Exclusive – WatchHouse to expand London footprint with acquisition of five ex-Oree sites: Specialty coffee business WatchHouse is to further expand its footprint in London after acquiring five former Orée Boulangerie sites, following the latter’s entry into administration last week, Propel has learned. Propel revealed last month that French artisan patisserie concept Orée, which operated nine sites across Central London, has been placed on the market ahead of a possible restructure. The business, which launched its first UK site in 2016 in Fulham Road, was working with BTG Advisory on its options, including a sale on an accelerated basis. WatchHouse, which already operates 19 sites in the capital, has acquired locations in Wellington Street in Covent Garden, Borough Market, Parsons Green, St John’s Wood and Northcote Road in Clapham. The company said the sites are in some of London’s most established and high-potential neighbourhoods and the acquisition “marks a major step forward in WatchHouse's strategic expansion across the capital”. Managing director Caroline Ottoy told Propel: “These five locations are an exciting opportunity. They strengthen our presence in London and reflect the clarity we have around where and how we grow. It’s a move that deepens our roots in London and reinforces the foundations for what comes next.” In the immediate term, four of the five sites will continue to trade under the Orée name while WatchHouse prepares for their redevelopment and relaunch. The company said: “Ensuring continuity for both guests and teams is the near-term priority, with staff retained at the trading locations.” The Northcote Road site will be the first to open, as WatchHouse Clapham. The business said: “Each remaining site will undergo a considered refurbishment and launch as a WatchHouse over the next 12 months. The investment reflects the brand's continued focus on design excellence, a guest-led experience and product quality at scale.” Last month, the Roland Horne-founded business 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 in New York, will open its second site in New York later this month, at the Chrysler Building. The business said it continued to deliver strong like-for-like sales growth, including record trading periods in March and April. Propel understands that working capital pressures due, in part, to the Oree’s overheads, combined with a number of marginal locations, resulted in cash flow difficulties and a build-up of creditor arrears. The business, which was founded by Laurent d’Orey, had been seeking to restructure its operations to a leaner portfolio to improve profitability. 

 

Arc Inspirations CEO Martin Wolstencroft and marketing director Laura Lewis to speak at Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference, open for bookings with 20% discount on tickets for Premium Club subscribers: Martin Wolstencroft, chief executive of Arc Inspirations, the premium bar operator, and its marketing director, Laura Lewis, will be among the speakers at the Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference. The all-day conference, the best attended pub and bar conference in the sector, takes place on Wednesday, 14 May at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. Wolstencroft and Lewis will talk about how the award-winning company strives to deliver an elevated experience across all areas of its business and how it plans to almost double its estate over the next five years. 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 next Turnover & Profits Blue Book tomorrow: Premium Club subscribers will receive the next Turnover & Profits Blue Book tomorrow (Friday, 9 May), at noon. The database will feature 67 updated accounts and 14 new companies, taking the total to 1,109. A total of 704 companies are making a profit while 405 are making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who's Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events including Excellence in Pub Retail this month and discounts on specialist sector reports. 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.

 

Government-backed hospitality training programmes begin rollout: Government-backed hospitality sector-based Work Academy Programmes are being launched in 26 areas across England. UKHospitality, in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, has begun rolling out the scheme to help people into jobs in hospitality and provide them with a hospitality skills passport. The programme trains jobseekers with hospitality skills in a working environment and provides them with both work experience and a guaranteed interview with a choice of employers. The companies, operating both nationally and locally, are working with Jobcentre Plus and local training providers. Successful participants will also receive a new hospitality skills passport, a digital transferable award that demonstrates competence and qualifications. The passport is certified by OCN London and accredited by UKHospitality. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “Our programme will operate right across England, demonstrating hospitality’s ability to help people into employment in every part of the country. The programme’s delivery of a hospitality skills passport is critical in providing recruits with a way to demonstrate their qualifications and avoid duplication of training for employers. I urge any hospitality business operating in any of the 26 areas to get in touch and register their interest to get involved.”

