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Morning Briefing for pub, restaurant and food wervice operators

Wed 11th Feb 2015 - Propel Wednesday News Briefing

Story of the Day:

Sector firms sign up to private company share marketplace: Firms in the hospitality sector are signing up to an online platform that enables shareholders in private companies to gain liquidity in their holdings by matching up would-be sellers and would-be buyers. The platform, Asset Match, has already seen more than £17m traded so far, and companies that have signed up to the "private market" it operates include BrewDog, British Country Inns, Thistle Pubs and West Berkshire Brewery. Ben Weaver, business development director with Asset Match, told Propel: "Not only does our platform allow existing shareholders an exit route for some, or all, of their private holdings, but it also allows members of the Asset Match community the opportunity to invest in UK private businesses which they wouldn’t normally have had access to." Shares are traded via periodic auctions, generally monthly or quarterly, and companies can retain control of who buys, who sells, and when via the auction process. The three options are: "open market", where anyone can trade in the shares; "monitored market", where the company retains the final approval as to who is allowed to buy and sell at the auction close; "restricted market", where only certain participants can access the market, and trade in the shares. Weaver said: "Each of our companies is visible on the Asset Match website and have their own dedicated page. This includes information about the company, directors, admission price and previous auction results and displays a real-time order book, so everyone knows exactly where the price is. We actively encourage companies to use this to update shareholders and to stimulate interest from third parties, so in essence the site can also be used as an investor relations tool. We have a niche within the brewery/pub trade, having had a number of companies within the sector on board to date, and we are keen to expand this area and are in talks with a number of breweries and pub companies with a view to having their shares admitted to trading. We are currently in discussions with more than 20 profitable UK companies who range in revenues from £10m to £250m, with a view to them joining the Asset Match platform in the coming months."

Industry News:

More than 300 booked in for Propel Multi Club Conference in March: More than 300 places are now booked for the first Propel Multi Club Conference of 2015 held on Thursday 12 March at the Lancaster Hotel, London – CLICK HERE to see the full programme and timings. Operators of multi-site companies can claim two free places by emailing adam.dickinson@propelinfo.com

Hospitality sector reports very strong January high street trading: Britain's high streets produced a robust performance in the first month of the year, with the hospitality industry leading the way. Data compiled by Visa Europe has revealed that consumer spending increased by 1.3% compared with January 2014, with hotels, restaurants and bars recording the most significant rise, of 9.7%. The overall trend in consumer spending remains positive, with January’s boost building on a similar annual rise in December of 1.2%. Visa Europe’s UK & Ireland managing director, Kevin Jenkins, said there was “no evidence of a new year hangover on overall consumer spending, with a further solid increase in year-on-year spending in January. Beating the January blues was a key reason for the rise, as eating out and early holiday bookings have contributed to a near 10% spending boost in the hotels, restaurants and bars sector.”

GBK launches all-digital customisable 'order & collect' service today:
Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK,) in partnership with Flypay will launch its all-digital "order and collect" service to customers via the GBK app today (Wednesday 11 February). The app, which has been designed exclusively for GBK by Flypay, will enable customers to create their burger, pay and then collect at a time to suit them from their nearest restaurant. Flypay said the app gives GBK customers a fast, customisable, "click-and-go experience", while also rewarding them through a bespoke loyalty programme. Customers who spend £7 or more on their first order will receive a free side with their next, and can work up to a free burger in just four visits. The GBK app was first launched in November 2012 and has had over 400,000 downloads to date. The launch of the new order and collect service, which is available through the app on iOS or Android, comes after the launch of Flypay’s pioneering pay-at-table technology for operators, which the company claims has "revolutionised the customer dining experience", with diners able to check, split and pay bills "effortlessly" in under one minute. Alasdair Murdoch, the chief executive of GBK, said: “Order and collect has been a rising trend in retail for a couple of years, and now we’re seeing it move into other environments, like bars and restaurants. Customers have told us they want the kind of convenience that comes with order and collect, and we’re committed to delivering it to them. We chose Flypay as our strategic partner because of their intelligent technology and their customer-focused approach to its design allowed us to seamlessly deliver on our promise, while also having the ability to genuinely reward customers for their loyalty."

