WatchHouse – 62% revenue growth in FY24, second US opening imminent, plans ten openings in 2026: Specialty coffee business WatchHouse has told Propel it remains focused on deepening its presence in London and New York, while laying the groundwork for international franchising through early-stage conversations in several global markets, and is targeting a further ten openings in 2026. The company, which operates 20 sites in the UK and one on 5th Avenue, New York City, will open its second site in New York next month, at the Chrysler Building. The business said it continues to deliver strong like-for-like sales growth, including record trading periods in March and April. It said: “This sustained performance reflects both the depth of demand and the brand’s ability to engage a loyal customer base.” It comes as the company reported strong year-on-year growth for the financial year ending 28 July 2024 (FY24), with revenue increasing from £9.5m in FY23 to £15.4m – a 62% uplift. The business said that the performance reflected the “strength of its ‘Modern Coffee’ proposition, ambitious site roll-out and continued momentum across its portfolio of Houses”. Its pre-tax losses widened from £2.56m to £4.2m during the year, while House Ebitda grew from £1m to £1.2m. The company opened five UK sites during the year, including two City-centre Houses on Fenchurch Street, neighbourhood launches in Hampstead Heath and Belsize Park, and a landmark site in Canary Wharf. It also opened its first US House on 5th Avenue, New York City, which it described as “a statement of intent in one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets”. WatchHouse has since added new locations, in Fitzrovia and Marble Arch. Roland Horne, founder and chief executive of WatchHouse, said: “FY24 proved what we’ve always believed – there’s a global appetite for what WatchHouse does best. We broke ground in New York, delivered bold ideas in our Houses and menu, and kept pushing forward. We’re building something with real momentum, and our next phase will be the most exciting yet.” Caroline Ottoy, managing director of WatchHouse, added: “We’ve delivered strong revenue growth while significantly improving how we operate – tighter processes, better controls and sharper execution across the board. That performance is down to the calibre of our team, who’ve shown real commitment and discipline in a tough trading environment.”

 

Cat & Wickets Pub Company co-founder Harry Gurney to speak at Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference, open for bookings with 20% discount on tickets for Premium Club subscribers: Harry Gurney, co-founder of the Cat & Wickets Pub Company, 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. Gurney, who founded the company with former England cricketer Stuart Broad, will discuss building the award-winning business, and how it is now looking to grow and become a “genuine multi-site operator”. Propel is also launching “parallel sessions” at this year’s conference, which offer the chance to deep-dive into specialist subjects. There will be a chance for teams attending the conference to break away and absorb the parallel sessions. There will be ten parallel sessions in total, which will run alongside the main conference. 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 new searchable and segmented New Openings Database on Friday: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club subscribers on Friday (2 May). The database will show the details of 154 site openings, including which company has opened a site or its plans to open one in the future. The database will have details on what type of site it is and its location, and there will also be a website link to the businesses. The database is published on a monthly basis and Premium Club subscribers will also receive a 9,493-word report on the 154 new additions to the database. The database is segmented into seven categories – cafe bakery, casual dining, experiential leisure, fine dining, hotels, pubs and bars, and quick service restaurants – making it even easier for users to search. The database includes new openings in the casual dining sector such as Thai Express, Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza, and all-day dining concept, Heydays. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium 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.

 

