Government backs sector in Plan for Change: Pubs, clubs and restaurants are set to be released from burdensome red tape as government “backs the British night out” in its Plan for Change. The package of measures includes moves to improve the application of licensing laws and strengthening businesses’ competitiveness. It includes a landmark pilot that could see more alfresco dining and later opening hours in London. If successful, this approach could be rolled out to other mayors across England, working closely with their own local police forces. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “British businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. Our Plan for Change will make sure they have the conditions to grow – not be tied down by unnecessarily burdensome red tape. We’ve heard industry concerns and we’re partnering with businesses to understand what changes need to be made, because a thriving nighttime economy is good for local economies, good for growth, and good for getting more money in people’s pockets.” Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie, UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls, Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill and the police are all working with the government to explore and evaluate better licensing options for businesses. The group aims to transform the licensing system to one that better supports business growth and confidence while ensuring public safety. It will report back in six weeks with solutions informing the government’s work to kickstart economic growth as part of the Plan for Change. In addition, a new £1.5m Hospitality Support Scheme has been launched to help get existing projects over the line and fill job vacancies in the sector. This includes supporting the delivery of hospitality training facilities in prisons.
 
Hospitality sales decline in March as wet-led sites slump: March saw an overall decrease in sales of 0.7% when compared to the same month last year, according to new data from labour management company, S4labour. The report said sales show contrasting trends, with dry-led sites up by 2.1% and wet-led sites down 6.1% year-on-year. It also highlighted the fact that London saw sales increase by 2.7%, while outside of the capital, sales were down 1.7%. Richard Hartley, chief growth officer at S4labour, said: “The overall drop in sales underscores the position of the industry. However, the decline year-on-year could, in part, be due to Easter falling in March last year. London continues to show growth, but this is likely driven by more people heading back to the office.”

Safestay chairman blames switch to automated check-ins on chancellor's tax raid: Larry Lipman, chairman of hostel chain Safestay, is planning to swap his receptionists for automated check-in machines because of Rachel Reeves’s tax raid on employers. Lipman told The Telegraph his company would have to rely on automated self-check in booths instead of human staff as costs soar following the October Budget. He said the chancellor’s decision to increase national insurance (NI) contributions and lower the threshold at which they are paid meant the company would look at “doing away with receptionists” in favour of automated check-ins in some cases. “Costs are costs, and they eat profit,” he said. “We’re a listed business and we want to deliver value to our shareholders, and that means controlling our expenditure. That means controlling payroll. I’m not happy with it, of course I’m not.” He said there would be a “natural reduction” in staff rather than specific job cuts, with Safestay opting not to rehire for positions when people move on rather than make redundancies. “We’re not going to call our 400 staff in 12 countries and say we’re losing 10% of them,” Lipman said. “I’m very cognisant of the fact that we pay their mortgages. But people do leave, especially a lot of our staff who are transient. They are young, and they work for six to 12 months, and then they go to another country.” Founded by Lipman in 2006, Safestay runs 20 travellers’ hostels across the UK and Europe. Lipman said: “It just means we’re looking harder at automation. This is where I think the government may have it wrong, because if all of business is doing what we’re doing, because we must, then you’re going to hit employment levels.”

White Lotus premiere leads to Thai takeaway boost: Food delivery firm Just Eat has reported that the premiere of White Lotus on 17 February in the UK – with this season set in Thailand – Thai takeaway orders increased by 11%, as viewers look to “travel via their taste buds”. Orders from Busaba Eathai rose by 25%, with pad thai, chilli beef jasmine rice and calamari proving fan favourites. Pad Thai and veggie spring rolls are other popular choices from Rosa’s Thai, with takeaways jumping 21% after the show first aired. Melanie Zanoza Bartelme, associate director of food and drink research at market research firm Mintel, said:  “Consumers want more than ever to feel a part of the worlds they immerse themselves in, including their favourite television shows. That’s why we’ve seen consumers pursuing ‘set-jetting’, or visiting the filming locations of these programmes.”
 
