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Exclusive – Portobello Pub Co appoints advisors to review options, which could include a sale: Portobello Starboard, the acquisition platform backed by private equity firm Zetland Capital and trading as Portobello Pub Co, has appointed advisors to review its options, which could include a sale of the 26-strong business, Propel has learned. The company is understood to be working with CBRE on its options, with the review set to officially commence next month, with the view of any process coming to a conclusion later this summer. The business operates 19 pubs, the majority of which are freehold, across London and the south east, including the Catford Bridge Tavern, King & Co in Clapham, the 22-bedroom Westow House in Crystal Palace, the 35-bedroom The Railway in Worthing, and The Walrus and Lion & Lobster in Brighton. Last year, it added the seven-strong Darwin & Wallace business, which includes sites in Battersea and Canary Wharf, to its portfolio for an undisclosed sum. Full-year revenues for the group are believed to be circa £40m and the business reported a 9.5% increase in like-for-like sales across its estate over the five-week Christmas trading period. The business is led by managing director Richard Stringer and chief financial officer Mayuri Vachhani, with Mark Crowther as chairman. Crowther told Propel: “We have grown a lovely business with the equity backing from Zetland Capital. We are now in our fourth year of their ownership, so it is a natural moment to review our strategic options for growth of the business.” In November 2021, Portobello Starboard entered the market when it acquired 12 freehold pubs, located across the London villages and suburbs, as part of plans to build a business with more than 80 pubs. The pubs were acquired from various entities, backed by funds managed by investment manager Downing. Portobello Brewery, the pub operating company, which is chaired by Crowther, had been managing the sites for 12 months prior to the deal. In the year to 30 September 2023, the business posted revenue of £18,177,490 (2022: £12,860,690), with a pre-tax loss of £3,554,703 (2022: loss of £1,020,902). In autumn 2023, the business completed its biggest investment to date on relaunching The Railway in Worthing, investing more than £2.5m in adding 17 new rooms to the former Grand Victorian site, which it acquired from Dominion Hospitality, an affiliate of Stellex Capital Management.

Industry News:

Premium Club members to receive updated searchable and segmented New Openings Database and videos from Restaurant Marketer & Innovator on Friday: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club members on Friday (7 February), at midday. The database will show the details of 268 site openings, including which company has opened a site or its plans to open one in the future. It will have details on what type of site it is and its location, and there will also be a website link to the businesses. The database is published on a monthly basis and Premium Club members will also receive a 15,168-word report on the 268 new additions to the database. The database is segmented into seven categories – cafe bakery, casual dining, experiential leisure, fine dining, hotels, pubs and bars, and quick service restaurants – making it even easier for users to search. The updated database includes new openings in the pubs and bars sector such as Dirty Duck from The Rutland Pub Company, Bootlegger Bars, the prohibition era-themed pub opening a site in Bath, and Molly Malone’s opening its second venue, in Derby. Premium Club members are to be given access to the entire recording of the 2025 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit Conference. Members will be sent 26 separate video presentations, featuring more than 60 speakers, on Friday at 9am. Premium Club members also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, 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 Excellence in Pub Retail (May 2025) and discounts on specialist sector reports such as the Propel 500. 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.

Demand for cocktails set to continue following rise in the number of hospitality outlets selling them: The ongoing demand for cocktails looks set to continue this year, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Mixed Drinks Report. One in five (21%) consumers now say they enjoy a cocktail, making it the fourth most popular drinks category after soft drinks, wine and lager. Last year saw a 3.3% rise in the number of hospitality outlets selling cocktails – the first increase since 2021 – the report said. While vodka-based drinks are still the firm favourite, tequila-based cocktails have gained in popularity. And while the classics are still the most popular, innovation is also proving attractive as 17% of cocktail drinkers try new-to-the-market drinks, and more than a quarter (27%) try a new drinks category in their cocktail every time, or almost every time, they drink out. The report added 67% of cocktail consumers have tried no and low-alcohol alternatives, while 30% take a photo of their drink and post it on social media every time, or almost every time, they have one. Furthermore, cocktail menus have the most influence on consumers’ decision-making, with 64% citing them as a factor in their choice, with promotions and atmosphere of the venue the next most important drivers. Value is also crucial, with 25% saying they are more likely to buy cocktails if they were better value for money, while cocktail consumers expect to spend an average of £10.08 on their drink. CGA client director Violetta Njunina said: “With spirit sales seeing a year-on-year decline through 2024, cocktails are a great way hospitality venues can revive spirit sales. They’re also a valuable gateway drink, with more than a quarter of consumers trialling a category and brand for the first time through a mixed drink.”

