Reilley – Brightside will really shake up what has become an uninspiring sector: Alex Reilley, executive chairman of Loungers, has said the business believes its new roadside dining concept Brightside, which launches this week, “will really shake up what has become an uninspiring sector”. The Lounge and Cosy Club operator will open the first Brightside on Friday (10 February) just off the A38 near Exeter. A further two Brightside sites are set to open in the west country this spring. In addition, the first purpose-built Brightside restaurant is set to be developed at the Ram Jam Services, on the northbound section of the A1 in Rutland. In time, Loungers believes there is scope to develop a “truly national brand” with Brightside. Reilley said: “Our vision is for Brightside to reinvigorate roadside dining and for it to become an integral part of people's plans. Travelling shouldn’t just be about the destination – we want to encourage people to enjoy the journey. We believe Brightside will really shake up what has become an uninspiring sector, and that there is potential to roll out Brightside across the UK in the coming years. Our expertise in high-quality, great value all-day dining through our other brands means we’re confident that Brightside can bring proper hospitality back to roadside dining across the UK.” Loungers plans to roll out Brightside to “all corners of the UK in the coming years”, with earmarked sites situated predominantly on A roads. Its debut location, the former Route 5 site on the A38 at Haldon Hill, is set to “evoke memories and excitement of childhood road trips”, with visitors greeted by “a look that is warm, fun and modern, yet feels very familiar and nostalgic”.  The company said: “The almost cinematic interior scheme takes inspiration from the 1970s and 80s, caravan interiors, classic road trip movies and memories of roadside dining and holidays from a bygone era. The walls are panelled in rich cherry wood veneer inset with British landscape artwork, stone and a vintage countryside view mural, while the floor is covered in wooden parquet. The dining area will be furnished with creamy Formica-topped tables with mid-century inspired dining chairs and booths upholstered with orange and brown striped bus seat fabric. The nostalgia continues in the bathrooms, complete with avocado bathroom fittings and terrazzo flooring, and outside, with crazy paving flooring, caravan awnings to the windows, concrete leaf block screen walls and raised planters. Brightside’s menu will feature elevated comfort food, including breakfasts with potato croquettes and a tasty new take on the classic tinned tomato; sourdough pizzas with homemade San Marzano tomato sauce topped with mozzarella; and a unique adaptation of the classic ham, egg and chips, featuring treacle-cured pork belly and waffle fries with a charred pineapple and chilli salsa.”

 

Restaurant Marketer & Innovator videos to be sent to Premium readers next Monday, next edition of Blue Book shows more than 60% of companies in profit: Propel Premium subscribers are to be given access to the entire recording of the 2023 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit Conference. Subscribers will be sent 30 separate video presentations, featuring more than 80 speakers, next Monday (13 February), at 9am. The videos include BrewDog bars chief executive James Brown sharing how the brand is pushing the boundaries in their hospitality division, with ambitious projects and audacious new openings; Flat Earth Pizzas co-founder Sarah Brading talking about how she transferred her experience of working at restaurant groups into the start-up world, developing a concept that has been recognised as one of London’s top eco-eateries; Searcy’s marketing manager Aimee Gouk discussing how the brand is constantly refreshing and innovating as a heritage brand, sharing its latest campaigns and creative; and Edelman’s Mark McGinn setting out why trust is the only metric marketers should be measuring. Meanwhile, the next edition of the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which will be sent to Premium subscribers on Friday (10 February), shows more than 60% of the 705 largest sector companies are now in profit. The Blue Book reveals 438 companies in profit and 267 reporting losses. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Subscribers also receive the Propel Multi-Site Database, produced in association with Virgate; the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database; and the Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £895 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £445 plus VAT for operators and £545 plus VAT for suppliers. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription. Subscribers also receive access to Propel’s library of Friday Wrap interviews and also have access to a curated video library of the sector’s finest leaders and entrepreneurs, offering their insights on running outstanding businesses in the sector. Premium subscribers also receive their morning newsletter 11 hours early, at 7pm the evening before our 6am send-out; regular video content and regular exclusive columns from Propel group editor Mark Wingett.

