Exclusive – Loungers CEO invests in Bosco Pizzeria: Nick Collins, chief executive of café bar operator Loungers, has invested in pizza concept Bosco Pizzeria, Propel has learned. Propel understands that Collins, who has been chief executive of the Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside operator for more than a decade, has become a minority investor in the Miles Johnson-founded business, but doesn’t have any operational or board involvement. Propel recently reported that Bosco Pizzeria is set to make its debut in Wales, with an opening in Cardiff. The four-strong business will open a site at 14 High Street in the Welsh capital this September. The concept, which offers Neapolitan-style pizza, handmade pasta, cured meat, small plates, and fresh salads, operates two eponymous sites in Bristol, plus restaurants in Cheltenham and Bath. The business also operates a smaller, more delivery-focused pizza concept called Pizzucci, in Gloucester Road, Bristol. Collins told Propel: “It’s a fantastic business, with a great growth opportunity. I feel lucky to have been given the opportunity to back founder Miles Johnson and managing director Joe Cook who have created something really special. It’s an exciting time for Bosco, which will be opening its sixth site, in Cardiff, this summer.” The company states: “Bosco is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant and pizzeria. We serve wood fired Neapolitan-style pizza and classic Italian dishes all inspired by the best pizzerias of Naples and New York City. The idea for Bosco was born out of family holidays to Italy where we experienced the wonderfully fresh produce of the local markets and the ingredient-led simplicity of Italian cooking. We use only the best Italian produce sourced directly from the markets of Milan and Naples, with everything from our pizza dough to our porchetta made in-house. Our restaurants are bustling and always full of energy. We play music that we love and focus on service with personality. Expect negronis and amaros, a carefully curated all-Italian wine list and great food from the heart of Italy.”

Two-Michelin star Restaurant Gaa added to Propel Bangkok study tour itinerary: Bookings are being taken for the Propel Bangkok study tour, which takes place between 13-17 November 2025. Bangkok is a culinary hot-bed of talent and has no less than 34 Michelin-starred restaurants. The tour will now be visiting the acclaimed two-Michelin star Restaurant Gaa. Garima Arora is chef-owner of the venue and her cuisine is focused on applying traditional Indian cooking techniques on to locally sourced ingredients. In 2018, Arora became the first Indian female chef to earn a Michelin star at the age of 32. In the following year, Restaurant Gaa made its debut on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list at number 16 with the highest new entry award, and shortly after, claimed its place at number 95 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. In December 2023, Restaurant Gaa received a second Michelin star. To date, Arora is the only Indian female chef to earn this accolade. The city also boasts some of the highest rooftop bars and restaurants in the world and is a hospitality bucket list in Asia. Other highlights of the trip include: a visit to the famous floating market; a night food tour in Chinatown; a tour of the city’s most revered Hawker operations; a Thai cookery masterclass; a tour of the most impressive rooftop bar and restaurant operations; visits to some of the city’s most admired bar and speakeasy operations, some of which are in the world’s top 50; a visit to the railway food market; and visits to some of the best hotel operations in Asia. Included are flights, three nights’ accommodation, three hosted dinners, welcome drinks reception, and all tours. Deposits of £500 are now being taken to confirm places. The single occupancy price is £3,500 and twin occupancy price is £3,250. The tour will be hosted by Myles Doran, founder and managing director of Hospitality Inc, which is a specialist in delivering irresistible international hospitality tours. For further information, contact myles@hospitality-inc.co.uk or 07710 783485.

Parogon Group co-founder Richard Colclough to speak at Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference, open for bookings with 20% discount on tickets for Premium Club subscribers: Richard Colclough, co-founder of Parogon Group, the award-winning premium gastropub operator, 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. Colclough will talk about operating across multiple formats, and the development and potential of the company’s Mediterranean all-day dining concept, Willow. 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.

Next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality to be released to Premium Club subscribers today featuring 907 companies: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will feature 63 updated entries and 24 new companies when it is released to Premium Club subscribers today (Thursday, 17 April), at midday. The database now features 907 companies, and this month’s edition includes more than 243,000 words of content. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent results reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. 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.

