Christie & Co – very good interest in JD Wetherspoon franchises from hotel operators, expects first sites to open this year: Hotel operators are showing “very good interest” in JD Wetherspoon franchises and a first site is expected to open this year, Simon Chaplin, director of pubs and restaurants at Christie & Co, has stated. Propel first revealed in April that Wetherspoon was targeting hotels as it stepped up its franchising efforts and has partnered with property agent Christie & Co to find suitable partners. Wetherspoon, which currently has franchise agreements with holiday park operator Haven and two student unions, has since also signed its first high street pub franchise. Speaking at Propel’s Excellence in Pub and Bar Retailing Conference, Chaplin said: “Interest has been very good, and we’ve got some results starting to come through. We’ve been targeting hotels in particular, because having a vast space on the ground floor can, in some cases, be a hindrance. They can do the functions and banqueting suite, but they have to provide a bar and a restaurant, and they can’t compete with about three or four pubs down the road. We’re finding we’re talking to a lot of operators with ten or 15 hotels, saying if they can identify three or four sites where they can get that bar/restaurant operation going, then they will be happy to do it with a franchise. It’s going to work, and we certainly expect to have a few before the end of the year. Everyone has a perception of what Wetherspoon is, but you go in there now – especially some of their newer sites – it’s totally different. I’ve taken some hotel owners into a Wetherspoon because they haven’t been in one for ten years and their eyes have been opened – and that’s suddenly got them interested. Some hotels have thought about just putting in a quick service restaurant brand, but the more we go through it, the more the Wetherspoon idea is certainly being looked at.” Christie & Co has also worked with such franchise brands as Bonchon, Carl’s Jr, Paulaner, Sushi Shop and Crepeaffaire and said franchising came about for the company “as it is getting more and more popular” and is “particularly important in the restaurant sector”. He added: “The appeal of franchising is quite interesting. You’re investing a lot of money into something you’re not quite sure how it’s going to go, but there’s statistics showing that 80% of franchise businesses are still going five years later, which is double what you’d see on the independent side. At a time when businesses are being hit by many unforeseen pressures, it can be gratifying to know you have a multinational on your side, with support and advice. This reliability is reflected by lenders, who are keen to support the expansion of a franchise brand safe in the knowledge that there’s some certainty over how the brand works, how quickly they can open up and what sort of sales they might do. Yes, you have to give a bit back in the way of royalties, but you get a good night’s sleep.” Chaplin was one of the speakers at Propel’s Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference. Propel Premium Club subscribers have now received all 13 videos from the event.

 

Thorley Taverns MD Phil Thorley to speak at Operational Excellence Conference, open for bookings with 20% discount on tickets for Premium Club subscribers: Phil Thorley, managing director of Thorley Taverns, will be among the speakers at Propel’s Operational Excellence Conference, which is being held in partnership with Purple Story. The conference – which takes place on Wednesday, 9 July at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings – is designed for operations directors, managers, area managers, site managers and chief executives who want to maximise performance. Thorley will talk about what he has learnt about optimising operations over the decades and how you keep yourself and your staff motivated as the years pass and the challenges mount. 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 new searchable and segmented New Openings Database on Friday: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club subscribers on Friday (6 June), at noon. The database will show the details of 182 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 members will also receive a 11,152-word report on the 182 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 Thomas Straker opening Acre, a restaurant and deli in London’s Notting Hill, Tom Kerridge Group launching The Chalk Freehouse in Chelsea in the capital, and Scottish world buffet restaurant concept Booffi opening in Dunfermline.

One third of hospitality businesses now operating at a loss: One third of hospitality businesses are now operating a loss following the £3.4bn of additional costs that hit the sector in April – an 11-percentage point increase on the last quarter, according to new research. The survey by UKHospitality, The British Institute of Innkeeping, the British Beer & Pub Association and Hospitality Ulster, also revealed six in ten have had to cut jobs, and 63% have reduced the hours available to staff in order to try and mitigate the increases and stay afloat. The trade bodies said the findings lay bare the impact of recent increases to employers’ national insurance contributions and the changes to business rates on hospitality businesses. More than half of operators said they have been forced to cancel investment and, with 76% of hospitality operators reporting they have had to increase prices, there is also a knock-on effect to consumers and the wider economy. In a joint statement, the trade bodies said: “The government seems to be setting itself up to miss its own targets with these most recent cost hikes for the hospitality sector. Hospitality is vital to the UK economy but is under threat from ongoing costs rises, which the April increases have only exacerbated. Jobs are being lost, livelihoods under threat, communities set to lose precious assets and consumers are experiencing price rises when wallets are already feeling the pinch. The government must act urgently to mitigate for the changes to employers’ national insurance contributions and deliver on its promise of root and brand business rates reform. The overall tax burden on our sector must be reduced, including consideration of the long-standing ask of a VAT cut for the sector, so the hospitality industry can return to investment, job creation and growth in communities the length and breadth of the country.”

