Swiss QSR platform acquires majority stake in Chopstix to drive expansion in UK and new European markets: Switzerland quick service restaurant platform QSRP has acquired a majority stake in Chopstix, the fast-growing, quick service restaurant (QSR) brand, for an undisclosed sum to drive expansion in the UK and new European markets. Founded in 2014, QSRP has a presence in seven main countries, with a portfolio of more than 1,240 restaurants, including 144 virtual kitchens. It started out as Burger King’s master franchisee for Italy before also taking on the fast-food brand’s territories in Belgium and Luxembourg in 2016. That same year, it acquired Belgian better burger brand Quick, followed by further acquisitions, in 2018, of French taco brand O’Taco and Nordsee, a seafood restaurant brand with branches in Germany and Austria. Chopstix Group, founded in London in 2002, operates more than 150 sites across its Chopstix, Yangtze and Chozen Noodle brands. The collaboration aims to “leverage QSRP’s extensive industry expertise, operational capabilities, and strategic resources to support Chopstix in its next phase of growth”. It will also enable Chopstix to “accelerate its expansion plans, enhance its digital and delivery capabilities and introduce new menu innovations”. It comes after Propel revealed exclusively last month that Chopstix was set to make its debut in Europe – with an opening at Bucharest Henri Coandă International airport in Romania – and is in a “very strong position to explore opportunities in new markets”. Chopstix co-founder Menashe Sadik said: “This partnership will enable us to scale our business and to drive the Chopstix experience to new markets in Europe. We look forward to partnering with the team at QSRP and delivering long-term growth and success for both our businesses.” Fellow co-founder Sam Ella added: “When we started Chopstix 20 years ago, it was with one store, and with family values at its heart. It’s how we have always run the business, and we look forward to driving that ethos further as we launch Chopstix in new markets, across Europe.” Alessandro Preda, group chief executive at QSRP, said: “Chopstix has demonstrated exceptional growth and a strong consumer following in the UK market. This investment is a testament to our confidence in Chopstix’s potential to become a leading QSR player across Europe. Together, we will work to elevate the Chopstix brand and bring its offering to a wider audience. This agreement also marks the entrance of QSRP into the dynamic UK market.” 

Sponsored message – specialist hospitality accountant Accurise launches rebrand following Nordic investment: UK accounting company Accurise, which works exclusively with UK restaurant and bar brands, has refreshed its brand identity and launched a new website as it looks to grow its business following significant financial backing from Nordic accounting technology company VIEW Group. Accurise, whose 25-plus clients include Wingstop, Farmer J, Bob Bob Ricard and Mildred’s, specialises in provision of real-time accounting software and “best-in-class” embedded teams, highly optimised for the hospitality industry. Accurise was launched in January 2020 by managing director Rob Howard, who said: “Despite being unlucky with our timing in January 2020, we are lucky that we love what we do and have great clients. Our retention rates and net promoter scores speak for themselves but we’re most proud of the growth our clients achieve with Accurise. On average our clients grow by 38% every year they are with us.” VIEW Group chief executive John Hugosson added: “With Rob’s passion for the industry and our expertise in accounting technology, we have a powerful combination for our clients.” Accurise has, for the first time, hired a commercial department dedicated to increasing brand awareness and growth. Howard said: “We want to help more and more great companies where we can, just don’t expect to see me personally doing any TikTok videos any times soon!” To find out more, click here. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

 

New venues added to Propel’s study tour of Naples: New venues have been added to Propel’s study tour of Naples. The tour to Naples – the birthplace of pizza and named among the world's best cities for food in 2024 by Time Out – takes place from 9-11 November and is open for bookings. Highlights will include visits to the best pizzerias on the planet, incredible bakeries, an ancient street market, amazing trattorias and some very atmospheric restaurants that deliver a very Neapolitan experience. Among the new venues added to the itinerary is L’Antiquario, one of the world’s top 50 bars, and also Scotto Jonno, which is situated in the Galleria Principe. There will also be a visit to Sorbillo, whose founder Gino Sorbillo has been considered by many to be the best pizza maker in the world and is one of the most awarded and recognised eateries in all of Italy. One of the dinners will be held at what may be one of the most recognisable restaurants in Naples, Trattoria da Nennella. Dating to 1950, the Neapolitan institution features folklore music, waiters dancing and singing, traditional cuisine, and the smashing of dinner plates. There will also be a visit to Pasticceria Poppella, which creates the famous snowflake pastries and the city’s most sensational desserts. A limoncello and amaretto masterclass will also be held by the founder of Adriatico & Mama Mia. The cost is £2,250 for single occupancy and £1,950 for twin occupancy. The price includes flights, two nights’ accommodation, two hosted dinners, welcome drinks reception and a full tour of the city's best hospitality operations. To book, contact Myles Doran: myles@hospitality-inc.co.uk or 07710 783485.

