Italian fire-baked pizza concept targets 50 locations by 2030 through franchising alongside growing its coffee/pasta room formats: Italian fire-baked pizza concept The Pizza Room has told Propel it is targeting 50 locations by 2030 through franchising alongside growing its coffee room format, Coffee Room. Founded by Pamela Aiko Tironi, whose background is in investment banking, and Awet Ogbaghiorghis, who previously worked at City University, The Pizza Room opened its first site in 2013. The company has since grown to six locations in London – four Pizza Rooms and two Coffee Room shops – and it has also developed a pasta house concept. “Our plan is to grow the business through owned and franchised new shops to get to more than 50 locations by 2030,” franchise director Mike Pieri told Propel. “We are also looking for investors to support this development plan. We are considering other locations in London and outside the capital too. At the moment, we are accepting applications from all over the UK, but our focus is on the belt surrounding London, which is logistically and strategically more logical for us. The next opening will be Walthamstow, with an estimated opening time of after the summer, later this year. We have been franchising for just one year and already have one franchisee on board for The Coffee Room, located in Deptford. We are discussing two other openings with franchisees in two other areas of London, but the agreement has not been finalised as yet. We want to grow all of our concepts. Depending on the size of the future shops, our pizza, coffee and pasta formats can be implemented as physical or virtual brands in the shop, expanding the opening time and the offering of the shop itself.” Pieri said The Pizza Room, which exhibited at the London International Franchise Show in April, offers six models of franchising – “from a virtual brand solution to a single site, and from a rent-to-own plan for franchisees who want to take over one of our existing location to a regional developer”. Its first 20 franchisees will have the chance to implement all three brands at the price of a single brand affiliation. Its franchising entry fee is £10,000 and its fixed monthly fee is £1,000, plus a marketing fund fee or £250 per month.

 

Former Buns from Home CEO and Leon MD Shereen Ritchie to speak at Operational Excellence Conference, open for bookings with 20% discount on tickets for Premium Club subscribers: Shereen Ritchie, former chief executive of Buns from Home and Leon managing director, 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. Ritchie will talk about how operations need to be aligned to create superior performance. 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 Turnover & Profits Blue Book today: Premium Club subscribers will receive the next Turnover & Profits Blue Book today (Friday, 13 June), at noon. The database will feature 64 updated accounts and 17 new companies, taking the total to 1,125. A total of 712 companies are making a profit while 413 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 the Operational Excellence Conference 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.

 

Fulham Shore CEO – the rise of weight loss drugs will lead to a sector reset: Marcel Khan, chief executive of Fulham Shore, the Toridoll and Capdesia-backed group behind Franco Manca and The Real Greek, has argued the rise of drugs that help with weight loss, such as Ozempic, will lead to a reset in the hospitality sector with portion control the new value menu. Writing in today’s (Friday, 13 June) Propel Premium Opinion, Khan said: “When your Friday night regulars swap FOMO (fear of missing out) for ‘full already’, portions shrink. Not necessarily wallets — just what those wallets feel like buying. Satiety lands sooner, so value now lives in provenance, protein and a story diners can brag about on the walk home. Crowd pleasing calorie bombs start to look like yesterday’s bloat, while the Ozempic faithful raid the chiller for high protein yoghurt, lean meat and fibre bragging ready meals. Imagine a 2027 date night: one person orders a delicious sourdough pizza with added protein; they split both the pizza and a salad, skip the starter, share a mini pistachio affogato, and the whole thing still rings up the old average spend because every item is priced for density, not volume. The restaurant keeps its margin; the guests leave light enough to sprint home. Could happen, right?” This week’s Premium Opinion also features Propel group editor Mark Wingett’s take on the latest news from Pret A Manger and Fuller’s. 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.

 

In Conversation – Propel talks to Boxpark chief executive Matt Snell: In the latest In Conversation podcast, Propel group editor Mark Wingett and Mark Stretton, chief executive of leading sector public relations firm Fleet Street Communications, talk to Matt Snell, chief executive of Boxpark. Available today (Friday, 13 June) at 3pm to Premium subscribers, Snell discusses his career, why he took the Boxpark job, how it picks its food and beverage partners, his further plans for the business and how those he has worked under have shaped his management style. This week’s Premium Opinion also features Propel group editor Mark Wingett’s take on the latest news from Pret A Manger and Fuller’s. 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.

