Pret A Manger CEO – we are pivoting now to be more of a franchise first organisation, expect to open first drive-thru this year: Pret A Manger chief executive Pano Christou has said the company is pivoting now to be more of a franchise first organisation, with 35% of its sales coming from its franchise partners. The company is closing in on operating circa 700 sites across 20 markets internationally. In the UK, it operates circa 495 sites. Talking to the Boston Consulting Group, Christou said: “We are pivoting now to be more of a franchise first organisation. As it stands today, 35% of our sales are through our franchise partners. In 2019, that was 4%. So, we are pivoting to be what I would call more of a brand service. How we ensure the brand shows up to our franchise partners, which in essence, are our customers, is a big pivot. I think as you look at brands becoming more international, it is a natural progression. The second big piece for us is how we ensure we continue our digital journey, continue that connection with our customers. But I think for me, first and foremost, the most important thing is we are continuing to give a great experience and great value for our customers. We’ve stayed very close to understanding how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting our sector. We’re already starting to use AI for things such as marketing, recruitment and how we analyse different candidate applications. We are also looking at opening our first drive-thru in 2025 and looking at different technologies to enable that customer experience, and there are lots of companies that are now using AI for that. I would say the sector hasn’t been fully disrupted from an AI perspective, as other industries may have done. I think AI will see some big lifts within the world, and I think it will become ever clearer as that technology matures.” In terms of the company’s resilience over the past five years, he said: “If you’ve got a good team that you're united with, that you collaborate with and that can really be honest with each other, you’ll generally come through things together. The resilience of the Pret team, from my perspective, has been absolutely phenomenal. We wouldn’t be in the position that we are today without our team members, and I think they are very excited now with the next phase of growth for our brand.” 

 

Premium Club members to receive next Turnover & Profits Blue Book today featuring 1,066 companies: Premium Club members will receive the next Turnover & Profits Blue Book today (Friday, 14 February), at 12pm. The database will feature 79 updated accounts and ten new companies, taking the total to 1,066. A total of 665 companies are making a profit while 401 are making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Premium Club members also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings 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 and International Brands report. 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.

 

Hospitality drives economic growth for second month in row: Hospitality has driven economic growth for the second month in a row. Food and drink was the largest contributor to growth in consumer-facing services in December 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics, with the economy growing 0.1% in the final quarter of 2024 – and 0.9% across the year. The December performance follows the sector being the biggest driver of economic growth in November. However, UKHospitality has again warned that the consistent growth being delivered by the sector will be curbed when £3.4bn of costs hit the industry in April. Chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “We’ve seen over the past few months that hospitality is delivering reliable economic growth, despite the challenging economic circumstances the sector continues to face. Hospitality’s resilient growth is something the government should be backing, but instead it is stunting the sector’s potential by inflicting such damaging costs on businesses. Driving growth is rightly the national priority and hospitality can be the vehicle, if the government rethinks its regressive changes to employers’ national insurance contributions.”

 

UKHospitality Cymru urges Welsh government to rethink taxing children’s holidays in visitor levy: UKHospitality Cymru has called for the Welsh government to rethink its insistence on taxing children in its visitor levy and consider the impact this will have on families’ ability to holiday in Wales. It follows Welsh finance secretary Mark Drakeford telling the Senedd’s finance committee that the visitor accommodation Bill would not exempt children from the levy simply because it would create a “significant fall” in revenue. He said the charge was “less than the cost of a cup of coffee”. David Chapman, executive director of UKHospitality Cymru, said: “It may be the price of a coffee in high-end parts of Cardiff, but a local family with four children face paying, with VAT, £12 a night or £84 a week extra to holiday in their own country. Why is the Welsh government taking this position? For those involved it is unanimous – scrap plans to charge children. The Welsh government needs a complete reset on this tax. It should re-evaluate why it’s doing this and what the unintended consequences for families across Wales could be. If it is insistent on pursuing a tourist tax, its funds should be ringfenced to benefit sustainable tourism, protect family holidays and come with a commitment to work together to attract more people to enjoy our landscapes, cities, heritage and culture.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a company that is seeking a head of construction and facilities. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will involve developing and implementing a facilities strategy, managing supplier contracts, controlling budgets, overseeing maintenance operations and leading construction projects, including new builds and refurbishments, ensuring compliance, cost efficiency, timely completion and full compliance with fire safety and health regulations. The head of construction and facilities will also liaise with key stakeholders, guide and support maintenance teams, drive technical excellence, and align strategies with business objectives.” The salary is up to £100,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email joe@corecruitment.com. 

