Sixes co-founder – we’ve had several hundred franchise requests, Guildford opening could pave the way for even more UK locations: Calum Mackinnon, co-founder of Sixes, the cricket-based competitive socialising concept, has told Propel that the company has had several hundred franchise requests, with the majority from the US, as it gears up to open its first site in a smaller UK city, in Guildford. This week the business opened its tenth site in the UK, in Southampton’s Westquay scheme. It will follow this up in six weeks’ time with an opening on the John Lewis rooftop in Oxford’s Westgate scheme. Mackinnon told Propel that Sixes is set to open a site in Guildford’s Tunsgate scheme before the end of the year, and hoped to add a further six new sites in the UK in 2024. On further expansion and the role franchising will play, he told Propel: “Leicester was the first franchise we’ve done, and we will do more. We've had several hundred franchise requests, which is amazing. In the UK, we're going to continue to open company operated ones but also some franchise ones as well. Obviously, Guildford is slightly smaller than the cities we've done before. So, it’s going to be a really interesting test to see how that venue performs because if Guilford does very well, then we can open up in another couple of dozen similar-sized locations across the UK. So, we're always kind of testing the model. We tried some outdoor nets in Brighton as well this summer. We launched three shipping containers outside to see how they went and we're always seeing how we can evolve the model to keep growing in the UK.” The business made its international debut in the US, earlier this summer, in Dallas. Mackinnon said: “The site is trading well, and we're looking at another location in Houston, which we will operate ourselves. And as I said, we’re inundated with franchise requests, the majority of these requests are actually from the US. They get franchising over there and the level of franchisee that is approaching us is very high. We’re looking to sign some US franchises in the next three to six months. We're getting some amazing franchise requests from all over the globe. We were recently out in India meeting some operators trying to get our heads around that market, which is quite crazy, but really exciting at the same time.” In June, 4CAST Investment Group – which includes England international cricketers Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer – invested in Sixes to aid its expansion in the UK and internationally. On further funding, Mackinnon said: “It depends I guess on how much we lean into franchising and how much we do ourselves. We're fortunate enough to be a quite nimble, entrepreneurial company so we kind of almost go where the opportunities are. We kind of can pull on resources and funds as we need them. We're continually fundraising as new opportunities come up.”

Premium subscribers to receive updated Premium Database of Multi-Site Companies and access to videos from Propel Talent and Training Conference today: Premium subscribers are to receive the updated Premium Database of Multi-Site Companies and access to the videos from the Propel Talent and Training Conference today (Friday, 27 October). The updated Propel Multi-Site Database, which is produced in association with Virgate, will be sent at midday. Better burger concepts are among the 46 new multi-site companies being added to this edition. It features Brack Burger, the concept set up by brothers Joe and Ollie Brack that became a hit when they were sold as takeaway items from a Newcastle pub, and has led to the pair opening five outlets. Staffordshire better burger brand Timmys is set to open its third site. The business, which already has branches in Stafford and Cannock, is preparing to launch in Cheadle. Meanwhile, north east smashed burger concept Craft Burger has launched its third site, in Sunderland, and is planning its international debut. Premium subscribers are also to receive access to all the videos from this month’s Propel Talent and Training Conference. They will be sent 13 videos today at 9am. Premium subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the New Openings Database; the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book; the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database; the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee 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 £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription. Premium subscribers also receive their morning newsletter 11 hours early, at 7pm the evening before; regular video content and regular exclusive columns from Propel group editor Mark Wingett.