 

William Lees-Jones – unless there is a U-turn on property business relief there ‘will be devastating consequences’: JW Lees managing director William Lees-Jones has forecast devastating consequences next April unless there is a government U-turn on property business relief (PBR). The current plan means PBR will be scaled back to shares valued at £1m or less. Above this amount, heirs will pay 20% inheritance tax. Family Business UK estimates 93% of firms are family owned and 200,000 jobs are at risk. Lees-Jones told The Sunday Times that “from next April we’ll start to see some really devastating consequences”. He added: “People will start going to Switzerland. The last thing they want is their lifetime’s work to result in a tax bill and people having to sell their business.” 

The Guardian – dessert cafes playing a part in reviving the high street: Dessert cafes and ice-cream parlours are hoping to play a role in a revival of UK high streets and the night-time economy, as people seek an alternative to going to the pub or an expensive meal out, The Guardian has claimed. Their number has soared by almost 700 in the UK in the past decade, according to analysts at Green Street, formerly the Local Data Company. The market is thought to be worth more than £500m, including several national chains as well as much-loved independents, from The Pudding Stop in St Albans to Cloud 9 in Brighton. The Guardian stated: “Arguably, the concept of a dessert specialist goes back to the early 20th century, with the likes of Bettys in Harrogate or Lyons Tea Rooms, or the ice-cream parlours that began opening across the UK from the late 19th century. However, the likes of Creams, Kaspa’s and Heavenly Desserts have given desserts-only venues a youthful twist – with a mix of cakes, waffles, crepes and gelato – aimed at those who want an alternative to the pub or more staid atmosphere of coffee shops and tearooms, which often close at 4pm.”

Departing Wagamama boss plans to stay in the sector: Wagamama chief executive Thomas Heier has made it clear he plans to stay in the sector when he steps down this month. Talking to Propel group editor Mark Wingett for Propel Premium Opinion, he stated: “I’m leaving an amazing group of people and a brand I adore and love, and I am eager to see what comes next for the business. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with (Restaurant Group chief executive) Andy Hornby, for whom I’m grateful for giving me my opportunity and who has been incredibly supportive as we’ve tackled complex industry challenges. He has always contributed valuable business insights that led to positive results, for which I am forever grateful. Ultimately, I love the sector, and I love hospitality. It’s in my blood; I’ve got the bug. Growing up in the people space, I’ve never worked in a sector before where you get so much commercial value from people and culture. It’s really fun to be able to impact that so positively. I’m very keen to remain in the sector, but first and foremost, I’m looking forward to a nice opportunity to pause a little bit before I think about what’s next.” Wagamama to make return to Ireland  –  see Company News.

Aldi serves free hash browns directly outside selected McDonald’s sites: Supermarket giant Aldi is serving hash browns for free this week – in a bid to challenge a restaurant rival. Aldi is embarking on a hash-brown tour of the UK, starting in London, offering free hash browns to members of the public outside McDonald's restaurants all day. Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “Brits love their hash browns, and our Oakhurst Breakfast Hash Browns have developed quite the loyal following, with over half a million breakfast hash browns sold in store per week.” Aldi’s branded food van will be pulling up outside selected McDonald’s restaurants from precisely 11:01am, just a moment after the fast-food chain’s breakfast service ends, offering free, freshly cooked hash browns to those who missed out. The idea for the hash brown stunt comes after Aldi conducted some research which has uncovered the “great breakfast frustration” – which is the feeling Brits experience when they miss out on the breakfast cut-off. Aldi’s study revealed that 62% of UK adults feel that 11am is too early to stop serving breakfast, with around one in five (22%) saying they would prefer breakfast food to be available all day.

