Deliveroo launches drone deliveries in Dublin: Deliveroo has launched drone deliveries in Dublin, in partnership with global drone delivery operator Manna. An initial test phase is being used to assess whether they can help unlock new customers, particularly in suburban locations, with the ability to bypass road traffic and cover longer distances in a short space of time. The service will initially cover a 3km radius around Blanchardstown, with food flown to customers in as little as three minutes. Deliveroo is then aiming to expand the service to more restaurants and launch grocery and retail deliveries within the next six months. Drones will be deployed from Manna’s local delivery hub, flying at speeds of up to 80km per hour. Upon arrival, the drones hovers and gently lower the food to the ground via a secure, biodegradable tether. Each drone is equipped with advanced safety features, including backup systems and a parachute, and is continuously monitored by a dedicated dispatcher. Eligible customers within the correct radius will need to validate their address via the app before it confirms a suitable pin location for a safe drop off, typically a driveway or front or back garden. Once an order is placed, they will be able to track the delivery and will be notified when the drone is nearby so they can receive the order. Carlo Mocci, chief business officer at Deliveroo, said: “Our mission is to bring local neighbourhood favourites to as many people’s doors as possible, and constantly raise the bar on the experience and service we provide. We’re excited to explore how drones can help us reach new customers, complementing our existing rider model, and if successful, the prospect of expanding drone deliveries across Ireland and into other markets.”

Napoli on the Road tops poll for best European pizza again: Napoli on the Road, the two-strong west London pizza concept founded by Michele Pascarella, has been awarded first place at the 50 Top Pizza Europa Awards for the second consecutive year. The company, which has sites in Chiswick and Richmond, received its award at a ceremony in Madrid. Pascarella’s signature pizza, Ricordi d’Infanzia (slow-cooked ragu with beef, topped with Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, fondue and basil) was also crowned Pizza of the Year 2025. It adds to his ever growing list of accolades, which includes being named World Pizza Maker of the Year 2023 by 50 Top Pizza and Best International, and Pizza Maker 2024 by the Accademia Nazionale Pizza DOC. “Winning for a second year means more than I can say,” he said. “Taking first place in 2024 changed my life, and it’s an honour to receive this recognition once again.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment has been retained by a luxury country hotel in Oxfordshire that is seeking a sales manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The individual will have a proven track record in both the leisure segment and corporate market. The role will be responsible for driving revenue, building and nurturing client relationships, and acting as an ambassador for the brand. Key responsibilities include identifying new business opportunities, creating and implementing an effective sales strategy, analysing market trends, and generating sales reports. The role will also involve working closely with all departments and establishing strong connections with luxury travel companies and leading travel management companies. Candidates must have at least three years of sales management experience within the hotel industry, excellent customer service skills, a strong sales drive, and solid negotiating abilities.” The salary is up to £55,000. For more information, email ed@corecruitment.com.
 

Company News:

Exclusive – Cornish Bakery reports like-for-like sales up 9% in 2025, hires former EAT director of food as head of proposition and product innovation: Fast-growing independent brand Cornish Bakery has reported a 9% increase in like-for-like sales since the start of 2025, bolstered by record-breaking trading over Easter and the May bank holiday weekends, Propel has learned. Cornish Bakery has also hired Arnaud Kaziewicz, who will spearhead the rollout of new product launches across its estate, as its new head of proposition and product innovation. The new position has been created by managing director Mat Finch and marks “a significant step forward in the brand’s continued drive to enhance its food offering and customer experience”. Born and raised in France, Kaziewicz trained as a chef in a Michelin-starred brasserie and was director of food at fresh food-to-go retailer EAT before its sale to Pret A Manger in 2019. Most recently head of food at Red Engine, the Flight Club and Electric Shuffle operator, he was also a finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2016. Finch said, “We are delighted to welcome Arnaud to the Cornish Bakery team. His impressive global experience, creative flair and deep passion for product makes him the perfect person to take our food innovation to the next level, as part of our belief that ‘bakery is the new coffee shop’.” Kaziewicz added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Cornish Bakery at such an exciting time. The brand already has a strong reputation for quality and craft, and I’m looking forward to building on its heritage with new ideas, bold flavours and best-in-class bakery products.” Recent Cornish Bakery product innovations have included an apple crumble scone, a raspberry crème brûlée pastry, a feta and pea tortilla and a hazelnut pain au chocolat. In March, Propel revealed that Cornish Bakery, which has now said it sees scope for a 400-strong estate, had appointed advisors to oversee a sale of the company. The 66-strong business, which was founded in 1994 by Steve Grocutt, is understood to be working with sector specialist advisory firm Tamweel.
 