Sandwich Sandwich’s Josh Kleiner to speak at final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2024, open for bookings with free places for operators: Josh Klenier, who is part of the family behind Sandwich Sandwich, 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. Kleiner will discuss how the business, which last October won the £100,000 top prize in the Uber Eats restaurant of the year awards, is updating the humble sandwich for a new generation, its launch in London and wider expansion plans. 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 544 café bakery 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 cafe bakery sector include Basque cheesecake operator La Maritxu; Latin dessert concept Boulangerie Pierre Alix, a family-run, independent café and bakery concept opening its second site; and London café concept Trade. 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 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.

NTIA calls on home secretary to re-evaluate security business licensing amid fears that Martyn’s Law is being ‘undermined’: The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has called on the home secretary to re-evaluate security business licensing amid fears that Martyn’s Law is being “undermined”. Martyn’s Law, otherwise known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is named after Martyn Hett, who was one of 22 people murdered in the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017. The new law was laid out before parliament last month but could be undermined from the start, the NTIA has warned. It said recent individual licensing data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act showed the current regulatory framework for private security is more than 20 years old and “no longer fit for purpose”. Among its findings were that between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2023, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) granted licenses to a significant number of individuals who had not been residents in the UK for five years prior to applying, and whose five-year histories could not be adequately checked. Moreover, a large number of licences were granted where the regulator could not complete a criminal record check in the countries previously resided. The NTIA said private security is the only regulated sector where businesses “can operate out of sight of the regulator”. It said a lack of real control over standards or vetting “present a fundamental void in our counter-terror strategy and is a significant risk to public safety”. Private security suppliers being able to operate under the radar in this manner does not align with the objectives of Martyn’s Law, the industry body said. “We urge the home secretary to intervene as a matter of urgency,” NTIA chief executive Michael Kill added. “The current system of individual licensing for security operatives is outdated and no longer fit for purpose. The private security sector plays a vital role in safeguarding our communities. It is time we provide it with the necessary tools and oversight to operate with the utmost integrity and efficiency.”

 

Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase to return for ninth year in 2025: The Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase will return for a ninth year on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February). Taking place at the Terrace Pavilion in the House of Commons from 12pm-4pm, the event will bring together leading companies from across the industry to celebrate the vital role apprentices play within the sector. Attendees will have the chance to “immerse themselves in the diverse world of hospitality”, offering them the opportunity to meet with MPs, industry leaders and peers. Companies and industry bodies attending include Greene King, Nando’s, Fuller’s, AB InBev, Mitchells & Butlers, Marston’s, Stonegate Group, UKHospitality, Umbrella Training, the British Beer & Pub Association and HIT Training. Event organiser Maureen Heffernan said: “This event consistently highlights the potential that apprenticeships unlock. Hearing from apprentices who’ve transformed their career paths through these programmes is truly inspiring, and I’m proud to continue showcasing their achievements.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a hospitality group that is looking for an executive chef to lead a group of nine Central London sites. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “With a solid following and steady morning trade, the group is now looking to elevate its lunch and dinner offering to increase food sales. This is an opportunity to refine and develop the current concept, enhancing the à la carte menu to make it more premium and appealing to a broader clientele. This group role will focus on menu development, creating standout dishes in the test kitchen, and ensuring consistency across all sites by setting standards, specifications, and training for the teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in premium fresh food, excellent knowledge of costings and market trends, and proven creativity in menu design. They will also be skilled in training and mentoring chefs to maintain high culinary standards across multiple venues.” The salary is up to £80,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email olly@corecruitment.com.