Chotto Matte founder – London has proven to be a challenging market, footfall is up but there is still a long way to go: Chotto Matte founder Kurt Zdesar has told Propel that London has “proven to be a challenging market”, and while footfall is up, “there is still a long way to go”. Zdesar owns a flagship Chotto Matte in London’s Soho, as well as overseas outposts in Miami, Toronto, San Francisco, Doha and Riyadh. A second UK site will open this summer, in Manchester, with launches in Milan and Tiblisi also in the pipeline. “London has proved to be a challenging market lately, given the heightened competition and economic circumstances,” Zdesar said. “We have had to be very strategic in our marketing efforts, and we’ve seen a strong demand for creative campaigns unique to our business, which has driven footfall. Leveraging other areas of business such as private events and sales has been instrumental to maintaining strong profit margins and performing in line with our expectations. There has definitely been an uplift in footfall, but there is still a long way to go. Rising costs are always a challenge, but we’re ahead of the curve. It’s about agility – smart procurement, streamlining operations, and ensuring value without compromising on quality. Our focus is always on delivering an exceptional experience, and we’ll continue to adapt as needed.” The Manchester opening – a 20,000 square-foot, 450-cover rooftop restaurant in the St Michael’s development – will be the city’s largest restaurant when it opens. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Chotto Matte to such a vibrant city.” Zdesar said. “Manchester is a big one for us – it’s a bold, statement space with striking design, immersive art and, of course, our signature Nikkei experience. Expect a high-energy, late-night atmosphere, bespoke cocktails and some new menu exclusives tailored for the city.” As for its different operating models, Zdesar added: “We’ve already launched successfully with franchise partners in key global locations and it’s a great model for markets where local expertise is crucial. While we’re selective with partnerships, franchising will continue to be a part of our international expansion strategy, alongside company-owned sites in territories that we are comfortable operating in. For now, we’re keeping the UK company owned. It ensures we maintain full creative control and deliver the exact experience we want. That said, we’re always open to opportunities that make strategic sense. London and Manchester are cornerstones, and as we move into expanding internationally, more cities will be on our radar outside of the UK.”

Crackdown on pub banter will help anxious staff, claims minister: The government’s crackdown on pub banter will prevent staff from getting anxious at work, a minister has claimed. Critics have warned new rules forcing pubs and universities to protect employees from third-party harassment could hinder free speech by encouraging people to “sue for hurt feelings”. Peers will attempt to block the crackdown with changes to the Employment Rights Bill when it returns to parliament next month. But Lillian Greenwood, the roads minister, defended the government’s plans, insisting people should be able to “come to work and give it their best without being anxious”. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned the proposed rules requiring companies to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent harassment of staff by third parties are too broad-brush and could lead to “excessive limitations on debate”. Challenged on the watchdog’s concerns, Greenwood told Times Radio: “It’s about getting that balance, isn’t it? People would expect to be able to have private conversations, but that has to be done in a way that isn’t going to affect the rights of other people to work in a safe and secure environment.” Asked whether Labour was therefore “policing private conversations”, she said: “No. I think what I’m saying is that when people are at work, their employer has a duty to keep them safe and provide a suitable environment in the workplace for them to come to work and give it their best without being anxious. And it’s quite right that the House of Lords considers this legislation.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a fast-growing bakery brand that is seeking a head chef. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will oversee production of more than 20,000 products weekly, drive innovation, and scale operations as the business expands.” The salary is up to £50,000 and the position is based in Manchester. For more information, email olly@corecruitment.com.