UKHospitality outlines five-point plan in Budget submission to help reduce inflation, warns operators plan price increases up to 10% when energy support ends: UKHospitality has outlined a five-point plan to government in its Budget submission, highlighting how the right support on energy, unlocking the labour market and reducing taxes on the sector can lead to a significant reduction in the rate of inflation and deliver growth. Severe cost increases in hospitality have left venues with no choice but to pass these on to the customer, therefore contributing to the overall rate of inflation, it said. Without any interventions by the government, these pressures will intensify and drive up prices, with most operators already planning to increase prices by between 6% and 10% when energy support is reduced from April, the trade body warned. To avoid this scenario, UKHospitality has asked chancellor Jeremy Hunt to introduce a new, lower business rates multiplier for hospitality “to make our tax system fit for purpose”. It has also called for minor, short-term immigration reforms to counter the sales being lost due to labour shortages, particularly abolishing or reducing the Immigration Skills Charge. The trade body said the apprenticeship levy should also be reformed to enable funding to be used for other forms of training, and to change its operation to offer greater flexibility to employers and employees over training. The government should also introduce a temporary, reduced rate of VAT to mitigate against the “extraordinarily” high energy prices businesses are facing, and give clear direction to Ofgem to intervene in the non-domestic energy market and instruct suppliers to renegotiate over-inflated contracts, it added. “Inflation is the millstone that hangs around all of our necks, and the government has made it clear tackling these cost increases is a key priority,” UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said. “We agree, and the chancellor can take a significant step towards achieving that in the spring Budget by unlocking the potential of hospitality. No business wants to increase its prices. Hospitality wants to be part of the inflation solution, not part of the national problem.”

Sacha Lord calls on government to introduce nationwide night-time economy adviser: Sacha Lord, night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, has called on the government to introduce a nationwide night-time economy adviser to aid the industry through one of its toughest periods. Lord, who was appointed by Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, told the Rolling Stone magazine: “One thing the government has lacked is someone who can represent hospitality across the UK and become a proper voice for the sector. It would have to be non-partisan, and the reason I think it’s worked in Greater Manchester is Andy Burnham allows me to say what I feel. As an advisor, if you’re not honest then you’re just following the party line. Over the last three years I’ve had conversations with all three parties, and the one thing we share is a passion for hospitality. It has to be cross-party. You’d need to set out your blueprint of a vision to aid industry for 12 months, and perhaps three years. Ultimately, that’s what you’d be accountable to.” Lord also said he would be open to taking up such a role if the circumstances were right. “I’m really happy to be advising Andy, I really love it,” he added. “I wouldn’t turn it down if I had his backing, but whoever does take the role needs to have the freedom not to tow the party line. It’s got to appeal to everybody, and you’ve got to fight for everybody. But even more so, fight for those independents. The little coffee shop on the high street has been forgotten about, and they’re the lifeblood of hospitality. I’ve got no problem with chains, but seeing the same menu in every restaurant and the same furniture is very American.”

Hospitality and catering apprenticeships to feature in new government campaign: Apprenticeships in both hospitality and catering will be showcased in the government’s Career Starter Apprenticeships campaign, thanks to trade body UKHospitality. The sector joins the likes of construction, healthcare and education as part of the flagship campaign, which will see materials sent to schools and colleges across the country. These will highlight apprenticeship success stories from training providers such as HIT Training and Umbrella Training, and businesses including Compass Group, Hilton, Greene King, Mitchells & Butlers, Pizza Express and Whitbread. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “Apprenticeships play a critical role in developing future generations of talent and offer an exciting way to learn practical skills on the job. Working with the Department for Education to promote these career opportunities is significant, and I’m pleased we’re able to partner on this important initiative.”

Greene King highlights benefits of apprenticeship scheme as data shows one in five seek new job due to lack of progression opportunities: Brewer and retailer Greene King has highlighted the benefits of its apprenticeship scheme after unveiling data showing one in five UK workers seek new jobs due to a lack of progression opportunities. To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2023, Greene King conducted a snap poll which revealed that more than one in ten (13%) now move jobs every 18 months or less, while one in five (20%) cited a lack of chances to progress as their main reason for job hunting. Greene King said by contrast, 87% of its apprentices feel the business offers long-term opportunities for career progression. More than half (57%) who achieve their Level 2 apprenticeship say they had been promoted or have taken on additional responsibilities, and on average, stay with Greene King a further 41 months. Andrew Bush, chief people and transformation officer at Greene King said: “The hospitality industry has so much to offer when it comes to a career and job progression. At Greene King, we have made a series of commitments to ensure our apprenticeship programme helps people to succeed from all backgrounds. Since 2011, we’ve supported over 16,500 apprentices across the business, and last year, we made a pledge to support an additional 5,000 new apprentices by 2025.”