 

Greggs CEO – ‘strong’ lfl growth driven by new products popular with younger consumers, looking to keep stretching trading hours and more to do on delivery: Roisin Currie, chief executive of food to go retailer Greggs, has said its “strong like-for-like growth” in the third quarter has been driven by new products popular with younger consumers. The company said total sales were up 10.6% in the 13 weeks to 28 September 2024, with like-for-like sales in company-managed shops up 5.0%. Year-to-date total sales are up 12.7%, with like-for-like sales up 6.5%. Currie said the brand’s new autumn menu were prime examples of new products appealing to a younger demographic, featuring items such as an all-day breakfast baguette, a Mexican bean and spicy cheese flatbread and a pumpkin spice doughnut. “There is pricing in the numbers – although we have no plans for further price rises this year,” Currie said. “Pizzas are seeing extremely strong growth, particularly the new smaller size pizza boxes, and so have chicken goujons. It's new products at an acceptable price point that are reaching younger customers and demographics. We’re trying to roll our new products at pace that appeal to a younger demographic and incentivise them to come in more frequently. We’re seeing continued downloads and usage of our app, and we’re seeing infrequent customers shopping more frequently. We continue to find ways to stretch trading hours in the right locations (such as travel hubs and retail parks) and we’re seeing more catchments opening up for delivery. We’re really pleased with the progress we have made, but there is still more to do with delivery.” September proved to be Greggs’ strongest trading month of the quarter following factors such as damp weather, riots and an uncertain economy through July and August, Currie said. “We’re starting to see stronger trading now routines have normalised, and people are back at work, and we’re stronger as we exit the quarter following an uncertain summer,” she added. Currie said sausage rolls continue to be Greggs’ number one selling line, and that further retail tie ups like the ones with Primark are in the pipeline. “We’ll continue to have some fun in the run up to Christmas,” she added.

Yolk closing in on £300,000 crowdfunding target to help ‘deliver next stage of expansion’, two more sites to open this year and franchise deal agreed for travel hub openings: Fast-growing “fine fast food” business Yolk is closing in on its £300,000 crowdfunding target to help “deliver its next stage of expansion”. The business last month opened its eighth site in the capital – at Cardinal Place in London’s Victoria – and announced its plans to crowdfund. It has now launched the campaign via Crowdcube and is 94% of the way to reaching its target with 22 days left. So far, 90 investors have raised more than £299,000. They are being offered equity of 1.96%, giving Yolk a pre-money valuation of £15m. The company said it has £7m-plus run-rate revenue from its eight London sites, with two more openings lined up this year, and has signed heads of terms with a franchisee to pursue openings in airports and train stations. It reported 42% annual growth compared with last year, including 19% like-for-like growth for existing sites, and has raised £3.6m to date from a range of angel and institutional investors, including Growthdeck. Yolk’s business model is in-store sales from high-footfall locations, plus a strong delivery channel. Funds raised will help “deliver the next stage of expansion across London” with a focus on opening new outlets, as well as investment in marketing to increase brand awareness. “Yolk aims to revolutionise the grab-and-go sector by offering gourmet-quality dishes in a convenience format, blending restaurant creativity and flavour with the pace and simplicity of fast food,” the business said. “Yolk differentiates from traditional grab-and-go food chains by its emphasis on quality, bespoke recipe and process design, and strategic use of local suppliers. Yolk targets busy consumers who still seek out quality – spanning urban professionals, shoppers, pre-theatre diners, students and local residents.”