ALMR – licensed hospitality a key small firms contributor:
The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), responding to the publication of the report on small firms by Lord Young of Graffham, the adviser on enterprise to the Prime Minister, has called on the government to do more to encourage small businesses. The Report on Small Firms 2010-2015, published yesterday, said that there are currently 5.2 million small firms in the UK, a record number, employing some 48% of the UK workforce of 30.8 million people. The ALMR's chief executive, Kate Nicholls said: “Lord Young is right to praise the contribution being made by small firms to the UK’s economy and to recognise the breadth of small firms making a positive impact. This valuable contribution by small firms to UK plc is a vital one and aided, in no small part, by the contribution being made by licensed hospitality. Across the country, 70% of alcohol retailers and restaurants are small businesses. We are also a dependable, source of employment and income for local communities and a vital contributor to the burgeoning number of small firms across the UK. There is, however, more that the government can do to stimulate this growth and we would remind them that UK businesses are often struggling to remain profitable in the face of increased operating costs."
 
Guestmetrics – US on-premise category made a strong start to 2015: The insights firm Guestmetrics has reported a strong trading start to 2015 by the on-premise category in the United States. The firm reported: “The on-premise channel started out 2015 with strong growth; traffic was up 2.6% and food and beverage sales were up 2.6%. This is the single best month we have seen in years. Casual dining traffic was up a solid 3.6%, bars/clubs were up 2.7% and fine dining was up 2.6%. The industry had an extremely easy comp from a year ago but nonetheless, underlying growth was solid. Comps will get sequentially tougher with each passing quarter of 2015. Alcohol beverage volume was up 1.5% in January versus a decline of 1.8% for full-year 2014. Spirits led the way with 3.1% volume growth  against a fall of 0.3% for 2014) while wine was up 0.9%, against a fall of 0.8% for 2014) and beer was up 0.3%against a fall of 3.4% for 2014). Beer had the biggest improvement relative to 2014 trends and wine had the least improvement.”
 
Harwich owners sell hotel through £1,000-a-ticket prize draw: Hotel owners Gordon and Blossom Hoyles are selling their 14-bedroom venue the Hotel Continental in Harwich, Essex in a prize draw at £1,000 a ticket. The couple appeared on the Channel 4 TV show Four in the Bed. “We didn’t want to sell the usual way for a number of reasons,” Gordon Hoyles said. “After 18 years running the Hotel Continental, we feel it has come of age and it is time for us to leave home. In addition we have been told that it could take up to two years to find a buyer and we don’t have that much time to wait. We want to go out with a bang and for the lucky prize draw winner to win the prize of a lifetime.”
 
Subway cements world’s largest brand position in 2014: Subway has revealed several key growth milestones in 2014, including the opening of the 30,000th North American store on the George Mason University campus in Virginia. Other milestones included opening 2,609 new stores worldwide and the 13,000th international location, in a department store in Brazil. Subway currently has 43,500 outlets in 109 countries and plans to open an additional 2,500 global restaurants in 2015. Meanwhile, the founder and president of Subway, Fred DeLuca is handing more leadership responsibility to his younger sister, Suzanne Greco. However, a spokesman for the chain said DeLuca remains at the company’s helm. The New York Post had reported that Greco is now leading the sandwich chain, and that all departments are reporting to her.
 

Company News:

Camden Town Brewery investors shrug off valuation concerns: Investors are shrugging off concerns about the £75m valuation of Camden Town Brewery of London, with 327 people investing a total of £293,000 in the first two days of a crowdfunding push, 19% of the total with 56 days left. The company is offering 2% of its equity for £1.5m of investment, which values it at £75m, more than 50x its current run-rate ebitda of £1.45m.
 
Ex-Hawksmoor executive takes Soho site for restaurant launch: The former Hawksmoor executive Gordon Kerr has secured a site at 24 Windmill Street, Soho, Central London, for the launch of a restaurant called Blacklock. The landlord is Soho Limited, which was advised by Savills. Blacklock will specialise in charcoal grilled chops. The restaurant has taken a new 15-year lease in the basement of the building totalling 2,000 sq ft and will accommodate around 60 covers. Benjamin Ashe of Savills' central London retail team said: “This is a fantastic new restaurant that is capitalising on London’s love of unique food. In the heart of Soho, this is an excellent site for a reasonably priced eatery to flourish. Blacklock will be open to the public from the 16 February.”