Hospitality businesses ‘running out of time’ to claim against insurance companies that haven’t paid out on legitimate business interruption policies: Hospitality businesses have been warned that they are running out of time to claim against insurance companies which have refused to pay out on legitimate business interruption insurance policies. The call has come from Rob Atkinson, legal director at franchise group Black & White (B&W) Hospitality. Atkinson launched a ground-breaking campaign in 2020, with support from UK Hospitality, which spawned several ground-breaking court cases, which continue to this day. Having helped scores of sector businesses claim millions of pounds, Atkinson now wants to make sure others don’t miss out on pay outs they are legally entitled to. Atkinson said: “Most policies will be subject to a six-year limitation period, which is approaching fast. There are still millions of pounds of unclaimed policies out there. The law has evolved in the last few years, and even if you have been told previously you don’t have a claim, that may not be the case. I recommend that businesses get their applicable policy checked urgently – we have already seen many successful claims from businesses previously told they have no claim.” Meanwhile, B&W, which owns and manages the franchise rights to eight Marco Pierre White branded restaurant concepts, has reported successful early spring sales. The business said covers across its franchise estate in March were up 10% on the year before, which follows similar success in both January and February, when covers were up 20% and 6% respectively. Brand director Darren Coslett-Blaize, brand director, said: “At a time of increased economic uncertainty, it’s encouraging to see that our franchise partners are experiencing some excellent footfall in the first quarter of the year. Our main objective is to make our partners’ restaurant the most attractive in their area, and through fresh ideas, menus and offers we’ve enjoyed early initial success. We’ve also maximised the use of brand partnerships, which has resonated well with guests and is evident in the level of covers in March.”

 

A tip for diners: if you want the best seat, pay for it: A survey of 1,000 Britons by the online reservations platform Seven Rooms found that 43% would pay extra for their preferred restaurant seat. At present, paid-for seat upgrades are available at only a handful of restaurants – but this may be about to change. The Times reports that Tablz is a hospitality platform that launched in Canada in 2022, which allows customers to navigate a 3D floor plan of the restaurant before selecting which table they want. It is used by more than 100 restaurants. Its first venture into the UK will be with the opening of the Asian restaurant Cé La Vi, on floors 17 and 18 of the Renzo Piano Building in Paddington Square in August. Frazer Nagy, the founder of Tablz, said: “Before this, you’d have to be a VIP or know someone on the inside, but now anyone of any background can upgrade to the best table in the house.” The average cost per person to select a seat using Tablz is £35. The most expensive upgrade available is at Signor Sassi in Dubai, where customers can choose a private dining table for 2,000 UAE dirhams (£400). Tablz plans a wider launch across Europe this year. When asked where his company fits in the UK restaurant scene, Nagy said: “People should be able to choose the seat that works for them. And besides, you’re not coming to these restaurants if you can’t afford them.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a members’ club in Central London that is seeking an experienced and highly skilled food and beverage manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will oversee the daily operations of the food and beverage service, ensuring the highest standards of service and guest experience, managing the preparation, service and presentation of all food and beverage in accordance with the club's established standards, and maintaining strong relationships with members, ensuring their needs and preferences are met to the highest level.” The salary is up to £50,000. For more information, email kateb@corecruitment.com.  

 

Market Place – looking at thoughtful expansion in the UK, international opportunity is huge: Blake Henderson, managing director of food hall concept Market Place, has told Propel that growth in the UK over the next few years means “thoughtful expansion and entering the right locations at the right time”, while the international opportunity for the business is “huge”. Launched in 2020, Market Place currently operates sites in Peckham, Harrow and Vauxhall. Market Place’s new 6,834 square-foot flagship venue will open in Cheapside, London, next month. Propel understands Market Place is also lining up an opening in Baker Street, and a regional launch in Manchester, which is scheduled for 2027. On further growth in the UK, Henderson said: “We absolutely have more sites lined up, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead. That said, we’re equally focused on ensuring the continued success, quality and strong community connection of our existing locations. For us, growth in the UK over the next few years means thoughtful expansion, entering the right locations at the right time, supporting our vendors and consistently delivering a vibrant, high-quality experience for our guests. It’s about growing with intention, not just scale.” The group said it is exploring the Middle East alongside other international opportunities. The business has engaged Dubai-based strategic advisor David Singleton to support its global growth strategy. Henderson told Propel: “Internationally, the opportunity is huge but for us, it’s not just about chasing markets, it’s about creating meaningful, lasting impact where we land. We’ve got our eyes on Dubai and the wider Middle East, along with other international cities where we believe Market Place can genuinely add to the existing food and culture offering. That said, it’s crucial that the demand is there. We want communities to want us. So, getting it right matters just as much as getting there. For us, the size of the prize isn’t just measured in footprint, but in how well we’re received, how we support local talent, and how seamlessly we become part of the cultural fabric in each new location.”