Stonegate Group CEO – we’ve seen improved trading in the second quarter to date: David McDowall, chief executive of Stonegate Group, the UK's largest pub company, has told Propel that the business has seen improved trading in the second quarter to date. It comes after Propel reported Stonegate saw turnover increase to £1,747,000 for the year ending 29 September 2024 compared with £1,719,000 the year before. Of the 2024 figure, the managed segment contributed £974m (2023: £1.01bn), the leased and tenanted pubs, being pub partners and commercial property, together contributed £440m (2023: £427m) and the operator-led segment contributed £333m (2023: £281m). Managed like-for-likes were down 0.3% (2023: up 3%), operator-led like-for-like increased 1.9% (2023: up 10.3%) and leased and tenanted like-for-likes grew 3.3% (2023: up 5.5%). McDowall said: “As a result of the continued progress on our strategic plan, we are well-positioned to maintain our trajectory of profitable growth in 2025, with improved trading in the second quarter to date notwithstanding continued headwinds including the unseasonably bad weather and ongoing cost pressures. We remain fully focused on efficiencies and costs across our business, and we have clear initiatives in place to address these as part of our strategic priorities for 2025, complementing our now well-established estate transformation plan.” Earlier this week, Propel revealed that Stonegate had brought together 220 venues to create a new brand within its managed estate. Called The People’s Pub, Stonegate said the group sub-brand was about “celebrating the individuality of each pub while delivering consistency in quality, value and experience”. The brand, which began its rollout this week, will focus on beer, live sport, food and entertainment, with a renewed emphasis on championing local character and community connections. While each of the 220 pubs within The People’s Pub will keep its own name, they will feature the same food and drink offer.

The Fat Pizza – we should be approaching 100 stores by the end of the year if we push it: Sunny Chhina, founder of fast-growing pizza franchise The Fat Pizza, has said the business “should be approaching 100 stores by the end of the year if we push it”. Chhina, who previously told Propel he is aiming for 180 UK locations by the end of 2026, currently has 41 stores here. He is also exploring further international expansion, with The Fat Pizza having made its international debut at the end of last year, in Dubai. “We have three company stores in Essex, where sales are up compared with last year, and there’s a total of 38 franchisees across the UK, with the next one coming in Aberdeen, then Ayr,” Chhina told Just Pizza & Pasta. “In terms of outlets, I remember at Perfect Pizza [where he was a franchisee] in the 1990s we had around 320 stores. By the end of the year, we should be approaching 100 if we push it. Growth will eventually slow down because of fewer options where we can open, and I don’t want small delivery areas as I am old school when it comes to a simple metric – the more houses you have in your area, the more likely you are to succeed.” In terms of overseas expansion, Chhina said: “Things have been really smooth, and the plan is to open 50 stores in the GCC over three years – we may do a master franchise if the right partner comes along. To hire my managers, all I did was post an advert on Indeed, fell asleep for an hour, and had 300 applicants! With many working in tough conditions in Dubai, we are an attractive proposition as we know how to treat employees. The more challenging aspects in Dubai were around local regulations, trade licences and accounting/banking red tape, but I have fantastic partners both in the UK and Middle East. The Dubai model reflects how we expand internationally – I can open a pilot store anywhere in the world, check certain ingredients, get some staff and we are good to go. We are advertising the franchise in India – and I have family over there to help. Spain is on the horizon, alongside South America and Canada, which is potentially a stepping stone to the US. But the only hindrance is effectively me and how much time I have.”

Pret to open in Dublin airport: Pret A Manger's first airport site in Ireland is set to open at Dublin airport later this month, operated by the brand’s longstanding franchise partner Carebrook Partnership. Located in the airport’s Terminal 1, the 60-cover site, which will open all day, will be Pret’s sixth in Dublin. Gerard Loughran, chief executive at the Carebrook Partnership, said: “This new opening in Dublin airport is an important milestone in our partnership with Pret as we continue to grow the brand in Dublin. We're excited to welcome our first customers later this month.” Aileen Dautry, head of food and beverage at Dublin airport, said: “The arrival of Pret provides even more choice for passengers and continues the exciting roll-out of lots of new and improved food and drink outlets in the terminals. Our aim at Dublin airport is to have options for all taste buds and budgets and Pret is sure to be a popular choice for many passengers travelling in the coming months. As another busy summer approaches, we'll be unveiling details of even more new openings in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 very soon.” Pret now operates in 21 markets across four continents with nearly 700 shops worldwide, more than a tenth of which are found in airport locations.

