Exclusive – David Page raises first round of funding for new venture, in discussions on debut investment: Industry veteran David Page has secured the first round of fundraising for his new sector-focused investment venture, and has begun talking to a number of businesses regarding potential backing, Propel has learned. Propel understands that the former Fulham Shore chairman and current MeatLiquor shareholder, who co-founded Clapham House, which included Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Bombay Bicycle Club and Tootsies, before selling to Nando's, has raised an initial £250,000 through SEIS for his new venture – The Ventnor Bay Company. It is thought he has already secured the backing of many of those who previously backed the initial launch phase of Fulham Shore. It is thought he will look to raise a further £650,000 through a second round of funding. Page told Propel that he had spoken to and is speaking to a range of operators including those with Lebanese, pizza, Japanese, Thai, steak house, Berber and Spanish small plates-focused concepts. He is also thought to have run the rule over a smart bars format, and an all-day Italian café business. He told Propel: “Some of these businesses are flying and are very profitable. As I have done before, I will get involved, help them expand to 20 to 50 sites per brand and then see what happens. This would take various different approaches – depending on the business – and where their development is. It could be a joint venture, purchase outright, 50/50 investment, or a refinancing that would see existing shareholders exit.” Tokyo-listed Toridoll partnered with Capdesia to acquire Franco Manca and The Real Greek-owner Fulham Shore in spring 2023, in a £93.4m deal.

Propel launches Operational Excellence Conference, Incipio Group chief executive Ed Devenport to speak, open for bookings with 20% discount on tickets for Premium Club subscribers: Propel has launched the Operational Excellence Conference in partnership with Purple Story and is open for bookings. The conference, which takes place on Wednesday, 9 July at One Moorgate Place in London, is designed for operations directors, managers, area managers, site managers and chief executives who wants to maximise performance. Among the speakers will be Incipio Group chief executive Ed Devenport, who entered the sector in 2016 and has turned the company into one of the UK’s most innovative and varied pub, restaurant and event space operators. He will talk about the ten key operations lessons he has learned. 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.

Premium Club subscribers to receive next UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database on Friday: Premium Club subscribers will receive the next UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database on Friday (16 May), at 12pm. The new database features ten new entries, for a total of 350 companies either franchising in the UK or looking to franchise here, as well as updates to companies already listed. The new entries include Italian kebab brand Kebhouze, which launched here in December 2023 and has just launched a franchise programme. Other new entries include Bonchon, the leading Korean fried chicken brand in the US, which is currently seeking partners with which to launch in the UK. 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 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 the Operational Excellence Conference, which takes place next 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.  

DoorDash acquisition of Deliveroo and SevenRooms ‘is an urgent call to action for UK operators’: Sector expert James Hacon, who is managing partner of Think Hospitality, has argued the DoorDash deal to acquire Deliveroo and SevenRooms amounts to an urgent call to action for UK operators. Writing in Friday’s (9 May) Premium Opinion, he wrote: “The combination of Deliveroo’s scale and SevenRooms’ data and guest management capabilities puts DoorDash in a position to fundamentally reshape how UK restaurants connect with their customers. This is not about embracing or rejecting technology. It is about who controls the key touchpoints in the guest experience and who reaps the benefits. For now, operators retain a choice, but the window for action is narrowing. UK restaurants must consider how they build and maintain direct relationships with guests, how they capture and use their own data and how they resist becoming dependent on platforms whose interests are not aligned with theirs. Otherwise, the risk is clear. The restaurant’s own dining room could soon become just another channel in a third-party platform’s empire, with operators paying not only for delivery orders, but for every guest who walks through the door.” 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.

