White Rabbit Projects founder to launch new wellness concept to provide ‘a healthier, social alternative to traditional nightlife’: Chris Miller, ex-Soho House director and founder of hospitality incubator White Rabbit Projects, and Alanna Kit, founder facilitator of Othership, are to launch a new innovative health and wellness concept, ARC, which they said is set to provide “a healthier, social alternative to traditional nightlife”. Described as the “UK’s first communal contrast therapy site”, ARC will open its debut site this month in London’s Canary Wharf, with a second site planned in the capital, in Marylebone, later this year. The concept will feature daily classes, wellness events and “ARC After Dark” parties featuring DJs. Boasting the UK’s largest sauna, the class-based wellness concept will feature three key elements: sauna, ice baths and a communal space. Contrast therapy is a practice that involves alternating between extreme hot and cold temperatures, with proven benefits including increased energy, dopamine hits, improved mood and focus, accelerated metabolism, athletic recovery, a boosted immune system and improved sleep quality. Miller and Kit said they are creating a space where “wellness meets connection”. The site will also offer a social space where attendees are encouraged to interact with one another through the curated programme. Miller told Propel: “Contrast therapy has deep roots through history in various cultures and traditions across the globe.  In the last few years, it has been regaining popularity through the use of saunas and ice baths as scientific research emerges around the vast mental and physical benefits of the practice. The benefits include increased energy and mood, rapid athletic recovery, accelerated metabolism, boosted immune system, sharper focus and improved sleep quality. This modern approach is aligned with significant shifts in social culture. People are prioritising health and wellness, embracing collective experiences like run clubs and competitive socialising, and moving away from alcohol-centred gatherings. ARC will provide a healthier, social alternative to traditional nightlife – a place where people can take a break from the pressures of daily life, connect with themselves and others and focus on their well-being. By blending ancient practices with modern science and community-driven experiences, ARC is redefining how we approach health, connection and socialising in today’s fast-paced world.”

 

Propel 500 – 2024 saw chicken shops emerge as significant engine of growth, trend set to continue through 2025: Amid fierce competition in the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector, chicken shops emerged as the most significant engine of growth, and this trend is anticipated to continue through 2025, writes Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova in the introduction to the Propel 500 report. The comprehensive report showcases the UK’s 500 leading hospitality operators ranked by turnover, providing more than 90,000 words of analysis – delving into company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and financial performance, making it an essential resource for industry professionals. Vanifatova’s is just one article in a report that is delivered in two parts: an introductory PDF, featuring deep dives into the top 25 companies and 6,500 words of insight from Propel’s expert writers, and a fully searchable Excel sheet, offering easy access to all the data. Further analysis includes Mark Wingett’s exploration of mergers and acquisitions shaping the Top 500’s future and Tim Street’s view of the UK’s franchise market. Katherine Doggrell examines developments in UK hotels, while Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, identifies emerging growth sectors and Phil Pemberton provides insights into experiential leisure as a hospitality cornerstone. Together, the Propel 500 companies generate more than £30bn in turnover across 51,000 sites, and the report spans seven key segments: pubs and bars, hotels, QSR, casual dining, cafe and bakery, experiential leisure and fine dining. A list of these operators can be discovered now by visiting the Propel 500 page on Propel’s website. Propel 500 is available now for £595 plus VAT. Existing Premium Club members can purchase it for £395 plus VAT. Premium Club members will receive the report for free on Friday, 28 February at 9am. Order the Propel 500 report today by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Discover marketing trends and tactics at Restaurant Marketer & Innovator, open for bookings: Discover marketing trends and tactics at the Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Mark McCulloch, founder and chief executive at Supersonic Inc, will talk to Nicole Goodwin, group marketing director at Comptoir Group, Ali Earl-Gray, head of marketing and events at Kricket, Michelle Farrell, group sales and marketing director at Nightcap, and Gabby Tomlinson, marketing director at Lane7, about the key marketing trends and strategies shaping the future. They will discuss what successful brands will start doing, what they will stop doing and what they will focus on more in the coming years. Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit is returning for its seventh edition next week, and tickets are on sale. The event is a partnership between Propel and Think Hospitality, aiming to build a community, promote the sharing of ideas, recognise talent and define the future of eating out. Bookings are open for the two-day conference as the centrepiece of the January event series, taking place on 21 and 22 January at One Moorgate Place in London. The conference will focus on technology, marcomms strategies, proposition, brand building, the latest market insights, digital developments and diversification of revenue streams. It is designed for customer-focused chief executives, marketers, technology and innovation teams, as well as investors wanting to better understand the latest marketing, innovation and development opportunities to build market share and grow. For the full speaker schedule, click here. A one-day ticket for operators is £320 plus VAT while a two-day ticket is £575 plus VAT. Supplier tickets are £420 plus VAT for one day and £725 plus VAT for two. Propel Premium Club members receive a 20% discount. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