Competitive socialising concept Spinners secures £4m investment: Spinners – the competitive socialising concept offering electric clay shoots, duckpin bowling, crazy golf and electric darts – is set for further growth, after securing £4m in new investment from Gresham House Ventures. Spinners opened its first site in Reading in 2021 and also operates sites in Plymouth and Solihull. Jamie Bylett, founder and director at Spinners, told Sky News that the funding would “enable us to accelerate our growth, and we look forward to announcing the location of new Spinners venues over the next few months”. He said: “Since opening our first venue in Reading, we've expanded to three locations, offering a fun-filled mix of darts, crazy golf and shuffleboard. We've also invested in the development of our unique clay shooting game, which we can't wait to share in more cities across the UK. This funding will enable us to meet the growing demand for immersive, activity-based social experiences and help us realise our vision of becoming a nationwide brand.” Francis Ireland, an associate at Gresham House Ventures, which also backs Rockfish, said: “With demand for competitive socialising growing rapidly, Spinners has built a strong base of customers at its existing sites. We think the business has huge potential for continued expansion as customers seek out activity-based social experiences, so we are excited to be supporting Spinners as it continues to roll out its fantastic venues up and down the country.” Last summer, Spinners, which secured £1.2m of investment in 2023, said it was targeting nationwide expansion following the launch of its third site, at Solihull’s Touchwood shopping centre, with openings in Northampton and Colchester understood to be in the pipeline.
 
WatchHouse acquires ex-Oree sites for £100,000: Specialty coffee business WatchHouse acquired five former Orée Boulangerie sites, following the latter’s entry into administration, for a total consideration of £100,000, Propel has learned. Propel revealed last month that WatchHouse was to further expand its footprint in London after acquiring five former Orée Boulangerie sites – in Wellington Street in Covent Garden, Borough Market, Parsons Green, St John’s Wood and Northcote Road in Clapham. French artisan patisserie concept Orée, which operated nine sites across Central London, had 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. For the year ending 31 December 2024, Orée showed a retained loss of £3m, with revenue of £6.47m (2023: £6.7m), and a negative Ebitda of £1.95m (2023: negative £298,000). The administrators report stated: “The company began to experience financial difficulties as a consequence of a number of factors including increasing overheads such as production costs, energy costs, staffing costs and the cost-of-living crisis, combined with a number of loss-making retail locations, which all resulted in cash flow difficulties and a build¬-up of arrears on trade accounts, rents and taxes. The board sought to secure additional funding. However, it was ultimately unable to do so in the limited time available, and while a number of cost-cutting exercises were undertaken, more drastic cuts were required. Notwithstanding the above, it was clear a number of the operating sites were viable, and it became critical the company became able to offload those sites that were placing the biggest strain on cash flow. This process, however, required a working capital injection in order to deal with the likely costs to be incurred dealing with staff redundancies, landlord negotiations, etc. While significant funding has previously been provided by a variety of investors, including the company's ultimate beneficial owner, it became apparent that further funding was unlikely to be forthcoming. Without sufficient funding in place to close the loss-making sites, it became clear a pre-packaged sale of the company's profitable sites was the only way to enhance realisations for creditors.”
 