Junk food ads make children eat more: Five minutes of junk food advertising is enough to persuade children to eat an extra 130 calories every day, British research has found. The Telegraph reported that children and teenagers exposed to the marketing ate far more calories than other children, even if the adverts did not feature food products at all. Those who saw or heard adverts for food high in saturated fat, sugar and salt typically consumed around 130 more calories – equivalent to two slices of standard white bread. The effect was the same for content featuring specific food products or with only branding, such as logos for companies such as McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King. Experts warned the study exposed a serious loophole in the government’s planned ban on junk food TV adverts before 9pm, which comes into force in October. Emma Boyland, the study leader, who is a professor of food marketing and child health at the University of Liverpool, said: “We also showed that children don’t just eat more immediately following food advertising – they actually ate more at the lunch meal as well, a couple of hours after they had seen the advertising. This led to an overall increased consumption of 130 calories in the day just based on five minutes of advertising exposure, which of course is much less than children would typically be seeing on a normal day. That’s a substantial uplift in calorie intake that, if repeated over time, would clearly lead to weight gain in young people.” The research is the first to show that junk food adverts that simply showcase a logo rather than tempting children with images of food or drink were just as effective in persuading children to eat more.

UKHospitality – plans to pedestrianise London’s Oxford Street ‘must have hospitality and leisure at their heart’: Plans to pedestrianise London’s Oxford Street “must have hospitality and leisure at their heart”, UKHospitality has said. The trade body said leisure and experience-led businesses are critical to successful high streets in 2025, to cater to changing consumer behaviour. A mix of hospitality, retail and leisure can satisfy this demand, as well as allowing Oxford Street to further consolidate its credentials as a leading tourist attraction, UKHospitality added. Hospitality in London already generates £40bn in annual turnover and employs around 600,000 people, with the potential to contribute even more to the capital, if it is properly supported, the trade body said. In a letter to London mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, backing the plans, UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls and Julie Gingell, managing director of Docklands Restaurants and Bars and chair of UKHospitality’s London group, said: “It is our belief that for this to be successful it is imperative that hospitality is used to animate the new pedestrianised area. When we talk of healthy, successful high streets, one important measure is the diversity created by a mix of hospitality, leisure and retail. All of these are important, and all work together. It is important we think innovatively about the spaces we’re creating so that hospitality can continue to create places people want to visit and, to do this successfully, hospitality businesses are a key part of curating a successful pedestrianised environment. We’re hopeful that these proposals can be showcased as a successful case study on how licensing and planning can work together to create a successful, thriving high street.”

Deliveroo founder delivers rebuke to critics claiming the business is a failure: Will Shu, the co-founder and chief executive of Deliveroo, has delivered a rebuke to critics who labelled its stock market float a “failure”, as he declared that the UK was still “a great place to start a business”. Last week, Deliveroo agreed to be acquired for £2.9bn by its American counterpart DoorDash. Deliveroo was derided by some investors as “Flopperoo” after its £7.6bn float in 2021 failed to live up to its promise of leading a generation of homegrown technology firms on to the London Stock Exchange. Shu told The Sunday Times: “We went public at a high valuation. Interest rates were mega low. This was sort of peak covid kind of craziness.” He said that some say “Deliveroo’s a failure, or whatever”, but added: “They can say whatever they want. I don’t view it that way. We’ve changed the way people eat. We’ve changed the way people work. We’ve changed the way people transact, the way people sell.” He estimates Deliveroo alumni have gone on to set up 80 other start-ups.

US beef could be served in UK restaurants 'without diners knowing' under trade deal, warns farming boss: US beef imported into Britain under the new trade deal could be served in UK restaurants without diners knowing, a farming boss is warning. The agreement allows for 13,000 tonnes of American beef to be exported to the UK, with the same amount of British beef eligible to go in the opposite direction across the Atlantic. The Standard reported that Neil Shand, chief executive of the National Beef Association, doubts that major supermarkets will “break rank” with their British beef suppliers to switch to US imports. He said on Times Radio: “What remains to be seen is where this product ends up. Does it end up on retail shelves? I suspect probably not, but it may end up in foodservice where its visibility is harder to see. If you go into a restaurant you don’t see the label but you are entitled to ask, and there is an obligation to deliver that information.” He added farmers would be “watching very closely” to check that US beef imports do not include meat injected with growth hormones and that they also meet wider UK production, welfare and health standards.