NTIA – independent night-time economy businesses are vanishing at rate of 35 per week: The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has called on the government for more support as research shows independent night-time economy businesses are vanishing at a rate of 35 per week. The new figures from CGA by NIQ released by the NTIA show that in September 2023 there were 35,469 independent businesses operating within the night-time economy, a sharp decrease from the 41,596 in 2020 – with a 5% decline in just the past year. They also show that independent night-time economy businesses are vanishing at a rate of 35 businesses per week, with 1,825 lost in the 12 months leading to September 2023. The decline in independent businesses within the night-time economy started in 2020, with a 7% reduction compared with 2021. Since then, the decline has continued at an “alarming rate”, with an additional 3% decrease between 2021-22, and a further 5% in the last year. A total of 6,127 independent businesses have been lost between September 2020 and September 2023. The total number of outlets in the night-time economy decreased from 70,826 in September 2022 to 68,583 in September 2023, a 3% decline. Overall, night-time economy businesses are vanishing at a rate of 43 businesses per week, with 2,243 lost in the 12 months leading to September 2023. A total of 8,501 night-time economy businesses have been lost between 2020-2023. The NTIA said that the year-on-year statistics underscore the “dire need for government intervention to save these vital establishments”. The trade body is urgently calling for an extension of business rates relief and a reduction of VAT to 12.5% to provide financial lifelines for struggling businesses. Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA, said: “These figures are not just numbers; they represent the livelihoods, dreams, and cultural heritage of our communities. The night-time economy, which includes a thriving ecosystem of independent businesses, has been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and cost inflation. The decline in independent businesses is a stark indicator of the immense challenges faced by those who contribute to the vibrancy and soul of our night-time culture. To secure the survival of these vital businesses, we urge the government to extend the current business rates relief and reduce the VAT to 12.5%. These measures are the financial lifelines that independent businesses and the night-time economy desperately need to weather this storm.” 

NQ64 – offering a four-day week is making our GMs change their mindset: Chantal Wilson, people director at NQ64, the immersive retro arcade bar concept, has said offering a four-day week is making its general managers change their mindset. Talking at this month’s Propel Talent and Training Conference, Wilson, who previously worked at Honest Burgers, said: “It's having really great foundations and the key to that is don't have rubbish jobs. And our kind of goal is to create jobs that aren't rubbish. If I wouldn't do it or wouldn’t have my kids do it, it's a rubbish job – right? I don't mean stuff that no one else wants to do. If you are expected to come to work for a wage that's not fair enough and do too much stuff in the time allotted to do that, that's a rubbish job. And for me somewhere, post-covid our expectations of what you can fit into an eight, ten or 12-hour shift just went up massively. They're the same humans that were there pre-covid and so I think for us it's looking at okay we're a real living wage employer and we have a four-day-work week. That's a great start. And actually, what we're asking you to do is, is it efficient? Are we putting too much burden on them? I think that's really important as a people director that you're not always dipping in making their life harder, so don't have rubbish jobs.” Wilson said there were challenges around offering a four-day-work week, but it helps having general managers that embrace it. She said: “So like anything if you've got a great general managers that wants to embrace it, therefore make that rota work. For me, the biggest shift has to come in the mindset, in terms of hearing when hiring questions like are you available seven days a week, every day and can you work every weekend? And naturally, the person says no, I'm not. And that hiring manager is like ‘well, that's the role we've got’. I think with the four-day-work week you put right into the mentality that working through your rota is going to be a bit of a puzzle, but once you do it and you get it right, you can work that rhythm. I think our general managers embrace that, and therefore can make it work.” Wilson was talking as part of a late-night operators panel session presentation that will be among those from the Propel Talent & Training Conference sent to Premium subscribers at 9am today (Friday, 27 October). Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

More than 100 businesses sign up to sector well-being and development promise: More than 100 businesses from across hospitality have united in their commitment to supporting the development of their workforce. The Hospitality Well-being and Development Promise, driven by the Hospitality and Tourism Skills Board, which is part of the Hospitality Sector Council, was launched in April this year. It has already garnered the support of 109 businesses, representing more than 10,000 venues. Signatories include brewer and retailer Greene King, cinema operator Odeon, holiday park operator Parkdean Resorts, PizzaExpress and catering business Sodexo. Collectively, they have committed to: creating a working environment that facilitates respect between all team members; identifying training and development opportunities for team members at all levels; implementing a diversity and inclusion policy; and ensuring team members are well-rewarded for their work, considering a wide range of pay and benefits, communicated through a clear pay policy. Steve Richards, chair of the Hospitality and Tourism Skills Board and chief executive of Parkdean Resorts, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many businesses from across hospitality sign up to the promise and commit to this level of training and support for their staff. Businesses, both big and small, have come together to show that offering our employees the right support is an absolute priority and that initiatives like this are a key part of that journey.” Minister for enterprise, markets and small business Kevin Hollinrake added: “Hospitality is at the heart of our economy, so I’m glad to see that the hardworking staff of more than 10,000 venues are now working for companies that are rightly prioritising their well-being by signing up to this promise. This work was borne out of industry and government working together as part of the Hospitality Sector Council and will be boosted by new laws protecting workers’ hard-earned tips and right to request a flexible working pattern.” The Hospitality Well-being and Development Promise sits alongside initiatives like the Hotelier’s Charter as part of the sector’s ongoing work to support its workforce.