Incipio Group hires new FD as it reports record turnover of £25.9m: Incipio Group – operator of venues including Pergola on the Wharf, The Libertine and The Prince – has hired Raoul Federman as its new finance director. Federman joins the business with 25 years’ experience, 15 of which were spent in the hospitality industry, including three years as finance director of bar and restaurant group Drake & Morgan. Federman will oversee the finance function of Incipio as it enters a phase of growth, as revealed earlier this year when the company announced its involvement in the Olympia redevelopment project in west London. Set to open in summer 2025, the £1.3bn development will see the historic site transformed into a “world-class cultural and entertainment hub”. Incipio, which employs around 400 staff, has been selected to spearhead several premium food and beverage offerings across the scheme. Chief executive Ed Devenport said: “Raoul’s proven track record and industry experience will be vital as we enter this stage of expansion, most notably at the Olympia redevelopment project.” It comes as Incipio reported turnover increased to a record £25,922,262 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £20,652,402 the previous year. Adjusted Ebitda grew 282% to £2.5m from £886,000 the year before. Devenport said: “We are pleased to have grown sales and Ebitda at this pace in a year that offered challenging trading conditions. 2023 marked the highest year of sales in the company’s history, demonstrating the relevance and appeal of our venues. We have seen this trend continue into 2024, and are well prepared for a strong fourth quarter, underpinned by a festive period in which we are seeing increased demand for large corporate parties compared with previous years.” No dividend was paid (2022: nil).

Punch adds Nottinghamshire village pub to estate: Punch Pubs & Co, which is backed by Fortress Investment Group, has added to its growing portfolio by acquiring the Grey Horses Inn in Carlton-in-Lindrick, near Worksop in Nottinghamshire. The village pub is situated in The Cross, just off the High Road and will sit within Punch’s leased and tenanted estate, and run by father and son duo Ken and Jack Jarvis. The community-focused pub has two separate trading areas, a timber bar servery and a feature fireplace. It also has a function room, with its own bar and dancefloor area in addition to an enclosed beer garden with picnic bench seating. Punch Pubs & Co head of estate development and acquisitions, Andrew Cannons, said: “We are delighted to welcome experienced operators Ken and Jack to the Grey Horses, and are looking forward to working alongside themselves and the team as they embark on their new venture. This is an excellent pub that perfectly aligns with our leased and tenanted estate, and I’m sure that with Punch’s industry-leading investment and support, the Grey Horses will continue to flourish for many years to come.” Punch operates circa 1,300 sites.

Heartwood opens third pub with rooms: Heartwood Collection, the Alchemy Partners-backed business, has opened its third pub with rooms. The company has relaunched The White Hart in Lewes, East Sussex, once frequented by Thomas Paine. The political activist, who contributed to the creation of the American Declaration of Independence, and his acquaintances were regulars at The White Hart in the early 18th century. Heartwood Inns has now transformed the inn with 23 boutique bedrooms for guests, including four newly created Luxe rooms, plus a dining room and terrace to the rear offering views of the South Downs. The White Hart offers a seasonal, sustainably sourced menu, with dishes such as eight hour slow-cooked shoulder of Highland venison with Grand Veneur sauce, blackberries and mash, and “Autumn Still Life” – a sweet tribute to autumn woodland foraging. Heartwood Inns chief executive Richard Ferrier said: “We are immensely proud of the work that has gone into restoring this beautiful coaching inn, which is brimming with history. It is not often that you have the opportunity to acquire such an important slice of American history, particularly on UK soil.” The White Hart will be joined by two further pubs with rooms in 2024 – The Coat & Bear, Newbury, Berkshire (opening Tuesday, 29 October) and The Royal Forest in Epping Forest, Essex (opening Friday, 6 December). The group remains on track to open more than 60 sites by 2027, with more than 500 rooms, as part of its ambitious growth trajectory following its £100m investment by Alchemy Partners, and already has seven locations confirmed to open in 2025.

Heavenly Desserts and Boswells secure sites at Basingstoke shopping centre: Artisan dessert restaurant Heavenly Desserts and family-run cafe business Boswells have signed for sites at the Festival Place shopping centre in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Opening in Bedford Square, Boswells will operate from a 4,766 square-foot space after agreeing a deal with Festival Place’s asset manager, Sovereign Centros from CBRE. Heavenly Desserts will introduce its menu of hand-crafted desserts to Basingstoke for the first time. The 1,300 square-foot space is opposite better burger brand Five Guys. Meanwhile, The Restaurant Group-owned Wagamama has committed to upsizing its existing unit, taking a total of circa 3,900 square foot of space and creating room for 46 extra diners. Lunson Mitchenall and GCW represent Festival Place.