MP says new rules could block opening of new McDonald’s near a school: New government rules could help block plans for a McDonald's restaurant near a school, the area's MP has said. In June 2024, developer Countryside applied for a food outlet on the St James' Park development in Hertfordshire, close to Bishop's Stortford High School. Since the application went in, the new Labour government has announced changes to the national planning policy framework (NPPF) allowing local authorities to refuse applications for fast food outlets within walking distance of schools. Labour MP for Hertford and Stortford, Josh Dean, told BBC Politics East: “This government has amended the NPPF so there'll be a presumption against this type of development.” He added: “I have been very clear that I am opposed to this development and I know a number of residents and councillors share my concerns.” Dale Reeve, the head teacher of Bishop's Stortford High School, said: “My biggest concern is obviously the students' health. Putting in a McDonald's restaurant a two-minute walk away from our school just places temptation in front of students. There will be students who will be able to sit in our classroom and look out and see a McDonald’s. This easily accessible and largely unhealthy food would be a serious problem for students.” McDonald's said it was working with “local stakeholders” over the plans and was proud of its role in communities. It said it had contributed £94.5bn to the UK economy since it opened its first restaurant in the country in 1974.

 

Sector entrepreneur David Bruce to publish book about his career: David Bruce OBE, the founder of the Firkin pubs brand and co-founder of Capital Pub Company and City Pub Company, has written a book looking back on nearly 60 years of “beer, business and bold decisions”. Called The Firkin Saga and set to be published on Thursday, 3 July, Bruce said the book is an account of “my roller-coaster, helter-skelter, entrepreneurial journey creating new breweries and pub companies from London to Seattle, via Paris, New York, Boston and Denver”. The book also includes Bruce’s ten key business tips. These include “be brave, ambitious and determined to overcome all obstacles”; delegate as soon and as often as possible; inspire and educate others and put something back into your community; and encourage and nurture free PR, even if it entails fancy dress. 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a foodservice business that is seeking a regional operations director. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The business is looking for someone who has plenty of energy, charisma and isn’t afraid to get involved with the team. The role will be responsible for a large portfolio of education contracts with multiple direct reports. The position will suit someone with a background in contract catering, ideally within state education. The individual will have senior-level experience within contract catering, specifically with a strong background in managing a high volume of contracts and a solid understanding of the complexities involved. They will be a savvy and financially astute operator who can appreciate what it takes to be in a client facing role.” The salary is up to £90,000 and the position is based in Kent. For more information, email dan@corecruitment.com.

Boss Pizza plans 20 new locations over next 18 months as it works through pipeline of 50 locations: Franchise pizza concept Boss Pizza, founded during the pandemic by Ajmal Mushtaq, has said it is planning 20 new locations over next 18 months as it works through pipeline of 50 locations. Mushtaq, who previously operated acclaimed Indian restaurant Mushtaqs in Hamilton, launched Boss Pizza with two stores in Scotland – in Hamilton and Larkhall. The concept made its English debut last year with a launch in Acton, west London, which is temporarily closed, and in February, it opened a franchise store in Walsall, in partnership with HLN Group. Boss Pizza’s immediate pipeline includes locations in Colchester, Bradford, Glasgow, Oldham, Nottingham and Milton Keynes – all due to open by the summer. Boss Pizza also has a further site in Glasgow secured, along with units in Sheffield, Luton, Clydebank, Rochdale, Bletchley and Hemel Hempstead. Mushtaq said that by 2027, he aims to be opening a store a week. He added: “We have spent the past three years building a solid foundation and the framework for expansion. We have assembled the best possible team from the sector and are now looking forward to rolling Boss Pizza stores out across the nation.”

Exclusive – Loungers hires Sarah Lake as first CMO: Café bar operator Loungers has hired Sarah Lake as its first chief marketing officer, Propel has learned. Lake, who has also had stints at BP and GlaxoSmithKline, will join the Fortress Investment Group-backed business at the end of June, when she finishes her current role as media and brand marketing director at Dyson where she has been for the last 13 years. Nick Collins, Loungers chief executive, told Propel: “We have got to know Sarah well over the last few weeks and are really excited about her joining. As we continue to grow, we think marketing, communication and insight have a bigger role to play in the business. With Sarah working alongside our already fantastic team we will be well-placed to ensure we are challenging even more how we can do things differently and better!” In March, Alex Reilley, chairman of Loungers, told Propel that the business was more confident about its 247-strong Lounge business being a brand and was looking at ways to leverage that, including hiring the company’s first chief marketing officer. The circa 290-strong Loungers opened its 252nd Lounge in Rotherham last week and will open a Cosy Club in Reading today (Monday, 12 May) followed by Ovino Lounge in Skipton on Wednesday (14 May).

