Propel Newsletter Archive Page

Exclusive – Patty & Bun completes successful restructuring of the business: Patty & Bun, the better burger concept led by Joe Grossmann, which appointed advisors at the start of the year to explore its strategic options, has completed a restructuring that will see it continue to trade from all its existing sites, Propel has learned. Propel revealed at the start of the year that Patty & Bun, which was founded by Grossmann in 2012, had engaged Williams & Partners to review its options. Patty & Bun currently operates seven restaurants – six in London and one in Brighton – plus three concessions, two with Swingers and one with Lane7. Earlier this month, Propel reported that Patty & Bun, which entered into a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in the summer of 2023, had filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator. Grossmann told Propel: “Following the CVA in September 2023, Patty & Bun unfortunately lost its Old Compton Street and London Bridge sites. Since then, trading has been challenging (like for so many in the industry), with revenues continuing to be impacted by the effect of working from home and costs materially increasing across the board. The management team remains confident that the business has a profitable and bright future. However, over the last few months, the requirement to service the CVA put too much pressure on cashflow for it to continue in its current structure. Following professional advice, a restructuring was planned whereby the business and assets were acquired by a new company led by the existing team. With funding being made available by existing investors, Patty & Bun will continue to trade from all its sites and all staff will be kept on, to help build the business to a bigger and better future.”

Industry News:

M&B divisional director Anna-Marie Mason to speak at Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference, open for bookings with 20% discount on tickets for Premium Club subscribers: Anna-Marie Mason, divisional director of Mitchells & Butlers’ premium division, will be among the speakers at the Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference. The all-day conference takes place on Wednesday, 14 May at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. Marie-Mason will discuss the evolution of the group’s Vintage Inns, Premium Country Pubs and Miller & Carter brands, with a special focus on the resurgence of the latter’s steakhouse concept. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £345 plus VAT for suppliers. There is a 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club subscribers. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated segmented Multi-Site Database with 3,360 operators and 27 new companies tomorrow: Premium Club subscribers are to receive the updated Multi-Site Database tomorrow (Friday, 28 March), at noon. The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,360 multi-site operators and is searchable in seven main segments. The database features 981 (29%) operators from the casual dining sector, 792 (24%) pub and bar operators, 571 (17%) cafe bakery operators, 472 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 276 (8%) hotel operators, 214 (6%) experiential leisure operators and 54 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month, and this edition includes 27 new companies. The database includes new additions in the casual dining sector such as Ria’s, the all-day Detroit-style pizza and natural wine concept, the boutique restaurant group Fired Up Collective, and Cardiff Turkish restaurant concept Longa. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five additional databases: the New Openings Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who's Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers 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 International Brands report. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers 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 subscribers 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 subscribers 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.

Cost of living pressures hold down delivery and takeaway sales in February: Britain’s leading restaurant groups continued to struggle for growth in delivery and takeaway sales in February 2025, CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality at Home Tracker reveals. Like-for-like sales were up by only 1.7% from February 2024, below the current rate of inflation as measured by the consumer price index. That follows a 0.6% drop in January, which was the tracker’s first negative number for more than 12 months. The flattening of restaurants’ at-home sales is in line with eat-in trends measured by the separate CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker. This tracker, based on a different cohort of managed groups, recorded a year-on-year sales increase of just 0.1% in February. Weak growth reflects a squeeze on many consumers’ spending in light of rising household costs, as well as uncertainty about the economic outlook. CGA’s Consumer Pulse research in February showed well over half of Britons remain either severely (18%) or moderately (39%) impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, and 42% said they were going out to eat and drink less frequently – more than double the 18% who were going out more often. A breakdown of CGA’s Hospitality at Home Tracker indicates deliveries provided slightly stronger sales growth in February 2025, rising 2.4% year-on-year. Takeaways and click-and-collect orders increased by just 0.4%, their lowest figure since August. Karl Chessell, CGA’s business unit director hospitality operators and food EMEA, said: “The flatlining of both eat-in and at-home sales has made it a concerning start to 2025 for many hospitality groups. Rising costs continue to compromise consumers’ discretionary spending, and they are also intensifying the pressure on restaurants’ menu prices and profit margins. Forthcoming increases to employers’ national insurance contributions will further weaken some vulnerable businesses, and support is urgently needed to sustain this vital sector. Better weather will hopefully encourage more people to go out in the next few months but the outlook for 2025 remains challenging.”