Investors plans class action against Krispy Kreme: Investors are bringing a class action lawsuit against Krispy Kreme after a promised deal between the donut maker and McDonald’s fell through. The lawsuit alleges the company made “materially false” and misleading statements about the partnership, and failed to notify investors that the venture was not profitable. This “precipitous decline” caused investors “significant losses and damages,” the suit states. According to the suit, Krispy Kreme in October 2022 began a small-scale test to offer donuts at McDonald’s restaurants at Louiseville, Kentucky, and the surrounding area. In March 2024, Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s announced they would expand their partnership nationwide, beginning in the second half of that year. However, on 8 May, shortly before markets opened, Krispy Kreme released its first quarter 2025 financial results, which included that its net revenue was $375.2m – a decline of 15.3%. It also reported a net loss of $33.4m, compared to the prior year net loss of $6.7m. According to the suit, the company also announced that it was “reassessing [its] deployment schedule together with McDonald’s,” and “withdrawing [its] prior full year outlook and not updating it” due in part to “uncertainty around the McDonald’s deployment schedule.” Following the news, the price of Krispy Kreme shares tumbled by just under 25% to $3.26 each. The suit claims that between the 2024 announcement and this month’s financial report, Krispy Kreme failed to disclose key information about its business operations and prospects.

France legislators look to roll-back children bans: Hospitality venues in France, including hotels, restaurants and campsites that do not admit children, could face prosecution under proposals for a crackdown that emerged this week. Laurence Rossignol, a socialist senator, plans to introduce a private member’s bill to make it illegal to ban children from such establishments, the Times has reported. The French high commissioner for childhood, Sarah El Haïry, said government lawyers were looking into whether it would be possible to take legal action against places that exclude families. She told the French international radio station RFI that the move would address the “no kids trend”, which amounted to “violence against children”, adding: “A child shouts, laughs and moves. We are institutionalising the idea that silence is a luxury, and the absence of children is a luxury.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a rapidly growing hospitality group that is looking for a head of events. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will be responsible for overseeing and evolving the events function across multiple venues – from premium dining and brand activations to large-scale experiences. Working closely with marketing, operations and culinary teams, the head of sales will bring to life guest-centric, commercially successful events.” The salary is up to £70,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email marlene@corecruitment.com.  

Licensing update: John Gaunt & Partners licensing solicitors has just published its latest licensing update. This month, there is an update on the Welsh tourist tax and a recommendation for those getting an annual fee request. Additionally this week, Tim Shield and Jonathan Pupius will join 60 other industry representatives in raising money for Only a Pavement Away and the Licensed Trade Charity by spending three days riding up hills in the Lake District. The full update can be accessed here.

 

Prezzo Italian CEO – we still think there’s space for a great Italian restaurant in most towns, we might do another brand: James Brown, chief executive of Prezzo Italian, the Cain International-backed group, has told Propel that the 95-strong business would like to grow its estate in a “considered” and “well-negotiated manner”, and that the company still thinks “there’s space for a great Italian restaurant in most towns”. It follows the company’s rebrand and relaunch last month, with its Kensington High Street the first site to receive the fresh new look and several other refurbishments planned throughout the rest of the year. Speaking on Propel’s new podcast series, In Conversation, Brown said: “We’ve got a target to do 20 more refurbs for the rest of this year. The next one will be in the middle of June, in Chelmsford, and then we’re going to look to do one or two a month and speed up from there. But while the target is 20, I’d much rather do ten well than do 20 and get some of them wrong, because if you invest in a site that’s needed investment for ten years and you get it wrong because you've rushed it, it’s kind of a waste of a bullet for me in terms of building value. Everyone has loved Kensington and the freshness in the feel, and we need to make sure that the rest follow in a kind of sustainable manner. So, the three-year plan is to continue to invest in our estate. We’d like to grow our estate, and in the next couple of weeks we hope to be able to announce some new locations. We believe in Italian; we believe in our new concept. So, if those two things are true, why wouldn’t we open new sites? Even if the market is tough, we still think there’s space for a great Italian in most towns. Our site expansion is going to be careful, considered and well negotiated.” Brown also suggested that the business might at some point “do another brand”. He said: “It’s not high on my list in the short term, but it is something that we’d have to consider, as a lot of people our size tend to do. Even dark kitchen brands are certainly on our agenda, but there’s no rush to do that. My core job and my team’s core focus at the minute is on the core business.” In Conversation is a new series of fortnightly podcasts, exclusive for Propel Premium Club subscribers, featuring industry leaders and sector players talking about their businesses and issues impacting the UK’s hospitality market. 

