Ex-Wear Inns business placed into administration: The old Wear Inns business, which was purchased by real estate investment company Aprirose five years ago, has been placed into administration, Propel has learned. Aprirose acquired the managed operator, which operated 25 pubs across the north east and Yorkshire, in August 2018 for £22.4m. Following the acquisition, in 2019, a reorganisation took place whereby the properties owned by Wear Inns were transferred to Milton Portfolio Property 3, and the operations and pub staff were transferred to Milton Portfolio Op Co 3 (MPOC3). Central management was transferred to Blackrose Management, a subsidiary of Aprirose and not part of the Milton Portfolio Holdings 3 group. Propel understands the move has no impact on the 15-strong estate run by Blackrose Pub Company, which is understood to be trading strongly and continuing to look at growth opportunities. Interpath have been appointed as administrators, “to begin the handover of all 25 pubs in the Milton 3 portfolio”. Metro is understood to be owed £15m-plus, which was due to be repaid in February 2024. Hartlepool-headquartered Wear Inns was founded in 2006 but was hit hard by the sudden death of managing director and co-founder John Weir in 2016. Ryan Grant and Howard Smith, of Interpath Advisory, were appointed joint administrators to Milton Portfolio Op Co 3 on 13 November 2023. At the same time, Grant and Smith were appointed joint Law of Property Act receivers over 25 properties owned by MPOC3. The joint administrators will be trading all 25 sites while they seek a buyer for the business and its assets. Consequently, all circa 264 members of staff have been retained by the joint administrators to assist with trading. Grant told Propel: “This is a portfolio of profitable, strong performing and established pubs, comprising 21 freeholds and four long leaseholds, located across the north east of England and Yorkshire. We will be appointing selling agents in due course, with a view to bringing the portfolio to market at the optimum time to realise maximum value for creditors.” The list of sites include: Black Bull, East Boldon; Black Bull, Morpeth; Dirty Habit, Wickham; Dirty Habit, Whitley Bay; Lambton Arms, Chester Le Street; Old Courthouse, Barnsley; The Priory, York; The Victoria, Whitley Bay; and the Whistle Stop, Beeston. 

 

Next Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage to feature 784 companies, released on Friday: The next Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage will feature 784 companies when it is released to Premium subscribers on Friday (17 November). This month’s edition includes 34 new companies and 83 updated entries as well as more than 211,000 words of content. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent results reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Meanwhile, for the first time, Propel group editor Mark Wingett has chosen the best videos from the Propel conferences in 2023, picking out a selection of talks and interviews that resonated with delegates from across the breadth of the hospitality sector. The 12 videos will be made available to Propel’s Premium subscribers at 9am on Friday, 24 November. Premium subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, which is produced in association with Virgate; the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book; the New Openings Database; the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database; and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. 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 are also being given exclusive access to the recording and slides to Propel Multi-Club Conferences. They also receive their morning newsletter 11 hours early, at 7pm the evening before; regular video content and regular exclusive columns from Mark Wingett.

Growth softens for managed operators as wet weather dampens sales: Britain’s leading hospitality groups saw year-on-year growth slow to 3.2% in October amid widespread poor weather, the new CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals. While this is a 13th consecutive month of like-for-like growth for managed restaurants, pubs and bars, it represents a slowdown from a 5.9% rise in September when brighter weather encouraged consumers out to eat and drink. By contrast, Storm Babet and the early stages of Storm Ciarán kept some diners and drinkers at home for periods in October. The tracker, which is produced by CGA by NIQ in partnership with RSM UK, shows a brighter month for pubs, with fans watching the Rugby World Cup helping to lift sales 5.0% above October 2022. Managed restaurants had a softer month with growth of only 2.7%, while the bar segment endured another difficult month, with sales down 7.8%. For the 18th month in a row, groups achieved better growth in London than the rest of the country. Like-for-like sales within the M25 rose 4.8%, compared with 2.7% elsewhere. Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “Thirteen successive months of year-on-year growth amid a cost-of-living crisis is encouraging, but there is no escaping the fact that rises are being driven by price rises and remain below inflation. The weather made for challenging trading conditions in many parts of the country, offsetting boosts from occasions like the Rugby World Cup and Halloween. Consumer demand for hospitality remains high, but venues will have to be at the top of their game to achieve real-terms growth over the crucial run-in to Christmas.”

