. Specialising in the production, marketing, management and distribution of live theatre events, RAE is behind such experiences as Wheel of Fortune Live!, The Price is Right Live!, The Masked Singer National Tour and The Simon & Garfunkel Story.

 

Former Maria G’s executive chef opens first solo venture: Former Maria G’s executive chef Aaron Potter has opened his first solo restaurant venture. Potter, who has also worked at Michelin-starred Elystan Street in Chelsea and Trinity in Clapham, has opened Wildflowers at Unit 2 in the new Newson’s Yard development, at 57 Pimlico Road in London. The 54-cover Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, wine bar and deli comprises a restaurant and 26-cover terrace downstairs and an extensive bar space upstairs, as well as a private dining room for 12. There is a focus on open-fire cooking and seasonality, including a regularly changing restaurant menu and produce from the in-house deli, among which will be daily pastries and sandwiches, available to eat on the terrace or to take away.