UK spearheads recovery as 2024 marks turning point in investment for European hotels: The UK spearheaded the recovery as a surge in European hotel transactions in 2024 marked a turning point for investment in the industry, according to a new report. Transaction volume was up 62% year-on-year, the highest level recorded since 2019, according to the latest HVS European Hotel Transaction Report from global hotel consultancy HVS London, and its hotel brokerage arm HVS Hodges Ward Elliott. The UK was the most active country in terms of total asset activity by volume, with 36% of deals, followed by Spain (15%), France (12%), and Italy and Germany taking a 6% share each. London, Paris and Madrid topped the table in terms of city transactional activity. London retained its position as Europe’s most transacted city, with €3bn in deals – matching the combined total of the next five most active cities. Portfolio transaction volume totalled €6.8bn in 2024, significantly up on 2023 levels. Around half of portfolio deals were in secondary cities, notably in Spain, France, Germany and Belgium. London recorded the highest volume, with €1.9bn in portfolio transactions, followed by Amsterdam with €240m. London ranked second behind Paris (€1.4bn) in terms of single asset transaction volume, with deals reaching €1bn, followed by Madrid, Venice and Athens. The report said buying and selling activity was fuelled by easing interest rates and abundant funding from private equity investors, most notably for large portfolios deals, giving a total transaction volume for the year of €17.4bn, a rise of €6.7bn on 2023 levels. Hotels across Europe fetched an average price of €29m, up 5% on the previous year, with the average price per room reaching €215,300, up 9% on 2023, and around 5% higher than in 2019.

UKHospitality Scotland – new funding should be used to extend rates relief for businesses: New funding made available to the Scottish government should be used to “offset the pain of cost increases by making business rates relief universal for Scottish hospitality businesses, UKHospiality Scotland has said. In the spring statement, chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed a further £28m in Barnett consequentials for Scotland. In response, Leon Thompson, executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “Hospitality has so much potential to deliver for Scotland economically, socially and culturally. We therefore urge the Scottish government to use this additional funding to extend the current business rates relief to all hospitality businesses for this financial year, to put them on a better footing, protect jobs and drive growth.”

Company News:

Wagamama CEO – loyalty scheme leading to higher frequency of visit and increased average spend per head: Thomas Heier, chief executive of Wagamama, The Restaurant Group-owned brand, has said “soul club”, the brand’s first loyalty programme that was launched last July, has led to a higher frequency of visit by those signed up to the scheme, and a higher average spend per head. Talking at last week’s Propel Multi-Club Conference, Heier said in terms of sign-ups, the company was “where we wanted to be”. He said: “We’ve got just over a million people signed up and we are looking to get to two million by the end of this year. When it comes to incrementality of spend, we are seeing early green shoots, and normally we would wait a little bit longer, until at least a year, to look at frequency. But we can certainly see that those people who are on soul club are coming more often than the kind of people that aren’t. Their average spend per head is quite specifically higher than the regular average spend per head, and net promoter scores that tend to be higher as well. You may say is that because your super fans have all signed up. I think there’ll be a little bit of that, but it’s not just that, and we’ll understand more as the scheme matures and gets bigger.” Heier said the business assumed most sign-ups to the scheme would be through digital channels, but the majority come from in its restaurants. Last summer, the business also launched its first brunch menu into 22 UK sites, and came to an end for the majority at the end of October. Heier said: “What we tended to find was that the bulk of people came after 10am, so there was very little happening before then. The thing that surprised me most was most people were ordering chicken katsu, chicken ramens and pad Thais at that time in the morning. They were bypassing the brunch menu. We also concluded there was quite a lot of additional complexity, but we’ve probably now got an additional 50 sites that actually open at 10am rather than 11am. We also, in many instances, start delivery at 10am now, because we have teams prepping and getting ready for the day, so it’s not an additional labour cost.” Heier was among the speakers at last week's Propel Multi-Club Conference. His video and the 13 others from the conference will be made available to Premium Club members on Wednesday, 9 April, at 9am. 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.