Sam Shutt steps down as CEO of Soho Coffee Co’s parent company: Sam Shutt, formerly of Debenhams and Philpotts, has stepped down as chief executive of BTC Hospitality, the parent company of Soho Coffee Co and Euphorium Bakery, after just over two years in the role, Propel has learned. Shutt joined BTC after overseeing the launch and expansion of the German concept Extrawurst in the UK. Prior to that, he was Debenhams’ head of retail hospitality operations, partnerships and business development, and Philpotts’ managing director. He also spent more than eight years at SSP. He was appointed to oversee BTC Hospitality’s next stage of development, strategic leadership and growth. At the same time, Propel has learned that Thomas Bloor, formerly of Paul UK and Pret a Manger, has joined BTC Hospitality as its new chief operating officer. Bloor was most recently head of operations at Paul UK for just over two years. Previous to that, he spent eight and a half years at Pret, including the final 16 months as head of operations. Last month, Soho Coffee told Propel it was seeing “strong” performance in its regional and travel locations and has “several more prospective sites” in the pipeline. It came as Soho Coffee revealed it will make its debut in the north west of England with an opening at Liverpool John Lennon airport. The café format store in the departure lounge, which will open this month, will further expand the brand’s presence in travel hubs, marking its 13th airport location in total. Soho Coffee operates across 44 locations – 30 in the UK and 14 overseas. In March, Soho Coffee said it will continue to expand its geographical footprint, with a pipeline of stores confirmed to open within UK travel locations this year, and through a UK franchise model that is due to launch. 

Patty & Bun acquired out of administration for circa £500,000: Patty & Bun, the better burger concept led by Joe Grossmann, was acquired out of administration via a pre-pack process for a total consideration of £500,690, Propel has learned. In March, Propel revealed that the company, which appointed advisors at the start of the year to explore its strategic options, had completed a restructuring that would see it continue to trade from all its existing ten sites. Propel revealed at the start of the year that Patty & Bun, which was founded by Grossmann in 2012, had engaged Williams & Partners to review its options. Patty & Bun currently operates seven restaurants – six in London and one in Brighton – plus three concessions (two with Swingers and one with Lane7). The business was acquired out of administration by a new vehicle called JG1 Ltd, of which Grossmann is the sole director. Grossmann told Propel in March: “Following the CVA in September 2023, Patty & Bun unfortunately lost its Old Compton Street and London Bridge sites. Since then, trading has been challenging (like for so many in the industry), with revenues continuing to be impacted by the effect of working from home and costs materially increasing across the board. The management team remains confident that the business has a profitable and bright future. However, over the last few months, the requirement to service the CVA put too much pressure on cashflow for it to continue in its current structure. Following professional advice, a restructuring was planned whereby the business and assets were acquired by a new company led by the existing team. With funding being made available by existing investors, Patty & Bun will continue to trade from all its sites and all staff will be kept on, to help build the business to a bigger and better future.”

Wagamama to make return to Ireland: Wagamama, The Restaurant Group-owned brand, is set to make its return to Ireland after exiting the country last year, Propel has learned. Last September, three Wagamama restaurants in Dublin closed after joint receivers were appointed to part of the Press Up Hospitality Group failed to reach an agreement with Wagamama UK for the continued operation of the franchise in Ireland. Trading ceased with immediate effect at Wagamama Dundrum Town Centre, Wagamama Blanchardstown Centre and Wagamama South King Street in Dublin city centre. Propel understands that Wagamama will re-enter the Irish market with a company-owned site in Liffey Valley in Dublin, and at the Dundrum shopping centre. The brand is also set to open in the new Cotswolds Designer Outlet and Preston in the coming months. Wagamama is to open in Preston’s newly launched £45million Animate leisure scheme, which has been delivered by Maple Grove Developments. Wagamama has taken a 4,125 square-foot unit on a 15-year lease. The fit out is due to commence imminently and will be open to customers early this summer. The new restaurant will create 55 new jobs and marks Wagamama's 167th restaurant in the UK and Ireland and its 59th in the north.