 

UKHospitality – devastating impact of increases to employer NICs are now being revealed: UKHospitality has said the devastating impact of increases to employers’ national insurance contributions are now being revealed. Chief executive Kate Nicholls said the resulting cost pressures are starting to come through and be seen in this week’s fall in job vacancies, alongside new figures revealing a 0.3% drop in GDP in April. “It’s clear that economic warning signs are flashing and the impact of April’s cost increases are having exactly the impact that was predicted,” Nicholls said. “GDP figures can be volatile, but an immediate shrinking of the economy and more than 100,000 jobs lost in just a month shows that the huge increase to employers’ national insurance contributions is putting the brakes on growth. Hospitality is a resilient sector and businesses are doing all they can to trade their way out of these challenges, but it has the potential to be the engine for growth if it is properly backed. The economy only grows when hospitality is strong. The government needs to take these warning signs seriously and urgently review and reverse the changes to national insurance contributions, while bringing forward clear plans to empower hospitality and the high street.”

 

Fundraising for Pedalling To Pubs exceeds a record-breaking £100,000: The fundraising total for Pedalling To Pubs 2025 has exceeded a record-breaking total of £100,000, days after hospitality industry leaders crossed the finish line of their 220km sponsored bike ride across the Lake District. From 5-7 June, 60 riders cycled from Penrith to Cockermouth to Carlise and back to raise vital funds for leading hospitality charities the Licensed Trade Charity and Only A Pavement Away. With the fundraising total now standing at more than £100,000, Pedalling To Pubs 2025 has surpassed last year’s record of £85,000. Steve Alton, lead rider and chief executive at the British Institute of Innkeeping, said: “This year’s ride was very challenging, with steep, rolling hills and torrential rain, but seeing the fundraising total exceed a phenomenal £100,000 makes it all worth it. Thank you to everyone who took part and to everyone who has donated – your incredible support allows these two charities to continue helping people in the hospitality industry who need it most. It’s not too late to contribute, so if you are able, we would be grateful for any further donations.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a fast-growing hospitality group that is looking for a digital marketing manager to elevate its digital footprint across all channels. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “From high-end restaurants and cocktail bars to immersive omakase experiences, the individual will be at the digital helm of some of London’s most exciting venues. This role is ideal for someone who lives and breathes digital, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and brings both analytical precision and creative vision to the table. The individual will have at least five years’ experience in digital marketing, ideally in hospitality, luxury, or lifestyle sectors, and also a confident grasp of website management, SEO, CRM platforms and paid digital advertising.” The salary is up to £55,000 per year. For more information, email gemma@corecruitment.com.

 

Amber Taverns CEO – there’s still a disconnect between people’s holding value of properties and what is a sensible price to pay for it: James Baer, chief executive of wet-led, community pub operator Amber Taverns, which is backed by Epiris, has told Propel that he believes there is still a “disconnect between people’s holding value of properties and what is a sensible price to pay for it”. The 182-strong business remains on track to open 15 to 20 pubs this year, including its most southerly location so far, in Gosport in Hampshire, which is currently undergoing refurbishment and will open later this summer. Baer, who will become chair of the business in August, said: “We’ve got about another ten or so properties that we’re currently reviewing. We’ve got seven sites that we’ve completed on and that are in various stages of refurbishment. Of the sites we are buying, it’s a mix of ex-retail, ex-restaurants and some pubs. I still think there’s maybe a disconnect between people’s holding value of properties, and what is a sensible price to pay for it. I still don’t think people have fully accepted the need for write-downs, but as ever, we are being careful and disciplined, and we’ll pay what we can pay, but after that, we’re not going to rush. Although Epiris is very ambitious and supportive for us, it clearly wants us to stick to the discipline that’s helped us over the years. I think one advantage we’ve got and that we’ve done successfully on a number of occasions is to convert retail into new licensed premises. There is the investment in time and effort needed getting the necessary planning and licensing, but I think that generally, local authorities are being supportive of investment in and the redevelopment of high streets.” Baer said current trading is “solid, but not spectacular”. He said: “People are drinking less but buying better products. The market has changed since covid. People do want to go out, but they want a great experience and good value for money when they do. Covid, followed by Ukraine and the inflationary shock, the ripples from the Trump administration and certainly the new government talking down the economy when it came to power last year, have all combined, and that has knocked consumer confidence. One of the challenges we’ve got coming up on a like-for-like basis, given our emphasis on sport, is last year’s Euros. We’ll just have to do our best, because that was an exceptional period of trading for our pubs. But we’re positive we can rise to that challenge. We still believe in the ability to give talented and committed people a pub that has the quality of a managed house, but letting them put their entrepreneurial stamp on it is a powerful combination.” 