Bidding war could be on the cards for Deliveroo: The US firm DoorDash’s £2.7bn swoop for Deliveroo late last week may prompt Amazon, Prosus and Meituan to consider rival bids. The Sunday Times reports that Deliveroo’s shares will probably spike on Monday morning as the stock market digests its aftermarket announcement. But there’s a decent chance that this might only be the beginning. In the days, weeks and months to come, the City might be treated to a bidding war, culminating in a formal auction overseen by the Takeover Panel. Scale is paramount when competing with deep-pocketed rivals such as Uber Eats, so acquiring proven independent operators is pivotal to success. The problem is that there are not many such firms left. Experts reckon that the most likely scenario is the formation of six or seven major players competing globally. For this reason, DoorDash’s swoop for Deliveroo may not be a slam dunk. It may prompt other suitors to come out of the woodwork to bid for what some see as the last remaining independent operator in the food delivery market. Amazon, which owns 13% of Deliveroo already, will be watching proceedings closely. Some think that it is inevitable that it may lodge a counterbid. With a market valuation of more than $2 trillion, it has the firepower to outbid pretty much anyone if it is determined that Deliveroo should not fall into the clutches of someone else. An Amazon bid, however, may not pass muster with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Prosus could also crash DoorDash’s party — although adding Deliveroo to its stable would attract scrutiny from competition officials on account of its ownership of Just Eat. It is thought that the CMA would look on a takeover by Prosus more favourably than one by Amazon, however. A third name that could be in the mix is Meituan. The Hong Kong-listed firm may not be in the same league as Amazon, but it still boasts a market value of more than £75bn. 

Nando’s hires Kimberley Grant as CEO for North America: Nando’s has hired Kimberley Grant, formerly of Four Season Hotels and Resorts and Ruby Tuesday, as chief executive of its North American business. Grant serves on the boards of food product distribution company Performance Food Group, as well as luxury cruise line AmaWaterways River Cruises. She was previously global head of restaurants and bars for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts until 2023. She also served as chief executive of the José Andrés Group (formerly ThinkFoodGroup) through to 2020 and was formerly the president and chief operating officer of Ruby Tuesday. Grant replaces John Fisher, who served as chief executive of Nando’s North America from 2017 until February of this year. Nando’s made its US debut in 2008 in Washington DC. It currently operates circa 45 company-owned restaurants in and around Washington, Baltimore and Chicago. Grant said: “I could not be more excited to lead the refinement of Nando’s overseas business model and further develop its expansion efforts in the fastest growing, most vibrant sector of our industry.”

Laine Pub Company adds Croydon site to its growing estate: Laine Pub Company, the Brighton-based circa 50-strong pub operator, is to add The Dog and Bull in Croydon to its growing estate. The Punch Pubs-owned business is investing an initial £125,000 into the pub, which is being renamed The Dog as part of a “thrilling three-stage transformation”. The company said: “Imagine this: incredible, bookable outdoor spaces, heated for year-round revelry, giant screens for unmissable sporting action, and a killer sound system ready to drop the freshest beats. Inside, expect a fresh sparkle that lovingly preserves the pub’s unique character, alongside essential TLC to ensure ‘The Dog’ keeps its tail wagging for generations to come. Leading this exciting new chapter is the legendary Sean Cook, the new landlord with Croydon in his veins! A true local icon with over 16 years immersed in London’s vibrant pub scene, Sean’s journey comes full circle – his very first job was selling fruit and vegetables right outside The Dog & Bull on Surrey Street Market. And finally, let’s set the record straight. While not a formal name change, Laine is embracing the heartfelt connection the Croydon community has with this cherished spot. You spoke, and Laine listened! The pub will proudly remain The Dog, the name everyone knows and loves. And the breathtaking new garden concept? Inspired by Croydon’s own artistic trailblazer, Tracey Emin, it will be christened The Wilderness – a promise of untamed good times and a true green oasis in the heart of the town.” The pub will reopen on the 16 May. 