 

Restaurant Brands International – Popeyes UK average restaurant sales at nearly $3m: Josh Kobza, chief executive of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the owner of Burger King and Tim Hortons, has said average restaurant sales for Popeyes UK reached nearly $3m (£2.4m) last year. He also hinted the group’s Firehouse Subs brand could make its long-mooted UK launch later this year. Speaking on an analyst call after the company’s fourth-quarter update, Kobza said: “Popeyes UK, which opened a little over three years ago, surpassed 65 units this year, growing nearly 75% year-on-year, and reached nearly $3m in average restaurant sales, up from $2.6m in 2023. For Tim Hortons, international comparable sales grew 3.3%, including 4.7% growth in the fourth quarter. We saw solid growth in many of our largest markets, including Australia, Spain, the UK and Brazil, thanks to well executed calendar initiatives, compelling core value offerings and great restaurant level execution. In our international markets, growth will be driven by a mix of new brand market combinations, as well as increased penetration in existing high average restaurant sales markets like France, Australia and the UK.” Earlier this week, RBI reported like-for-like sales growth of 2.5%, fuelled by the better-than-expected performance from Burger King and Popeyes’ restaurants. Popeyes UK, which is backed here by TDR Capital, currently operates circa 70 sites. It plans to open 350 sites by about 2031, with more than 45 restaurants, drive-thrus and takeaway hubs at rail stations expected to open this year to expand its reach to large cities such as Leeds and Bristol. Popeyes UK is targeting sales of more than £200m in 2025, up 70% year-on-year. Popeyes will feature in Propel’s highly anticipated International Brands report. Featuring the 100 leading international brands in UK hospitality, the report launches this March and is available to pre-order now. This in-depth report explores company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and turnover figures – an essential tool for industry professionals navigating the UK hospitality market. The top 100 will include expanding brands from markets such as the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. The guide will be sent out as two files – an introductory PDF featuring deep dives into international brands from Propel’s writers, and a fully searchable Excel sheet for easy access to key data. The analysis includes Matteo Frigeri, founder of Seeds Consulting, on the challenges of recruiting the right UK franchisee, Michael Ingemann, director of Think Hospitality, on why European brands chose the UK for expansion, and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova examining the UK market for quick service restaurant operators. The International Brands report will be available from 9am on Friday, 28 March for £595 plus VAT, with existing Premium Club members able to purchase at a discounted rate of £395 plus VAT. Premium Club members will receive it free on Friday, 9 May at 9am. Pre-order your copy today by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

Merlin Entertainments eyes sale of aquarium assets: Merlin Entertainments, the world’s biggest theme park operator, has begun exploring a sale of some of its aquarium assets as it seeks to prioritise investment in its biggest international sites. Sky News reported that Merlin has appointed investment bank Rothschild to review a potential sale of some of its Sea Life attractions in the UK and overseas. Merlin owns more than 40 aquariums globally, many of which trade under the Sea Life brand. In the UK, there are 11 such attractions, including in London, Birmingham and Manchester. Sources close to the process said those three sites were definitely not for sale. Other Sea Life locations in Britain include Blackpool, Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Loch Lomond, Scarborough and Weymouth. Some or all of these could be sold depending upon interest from bidders, the sources added. The possible disposals only relate to Merlin’s aquariums division and do not encompass any other area of its operations, which include Legoland, Madame Tussauds and Alton Towers. A Merlin spokesperson said: “Like any well-run business, Merlin regularly reviews its estate, to ensure it reflects the company's long-term growth strategy. We continue to invest in our attractions globally – opening 24 new rides, attractions and experiences in 2024. Next month, the first stand-alone Peppa Pig Theme Park will open in Dallas Fort Worth, followed by the first Legoland Resort in China, opening in Shanghai this summer. This follows our recent announcement of a new global strategic partnership to bring Minecraft to life in Merlin locations – initially on both sides of the Atlantic.”