McDonald’s UK promotes finance director to lead business: McDonald’s UK has promoted finance director Paul Pomroy to managing director with immediate effect, replacing Mark Hawthorne who has left the business to return to Australia. Pomroy joined in 1996 and will report to UK chief executive and North West division president Jill McDonald. “Paul is a strong, highly respected leader with immense knowledge of our business and a burning passion for the success of our brand,” said Jill McDonald. “He has been part of the UK executive team that has led the sustained success of the UK business over the last eight years, which gives him a strong understanding of what our customers, our people and our stakeholder community want and expect from McDonald’s. I am very much looking forward to working with Paul in this important role.”
 
Liverpool Echo – Red Hot World Buffet seems unaffected by hygiene-related closure: The Liverpool Echo has thrown a spotlight on the city’s Red Hot World Buffet outlet by sending a reporter to eat there a few days after it re-opened following its closure for a deep clean. Reporter Kirsty McHale said: “When we visited on Friday lunchtime, the restaurant was just under half full, and got considerably busier during our time there. It seems the closure, and the circumstances surrounding it, have done little to harm its reputation amongst Liverpool’s diners. Knowing what you do about Red Hot World Buffet’s closure, you’re always going to have cleanliness on your mind when you walk into the restaurant for the first time. And it has to be said that both the restaurant floor and the food stations appear to be spotless. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, and there are plenty of them about for a Friday lunchtime, quickly clearing dirty plates, refreshing food trays, checking temperatures and reporting any issues via walkie-talkie.”
 
Crepeaffaire Mini to open in KidZania: Crepeaffaire Mini is to open at KidZania London, the children's role-play centre in the Westfield shopping centre, West London, offering crepes in mini form. Children will be able to choose their own toppings and flavours from a special menu. Savoury and sweet crêpes will be freshly made on a three-wheeled vehicle. Daniel Spinath, founder and managing director of Crepeaffaire, which has eight crepe shops open in the UK and six more planned, including in Dubai, Amsterdam and Kuwait, said: “We are hugely excited to partner with KidZania in the UK. It is a unique opportunity to get involved and we are delighted to be able to provide kids with tasty and nutritious savoury or sweet mini crepes and hopefully inspire them to bake at home.” Children will be able to see how to make mini crepes and have the opportunity to purchase their own Crepeaffaire Mini baking kit to take home.
 
Decision on 'breastaurant' chain Hooters in Newcastle delayed to March: Councillors in Newcastle upon Tyne have delayed a decision on whether a branch of the American "breastaurant" chain Hooters can open in the city until next month. The chain's UK franchisee, Chanticleer Holdings, wants to open what will currently be only Hooters' second UK outlet in Unit B, City Quadrant, on Waterloo Street in Newcastle city centre. Newcastle Council was due to decide whether to give the green light to the proposals yesterday (Tuesday), but it has now been deferred to a later licensing sub-committee meeting. The council said the delay was down to fire safety issues, with Tyne and Wear Fire Authority seeking more assurances before making representations. A council spokesman said: “It has been deferred to give time to negotiate with the fire authority over amendments to the layout. The application will now be heard at a meeting on Tuesday, 24 March.” Hooters is known for its scantily clad waitresses, who serve beer and food in orange hotpants and revealing vests. Northumbria Police is among several organisations that objected to the application. Chief Insp Sheila Foggo said: “I am concerned that the operating style of the premises would attract many of the stag and hen parties that visit Newcastle, as well as attracting patrons from other night-time economy areas of the city, such as The Gate.” But in a statement to the council, Hooters said: “We should say at the outset that there seems to be common misconception as to the nature and style of our client’s operation which is and always has been primarily a restaurant, not a bar. Despite the views of the various objectors, their style of operation is no different to that of many similar operators throughout the UK and indeed their waitresses dress in a similar fashion to waitresses that can be found at other units in the city centre, for example, Shark Bar.” Hooters currently has just one other outlet in the UK, in Nottingham, after the closure of others in Birmingham and Cardiff.
 