Cellar Drinks acquires fellow Welsh drinks supplier: Cellar Drinks, a family-owned drinks supplier based in Powys, has acquired fellow Welsh drinks supplier Hurns Beer Company. Under the new leadership, Hurns will continue to operate, under the same name, from its existing depots in Swansea and Caerphilly. Rhys Anstee, managing director at Cellar Drinks, said: “Hurns has a rich history, and we are committed to honouring its past while also driving it forward into a new era. Our customers can look forward to unrivalled service levels as well as an expanded and diverse product offering.” Connie Parry, from the Hurns family, added: “As a family, we are delighted to hand the keys over to Rhys – we have known each other for many years, and he is the ideal custodian to lead the business into its next chapter. The entire team is excited about the future and looks forward to working together to continue growing the business.”
 
Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with an international wine brand that is looking for a business manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The business manager will be the driving force behind the management of key accounts in Ireland including Tesco, Dunns and Musgrave. The position will also involve developing partnerships with national retailers, and implementing strategies to grow market share for the company’s diverse wine portfolio. This role will require experience in managing similar accounts.” The salary is up to £60,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email mark@corecruitment.com.
 

Company News:

Wagamama CEO – we have carried out a lot of work on our families proposition: Thomas Heier, chief executive of Wagamama, The Restaurant Group-owned brand, has told Propel that the company has “carried out a lot of work” on its proposition for families and will be launching some of the results of that later this summer. Speaking at Propels Multi Club Conference, Heier said the brand had seen a shift in the number of families that visited the business after covid and that there had been some shrinkage. He said: “In their place, we saw more as we call them, Student Zs – those that are under 22, as well as what we call Eco Millennials, those consumers that go up to the age of 35. We also saw some growth from older age group demographics. Families have actually now come back. We have a revised kids proposition that’s coming out in May. We've done quite a lot of work on things like bento boxes that will probably launch later this year, and we are looking at bundling and various other things as well. That value component for families is essential. We’ve coined a phrase that we’re using all the time, which is that we tend to attract foodie parents trying to cultivate foodie kids. This is on the basis that our food does lend itself quite well for experimentation. You can kind of compartmentalise your noodles, vegetables and proteins. For the slightly older kids, it is also quite easy to venture into our shareable side dishes.” 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.
 
Wingstop UK CEO – we’re not a one-trick pony on who we connect with, one of our non-negotiables on recruitment is no egos: Chris Sherriff, chief executive of Wingstop UK, has told Propel that the fast-growing business is not a “one-trick pony” when it comes to how it connects with consumers and that the brand appeals to “lots of different people”. Speaking at Propel’s Multi-Club Conference, Sherriff said: “45% of the way we acquire new customers comes through word of mouth, so that isn’t through social media. There's an assumption that we’re just Tik Tok focused, but it goes back to that consistency of the dining environment. If you get great food and you get great service, that appeals to lots of different people, not just youth.” When it comes to employees, Sherriff is keen that younger ones don’t get stifled. He said: “One of our non-negotiables is no egos. We don’t want people to come in and push their agenda. Yes, you might have lots of experience and you might have lots of answers, but you don’t want that to drown out the emerging talent in the business. And I think sometimes we get that in hospitality, where people are like, I've been in the game 20 years, I know what we need to do, and that can be quite stifling for younger people in the business. Now, more so than ever, you need to step back and allow that emerging talent to grow in confidence.” Sherriff 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.

Orée Boulangeries placed on the market: French artisan patisserie concept Orée Boulangeries, which operates nine sites across central London, has been placed on the market, Propel has learned. Propel understands that the business, which launched its first UK site in 2016 in Fulham Road, is working with BTG Advisory on its options, including a sale on an accelerated basis. It is thought that offers for the privately owned business are being sought by close of play on Thursday, 10 April. It currently operates from nine central London leasehold locations and employs circa 70 people. Propel understands that working capital pressures due, in part, to the company’s overheads, combined with a number of marginal locations, has resulted in recent cash flow difficulties and a build-up of creditor arrears. The business is thought to be seeking to restructure its operations to a leaner store portfolio to improve profitability. Founded by Laurent d’Orey, Orée is known for its artisan recipes, including 12 different varieties of bread such as rye, sourdough, buckwheat, Nordic and Japanese, as well as a seasonal “bread of the month”. It currently operates sites in locations including Richmond, Battersea, Kensington and Covent Garden.
 