 

Chopstix looks to ‘significantly increase’ its existing 150-strong store portfolio: Chopstix, the QSRP-backed business, has appointed property advisors to advise on its ambitious UK expansion plans, as it looks to “significantly increase” its existing 150-strong store portfolio. Following strategic investment in the brand from leading European quick-service restaurant platform QSRP last October, Chopstix, the UK’s largest Asian quick service restaurant brand, has appointed Savills as sole agent to advise on accelerating growth across the UK and Europe. Chopstix plans to focus on “high-traffic, prominent and thriving areas, including high streets, shopping centres and travel hubs, all of which benefit from substantial consumer spending”. Sam Shaw, acquisitions manager at Chopstix, said: “In recent years, amid steady growth of the Chopstix estate, we’ve undertaken significant market mapping and have recognised huge headroom for further expansion across the UK, as consumers increasingly seek out our bold Chinese flavours over other high street staples. I’m delighted to appoint Savills to support Chopstix on this growth trajectory. The team consistently secures the best sites for its clients and with it onboard, we really are primed to rapidly accelerate our growth.” Chris O’Mahony, retail director at Savills Bristol, added: “With a focus on high-growth markets, we are proud to support Chopstix in its mission to deliver exceptional dining experiences, while contributing to its broader vision of growth and success in the competitive landscape in which it operates.”

 

Simone Remoli set to launch new kiosk concept for fifth London location, to expand it ‘across London and nationwide’: Simone Remoli, the chef-founder behind the Pasta Remoli restaurant business, is set to launch a new kiosk concept for his fifth London location, which he intends to expand “across London and nationwide”. He will open the first Remoli kiosk at Brent Cross shopping centre, in north west London, on Monday, 31 March. The concept will join his Remoli restaurants in Wembley Park, Ealing Broadway, Bromley and Westfield Stratford. “I’m thrilled to announce Remoli will be opening a new kiosk shop at Brent Cross shopping centre, in the newly launched food hall, The District,” Reomli said. “This project has been more than a year in the making, perfecting the recipe for our signature fresh pasta while also developing something new, our Roma crunchy crust pizza. This kiosk brings together two of the most beloved dishes from Italy and around the world, all made with the finest ingredients sourced directly from Italy. This marks the beginning of a new era for Remoli. We see this as a fresh, exciting concept that we’re eager to expand across London and nationwide in the coming years.” Remoli previously launched a grab-and-go concept, in London’s St Pancras International, in 2021, but that has since closed.

 

Bodean’s hires Gemma Hampton-Stone as new MD: London American barbecue diner-deli brand Bodean’s has hired Gemma Hampton-Stone, formerly of Rose Pubs Company, Noble Inns and Grosvenor Pubs, as its new managing director. Hampton-Stone joins the four-strong Bodean’s from Rose Pubs Company, where she spent two and a half years as its operations director. Before that, she spent a year as operations director at Noble Inns, and a year and a half as operations director at Grosvenor Pubs. She has also had stints at Liberation Group and Cubitt House. Bodean’s currently operates “smokehouse” sites in Covent Garden, Soho and Tower Hill, plus an all-day diner in Camden. Last year, the company exited its site in Clapham, which was subsequently acquired by Wingstop. Last spring, André Blais, founder of Bodean’s, opened the first site under his new Gerry’s Hot Subs concept, at 50 Exmouth Market, in London’s Clerkenwell.