 

Scottish Hospitality Group warns Holyrood not to backtrack on promise of business rates review: The Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG) has warned Holyrood not to backtrack on its promise of a review into business rates for the sector. The Scottish government has committed to commissioning an “independent review” of non-domestic rates for licensed hospitality, which is to be completed by next year, with a commitment to implementing the recommendations before 2029. The SHG has repeatedly called for such a review, especially after ministers shelved a long-standing commitment to reform non-domestic rates before revaluations in 2026. SHG director Stephen Montgomery said: “The licensed hospitality sector is facing a perfect storm of tax increases and rising costs, and we are pleased to see the Scottish government recognise the current non-domestic rates system is clearly not fit for purpose. Given its previous broken promises to the sector, it is now vital that the Scottish government urgently follow through on this pledge and proves it is acting in good faith. The SHG looks forward to working with ministers to ensure the review helps deliver the necessary reforms to the unfair non-domestic rates system licensed hospitality so desperately needs.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a luxury hospitality group that is seeking a purchasing manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will be responsible for managing all food and non-food categories, implementing a successful procurement strategy, managing supplier relationships and being cost effective for the business.” This is a full-time, site-based role located in London, requiring attendance five days a week, with a salary of up to £60,000. For more information, email mikey@corecruitment.com.

 

Exclusive – Nusa Kitchen ceases trading after parent company placed into liquidation: Nusa Kitchen, the south east Asian takeaway concept, has ceased trading from its seven sites in central London after its parent company was placed into liquidation. The company was founded in 2004 by mother and son, Patou and Mark Cox, with the aim of bringing a taste of Singapore to London’s office workers, with a focus on soups inspired by traditional recipes. It went on to open sites in Moorgate, Queen Victoria Street, Plough Place, Old Street, Adams Court and Cannon Street. The business underwent a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in 2021, which allowed it to hold on to all its sites and central production unit. It is thought the CVA allowed the business to overcome its rent arrears and to move to a turnover-based rent. Last May, the company returned to the expansion trail with an opening in London’s St Paul’s. The business opened on the former Chop’d site at 6 Queens Head Passage, Paternoster Square. Propel understands that the business was impacted by servicing debt built up during covid, the cost-of-living, the fact that workers have not returned fully to central London offices, and the cost of business. It understands that the rise in the national minimum wage and the change to the national insurance contribution threshold would mean the business would have had to double its sales to remain within its budget expectations. It is thought that the company is now working to find new roles in the sector for the majority of its 32-strong workforce.

 

Kebhouze launches UK franchise: Kebhouze, the international kebab house brand which made its debut here in 2023, has launched a UK franchise programme. Kebhouze was founded in Italy in December 2021 and now has 23 stores there, plus one in Spain. Kebhouze arrived in the UK in December 2023 with its largest site yet, over three storeys in London’s Oxford Street, also offering interactive arcade games and table football. Kebhouze is now looking to expand here through franchising and exhibited at last month’s International Franchise Show at London’s ExCel. In its franchise brochure, Kebhouze said it is the first family-orientated kebab brand and the first to work with pre-sliced kebab. The brand said it has a high average receipt of £17 and has “great potential for market penetration in shopping centres and travel retail”. The average cost to build a store is £300,000, with a £25,000 opening fee. The company said: “The process of preparing a kebab takes approximately 150 seconds, from the moment the order is placed to when it is delivered to the customer. Our kebab meat undergoes automated pre-grilling and pre-slicing processes at our partnered laboratory before being delivered to all Kebhouze stores in convenient 1kg packages. All kebab varieties are halal certified, adding an appeal across a diverse customer base, particularly in the UK.” In March 2024, co-founder Giulio Paternò told Propel that Kebhouze was targeting 15-20 London sites over the next four years and an eventual UK estate of 40-45 stores. Kebhouze will feature in the next Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, which is an exhaustive guide to the companies offering a food and beverage franchise in the UK and is available exclusively to Premium subscribers. The next edition will be sent on Friday, 16 May and feature a total of 350 companies. 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.