Boojum confirms Birmingham launch: Mexican fast-casual brand Boojum, which was acquired by the Azzurri Group last summer, has confirmed its next launch will be in Birmingham. Propel revealed last month that Boojum had lined up a site in the city’s New Street for its third UK mainland opening, as well as securing a site in Liverpool. It will now open a 54-cover restaurant in the former Second Cup Coffee unit at 64 New Street in Birmingham, this autumn, creating 25 jobs. Boojum chief executive David Maxwell, said: “We are delighted to see our expansion plans continue apace with the launch of Birmingham. It’s the ideal demographic for us.” Boojum head of operations Rob Powell added: “We have chosen a prime city centre location and the design and fit out to transform it into a bright and vibrant Boojum restaurant will commence shortly.” The Birmingham restaurant will offer an app-based loyalty scheme and delivery on all major platforms.

Team behind Allsopp’s Brewery and Draft House founder confirms October launch for London pub: The team behind Allsopp’s Brewery has confirmed it will return to operating pubs with an opening in London’s Kensington next week. The business, which is led by Jamie Allsopp, will open The Blue Stoops on the site of The Kensington Wine Rooms on Wednesday, 9 October. The pub, at 127-129 Kensington Church Street, will pay homage to the original Blue Stoops in Burton-upon-Trent, where Allsopp’s family brewed from in the 18th century. The company is being assisted on the launch by Charlie McVeigh, the founder of the Draft House brand. The bar will take centre stage with its bespoke “beer engines” with high “swan necks”, allowing for the theatrical pumping of ales up from the cellar. These will include Allsopp’s Pale Ale, IPA and Best Bitter, with a fourth pump reserved for guest ales. A menu of seasonal English food will also be prepared by Lorcan Spiteri, formerly of Caravel, Quo Vadis and Rochelle Canteen. This will include small plates such as pressed potato, mussels and velouté; and charred guinea fowl, apricot harissa and dragoncello; and heartier dishes such as chicken, baby leek and black trompette pie; and cod, pepperonata, chickpeas and aioli. Allsopp’s Brewery was founded in 1730 and become one of the largest breweries in the country before it merged with Ind Coope in the 1930s. The brand had disappeared by the 1950s before being revived in 2018 and starting to brew again in 2020.

New owners of Belfast pizza business open sixth outlet and invest £550,000 as it plans further expansion: The new owners of Belfast pizza concept The Pizza Co have opened a sixth outlet and invested £550,000 into the business as they plan further expansion. Matthew Stevenson, Conall Humston and Matt McGrath, who have more than 50 years combined experience in the hospitality sector, have acquired the business, which currently employs 200 staff. The cash injection has gone towards the installation of a POS system and other new technology, while the new store is at 6-8 Antrim Street in Lisburn, reports Belfast Live. “Purchasing the business with Conall and Matt is hugely exciting – I previously worked for The Pizza Co at its Botanic Avenue store, so I know the business well,” Stevenson said. “We have made significant investments in all areas, and we’re buzzing to open the next chapter in The Pizza Co story, with a fresh identity that encapsulates our new approach to the exciting journey ahead of us. We recently opened our newest store in Lisburn and have exciting plans in place for further expansion across Northern Ireland. We are already seeing the benefits of our new technology, which has led to quicker delivery times and happier customers – last week alone, we delivered 82% of our orders within 30 minutes.”

Team behind The Crystal Maze Live and Chaos Karts to bring Pac-Man experience to Manchester: The team behind The Crystal Maze Live challenge attraction and Chaos Karts immersive go-karting is set to bring a Pac-Man experience to Manchester. Little Lion Entertainment, which is also behind Tomb Raider: The Live Experience, has partnered with Bandai Namco Entertainment for Pac-Man Live Experience, which will launch at its Games Arena venue in the city. It will initially take over the space from Chaos Karts, which it launched in the venue in September 2023 following the augmented reality concept’s debut in London the previous year. Pac-Man Live Experience will be a live video-game attraction that sees guests play a real-life version of Pac-Man. It will transform the venue into immersive, interactive mazes, where players become “Pac-People” and navigate through the levels to collect power pellets and fruit, avoid ghosts and win points to take the title. “We are ecstatic to collaborate with Bandai Namco Entertainment, the pioneers of one of the most beloved video games in history,” said Tom Lionetti-Maguire, chief executive of Little Lion Entertainment. “Its expertise and collaboration in our creative vision have been invaluable in ensuring that our live experience remains authentic to the original game while offering a fresh and thrilling twist in bringing this into a fully playable 360-degree digital world.” A new report has been produced by Propel on the fast-growing experiential leisure sector. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes more than 180 companies, 3,500 sites and a 35,000-word report. The report is available 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 supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