KellyDeli launches new Korean kitchen concept with Waitrose: KellyDeli, owner of international sushi franchise Sushi Daily, has launched a new Korean kitchen concept in partnership with Waitrose. Offering traditional Korean cuisine, Onggi launched this week at the Waitrose store in Bath, which will be followed soon by a London location. “We have officially launched Onggi, our exciting new Korean food concept,” a KellyDeli spokesman said. “Named after the traditional Korean earthenware pot, Onggi represents everything we love about Korean cuisine – bold, authentic flavours rooted in tradition. Our first kiosk is now open in Bath, in partnership with Waitrose & Partners, and we’re thrilled to share that a London location is coming soon – keep your eyes peeled in the coming months for this. We’re proud of this milestone and can’t wait to welcome you to Onggi.” KellyDeli chief operating officer Nigel Doughty, who joined the business in February after four years as managing director at Subway UK & Ireland, added: “Excited to introduce Onggi – a first-of-its-kind concept brought to life by our dedicated team and with the invaluable support of our partner, Waitrose & Partners. This launch is a testament to our shared vision, collaboration and ambition. I’m immensely proud of everyone involved for their creativity and commitment to bringing something truly unique to market. Can’t wait to see where this journey takes us; let’s go Onggi.”
 
Former Subway franchisee becomes first UK partner for Bunsik, lines up Bristol for debut site and eyeing further locations: Former Subway franchisee Will Bray has become the first UK partner for Maguro Group’s Korean street food concept, Bunsik. Propel revealed in September 2023 that Maguro Group – which also operates concepts such as Maguro Sushi, Gogi, Bullgogi, Itaewon Burger & Chicken and Pochawa Grill – would make Bunsik its first franchise. Director Jae Cho said he intended to grow Bunsik, which now has seven locations, both inside and outside London through a mix of equity and franchise sites. Propel can now reveal that Bray will soon open the first Bunsik franchise store, in Bristol’s Cabot Circus, and will look to open further sites in the region if it proves to be a success. Bray founded Bray Group in 2016 and opened a portfolio of four Subway restaurants in and around Bath. “I’ve just recently sold these stores and am just about to launch Bunsik in Bristol as a franchisee, alongside doing commercial to residential property conversions”, Bray told Propel. “I’ll be Bunsik’s first franchise partner, and if Bristol works well, I’ll be opening it across the south. Bunsik’s food is amazing, so tasty, and the chicken market is massive. Jae is a great guy and I’m very much looking forward to working with him.”
 
Two Magpies remains in profit after streamlining business to absorb Budget-related £800,000 shortfall, reports record Easter weekend: East Anglia bakery Two Magpies has said it has remained in profit after streamlining the business to absorb an £800,000 shortfall brought about by the government’s October Budget. Two Magpies operates ten bakery/cafes across Suffolk and Norfolk and last year acquired confectionary company Hilton Macarons. With the two brands now aligned, the company said it has focused on improving efficiencies across the board to combat increasing costs, while still achieving a £450,000 profit. Yasmin Wyatt, operations director at Two Magpies, said: “The government’s Budget left us with a shortfall of £800,000 that we needed to cover, which forced us to really look at where we were spending money and how we can work more efficiently overall. We have made some large changes to some of our key sites and moved all our production to Walpole, meaning all of our Two Magpies products are now produced in one place. Due to our fast action, we have managed to absorb the potential impact from the Budget, and stay on track for another profitable year in 2025. In fact, we had a record number of sales over Easter weekend, the biggest we’ve ever had, proving the business remains strong across all our sites.” Among the changes, Two Magpies has given its Mini Magpies site at Southwold a complete refurbishment. As the first of its cafes to open in 2013, the more modern feel has brought the site back in line with the brand. Wyatt added: “We’d already changed Southwold into our Mini Magpies style, but we have now reduced the seating further, allowing the bulk of trade to be takeaway. This has meant the flow of the store has changed, with one continuous line. We have found this a really positive step for the store, with more add-on sales increasing transaction value.”
 
Cake Box opens landmark 250th store: Cake Box, the specialist retailer of fresh cream cakes, has opened its landmark 250th store. It has opened at 201 Queens Road in Hastings, East Sussex – 17 years after founder Sukh Chamdal and his cousin, Pardip Dass, opened their first Cake Box store, in east London. “We are delighted to have opened our 250th Cake Box store, in Hastings,” a company spokesman said. “This landmark achievement reflects our continued growth, fuelled by delicious products, exceptional customer service and support from our invaluable franchisee partners.” In March, Cake Box completed a deal to acquire Ambala Foods – a leading manufacturer and retailer of Asian sweets – for £22m. Ambala currently operates 22 stores, with 19 owned stores and three franchised stores, and has been family-run since inception. Cake Box is set to make its international debut this year with its first store in Paris.
 