Pedalling for Pubs sets sights on raising £300,000: Pedalling for Pubs, the industry-co-ordinated bike trek raising money for Only A Pavement Away and the Licensed Trade Charity, has set its sights on raising £300,000. Organisers have set the target on the back of a fast start to this year’s fundraising effort, which has seen £162,000 already banked for the charities by the 29 riders, with nearly 100 days still to go until they depart on the adventure across Sri Lanka. Led by ride founder Katy Moses, founder and managing director of KAM, the riders will cover almost 500km of mountainous trails and roads in five days. Last year’s ride raised a total of £274,000. Pedalling for Pubs tasks leaders from the brewing, pub and hospitality sectors to undertake a mammoth charity cycle expedition, created as a collaborative effort by leading industry organisations, as well as The Licensed Trade Charity and Only A Pavement Away, with the purpose of raising funds for the two charities. Alongside KAM, supporting partners and sponsors include Airship/Toggle, Barclaycard, the British Institute of Innkeeping, Fleet Street, Greene King, Lucky Saint, Punch and Wireless Social. This year will also see the launch of the inaugural Pedalling 2 Pubs UK Edition, taking place between 9-11 June, with around 50 people from across the hospitality sector riding 240km across the Yorkshire Wolds.

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a high-end venue operator that is embarking on a period of expansion and is looking for a senior design manager. A COREcruitment spokesman said: “You need a successful background in architectural design or interior architecture, or be someone who previously held project architecture positions. You will add to the creative process as well as lead on the planning and delivery of projects. Ideally, you will have worked on large scale – 50,000 square-foot-plus – build outs, with exposure to the world of hotels, venues or modern workspace construction.” The salary is up to £80,000 per annum plus benefits with national/international travel. For more information, email sheila@corecruitment.com

 

Sessions plans to expand to 300 kitchens by the end of 2023: Sessions, the growth platform for food brands and food hall concept operator led by former Deliveroo managing director Dan Warne, is looking to more than double its delivery estate in 2023 to 300 kitchens, Propel has learned. In addition to running its own operated sites, the Imbiba-backed Sessions partners with pub, hotel and restaurant operators to licence leading brands for eat-in and delivery. The company, which currently operates out of circa 120 kitchens, said it is now actively seeking “premium operators interested in licensing brands” following its recent partnerships with Kew Green, Fullers, and Penta Hotels. The group’s brand portfolio includes a new concept, Ivan Mazemen, from New York City “ramen legend” Ivan Orkin, which features brothless ramen dishes ideal for scale; as well as SoBe Burger, a Miami-inspired smash burger brand which has grown to over 100 delivery locations; and Little Bao Boy, a Leeds-based Asian street food brand which recently launched a residency at London pub The Sun & 13 Cantons. Warne, founder and chief executive of Sessions, said: “Our goal at Sessions has always been to increase access to incredible food. We spent much of 2022 creating a portfolio of world-class brands and proving their ability to drive delivery sales. This is a call to arms for quality operators and brands with whom to partner, as we plan to expand to 300 kitchens by the end of 2023.” The company launched its debut food hall, Shelter Hall, in Brighton, in 2020. Last year, the business opened its Neighbourhood concept in London’s Islington and raised $10m (£7.4m) to fuel its expansion plans.