Private equity firm acquires minority stake in Seren Collection: Private equity firm Wrightwood Investments has taken a minority stake in Seren Collection, which operates five luxury hospitality venues in Wales. The investment will enable Seren to complete the full refurbishment of its recently purchased Penmaenuchaf hotel in Snowdonia National Park in shorter timeframes, while improving its ability to further develop its existing venues and pursue new opportunities. Neil Kedward, Seren Collection founder and chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Wrightwood Investments as a strategic partner. Its investment and expertise will allow us to grow while staying true to our core values of exceptional service and a commitment to showcasing the best of Welsh hospitality. The collaboration provides us with the resources and strategic guidance to continue innovating and expanding our business. We are confident that together we can continue to grow and enhance the Seren experience while maintaining our distinct sense of place and wider purpose to impact positively on our community in each location.” Wrightwood founder and director Henry Engelhardt added: “Seren’s brilliant portfolio of hotels and restaurants, highlighting the best of Welsh culture and hospitality, makes this an exciting partnership. We look forward to helping it grow and prosper, bringing great Welsh experiences to travellers from around the globe.” It comes as Seren Collection reported turnover increased 5% to a record £7,065,979 for the year ending 31 December 20233 compared with £6,704,530 the previous year, which Kedward said was “somewhat held back” by room closures in the first half of the year at Penmaenuchaf due to the refurbishment work. Ebitda was down to £436,871 from £843,731 the previous year. The group posted a pre-tax loss of £301,994 compared with a profit of £352,088 the year before. This year, the company has introduced a “more accessible” restaurant concept, Lan y Mor, to replace its previous fine-dining Coast restaurant in Saundersfoot “as part of a change in the operating model of the business to improve profitability”. The company, which employs around 150 staff, did not receive any government grants (2022: £14,143). A dividend of £80,000 was paid (2022: £47,000).

Padel-focused multi-sport and F&B concept closing in on £250,000 fundraise target to expand current sites and develop new ones: Padel-focused multi-sport and food and beverage concept Social Sports Society is closing in on its £250,000 fundraise target to expand its current sites and develop new ones. The start-up, founded in 2022, aims to “transform unloved land into fitness hubs” and open “multi-sports venues around the country, leading with our anchor sport, padel”. It’s first location was a three-court community hub in Wembley – set to be extended with a further 20 courts – which will be followed this month by the opening of a ten-court venue in Brent Cross. New sites in Stockport, Manchester and Birmingham are also due to open this autumn, with plans to also develop in Central London in Zones 2 and 3. Brent Cross will be its flagship location, with plans for an eventual 26 courts there, and the business aims to have 23 courts operational across four venues by the end of 2024. A crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube has so far raised almost £194,000 from 20 investors, with 15 days left. They have been offered equity of 4.42%, giving the business a pre-money valuation of £5.4m. The funds will be used to expand the Wembley site; develop the next stages of its Brent Cross, Manchester and Birmingham venues; and further develop its future pipeline. “As the UK’s padel industry booms, operators can struggle to meet demand, limited by a single-sport service,” the business said. “We believe this excludes the wider community and overlooks the full sports market potential. Our padel-first venues will be enhanced by a multi-sports and hospitality offering. We are currently establishing partnerships with communities, councils, schools and developers in order to create further inclusive spaces for people of all backgrounds. We’re not just building padel clubs – Social Sports Society will offer a variety of sports and activities together under one roof, combined with a hospitality offering.”