Krispy Kreme pauses McDonald’s rollout amid slower-than-expected demand: Krispy Kreme has paused its rollout into McDonald’s restaurants in the US amid slower-than-expected demand. Krispy Kreme began testing the sale of its doughnuts at select McDonald’s locations at the end of 2022, and the test was successful enough to expand at first. Last spring, the companies announced plans for a nationwide rollout by the end of 2026, but those plans have been paused for now, with just over 2,400 restaurants participating, reports Nation’s Restaurant News. “The two companies partnered closely together to support execution, marketing, and training to deliver a great consumer experience,” said Krispy Kreme chief executive Josh Charlesworth. “However, we are seeing, after the initial marketing launch, demand dropped below expectations, requiring intervention. To deliver sustainable, profitable growth, we are partnering with McDonald’s to increase sales by stimulating higher demand and cutting costs by simplifying operations. At the same time, we are reassessing our deployment schedule together while we work to create a profitable business model. We need to work together to identify levers to improve sales and simplify operations. Once we are positioned for profitable growth, we’ll expand further. What we’re doing is to make sure the availability and visibility of the doughnuts is consistently prominent and that operations are as simplified and streamlined as they can be.” 

Dutch smash burger brand Fat Phill’s preparing to open second UK site, signs master franchise agreement for Ireland: Dutch smash burger brand Fat Phill’s is preparing to open second UK site and signed a master franchise agreement for the Republic of Ireland, Propel has learned. Fat Phill’s, which has 19 locations in the Netherlands, is being rolled out here by Freshly Baked, which also holds the UK master franchise for US pretzel brand Auntie Anne’s. The first Fat Phill’s here launched in December 2024, at 16 St John’s Hill in Clapham, south London. Propel understands Fat Phill’s next location will be in the former Dixy Chicken unit just outside the tube station in Wood Green, north London. At the same time, Fat Phill’s has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement for the Republic of Ireland with a local operator, in a deal brokered by franchise consultancy Seeds Consulting. The agreement includes a development plan to roll out multiple locations across Ireland over the next five years. A debut site there has already been secured, with Fat Phill’s due to open in the former Leon unit in Temple Bar, Dublin, in June. Fat Phill’s founder Armin Vahabian said: “We’re incredibly proud to be taking Fat Phill’s to the Republic of Ireland, our second international market and a key milestone in our vision of becoming a truly global brand. The Irish market has a dynamic food scene and a strong appetite for high-quality, craveable fast-casual dining – our concept fits perfectly.” Seeds Consulting founder Matteo Frigeri added: “This agreement highlights the international potential of the Fat Phill’s brand. It’s a business that’s proven to deliver for franchisees, not just in terms of return on investment but in customer loyalty and brand impact, and we’re confident that the new Irish partner will replicate the same success seen in the Netherlands and the UK.”

Haute Dolci opens third overseas location with more in the pipeline for this year: Premium dessert and gourmet burger brand Haute Dolci has opened its third overseas location, with more in the pipeline for this year. The business, which has 19 UK locations, has launched in the Gulberg Galleria in Lahore, Pakistan. It joins the brand’s first international location – at the Defence Raya Golf Resort in Lahore – and a site at 2,415 Al Muthanna Street in Hawally, Kuwait. Managing director Nizam Mohamed, who founded Haute Dolce in 2017, said: “We’re proud to announce the opening of our second store in Pakistan, now located in the prestigious Gulberg Galleria, Lahore. Following the success of our first store at Defence Raya Golf Resort, this expansion into one of Lahore’s most iconic and upscale destinations marks a significant achievement for our brand in one of the most dynamic and challenging markets in the world. Known for its luxury retail, rooftop dining, and curated lifestyle experience, Gulberg Galleria is a natural fit for Haute Dolci’s signature blend of indulgent desserts and elevated brunch. With four more stores planned to open across Pakistan this year, Haute Dolci continues its journey of becoming a leading name in luxury dining around the world.” Mohamed was a co-founder of Heavenly Desserts before selling his rights in the brand in 2021 to focus on the expansion of his Haute Dolci and IceBurg businesses.