Beef prices at highest level ever: Beef prices have risen to their highest level ever, according to the latest analysis from catering butcher Birtwistle’s. Deadweight cattle prices rallied again in the week ending 25 January, with steers averaging 602p/kg across the UK, up sharply 14.9p (2.54%) from the previous week and 19.65% on the same week year-on-year, equating to 98.8/kg. Heifers averaged 598p/per kg, up 16.5p (2.85%) from the week before and 19.17% year-on-year. The report said demand is outstripping availability across the board, with price increases being seen across every cut, and particular demand for trims, which are used mainly for mince and burgers. Beef prices in the EU are also expected to continue rising in the coming weeks, while recent slaughter figures pointing to lower supplies available for production in 2025, which is likely to fuel demand and lead to firm pricing ahead. Meanwhile, deadweight sheep prices saw another increase in the week ending 28 January, rising by 12p/kg to reach 736p per kilogramme. This is 99.4p/kg above the same week in 2024. Pork prices were consistent throughout 2024, and 2025 has so far not seen any impact on prices, albeit with January being a quiet month for the category. There are, however, growing concerns about the impact of poultry availability on prices going forward due to the outlook on bird flu, with multiple outbreaks. Last time there was a major outbreak, prices rose dramatically, topping out around a 44% cost increase on poultry, and there is already evidence of price increases and tight availability.

Tipjar unveils new innovation allowing workers to save and spend tips while earning interest: Cashless tipping platform Tipjar has unveiled a new innovation allowing hospitality workers to save and spend the tips they earn while also earning interest. Supported by the UK Smart Grant, Spend & Save enables workers to store their tips securely within Tipjar and earn interest on their savings. They can also access funds through a Tipjar card linked to an e-wallet, while cashback will also be offered at participating businesses. Tipjar co-founder James Brown said: “Tipjar has always been about championing hospitality workers and Spend & Save is a natural evolution of that mission. By providing more control over earnings, we’re helping to create a more sustainable and supportive tipping ecosystem.”

Propel columnist Phil Mellows to launch new book exploring the best places in Britain to drink good beer: Propel columnist Phil Mellows will this month launch a new book exploring the best places in Britain to drink good beer. Published by Bloomsbury, Mellows has co-authored Beer Breaks in Britain: 30 places to explore and drink good beer with Kate Simon. The grandson of an east London publican, Mellows is a freelance journalist who has written about beer and pubs for industry and consumer titles for 40 years. He is currently on the board of the British Guild of Beer Writers. Simon, meanwhile, has worked as a journalist in national newspapers and magazines for 40 years, including as travel editor of the Independent on Sunday, and is also the co-author of two other travel guides. “Finding good beer when you’re in an unfamiliar part of the country can be a challenge that people don't think about until it’s too late – and it’s the sort of vital information you won’t find in a holiday brochure,” Mellows said. “With Beer Breaks in Britain, Kate and I have done the necessary leg-work, providing the expert insight beer lovers and their friends need to put together a break that combines the best pubs, bars and taprooms with the best attractions across 30 destinations that demonstrate the breadth of Britain’s landscape and culture.” Mellows gives his thoughts on the beer and pub industry in his regular column in Propel’s Friday Opinion.