Barons Eden secures investment to fuel expansion: Barons Eden, the luxury hotel and spa group, has secured investment from private equity firm Alchemy Partners to fuel its expansion. Established in 1989 and in private ownership since, Barons Eden is an award-winning hospitality business that comprises Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire and Eden Hall Day Spa in Nottinghamshire – two of the largest spa resorts in Europe – and that welcomed more than 180,000 guests during 2024. The funding from Alchemy provides capital and expertise to expand the business through the acquisition and development of multiple properties within the UK. The deal, for an undisclosed amount, marks Alchemy’s tenth investment through its special opportunities funds into the European hospitality sector in the last 14 years. Thomas Boszko, partner at Alchemy, said: “In Barons Eden, we are partnering with an exceptional management team. The business has a highly differentiated model that is primed for expansion in a highly fragmented sector. We strongly believe that with further capital, Barons Eden will be able to grow its footprint and become the pre-eminent destination spa company in the UK.” Alantra acted as financial advisor to Barons Eden on the deal. The deal team comprised of Savills, RSM, Barclays, Ashurst and Macfarlanes. Bobby Fletcher, managing director and head of real estate investment banking at Alantra, added: “Barons Eden’s sophisticated approach to the business, combined with the opportunity for consolidation and professionalisation in the UK’s hotel and spa market, presents a highly compelling investment thesis. With the backing of Alchemy’s experienced team, we are confident that Barons Eden will continue to strengthen its market position and deliver exceptional performance across its portfolio.” Latest accounts available for Barons Eden show turnover increased to £30,780,836 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £29,123,704 the previous year. Adjusted Ebitda was up to £5,995,894 from £5,619,302 the year before, while pre-tax profit was down to £1,060,589 from £3,991,154 the previous year.

JD Wetherspoon set to take on ex-Revolution site in Edinburgh: JD Wetherspoon is to add a site in Edinburgh to its 2025 opening pipeline. Propel understands that Wetherspoon is set to take on the former Revolution site in the city’s Chambers Street for an opening later this year. Last October, Propel revealed that Wetherspoon had secured the former Revolution site in Bath’s George Street, for an opening later this year. Brandon Elmon, of the Gen1us Group, was marketing the Edinburgh site. Meanwhile, analysts at HSBC have said Wetherspoon’s balance sheet remains in “good health”, and the company’s outperformance reflects stronger volume growth. On the back of the company’s first-half update last week, HSBC said: “While Wetherspoon does not disclose its price/volume split, we continue to think that the outperformance reflects stronger volume growth. Given this trading strength, we lift our FY25 like-for-like growth forecast to 5% (from 4%), though we still see potential for outperformance. On a two-year stack, year to date like-for-like momentum is running up 14.3%, ahead of our updated forecast of 13.0%. We estimate each one percentage point increase could result in a 9% benefit to FY25 pre-tax profit given the operational gearing of the business. The balance sheet remains in good health with our FY25 net debt broadly unchanged, and we continue to expect a good rate of de-gearing from 3.5 times in FY25 through to 2.9 times in FY27. We note Wetherspoon is the only covered pub operator that has reinstated its dividend post-pandemic and has restarted share buybacks. Elsewhere, we think Wetherspoon’s disposal programme is coming to an end, as it moves towards expanding its estate towards its long-term ambition of 1,000 managed sites, which should remove a drag on revenue growth. The new franchised operations (started September 2023) appear to be performing well, with a further five partnership pubs set to come through in the second half of the financial year (for a total of eight), with potential possibilities beyond the UK.”

Merlin Entertainments to combine three divisions as one business: Merlin Entertainments is to bring all three of its divisions under one roof in an effort to increase profitability, as the Alton Towers operator said higher operating costs weighed on profits last year. The world’s second biggest attractions company, which welcomed 62.8 million guests in 2024, currently operates three divisions, comprising a total of 135 attractions across 22 countries. Fiona Eastwood, who was announced as the company’s permanent new chief executive in February, told The Times that bringing all three operating segments together as “one united business” will allow the group to “really take advantage of our scale”. She said leveraging the group’s collective expertise across the business should reduce operating costs, increase efficiency and “supercharge” the performance of the business. Merlin recorded an underlying adjusted profit of £573m for the year to 28 December 2024, down 15.1% on the year before, amid higher operating costs and continued investment into its portfolio. The company invested £357m last year, with the opening of 24 new rides, attractions and experiences, including the opening of Hyperia, the UK’s tallest rollercoaster, at Thorpe Park. Total revenue dipped 3.2% to £2.06bn as revenues at its resort theme parks, which include Chessington World of Adventures, fell 5.2% to £429m, which it put down to poor weather and softness in the short break market, in particular in continental Europe. Gateway Attractions, which includes Madame Tussauds, Sea Life and the London Eye, generated sales of £751m, up 0.4% from a year earlier. Revenue at its Legoland parks, which were also affected by poor weather as well as softer demand in the US, fell 4.9% to £869m.