Greene King expands Farmhouse Kitchen concept pilot to second site: Greene King has expanded the pilot of its Farmhouse Kitchen concept. with a second opening under the format, in Ossett, West Yorkshire. Propel revealed last summer that the Nick Mackenzie-led business had launched the trial of an evolution for its circa 70-strong Farmhouse Inns brand, at a site in Worsley near Manchester. Farmhouse Kitchen combines carvery dining with an onsite café. Located at Silkwood Park, the former Farmhouse Inns site in Ossett has received a six-figure investment, transforming the venue into a new dining concept that offers customers a combination of “great value carveries alongside a new continental breakfast menu, afternoon tea and an improved daily menu”. The restaurant also provides a selection of desserts including home baked cakes and ice cream sundaes. Greene King said its customer insight shows that in addition to the traditional carvery experience, guests are looking for freshly prepared meals and greater choice on menus. The company said: “Farmhouse Kitchen aims to tap into this demand by offering an elevated carvery experience in a contemporary environment, while also providing a new and improved menu and unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks refills from £2.99. This unique concept enables the brand to maximise sales during peak moments throughout the day.” The pilot site in Worsley has sold close to 80,000 carveries since opening in July. The restaurant's best-selling menu items include its British Beef & Ale Pie, as well as the new Kitchen Half Roast Chicken. Rob Lindsley, general manager at the new Farmhouse Kitchen, said: “At Farmhouse Kitchen, we are constantly reviewing how we can best adapt our menus to align with changing consumer demands, and we are committed to delivering the best possible value without compromising on quality. We know that customers are prioritising quality, value and freshness when eating out, and Farmhouse Kitchen ticks those boxes by providing a range of budget-friendly menu items that cater to every need.”

Chopstix opens largest site to date and first new concept store as part of double launch at shopping outlets: Chopstix, the QSRP-backed business, has opened its largest site to date and first new concept store as it continues its programme of rapid expansion, with launches at two shopping outlets. The sites have opened at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets in Bridgend in Wales and South Normaton in Derbyshire following multimillion-pound refurbishments to the food courts at both destinations. The new Bridgend site is now the biggest store in the Chopstix estate, at just under 4,000 square feet and it is the first store to feature the brand’s upgraded visual identity. The openings are the latest step in a busy period of growth for Chopstix following investment from QSRP last October. Bridgend and South Normaton bring the total number of site openings for the brand up to four in 2025, following launches in the White Rose shopping centre in Leeds and the new Welcome Break services in Rotherham. Chopstix, which operates more than 150 sites, has also kicked off a visual identity upgrade for its stores. The Bridgend site is the first new concept store, rolling out with 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 the brand has also started the process of identifying existing sites in its estate to undergo refurbishment. Marketing director Rob Burns said: “With the roll out of our upgraded visual identity at our Bridgend site, this feels like a watershed moment for Chopstix. This new instore look and feel gives us real standout on high streets and in food courts, and speaks to the big bold positioning of the brand. This refreshed concept has set us up perfectly for our next stage of growth as we look to ramp up openings across the UK and in Europe.” In December, Chopstix said its three-year strategy lays out a roadmap to reaching £200m in system sales, 300 sites and placing 100 neurodiverse young people into work across its estate by 2027.