TGI Fridays hires Phil Broad as president of international franchising: TGI Fridays has hired Phil Broad, its former UK managing director, as president of the brand’s international franchising. Based in Dubai, Broad will oversee the brand’s international operations and franchise partnerships, with a focus on accelerating global growth and delivering exceptional guest experiences worldwide. Broad previously led the brand in the UK for three years until 2000, expanding it from 20 to 42 restaurants and achieving record-breaking performance in the process. He was also managing director of Outback Steakhouse and Starbucks UK. For the past 17 years, he has been based in the Middle East, working for the likes of Jumeirah Restaurants, InterContinental Hotels Group and, most recently, Alghanim Industries, the franchisee for Costa Coffee and Wendy’s in the region. During his tenure at Alghanim, he introduced Slim Chickens to the Middle East. “Phil’s return to the Fridays family comes at a pivotal time for our global brand,” said Ray Blanchette, TGI Fridays chief executive. “His proven ability to lead brand expansion, strengthen franchisee relationships, and elevate the guest experience makes him the right person to shape the next chapter of our international business.” The business said that Broad’s appointment comes at a time of “exciting momentum” for the business, which is currently in a “transformational growth phase” – with nearly 300 international locations and a “robust development pipeline”. On his new role, Broad said: “I am now delighted to be back at an exciting time for TGI Fridays International as we are in growth mode across the globe. We already operate nearly 400 locations across 40 countries and have a strong pipeline, with many more restaurants to come. Fridays is a truly iconic global brand with untapped potential, and I look forward to working with our incredible franchise partners to take it to new heights.” TGI Fridays filed for Chapter 11 in the US in November 2024, citing fallout from the pandemic as the primary driver of its financial challenges. The move primarily affected its corporate-owned US locations. The brand closed numerous outlets, reducing its US footprints to just 85 locations. 

Multi-brand franchisee KBeverage reveals target locations as it looks to ramp up its roadside Starbucks estate: Multi-brand franchisee KBeverage has revealed its target locations as it looks to ramp up its roadside Starbucks estate. The company, founded in 2015 by Alok Yadav, opened its 60th Starbucks location earlier this year. The company also operates KChicken as a franchisee of US brand Slim Chickens, which is being rolled out there by Boparan Restaurant Group. KBeverage said: “We’re on the lookout for prominent roadside sites across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Essex, Kent and east London. We’re actively looking for prominent roadside locations across these territories, starting from 0.5 acres, suitable for drive-thru and drive-to store formats. Our key requirements include 1,800 square feet, freehold/leasehold and new builds or conversions.” KBeverage last week opened its latest Starbucks store, on land off Somerby Way in Somerby Park, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

 

Caprinos to open in Cambridge this week: Pizza franchise Caprinos will open its latest site this week, in Cambridge. Propel revealed last month that a launch in the city was in the company’s immediate pipeline as it targets 20 new locations this year. Caprinos, which has 100 sites in the UK and three in Pakistan, has a longer-term ambition of doubling its estate by 2030. The new restaurant will open at the end of this week at 83 Mill Road in Cambridge, creating up to 15 jobs. Gul Nawaz and Khalil Rehman, co-founders of Caprinos Pizza, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening in Cambridge and look forward to serving up our signature pizzas that champion unique and innovative flavour combinations. We believe our menu and quality promise will resonate strongly with local customers.” Last month, Propel revealed that Caprinos is targeting London for its next phase of expansion, and is set to launch in the Middle East this year. The company went on to tell Propel that it is looking to make its motorway services and airport debuts this year and is also seeking to grow its company-owned estate.