Five Guys to open third outlet in Glasgow: The better burger brand Five Guys Burger and Fries is to open in the Intu Braehead shopping centre in the spring, its third outlet in Glasgow and also its third outlet in an Intu-owned centre. The chain will occupy a unit in the food court on the lower mall where six kiosks have been converted into three larger restaurant spaces. Five Guys will join YO! Sushi, which opened in November 2014, and Pret A Manger. The burger chain was set up in Washington in 1986 and now has more than 1,200 locations globally. Its outlets in the UK since the chain made its UK debut in Covent Garden, London last summer include restaurants in Intu Trafford Centre and Intu Lakeside, the Silverburn shopping centre in Glasgow, due to open this week, and St Vincent Street in the city centre. The chain now has 20 restaurants actually open in the UK, with six more planned, including outlets in Wimbledon and Nottingham next month, and other in Ealing and Cardiff.

Orderella partners with PayPal for Six Nations: Orderella, the cashless app that helps customers beat queues by allowing them to both order and pay by mobile device, has teamed up with PayPal to offer an exclusive £6 off select orders during the Six Nations championship, starting this Saturday (14 February). Customers will receive £6 off their first food and drinks order when paying via PayPal, followed by £6 off their third order, too, when visiting venues which use Orderella (view the full list HERE). Customers can take advantage of the offer by downloading the free app Orderella (available on iOS and Android) for the Six Nations and linking it up to their PayPal account to save £6 on their first, and third order until Saturday 21 March 2015.

Bill’s set for five new openings by Easter: Bill’s Restaurants is set have opened five new restaurants in 2015 by Easter. The company doubled in size in 2014, moving from 26 to 52 restaurants. It opened in the Highcross Shopping Centre Leicester on 2 February, and both Maidstone and Peterborough on Monday 9 February The company is also opening in Cardiff Bay on 16 March across two floors in the historic Pilotage Building, reputably one of the oldest buildings in Cardiff Bay, and in Glasgow on 30 March, its first site north of the border.
 
BrewDog eyes £5m expansion plan: BrewDog is planning a multi-million pound deal to expand its brewery on the site of an Aberdeenshire recycling centre. Under the craft beer firm's £5m plans to build a new warehouse, the household waste and recycling centre at Balmacassie, near Ellon, would be relocated to a new area in the industrial estate. The deal would see BrewDog, whose brewery is next to the current recycling centre, cover any costs incurred by the council in relocating the facilities. The adjacent recycling bulking plant, which was only completed in July last year, may also be relocated. The £5m warehouse plans come after news that BrewDog will expand its brewery to include a new brew house and tank farm, which it is hoped will be fully installed and operational by the start of 2016. Around 150 new jobs could be created by the expansion. Should the plans be approved by planners, Aberdeenshire Council would relocate the facilities without impacting on recycling services in the area before handing over the site to the company in January 2016. BrewDog said its projection was that construction of the warehouse would then begin at the start of 2016 to complement the new facilities.
 
Titchwell Manor chef to open fish and chip restaurant: Eric Snaith, chef patron at the award-winning Titchwell Manor in Norfolk, will open a standalone fish and chips restaurant, Eric’s Fish & Chips, this April. The 1,496 sq ft restaurant, at Drove Orchard outside Thornham in north Norfolk, will cater to 80 covers in a combination of dining room and outdoor terrace. Snaith said the new restaurant's menu "harks back to the traditional British fish and chip restaurants of the past with a modern European influence on the menu, carried over from Snaith’s three-AA rosette restaurant. Mains, all under £10, will include mackerel with buttermilk, beetroot and sorrel; and halloumi and spinach arancini. Children’s portions will include chips with cod, haddock, scampi or battered Dingley Dell sausage.
 