 

Chicken Cottage makes Ireland debut: Halal fast food company Chicken Cottage has opened its debut site in Ireland, in County Louth. The business has opened in Moneymore, Drogheda. The brand, which is owned by TGI Global Holdings, is building towards a target of 100 stores globally by 2027. Chicken Cottage now has 65 sites in the UK as well as a handful in Africa and south Asia. Earlier this week, Chicken Cottage said it is to train more than 1,000 of its staff across London to spot signs of exploitation among its teenage customers. Staff will be trained to spot concerning behaviour such as youngsters travelling alone or appearing anxious or under the control of older individuals. 

 

Greenhalgh’s losses widen after absorbing impact of 400% rise in energy bills, closes several stores affected by reduced footfall: North west craft baker Greenhalgh’s saw its losses widen in the year to 30 January 2024 after absorbing the impact of a 400% rise in energy bills. Last year, the 48-strong business reported its pre-tax profit in 2022 turned into a loss of £489,360 following a huge rise in electricity contracts in September 2022. That loss widened to £1,232,210 in its latest reporting year, off a rise in turnover from £25,208,327 to £26,122,867. The company also said it has closed some stores that were hit by poor footfall but continues to open new locations. Director David Smart said: “The company bakes the majority of its savoury products within the retail outlets themselves and the electricity contracts for these shops continued to suffer from an approximate 400% rise in September 2022. New cheaper contracts were agreed in September 2023, but the highest prices had to be absorbed for eight months of the financial year under review. The company opened two new shops during the period under review. We also closed a number of shops as their leases came to an end. Most of these had been affected by footfall reductions during and post covid-19 and had never properly recovered. We opened a site in Aspull, Greater Manchester, in May 2024 and commitments have been made for further outlets in the Wigan and Chorley areas. The company will continue to invest in both its traditional delivery vehicles as well as sandwich vans. Together with bakery plant and machinery, this is estimated to total approximately £1m in the year to 30 January 2025. Negotiations are ongoing with a number of supermarkets to increase our presence in the wholesale area, particularly as a response to ‘local supply’ initiatives.” No dividend was paid (2023: nil).

 

‘Sticks‘n’Sushi hires Simon Gaske as chief marketing officer: Japanese premium restaurant group Sticks‘n’Sushi – in which McWin, the backer of Gail’s and Big Mamma Group, acquired a majority stake last year – has hired Simon Gaske as its new chief marketing officer, Propel has learned. He joins Sticks‘n’Sushi following two years at ETM Group as chief commercial officer. Prior to this, Gaske was chief commercial officer at Ambl, the tech start-up specialising in last-minute reservations for restaurants, and director of sales at Stonegate Group. Sticks‘n’Sushi said Gaske brings “extensive commercial experience to the business” and will work closely with chief executive Andreas Karlsson as the group continues to expand. Gaske will be responsible for shaping the brand strategy, developing and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns, driving growth and ensuring there is a unified approach across departments. Karlsson said: “Simon is already immersing himself in the brand’s 30-year heritage and exploring our Danish roots in Copenhagen. As we continue to grow and expand our reach, his expertise will be essential in crafting our future direction and development as we explore new opportunities.” Gaske added: “The brand has a unique blend of Japanese craftsmanship and Danish creativity, and I look forward to building on this heritage to create fresh, engaging experiences for our guests. My focus will be on driving innovation, elevating our storytelling, and strengthening our position in the market.” The company opened its 15th site in the UK in November, in London’s Battersea.