Gong Cha hires Justus Haller as general manager growth markets: Gong Cha, the fast-growing bubble tea brand headquartered in the UK, has hired Justus Haller  as its new general manager growth markets. He joins the group from Burger King Deutschland, where he spent more than six years, most recently serving as its chief financial officer. Haller also previously held several senior roles at Burger King Deutschland, including director of finance, IT and supply and head of finance and IT. During his tenure, Haller led several franchisee acquisitions, renegotiated the master franchise agreement and was part of the management team that successfully sold Burger King Deutschland to a private equity investor. Prior to Burger King Deutschland, he spent more than three years at Restaurant Brands International in Switzerland. In his new role, he will be responsible for Gong Cha’s operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) as well as Asia-Pacific (APAC). Haller will be responsible for working closely with Gong Cha Global’s new UK franchisee, Jinziex, following its agreement to open at least 225 new sites in the UK. Building on Gong Cha's existing footprint of 2,100-plus stores, the company said Haller will also explore opportunities to add new master franchisees in markets with high growth potential. Paul Reynish, global chief executive of Gong Cha, said: “As we work towards our ambitious goal of scaling to 10,000 sites by 2032, Justus' experience in franchisee operations, finance and management will be crucial for shaping the next phase of our development in EMEA and APAC.” Haller added: “I can’t wait to start working with Paul and the team to drive the next phase of Gong Cha’s global growth and cement it as the market leading bubble tea brand across more of its markets.”

Wenzel’s reports double-digit increase in full-year sales, made significant progress in discussions with HMRC over tax liability: Wenzel’s, which operates circa 110 bakery stores in southern England and the Midlands, has reported a 11.2% increase in turnover for the year to 7 April 2024 to £68,287,068 compared with £61,431,678 the previous year. The company said it remains in dialogue with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) after a winding up order was issued against the company on 19 March 2025 “in respect of an outstanding balance due”. Wenzel’s confirmed HMRC had subsequently applied for the petition to be withdrawn on 26 March, which was approved two days later. Wenzel’s said: “The company remains in dialogue with HMRC and has made significant progress towards settling the liability, including making payments towards the outstanding liability and has sought to offset tax recoverable against the liability.” Wenzel’s also revealed it was in advanced discussions with its bankers to secure an additional £2m loan, which its directors were confident would be approved. The business reported a pre-tax profit of £2,963,671 for the period, up 26% on the £2,399,658 from the year prior. Wenzel’s noted that, to meet increasing demand for its products, it had opened ten new shops during the period. To support continued expansion in the coming years, Wenzel’s said it had invested in its main bakery and head office in Northwood, north west London. The company said it was “pleased with the results for the period”. However, it warned the business still faces many challenges including general footfall and the cost-of-living crisis “giving rise to an uncertain economic outlook for our customers and increasing high street competition”.

KFC UK & Ireland hires Stefan Beavis as interim chief digital and technology officer: KFC UK & Ireland has hired Stefan Beavis, formerly of McDonald’s and Wagamama, as its interim chief digital and technology officer. Beavis stepped down as chief information officer at Wagamama in February after two and a half years in the role. He previously spent four years at McDonald’s as its IT director. Previous to that, he was chief technology officer at publisher Penguin. Earlier this month, Yum! Brands reported KFC system sales in the UK increased 4% for the first quarter ended 31 March 2025 compared with the previous year – the first rise since the fourth quarter of 2023. The UK accounts for 6% of KFC’s system sales worldwide. In January, KFC UK & Ireland named Rob Swain as its new general manager. He replaced Meg Farren, who was promoted to president of North America for Yum! Brands’ sister brand Taco Bell.

 

New indoor family entertainment park concept set to make English debut, seven due to open by next year: New indoor family entertainment park concept Fun Parx is set to make its English debut, with the owners saying seven sites are due to open by next year. The first Fun Park only opened in March, in the former Fun Factory soft play centre in Dundee – launched by former Ninja Warrior contestant Ali Hay. The second Fun Park will now open in the former Debenhams in the Eastgate shopping centre in Basildon, east London, reports the Basildon, Canvey & Southend Echo. The £600,000 venue is due to open in July and will feature a large inflatable park, inflatable football pitches, arcades, soft play areas, vintage arcade games, a digger with a sandpit, interactive dart boards, shuffleboards, pool tables, a monster air slide, an obstacle course and more. Tickets will cost between £9.50 to £10 each. Matt Tofts, an owner at Fun Parx, said: “The whole concept of Fun Parx is to have something for everyone and all ages, so it is totally inclusive. It is like a mini Disneyland, with activities and fun for all the family. Trampoline parks, where I used to work, often see parents and adults sit in a café, but here they can more than get involved. The whole idea is people travel to different portals with something different. Our Dundee centre had 8,000 visitors in about two weeks. We want to keep it affordable and see more people enjoy what we have to offer.” Other locations being lined up by Fun Park include Banbury, Cheltenham and Warrington.