Tokyo-based 'British fish and chip shop' operators looks to global launch: The team behind Japan 's first British fish and chip shop are looking to build their venture into a potentially global brand. Malin's, started by two Japanese, Ryuhei Takizawa and Shingo Kanaoya, and a Briton, Dan Chuter opened in July 2014 in Roppongi, an upmarket city-centre area of Tokyo. The trio imported a Scottish chef with 12 years experience as a fryer to train Japanese chefs on-site. Mushy peas, curry sauce and British malt vinegar are all on the menu and the fish fried is cod, albeit Hokkaido cod. They have private funding for as many as five shops, and the current plan is to have a total of three or four operating by the end of the year, Chuter said. Takizawa has received interest in bringing the shops to South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, though for now efforts are going in to fully establishing the Tokyo business first, he said. “But we want to be a global brand; maybe one day, bring Malin's back to London again.” The company is the first Japanese operator in the National Federation of Fish Fryers, the UK industry body; Takizawa is the first Japanese citizen to train with the federation at its headquarters; and, it is believed, Malin's is the first to acquire a Japanese visa for a specialist fryer. Tokyo consumers prefer to either eat in the shop or as they walk, prompting Malin's to build space for 12 seats at a "bar" in the compact space. Future shops may do the same, or could work as a restaurant, depending on location and clientele, Chuter said. Takizawa estimates 30% of Malin's customers are foreign/ex-pats, with 70% local Japanese. Of this 70%, he reckons 20% are familiar with the dish through British family, partners, and so on. “There's a strong interest in fish and chips in Japan,” he said. “For tourists who go to London, it's one of the things you have to do, eat fish and chips.”
 
Oakman site wins two stars for sustainability: The Beech House in St Albans, Hertfordshire, part of the award-winning Oakman Inns & Restaurants, has been awarded two stars in this year's  Sustainable Restaurant Association ratings, published today. The restaurant underwent a vigorous and independent examination by the SRA across the 14 focus areas within the association's three pillars of sustainability, society, sourcing and environment. Key areas which contributed towards the rating in the "sourcing" category included the restaurant’s commitment to ethical purchasing, from pasture-raised cattle and free-range eggs to seasonal purchasing of fruit, vegetables and seafood. Mark Linehan, managing director of the SRA, said: “The Beech House a fantastic example of a pub that fully appreciates its responsibility to operate sustainably and see it not as a hindrance to profitability but a key driver, recognising increasing consumer demand. What’s even more pleasing is that, as part of the Oakman Inns family, they understand that this is a journey and they are clearly committed to improving year on year.” Peter Borg-Neal, chief executive of Oakman Inns, said: “I am very proud of my team. While this year has seen our group expand by almost 50%, the Oakman team has never taken their eye of the sustainability ball. Not wishing to rest on our laurels, we are now working towards achieving three stars next year.”

Inn Britain secures fourth site, former Orchid venue owned by Charles Wells: Inn Britain has secured its fourth site, the Plough and Dragon, at Leverstock Green, near Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, a former Orchid Pub Company previously serving Thai food, which is owned by Charles Wells. Inn Britain, operates three other pubs all offering carvery and traditional pub food. Manager Emma Massingham said: “Pretty much all our food is made from scratch. All our desserts are the sort of desserts that your nan used to make, big portions and good value for money". The pub will re-open on the evening of Wednesday, 25 February. Inn Britain’s other pubs are in Bletchley, Leighton Buzzard and Welwyn Garden City.
 
Giggling Squid – we’re still on track to open in Bristol and Salisbury in March: The Thai restaurant brand Giggling Squid has confirmed it is still on track to open in both Bristol and Salisbury in March despite reports that the company shifted its fit-out team to Salisbury, bringing forward its opening. Company founder Andy Laurillard told Propel: “Work is still ongoing in Bristol. I shifted most of the team to Salisbury, but not all. The reason was, we discovered a right mess under the kitchen floor, and after talking to former staff of the Strada I decided to bring in local contractors to dig up the sewer and reform it. That put the kitchen fit-out back four weeks, so we weren't in such a hurry to complete the front-of-house work – hence shifting to Salisbury. Both restaurants will be open in March.”
 
Boutique hotel with Indian restaurant planned for Northampton: Plans for a new 13-bed hotel and Indian restaurant in Northampton’s Cultural Quarter are due to be approved next week. Guildhall Pension Scheme is bidding to convert two vacant Edwardian buildings at 13 and 15 Guildhall Road into a hotel and restaurant with a "small-scale retail element". Northampton Council is expected to approve plans for what will be called the Guild Hotel and Restaurant at next week’s planning committee. A design statement by HDA Architecture, submitted to the council, said: “The Guild Hotel and Restaurant will offer a great dining experience of traditional Indian cuisine in relaxed surroundings and comfortable letting rooms with en-suite facilities.”