UKHospitality – industry driving economic growth is ‘timely reminder’ to government of potential the sector has to help with recovery: UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls has said the fact the industry drove the growth in GDP is a “timely reminder” to the government of the potential the sector has to help drive recovery and prosperity nationwide. According to estimates released by the Office for National Statistics, food and beverage was the highest performing sector of the economy in November. Meanwhile, accommodation activity was the third highest performing consumer service. UKHospitality is urging the government to harness the economic growth potential of hospitality but warns that the £3.4bn of costs hitting the sector in April threatens businesses’ ability to invest and grow. Nicholls said: “Hospitality has been the engine behind economic growth in November. This clearly demonstrates the potential the sector has to help drive recovery and prosperity nationwide. It’s a timely reminder to the government about why it should be looking to invest in and back hospitality businesses to help them deliver its growth agenda. Unfortunately, the £3.4bn in costs levelled on the sector in April will have the opposite effect. It is already forcing businesses to abandon investment plans, freeze recruitment, cut hours and increase prices. We are urging the chancellor to think again and to delay the changes to employers’ national insurance contributions. A pause will allow proper consultation with businesses and, crucially, enable businesses to continue on a path to growth.”

Simon Stenning – total foodservice market will grow by 2.4% in 2025, to see further polarisation: Sector analyst and FutureFoodservice founder Simon Stenning has said forecast total foodservice market revenue will grow by 2.4% this year to a total valuation of £105.3bn, lower than previously forecast, as the impacts from the government’s messaging from July and its October budget have dragged down the economy – and the potential profitability for all businesses. Writing in tomorrow’s Propel Premium, ahead of the launch of his 2025 Future Foodservice report, with forecasts for the next five years, Stenning said: “The cost challenges will, unfortunately, lead to growing numbers of independent businesses closing. But at the same time, we forecast that well-funded and managed branded businesses will survive, expand and potentially thrive, as the economy improves and as consumers build confidence and disposable incomes.” Stenning also forecasts further polarisation between value-driven, social refuelling at one end and experiential, premiumised dining at the other. He said: “We will also see the ongoing fault lines of ‘friction-free’ and ‘the pleasure principle’ being the keys to success and determining fortunes, i.e., either increasing use of automation, digitalisation, technology and convenience, or increasing the pleasure delivered from less-frequent, more special and expensive, experiences.” Also included in this week’s Propel Premium Opinion, which will be sent to Premium Club members today (Friday, 13 December) at 5pm, is the latest letter from Detroit from Matthew Kirby, the restaurateur and entrepreneur who founded and sold the Chozen Noodle chain, who looks at the challenges faced by UK brands looking to expand across The Pond. Propel group editor Mark Wingett also looks back at some of the key talking points of the last week, including issues facing Comptoir Group and Shake Shack. 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.

 