Loungers chairman – reaching 250-site milestone for Lounge shows you should dare to dream big: Alex Reilley, chairman of café bar operator Loungers, has said that reaching the 250-site milestone with its Lounge concept shows you should “dare to dream big” – and that he and his fellow founders knew after the first week the business “was something special”. The Fortress Investment Group-backed business opened its 250th Lounge, and 290th site in total – the Rivolo Lounge in St Anne’s Quarter in Norwich – on Wednesday (26 March). Reilley, who founded Loungers in Bristol in 2002 with Jake Bishop and Dave Reid, said: “It’s a point of reflection when you hit these milestones. We knew after our very first week that it was something special, but we couldn't have predicted 23 years later we would be opening our 250th Lounge. The lesson? Dare to dream big. Employing almost 10,000 people is just unbelievable. The job creation and everyone that has got on board the Loungers bus – or fleet, as it is now – has been a massive part of what we’ve really enjoyed about the business and its growth.” Bishop said: “This milestone is something we can all be proud of, so a massive well done’to the teams, the suppliers and to all the teams behind the scenes – everyone who makes the Loungers bus roll.” The group has consistently reiterated a belief that there is scope for at least 600 Lounges across the UK, and to double its current 36-strong Cosy Club estate. Loungers plans to open around 35 new sites a year, with further openings lined up over the next two months including Orso Lounge in Congleton, Vetro Lounge in Rotherham, Sotto Lounge in Chatham and Ovino Lounge in Skipton. The business said each Lounge contributes an average of nearly £1m investment to the local high street it serves, and the creation of around 30 jobs.

Wendy’s gears up to launch in Romania: Wendy’s, the second-largest quick service restaurant brand in the US, has said it will open its first two sites in Romania in the first half of this year after signing a franchise agreement with JKC Capital, which owns the largest Wendy’s franchisee in Canada. The company said that across its entire portfolio, JKC Capital, which is led by John and Kathryn Chayka, plans to invest more than $200m in Romania and create approximately 1,500 jobs over the next ten years. John Chayka, chief executive at JKC Capital, said: “This launch marks an important milestone for us as the brand enters a dynamic market with significant growth potential. Romania has a strong culinary tradition, and we believe Wendy’s will offer local consumers an unforgettable dining experience with fresh ingredients and high-quality standards.” Michael Clarke, managing director, Wendy’s Europe, added: “We are thrilled to introduce Wendy’s to Romanian consumers and local fans. With a proven and experienced partner like JKC Capital, which shares our passion for the Wendy’s business, we are building a strong and well-differentiated quick service restaurant brand in every market we enter.” JKC Capital owns JKC Restaurants, Canada’s fastest-growing family restaurant business, which includes 61 Wendy’s sites. Earlier this week, Wendy’s said it planned to add more than 150 new restaurants across the UK and Europe by 2028. The brand, which made its return to these shores in 2021, currently operates 38 restaurants across the UK. Wendy’s said it is on track to open its 50th UK restaurant in 2025, a year that will also see the company also establish its presence in Scotland and Ireland for the first time. The global brand aims to reach 2,000 international restaurants by 2028.

Chopstix closes site in London’s Oxford Street ahead of search for new location there, launches new store design: Chopstix, the QSRP-backed business, has closed its site in London’s Oxford Street ahead of a search for a new location there. The central London location, which first opened in 2002, was the debut Chopstix site launched by co-founders Sam Elia and Menashe Sadik. The closure comes as Chopstix begins a “visual identity upgrade” for its stores. The company this month launched its first new concept store, in Bridgend, with brand new visuals, store offerings (including bottomless drinks and table service) and improved operational approaches. The new store concept will be implemented across all new Chopstix sites, while existing sites are being identified to undergo refurbishment. Elia said:“It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our Oxford Street store. I will always remember the queue of people outside when we first opened – it was at that moment I knew Menashe and I had a hit on our hands, and for that reason it will always be part of the brand’s history. Sadik added: “I’m sad to say goodbye to the location that started it all, but in many ways, it is a reminder of just how far we’ve come in 23 years. As we begin the process of upgrading our in-store visual identity and build up our pipeline of new stores with partners QSRP, this is a truly exciting moment in the Chopstix story, No doubt Chopstix will be back on the street soon.”