Gordon Ramsay's Versailles site retains two Michelin stars:
Gordon Ramsay au Trianon in Versailles, France, which opened in March 2008 has maintained its two-star rating in the Michelin Guide for the seventh year running. Gordon Ramsay au Trianon, in the Parc de Versailles, is modelled on Gordon Ramsay’s three Michelin-starred restaurant in Royal Hospital Road in West London. The restaurant, which serves French food,  has only ten tables "to ensure the highest quality dining experience". Stuart Gillies, managing director of Gordon Ramsay Group, said: “We are thrilled to have retained our two stars. It is great that the dedication, skill and consistent hard work of our team there continues to be recognised.” The Gordon Ramsay Group has seven Michelin stars among its 13 restaurants in London  and 12 globally.
 
Restaurant Group and Byron plan Derby Intu openings: The Restaurant Group is planning a second new opening for its emerging brand Joe’s Kitchen and Coffeehouse, this time at the Intu shopping centre in Derby. Last month, Propel reported the company is also planning a new Joe’s at the Trentham Estate leisure destination in Derby. Joe’s Kitchen and the upmarket burger chain Byron will open on level two of the shopping centre. The restaurants are being fitted out next to the food court. The 10,000 sq ft space is behind where the Sega machines used to be and the recently closed Diffusion store. Up to 100 jobs will be created. Intu Derby's general manager, Dan Murphy, said: “What we’ve found recently is people are more prepared to spend time here and go to a restaurant. We’re looking to capitalise on that.” As well as evening meals, Joe’s Kitchen will be open for brunch, lunch, coffee and tea, snacks and desserts.

Angela Malik flops in Crowdcube push to expand Modern Asian Deli: The entrepreneur Angela Malik, who launched a fund-raising push on Crowdcube to raise £350,000 to expand her Modern Asian Deli concept in return for 18.9% of the equity a month ago, has flopped, raising just over £2,000 from eight investors, 1% of her target. Funds of £350,000 to £500,000 are being sought to support the opening of the next location(s), recruit a chief operating officer and provide working capital for the business. The total investment in the business is £832,000 to date.

Firemen save Greene King pub with thatched roof: Speedy work by firemen has saved a Greene King pub with a thatched roof from being destroyed. More than 30 firefighters were called to the Fox Inn, Denchworth, near Wantage, Oxfordshire on Saturday after reports of a chimney fire. The blaze spread to the thatched roof of the pub and five fire crews were called in. Firemen from Wantage, Abingdon and Oxford stripped away thatch and made a fire break to stop the blaze spreading. Incident commander Mike Adcock said: “This quick action saved 99% of the thatch roof with approximate 20 square metres of thatch removed by crews. We are really pleased our swift actions saved this vital and wonderful village pub.”

Turtle Bay puts potential recruits through limbo dancing and jingle-writing exercises:
Potential staff at Cheltenham’s new Turtle Bay restaurant, which is opening in March, are undergoing interviews today (Wednesday) at the Queens Mercure Hotel in Cheltenham that include several creative exercises, including dancing the limbo, creating a picture collage and writing their own jingle for the restaurant. More than 1,000 people have applied for the 60 jobs being created. Director Stephen Entwistle said: “Our staff are the face of our business, so for us it is essential we find team members who will fit in and excel in the Turtle Bay atmosphere. We try to provide our diners with a dynamic, fun and exciting restaurant experience and we are looking for staff who can deliver just that. We purposefully employ an eclectic range of people as we want our staff to stand out from the crowd.” The 6,000 sq ft restaurant on the corner of Pittville Street and Albion Street will open on 27 March.

Stonegate Pub Company launches new drinks menu at Popworld: Stonegate Pub Company has launches a new drink menu at its Popworld nightclub brand. The new range includes cosmopolitans and Disaronno sours, and Absolut Flaskas – double measures of Absolut vodka, shaken with real fruit jam and topped with Schweppes lemonade. Tom Patrick, marketing manager for Popworld, said: “We have some fantastic new vessels, so our poptails can now be enjoyed in sharing partini glasses or a pophat!. Friday 13th no longer needs to be unlucky as customers on the Popworld email database can treat themselves to a buy one, get one free Root 56, a new poptail on the menu, made with Jagermeister and ginger beer and topped with cucumber slices and a lime wedge.”
 