 

Whitbread set to open its first hub by Premier Inn hotel south of the Thames: Whitbread is set to open its first hub by Premier Inn hotel south of the Thames. The business has revealed plans to transform a vacant office block in Stamford Street, Southwark, into a 400-bedroom hotel. Whitbread has acquired the freehold of Dorset House from Capital 38 and will retrofit the empty nine-storey, 90,000 square-foot block and transform it, subject to planning permission from Southwark Council. Whitbread’s acquisition of Dorset House adds to the 15 hub by Premier Inn hotels currently trading in London. Derek Griffin, head of acquisitions for Whitbread, said: “Since launching our first hub by Premier Inn in Covent Garden in 2014, we’ve built a successful network of 18 hotels across London and Edinburgh, offering guests affordable stays in prime city centre locations. As we’ve grown, we have been actively seeking the right opportunity south of the river and Dorset House represents a perfect fit.” In addition to the Dorset House transaction, so far in 2025, Whitbread has secured deals to acquire a former office building at 35 Red Lion Square in Holborn, which it plans to convert into a 165-room hub by Premier Inn hotel, and Phoenix House in Vauxhall, for a 180-bed Premier Inn. Whitbread offers more than 85,500 Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn bedrooms from 850 locations and sees the long-term potential for 125,000 bedrooms, with London being an important focus for expansion. RX London acted as the exclusive advisor to Capital 38 on the Southwark transaction. Whitbread dealt directly with the vendor.

 

Sixes opens Stratford site as it expands London footprint: Sixes, the cricket-based competitive socialising brand, has further enhanced its presence in the capital with an opening in Stratford. The company has opened a site at Riverside East, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It comes as the company said it has closed its debut franchise site, in Leicester. Last month, the business opened its first site at a country cricket ground, at Sussex County Cricket Club. The site is owned by the county cricket club and located at its multi-purpose venue in Hove. Previously situated on Brighton beachfront, the party-cricket experience welcomed more than 33,000 guests during its 18 months at the Brighton i360. Earlier this year, Sixes teamed up with Boxpark to launch a site at the latter’s scheme in Wembley, north west London.

 

Chocoberry opens in Peterborough: Dessert brand Chocoberry has opened in Peterborough for its 15th UK location. It has opened in the former MyDentist unit at 328 Lincoln Road. Chocoberry also has two overseas sites in the UAE and is launching this year in Canada and Turkey, with sites in Calgary and Istanbul. Included in its UK pipeline is locations in Rotherham, Coventry and London’s Leytonstone and Whitechapel. Last month, Propel revealed that Chocoberry, which was founded in 2018, “aspires to cultivate a network of 100 establishments both domestically and across international frontiers”.

 