Kerb reports ‘extraordinary year’, plans new Central London opening: Street food collective and hospitality group Kerb has said 2024 was an “extraordinary year” for the business, in which its membership of 160-plus independent food businesses, generated £32.2m in revenue. This marked an 89% increase from £17m in 2022, and 37% from £23.5m in 2023, which the business said solidified its position as “one of the fastest-growing players in British hospitality”. Kerb's flagship food hall, Seven Dials Market in London, welcomed on average 30,000 visitors each week in 2024. Home to 20 independent food businesses, the venue achieved year-on-year food revenue growth of 20.6% to £17.5m over the 12 months of last year. Meanwhile, Kerb Events, which curates the food and drink offering at venues such as the National Theatre, as well as providing catering at private events and sporting stadia, saw the biggest year-on-year growth of 69%, reaching £13.6m in sales. Kerb also operates five weekly pop-up lunch markets in the capital, which achieved year-on-year growth of 13% to £1.1m. Simon Mitchell, chief executive of Kerb, said: “It’s been an extraordinary year for Kerb. As we move into 2025, with exciting new locations in Berlin, the US and London, we are confident Kerb will continue to curate exceptional hospitality experiences, and more importantly, help hundreds of brilliant independent businesses accelerate their growth.” The company is set to open two new London locations in 2025, which will provide eight new fixed sites for independent businesses in its membership. As previously reported, Corner Corner, a 55,000 square-foot space that brings together food, live music and an indoor vertical farm, is opening on Friday, 4 April as part of a joint venture with Broadwick, which is known for venues such as Printworks and Drumsheds. Kerb is also opening a new concept in a Central London location this summer. Kerb, which has been linked to the ex-Wagamama site in Spitalfields Market, is also expanding internationally this year, opening Kerb Berlin in May. The business is also expanding in the US, where it opened the Saluhall food hall last year in San Francisco, in partnership with INGKA Centres.

Wasabi to open new London site today: Wasabi, the sushi and bento brand backed by Capdesia, will open a new site in London today (Thursday, 27 March). The site in King William Street, near Monument station, spans approximately 1,600 square feet and will offer 37 covers. Chief executive Henry Birts said: “We are delighted to bring some Wasabi magic to King William Street, our first new restaurant opening in the City of London for some time. This landmark opening with an updated vibrant design signals the start of an exciting 2025 for Wasabi on our journey to bringing made fresh daily sushi and bento dishes full of bold Asian flavours to more and more consumers.” To mark the launch, until Thursday, 10 April, Wasabi Rewards members visiting the King William Street location can enjoy a free side or drink with their order. In December, Propel revealed the 42-strong Wasabi was exploring franchise opportunities to accelerate its growth.

JW Lees opens new premium inn and hotel in North Wales: North west brewer and retailer JW Lees has opened a new premium inn and hotel in North Wales. The company acquired Craigside Manor in Llandudno from Whitbread in August 2024, and following a £1.2m refurbishment, has reopened its doors. The hotel features 20 rooms, with many boasting coastal and hillside views, while the pub and dining areas offer spaces to relax by open fires and views over Llandudno Bay. Guests can expect freshly prepared seasonal dishes alongside a line-up of JW Lees beer such as Manchester Pale Ale, Original Lager, Manchester Craft Lager, JW Lees Stout and the latest innovations from The Boilerhouse microbrewery, plus a rotating selection of seasonal cask ale. William Lees-Jones, managing director of JW Lees, said: “The Craigside takes us to 366 bedrooms under company management, and this shows how serious we are about transforming our 197-year-old family business, with 48 sites under management as well as another 87 in our pub partner estate.”

We Do Play set to launch first Flip Out in Wales: We Do Play – the multi-concept experiential leisure operator – is set to launch the first site in Wales for trampolining concept Flip Out. It will take over the former bingo and bowling site in Cwmbran Centre and transform it into an adventure and trampoline park, opening later this year and creating 50 jobs. Flip Out Cwmbran will feature more than 50 trampolines, a state-of-the-art laser quest experience, an entire zone of super slides of varying heights and speeds, a multi-storey ninja playground, a drift bike arena, a roller disco, soft play and ball pit, dodgems inflatables, an arcade area and five party rooms. Richard Beese, co-owner of We Do Play, said: “We are looking forward to bringing Flip Out to Wales. Cwmbran will be our first location in Wales and the team can't wait to bring our family-focused, adrenaline-fuelled experiences to the town. Speaking to local businesses and families, we know that Flip Out is going to be very welcome in the town. We will be the ultimate entertainment destination for families.” The announcement follows new Flip Out openings in Coventry and Watford in 2024, bringing the number of Flip Out indoor adventure parks in the UK to 35. We Do Play also operates six Putt Putt Social crazy golf sites, and in December launched the first UK site for Canadian immersive games concept Activate, at London’s O2. The group plans to roll out 30 further UK Activate sites over the next three and a half years and said earlier this month that the O2 Activate site was the best performing in the world, welcoming more than 50,000 guests since launching. Propel revealed last month that We Do Play had also launched a further experiential brand, “social jungle” concept Rumble Rooms, in Milton Keynes, and is seeking franchise partners ahead of a potential UK rollout.