German Doner Kebab opens site in Kent’s Bluewater shopping centre: German Doner Kebab (GDK), which is backed by private equity group True, has opened a site at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent. The brand, which is approaching 150 UK locations, has opened in the food quarter in the Winter Garden. Customers are able to choose from GDK’s signature menu, which includes its doner rice bowl and the OG Kebab – a choice of doner meat, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onion and red cabbage, served in handmade toasted sesame waffle bread, with three signature sauces. Last month, True made a “strategic investment” in GDK, which operates circa 170 sites globally, to support its continued rollout in the UK and accelerate growth across existing and new markets.
 
The Ivy Collection hires Ian Watson as head of learning and development: The Ivy Collection, the Richard Caring-backed restaurant brand, has hired Ian Watson as its new head of learning and development. Watson joins the circa 50-strong business after just over two years as director of learning and development at PizzaExpress. He also spent a year as group head of learning and development at YO! owner, the Snowfox Group (now the Wonderfield Group), and 18 years at Pret, including nine years as group head of the Pret Academy. Last month, it was reported that Caring was in advanced talks to sell a significant portion of his UK hospitality empire – which includes The Ivy Collection and London private members’ club Annabel’s – to an entity controlled by the Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan. The FT reported that talks between Caring and Sheikh Tahnoon’s holding company IHC may result in a deal that could exceed more than £1bn. The Ivy Collection saw its profit and turnover grow in the year to 31 December 2023, despite inflationary headwinds. In 2022, the company had grown its turnover by more than £100m, driven by the expansion of its Ivy Asia brand. And although the company opened no new restaurants in 2023, accounts just published to Companies House show turnover grew from £302,927,000 to £314,744,000 in the year. The business is set to open a new restaurant in Nottingham – in the former Hugo Boss store in Bridlesmith Gate.

Flight Club operator to open Electric Shuffle in London’s King’s Cross tomorrow: Red Engine, the Flight Club and Electric Shuffle operator, will open its new Electric Shuffle site in London’s King’s Cross tomorrow (Friday, 6 June). Located close to the Coal Drops Yard, the venue is the third Electric Shuffle to open in London, the fifth in the UK and the ninth globally. The site joins locations in Canary Wharf, London Bridge, Leeds, Manchester, Dallas, Austin, New York and Chicago, which opened just last month. The 9,400 square-foot, 400 capacity King’s Cross venue features two bars and an outdoor terrace space along with Electric Shuffle’s high-tech version of shuffleboard and four immersive games to choose from. Up to 16 can play at one table, with connectable tables for large groups (from 32-400 people). Chief executive Steve Moore said, "After years in the making, we are so excited to be opening our newest venue. King’s Cross is such a vibrant, buzzing location.” The launch of Electric Shuffle King's Cross will take the number of Red Engine-owned venues to 23, increasing to 24 by year-end. Combined with franchise partner-owned and operated Flight Club venues, the total number will stand at 40. Beyond 2025, Red Engine has ambitious growth plans. With its franchise partners, it aims to open close to ten new venues per year. Based on this trajectory of growth, by the end of 2030, the total global Electric Shuffle and Flight Club estate will sit at 80-plus venues.
 
Individual Restaurants to open new Piccolino London site: Individual Restaurants, the Restaurant Bar & Grill and Piccolino operator, is to enhance its presence in London with an opening under the latter brand near Tower Bridge, Propel has learned. The Andrew Garton-led business is to replace the 1751 Distillery Bar & Kitchen site in the Hilton Tower Bridge Hotel, More London. The site was previously a Jamie's Italian before The Restaurant Group Concessions opened the 1751 Distillery Bar & Kitchen there in 2020. On the new site, which will open next month, Individual Restaurants said: “Piccolino brings the timeless elegance of Italian dining to one of London’s most iconic addresses. inspired by the rich culinary heritage of Italy’s diverse regions, our menu is a celebration of authenticity – where every ingredient tells a story and every dish is crafted with passion.” It will be the 23rd opening under the Piccolino brand, which also operates sites in London’s Heddon Street and Broadgate. In April, the business launched its new premium pizza concept, Forbici, in the former Betfred site in Manchester’s Cross Street.
 