Cask Marque introduces cellar star rating system: Cask Marque has introduced a star rating system for cellars and aims to have assessed and star rated 8,000 cellars by the end of 2023. Pubs that achieve a four or five-star rating will be allowed to display the Cask Marque window sticker and star ratings will appear on the CaskFinder app, which is used 60,000 times a month to find Cask Marque pubs. The cellar audit consists of an 11 point check list including cellar temperature, stock rotation, safe use of gas cylinders, clean beer lines and clean glassware plus an inspection of the hygiene surrounding the glass washing and ice machines. One of the first pub groups to endorse the scheme and act on the findings is JD Wetherspoon, which has 95% of its pubs with a four or five-star rating. James Ullman, personal and retail audit director, said “Real ale quality has always been extremely important for JD Wetherspoon and the beer and cellar hygiene audit has provided us with an excellent framework to improve in this area. This independent assessment has helped ensure we continue to serve excellent real ale and provide assurance to our customers that we are operating our cellars to the highest standards.” Okells, on the Isle of Man, has achieved four and five-star ratings in all its 30 pubs. Paul Nunny, founder of Cask Marque, said: “Consumer research shows that 76% of cask ale drinkers would choose a pub based on its star rating. People are accustomed to seeing food hygiene ratings and will relate to the cellar star rating sticker as a sign of excellence in the handling and dispensing of beer in the outlet.”

Bidding war for Wagamama owner TRG still possible: A bidding war for The Restaurant Group (TRG), the owner of Wagamama, is still possible, on the back of news that the owner of PizzaExpress may make a takeover offer. Shares in TRG closed at 68.10p, a rise of 2.41% (1.60p) on the news of PizzaExpress’ interest. Wheel Topco, the parent company of PizzaExpress, which is under the ownership of US debt funds including Cyrus Capital Partners and Bain Capital Credit, has asked for due diligence information on TRG as it weighs a bid to compete with a £700m approach made by Apollo earlier this month. Apollo’s bid values the group at around seven times current underlying earnings, according to Shore Capital estimates – with this ratio slipping even further to around four and a half should the group deliver on its margin rebuild strategy. Additionally, Shore said the offer fails to consider the longer-term opportunity and accelerated growth which could be achieved when owned by one of the world’s largest private equity firms. Shore Capital analyst Greg Johnson said: “We believe any takeout valuation should reflect some of this opportunity. Given the news overnight, others seem to believe the same.” The board of TRG recommended that shareholders accept the 65p-per-share bid from Apollo. TRG’s executives have now said they will “carefully consider” any rival bid from Wheel Topco. In a statement on Thursday (26 October), TRG said: “No written or verbal indicative proposal relating to a possible offer, including as to terms, price, or form of consideration, has been made to the board of TRG by Wheel Topco. If any proposal is provided by Wheel Topco, the board of TRG will carefully consider its terms, in conjunction with its advisers.” Oasis Management, TRG's largest shareholder with a 17.8% stake, had previously committed to an “irrevocable undertaking” to support the Apollo deal. That said, this commitment is contingent upon no rival bid exceeding the original offer price by more than 10%. Sector advisors have said PizzaExpress could benefit from cost synergies through a tie-up with TRG, which could justify paying a higher price. A strategic buyer “would bring suppliers, landlords, every single relationship and you could take cost out of each line, as well as get better revenue synergies by having two groups together,” one advisor told the FT. “You could even get rid of management teams and have the same managers running one restaurant chain, running the other.”