Ground breaks on £1bn hospitality and leisure development in Peak District: Ground has been broken on a new £1bn hospitality and leisure development in the Peak District. Phase one of the Peak Gateway resort, on the outskirts of Chesterfield, is scheduled to open in 2027-28. Located on 283 acres of reclaimed former opencast land, Peak proposes to be the UK’s first purpose built national park gateway “resort town”. Peak’s mobility system will link up the trails and country lanes of the Peak District without the need for a car and help establish the area as the largest integrated off and on road cycling and hiking region in the UK. Planning approvals totalling 1.8 million square feet have been granted to facilitate a multi-branded mixed-use development, offering extensive experiential retail, a wide range of leisure and educational facilities, a wellness clinic with operating theatres, up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 holiday lodges. Heads of terms have already been agreed for the first two anchor plots, with Colliers acting as real estate adviser and leasing agents for Birchall Properties, the land owner. Jo Dilley, managing director of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “The Peak Gateway development is a transformative project that will redefine the visitor experience in the Peak District. With the introduction of high-quality serviced hotels, we will be able to cater to more groups and international visitors, offering world-class accommodations and amenities. This development marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and enjoyable future for all who visit and live in and around the Peak District.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is seeking a head chef to lead a distinguished dining destination, blending traditional Italian flavours with modern flair in London’s Mayfair. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “Situated in a members-only lounge, this role offers a creative and dynamic environment with an emphasis on high-quality seasonal menus. The head chef will have a proven ability to manage a kitchen team, control costs and maintain high standards, adapt to a wet-led evening service while collaborating with the main restaurant and lead a brigade of six or seven chefs, reporting directly to the executive chef.” The salary for this part-time contracted role is up to £70,000 a year. For more information, email olly@corecruitment.com.

 

Smash burger and dessert concept ready to enlist franchisees as it targets UK-wide estate within five years: Smash burger and dessert concept Big Licks has said it is ready to enlist franchisees as it targets a UK-wide estate within five years. Founded in 2008 by Anees Ahmed, Big Licks has grown to three locations – in Glasgow, Renfrew and Manchester. Last year, the company raised circa £150,000 in a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube, to help aid its UK expansion. Big Licks has now become part of the British Franchising Association and is looking for partners to join its growth plans. “We have been working tirelessly over the last 12 months to get franchise ready, and we are now looking for franchisees across the UK,” Ahmed said. “Big Licks was established in 2009 by my brother Ateeq, and we have spent the last 15 years working together to create a bold and vibrant quick service restaurant business with a passion for delivering indulgent eats and memorable customer experiences. Our franchisees are integral to our success, and we believe in building a network of like-minded entrepreneurs who love what they do. The quick-serve market is booming, and Big Licks is at the forefront with a beloved concept and a scalable model. With Big Licks, you’ll join a team that values collaboration, celebrates wins and supports each other in reaching new heights. Imagine where we could be together in five years – Big Licks locations across the UK, a recognised name in every city, and a community of successful franchisees.” 

  

WH Pubs owner – the Budget will have erased 91% of the 2023 profit and turned a small profit in 2024 into a loss of £130,000: Brian Whiting, founder of WH Pubs, which owns and operates four gastropubs in Kent, has said the Budget will have erased 91% of the group’s 2023 profit and turned a small profit in 2024 into a loss of £130,000. Whiting said the business has been hit with a post-Budget bill for £160,000. He told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine: “At this moment, I would bite your arm off if we could break even. When we put prices up, so we don’t go out of business, I do hope paying customers realise we are not doing this because we want to – we are doing it to survive.” WH Pubs currently employs 143 people across the four sites – in Chiddingstone Causeway, Shipbourne and Meopham. Whiting said: “To put this into context, the net result before corporation tax for the year ending 30 September 2023 was £176,000. And for the 12 months to September 2024, the profit before tax was only £30,000. This was the impact of the utility and minimum wage increases. The Budget will have erased 91% of the 2023 profit and turned the small profit in 2024 into a loss of £130,000. It will also have the effect of increasing the wage percentage by 2%. So, for example, for the year ended 30 September 2024, the wage percentage was 43%, but it would have been 45% under these new Budget rules.” On plans before the Budget’s impact, Whiting said: “We had just endured two years of crazy-priced utilities, which was coming out at more than £90,000 a pub per year. The end to this was in sight and we expected to see a drop in these prices for 2025 – never mind the impact of food inflation, higher wages etc. I did think we had a chance to get back on top.”