New York’s number one rated immersive experience to make UK debut: Spyscape, the number one-rated immersive concept in New York, is to make its UK debut. Propel revealed in February last year that the interactive museum and social gaming experience had begun searching for sites in London. Now Spyscape has secured a site in Covent Garden. Spyscape has agreed a deal with Shaftesbury Capital for circa 25,000 square-foot at 45 Wellington Street, which is set to open later this month. The venue will be Spyscape’s second global site outside Manhattan. Visitors will embark on a multi-dimensional, spy-themed experience featuring authentic spy stories and historic gadgets. Each visitor will receive a detailed profile of their own personality, skills and attributes – developed by a former head of training at British Intelligence and a leading psychology professor at Imperial College London. Spyscape’s social gaming arm, Spygames, invites teams of two to five to tackle fun, high-tech challenges crafted with expertise from the CIA and special ops. John Hunt, founder and chief executive at Spyscape, said: “Our mission at Spyscape is to inspire ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things, through personalised content and immersive experiences. Having welcomed more than one million visitors to our Manhattan location, we believe Covent Garden’s vibrant cultural scene and central location make it the ideal setting to expand our efforts and engage an even broader international audience.”

Padel operator PadelStars set to open new facility in Surrey: Padel operator PadelStars is to operate a new facility set to open at the University of Surrey's Surrey Sports Park. The ten-court venue is set to open in 2026, subject to planning permission from Guildford Borough Council. The largest facility of its kind both in Surrey and the higher education sector, the venue will also contain a clubhouse, cafe and bar, social area and retail offering. Georgina Agnies, the park's director of sport, said: “Not only will our members have access to top-tier courts, but students, university staff and local residents can also enjoy affordable, high-quality facilities.” PadelStars has sites in Basildon, Bournemouth, Bracknell, Chigwell, Egham, Folkestone, Reading, Southampton and St Albans with venues “coming soon” in Basingstoke, Cambridge, Cockfosters, Greenwich, Hertford, Radlett, Watford and Winchester, according to its website. Chief executive Andy Knee said: “The UK has really woken up to this fantastic sport. Padel is booming in participation, and anyone who steps on to a court for the first time will quickly find out why. Surrey Sports Park is a great partner for us. With a very large number of students on site, many thousands of members, a broad multi-sport offer and a really progressive team of people driving the park forward, we know that together we will create an incredibly vibrant home for padel.” In April last year, PadelStars secured investment from Dwellcourt Group, which is the owner of Surrey’s Silvermere Golf & Leisure complex and Kingswood Golf and Country Club, to support its expansion plans.

Norfolk McDonald’s franchisee set to open town’s first branch: Norfolk McDonald’s franchisee K Foley is set to open the brand’s first branch in Fakenham after plans were approved for a second time. An application for a new drive-thru restaurant in Holt Road was first given the green light in March. However, it was brought back before North Norfolk District Council’s planning committee after complaints that the proximity of the site to several schools had not been appropriately considered by council officials. Despite being revisited, the application has now been approved for a second time, with council officials determining all four schools in the town were a suitable distance away from the proposed restaurant. K Foley is owned by Kevin Foley, who is McDonald’s first UK-based second-generation franchisee. His portfolio of 14 stores includes a restaurant in Wroxham previously owned by his father, Terry, who was the first UK McDonald’s employee to be granted a franchise, in 1974. K Foley features in the Propel Food & Beverage Franchisee Database, available exclusively to Premium Club subscribers. The latest edition, sent out in April, featured 50 new additions, bringing the total to 240 entries. 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.

Indian street food concept set to make its Central London and Scottish debuts: Indian street food concept Tikka Nation is set to open its first sites in Central London and Scotland. Tikka Nation, founded in 2020 by Sumit Jain and Vikas Narula, currently has eight locations – in Birmingham, Dorking, Leeds, Luton, Egham, Ruislip, St Albans and Watford. Tikka Nation’s Central London debut will be in St Paul’s Market Place, at 150 Cheapside. The company is also set to grow its presence in London’s neighbourhoods with openings in Edgware Road and in the St George’s shopping centre in Harrow. Tikka Nation has also lined up its first Scottish location, at Glasgow Fort shopping centre in Glasgow. Tikka Nation’s franchise roll-out is being led by Paolo Peretti, former managing director at Patisserie Valerie, who helped restructure the business following its administration.