Mowgli to make international debut with opening in Dublin: Mowgli, the Nisha Katona-led, TriSpan-backed business, is to make its international debut later this year with an opening in Dublin, Propel has learned. The 26-strong business has secured a site in the Irish capital’s South Great George’s Street for an opening this autumn. Katona told Propel: “Dublin is a city that I have aspired to for Mowgli for many years! Which restaurateur wouldn’t? Having physically marched and eaten the streets for years on the hunt for a home for Mowgli, we couldn’t have dreamt of a better location than South Great George’s Street. There are so many wonderful restaurants doing some of the most interesting authentic food around that area. Bohemian, cool, delicious. And then there’s the people of Dublin. We count ourselves lucky to be able to bring our Indian home kitchen to you this autumn Dublin. Until then – Slainte!” Earlier this month, Mowgli opened on the ex-Café Royale site in Nelson Street, Newcastle. The business plans to open in the former Superdry clothing store, in Norwich’s Chantry Place, this summer, and is also set to make its debut in Northern Ireland, in Belfast, this summer, in the city’s Victoria Square.

Crosstown opens in London Bridge for 21st location: Crosstown, the artisan doughnut and specialty coffee brand, has opened in London Bridge for its 21st location. It has opened within London Bridge station, its second travel hub location following its kiosk at Shoreditch High Street station. Crosstown also has ten stores and three food trucks in London, regional stores in Oxford and Cambridge, and operates from several markets in the capital. “We are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest location, at London Bridge Station,” a company spokesman said. “This marks another significant milestone in our journey as we continue to expand and bring our signature sourdough treats and speciality coffee to more of our fans across London. This opening further underscores our continued growth and dedication to bringing joy to our customers in new and exciting locations.” Last summer, Propel revealed that Crosstown had been acquired by Karali Snack, part of Karali Group, via a pre-pack administration, for a total consideration of £500,000. Following the sale, Howard Ebison stepped down as Crosstown’s chief executive in August. He was replaced in November by Jo Blundell, formerly of Papa John’s, Le Pain Quotidien and Burger King.

PizzaExpress launches fashion line to mark 60th birthday: PizzaExpress is marking its milestone 60th birthday this March with the launch of a clothing line called the Icons Collection. Co-created with Agro Studio, the bespoke London-based design duo, the company said the new fashion range showcases nine unique limited-edition items, ranging from bag charms to a patchwork jacket. It said: “Every piece celebrates PizzaExpress’ rich heritage, re-imagining its signature and most iconic brand elements like Dough Balls and black and white stripes into stylish, wearable pieces, for both adults and children.” Paula MacKenzie, chief executive at PizzaExpress, said: “PizzaExpress is proud to be one of the nations most loved high-street brands, famous for black and white stripes, an iconic menu and timeless style, so we wanted to celebrate in a way that’s as bold and fun as the brand. The Icons Collection brings our most-loved ingredients and signature style to life in a whole new way – because who wouldn’t want to wear their love for Dough Balls?” The new range is available to purchase via the PizzaExpress’ TikTok Shop from today (Thursday, 27 March), and in select restaurants across London, Birmingham and Manchester from 3 April, and Brighton and Edinburgh from 4 April. To coincide with the Icons Collection launch, PizzaExpress has also introduced a new celebratory menu with “innovative takes on iconic dishes”. In addition, the group will be serving its classic pizzas at original prices for one hour only today, with customers able to enjoy an American pizza for just 45p.