Chick-fil-A announces partnership with Applegreen for Northern Ireland launch: US brand Chick-fil-A has entered a new licensing partnership for Northern Ireland with service station operator Applegreen. Later this month, the first of two Northern Irish Chick-Fil-A locations will open at Applegreen’s Lisburn South motorway service area on the M1. A second location, at Applegreen Templepatrick on the M2, will then open in March. The new restaurants will create 70 jobs. Applegreen already has a partnership with Chick-Fil-A in the US, operating 14 restaurants at its US motorway service areas. Regional operations director for Applegreen Northern Ireland, Caroline Cherington, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Chick-Fil-A to Northern Ireland with this new partnership agreement. Having successfully operated Chick-Fil-A restaurants in the US for several years, we know how much customers love its high-quality food, and we’re excited to introduce this brand to a new audience.” Last September, Chick-fil-A revealed it had lined up the first five locations for its debut in the UK next year. The brand will also open single sites in Leeds, Liverpool and London. The sites will open over two years, starting in 2025, and Chick-fil-A has opened applications for those wishing to take on a franchise. Propel understands that Chick-Fil-A, which operates more than 3,000 sites across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada, has secured the former Clarks unit in Commercial Street in Leeds for an opening this year. Fellow US chicken brand Popeyes is also understood to have lined up an opening in the same street. Propel revealed last April that Chick-fil-A had secured a site in Kingston-upon-Thames in south west London, as it started building its opening pipeline here, acquiring the freehold of the HSBC site in Eden Street/Clarence Street. The company is understood to have retained property firm Newmark Group to help it with its expansion in the UK.

 

Mooboo launches kiosk pilot: Mooboo – one of the largest bubble tea operators in the UK with more than 100 locations – is piloting kiosks at selected outlets. Mooboo was founded by Eric Khaw and launched in London’s Camden in 2012. “As a part of our dedication to innovation and our ongoing commitment to finding better ways to enhance customer experience, we are proud to announce a significant milestone in our operations,” a company spokesman said. “Starting in January, we will introduce self-checkout kiosks at selected pilot locations. This new system is designed to deliver an improved customer experience, enable faster and more efficient order collection, streamline operations and optimise costs. At Mooboo, we constantly strive to stay ahead in the industry by embracing new technologies and improving how we serve our customers and support our partners. These self-checkout kiosks are just the beginning of many exciting initiatives to come in 2025.” Mooboo last year launched a new coffee shop concept called Daku, which it has since opened two locations for – in London’s Kensington and Monument.

 

Parkdean Resorts hires new CMO: Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s leading holiday park operator, has hired Andy Edge as chief marketing officer. Edge joins the team with 32 years of experience in sales, brand building, multi-site leisure and fast-moving consumer goods marketing. Prior to his most recent role as head of commercial growth and digital at Diageo, Edge held the roles of commercial director at Odeon Cinemas and sales and marketing director at Merlin Entertainments. He also had a two-year stint with holiday park operator Away Resorts as chief commercial officer and held the position of sales and marketing director at Park Resorts before the merger with Parkdean Holidays to form Parkdean Resorts. Parkdean Resorts owns and operates 66 holiday parks and welcomes more than three million holidaymakers every year. The company’s 33,000 pitches include a wide range of accommodation options, from static caravans to luxury lodges and glamping, as well as touring and camping pitches.

 

London members’ club Oswald’s sees turnover boosted by membership increase, profit increases three-fold: London members’ club Oswald’s, owned by Robin Birley, saw its turnover boosted by an increase in membership in the year to 31 December 2023, while its profit increased three-fold. The company’s turnover increased from £14,560,189 in 2022 to £16,528,472. Of this, £11,126,241 came from the sales of food, beverage and cigars (2022: £10,185,107) and £5,402,231 from membership and other income (2022: £4,375,082). Pre-tax profit grew from £568,489 to £1,723,471 and Ebitda was up from £1.5m to £2.7m. Oswald’s reports as Winter Restaurant Holdings, and during the year, 25 Abermarle Street, in which Birley is also the major shareholder, was merged with Winter Restaurants as part of a corporate restructure, with the former being liquidated. “This year to 31 December 2023 represents the sixth full year of operations for the club known as Oswald’s, and the directors continue to be pleased with the trading performance of the club,” Birley said. “The club continues to be successful, with a quality membership and a lengthy waiting list. The club has continued to invest in improving the quality of the internal decoration, and as well as the selection of wine available to members. Sales for the period ended 13 December 2023 increased to £16.5m, largely helped by the increase in delivery of wine sales during the period of lockdown, plus increased membership income for 2023.” Birley is also behind the 5 Hertford Street members’ club in Mayfair and the eight-strong Birley Sandwiches brand, plus the Birley Bakery and Birley Chocolate Shop in London’s Chelsea.