Downing backs new venture Mountain Pub Company: Mountain Pub Company, a new venture backed by investment manager Downing and led by Helen Standing, formerly of Vixen Pubs and Nectar Taverns, has been launched to grow a wet-led pub estate in the north of England, Propel has learned. The new business has been formed to focus on creating wet-led value pubs in the hearts of town centres and busy city suburbs, with a “strong sports offering and entertainment packages”. Propel understands that Mountain Pub Company has already secured a handful of sites, including The Kestrel in Barnsley, and the former Potting Shed and Firepit site in Southport, which has reopened under the new name the Southport Coaster. The business is understood to be working with property advisor WTS Property Consultants to acquire further sites – freehold or long leasehold – in the north of England, with packages of sites considered. Standing previously led Nectar Taverns, and worked with Admiral Taverns. She also previously worked with what was Ei Group on developing its Craft Union Pub Company concept. In autumn 2018, she founded Vixen Pubs with Elizabeth Davies, in partnership with Ei Group under its managed partnership model. Vixen grew to 11 sites at one point. Standing left the business, which is now operated by Stonegate Group, in 2020. Downing currently also backs Midlands pub company Pub People Company, the 49-strong group, which is looking to add 20 freehold venues to its estate across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. 

Kerb begins search for MD, plans Copenhagen and Dublin sites: Street food collective Kerb has begun the search for a managing director to “lead and oversee all aspects of our international food hall business”, which is set to include openings in Dublin and Copenhagen, Propel has learned. Kerb said that the new managing director will “play a pivotal role in driving growth, enhancing operational excellence, and championing our commitment to delivering outstanding customer experiences”. The new managing director will report into the company’s chief executive Simon Mitchell. Kerb, which owns and manages Seven Dials Market in London, has four further planned openings. Copenhagen and San Francisco – both white label management agreements – will open in the first quarter of 2024, while the group’s second flagship site will open in Berlin in the third quarter of 2024 and a site in Dublin is planned for early 2025. Kerb is to collaborate on Saluhall, a “plant-forward food hall” that is set to launch in San Francisco at the start of next year. Ingka Centres, the company behind Ikea’s new shopping centres, is collaborating with Kerb and Claus Meyer, one of the founders of the new Nordic cuisine, on the new venture. The first Saluhall will launch at Ingka Centres’ upcoming meeting place at 945 Market Street, San Francisco. It is thought the Kerb Copenhagen site could also come under this format. At the start of the year, Kerb announced it will open a site in Berlin. It is converting the IMAX cinema at the Sony Centre am Potsdamer Platz in the German capital into a two-storey food and drink venue inspired by the building’s cinematic heritage. The group’s Seven Dials Market site plays host to 25,000 customers a week, provides 300 jobs and generates revenue of £15m a year.

JKS – strong performance across the board in the year-to-date, plans up to four openings in 2024: JKS Restaurants has said it has seen a strong performance across its estate in the year to date, “exceeding internal projections”. The company told Propel that it expects to open three or four restaurants in 2024 and is in “ongoing discussions with third parties regarding potential debt and equity investment”. It comes after the business posted total turnover of £50,081,052 in the year to 1 January 2023 (2021: £27,834,900), with adjusted Ebitda of £5,537,367 (2021: £1,066,884). The company opened Berenjak Borough and Speedboat Bar in the period as well as its first licensed locations in the Middle East. In 2023, JKS has opened Bao locations in Marylebone and Battersea and also launched Gymkhana Fine Foods, its retail range of sauces, marinades and chutneys. The company, which also curates the food and beverage offer in the Arcade Food Hall sites, is planning to open a new venture in Mayfair, on the former Momo restaurant site in Heddon Street. JKS features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book. Its turnover of £50,081,052 is the 167th highest in the database. The Blue Book ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