Merlin Cinemas founder – smaller independents like us well positioned to benefit from significant changes in cinema industry: Geoff Graves, founder of Merlin Cinemas, has said smaller independent businesses like his are “well positioned to benefit from significant changes in the cinema industry”. Graves, who was awarded an MBE in January for services to the cinema industry, has grown his business from one cinema in Penzance in 1990 to 19 today, with a further site set to open this year. Writing in the company’s accounts for the year to 28 March 2024, Greaves said: “The cinema industry is currently undergoing significant changes, with many larger operators facing financial difficulties. These larger cinemas are struggling with unsustainable rent costs for leased multi-screen venues, compounded by reduced admissions, sharply increased energy and staffing expenses, and, for those with significant debt, much higher interest rates. In contrast, smaller, local cinemas like ours, which involve less travel and offer a more personal and friendly customer experience, are well-positioned to benefit from this shift. Historically, the cinema industry has proven resilient during periods of economic downturn. We finished the year with approximately 94% of our pre-covid turnover and anticipate an increase in the upcoming financial year, supported by the factors mentioned above.” Turnover grew from £8,052,557 in 2023 to £9,552,560. Pre-tax profit fell from £296,713 to £93,819. Alongside its cinemas, the company operates six bars and restaurants and a live theatre experience in Redruth, Cornwall. Greaves said writer strikes have created new uncertainties in the industry but said his company has remained “resilient and adaptable” by focusing on a diverse range of films, programming more localised content and often including a Q&A segment. Greaves said although business levels “continue to be erratic”, audiences have this year “returned in large numbers, proving that when the films are strong, they will come back to the experience of the big screen”. He said income from admissions and venue hires at the live theatre has “recovered more quickly than that of our cinema operations” and “been a vital lifeline over the past year”. The group's bars and restaurants also “continue to be a significant contributor to our overall income”. Greaves added: “We believe the 2024-2025 year has the potential to be our most successful since the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, potentially approaching the admission levels we experienced in 2019-2020.”

Pret franchisee Carebrook Partnership reports profit more than doubles as turnover hits record £26.3m: Pret A Manger franchisee Carebrook Partnership has reported turnover increased to a record £26,265,957 for the year ending 31 March 2024 compared with £20,156,537 the year before. Pre-tax profit was up to £1,634,898 from £686,403 the previous year. The company, which employs around 280 staff, benefited from an insurance claim of £386,817 (2023: nil). A dividend of £421,755 was paid (2023: £566,200). In September 2024, Carebrook opened its 18th Pret site, in Edmonton Green, north London, for what was Pret’s 700th outlet globally. Carebrook Partnership is one of Pret’s longest serving franchise partners, having worked with the business for 30 years, overseeing many shops in London. Gerard Loughran, the majority co-owner, grew up in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, and has more than 30 years’ experience in the UK and US food sector, while minority co-owner Ray McNamara, from Dublin, has 25 years’ experience in the Irish food industry, including ownership of Ann’s Bakery.

Urban Baristas secures first shopping centre location: Urban Baristas has secured its first shopping centre location. Propel revealed earlier this month that locations in Croydon, Chelsea, Fulham and Wimbledon were among those in Urban Baristas’ pipeline. Co-founder Huw Wardrope has now revealed that the latter will be in the new Wimbledon Quarter development, in Queen’s Road. The outlet will also be only a third location south of the Thames for the company, following its sites in Tooting Bec and New Cross Gate. Urban Baristas currently has 16 locations across the capital, and is also preparing to launch in Bounds Green for its second north London store. “Another proud day for the Urban Baristas,” Wardrope said. “We’ve just wrapped up our first shopping centre location – and this time, we’re bringing those Aussie coffee vibes to Wimbledon. Excited to be part of the new Wimbledon Quarter development and can’t wait to get started, meet the locals and serve our famous flatties. Watch this space – we’re only just getting started.” Urban Baristas is aiming to open 12 new stores this year and has a long-term target of more than 40 stores by the end of 2026.

NQ64 to open Nottingham site tomorrow: NQ64, the immersive retro arcade bar concept, will open its new site in Nottingham tomorrow (Friday, 28 March). The company, which was founded by Andy Haygarth and Matt Robson, will open in the former Roxy Ballroom site in Thurland Street for its 12th venue. The bar will debut a new drinks menu for NQ64 that will include the Jurassic Marg – a margarita made with El Jimador tequila, sour cherry, watermelon, green chilli and served with a lime sherbet rim. Alongside arcade classics such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Donkey Kong, there will also be several “free play” consoles available, including a bespoke “wall boy” – a Nintendo Game Boy linked to a big screen. The venue also includes a private dance mat room, complete with viewing windows for spectators. Robson said: “Nottingham, we’re finally ready for you. The team has been grafting to transform this stunning old building and put an NQ64 stamp on it.” Haygarth told Propel last year that NQ64 expects to open two or three sites in 2025.