Aldi drops drive-through coffee shop plan after protests: Plans for a drive-through coffee shop in Buckshaw Village, Lancashire submitted by the supermarket chain Aldi have been dropped after community protests. A new commercial unit which was “likely” to be a drive-through coffee shop was planned for Ordnance Road, alongside a new Aldi supermarket and community centre. But after concerns were raised by businesses and the community at a public consultation event, the designs have been amended. A spokesman for Aldi said: “We are committed to consultation, and it was made clear by residents at the exhibition that a drive-through coffee shop would not be welcomed. We have therefore decided to drop this particular idea.” Alison Holme, who runs the Cowshed restaurant on Barnes Wallis Way in Buckshaw Village, and a mobile coffee counter called, Coffee Cow, and who fought the proposal for the drive-through, said: “We are delighted the plans submitted by Aldi and Primrose Holdings will no longer involve a drive-through coffee shop. We’d like to thank Aldi for taking the time to meet us to listen to our concerns."
 
Inception Group secures Covent Garden site: Inception Group has secured the former Angel & Crown public house on St Martin’s Lane, in Covent Garden, Central London through the property agent Davis Coffer Lyons. The grade 2 listed, three-storey former pub, which is owned by the property company Shaftesbury, will reopen as Fogg’s Tavern, and the company hopes to build on the success of its sister venue Mr Fogg’s in Mayfair, Central London. Kate Taylor, associate director at Davis Coffer Lyons, said: “We’ve seen a surge of interest from operators in Covent Garden, as it continues to thrive as a destination for eating, drinking, shopping and entertainment. This, coupled with the scarcity of A4 opportunities of this nature, gave rise to an almost unprecedented level of interest in the Angel & Crown. Fogg’s Tavern was felt to be the perfect complement to its Theatreland location and an exciting addition to St Martin’s Lane.” Charlie Gilkes, Inception Group's founder, said: “Inception Group are thrilled to have secured this site against so much competition. We are very excited about bringing our Mr Fogg’s brand to this prime part of central London."
 
TCG pledges support for British Heart Foundation with £100,000 fund-raising target: The managed pub and bar operator TCG has selected the British Heart Foundation as its nominated charity for the next 18 months, setting a fundraising target of £100,000. The partnership with the British Heart Foundation was launched on "Wear it Beat it" day, 6 February, one of the charity’s biggest fundraising campaigns of the year. Teams in TCG’s pubs, bars and head office supported the day by wearing red, turning their site red, or running red-themed activities such as quizzes and raffles. As 6 February also saw the Wales-England rugby match in Cardiff, TCG's chief operating officer, and lifelong England rugby supporter, Nigel Wright, kicked off the fundraising by donning a red Brain’s Welsh rugby shirt in return for donations to the British Heart Foundation. His sacrifice has raised close to £200, while the shirt, signed by the Welsh team, was raffled in Henry’s Café Bar in Cardiff, helping towards the £450 collected on the night. Wright said: “Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer and the British Heart Foundation’s mission to ‘fight for every heartbeat’ is one that will resonate with team members and customers in all our pubs and bars. ‘Wear it Beat it’ was a great opportunity to kick off our fundraising drive and I’m delighted with the response by so many of our sites who ‘did something red’ to raise money. We came to the end of a fundraising partnership with Cancer Research UK last autumn, after collecting more than £110,000."

Mourne Seafood Bar expands original site, plans bedrooms: One of Northern Ireland's best-known seafood restaurants, Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum, Co Down, has grown its restaurant to meet increasing demand, adding space for an extra 40 covers. Mourne Seafood opened in the coastal village in 2005, and has since followed with sister venues in Belfast and Dublin. Owner Bob McCoubrey said: "The expansion will allow us to deal with busier times, and provide more room for those who want to come in and just have a snack and drink." The addition of bedrooms is planned. "It's an idea which we are looking at adding, with around six rooms in the future," McCoubrey said.

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