Italian operator Pizza Guys makes UK debut and Grime Burgers open first London site as they join Spitalfields Market line-up: Italian operator Pizza Guys has made its UK debut. Following its success in its native country, Pizza Guys has opened a site at London’s Spitalfields Market. The concept offers classic pizza flavours from margherita and the original pepperoni, as well as its street food staple, Pizza Fritta (deep fried pizza). It also serves monthly specials that allow customers to try recipes inspired by world cuisines, such as Korean kimchi pizza or Shakshuka pizza. Vegan options are also available. Pizza Guys has opened in Lamb Street alongside Grime Burgers, which has launched its first London branch. The concept offers traditional burgers made from 100% British Wagyu meat and its grime sauce – served in burgers or on top of a portion of chips. Pizza Guys and Grime Burgers have joined the line-up at the market after agreeing deals with The Spitalfields Estate. 

Somerset McDonald’s franchisee sees revenue exceed £50m for first time but profit hit by rising costs: McDonald’s franchisee Lambtrad, which operates 13 sites across Somerset, has reported turnover increased 8% to a record £50,613,887 for the year ending 31 December 2022 compared with £46,889,613 the previous year. Pre-tax profit was down to £1,159,682 compared with £4,371,073 the year before as costs rose by more than £3m. Gross profit margin was down to 64.07% compared with 67.88% the year before and was “in line with expectations”. In his report accompanying the accounts, managing director Tim Lamb stated: “Despite a like-for-like turnover increase, both from store and delivery sales, profitability, although strong in the first half of 2022, has been impacted in the second half of the year by, among other things, the increase in VAT within the hospitality sector back to the standard rate of 20% from 1 April 2022, a volatile supply chain, and rising costs base. The rise in sales is predominantly due to continued growth in delivery sales within our existing restaurants, alongside the acquisition of a new restaurant in November 2022. On a like-for-like basis, with 11 stores open throughout both 2022 and 2021, sales rose by £525,000, an increase of about 1.18%. 2023 will continue to be impacted from ever-volatile external environments, with consumer trends likely changing more frequently due to ongoing economic challenges. The company also plans to acquire more restaurants should the opportunity arise.” A dividend of £185,000 was paid (2021: £400,500). Lamb has been a McDonald’s franchisee since 2008 having previously been a regional field service manager with the business.

Pret A Manger to make Berlin debut: Pret A Manger is to make its debut in Berlin, with the launch of five new sites in the German capital by the end of this year. The expansion comes as part of a new franchise partnership with PM Nord, with the first two sites set to open at the start of November, and a further three to follow in city centre locations. Pret said that Germany was a key market in its international expansion, with existing sites in major transport hubs including Berlin, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt. The first two sites under the partnership will open in shopping street Friedrichstrasse and one in the Sony Center at The Playce at Potsdamer Platz. The other three sites that will open before the end of this year, will be at Leipziger Platz, another at The Playce at Potsdamer Platz shopping centre, and a third at one of Berlin's busiest shopping streets, Steglitzer Schloßstraße. They will create around 100 jobs. To enable the expansion, PM Nord has acquired existing Caras stores and will convert these into new Pret shops. Pret said the new partnership with PM Nord marks an important step in its plans to double the size of its business by 2026, as it continues to expand into new countries and regions both in Europe and across the world. In the last year alone, Pret has opened new shops in Luxembourg, Italy, and Ireland, with plans to launch in Portugal and Spain soon. Dr Elmar Alexander Voigt, managing partner at PM Nord, said: “As a native Berliner, I am pleased to accompany Pret on its growth journey here in Germany, and look forward to working together with my team to bring Pret's high-quality fresh food and organic coffee to more local customers as the master franchisee for northern Germany. Berlin makes the perfect first city to begin Pret’s German expansion, thanks to its diversity, openness, and size.” Stephane Klein, managing director, Pret Europe, said: “Following the success of our shops in German transport hubs, launching the Pret brand in downtown Berlin is a major milestone in our European expansion. We've long heard that locals would love to have a Pret in the city centre, so we're delighted to be working with new franchise partner PM Nord to bring our freshly made food and organic coffee to more people and add something new to Berlin's vibrant food-to-go scene.”