Company News:

Admiral Taverns – we’re relatively sheltered from Budget headwinds but not immune, looking to grow Proper Pubs to 300 over next few years: Admiral Taverns chief executive Chris Jowsey has told Propel the business is “relatively sheltered” from the Budget headwinds but “not immune”, and that it is looking to grow its Proper Pubs division to 300 over next few years. He said the impact of the forthcoming national insurance and wage challenges are different for the Proprium-backed business, which has about 1,600 pubs in the UK that focus on selling drinks rather than food, than for the larger pub companies. “We’re relatively sheltered from what is coming in April, but not immune,” Jowsey said. “To start with, we don’t really do food, so labour costs are lower. We also have mainly smaller community pubs, 60% of which are below the business rates threshold. Many are run by just the licensees with just a few part time workers, so the employment allowance actually helps them. The pubs are also in demographics with pretty low wages, so the national minimum wage going up is a good thing as it puts more money in the pockets of our customers.” The latest financial year saw 34 conversions to Admiral’s Proper Pubs division, with the typical conversion seeing a £250,000 investment. “Proper Pubs is a real driver for us,” Jowsey said. “The vast majority have worked really well and we’re quite excited by the opportunity. Not every pub in our estate is suitable, but we have just over 200 now, and we see the potential for a maximum of 300. So, another 80 to 90 conversions over the next three or four years will keep us busy.” Jowsey said he is also quite excited by the fact that there will be “a lot of pubs available for acquisition” in the coming months, and that the business is “looking all the time, but we reject more than we accept”. He added that the lack of Guinness available over the festive season and new year was “hugely frustrating” and led to him having harsh words with Diageo, and while the last few days have seen “a bit of improvement” in supply, it has been “six weeks of pain”. It comes after Admiral Taverns generated underlying adjusted profits of £59.7m in the 12 months to 26 May 2024, up from £55.9m in 2023, on higher revenues of £194.5m (2023: £182.0m).

Rockfish – higher national insurance contributions will really hurt a seasonal business like ours, sells Topsham site: Rockfish, the ten-strong, Mitch Tonks-led seafood restaurant group, has told Propel that the higher national insurance contribution caused by the threshold moving downwards “will really hurt a seasonal business like ours”, but having its own seafood supply chain will help mitigate the impact. The company also said it has sold its Topsham site – one of four openings it had in the pipeline. As reported earlier this week, it will reopen Mark Hix’s Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis in March, followed by the launch of a seafront restaurant in Salcombe, which will also house a Salcombe Brewery taproom, this summer, and then a Sidmouth restaurant later this year. “Sidmouth is under construction and will be opening later this year,” a company spokesman told Propel. “Due to the timings of our three openings this year, we decided to sell Topsham after receiving an offer for it.” Last August, Rockfish opened its first seafood café in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, with Tonks saying the site would be a “test case for further expansion”. In an update on the site, the company said: “Budleigh has gone well. We are looking forward to trading a full summer, but we are really happy with how the Rockfish model can adapt to different seaside locations.” It comes after the company, which last year swung to a pre-tax loss of £876,138, said for the year ending April 2024, profit increased 67% year on year on a comparable basis. The company also reported Ebitda of £1.5m and completed a £3m fundraise ahead of further expansion.

Kerb to oversee new food hall in London’s Canada Water: Street food collective Kerb is to oversee a new food hall in London’s Canada Water, as part of a new development which will feature the London’s biggest commercial indoor vertical farm. Corner Corner will open this spring, subject to planning and licensing. The opening has been curated by Broadwick and Kerb as a flagship venue for British Land and Australian Super’s £4bn Canada Water masterplan. The concept, created by Broadwick, “reimagines what a modern, multi-use space can be by bringing together kitchen residencies in a food hall, innovative sustainable farming, and a distinctive take on the contemporary jazz club, all under one roof”. At the heart of the venue is London’s biggest commercial indoor vertical farm, developed by Harvest London. Interactive experiences will also be hosted at Corner Corner, encouraging local communities to engage creatively with sustainable produce and cooking. The dining experience is being curated by Kerb, which has promised a line-up that represents the “diversity of London’s independent food scene, while championing sustainability”. Simon Mitchell, chief executive of Kerb, said: “Street food is always evolving and challenging your expectations – from pop-up markets to feeding thousands of people at world-class venues. Corner Corner is the next chapter in that story – championing sustainability and setting a new standard for what street food and food halls can be.” Chris Davies, chief executive of Harvest London, added: “We’re thrilled to be at the heart of Corner Corner, bringing London’s biggest commercial indoor vertical farm to life in such an inspiring creative space. Our mission is to transform the way we grow, distribute and consume food, and Corner Corner provides the perfect environment to showcase the possibilities of hyper-local, sustainable farming.”