EasyHotel expands European portfolio with new property near Geneva, six more in development: EasyHotel has expanded its European portfolio with the acquisition of a property in the town of Ferney-Voltaire in France, in the Geneva region. The property, due to open early 2027, comes as part of a raft of new signings with six confirmed new hotels being developed and a record number of potential new deals being explored. Situated in Rue de Meyrin, the newly-built hotel will feature 141 low-carbon bedrooms. The hotel will be the brand’s fourth location in France and the sixth in the Switzerland region, which already includes four franchised hotels in Zurich and one in Basel. This opening will mark EasyHotel’s second airport location, following the launch of its site at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in 2022. Sister brand EasyJet has operated a base at Geneva airport since 1999. To finance the project, EasyHotel has secured its third consecutive loan from Bred Banque Populaire, of €8.6m. This is in addition to the €6.75m secured with Bred In May to finance its new hotel in Marseille. The new property comes on the back of EasyHotel having reported record revenue in 2023, topping €100m for the first time as a record number of guests stayed. The brand, which operates 49 hotels across Europe, is looking to drive new growth by increasing its openings over the next few years at major cities across Europe. In addition to the Geneva and Marseille sites, EasyHotel currently has construction projects underway in Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, and Madrid, with further signings expected. 

London fine wine and craft beer concept owner set to open second site: The owner of London fine wine and craft beer concept Binch is set to open a second site. Sylvain Bertozzi opened Binch in Greenwood Road in London Fields in 2021 after coming to the capital from his native Paris and developing a taste for English craft beer and its culture, working at establishments such as Mother Kelly’s and Borough Market. Having merged his love for French wine and cuisine with UK craft taprooms through Binch, Bertozzi is now expanding to north London with a new venue at 328 Essex Road in Islington. He has acquired the former Seveney pub, which has also previously been gone by the names of Hops & Glory, George Orwell and Norfolk Arms. Called Godet (French for “a glass”), the new venue is being pitched as a wine-focused pub with a list of mainly French and European bottles alongside a UK craft bar list. Opening mid-October, there will also be vinyl hi-fi area with DJs, and an eventual food offering, reports Hot Dinners.

 

North east wedding venue owner sees turnover increase almost threefold but losses widen: The owner of north east wedding venue Wynyard Hall, in Stockton-on-Tees, saw its turnover increase almost threefold during the year to 31 December 2023 and its losses widen. Group revenue for the year was £9,749,111, up from £3,483,694 in 2022, with a loss before tax of £970,104, compared with a loss of £499,369 in 2022. The group includes property development company Cameron Hall Developments, which is currently building 76 new homes also in Stockton-on-Tees, but no further breakdown of turnover was given. Chief executive Sarah Irons said: “The rising cost of living and increase to energy costs has had a significant impact on Wynyard Hall. However, with a robust amount of future business booked, the directors are confident of the future prospects of Wynyard Hall and the wider group.” No dividends were paid (2002: nil). Post year-end, Wynyard Hall was the host venue of hit Netflix series Love is Blind UK, since when it has been “inundated with hundreds of enquiries” and will be hosting a wedding fair next month as a result. “This is not just a proud moment for us, but also an incredible opportunity to showcase the beauty and charm of our region to a global audience,” Irons said. “Being featured on such a popular platform highlights the unique allure of Wynyard Hall and the north east, placing our rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes in the spotlight for viewers around the world to admire.”

 

Eamonn Holmes son’s catering and events business opens first licenced venue and plans further expansion: A catering and events business run by the son of TV presenter Eamonn Holmes has opened its first licenced venue and is planning further expansion. Managing director Declan Holmes and operations director Dean McFarland are behind Nightcap Event Group, which has just relaunched The Foxes Den restaurant in Newtownards after acquiring it last year and investing £50,000 into a refurbishment. The duo said the relaunch of the 106-cover, 1,800 square-foot venue marks the first phase of their plans to expand the group. “We have both protected and enhanced the business while building upon our expertise in food and catering and are now able to offer a one-stop shop service for outside events requiring food and drink,” McFarland told the Irish Times. “This combination is the ideal launch pad for our next period of growth in expanding our hospitality offering and acquiring additional venues.”