Camerons Brewery reports strong trading: Hartlepool-based Camerons Brewery, led by Chris Soley, has reported Ebitda of £4.6m in the year to 5 January 2025, an increase of £700,000 over the year before. Turnover of £60.2m compared to £61.5m for the previous 12 months – the slight reduction was due to the prior year having six months trading from a group of 26 pubs that were sold (Project Lion) on 30 June 2023. The company stated: “Both the main divisions of brewing and managed house pubs have traded well. Brewing volumes have continued to increase on prior year and at slightly better margins as a result of product mix changes with a higher proportion of small pack product being manufactured. Pubs have generally performed well and are trading in line with prior year. We enter 2025 cautiously optimistic despite headwinds the industry faces.” The company, which has an estate oft 45 pubs compared to 47 at the end of the previous year, undertook a refinance with Sandton Investments in October 2024. It added: “It is very pleasing to report that gearing levels at the year-end have reduced to 2.9x with gross borrowings now standing at £15.5m, a reduction of £10.8m from December 2023. We have re-established our strategic expansion actions and we are keen to grow our national flagship Head of Stream pub brand alongside our Urban Country Pubs estate.” The company reported a pre-tax profit of £9,502,349 (2023: loss of £547,661) with an exceptional item of £10,650,228, which arose from the refinance in October 2024. 
 
JD Wetherspoon plans eighth site in Edinburgh: JD Wetherspoon has acquired the former Revolution vodka bar site in Edinburgh city centre. The new JD Wetherspoon will open on Chambers Street. Revolution, which shut its doors in August 2024, was a two-storey venue with the capacity to accommodate up to 600 customers. There are currently seven Wetherspoons pubs in Edinburgh: The Caley Picture House on Lothian, The Standing Order and The Alexander Graham Bell on George Street, The Booking Office on Waverley Bridge, The White Lady on St John's Road, The Playfair at Omni Centre and The Sir Walter Scott at Edinburgh airport.
 
Benito’s owner – Slice & Dice concept is turning into what could be a really scalable successful brand: Elangeni Hospitality Group (EHG), owner of Mexican concept Benito’s, has told Propel that its pizza-by-the-slice format, Slice by Dice, has had a number of franchise approaches and “is turning into what could be a really scalable successful brand”. The concept, which was co-founder by restaurateur Amit Joshi, formerly of Rocket Restaurants and co-founder of the Jones Family Project, launched its first site, in the Westgate development in Oxford, last summer. It will make its debut as one of the street food brands at Riverside Market, in Fulham, this June. The company said the London opening would represent another significant milestone for EHG, which is growing its presence across the UK. Joshi, co-founder of the Slice & Dice concept and non-executive director of EHG said: “We’re so pleased to have been chosen to join the line up in the Riverside Market. Mike and I have a long history of operating in south west London, and opening a Slice & Dice in Fulham feels like the perfect next step for us.” Michael Pearson, chief executive of EHG, told Propel: “We are looking at more locations in central London and have a number of franchisee approaches, but our focus has firmly been on growing Benito’s as a priority up until now. The pizza-by-the-slice phenomenon just can't be ignored though, and given the capital-light fit out involved, we believe we could open three to four a year on top of our already ambitious growth plans for Benito’s. Slice & Dice was a fun project for Amit and I, but it is turning into what could be a really scalable successful brand.” EHG recently confirmed that Benito’s would be making its return, with an opening in Devonshire Row, later this year. The group has four sites currently trading and four more under development. Last month, Propel revealed that EHG had signed an agreement for two new development partnerships, providing a pipeline of 15 new franchised stores. EHG has a target of 40 stores for the Benito’s brand, which previously operated a handful of sites in central London, by the end of 2029.
 
Pasta Evangelists makes hotel debut: Pasta Evangelists has partnered with the Splendid Hospitality Group to “introduce an elevated Italian dining experience” at the latter’s restaurant, No. 88 Walmgate at Hotel Indigo York. The new partnership offers a menu featuring some of Pasta Evangelists’ “most-loved dishes”, including beef ragu with tagliatelle and creamy chicken and mushroom sauce with fusilli. Andy Kendrick, managing director of Splendid Hospitality Group, said: “Partnering with Pasta Evangelists allows us to bring restaurant-quality fresh pasta to our guests, served fresh, fast, and hot, aligning with our wider brand values and supporting local York hospitality.” Finn Lagun, co-founder and chief marketing officer at, Pasta Evangelists added: “York has long been on our list as a prime culinary destination, and we are delighted to partner with Hotel Indigo to bring our restaurant-quality pasta to both visitors and residents alike.” Last December, Pasta Evangelists told Propel that it is aiming to grow the number of its franchise restaurant sites to 15 in 2025. The company has opened franchise sites in Richmond, Greenwich and Chiswick in London, and last November made its airport debut, at Manchester airport. Long-term, the group, which also operates circa 50 takeaway sites, believes there is potential for more than 100 franchise restaurants here.