 

JD Wetherspoon certificated as top employer: JD Wetherspoon has been certificated as a top employer in the UK for 2025. This is the 20th time the pub company has been certificated by independent organisation the Top Employers Institute. The certification is based on independent research that shows Wetherspoon has “outstanding people practices and offers excellent working conditions”. It also includes talent acquisition, learning, well-being and diversity and inclusion. Wetherspoon people director, Tom Ball, said: “We are proud to be considered among the best employers in the UK, particularly as the recognition comes from an independent organisation, which researches numerous companies. The company employs more than 42,000 staff across its pubs in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, as well as at its head office. Wetherspoon is committed to offering employees the best opportunities to succeed and grow within the company, including studying for qualifications and apprenticeships. This is evident in the number of staff progressing to more senior positions at Wetherspoon.”

 

Company behind Nobu London Portman Square reports record turnover of £48.7m: The company behind the Nobu Hotel London Portman Square in Marylebone in the capital has reported turnover increased to a record £48,697,000 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £39,700,000 the year before. Pre-tax losses rose slightly to £3,121,000 from £3,058,000 the previous year. At the year end, net assets stood at £53.3m (2022: £55.7m). No dividend was paid (2022: nil). The hotel opened in December 2020 and employs around 420 staff. Nobu, which was founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Taper, also operates hotels with restaurants in London’s Shoreditch and Mayfair, among a global portfolio of 59 restaurants and hotels.

 

Cumbria and east Lancashire McDonald’s franchisee narrows losses as turnover increases to record £40.4m after adding five sites: McDonald's franchisee Nuestra Familia, which operates 11 restaurants in Cumbria and east Lancashire, has reported revenue increased 70.2% to £40,419,763 for the year ending 31 December 2023, compared with £23,747,387 the previous year, after adding five sites to its portfolio. Pre-tax losses narrowed to £238,881 from £425,090 the year before. Gross profit margin was down slightly to 63.67% compared with 63.74% in 2022 and was “in line with expectations”. In his report accompanying the accounts, owner Victor Arciniega stated: “As a result of the 2023 menu and marketing strategy, alongside the execution of incremental price rises, the company has seen increased sales growth as the company continues to operate against the backdrop of significant macroeconomic challenges. The growth in sales is predominately due to the acquisition of five new stores within the year and the continued growth in delivery sales. On a like-for-like basis for the six stores trading in both financial years, sales increased 3.39%.” A dividend of £340,087 was paid (2022: £183,000). Arciniega became a McDonald’s franchisee in 2013 having previously been director of training and head of customer innovation and now employs almost 1,000 staff.

 

Belfast businessman opens ninth site for his coffee shop concept: Belfast businessman Karl Purdy has opened a ninth site for his coffee shop concept, Coffeeangel. Purdy has opened his latest location in the former J O’Grady & Co boots and drapery store at 1-2 Lower Mount Street in Dublin. Purdy worked as a news photographer in Belfast in the 1990s, covering the first IRA ceasefire, before pivoting to speciality coffee and founding Coffeeangel in 2004. He took on the lease of his latest location in spring 2024, and three planned months of renovation works soon turned into six as Purdy looked to preserve some of the original features of the 120-year-old building. “We didn’t think it would be as successful as some of our other locations as it’s a little bit off the beaten track, but it was kind of heart over head,” he told the Belfast Telegraph. “We’re just kind of passing through this building, but I’m hoping that John O’Grady and the work he put in 120 years ago will be there long after we’re gone.”

 

Glasgow operator The Superlative Collection to open new pub for seventh venue: Glasgow operator The Superlative Collection is to open a new pub in the city next month for its seventh venue. The Noble will launch at 16 Bothwell Street in the site previously occupied by TGI Fridays concept 63rd+1st. The 100-cover venue will “seamlessly blend the comfort of a classic pub with the refinement of a premium bar”. Drinks will include a menu of signature martinis alongside a curated list of beer, wine and classic cocktails. A menu of bar snacks will include prawn tempura with lobster aioli and square sausage roll with brown sauce. There will also be an all-day food menu that features “The Glasgow Pie” – a chicken tikka masala filled flaky roti pie, served with a side of basmati rice; and beef whisky and haggis bangers, mash and onion gravy. Director of food, John Molloy, said: “The Noble will offer a new experience to Glasgow’s bustling city centre – all the character and comfort of a classic British pub, but with a hint of elegance that’ll really set it aside. We’ve taken a playful route with the menus, which feature nostalgic snacks and elevated pub classics with a Scottish flair.” The Superlative Collection’s other venues include Glaschu, Maison by Glaschu, Gōst, The Duke’s Umbrella, The Clubhouse and Blue Dog.