Safestay chairman – we’re aiming for the total number of bed nights to pass one million this year, ‘few irons in the fire’ when it comes to new hostels: Larry Lipman, chairman of hostel operator Safestay, has told Propel the business is aiming to see the total number of bed nights pass the one million mark in 2025, leading to an increase in average rate. Safestay reported a 10% increase in total bed nights to 931,688 in 2024 (2023: 848,633), 37% of which were booked through direct and non-commissionable channels (2023: 32%). Speaking following the company’s trading update, where it reported record revenue of £23.0m for the year ending 31 December 2024, Lipman said: “We managed to get occupancy up last year but that wasn’t really reflected in bed rates. The main reason for that was many customers were leaving it until the last minute to book. Already this year, we’ve seen a 27% increase in forward bookings, and this might be down to the fear of ‘missing out’. That demand then allows us to be more flexible on price and in turn boost bed rates. With the patterns we are seeing so far, we hope to host more than a million bed nights this year.” Safestay is aiming to double in size from its current 20 sites in the medium term, and Lipman said the company “has a few irons in the fire” when it comes to new properties. He added: “We’re always looking in the UK and we’re looking forward to opening our new site in Brighton, but it would also be great to get into places such as Liverpool, Manchester and Dublin. There’s more opportunity in Europe just because of the sheer size, particularly when it comes to countries such as Spain and Italy.” Lipman said the group had managed to get a greater hold on costs “by looking at the business as if we were coming in to buy it”. He added: “Every month, we look at things again as if we were a new business and how we can make it better.”

Mollie’s hires new MD as Darren Sweetland returns to Soho House: Budget motel concept Mollie’s has hired Matt Bell as its new managing director. Bell replaces Darren Sweetland, who had led Mollie’s over the past four years and has returned to Soho House, where he has taken up the role as chief financial officer for UK, Europe & Asia. Bell joins Mollie’s from CitizenM, where he was chief hotel operating officer as the group grew to more than 30 hotels across Europe, the US and Asia during his tenure. Prior to his time at CitizenM, Bell was operations director at The Hospital Club and general manager at Seaham Hall Hotel & Serenity Spa. David Elghanayan, chief executive of Mollie’s, said: “Matt’s proven track record in scaling operations, driving guest satisfaction, and leading sustainability initiatives makes him the ideal leader to help shape the future of Mollie’s. As we continue to grow and redefine the affordable luxury market, Matt’s expertise and strategic mindset will be invaluable.” Bell added: “This year will see the opening of the first city centre Mollies as part of the redevelopment of the Old Granada Studios in Manchester, an exciting time in the evolution of Mollie’s. I look forward to bringing my experience and expertise to build on the amazing work the team has already accomplished, and support Mollie’s in reaching its ambitious goals.” Mollie’s, which has sites in Oxfordshire and Bristol, was conceived by Nick Jones, founder and chief executive of Soho House, and initially launched under the Soho House brand umbrella, but was spun off as an independent entity in 2020. Mollie’s is backed by a “strategic shareholder cohort” including majority shareholder Javad Marandi, who is also an investor in Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, along with co-shareholders Elghanayan and Sweetland, who was formerly EMEA finance director of Soho House.

Wingstop kicks off 2025 openings programme with Swansea launch: Wingstop UK, which is backed by US private equity firm Sixth Street, has kicked off its 2025 openings programme with a launch in Swansea. Located in Wind Street, the 2,762 square-foot site has 115 covers and has created 70 jobs. It is a second site in South Wales for the brand, joining its Cardiff location, which opened in 2023. Wingstop currently operates 57 sites across the UK and employs circa 2,500 people, with more than 20 new locations expected by the end of the year. Wingstop UK chief executive Chris Sherriff said: “We’re starting the year as we mean to go on, with a strong pipeline of new openings, the first of which in Swansea. We’re excited to bring our delicious wings and flavours to more people in South Wales, having proved popular in Cardiff.”