Clean Kitchen Club to close two sites, plans to create something ‘never seen before in QSR market’: Clean Kitchen Club, the fledgling plant-based, fast-food concept, is to close two of its five London restaurants, while co-founder Mickey Pearce has hinted the business is creating something “never seen before in the quick service restaurant (QSR) market”. The business, founded by Pearce and Verity Bowditch, is also exploring international expansion. Clean Kitchen Club will shut its Notting Hill and Soho restaurants 18 months after opening, leaving the company with sites at Battersea Power Station – which launched at the end of last year and has been a “phenomenal success” – as well as Camden and Wembley. Mapping out his vision for the business for 2023, Pearce said: “The search is underway for the next Clean Kitchen store, with talks ongoing with two potential occasions about creating something never seen before in the QSR market, a challenge we’re certainly up for. Inspired by the recent upgrading design of our Battersea store, we feel it’s crucial this modernised look and feel to the brand is replicated across our entire estate. So, our Camden store will be undergoing a refurbishment, closing on Saturday (11 February) and reopening just in time for spring. Our Soho store, which is on a short-term lease, has been operating as our Clean Kitchen head office and catering kitchen. One of the things I want to achieve this year is more of a team spirit and a head office located in the heart of Soho. This store will also act as our catering kitchen so we can deliver plant-based goodness to every event in central London, and we will continue this division in 2023. Sadly, our smallest store in Notting Hill will no longer be trading from next week as we look to streamline our business slightly and deliver the perfect offering in all our locations. This will allow us to focus on our existing locations and future plans as we plan to enter into the retail sector this summer. We anticipate some really punchy growth this year. In addition, we are currently exploring international expansion to match our nationwide roll outs.”

Bierkeller operator Bierschenke to open Covent Garden site: Bierkeller operator Bierschenke is to launch a new flagship site in London’s Covent Garden. Propel has learned that the business has acquired the former Belgo Central site in Earlham Street. The new venue will occupy the unique Victorian grade two-listed site with 12,000 square feet of vaulted brick ceilings and flagstone floors. Bierschenke is targeting to open in the spring with its traditional offering of “authentic German beers along with a mouth-watering menu of German fare”. The site will open directly opposite the new £70m Guinness brewery. The Bierschenke team stated: “This is one of London’s iconic locations and an ideal fit for our highly rated and authentic Munich Bierkeller experience in London. We cannot wait for the grand opening, followed by our traditional Oktoberfest in the autumn.” Andrew Robinson, of A3 A4 Licensed Property, acquired the site for Bierschenke and Alex Mann, of Hanover Green Retail, represented landlords CBRE IM.

Multiple Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno to make UK debut this summer: Multiple Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno will make his UK debut this summer. As reported by Propel in November, Alléno will open a restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel in London’s Mayfair. Pavyllon London will focus on modern French cuisine and techniques but also taking inspiration from London and British produce. Located in a freshly designed space, the restaurant will offer an ever-changing menu, with dishes from his Pavyllon Paris menu including aiguillette of sea bass with a celery extraction sauce, and blue lobster and wagyu beef mille-feuille choron sauce beaten with toasted sesame oil. The wine offering will come from some of the world’s best vineyards alongside family-owned chateaus, with a significant selection available by the glass. Alléno said: “Partnering with the Four Seasons brand has always been a dream of mine, and I am excited that this partnership will be conceived in London, where I have long wanted to open. Together, we’ve created a concept that will reflect the contemporary and vibrant nature of the city it will call home.” Alléno has 15 Michelin stars across his 14 restaurants, including three at his Le 1947 restaurant at Cheval Blanc in Courchevel. His three restaurants in Pavillon Ledoyen hold six stars – three at Alléno Paris, two at L’Abysse and one at Pavyllon – making it the most star-rated independent establishment in the world. 

Imperial London returns to profit but turnover not yet back to pre-pandemic levels: Hotel group Imperial London returned to profit in the year ending 30 April 2022, but turnover is not yet back to pre-pandemic levels. The company made a pre-tax profit of £7,327,986 (2021: loss of £22,447,007). In the last full year before the pandemic, ending 30 April 2019, it made a pre-tax profit of £23,714,425. Turnover rose from £13,124,285 in 2021 to £55,670,065 but is still behind the last pre-pandemic figure of £75,745,236 in 2019. The company received £16,962 in furlough grants, compared with £4,700,493 in 2021, and made a loss on disposal before tax of non-core properties of £600,000 (2021: profit of £12.1m). Since the year end, in May 2022, the group disposed of its freehold interest in William Martin for a total of £8,680,000. While the hotels were closed due to covid restrictions, the group accelerated its improvement programmes, spending £6.3m (2021: £8.1m). In her statement accompanying the accounts, director Candida Walton said: “Operating in the London hotel market continued to present challenges throughout the year due to the continued disruption caused by the covid-19 global pandemic. The priority for the group continued to be to conserve cash, protect the hotels and keep employees safe and healthy. The group slowly reopened its hotels during the year and continued to tightly control costs and manage its liquidity. Against this background, the group reported satisfactory results, remained solvent and sufficiently well capitalised to see it through to profitability as guests returned to London in 2022. The directors remain confident in the future of the business as tourism has continued to return to London. The directors anticipate improved results in the year ended 30 April 2023.”