 

Gordon Ramsay linked to taking on La Gavroche site: Gordon Ramsay is understood to be in talks to take on the former Le Gavroche site in London’s Mayfair. The chef and restaurateur’s Union Street Café business has applied for a licence transfer for the site in Upper Brook Street, which closed at the start of last year. Propel reported last March that a new restaurant operator was being sought for the former Le Gavroche site. In August 2023, Michel Roux Jr announced the closure of Le Gavroche at its Upper Brook Street site, where the restaurant had operated for 43 years. Originally opened in 1967 by Michel’s father, Albert, and uncle, Michel, in Lower Sloane Street, where it remained until 1981, Le Gavroche was the first restaurant in the UK to gain one, two and three Michelin stars (it closed holding two). Le Gavroche became known as “the last bastion in London of classically rich French haute cuisine” and a London institution, internationally recognised for its “culinary excellence and unparalleled attention to detail”. Michel Roux Jr, who headed the restaurant since 1991, said that he was looking for a better work/life balance, and the end of his current lease gave him the opportunity. Luxury residence operator Grand Residence Club (GRC) by Marriott appointed Davis Coffer Lyons to source a new tenant for the 4,000 square-foot restaurant premises, which sits below GRC’s luxury residences. It is understood the site’s “compelling history and sought-after Mayfair location” meant it had attracted a great deal of interest from a range of operators, including high profile chefs as well as new international entrants.

 

Buzzworks to open fourth Herringbone site: Scottish independent restaurant and bar operator Buzzworks Holdings is to open a fourth restaurant under its Herringbone concept, and its third in Edinburgh. The new 130-cover site will open this May, in the suburb of Barnton. Located at 201-205 Whitehouse Road, the venue sits on a site that has previously served as a retail unit, office space and, most recently, a Sainsbury’s store. With a sizeable six-figure investment being dedicated to a kitchen featuring an Italian Moretti Forni pizza oven, the transformation will create a “warm, welcoming space that is both stylish and comfortable”. Herringbone already operates sites in Edinburgh’s Goldenacre and Abbeyhill, as well as the original site in North Berwick. Buzzworks acquired independent hospitality business Herringbone in April 2022. Ash Bairstow, operations director for Herringbone, said: “Herringbone is all about creating a welcoming neighbourhood venue where people can relax, enjoy great company, and experience outstanding food and drink. We can’t wait to open our doors and become part of the local community.” Buzzworks currently operates 21 venues across east, west and central Scotland, employing more than 800 staff under concepts including Scotts, Lido, Vic’s & The Vine and Herringbone. Last year, the group revealed plans to double the size of its portfolio, while last month, Buzzworks reported turnover increased 18% to a record £34.8m for the year ending 28 April 2024 compared with £29.9m the previous year.

 

Scottish Starbucks franchisee opens three new stores in the first six weeks of year: Scottish Starbucks franchisee Explorer Group has got its 2025 pipeline off to a flying start by opening three new stores in the first six weeks of the year. The group has just opened at Livingstone’s The Centre destination after securing a 3,174 square-foot unit on a 15-year lease. This follows drive-thru openings at Dundee Kingsway and in Musselburgh in January. Explorer Group now operates 19 sites across Scotland, as well as two M&S Food stores. Meanwhile, Starbucks franchisee Magic Bean has applied to open a new drive-thru in South Wales. The application – for land adjacent to car garage and MOT centre HBH Land Rovers in Caerphilly Road in Nantgarw, Taff's Well – has been recommended for approval by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Magic Bean operates more than 60 stores across Wales and England.

Cinema operator Manero opens sixth site: Family-owned cinema operator Manero has opened its sixth site. The company has launched The Northern Light Cinema in Sale, Greater Manchester. The three-screen complex has opened in the newly regenerated Stanley Square, having previously secured a 15-year lease to occupy the former WHSmith unit. Tony Mundin, owner and managing director of Manero, said: “The Northern Light Cinema offers an affordable yet luxurious experience, making it easier for everyone in Sale to enjoy regular trips to the movies. Our focus is on exceptional service and comfort, ensuring that every visit is a fantastic one.” Manero is the holding company of the Mundin family, which also owns cinemas including the Rex in Wilmslow in Cheshire, and the Regal in Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. Founded in 2020, Manero’s cinemas also offer wine, local craft beer and homemade cakes, alongside the usual cinema snacks.