North east hotel group sees turnover rise but losses widen, pays off £500,000 loan: North east hotel group The Squirrel Group saw its turnover rise but losses widen in the year to 29 September 2023. The company – which operates The Netherwood in Grange over Sands, The Morritt in Durham, Hall Garth in Darlington and The Bells in The Forest of Dean – reported revenue of £7,961,496, up from £7,652,674 in 2022. Pre-tax losses grew from £183,093 in 2022 to £590,487. During the year, a loan for £500,000 that was secured on the company’s freehold land and buildings was repaid in full. Shareholders’ funds were up from £7,913,706 in 2022 to £7,983,890. No dividends were paid (2022: nil).

 

London Japanese pancake concept set to open second site: London Japanese pancake concept CA Japanese Pancakes is set to open its second site. Founder Nina Siciliano launched the first CA Japanese Pancakes site in 2020, at 324 Vauxhall Bridge Road in London’s Victoria. She is now set to double up with a new branch in Chiswick, west London, to open before the end of January. Siciliano previously owned Delfino Blu in Parma, Italy, and was owner and executive chef of Mangia Siciliano in London’s Bloomfield Street. She also operates a Coffee Addict business from the Vauxhall Bridge Road site.

 

London healthy juice bar concept opens second site: London healthy juice bar concept Squeezed has opened its second site. Founder Samir Sharma opened the first Squeezed last summer at 265 Balham High Road in Tooting, south London. He has now opened site number two, at 89 Walmer Terrace in Plumstead, south east London. “We’re not just another drink concept; we’re about providing a better alternative in a market filled with sugary, processed options,” Sharma said. “Our juices are infused with unique, nutrient-rich ingredients like sea moss, known for its immune-boosting properties, and collagen, which supports skin health and joint function. We plan to expand our offerings to include wellness shots like ginger, turmeric, cranberry and pomegranate, each designed to deliver specific health benefits and cater to the needs of health-conscious consumers.”

 

Merseyside golf resort Formby Hall sold to Portuguese group: Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, in north Merseyside, has been sold to Lisbon-based Harland & Poston Group for an undisclosed sum. The 200-acre resort estate includes an 18-hole championship golf course, a nine-hole golf course, a luxury spa and health club, conference and banqueting facilities and 76 guest rooms. The site is poised for a major expansion and was offered to market on a vacant possession basis. Cushman & Wakefield advised on the sale, acting on behalf of the seller, Azets UK.

 

North west padel business gets go-ahead for Midlands expansion: North west padel club business Pure Padel has been given the go-ahead to open its first site in the Midlands, in Solihull. The company submitted proposals for the creation of four new padel courts – three covered and one uncovered – on a parcel of land at Moseley Cricket Club, and the scheme has been approved by Solihull Council, reports Insider Media. Pure Padel, which was co-founded by Sammy Arora, opened its first club in Alderley Park in 2023 and also has a site in Manchester city centre. The company has plans to build another 30 in the next five years including a venue within the grounds of Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds.

 

Isaac McHale of the Clove Club to open casual restaurant in London’s Shoreditch this month: Chef Isaac McHale will open a new European-inspired restaurant in Kingsland Road in London’s Shoreditch later this month. Best-known for his two Michelin-star restaurant the Clove Club, home to a £215 tasting menu, Bar Valette will be à la carte, taking cues from McHale’s love of simpler cooking from coastal France and Spain. Located at 28-30 Kingsland Road, it will offer dishes “bringing together Isaac’s love of southern French and simple Spanish cooking, plus a few favourite dishes from The Clove Club’s back catalogue”. Opening on Saturday, 25 January, the 35-cover space will also offer “an extensive drinks list of fine wine and sherries typical of Spanish drinking culture”.