Stange & Co MD – ‘the break-even point for a pub now compared with five years ago has moved on by several thousand a week’, to open tenth site this autumn: Dan McLennan, managing director of Stange & Co, which operates venues in Merseyside and North Wales,has said “the break-even point for a pub now compared with five years ago has moved on by several thousand a week”. Writing in the company’s accounts for the year to 3 March 2024, McLennan said an increase in performance “hides some serious cost challenges faced by the business”, with the national living wage increase placing “immense pressure on the bottom line”. He said: “While we have always strived to pay well, above inflationary increases year-on-year have not been matched by above inflation increases in our selling prices, resulting in operating margins getting squeezed. The break-even point for a pub now, compared withfive years ago, has moved on by several thousand a week, which we’re just not seeing represented in sales growth. The viability of many smaller pubs in our industry will certainly be in doubt. This may create some opportunity but undoubtedly reduces choice, variation and the seeds from which great hospitality industries can grow.” McLennan said the grouphas passed on through price some costs, while absorbing others. “Customers have experienced a squeeze on their disposable income, which has been evident in our year-on-year volumes in some of our more established pubs,” he said. The company opened its ninth pub during the year, the Ring O’Bells in West Kirby, which has “traded well from the start” and contributed £600,000 to group turnover of £15,858.229, up from £13,669,027 in 2023. Pre-tax profit grew from £571,401 in 2023 to £1,098,585. Pub Ebitda increased from £2,100,000 to £2,800,000 while group Ebitda was up from £1,400,000 to £1,900,000. McLennan added: “Trading in the current year remains steady, with most pubs in growth on last year, but this tends to be in value rather than volume. Costs, while levelling out, remain at a higher level than a few years ago, wages being the most challenging currently. We are maintaining gross margin, but operating margin is under pressure. Forecast Ebitda for the year is ahead of last year, helped by the opening an additional pub, but due to the above factors, not all that incremental Ebitda will make it the bottom line for the group.” Post year end, the company acquired its tenth site, The Brookhouse Mill in Denbigh, which should open this autumn. A new bank loan was taken out in the period, which had a balance of £854,577 at the year end, while £318,748 remains of a Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme loan (2023: £460,206).

Disney set to open its first theme park in the Middle East: The Walt Disney Company will open a theme park in Abu Dhabi, its first in the Middle East. The waterfront resort will be built on Yas Island in collaboration with Miral, a local leisure and entertainment company. The new theme park will add to Disney’s six fantasy resorts dotted across the globe, with locations in North America, Europe and Asia. Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney experiences, said: “This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development. Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – that will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before.”

 

Korean fast food concept The Bap lines up fourth site: Korean fast food concept The Bap is lining up a fourth site, in Bristol. The business plans to open on the former Crosstown site in Queens Road, Clifton, which closed last year. The Bap, owned by DJ Kim, who was born in South Korea, already operates sites in Farnborough, Reading and Swindon. Kim said all the dishes on the menu are inspired by recipes learned from his mother while growing up. The concept offers “healthy and tasty” Korean cuisine, including bulgogi barbecue, Korean chicken and kimchi. The company said: “Our menu is a heartfelt journey through the authentic tastes of Korea, offering comforting, wholesome and freshly prepared recipes each day. In Korean culture, bap (cooked rice) isn’t just a dish; it symbolises strength, unity and the joy of sharing within a close-knit community. For Koreans, bap represents life, history, and love.”

 

Padel operator Pure Padel secures Nottingham site: Padel operator Pure Padel is set to open a site in a former bus depot in Nottingham city centre. The business, which was co-founded by Sammy Arora, wants to turn the historic building in Iremonger Road, next to Notts County’s Meadow Lane stadium, into a new venue. Posting on social media, Hayden Small, the national acquisition director for Pure Padel, said: “We’ve managed to secure the former bus depot in central Nottingham with plans to convert into a stunning padel centre. The space will accommodate seven courts with generous food and beverage space overlooking the Nottingham Canal. We’re currently working closely with Nottingham City Council to deliver the scheme and simply can’t wait to spend our £1.5m investment to transform this iconic building.” Pure Padel has ambitions to open 30 clubs across the UK within five years. The company currently has venues in Alderley Edge in Cheshire, Manchester, Leeds and Lightwater in Surrey, with sites coming soon in Solihull, Darlington and Stockport. The business has also lodged plans for a venue in Warrington.

 

Cinema operator PDJ Management set to open new £2m Wolverhampton venue this summer: Cinema operator PDJ Management is set to open a new £2m Wolverhampton venue by the summer. Propel first reported in December 2023 that PDJ Management had been chosen as the preferred operator for a cinema in the grade II-listed Chubb Buildings, in the city’s Fryer Street. The four-screen cinema is now expected to open this summer. James Jervis, a director at PDJ Management, said: “Wolverhampton will have one of the very best boutique style, luxury cinemas in the country right in the heart of the city centre at an affordable price point. We can’t wait to throw open the doors and welcome all film lovers before the start of the summer school holidays. We will have a fantastic line up of films, from Superman to Smurfs and everything in-between. We’ll be bringing the best of what cinema can offer with blockbusters and independent film so there is something for everyone.” PDJ Management last year took over the running of the former Empire cinema in Walthamstow High Street in London. The company also operates cinemas in Worthing, Lytham, King’s Lynn and Sutton Coldfield.