BVC Hospitality to open second Supernova site, Bagatelle Group to launch new bistro concept: BVC Hospitality, the company behind North Audley Cantine, is to open two new sites in London’s Mayfair, including a second under its Supernova smashburger concept. The company, which opened the first Supernova in London in autumn 2023, will open the second site under the format in North Audley Street, taking 2,971 square-foot of space. As Propel previously reported, BVC Hospitality will also open 74 Duke, a Parisian brasserie offering all-day dining in the 3,250 square-foot former Spaghetti House site in Duke Street. BVC Hospitality is opening the sites having agreed deals with landlord Grosvenor. Meanwhile, in Belgravia, Grosvenor has also agreed a deal with La Bistrot Collection, from the people behind Bagatelle Group, which will open a new bistro concept Café des Lilas in Motcomb Street. Workshop Coffee will also open a flagship café and barista training venue across two floors. Existing occupier Popina is also tripling its floorspace to 1,500 square foot with a move to Weighhouse Street following strong performance at its current site. The move supports the business’ evolution into a modern Mediterranean kitchen with private dining. Aymeric Clemente, co-founder and president, La Bistrot Collection and Bagatelle Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the neighbourhood bistrot back to peoples’ hearts: the home away from home we all deserve.” A spokesperson for BVC Hospitality said: “We’re excited to expand our presence in the West End through the opening of Supernova and 74 Duke.” Adam Bowers, of onepoint2, acted on the Supernova deal. 

Greggs sets out next stage of its sustainability plans: Food-to-go operator Greggs has set out the next stage of its sustainability plan after saying it was on track with the majority of its targets, including making “significant progress” in tackling food insecurity. Launched in 2021 and aligned with the ambitions of the UN sustainable development goals, the “Greggs Pledge” focuses on ten commitments to help make the world a better place by the end of 2025, and beyond. The business said: “Greggs made significant progress in tackling food insecurity this year, marking the milestone opening of the 1,000th Greggs Foundation Breakfast Club, which now provides free, nutritious breakfasts to more than 75,000 schoolchildren across the UK, every school day. The company also reached the milestone of donating the equivalent of one million meals to FareShare during its ten-year partnership and expanded its network of outlet shops to 38 locations.” Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, said: “We’re extremely proud of the Greggs Pledge, which focuses our business on making meaningful impact where it matters most. We’re delighted to be on track with the majority of our targets and remain committed to evolving our initiatives based on new insights and stakeholder priorities. Looking ahead, we are now shaping the next phase of the Greggs Pledge to drive even greater impact. We want to build on the progress we have made and focus on redefining our goals for the next five years. Our full roadmap will be outlined in our next sustainability report, set for release in 2026.” The company said that as part of its ongoing strategy that by the end of 2025 it plans to open seven Outlet shops to take the total number to 45, it will increase unsold food redistribution to 47% and will maintain cost of manufacturing waste at 0.20% of sales. Greggs said it will also continue to maintain its ranging principles to ensure 30% of its offering are “healthier choice” items, and continue to roll out existing eco-shop elements across 30% of its estate.

Inglenook Group hires Jodie Leigh as operations director: North west pub operator Inglenook Group has hired Jodie Leigh, formerly of Admiral Taverns and Marston’s, as its new operations director. Leigh joins the circa 60-strong Inglenook Group after more than five years at Admiral Taverns as a business development manager. She also spent three and a half years at JJ Inns & Taverns, and seven years at Marston’s. Inglenook said: “Having worked in the industry since leaving school, Jodie has built an impressive career with some of the leading pub companies, gaining invaluable expertise in operations, team development, and business growth.” Leigh said: “The opportunity to bring my experience and knowledge to such a dynamic and forward-thinking team is incredibly exciting. Training and development have always been at the core of my approach, and I look forward to working alongside the team to make a positive impact and help shape the future of the business.” Inglenook chief executive James Waddington said: “Jodie’s extensive experience, passion for people development, and hands-on approach align perfectly with our values and ambitions. We have no doubt that she will make a significant impact as we continue to grow and strengthen our business.” In February, Inglenook Group announced Ken Buckley, who co-founded Bold Pub Company and Bravo Inns, had joined the business in an advisory capacity.