 
Arkell’s adds Cotswolds pub to estate: Brewer and retailer Arkell’s has added The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold in the Cotswolds to its portfolio. The 17th century coaching inn is next door to the Stag at Stow, a pub that Arkell’s has owned for nearly 30 years. The Old Stocks Inn, which had a guide sale price of £3m, was previously owned by Jim Cockell and his family. The property has 16 individually designed bedrooms which, when combined with the rooms at its next-door-neighbour, The Stag at Stow, will offer visitors almost 40 rooms. Managing director George Arkell said: “We are a family brewery and are in the fortunate position to be able to seize investment opportunities that pub chains may not be able to do in the current climate. This is a vote of confidence in Stow-on-the-Wold and in the enduring attraction of the Cotswolds to visitors from across the world.” The pub will be run by Mark Vance and Zac Weinberg, who have run The Stag at Stow for the past 12 years. Arkell’s, which operates from its historic brewery just outside Swindon, currently owns more than 90 pubs and inns across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Hampshire, and The Old Stocks Inn will now become part of its tenanted estate. The acquisition was facilitated by Handelsbanken and commercial property agents Knight Frank, with legal support provided by Thrings for the buyer and Porter Dodson for the seller.
 
Disco Bowl acquires family-run centre in Birmingham for 13th site: Disco Bowl, the family entertainment operator led by Pete Terry and Nigel Blair, has acquired Acocks Green Bowl in Birmingham for an undisclosed sum. The centre includes 20 lanes of bowling and an additional upstairs Laser Quest arena, which was acquired by Disco Bowl from the incumbent operator last week and trades separately. The venue was acquired from the Clarke family, which has run the centre since 1963. Following retirement, the family said it wanted to ensure the business continued operating as a bowling centre and remain the landlord of the premises. The acquisition marks a 13th site for Disco Bowl and follows a deal last month that saw the company add two MFA Bowl sites to its portfolio. Terry said: “This centre aligns perfectly with our expansion goals at Disco Bowl. We have long admired this very famous bowling centre. We look to build on its incredible reputation and broaden the appeal of the venue. This deal benefits both parties – the family can benefit from their freehold as a landlord, while we strengthen our presence across the UK.” In the near term, it’s business as usual at the venue, but Disco Bowl plans to rebrand the centre. The company aims to enhance the offering at the centre and will introduce an expanded arcade offering, crazy golf and a revamped bar and diner. Disco Bowl is privately owned by Blair and Terry. The company, which was formed in 2019, operates the largest bowling alley in the UK, in Nottingham, with 48 lanes, as well as locations in Nuneaton, Chatham, Worcester, Lewisham, Newport, Swansea, Cardiff, Warrington, Hereford, Burnley and Banbury.
 
West London McDonald’s franchisee acquires two more stores to take his estate to seven: West London McDonald’s franchisee Jamie Catling has acquired two more stores to take his estate with the brand to seven. Catling, who has worked for McDonald’s for four decades and became a franchisee in 2015, has taken on the stores in Richmond and Roehampton Asda. He already, under his RestaurantOne20 business, operates McDonald’s in places such as Hounslow, Feltham and Putney. Ffion Williams, McDonald’s UK’s franchisee attraction partner, said: “Jamie is a true brand ambassador, having been with the business for 40 years. His extensive system knowledge, hands-on leadership and deep understanding of McDonald’s operations have made him a trusted and respected figure across the franchisee community. With this latest expansion, Jamie continues to demonstrate strong, sustainable growth, further solidifying his presence in West London. His dedication to his people, his customers, and the communities he serves will undoubtedly make Richmond and Roehampton Asda fantastic additions to his organisation.” RestaurantOne20 reported turnover of £15,592,770 for the year to 31 December 2023, up from £10,009,372 in 2022. Its pre-tax profit grew from £70,137 to £189,092 and dividends of £71,000 were paid (2022: £4,000).
 