 

Black Sheep Coffee set to open new Lancashire site: Speciality coffee operator Black Sheep Coffee is set to open its latest location, in Nelson, Lancashire. The brand will open at the Northlight Estate on Tuesday (17 June) and will be independently owned and operated by a local franchise partner. Holly Ducker, estate director and brand manager for the new franchise, said: “This marks a fantastic milestone for the development and our entire team. We’re proud to be partnering with Black Sheep Coffee – it’s a brilliant addition to the site and one we’re confident will become a go-to spot for both our ‘Northlighters’ and the wider community.”

 

Boparan swaps out Ed’s Easy Diner for Slim Chickens in Birmingham: Boparan Restaurant Group has swapped out its Ed’s Easy Diner location in Birmingham’s Utilita Arena for another of its brands, Slim Chickens. The Ed’s Easy Diner restaurant closed last week after ten years in the location. The restaurant has a canalside presence at the Utilita Arena alongside Costa, Mooncat and the Legoland Discovery Centre. Slim Chickens also has a city centre restaurant situated within Grand Central, above New Street station, and a branch inside the food court at Selly Oak Sainsbury’s. Boparan Restaurant Group also operates brands such as Giraffe, Carluccio's and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

 

WatchHouse opens second US site: Specialty coffee business WatchHouse has opened its second site in the US, in New York, in the Chrysler Building. The company said the launch marks a milestone in WatchHouse’s international expansion and follows the successful debut of its US flagship at 660 Fifth Avenue last spring. WatchHouse chief executive and founder Roland Horne said: “Opening a house inside the Chrysler Building is one of those dream scenarios – an opportunity to honour a legendary address while continuing to share our modern coffee ethos. Our intention was never to copy and paste our brand internationally, but to create something that lives harmoniously within each location and makes space for curiosity. There’s something about the scale and grandeur of the Chrysler Building, paired with the softness of how we’ve designed the interior, that should stop you just for a moment. It’s not just about what you see or taste; it’s about what you feel.” 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.

Brighton ‘fire, meat and barbecue concept’ launches franchise programme: Brighton ‘fire, meat and barbecue concept’ Salt Shed has launched a franchise programme. Laurence Stevens and Francis Sweeney founded Salt Shed in 2017, starting out offering fire-cooked meat platters at markets, festivals and food halls across Brighton and London. They opened their first restaurant in 2023, in Brighton’s North Laines, which was followed by a Beach Bar on Brighton’s West Pier and a site at Market Halls in London’s Oxford Street. Salt Shed has now partnered with franchise consultants Presman & Colard for its growth plans. Charlie Mander, group chief operating officer at Presman & Colard, said: “Exciting News from Salt Shed! After years of growth and success at our three thriving locations across London and Brighton, we’re proud to announce the launch of the Salt Shed franchise opportunity! From humble beginnings to becoming a must-visit destination for bold, fire-cooked Flavors, Salt Shed has built a loyal following and a rock-solid brand. Now, they’re ready to partner with passionate entrepreneurs and operators to take Salt Shed even further. It offers a proven concept with three busy, profitable sites; comprehensive franchise support from setup to marketing; and a unique brand that stands out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a first-time food entrepreneur, this is your chance to join something exciting and bring the Salt Shed experience to your community.”