Brew York team to launch new food and drink experience in Leeds: The team behind York craft brewery Brew York is to launch a new food and drink experience in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, this spring. The new concept venue will be called Brew+Bao and is a collaboration with Yuzu Street Food. Known for its Asian fusion dishes, Yuzu has been serving Brew York customers across its three York venues since 2019. Now, the duo are teaming up in what will be the first venture under Brew York’s new “Brew+” concept. Brew+Bao will offer a curated selection of more than 15 craft beers, some permanent and some on rotation, pouring alongside a handful of Brew York favourites. Customers can expect dishes carefully curated by the team behind Yuzu, including an extensive bao bun menu, loaded fries and side options. The 1,700 square-foot venue, which will occupy the former home to Black Sheep Brewery in Stainbeck Road, will have seating for 100 covers inside and 80 on an outdoor heated terrace. Brew York managing director, Wayne Smith, said: “We have been searching for the perfect location to launch our first ‘Brew+’ venue, and the eclectic and vibrant Chapel Allerton completely won us over. It’s the ideal place for our new Brew+Bao concept and we can’t wait to be part of the local community there. Together with Yuzu, we believe we have created a unique beer and food experience, embracing bold flavours and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.” Brew York also operates sites in Guiseley, Knaresborough, Otley and Pocklington.

Richard O’Donnell joins Little Door & Co as a non-executive director: Richard O’Donnell, former partner at sector advisory firm Clearwater International, has joined the house-party-inspired late-night bar and restaurant concept, Little Door & Co, as a non-executive director. O’Donnell stepped down from Clearwater last year after seven years with the business. He was also previously a non-executive director of Rudie’s Jerk Shack for nearly seven years, and formerly European head of leisure and consumer M&A at Canaccord Genuity. Little Door & Co, which was founded by Kamran Dehdashti and Jamie Hazeel, opened its fifth site in London last summer, The Violet Door at 9 Kingly Street. The venue was the group’s second Central London site, joining The Little Scarlet Door in Soho and neighbourhood locations The Little Yellow Door (Notting Hill), The Little Blue Door (Fulham) and The Little Orange Door (Clapham). Hazeel told Propel in January: “We are looking to open one to two new sites this year and are, for the first time, considering opportunities outside of London.” The company said last year that it is on course to deliver a turnover of £12m for 2024.

London beer hall Big Penny Social to launch games venue: Big Penny Social, the large beer hall in London’s Walthamstow, is to open a new gaming hall, called Flukes. The purpose-built new venue, which will stretch to 5,000 square feet and sit above the existing Big Penny beer hall, has reportedly cost more than £1.2m to put together. The venue will offer “old school competitive socialising”, focusing largely on updated versions of classic games, when it opens on Thursday, 8 May. Guests can choose to play from six interactive darts oches, two interactive shuffleboards (which are the first of their kind in the UK), four pro-standard American pool tables and three karaoke rooms powered by Lucky Voice, offering more than 11,000 tracks. The food menu will feature Big Penny Social’s pizzas alongside sharing plates and platters. Big Penny Social managing director Frans Kobus said: “Flukes is a new twist on an old games hall you’d find in social clubs, where technology on darts and shuffleboards gives everyone a chance to win and fun is at the heart of everything. We’ve put a lot of work into making sure Flukes is designed and has an ambience that is unlike any other competitive socialising venue. Having this experience on top of everything else on offer in the rest of Big Penny Social will create such a special place.”

Sushi and pastry concepts launch their debut sites in London’s Chinatown: Sushi and pastry concepts, Sushi Joy and Mrs Bakery, have launched their debut sites in London’s Chinatown. The two brands have launched at 12/13 Little Newport Street and 15a Little Newport Street, respectively. Mrs Bakery’s 1,300 square-foot unit will offer products including layer toast, taro salted egg drums, chicken floss bun, and a selection of rice breads in flavours from matcha to pandan. Sushi Joy’s kiosk, meanwhile, offers a wide variety of fresh sushi made with premium ingredients, with menu items including nigiri, maki rolls, inari, onigiri, salmon nigiri and tempura prawn tacos. Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at landlord Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Mrs Bakery and Sushi Joy bring two distinct offers, joining new openings from the past few months – including Noodle & Beer, Bunsik and Kung Fu Burger – which mean no two visits to Chinatown London are ever the same.” Lei Jin, director of Mrs Bakery, said: “Debuting in Chinatown is a crucial step for Mrs Bakery. With a core philosophy that revolves around joy and togetherness, we have no doubt that Chinatown London is the place to be.” Yisong, founder and chief executive of Sushi Joy, added: “As we look to expand Sushi Joy across London, there was no question that Chinatown London was the place to start our journey. Our new location is positioned exceptionally well to cater to tourists, office workers, and those from the ESEA community looking for a taste of home.”

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