 

Hotel group grows its portfolio after profit and turnover drop: Hotel group Seacare Hospitality has grown its portfolio after it saw a drop in profit and turnover in the year to 31 March 2024. The group started the year with 13 hotels, and during the year added The Dilkhusa Hotel in Ilfracombe, the Norbreck Hotel in Scarbrough and the Portpatrick Hotel in Stranraer. At least two of these acquisitions were via a partnership with Compass Hospitality. Since the year end, Seacare, which also operates hotels in Singapore and Malaysia, has added the Lord Nelson Hotel in Liverpool and The Trouville Hotel on the Isle of Wight. During the year, the company saw its turnover fall from £25,385,295 to £23,286,464, while its pre-tax profit dropped from £6,089,200 to £4,231,252.

 

Family-owned hotel operator reopens Christchurch property after acquiring site from Harbour Hotels: Family-owned hotel operator 777 Hotels has reopened The Kings Arms in Christchurch, Dorset, after acquiring it from Harbour Hotels. 777 Hotels, which was incorporated in 2012, made The Kings Arms its fourth hotel when it bought the site in January. It also operates The Merchant’s House Hotel and The Riverside in Salisbury, and The Bridge House Hotel in Ferndown. The Kings Arms, which originally opened in 1801, features 20 newly refreshed bedrooms and two new spaces for weddings and corporate events. There is also a new champagne and cocktail bar, The Bar @ No.18, open daily to both guests and visitors. “We’re thrilled to be reopening The Kings Arms, a hotel with so much local history and character,” said Mark Bowley, owner of 777 Hotels. “We’ve worked hard to respect the building's heritage while creating stylish, welcoming spaces for both locals and visitors to enjoy.”

 

Soul Padel hires new COO: Soul Padel, the racket sport concept based in the north west of England, has hired a new chief operating officer. Ivo Maciel will combine his new role with that of chief executive of business growth consultancy, Nucleus Point, which he founded in 2023. Maciel was previously head of operations excellence EU for US grocery delivery company Gopuff and a regional manager for Morrisons. He started out with retail group Woolworths Group in Australia, where he spent five and a half years in various roles including state manager for Brisbane. Soul Padel founder Mark Hewlett said: “I met Ivo in Australia during 2014, when we both worked at Woolworths Supermarkets. Back then, we were laying the foundations of what is now their successful Metro network of convenience stores. I’m now delighted to welcome Ivo into the Soul Padel team, stepping into our newly created COO role. Ivo has recently been bitten by the padel bug and plays two to three times a week while also finding time to design and deliver our operating systems, processes and procedures. Ivo’s role will also oversee commercial activities and partnerships as we broaden our reach and expand our brand’s presence. It’s an exciting time at Soul Padel and we all look forward to working with Ivo on our roll-out programme.” Maciel added: “It’s a privilege to be partnering again with Mark Hewlett and joining the passionate team at Soul Padel. Padel has become a real joy for me, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to blend this enthusiasm with my experience in operations, strategy, and growth. Excited for what’s ahead at Soul Padel.” Founded by Hewlett in 2023, Soul Padel currently has locations in Stockport and Loughborough University, and has forthcoming sites in St Helens, Bolton and Breahead.

 

Gunpowder founder to open Thai fried chicken restaurant this week: Harneet Baweja, the founder of Gunpowder, is to open Thai fried chicken restaurant Fortune Fried Chicken on Friday (2 May). Inspired by the street vendors of Bangkok, the venture will launch in Old Spitalfields Market in east London and is the newest addition to Baweja’s HB Company, which also includes Empire Empire and Moi et To. Propel understands the Old Spitalfields Market location is currently the only planned opening under the concept. The kitchen at Fortune Fried Chicken will be headed up by Jane Alty, best known for being the co-founder of Peckham’s longstanding Thai restaurant The Begging Bowl. She previously cooked at Bibendum, Racine and David Thompson’s Nahm. As well as Thai fried chicken, the restaurant will offer a chicken burger with tamarind sesame glaze, spicy green papaya salad and mayo. Baweja said: “Every time I visit Bangkok, my first stop is always for Thai fried chicken. Each vendor has their own take on it, and I’ve spent years searching for the perfect version. After months in the test kitchen, we’ve perfected our recipe, and Spitalfields Market feels like the perfect location to bring it to life.”