Leisure climbing business Clip ‘n’ Climb planning Essex launch: Leisure climbing business Clip ‘n’ Climb is planning to launch in a former nightclub in Basildon, Essex. The company, which operates more than 350 locations in 43 countries, including in excess of 80 in the UK, is proposing to take over the former Unit 7 club in Basildon’s Festival Leisure Park. The nightclub closed in February 2024, continuing a move for the leisure park to become more of a family-friendly location, reports The Echo. The park was once dubbed “Bas-Vegas” and known for being a nightclub and nightlife hotspot, with various nightclubs and venues. The leisure park currently includes a range of businesses including Hollywood Bowl, 360 indoor play centre, Mr Mulligans indoor crazy golf and Cineworld. The 2025 Experiential Leisure Report, the second year of Propel's exhaustive report on the fast-growing experiential leisure market, will be published on Friday, 1 August at 9am. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It includes opinion from leading players Juliette Keyte, marketing director at Red Engine, Richard Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, and investor Lisa Boden, partner at investor Edition Capital, and provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes 197 companies, marking a 10% growth in the sector since last year's study, with 3,700 sites. The report will be released on Friday, 1 August at 9am and is available for £595 plus VAT to pre-order now. Existing Premium Club subscribers can receive it on Friday, 1 August for £395 plus VAT. The report will be made available for free to existing Premium subscribers on Wednesday, 10 September at 9am. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to order a copy.

 

Japanese concept Zumuka Sushi lines up two further openings: Japanese restaurant concept Zumuka Sushi is planning two further openings in the north west. The business, which was founded in 2017 and is led by Edward Cayton, has lined up openings in Chester and Crewe. The company currently operates 18 sites across the UK comprising 12 restaurants and six dark kitchens. It has now applied to open a restaurant in Upper Northgate Street, in Chester. Zumuka Sushi also plans to open a site at 78 Meredith Street, in Crewe. Zumuku Sushi said it offers “an extensive menu of traditional Japanese sushi dishes, including urumaki rolls, sashimi, maki and nigiri”. There are also curries, poké bowls, noodle and ramen dishes, dumplings and small plates. Alternatively, customers can also order “messy chips” or burgers “infused with a mix of classic Asian flavours”.

 

Manjaros lines up Middlesbrough opening: Manjaros, which combines Caribbean and African cuisine, is lining up an opening in Middlesbrough. The Northern Echo reported that Manjaros, which has 17 locations across the country, is opening in the city’s Municipal Golf Centre. The restaurant is set to be located in the main building of the golf club, with all golf-related activities expected to move to the outhouse. The move marks another homecoming for Manjaros, which first launched in Middlesbrough in 2012. The business is famed for its signature dishes including the Teesside favourite, the parmo. Signs have also recently gone up to open another location in Middlesbrough, in Ormesby, and another in Peterlee. 

 

Monterey Jack’s opens new Glasgow location: Scotland-based, American-style restaurant Monterey Jack’s is opening a new location in Glasgow. The business, which closed its city centre venue in Glasgow in 2023, has announced it will be opening a new venue in the St Enoch shopping centre. Voted Scotland’s best gourmet burger business for five consecutive years, Monterey Jack’s has eight venues across the country and expects to open its new location in late June. Ian Shorrock, head of retail at Praxis, which recently acquired St Enoch, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Monterey Jack’s to St Enoch. Fans of the acclaimed business will no doubt be thrilled to have this award-winning restaurant return to the city centre. With multiple new jobs created, this is another positive step forward for Glasgow’s hospitality sector and will strengthen the city’s diverse food and beverage offering.” Gary Marshall, owner of Monterey Jacks in Glasgow, added: “It’s a pleasure to be returning to Glasgow city centre with our new location in the iconic St Enoch centre. Since closing our Merchant Square branch in 2023, we have had countless requests to return to the centre of Glasgow. We have built a loyal fanbase here and are happy to be making our big comeback later this June.” In the summer of 2024, Monterey Jack’s launched a new express format, as it looks to roll out more restaurants through franchising. This came after the brand opened its largest restaurant yet in 2023, set over 4,000 square feet at the M&D’s Scotland Theme Park in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, and offering 250 covers alongside immersive experiences. The company also has plans to expand into England and has previously said it was eyeing sites in London, Manchester and Newcastle.