South Wales Burger King franchisee reports turnover boost after opening three new restaurants but resulting capex hits profitability: South Wales Burger King franchisee UnionBurger has reported a turnover boost in the year to 24 March 2024 after opening three new restaurants but said the resulting capital expenditure has hits its profitability. During the year, the company opened new restaurants, in Uplands Swansea, and in Cardiff’s Southgate House and Queens Street, taking its portfolio to 18 sites across South Wales. The company’s turnover grew from £16,697,804 in 2023 to £19,195,841 while a pre-tax profit of £823,247 swung to a loss of £702,364. Employee numbers increased from 255 to 281. Dividends of £350,000 were paid (2023: £3,780,000). Director Chris Baker said: “There has been a significant reduction in profitability during the 52 weeks ended 24 March 2024 compared with the previous year. However, when you consider the following circumstances, we are satisfied that underlying performance is strong and consistent with historic performances. During the period ended 24 March 2024, a further three restaurants were opened across South Wales, which required significant capital expenditure as well as an increase in energy costs and operating lease commitments. The company also increased wages costs in line with the increase in national minimum wage. With the careful management of the restaurant portfolio the underlying profitability remains strong. Accordingly, we believe the company is well positioned to deliver strong revenue going forward. Buoyed by the strong underlying performance the company is in the process of opening additional restaurants post year end in the South Wales area.” Unionburger features in the Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database, the next edition of which will be sent to Premium Club subscribers on Wednesday, 12 February. The database is updated every two months, and the latest version features 180 businesses. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

Six by Nico secures approval for Nottingham site: SixCo, the company behind the Six by Nico restaurant business, has secured approval to open a site in Nottingham. The company had applied to transform the former George’s Great British Kitchen at 15 Queen Street, a listed building, into a restaurant under its eponymous brand. SixCo has now secured approval from the city council for its proposals, which include 92 covers – 56 on the ground floor, 24 on a mezzanine and a 12-seater private dining room. Six by Nico has 16 venues throughout the UK and Ireland and is also set to open sites in Bristol, which is set to open later this month, and Newcastle. Last month, SixCo reported record results after doubling in size. The group also said it continues to work with advisors at Cavendish “to determine the most appropriate route and the best timing to match our ambitions”. It came as the company reported turnover from continuing activities increased 42% to a record £41,880,000 for the year ending 30 June 2024 compared with £29,579,000 the previous year. Ebitda grew 74% to £10.1m.

Liverpool operators take on the running of city’s Panoramic 34 restaurant: Liverpool operators Paolo and Donato Cillo have taken on the running of city’s Panoramic 34 restaurant. One of the UK’s highest restaurants – sitting on the 34th floor of the city’s West Tower – it has been owned and operated by Cathy Frost for almost 20 years. Frost has overseen the restaurant from its very beginning, with her husband Hugh’s property company, Beetham Organisation, having built West Tower. The Cillo brothers, who operate four Gran Caffe locations in Liverpool, have partnered with Sham Jagota, owner of neighbourhood restaurant Al Dente in Lark Lane, for the venture. The Cillos are also behind Il Forno in Duke Street, Crust in Bold Street, the Italian Quarter’s Antonietta, Hey Farina and Brunchin’ and Botanico in Woolton Village. Paolo Cillo said: “We have been operating hospitality venues in Liverpool for more than two decades, and taking over Panoramic further adds to our growing group of restaurants and cafes, ensuring we can offer our guests a variety of dining experiences in the city.” Jagota added: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to work in partnership with Paolo and Donato and there is no better restaurant than the beautiful Panoramic 34.”

Rosslyn Coffee opens sixth site: Award-winning coffee business Rosslyn Coffee has opened its sixth site in the City of London, with further openings in the pipeline. The concept, which was founded by former Caravan head of wholesale James Hennebry and Mat Russell, has opened a site in Cannon Street. It is thought that the company plans to open up to three further sites in Central London over the next 12 months. Hennebry said: “Mat and I first opened the doors at Rosslyn seven years ago with a view to simply creating the kind of coffee shop that we would want to go to. These sites are now among the busiest specialty coffee shops anywhere in the world. It hasn’t always been an easy ride, but it’s always been worthwhile. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this story along the way…plenty more to come.”