 

Gourmet wings concept lines up London debut: Gourmet wings concept Wing Kingz is lining up its first site in London. The business, which has branches in Milton Keynes, Canterbury, Solihull and Coventry, will next be coming to the capital in “our biggest move yet”. The company, founded by Parm Bhangal, Harminder Singh Dhisna and Aaron Murrell, has not yet revealed the exact location. Murrell posted to social media: “Three years and six months ago, Wing Kingz started as a vision in Milton Keynes – bringing together great food, great vibes, and a community that loves what we do. Fast forward to 2025, and we’re proud to have expanded our Wing Kingz family to Canterbury Kent, Solihull Birmingham, and Coventry. It’s been an incredible journey, fuelled by passion, hard work, and an amazing team. And now, it’s official – our London store is currently under construction! To be opening in the capital of England is a massive milestone for us, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this news. As we continue to grow, we’re now inviting conversations with individuals interested in investment opportunities with Wing Kingz.” Propel revealed last month that Wing Kingz is seeking investment as it plans nationwide expansion. The brand has previously said it is has set its sights on “a minimum of 50 stores by 2030” through franchising.

 

Dorian owner set to open new no-bookings sushi bar in Notting Hill: Chris D’Sylva, owner of Michelin-starred bistro Dorian in Notting Hill, is set to add to his empire in the west London neighbourhood by opening a new no-bookings sushi bar there. D’Sylva, who also owns Notting Hill Fish Shop and Supermarket of Dreams in the area, opened Dorian, his first standalone restaurant, in 2022. This was followed by a second, the Japanese-focused Urchin, in March last year. He will now launch Eel Sushi Bar in a former antiques shop at 118 Talbot Road on 6 May, reports Hot Dinners. The ten-seat diner will offer traditional sushi alongside the same wine list offered at Dorian. D’Sylva is also behind viral sushi experience Tuna Fight Club – a regular 12-course tuna omakase evening held at Notting Hill Fish Shop.

 

Cut & Craft opens flagship Manchester site: Yorkshire operator Oscar Akgul has opened the third site under his steakhouse concept, Cut & Craft, in Manchester. The new restaurant will join his sites in York and Leeds. Akgul also operates two Lucia wine bar and restaurants, in York and Beverley. The new 150-cover Cut & Craft is housed within the historic former Manchester and Salford Bank, a grade II-listed building dating to 1862, converting the former banking room in a £3.5m investment. Georgina Pellant, the brand’s marketing manager, said: “Manchester seemed like that natural next step for the owners. As they’re from the north, they wanted to open in a big city, and Manchester feels like the capital of the north. What we're all about is accessible luxury. You can come here for a three-course meal for under £30, but you can also spend £250 on a plate of caviar if you want to. A lot of this is about experience and discovering different spaces within the restaurant. So, on your way to the toilets, it’s finding the Champagne cellar, which we will open up for tastings, and then there’s VIP bottle storage too and Gossip Room. This has been three years in the making, and with heritage sites there’s been more challenges that a standard build, so we've had to work creatively to make sure we’re respecting the heritage and history of the space.” A variety of premium steaks include cuts such as the 250g fillet (£38.50), 300g ribeye (£31) and 300g rump (£27), as well as flat iron (£16), sirloin (£31), T-bone (£49) and Chateaubriand (£88). There will also be gin and classic cocktails, sparkling wines, Champagne, spirits, a selection of craft, draught and bottled beer, mocktails and a luxury cocktail trolley service.