Team behind north London cafe concept Fink’s launch at Clissold House: The team behind cafe concept Fink’s in north London have taken over the café space at Clissold House in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington. The former café in the grade II-listed property, which dates back to the 1800s, went into administration last year, reports Hot Dinners. “It’s the Fink’s you know and love, reimagined,” the company said on Instagram. “We’ll even have sit-in (yes, actual chairs and tables). We got the keys not long ago, but we’re already hard at work bringing this space to life. As always with new openings, a lot of moving parts need to come together.” Jess Blackstone and Mat Appleton launched Fink’s Salt & Sweet in Mountgrove Road in 2014 before adding Fink’s Gillespie in Gillespie Road, Fink’s Chats in Chatsworth Road and Fink’s Pump House in Clissold Park. In March, they launched a crowdfunder to help open a new bakery at 154 Blackstock Road in Finsbury Park, which they originally had earmarked for a prep kitchen. The crowdfunder raised £32,565 from 285 supporters, after which the team said: “With this amazing sum, we’re diving straight into ordering equipment, getting our dough rising, bread proving and viennoiserie laminating. The bakery is coming to life, and we can’t wait to share the journey with you!”

Team behind La Mia Mamma launches fourth site for concept: The team behind La Mia Mamma have launched a fourth site for the regional Italian concept. Peppe Corsaro, Corrado Mozzillo and Luca Maggiora launched La Mia Mamma in Chelsea King’s Road in 2018 before further sites followed in 2 Hollywood Road, South Kensington, and 190 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill. The trio have now launched a further location, at 50 Northcote Road in Battersea, reports Hot Dinners. Taking over the former Made in Italy pizza restaurant, it offers pizza and pasta as well as mains like 18-hour cooked beef ribs and slow-roasted porchetta. It also has plenty of set menu offers that let guests mix and match across the entire menu. In the spring of 2024, the trio also launched a seafood spin-off called Fish & Bubbles in the site of their former La Mamma Mia deli, next door to the Notting Hill restaurant. It features paninis with seafood fillings such as slow-cooked octopus in a rustic Apulian tomato and basil sauce, fried crisps, Nduja and Mascarpone mayo; and fried calamari ring, lemon infused ricotta mousse and anchovies marinated cime di rapa.

 

Mediterranean inspired London restaurant concept Drunch secures fourth site: Mediterranean inspired London restaurant concept Drunch has returned to the expansion trail after securing a fourth site in the capital. The business, which opened its latest site in 2022 in Fitzrovia, has secured the site at 2–4 Westbourne Grove, in Notting Hill. Led by owner Hom Malass, Drunch, which is known for its “stylish, relaxed atmosphere and contemporary menus that blend global flavours with a distinct London flair”, also operates sites in Mayfair and Regent’s Park. The business is understood to be looking for more prime locations, specifically in Chelsea, South Kensington and Knightsbridge. George Hamblett, of Hay Hill Property Services, acted on the Notting Hill deal. 

 

Mazi team set to launch second site for concept: Adrien Carre and Christina Mouratoglou, the husband-and-wife team behind Greek restaurant Mazi in Notting Hill, are set to launch a second site for the concept. Carre and Mouratoglou opened Mazi in Hillgate Street in 2012, using seasonal produce from sustainable sources for a menu of refined Greek food. They are now set to take over the former PizzaExpress unit at 21-25 Bruton Place in Mayfair, reports Hot Dinners. The space, which looks like it will feature a mix of counter and table dining and a separate bar, was briefly used by Guinea during covid as its Guinea Express outlet. Signature Mazi dishes at Notting Hill include grilled octopus with fava and burnt onion broth; wild cod with charred greens and leek fricassé; and black truffle chicken with wild mushrooms and hunkar begendi. In 2019, Carre and Mouratoglou added bistro and cocktail bar Suzi Tros, also in Hillgate Street, and that same year made their international debut with Mazi Abu Dhabi, in the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. In 2023, the pair said they were seeking further overseas expansion and had partnered with sector consultancy firm TGP International to explore opportunities.