Starbucks opens 60th site in partnership with Sainsbury’s: Starbucks has opened its 60th site in partnership with Sainsbury’s. Located inside the Sainsbury’s in Bicester, Oxfordshire, the venue is operated by regional licensee The Magic Bean Company. The opening forms part of a wider expansion plan between Sainsbury’s and Starbucks across the UK. Rehan Sardar, director of store development at Starbucks, said: “We look forward to introducing the Starbucks experience across more Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.” Elizabeth Newman, Sainsbury’s director of commercial partnership, added: “We’re delighted to have reached another fantastic milestone with Starbucks as we work together to deliver on our plans to transform our eat-in and takeaway food offer.”

Charlie McVeigh joins Fred Sirieix’s The Right Course charity as trustee as it prepares for further expansion: Charlie McVeigh, the founder of Draft House and chairman of Butchies, has joined The Right Course, the charity set up by Fred Sirieix to teach prisoners how to run restaurants, as a trustee, as it looks to expand across the UK. Sirieix launched the first training restaurant under the initiative in 2017, at HMP Isis in Thamesmead, with the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People. A second, also London-based, opened in 2021 at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, and a third is soon to open at HMP Berwyn, in Wales. He is now preparing to roll the programme out across the UK, starting with initial plans to open five further training restaurants. Organisations involved in the charity to date include Gaucho, Galvin at Windows, Hilton, Greene King and Hawksmoor. The Right Course transforms prison staff restaurants into high-street-style operations where, working with partners Only a Pavement Away and education providers NOVUS and People Plus, inmates work towards City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 qualifications in areas such as front of house, catering and food production, or as a barista. Sirieix said: “We have a big staff shortage in this industry. Hospitality staff aren’t coming from the EU because of Brexit, and they’re not coming from this country because there is no investment in professional education, and because it is often considered low-skilled. But the prisoners are there and looking for opportunities. It’s so simple to train them.” Some 59% of those who trained at the Escape restaurant at HMP Wormwood Scrubs have found employment. McVeigh added: “Generally, if you end up in prison for a minor crime, it means you’ve fallen through the cracks of society, and this is a way of helping them to become part of society.”

Plans submitted for York Hard Rock Café: The opening of a site in York under the global restaurant brand Hard Rock Café has taken a step forward after plans were submitted to the local council. As revealed last summer, development company North Star secured the rights to bring the restaurant brand to the city. The flagship venue will be located in Coney Street, in the premises occupied by TK Maxx. North Star has now submitted a full application which state the ground floor and basement of 48 Coney Street and 16-18 Market Street would be used for the Hard Rock Café and Rock Shop. The upper floors would change their use from retail to a 64-bed aparthotel, and an extra storey would be created for the hotel, whose operator would be Room2. Overall, some 110 jobs would be created. Hard Rock Cafe has sites in the UK in London, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Taiwanese bubble tea chain Chun Fun How makes UK debut: Taiwanese bubble tea chain Chun Fun How has opened its first UK site, in London’s Victoria. The brand, which is best known for its series of eye-catching, Instagram-worthy floral cup designs, has opened a site in Artillery Row. There are more than ten unique cup designs available in the London Victoria store. The company said: “With premium ingredients directly imported from Taiwan, the London Victoria store offers a variety of authentic Taiwanese bubble tea flavours which are artfully crafted, including bestsellers Lychee Jade Tea and Citrus Jade Tea. For milk tea lovers, Chun Fun How’s signature Osmanthus milk tea series is another must-try. Its Osmanthus Oolong Milk Tea with Pearls is fragrant, creamy and silky, which is a perfect match with the chewy tapioca pearls.” The shop also has plans to release seasonal menu items exclusive to the UK market. Established in Taiwan in 2014, Chun Fun How now has 35 outlets worldwide, spanning across Canada, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia.