Rockfish founder – this is a pivotal year for the business: Mitch Tonks, founder of Rockfish, the 11-strong, seafood restaurant group, has said that 2025 is a “pivotal year” for the business, as it opens “beautiful new restaurants, invest further in our people and brand, and build the country's most exciting online seafood business”. It comes after the company confirmed the appointments of Romy Miller and Robert Grieg-Gran, as new non-executive directors, and said it was embarking “on a transformational year of innovation and expansion, including openings in Lyme Regis, Salcombe and Sidmouth”. Rockfish said their appointments mark an “exciting new chapter for Rockfish, which continues to build on its mission to connect people with the best British seafood in their much-loved restaurants or straight to their customer's homes”. The company said that Miller, currently chief marketing officer at Knoops, is an industry leader in customer engagement and brand building, two areas in which she will be helping the Rockfish team. The company said the appointment of Grieg-Gran is a key step in Rockfish's vision to lead the online fish sector, building on its existing success, which now sees over 12,000 homes receiving fresh seafood directly from the daily landings at Brixham market via its online seafood market platform. The business opened its latest site, last month, in Lyme Regis in Dorset. Rockfish will open a site next month in Salcombe, Devon, while a Rockfish across the county in Sidmouth is scheduled to open in October, which the company said further signalled “a step-change in growth”. Tonks said: “This is a pivotal year for Rockfish as we open beautiful new restaurants, invest further in our people and brand, and build the country's most exciting online seafood business. Robert’s insight and track record in building one of the UK's most successful online food businesses will be invaluable as we scale this part of the business to its full potential. Both Romy and Robert bring exactly the right kind of energy, vision and experience to support this leg of the Rockfish journey.”

North east gym business set to open 12th site: North east gym business OneGym is set to open its 12th site. The company is launching the £1m venue in Hartlepool on Saturday, 3 May. The gym, located in the former Mister Twisters unit in Park View industrial estate, is being kitted out with more than £500,000 worth of equipment. Members will also benefit from saunas, sunbeds, and a flexible class timetable. Co-founder Paul Pearson said: “Hartlepool is somewhere we've wanted to open for a while, so it's brilliant to now be in a position to bring OneGym here. It's a space that works for all kinds of training, whether you're just starting out or have years of experience behind you.” In October, OneGym secured growth funding from ThinCats, giving it the “firepower and confidence to scale at pace”. The funding will enable OneGym to acquire three or four sites per year.

Newgate Pubs & Bars plans fourth The Mayfair site: Newgate Pubs & Bars, the venture led by former Cameron’s Brewery pub estates and operations director Joe Smith, is planning to open a fourth site under its Mayfair Pub & Kitchen concept, in the north east. The company is set to acquire the former TGI Fridays site in The Riverwalk scheme in Durham. TGI Fridays closed the 6,000 square-foot site in October. In February, Newgate Pubs & Bars opened its third Mayfair Pub & Kitchen site, in Parliament Street, Harrogate. The concept, which serves food daily, offers music from live DJs and live sports coverage. In 2023, Newgate Pubs & Bars opened the second Mayfair Pub & Kitchen, in Sir Nigel Gresley Square, Doncaster. The original site under the concept was opened in Newcastle. Smith spent more than three years as pub estates and operations director at Cameron’s. He also had stints at Greene King and Enterprise Inns.

Fish and chip concept Hobson’s plans fourth site: London fish and chip shop concept Hobson’s is lining up a fourth opening in the capital. Propel understands that the business is set to open at 30 Charing Cross Road, later this year. The business also operates sites in Villiers Street, Soho and Bayswater. The company said: “Hobson’s is a family business and a culmination of 25 years in the fish and chip trade. Our family has run fish and chip shops from Cornwall to the Lake District.” Hobson’s also runs Oliver’s fish and chip restaurant in Belsize Park.