 

Sheffield brewer and retailer to open beer hall and restaurant for second site: Sheffield brewer and retailer Two Thirds Beer Co is set to open its second site. Kapital Beer Hall & Restaurant will launch on Friday, 27 June at 14 Wellington Street within the Heart of the City development following a £750,000 investment. The 4,500 square-foot site, which sits across two floors, will offer 34 taps in total, pouring a curated selection of beer from across the continent. There will also be a restaurant serving an extensive, pan-European menu including German bratwurst, Austrian schnitzel, slow-roast pork knuckle; and cheese fondue for sharing. The venue will build on Two Thirds' craft beer bar, kitchen and bottle shop in Abbeydale Road, which opened in 2019. Co-founder Ben Stubbs said: “Kapital will bring something unique to our hometown of Sheffield, from tank-fresh Czech lager and weekly big band performances to a full-scale restaurant serving up modern beer hall classics and Sunday roasts.”

 

York operators set to launch new venture: York operators Shaun Binns and Jamie-Leigh Binns are set to launch a new venture in the city. The duo, who are behind Lil’s Bar and Bistro, are set to open a new restaurant at Cumberland House, a grade I-listed building in the city centre. Owner Helmsley Group initially pursued a residential scheme designed to honour the building’s original use, but after the original planning application was refused by City of York Council, the group has decided to rethink its approach. A revised planning application for a restaurant has now been submitted. Under the plans, the building would be converted from its previous office use into a new eatery, while being sensitively repurposed and restored to ensure its long-term use. Tom Riddolls, development surveyor at Helmsley Group, said: “It’s fantastic to have Shaun and Jamie on board to continue Helmsley Group’s vision of bringing York’s vacant heritage buildings back into use.”

 

Cheltenham restaurant operator who previously worked for Gordon Ramsay to open a second site today: Cheltenham restaurant operator Ram Jalustram, who has previously worked at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants and Gleneagles, will open his second site in the Gloucestershire town today (Friday, 13 June). The Gagan – a tandoor, brasserie and specialist bar – only arrived in London Road in late October of last year but was acquired by Jalustram in March. His new venture is called La Petite Bar and Grill and is the sister site of La Petite Brasserie, situated at 51 High Street. Jalustram has experience as an executive head chef, including running the kitchen at four of Gordon Ramsay’s London restaurants, as well as being the executive chef for the five-star Gleneagles resort. He said: “We have put together a menu that we think is in keeping with modern dining.”

 

Nottinghamshire operator acquires second site: Nottinghamshire operator Kane Oliver has acquired his second site. Oliver has secured The Farndon Ferry, near Newark, weeks after its sudden closure. The riverside restaurant will reopen as The Boathouse at Farndon on Tuesday (17 June). On the menu will be modern British classics “with a twist”, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Oliver also runs The Lion in Brinsley, near Mansfield.

 

Bristol chef opens second site: Bristol chef Conor O’Hare has opened his second site in the city. O’Hare, who has previously worked at butchers Ruby & White and Mexican restaurant Downtown Taqueria, launched Chido Wey in Old Market Street in 2020, serving “Mexican classics with a twist”. He has now opened sister venue Tocayo, also in Old Market Street, replacing the 25A Old Market Café. “We’ve welcomed our younger sister, Tocayo,” a Chido Wey spokesman said. “Opening right next door, Tocayo serves up Bristol’s best coffee and brunches. Stop by to experience the flavours, the fun, and the atmosphere that make Chido Wey more than just a meal.” The Tocayo website stated: “As Chido Wey’s younger sister, we serve up our sibling's bold flavours with a side of warmth and community, offering everything from handcrafted coffee and specialty drinks to mouthwatering pastries, cakes, and botanas. Whether you’re grabbing a takeaway sandwich, browsing our curated retail selection from Otomí or staying for cocktails with friends, we’re here to make every visit a flavourful escape.”

Cambridge operators whose debut restaurant was awarded a Michelin star to open second site later this month: Cambridge operators Sam Carter and Alex Olivier, whose debut restaurant was awarded a Michelin star, will open their second site later this month. Propel reported last summer that Carter, a former chef with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, and wife Olivier would open Margaret’s at 18 Chesterton Road. The modern British bistro will now launch on Tuesday, 30 June, as the younger sibling to Restaurant 22, which sits a few doors away at 22 Chesterton Road, and for which the duo took on the lease in 2018. Chef-owner Carter, having honed his craft at Michelin-starred restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and Hambleton Hall, will create the seasonal menu using fresh, high-quality ingredients and local suppliers. Lunch will be a three-course affair, with the full menu available for the evening. Designed to be shared, the opening dishes include pea soup with fresh curds and foraged water mint; CoFarm crudites with cod’s roe and chilli condiment for dipping; Tempura monkfish with lemon, ginger and kombu; and pig’s head croquette served with radishes and mustard. The drinks list will focus on wines from nearby Thorne Wines and Cambridge Wine Merchants, and beers from Baron Brewing. Accompanying the wine list will be a cocktail menu including the Margaret’s Martini, featuring Margaret’s own-bend gin – made by Vault Aperitivo in nearby Saffron Walden.