FoodCo UK set to open five Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue sites in next six weeks: FoodCo UK is set to open five more sites for its Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue brands in the next six weeks and has three further stores in the design stage. It comes as the company opened its 70th Muffin Break, in Worcester. The 2,000 square-foot site is in the Cathedral Square shopping centre in the High Street. FoodCo UK franchise development executive Michael Johnson said the opening would be followed by Muffin Break stores in Watford and Newbury and Jamaica Blue outlets in Ipswich, Bangor and Bracknell. FoodCo UK currently operates 20 Jamaica Blue sites.

 

Burger King franchisee grows profit despite drop in turnover, relocates Leeds restaurant: Burger King franchisee Windmill (NI) grew its profit despite a drop in turnover in the year to 31 March 2024 and has relocated its Leeds restaurant. The company operates 25 restaurants, with 19 in Northern Ireland and the remaining six in the north of England. Its pre-tax profit grew from £140,030 in 2023 to £169,321, despite a slight drop in turnover from £16,452,428 to £16,359,186. Costs came down from £5,043,424 to £4,860,738. Dividends of £1,000 were paid (2023: £2,000). During the year, the company closed a site in Lisburn city centre after its lease expired and is “open to securing an alternative outlet in the area, should the right opportunity arise”. Post year end, the company relocated one of its outlets in Leeds to “an alternative and well-placed site”. Director Hassan Abelehkoob said: “The directors and staff have responded well to the new and ever-changing demands of the business in difficult times. The trading, post year end, has been promising and the company is in a satisfactory position with key personnel managing to secure supplier goodwill and tightly control costs whilst restaurants continue to grow sales. We have managed to maintain sales, post year-end. In recent years, the company introduced home delivery options to enhance the business, and these services have continued to expand. This has proved successful to date, and it is anticipated that this sector will grow and increase turnover and should continue to make a very welcome contribution to cover fixed costs at a number of restaurants in the next 12 months and beyond. A return to normal living and trading together with increasing home delivery sales should place the company in a stronger position going forward. Opportunities still exist for expansion. The directors will give due consideration to opening new outlets and will seek the support of the franchisor, when it can be evidenced that the location is ideal to establish a profitable and viable restaurant. Any expansion must add value to the existing restaurant portfolio and to the company's overall financial position.”

 

Shiko Group set to open new pub for seventh Manchester site and ninth overall: North west bar and kitchen operator Shiko Group is set to open a new pub for its seventh Manchester site and ninth overall. It will this week open Stables Tavern within the new St John’s neighbourhood in Manchester’s Spinningfields. It will join Lawn Club, The Dome, Side Street, Foley’s The Stables and Courts Club within the group’s Manchester portfolio. It also operates Fearns and The Canary in Leeds. “Introducing Stables Tavern – St John’s new local!” a company spokesman said. “Following weeks of sketches, site walks and beer tastings, it’s almost time to welcome you into our iconic space that we’ve been crafting with care and character. The historic tavern has been reimagined for today’s lover of a proper pint. Serving locally sourced pies, good beer and casual chats. Opening night is 6 June.” In February, Propel reported that the group is predicting its biggest year to date and is projecting turnover of £9.2m – just six years after acquiring its first venue. Collaborating with its funding partner, Universal Hospitality, Shiko Group said it is forecasting an even bigger 2025-26, with a predicted turnover of £14m and the addition of proposed new sites in Manchester and beyond.

 

Ex-Jamie Oliver Group MD Ryan Jacovides to open third site for Pomus concept: Ryan Jacovides, former managing director of the Jamie Oliver Group and White Rabbit Projects, is set to open a third site for his Pomus concept. Jacovides, who was also formerly managing director at Megan’s and chief operating officer at No1 Lounges, launched neighbourhood restaurant, wine bar and bottle shop Pomus in Margate’s The Centre in the spring of 2024. Jacovides, who is also a non-executive director of Bristol-based Pasture restaurant group, partnered with MasterChef 2015 finalist Tony Rodd for the venture. A smaller wine-focused sister venue, Pom, launched last month on Margate’s Harbour Arm, with head chef Aaron Costen offering a monthly changing menu of snacks and cocktails. Jacovides is now taking the concept down the Kent coast to Folkestone. “So, we’re opening in Folkestone!” he posted to social media. “Excited to announce Pomus Folkestone is coming this summer, in the old Brewery Tap pub on Tontine Street, partnering with Creative Folkestone. Bringing our award-winning wine bar and restaurant across Kent, it’s shaping up for another big summer!”