Olga and Alex Polizzi’s hotel business suffers only modest reduction in profit margin following inflationary pressures: Hotel Tresanton, the company founded by Alex and Olga Polizzi, suffered only a modest reduction in profit margin following inflationary pressures in the year to 31 January 2024, the owners have said. The group – which operates the Hotel Tresanton in Mawes, the Endsleigh Hotel in Milton Abbot, and whose subsidiary operates The Star in Alfriston – saw pre-tax profit slip from £1,521,374 in 2023 to £1,123,325. Turnover also saw a slight reduction, from £11,637,756 to £11,611,548, while Ebitda dropped from £2,635,000 to £2,396,000. No grants were received (2023: £18,450). “The hospitality sector has continued to face a number of pressures, from high levels of inflation to cost of living pressures impacting discretionary spend,” Olga Polizzi said. “The group has seen a slight reduction in revenue in the current year, and through strong management, the impact of inflationary pressure has led to a modest reduction in the gross profit margin to 80.5% (2023: 80.9%). Administrative costs have increased in the year, largely as a result of increases in light and heat costs, as well as wages.”

 

Roadchef to open new Costa and McDonald’s in Folkestone: Motorway services operator Roadchef is set to open a new Costa Coffee and McDonald’s in Folkestone, Kent. The new venues, at Folkestone Services on the M20, will be open round the clock, and there will be self-serve kiosks across both brands. The openings, along with that of a new WHSmith, will create 80 jobs. Mark Fox, who last month said he will be stepping down as chief executive at Roadchef, said: “With the introduction of 24-hour services, high-speed EV charging and top brands, we aim to provide a more convenient and comfortable experience for all travellers. This investment at Folkestone reinforces our long-term commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and amenities that support all road users across the UK’s motorway network.”

Nottingham operators open third site: Nottingham operators Will Chambers and Lau Wensink have opened their third site on the same street in the city. The owners of cocktail bar 31K and breakfast bar Yolk in Hockley’s Goose Gate have launched casual fine dining restaurant Skein. The restaurant has 33 seats on the ground and upper floors and is housed in a former bubble tea shop on the corner with Brightmoor Street. The menu is ever-changing using seasonal produce, reports Nottinghamshire Live.

Welcome Break planning new East Midlands service station that would feature KFC drive-thru, Starbucks, Pret and Burger King: Welcome Break is planning to build a new East Midlands service station that would feature a KFC drive-thru plus Starbucks, Pret A Manger and Burger King locations. The scheme, which would be built on land to the east of Junction 1 of the M69, east of Stretton Croft in Burbage, has been recommended for approval by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. Last month, Welcome Break opened its first new service station in 20 years – featuring Pret, Burger King, KFC and Chopstix sites. The £55m state-of-the-art Welcome Break Rotherham is located at junction 33 on the M1. Welcome Break’s parent company, Applegreen, earlier this month sold its UK service station estate to EG on the Move. Welcome Break was not part of the deal and remains under Applegreen’s ownership.

Manchester Chinese food hall concept Hello Oriental makes shopping centre debut as part of new dining destination at Trafford Centre: Manchester Chinese food hall concept Hello Oriental has made its shopping centre debut for its second site. The business, which offers east Asian food across three storeys – comprising a restaurant, bar, cafe and events space – off Oxford Road, has opened a new food hall within the city’s Trafford Centre. Founded by Ricky Yip and Azim Koura, Hello Oriental has a menu of more than 100 dishes. The Hello Oriental opening is part of new dining destination championing homegrown restaurant talent at the Trafford Centre called Eastern Garden. Hello Oriental joins Indian street food concept Chit ‘n’ Chaat, which opened in Eastern Garden in December for its fifth site, at the venue. The line-up also includes Nichi, a contemporary Japanese dining experience with a Peruvian twist specialising in sushi, live robata cooking and tableside flambé, featuring a mezzanine level for private omakase dining and live DJ performances on weekends. Meanwhile, Blanchflower Coffee, which was founded by Phil and Claire Howells and has its own bakery in Sale, is opening a site in the coming weeks. 