 

Northampton brothers set to open third site: Northampton brothers Matt and James Ingram are set to open their third site together. The siblings, who run Smoke Pit at 11a The Ridings and Hops and Chops at 6 Kent Road, are planning to turn the former Buddies Diner in Dychurch Lane into chicken restaurant and takeaway, Mission Chicken. The brothers first announced plans for the site back in 2021, but the opening was delayed due to several factors impacting the industry, including the cost-of-living crisis. In December, they moved in to start transforming the site and have been working on the for the past few months. In a Facebook update, the duo, who operate as Ingram Brothers Restaurants, said: “A little update from Mission Chicken! We’ve had a few of those classic ‘behind-the-scenes’ hiccups, like the wrong gas supply being fitted (seriously!) and a couple of other delays that have been out of our hands. As much as we’re itching to open the doors of our old mission schoolroom-turned-chicken church, we’re holding off on setting a date just yet. Why? Because we want everything to be absolutely spot on. Trust us, the opening is coming soon, and when it does, it’ll be worth every second of the wait.” The brothers also previously operated vegan café Soo Greens, at the Soo Yoga wellbeing centre in Northampton, with childhood friend at England Rugby World Cup winner, Ben Cohen.

 

Robert Parker Collection repays bank debt after selling Northumberland hotel for £3.6m: Robert Parker Collection, which now owns two luxury hotels and spas in Northumberland and Scotland, repaid some of its bank debt after selling one of its sites for £3.6m. In November 2024, the company sold the Eshott Hall Hotel in Morpeth, Northumberland, to The Wildhive Collection, leaving the Robert Parker Collection with Doxford Hall in Alnwick and Ednam House Hotel in Kelso. At the time, the price was undisclosed, but the figure was revealed in the group’s accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024. In his report accompanying the accounts, owner Robert Parker stated: “These sale proceeds repaid some of the long-term external bank debt and some of the group’s creditors, leaving cash of £1m available to fund working capital needs.” It came as the group reported turnover fell to £8,428,118 for the year ending 31 March 2024 compared with £10,985,096 the year before, having sold the Dalhousie Castle hotel in Edinburgh during the period. The accounts revealed the company made a profit on disposal of £1,672,048 from the sale. Pre-tax profit was down to £979,531 from £1,270,695 the previous year, when the company made a profit on disposal of £1,744,110 following the sale of The Wordsworth Hotel in the Lake District to Inn Collection Group. Robert Parker Collection had net assets at the end of the period of £8,722,935 (2023: £7,743,404). No dividends were paid (2023: nil).

  

Holiday park business expecting downturn in bookings in 2025 but core activities ‘continuing to perform strongly’: Holiday park business Pentewan Sands – which operates its eponymous site and Heligan in Cornwall along with Harvington Lock in Worcester – has said it expects a downturn in bookings in 2025 but its core activities are “continuing to perform strongly”. It comes as the company reported turnover increased 7.9% to £6,560,289 for the year ending 31 March 2024 compared with £6,080,317 the year before – just below the record £6,571,596 for the year ending 31 March 2022 following the bounce from the covid pandemic. Pre-tax profit was up 13.9% to £2,010,389 from £1,764,590 the previous year. During the period, the group also acquired farmland “in a strategic collaboration with others, aimed at strengthening the balance sheet and spreading risk”. Director John Willis stated: “Core activities continued to perform strongly, with touring pitches showing a 9.6% increase and self-catering accommodation a 1.8% increase against the previous year. At the end of the year, the company was again in a robust financial position with an improved balance sheet and reduced liabilities. The strategic decision made in 2022 to enhance the visitor experience by reducing the overall number of touring pitches at Pentewan Sands appears to have borne fruit more quickly than expected, but early indications for bookings suggest a downturn in demand for the year ahead needs to be anticipated.” No dividends were paid (2023: nil). The company employs around 100 staff.

 

Berkshire wellness business opens boutique hotel: Nirvana Collection, the Berkshire wellness business, has opened the doors to its newest addition, the West Court Retreat. Set within 20 acres, grade II-listed Manor House is a ten-minute drive from sister brand Nirvana Spa. The new venue features 11 Manor House suites and deluxe rooms, while the Officers’ Wing houses a further 38 rooms. The hotel also features The Dining Room, the hotel’s international restaurant, and The Glasshouse restaurant, a Victorian style glass house newly built on the site of the original estate greenhouse. Both restaurants serve seasonal menus featuring locally sourced produce. The venue also includes The Devil’s Highway Bar, named after the historic Roman road that runs beneath the manor.