Premium hotel operator marks first step in 24-month, £30m growth strategy with West Yorkshire property acquisition: Rambler Group Holdings has acquired the Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, under its premium hospitality concept, Aura Hotels. The acquisition marks the first step in Rambler Group Holdings’ ambitious 24-month, £30m growth strategy to build a national footprint in the UK hospitality sector through the acquisition and transformation of landmark hotels. Aura Hotels is the luxury hotel division of Rambler Group Holdings, a diversified business spanning transport, tourism, leisure and hospitality. Built in 1859, The Craiglands Hotel will undergo a “comprehensive and sensitive” refurbishment, with the aim of repositioning it as a leading four-star wellness destination. “The Craiglands Hotel is a property of remarkable heritage and untapped potential,” said Qasim Ahmed, chief executive of Rambler Group Holdings. “This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter – not only for the hotel, but for our growing presence in the UK hospitality sector. Our goal is to restore Craiglands to its former grandeur, while creating something truly special for both Ilkley and our guests.” Rambler Group Holdings has acquired the property from Ailantus Hotels, which operates four other hotels in Lancashire and Tyne & Wear.

Kent steakhouse concept set to open third site: Kent steakhouse concept Buenos Aires Nights is set to open its third site. Owner Linda Pontoreiro will launch her new venue in a former Subway unit in Mercery Lane, Canterbury, on Saturday, 26 April. The venue will join Buenos Aires Nights' other branches in Maidstone, which opened in 2009, and Ashford, which opened in 2020 – offering Argentinian steaks and wine alongside traditional dishes. “I believe Canterbury would greatly benefit from a unique dining experience like ours,” Pontoreiro told Kent Online. “Currently, the city does not have an authentic Argentinian steakhouse, and we are excited to bring our offering to Kent’s historic heart. My goal is to continue growing the Buenos Aires Nights business across the county, and Canterbury feels like a perfect fit. We also host wine-tasting events, and I am passionate about not only bringing the best of Argentina to Kent but also embracing local products.”

Michelin-starred chef Adolfo De Cecco to open second site: Michelin-starred chef Adolfo De Cecco is to open his second site. De Cecco, who has a star for Casa Fofo in London’s Hackney, is launching Bianca’s in nearby Stoke Newington Road. The venture is named after his daughter, and will be more of a casual restaurant and wine bar than Casa Fofo, reports Hot Dinners. Like his other site, Bianca’s will focus on seasonal British ingredients and sustainability. The restaurant – which will open on Thursday, 24 April – will also have its own dedicated charcuterie room. The menu will include sheep’s sausage with mash and crab curry, and asparagus, cashew nut and salted bergamot. There will be 100 bottles of wine on offer, mainly low-intervention. The plan is for Bianca's to become an all-day space, so it will offer freshly baked bread, pastries and coffee in the morning. 

Team behind Eat Lah concept to open Canary Wharf restaurant: The team behind Eat Lah, the Malaysian street food concept, is to open a debut restaurant in London’s Canary Wharf. Ong Lai will open this summer in Harbord Square, with a promise to bring “the authentic flavours of Malaysia to London”. Eat Lah, which is led by Robert Ngo, has been operating across London's street food markets, offices, festivals and online, for the past five and a half years. It has previously operated sites in the likes of Boxpark Croydon, Canteen Hall in Greenwich and at the National Theatre. 

Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble to open pizza restaurant: Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble is to open a pizza restaurant in London’s Borough. Kemble, who won a Michelin star while running the restaurant at Bonhams in Mayfair and also worked at Hedone in the capital, is launching Spring Street. The restaurant is the end result of a passion project born during lockdown. Spring Street will open in an arch in O'Meara Street on Tuesday, 29 April. The pizzas, which will be made with dough fermented for 48-72 hours, will be sold by the quarter, half or whole. The menu will include Sausage & Friarelli – pork and fennel sausage, friarelli, red onion, wild oregano, fior di latte mozzarella, Scarmorza, Parmigiano Reggiano and Calabrian chilli flakes; and the New Yorker – San Marzano tomato, Rebel Charcuterie pepperoni, Parmigiano Reggiano, hot honey and basil. The drinks menu will include a short Italian wine list and cocktails. Kemble said he wants Spring Street to be somewhere “where delicious pizza, fabulous wine and cocktails and great music come together to create the ultimate hangout”.