Cambridge pub operators open new site: Cambridge pub entrepreneurs Oliver Thain and Rupert Clark have opened a new pub next to the River Cam, Byron's Bear. The pub gets its name from a story about Trinity College alumnus, Lord Byron. During his time at the university, he defied the rule that said you cannot keep a dog in your dorm by getting a pet bear instead. The pub has outdoor seating overlooking the River Cam as well as a small ‘bear hatch’, where people can buy a cup of coffee, takeaway pints and pastries. Rupert Clark told a local media outlet: “Byron’s Bear isn’t just a pub or restaurant, it’s a place where people can come together to relax, celebrate or simply enjoy great food and drink in a welcoming atmosphere. We hope Byron’s Bear will deliver a bit of good old fashioned British cheer and hospitality.”

China-based restaurant chooses Oxford for its first UK outpost: Di Xin Zhao, an award-winning high-end Chinese cuisine restaurant based in the city of Hangzhou, has chosen Oxford for its first UK outpost. Plans submitted by Dishion Oxford to open the restaurant in two empty units at 41-42 Oxford Castle, in New Road, have been approved. Number 41 was last in use as the temporary location for the municipal library during the redevelopment works for Westgate centre, while number 42 was formerly a Carluccios Café, reports The Oxford Mail. The scheme’s planning statement said: “Established in 2011, Di Xin Zhao is a two-time recipient of The Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Awards (2020 and 2021), which are presented annually to the best restaurants in China. The new restaurant Dishion aims to replicate limited aspects of the original restaurant while respecting the character of the application site and its historical setting.”
 
Freehold investment of Brighton site let to Laine Pub Company sells off asking price of £4.5m: The freehold investment of North Laine Brewhouse in Brighton, which is let to Laine Pub Company, has been acquired by real estate company Cervidae for an undisclosed sum. The five-storey property, dating to 1819 and spanning almost 20,000 square foot, is on the corner of Gloucester Place and Gloucester Street in the city. The freehold investment sale includes The North Laine Brewhouse occupying the ground floor, basement and a manager’s flat at first floor level, external customer trade space to the front of the property for approximately 100 covers fronting Gloucester Place. Plus, above the public house are eight flats let on assured shorthold tenancies. The property trades under Laine Pub Company (a subsidiary of Punch Pubs) which operates a total of 56 pubs made up of a mixture of freeholds and leaseholds sites. As part of the investment sale, all tenants remain in situ and unaffected. The property had been marketed by Fleurets for £4.5m. The total rental income is almost £120,000 per year. The pub first opened in 2014 and was the second site for Laine in Brighton after it first opened The Mash Tun in 1997. Mark Hus, asset manager at Cervidae, said: “We have been seeking an opportunity in Brighton for some time, and North Laine Brewhouse is an excellent addition to our portfolio. The strong location and established tenant mix align well with our long-term investment strategy.” Michael Shapiro, of Spencer West, acted for the vendor Gloucester Enterprises.

Crust Bros secures Covent Garden site: London pizza concept Crust Bros is to open a flagship site in London’s Covent Garden. The business, which was founded by Joe Moore and is chaired by ex-Busaba chief executive Jason Myers, has secured the former Paul site at 29 Bedford Street for an opening later this year. Joe Moore first thought up the concept in 2014 after becoming obsessed with the Italian methods of pizza making. Following a six-week tour of Italy, he began selling pizza at London street food markets. The first bricks and mortar Crust Bros site opened in Waterloo in 2017. The company also operates a site at Incipio Group’s The Prince in West Brompton. Leo Marmion, of onepoint2, acted on the Bedford Street deal.
 
Greek concept Pittagoras secures Canary Wharf site: Greek fast-food concept Pittagoras has opened its third site in the capital, in Canary Wharf. The business, which was founded in 2021 by Ilias Georgatos, has opened in Wharf Kitchen, in Jubilee Mall. A further site is set to follow later this year, in London Fields. It also operates sites in Hackney Wick and Tooting Broadway. Earlier this year, the business introduced a 4kg ‘Giant Gyros’ sandwich as a challenge for customers. Those who finish it in under 15 minutes get it for free. Otherwise, the sandwich costs £50.