JD Wetherspoon lines up Wetherby opening: JD Wetherspoon has applied for a licence to open a new site in Wetherby, West Yorkshire (population: 11,712). The company has asked Leeds City Council for permission to sell alcohol until 1am at weekends at the pub in High Street. Wetherspoon's bought the former Sant Angelo restaurant, also known as The Angel, in 2022. Councillors will consider an application for a premises licence at a hearing on Tuesday, 20 May. Wetherspoon founder Sir Tim Martin will be among the speakers at the Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference that takes place on Wednesday (14 May). Just three tickets remain and can be booked by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com. 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. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Wetherspoon also features in the 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.

Gourmet burger concept that has Fireaway founder as a backer opens in Sheffield and lines up Nottingham site: Gourmet burger concept Five Akhis, which has fast-pizza brand Fireaway founder Mario Aleppo as a backer, has opened in Sheffield and lined up a further site, in Nottingham. Five Akhis, which was founded in 2021 in Milton Keynes, has opened at 201 London Road in Sheffield for its seventh site. Store number eight will be in Nottingham and Propel understands the location will be at 523 Alfreton Road. Five Akhis also two sites in Milton Keynes (full restaurant and express) and one each in Northampton, Oxford, Preston and Birmingham. Aleppo invested in the fledgling business in 2023, taking a 5% stake as well as lending his expertise.

Kerb launches second flagship food hall with Berlin opening: Street food collective and hospitality group Kerb has opened its second flagship food hall, in Berlin, “showcasing 12 of the city’s most exciting food businesses under one iconic roof”. The new site, which has opened inside the former IMAX cinema at Potsdamer Platz, in the German capital, features Butter Bronson’s buttermilk fried chicken, Fräulein Kimchi’s beignets and bao buns, plus Berlin operators like El Amigo Taqueria, Jian Bing Town, and Grindhouse Burgers. London operator Pick & Cheese has also launched a site at the venue. Simon Mitchell, chief executive of Kerb, said: “Five and a half years after we opened Seven Dials Market and five years after I first viewed the site, our second flagship food hall has opened. Kerb Berlin is a project I am immensely proud of, it has been a long journey, through covid and various construction issues, but it is finally open and (even if I do say so myself) it's a thing of beauty! Kerb Berlin is all about championing local talent, shaking up the dining scene and creating a space where great food meets great people. Live events, pop-ups, and a buzzing atmosphere bring the energy, while every bite supports the city’s most exciting independent traders.” Last month, Kerb launched Corner Corner in London’s Canada Water, a 55,000 square-foot space that brings together food, live music and an indoor vertical farm, as part of a joint venture with Broadwick. Kerb is also opening a new Central London venue later this year.

Experienced duo to launch new restaurant concept in London’s King’s Road: Alessandro Verdenelli and Daniele Pampagnin, who have worked at restaurants, hotels, and private clubs in London and internationally, including KX private members’ club in Chelsea, are to launch a new restaurant concept. The duo will open Beef & Bass at 356-360 King’s Road in Chelsea after agreeing a deal with landlord Sloane Stanley Estate. The 4,512 square-foot restaurant will specialise in premium cuts of beef and wild sea bass. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed into a 14-cover speakeasy bar. The main restaurant will feature an open kitchen and a charcoal grill, as well as a discreet private dining room, where chefs will prepare signature dishes over live fire, complemented by a curated selection of house specialities. A refined cocktail list and a selection of wine will accompany the menu. Pampagnin said: “Beef & Bass is unlike anything else on the UK dining scene. When choosing our first location, we knew it had to be somewhere that truly celebrates premium food and elevated experiences. With its rich history and refined elegance, King’s Road felt like the perfect match.” Meanwhile, all-day Italian fast-food restaurant Mister Lasagne has recently opened at 273 Fulham Road. Mister Lasagne specialises in a variety of different lasagne, with flavours such as carbonara, napoltena, calabrese, and pesto. Miles Commercial and Levy Real Estate represent the Sloane Stanley Estate.