Joseph Holt invests £1.5m in new pub acquisition: North west brewer and retailer Joseph Holt has acquired a new pub in Alkrington, near Rochdale, in a deal worth an overall £1.5m. The Thornberries is a pub which, according to Richard Kershaw, chief executive of Joseph Holt and great, great grandson of its eponymous founder, already has all the hallmarks of a Joseph Holt venue. He told The Business Desk: “Thornberries is already very much a community pub and is so much more than just a place to have a drink or something to eat. It’s a place for charity events, social groups and other community gatherings – all the things that mark out our pubs as places that are central to the local areas they serve. Admittedly Thornberries looks a little tired, which is why we have plans for its redevelopment. The potential, however, is enormous.” The purchase and subsequent refurbishment of Thornberries will cost close to £1.5m. It’s envisaged that the pub will relaunch around February of next year following refurbishment in January to mark the brewery’s 175th anniversary. Joseph Holt owns 127 pubs across the north west. However, Kershaw said the company is constantly looking for places where there is a “gap” in the geography of its estate. Earlier this month, Propel reported that Joseph Holt had seen a “gradual return to normality” last year, as its turnover for the 53 weeks to 31 December 2022 reached £70,192,000 (2021: £41,486,000). The company said: “Through 2022 we continued a gradual return to normality in terms of trading conditions and we avoided any further lockdowns and were able to focus on re-building our trade. Turnover reached £70.2m. However, this was for a 53-week year and was still £1.5m below the pre-pandemic level in 2019.”

Brewhouse & Kitchen pulls out of Milton Keynes site: Brewhouse & Kitchen, the UK’s largest brewpub group, has closed its site in Milton Keynes and placed it on the market, as it looks to focus on its “core business of quality local freehold locations”. The site in the town’s 12th Street leisure quarter is being marketed by Fleurets. Brewhouse & Kitchen chief executive Kris Gumbrell told Propel: “We have decided to pull out of this site as while a good development, it hasn't worked for us a venue and we will be focusing more on our core business of quality local freehold locations, but we do believe this location is a great opportunity for the right operator. It's healthy to churn the estate where we don’t quite fit the mould in a particular market.” Earlier this summer, Brewhouse & Kitchen said it was considering its options as it looks to refinance but is optimistic about the future. It also said its latest opening, which opened in Duke Street, Chelmsford, in March, was trading well. 

Temper secures fifth London site: Temper, the Imbiba-backed, Sam Lee-led modern barbecue concept, has secured its fifth London site, in Paddington. The business, which launched in 2017 and is operated under the Casper & Cole umbrella, plans to open on the ex-Kupp site in Merchant Square, by the end of next month. The new site, which has 120 covers internally and 70 covers externally, will become the first site under the brand to be able to offer a “true, all-day dining offer”. Last September, Temper opened its most recent site, after taking on the former Jones Family Project site in Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch. It also operates sites in Soho, the City and Seven Dials. Nick Garston, of the Found Agency, acted on the Merchant Square deal. 