Cheshire Pub Co lines up two new sites: North west-based Cheshire Pub Co is set to open two new sites in the region this spring, including one in partnership with brewer and retailer Joseph Holt. The company, which was launched in 2014, will open the Rascal and Radical, at the Old Fire Station in Tarporley, this spring. The venue will offer bistro-style dining, which will be the first of its kind for the group, led by Matt Parker. At the same time, the business is gearing up to reopen the Cock o’ Budworth, a grade II-listed listed village pub based in Great Budworth, in partnership with Joseph Holt. At the end of last year, the six-strong business opened The Space Invader pub in the village of Goostrey. Cheshire Pub Co started its collection of pubs with The Ship Styal in 2014. It added The Frozen Mop, Mobberley, in late 2019, and The Churchill Tree, Alderley Park, and The Crown and Conspirator, Bramhall, in 2020. Last year, the business launched a vegan restaurant concept, Otto Vegan Empire, above The Crown & Conspirator. The company said at the time that it had plans to expand the concept across the north west.

Ole & Steen opens London Wall site: Danish baker Ole & Steen has further added to its central London presence with an opening at London Wall. The 24-strong brand has opened a site, which will operate for five days a week from Monday to Friday, at 60 London Wall. It follows a recent opening in Guildford, with further sites set to launch in Kingston and Jubilee Place (Canary Wharf) before the end of March. Last month, the business told Propel that 2022 had ended strongly, with total year-on-year revenue growth of 58%. The company reported turnover close to pre-pandemic levels as it narrowed its losses in the year ending 31 December 2021. Revenue was up 117% from £8,104,431 in 2020 to £17,626,566 and was just short of the last pre-pandemic figure of £19,359,301, reported in 2019. Pre-tax losses were down from minus £447,036 in 2020 to minus £256,148 (2019: minus £203,502). It is also thought to be lining up openings in Henley, Marlow and Blackheath. RAB Retail acts for Ole & Steen.

A2K Leisure acquires Isle of Wight hotel: Hotel operator A2K Leisure has acquired a site on the Isle of Wight for an undisclosed sum. The company has bought The Albion Hotel in Freshwater Bay from the Spyker family, which owns several Isle of Wight properties including The Grand Hotel in Sandown. The 41-bedroom The Albion Hotel features a lounge and six sea-facing bedrooms with balconies. A2K Leisure director David Walker said: “The Albion will be a lovely addition to our growing portfolio of hotels. We have great plans for a multimillion-pound refurbishment to bring the hotel up to date while retaining its 300 years of rich heritage.” Moore Barlow advised on the deal.

Hazlitt’s Hotels reports ‘record-breaking’ trading in recent months, repays £2m CBILS: Hazlitt’s Hotels, which operates three sites in London, has reported “record-breaking” trading in recent months, allowing the company to repay the £2m it borrowed through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). It comes as the group reported turnover increased to £4,408,595 for the year ending 30 April 2022 compared with £188,684 the previous year, as its properties began trading again after being shut during the pandemic. Two of the hotels – Hazlitt’s in Soho and Batty Langley’s – reopened in May 2021, with the third – The Rookery – reopening in December 2021. The company made a profit of £345,976 compared with a loss of £1,048,185 the year before. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “Since March 2022, all three hotels have returned to pre-pandemic occupancy and revenues. In most recent months, all three hotels are reporting record-breaking results, facilitating the repayment of the CBILS borrowed in 2020. The group has no immediate plans for further expansion.” The business received government grants of £125,526 (2021: £1,220,398). No dividend was paid (2021: nil).

Atlas Grinds to double up with Hackney site: Atlas Grinds, which offers coffee by day and cocktails by night in London’s Stoke Newington, is to double up with a second venue, in Hackney. The former Silver Lining cocktail bar in Morning Lane is being converted ahead of the opening next month. Following a crowdfunding campaign, the venue will shine a light on up-and-coming chefs. The Hackney site will feature two hot desk lounges upstairs, along with a ground floor restaurant and bar area. A spokesperson told Hot Dinners: “We are excited to expand our focus of building community-based hubs this time with emerging food and world-class cocktails.” Atlas Grinds has been operating in Stoke Newington since the summer of 2021.