200 Degrees to open its most southerly location for first launch of 2025: 200 Degrees, the Nero Group-owned brand, is to open its most southerly location this summer at the Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. The site will be the brand’s 23rd in total and first opening this year, with “more to follow”. The 2,280 square-foot site will feature 102 indoor seats and 24 outside. Will Kenney, commercial director at 200 Degrees, said: “Our first shop opening of 2025 sees us expanding further south, bringing the 200 Degrees coffee experience to even more people. This one at the Cotswolds Designer Outlet is our southern-most in England to date, and it's an opportunity for locals to experience why we're one of the UK's favourite coffee shops. We're looking forward to introducing people to our warm and welcoming ways of doing things, and helping even more people drink and appreciate better coffee.” Founded in 2012 in Nottingham by Rob Darby and Tom Vincent, 200 Degrees also has its own roastery and operates an online e-commerce channel selling directly to customers at home, including a subscription offering. 200 Degrees also operates a wholesale arm, serving more than 500 wholesale customers. Last October, Propel revealed that 200 Degrees had been acquired by Caffe Nero operator, the Nero Group.
 
London speciality coffee shop set to open first City site and sixth overall, plans further expansion across the capital: London speciality coffee shop Mouse Tail Coffee is set to open first City site, and sixth overall, ahead of plans to expand further across the capital. The new store will open on Monday (9 June), and as well as the coffee, it will offer sweet treats, focaccia sandwiches and pizza slices – with all the food made at its in-house bakery. “The City is new territory for us, but we’re excited to bring seriously fun coffee to Fenchurch Street,” said managing director Jamie O’Flynn. “Mouse Tail Coffee is unlike any other coffee shop that’s currently within the Square Mile.” Jaanus Uksik, who co-founded Mouse Tail Coffee in 2012, said the company has an ambitious growth strategy and is planning to extend its reach into new areas of London. “When I co-founded Mouse Tail Coffee, we served specialty coffee out of the back of a small van,” he added. “The goal back then was to serve great coffee to great people, and that’s still at the heart of what we do, even though we are now six sites strong and our offering has expanded significantly.”
 
The Stafford Collection adds Michael Caines’ Lympstone Manor as associate member: The Stafford Collection, the luxury hospitality group that includes The Stafford London and Norma in the capital, has announced Lympstone Manor – Michael Caines’ hotel, restaurant, and vineyard in Devon and a member of Relais & Châteaux – has joined the group as an associate member. It follows the appointment of Caines as culinary strategist at The Stafford London in April. John McLean, managing director of the Stafford Collection, said: “We are delighted to welcome Lympstone Manor to the collection. Michael and his exceptional team embody the same commitment to excellence, individuality and warm hospitality that defines our collection. This partnership marks an exciting chapter, and I look forward to future collaborations.” Caines’ role as culinary strategist, overseeing all food and beverage across The Stafford London, marks his very first venture into London. The Game Bird restaurant within the hotel is set to adopt a new name and identity this autumn “that will reflect Caines’ cuisine, personality and embody the spirit of the Stafford”. Caines said: “Joining The Stafford Collection as an associate member is an exciting new chapter for Lympstone Manor. This partnership opens the door for our guests to enjoy a journey from coast to city, discovering exceptional dining and hospitality along the way. I'm particularly excited about the new direction for the restaurant at the Stafford, which will embrace a refreshed concept inspired by London’s dynamic culinary scene.”
 
Funding deal supports acquisition of 83 long leasehold pubs in Wales operated by Marston’s: A company that is majority owned by an asset management firm has acquired 83 long leasehold pubs across south and west Wales operated by Marston’s. A loan has been provided by Hodge to Brew Propco, a company majority owned by Westbrooke Private Capital, for the purchase. The large-scale portfolio includes many well established and well-known public houses, previously owned and operated by Welsh brewer Brains and now leased to Marston’s on a 25-year term. James Lightbody, head of real estate at Westbrooke Private Capital, said: “We’ve been involved with this portfolio since its original disposal by Brains in 2021, and this transaction with Hodge allows us to continue to support the sector and those pubs that are cornerstones of their communities in Wales.”