 

London Sichuan restaurant operator to open second site: London Sichuan restaurant operator Li Zhang is set to open a second site. Zhang, who is also behind Sanxia Renjia at 29 Goodge Street, is preparing to this month launch 3 Gorges in the former Trattoria Mondello unit at 36 Goodge Street. The Hubei and Cantonese restaurant will offer dishes such as three-coloured xiao long bao and crispy fried oysters, spicy beef shank and a Beijing Peking duck. There will also be a “Three Ways of Eating Geoduck”, which guests have to order in advance, and a £388 set menu that will include black truffle king and crab noodles and caviar Peking Beijing duck, reports Hot Dinners.

 

Utopian Brewing launches crowdfunding campaign for first wholly owned venue: Utopian Brewing, the Devon brewer, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to help open its first wholly owned venue, in Exeter. The business, which was founded in 2019, is looking to raise £25,000 towards the site, which will be called Arcadia and will open on the former No.5 restaurant site in the city. So far, it has raised more than £7,000 towards its target. Richard Archer, co-founder and chief executive of Utopian Brewing, said the bar and eatery will showcasing its own beer, as well as stocking a wide range of beer and cider “from our indie beer pals”. He added: “We want the site to be much more than just a beer taproom, so we will also have a locally sourced, small plates and sharers food menu, a fabulous independent wine list from our pals at East Street Wines, and a varied selection of low and no drinks including our recently released AF Pilsner. As always with these projects, there are lots of things to fund, and to help us with that, we have launched this crowdfunder. Reaching our target will ensure we can have a fully operational kitchen from day one and enable us to include all the exciting activities and entertainment options we want our guests to enjoy.”

Birmingham Indian restaurant concept to open second site: Birmingham Indian restaurant concept Indian Cafe Racer is to open a second site. The concept was launched in 2022, tucked away behind a curtain in the Duke of Wellington Pub in Bristol Street. Now, Indian Cafe Racer has revealed plans to open a second location, just a few doors away, in the former Quarter Horse Coffee shop. The restaurant will have 65 covers, with room at the rear for 24 alfresco diners. As well as its signature dishes such as its spice lamb chops, red mullet moilee and the broccoli GT 65, additional Indo-Chinese plates will be added, as well as regularly rotating specials. A spokesperson told Birmingham Live: “Everything about Indian Cafe Racer is special. We have top restaurants in Birmingham but often there are things that we feel are missing. We’ve created a standard that’s an accumulation of every error, every mistake and everything we think is lacking in other restaurants.”

Applebee’s in London’s Borough Market reopens: Applebee’s seafood restaurant in London’s Borough Market has reopened, with a fresh concept and new menu to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Applebee’s is run by brothers Jack, Harry and Matt and has been around since the end of the last century, when their parents, Joy and Graham Applebee, started a fish stall in the market. Crafted by new executive chef Frankie van Loo, the refined menu features a weekly-changing selection of fresh seafood, dictated by what lands on the Devon and Cornwall dayboats each morning. Dishes will include grilled dover sole served with brown shrimp and lemon butter, bouillabaisse with Lincolnshire Poacher, Applebee’s signature fish and chips and seafood platters. From March, Applebee’s will also offer a twist on the traditional Sunday roast, with options like salmon en croute or a whole turbot. Whole catches in a variety of sizes will allow diners to select their preferred weight, priced daily at market rates, while each fish is dry-aged for 24-36 hours in a Himalayan pink salt chamber before being cooked over the live-fire grill. “We are extremely proud to celebrate our 25th anniversary with the relaunch of our restaurant,” the family said. “As part of our reopening, we will also be providing all guests, old and new, with a more elevated dining experience in a fresh space with a greater emphasis on the journey which our seafood takes.” The family are also behind La Gamba on South Bank.