 

Suffolk hotel, golf course and spa sees profit soar due to ‘positive impact of strategic investments and operational improvements’: Ufford Park Hotel Golf & Spa in Suffolk has seen its profit soar due to the “positive impact of strategic investments and operational improvements”. The 90-bedroom resort, based in Woodbridge, was sold to the LQ Group in the summer of 2022 by previous owners Colin and Shirley Aldous, and has changed its accounting period to fall in line with the parent company. Ufford Park's turnover in the year to 31 March 2023 was £5,462,403, while in the eight months to 30 November 2023, it was £3,932,059. Pre-tax profit was £137,981 in the year to 31 March 2023, while in the eight months to 30 November 2023, it was £644,159. During the eight-month period, a series of refurbishment works saw eight new treatment rooms added, the development of a new arrival area with a separate reception area and shop, a new relaxation area, an extended gym with new equipment and a new fitness studio area. Director Paula Walker said: “Despite the refurbishment disruptions, which spanned over five months, and the continued pressure from the previous year's increase in utility costs, the hotel managed to maintain year-on-year overall revenue at comparable levels. Additionally, profit before tax increased to £644,159 in the eight-month period to 30 November 2023 from £137,981 in the 12 month period to 31 March 2023 – an overall increase of £506,178 – and this is partly as a result of the positive impact of the strategic investments and operational improvements. The balance sheet continued to strengthen, with total equity at 30 November 2023 being £4,517,513 compared with £3,912,855 as at 31 March 2023. The assets of the business were valued at £8.6m on 18 September 2023 by Savills, an independent valuer. Future developments include a continuing programme of refurbishment in order to maintain standards and increase revenue. In addition, there is an ongoing centralisation and restructure of resources for cost saving efficiencies.”

 

Chilean concept Mareida to open first permanent site tomorrow: Chilean concept Mareida, which hosted a five-day residency in London last year, will open its first permanent site, in Fitzrovia, tomorrow (Saturday, 14 June). Mareida, which is the brainchild of Prenay Agarwal and Chilean culinary duo, chef Carolina Bazán and her sommelier partner Rosario Onetto, ran the pop-up at Carousel in Fitzrovia in September last year. They will open the 68-cover restaurant, which “celebrates the bold, diverse flavours of Chile and its influences”, at 160 Great Portland Street. The kitchen will be led by head chef Trinidad Vial Della Maggiora, alongside Bazán, with the menu “showcasing dishes from the coast to the mountains, each with a modern bold twist”. The wine list will reflect the diversity of Chile’s wine regions, “from the sun-drenched vineyards of Atacama in the north to the lush landscapes of the south”. There will also be a selection of cocktails, using Chilean spirits and ingredients. Agarwal said: “Mareida is a celebration of Chile, a melting pot of talent from the country that considers every detail of the experience to really immerse our guests into this unexplored cuisine from the Andean South and its incredibly diverse regions. We plan to keep the space evolving and unexpected, showcasing a variety of gastronomic experiences surrounded by music, wine and art.”

 

Investment firm acquires Leicester leisure park for £11.15m: Investment firm AEW REIT has acquired Freemans Leisure Park in Leicester for £11.15m. Located near the University of Leicester, the 8.4-acre freehold site includes five units totalling 108,771 square foot, service yards and 582 parking spaces. The site is fully let to operators such as Odeon, Mecca Bingo and Nando's, with an average lease term of more than eight years to expiry. AEW said it sees room for growth through upcoming rent reviews, a potential EV charging point letting, and exploring alternative uses like hotel or restaurant developments on underused parts of the site.