Red’s True Barbecue’s debut site faces closure without licensing restructure: Tokyo Industries-owned smokehouse brand Red’s True Barbecue has said its debut site in Leeds faces permanent closure without a major restructure and new licence. The Yorkshire Evening Post reported the business claims it needs to be allowed to sell alcohol to customers who aren’t eating if it is to reopen and survive. A restriction on its current licence prevents the venue from doing that. But the authorities have objected to the plans, claiming it could allow the restaurant to become a bar by stealth and add to alcohol-fuelled crime in the area. Speaking at a licensing hearing, Red’s solicitor Paddy Whur told a panel of three councillors: “The issue with Red’s is that the current cost-of-living crisis has pushed up the raw materials for high-end meat here by 40%. It’s very difficult to put all of that additional charge on to the customers, so they need to find ways of moving the business on. It’s a change we’re seeking that’s needed for the survival of the business.” The venue falls into a so-called “red zone” in Leeds’ cumulative impact area, which is designed to limit new licences unless venues can prove they won’t add to issues in the surrounding area. But Whur said it would be “tragic” if the venue had to close permanently and end up as an empty unit. The hearing was told that Red’s other venues, in Manchester and Nottingham, have closed, with the owners wanting to concentrate on keeping the Leeds branch afloat. It has been a fixture in the city centre since 2012. But council licensing officer Sue Duckworth warned the proposed changes could make Red’s “just another 2am bar, after 11pm”. “This is an area that’s in trouble,” she told the hearing. “We have a high level of alcohol-related violent crime in the area. There’s a high density of people who come and have a drink, enjoy themselves and they become vulnerable and are often victims of crime. We’re talking about a concentration of 30, 40, 50 premises in a very small geographical area.” The panel’s decision will be made in the coming weeks. Red’s operates sites with BrewDog in Hull, Huddersfield and Barnsley. 

Liverpool operator Doogle’s Donuts opens fifth site: Liverpool operator Doogle’s Donuts has opened its latest site in the city, increasing the total estate to five stores plus a production facility. The new site is located directly adjacent to another independent in Allerton Road – sandwich concept Derek’s. Doogle’s has been supplying Derek’s with doughnuts since its launch in 2021 and when the opportunity came up to take over the space, Doogle’s founder Christian Anderson said it was an easy decision to make. “We’re excited to introduce Doogle’s Donuts to Allerton Road, and to be neighbours with such a well-respected concept,” he said. “We’ve loved working with Derek’s over the past few years, and we’ve often joked about how the best doughnuts in Liverpool and the best sandwiches in Liverpool should be neighbours. When the opportunity came up for us to take over the lease it was an immediate yes – it’s our perfect match!” Doogle’s opened its first site in September 2020, in the former Beautiful You salon in Prescot.

Gordon Ramsay restaurants among new London operators to join Just Eat: Just Eat has added several London restaurant operators to its platform, including Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay’s collection of restaurants. Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, Pizza East and Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay are now available for delivery. Also added are London better pizza concept Homeslice, poké bowls concept Honi Poke and Greek street food group The Athenian. Vegan “chicken” shop Temple of Seitan and meat-free burger bar, The Vurger Co, are also launching on Just Eat this month. There are now more than 17,700 London restaurants on Just Eat. The company said since 2020 it has seen 250% growth in breakfast orders and 71% growth in lunchtime orders, as more consumers opt for the choice and convenience of on-demand delivery for more meal occasions. It said recognising the continued importance of value for money amidst the current climate, the business is investing in free delivery on orders of more than £10 at Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, Pizza East, Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, The Athenian, Homeslice and Honi Poke until the end of the year to drive further demand. Just Eat UK strategic accounts director, Amy Heather, said: “Just Eat is continuing to evolve its offering, providing food for every occasion morning, noon and night, while catering for all tastes and budgets.”

Grounded Kitchen to open second casual dining site: Korean-inspired concept Grounded Kitchen is to open its second casual dining restaurant, and 14th venue overall, next month, in the West Midlands. The business, which has previously rolled out takeaway and quick-service restaurants, opened its first site under its more casual dining focused format earlier this summer, in High Wycombe’s Eden Shopping Centre. It saw the business offer table service, alcohol, glassware and cutlery for the first time. It will now open its second under the format, which offers an “exclusive dine-in menu”, at the Touchwood scheme in Solihull. The new 100-cover site will open on Monday, 6 November. The company, which launched in Leicester in 2017, spent £550,000 on converting the 3,500 square-foot unit in High Wycombe into a restaurant, which has 90 covers and has created 35 jobs. In August last year, Grounded Kitchen said it was aiming to open 50 new UK sites in a £15m investment and is looking to sign up franchise partners for up to 25 sites at a time. 