Britannia Hotels acquires West Sussex property for its county debut: Britannia Hotels, the UK’s largest private hotel group with 65 locations offering more than 10,000 bedrooms, has acquired a hotel in West Sussex – its first in the county. In a deal handled by Christie & Co, Britannia has completed the purchase of the former Crowne Plaza Felbridge, which comprises 116 en-suite bedrooms on the ground and first floors that overlook a central courtyard. The hotel also offers a health club and spa with a fitness centre, treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and indoor pool alongside a bar, restaurant and extensive conference and event facilities. The hotel was sold on behalf of MCAP Global Finance (UK), the UK affiliate of New York headquartered global asset manager Marathon Asset Management. Robert Ferrari, chief executive of Britannia Hotels, said: “I am delighted that so early in 2025, we are able to announce the acquisition of our 65th hotel, which will be rebranded as Elite Venue Selection Felbridge. Our plans to invest in the hotel will enhance its appeal to a wider range of corporate and leisure guests and is evidence again that we are focused on retaining our position as the UK’s largest privately owned hotel group.”

Boxpark secures lease extension at Shoreditch site: Boxpark has secured a lease extension at its site in London’s Shoreditch until September this year. Last summer, a campaign was launched to stop the venue closing. Having occupied the site since October 2011, Boxpark Shoreditch has reached the expiration of its lease, and notice on the premises had been served by landlords Ballymore and Hammerson, who are set to be redevelop the site. Campaigners said since its inception, Boxpark Shoreditch has provided a platform for more than 250 businesses, supported in excess of 1,000 jobs, generated nearly £100m in economic value and attracted in excess of ten million visitors to the area. Boxpark chief operating officer Ben McLaughlin said: “The support we’ve received from the community has been nothing short of inspiring. The extension of our lease provides certainty to the 47 small, independent businesses, and hundreds of their employees, across our Shoreditch site. As we move forward, we look forward to making the most of our site and partners support to ensure that Boxpark Shoreditch continues to thrive.” Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill added: “This is a significant victory for independent businesses and the local community, reinforcing Shoreditch’s status as a dynamic cultural and economic hub.” Last year, Boxpark launched two new venues – its regional debut in Liverpool plus Camden in north London – adding to its sites in the capital in Croydon and Wembley. Sites are due to open in Birmingham and Bristol, while this spring, sibling social dining concept Boxhall will launch in London’s Liverpool Street.

Immersive experience based on BBC show The Traitors to open in London this summer: An immersive experience based on BBC show The Traitors is set to launch in London’s Covent Garden this summer. The Traitors: Live Experience will allow players to dive into the world of the TV series as they take a seat at “The Round Table”, participate in missions and work together to uncover the “traitors” under the guide of a live host. Each day, the top players will secure a coveted place on the leader board, celebrating the evening’s sharpest strategists and schemers. The experience is being produced by Immersive Everywhere – which is behind projects such as Doctor Who: Time Fracture in London, with BBC Studios, and Peaky Blinders: The Rise in London and Riyadh – along with live music and event promoters Cuffe & Taylor and Global Creative under licence from All3Media International. Those who have signed up to the waiting list can now access exclusive pre-sale tickets ahead of tickets being released for general sale on Monday, 10 February. Claudia Winkleman, host of the UK version of The Traitors, said: “I can’t wait for players to immerse themselves in their own drama, strategy and deception. They’ll love the game and should definitely expect twists.”

West Yorkshire craft brewery Amity Brew Co set to relocate brewing operations to bigger space in Bradford: West Yorkshire craft brewery Amity Brew Co is set to relocate its brewing operations to Bradford, as the company outgrows its current manufacturing facilities at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, near Leeds. The move will support Amity’s ambitious growth plans and increase production capacity to meet growing demand. The brewery has submitted plans to Bradford Council to move its brewing operations to a former furniture storage unit at Albion Mills in Greengates, three miles from its current location. In addition to relocating production, Amity will also open a new taproom. “We’ve loved being part of the vibrant Leeds beer scene, but it’s clear that Bradford offers exciting new opportunities for growth,” said Verity Clarke, director of Amity Brew Co. “This is an amazing time for the move to happen, especially with Bradford being named City of Culture this year. We’re proud to be part of that energy, and we’re excited to contribute to the revitalisation of this dynamic city.” Amity Brew Co has outgrown its current brewing space at Sunny Bank Mills, where brewing can only occur when the bar is closed. The new premises at Albion Mills will allow Amity to expand production and brew round the clock. In addition to the brewing move, the bar at Sunny Bank Mills will remain open and will expand into the area previously used for brewing.

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