 

Cardiff coffee shop business to take over city’s Pettigrew Tearooms: Cardiff coffee shop business, Brodie’s Coffee Co, is set to take over the city’s Pettigrew Tearooms. Pettigrew Tearooms, owned by David Le Masurier and located in Bute Park, announced in January that it would close this spring after 13 years of operating. Brodie’s has now announced it will be taking over the grade II-listed venue this summer to become its fourth location. Brodie’s, founded by Ian and Danni Brodie in 2013 after initially operating out of a campervan, also had locations in Gorsedd Gardens, North Road and Heath Park. Ian Brodie told Wales Online: “We’re excited to have the opportunity to breathe new life into an iconic Cardiff building and have the tea rooms team join us as we start this next chapter. The offering will be similar with our other shops, as we navigate the change, but with the huge benefit of having a kitchen here, we hope to expand our options in the future.” Pettigrew has bakeries in Victoria Park, Roath Garage and Castle Arcade and will soon be opening another in Rhiwbina.

East London brewer Exale Brewing adds second pub to portfolio with third to follow: East London brewer Exale Brewing has added a second pub to its portfolio with a third to follow later this year. The company, led by Andy and Steph Solley, has acquired the William the Fourth in Leyton, adding to the Three Colts in Bethnal Green. This isn’t just about reopening a pub” said Steph Solley. “It’s about breathing new life into a cherished part of our community. We’re restoring a local icon, honouring its rich history while creating a vibrant, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.” The pub will offer Exhale’s range of beer alongside a rotating line-up of guest taps. There will also be wine and cocktails. A diverse events calendar will launch from September. In addition, a dedicated events space will be available for private bookings, pop-ups, and community gatherings. The relaunch will also see Leytonstone-born Short Road Pizza returns to its roots. Led by second-generation Italian chef Ugo Galelli, the kitchen will serve up crispy pizzas “blending Romana thin crust technique with American soul”. The William the Fourth is closed for refurbishment and is expected to reopen in mid-June. A third pub will follow later this year “with more details to follow”. 

 

East Midlands gym concept gets go-ahead for second site: East Midlands gym concept Physique Evolution has been given the go-ahead to open its second site. The company opened its debut site in Derby in 2019. Physique Evolution is now set to open a gym in Nottingham after being given permission by the city council to convert a former warehouse in Daleside Road, in the suburb of Sneinton. The warehouse will be transformed into a fully functional gym with a weights section, cardio zone, boxing and other facilities. Director Mark Cheetham told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We always wanted to open our next gym in Nottingham. We offer an affordable membership and promote a healthy lifestyle for students that won’t cost them too much.”

Peninsula London launches noodle bar: Peninsula London – the first UK hotel by luxury the luxury Peninsula chain, which opened in 2023 – has launched a noodle bar. Little Blue Noodle Bar serves up a menu of noodle dishes alongside Gweilo beer from Hong Kong and the bar’s own cocktail list. The launch menu features Dan Dan Noodles with minced beef and Sichuan chilli oil, Zha Jiang Mian with diced pork belly in a yellow bean sauce, and aubergine noodles with star anise and Sichuan pepper. Beer and noodle combos start at £20, reports Hot Dinners.

 

Berkshire catering business opens debut restaurant after partnering with Liberty London: Berkshire catering business Goose & Berry has opened its debut stand-alone restaurant venture after partnering with London designer department store Liberty. Seventy Five at Liberty is on the second floor of the Regent Street store, taking its name from the year Liberty was founded. The 1,800 square-foot, 84-cover venue operates daily, offering brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, drinks and dinner, as well as private evening event hire. All-day small and large plates include goat’s cheese and almond croquettes, torched mackerel with pickled carrot and chervil sauce, Swaledale chicken breast with salsify and thyme, and British Hampshire pork chop and fresh herb salsa verde. The cocktails are also inspired by the store’s signature LBTY fragrance collection, with creations named after specific scents and incorporating key notes.