Kinsfolk & Co to launch first hotel The Newman next year: Kinsfolk & Co, the hospitality management company from Paul Brackley, the former managing director of Corbin & King’s Beaumont Hotel, will launch its first hotel next year in London’s Fitzrovia. Due to open in winter 2024, The Newman, which will open in Charlotte Street, will comprise 81 rooms and suites, a European brasserie, cocktail bar, and a “wellness floor”. Brackley said: “We are delighted to announce The Newman as our first hotel, here in Fitzrovia, where Kinsfolk & Co began. The Newman will be a grown-up and elevated but fun experience, where people can enjoy thoughtful excellence across design, service, food, and wellness – all sewn seamlessly into Fitzrovian life.” The company is set to open a second hotel in Westminster in 2026. Brackley, who was also general manager of the Shangri-La at The Shard London, founded the privately-owned Kinsfolk & Co earlier this year. 

Slerp partners with Uber Direct: Hospitality technology solutions provider Slerp has partnered with Uber Direct, to provide the UK’s hospitality sector with a “fast, reliable and accurate on-demand delivery service”. The companies said that the integration will “empower businesses of all sizes” that offer direct ordering and delivery – from premium hotels and quick service restaurant chains to independent bakeries, coffee shops and delis – with access to the same courier network as Uber Eats across the UK. Slerp currently works with more than 200 UK brands including The Dorchester, The Connaught, The Savoy, Eataly, Pasta Evangelists and Ottolenghi. Customers can make a purchase through the business’s own website or app and the Slerp dispatch platform will request a courier via Uber Direct. Customers have the flexibility to choose between ASAP or scheduled delivery times. Zal Dordi, chief commercial officer at Slerp, said: “With Uber Direct offering such an extensive UK wide network, competitive pricing and a straight-forward integration process, it made partnering with it, for the benefit of our customers, an easy decision to make.”

Tolkien pub sold to tech institute: The Eagle and Child pub in Oxford, which was frequented by authors CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, is to remain as a public house after being acquired by a tech institute based in the city. The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), founded by US tech billionaire Larry Ellison, said it had bought the Eagle and Child, which shut in 2020. EIT said it would “refurbish and reopen the iconic venue”. It stated: “EIT is delighted – through the acquisition of this beloved space and the construction of our new Oxford campus – to be able to put the city at the heart of our mission to help solve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. EIT will maintain the Eagle and Child’s use as a public house, honouring its historic and cultural legacy.” Savills had been marketing the site. 

Team behind Thai concept Som Saa opens new London site: The team behind Thai restaurant Som Saa has opened its new site, in London’s Borough Market . Propel revealed in November 2022 that MasterChef finalist Andy Oliver and fellow chef Mark Dobbie would open a restaurant in Park Street, which originally had the working title Nok. The restaurant has now opened under the name Kolae after a cooking style from the south of Thailand where ingredients are coated in a curry-like coconut marinade before being grilled over open flames. Main dishes include the Kolae grilled mussel skewer along with seasonal fish, seafood and vegetarian specials, all cooked using a similar technique. There is also salads, wine, beer, cider and cocktails made using fresh Thai ingredients. Housed inside an old London coach house, it offers 75 covers split over three floors, including a small courtyard dining area, as well as a private dining room for up to 16 set among the rafters. Etch acted on the deal.

Former fashion journalist who retrained at Le Cordon Bleu to open bakery: Former fashion journalist Charlotte O'Kelly, who retrained at Le Cordon Bleu after starting a family, is to open a bakery in London’s Muswell Hill. O’Kelly is launching Astrid Bakery in Alexandra Park Road in January. She started out selling luxury breakfast box deliveries from her kitchen during covid and is now expanding to her own premises. It will be mainly takeaway, although O’Kelly hopes to eventually have outdoor seating. The menu will include vienoisserie, foccacia sandwiches, cinnamon buns made with cultured butter and Wildfarmed flour, and passion fruit and lemon meringue croissants. Customers will be able to order celebration cakes and O’Kelly will still be doing her breakfast box deliveries. “Small batch is the keyword for us," she told Hot Dinners. “We are deliberately staying small in order to stay true to our artisan roots. We want to grow organically.”