 

Company behind London restaurant Wiltons sees turnover rise but profit fall: London restaurant operator Wiltons Holdings – operator of Wiltons and Franco’s in Jermyn Street – saw its turnover rise but profit fall in the year to 31 March 2024. The company’s turnover was up from £8,588,814 in 2023 to £9,383,872. Its pre-tax profit was down from £393,764 to £256,926. No dividends were paid (2023: nil). Director Andrew Steel said: “The year ended 31 March 2024 was a successful year for the group. The directors are satisfied with the performance of the business in the year.” The group has operated both Wiltons and Franco’s – believed to have been one of the first Italian restaurants in London – for more than 70 years

 

McDonald’s UK hires Ben Fox as chief marketing officer: McDonald’s UK and Ireland has named Ben Fox as its new senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Fox will lead the marketing teams in the region, oversee agency partnerships and manage all food strategy and marketing campaigns. He takes over from Michelle Graham-Clare, who has moved on to the position of chief marketing officer and corporate vice-president for international operated markets. Fox had been working in the company’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) international development license office as a senior director of marketing and strategy, responsible for shaping brand and business strategy across 36 markets. He said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to the UK and Ireland market and heading up an incredibly talented team, and it’s great being able to live and breathe the work they are executing every day. We want to carry on creating exciting food that our customers want to talk about, experiences that create the next generation of McDonald’s memories, and exciting campaigns that connect with all of our customers in the way that only we can.” At the time of his appointment, Fox had already been working with the marketing department, leading the successful Minecraft Movie collaboration, which produced a new limited-edition menu.

 

Hall & Woodhouse to launch experiential concept at former Wetherspoon site: Hall & Woodhouse is to open a new experiential concept next month at a former Wetherspoon pub, The Quay in Poole, which it bought earlier this year for an undisclosed sum. The rear room at the pub will now offer a games experience when it re-opens later this month. The sociable games concept is a first for the Blandford-based brewer and brings a new experiential space to Poole Quay. The games room will allow guests to play games such as shuffleboard, digital darts and table football. Mark James, property director at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “We’re excited to reopen this fabulous waterside pub with a new games concept. We’re committed to continually enhancing our offering and know that multi-purpose spaces where friends can dine, drink, and play are proving incredibly popular across the country. The Quay brings the games bar concept to Poole with a quality Hall & Woodhouse spin. We’ve created a bespoke Pick & Play grazing menu to complement the entertainment at The Quay too. Tasty platters such as The Big Break, which features three types of loaded hash brown bites, are perfect for sharing with friends during a game of interactive darts or shuffleboard.” Keeping the name The Quay, the 12,500 square-foot pub is split over two floors and provides more than 200 covers inside. Additional outdoor seating is available, with views across Poole Harbour. 

Gail’s lines up new East London site: An east London pub that suddenly closed last year is set to become a Gail’s. The Hackney Tap, a grade II-listed property on Mare Street built in 1802 and a former town hall, closed in July 2024 and has been empty ever since. The site was converted from a bookmakers in 2021.

Public & Plants to open fourth site: Coffee shop concept Public & Plants is set to open its fourth site. Public & Plants will launch in Leicester at the LCB Depot. The new venue will follow outlets in, Loughborough, Mountsorrel and Nottingham’s Low Pavement. The company, which is also behind the Peter’s Pizzeria brand said on social media: “We’re excited to finally share that Public & Plants is coming to Leicester – opening at LCB Depot’s new workspace – Canopy, in King Street in summer 2025.From day one, we’ve been about more than just coffee. It’s always been about people, collaboration and building spaces for connection (and obviously we will be bringing the croissants). For those of you who don’t know us yet, we’re an independent coffee shop and bakery with a bit of an obsession for filled croissants.”