Nicholls – end of business rates relief would see businesses handing back the keys in January: UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls has told the government that ending business rates relief for hospitality would see businesses “handing back the keys in January”. Nicholls was speaking to the House of Commons ahead of the autumn statement, giving evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on the recovery of tourism and hospitality sector. She warned that progress on growth jobs and investment would be jeopardised by the premature end of rates relief, and that tax hikes mean we are least competitive market in the World Economic Forum rankings. “We did a recent survey for our members,” she said. “Business rates relief and the end of it has shot up the level of concern that people are finding about it. We’re seeing an 18-percentage point increase in levels of concern. Three quarters of our members when we surveyed them said it would make them much less sustainable, much less stable going forward into next year. 67% said they would cut investment and 62% said they would have to increase prices, so you’re going to have a further inflationary spike in April on the back of it. It would have a devastating impact on the small end of the market, and we know from what they’ve told us that the decision would be made immediately after Christmas. So, if that business rates relief is removed in the autumn statement, you would have keys handed back in and businesses closed from January. For the medium and larger sized end of the market, that will be a cut in investment, so instead of opening two sites a day that we were seeing pre-covid, you’ll be back to flatlining growth and no new openings.”

 

Hospitality gift card sales set for record-breaking Black Friday: Hospitality gift card sales via e-commerce platform Toggle are set to hit a record-breaking £5m on Black Friday (24 November), an increase of more than 425% compared with last year. With 60% of all hospitality gifting set to take place in November and December, data from Toggle shows that its gift card sales are forecasted to reach more than £27m over the next eight weeks, equating to roughly £500,000 per day. Black Friday was the highest selling calendar moment for Toggle gift cards last year, generating £952,212 in sales on the day and a total of £3m across the weekend. However, all the signs suggest this figure will be beaten by lunchtime on Black Friday this year. Analysis reveals that when it comes to hospitality, promotions are a key driver for Black Friday sales, with 83% of the value sold in 2022 having a discount or promotion applied to it. The research also reveals brands that run a 20% discount on Black Friday can expect to see 45% of their gifting sales occur in November, doubling revenue for the month. Dan Brookman, chief executive of Airship and Toggle, said: “Black Friday is the biggest day of the year for hospitality gift card sales according to our data, and we are expecting 2023 to blow 2022 out of the water. The growth of our customer base has been huge this year, and brands are starting to realise, with our help, the value of gift cards as additional revenue. This is often a missed opportunity in hospitality, but Black Friday is a proven way for operators to boost revenue and drive footfall to venues. Those that can capitalise on Black Friday, will not only to boost sales for November and December but, with the right offers in place, can also generate revenue during the quieter post-Christmas period.”

 

Zonal – Christmas reservations up more than 40% on last year: Reservations for the month of December are already up by more than 40% on 2022 and bookings for Christmas Day itself are up 59%, according to new figures from hospitality technology supplier Zonal. It said the data suggests that, despite the cost-of-living-crisis, the crucial festive season is looking positive for the hospitality sector. Olivia FitzGerald, chief sales and marketing officer for Zonal, said: “The increase in Christmas Day bookings is very welcome news for the industry and it’s great that people are keen to spend time in their favourite venues to celebrate. While bookings are up, we’re conscious that people’s plans change and we’re keen to ensure that people can easily amend or cancel their bookings so that hospitality venues don’t suffer no-shows, especially at this important time of the year. The impact of no-shows could be costly but we hope that our #ShowUpForHospitality campaign raises awareness amongst consumers about the importance of honouring a booking and supports the industry in helping them to mitigate the impact of this occurring.” The latest figures from Zonal’s #ShowUpForHospitality campaign showed no-shows creeping up from 6% to 12% over the last 12-months – at a cost of £17.59bn a year to the industry.

 

Arts Council England launches new £5m funding for grassroots music community: Arts Council England has formally launched its new Supporting Grassroots Music fund, which will make £5m in funding available to support grassroots music initiatives. The UK government previously announced that the cash was being made available when it set out its Creative Industries Sector Vision in June. The new funding scheme is an evolution of the previous Supporting Grassroots Live Music programme, although alongside grassroots clubs, venues and promoters, this scheme will also be open to rehearsal and recording studios and festivals. They can apply for grants of up to £40,000. Arts Council England chief executive Darren Henley said: “This investment by the UK government and Arts Council England reaffirms our commitment to supporting this hugely important part of the music industry. People value the opportunity to develop and express their creativity, both on their own and with others, and the grassroots music sector excels at giving communities the chance to design and develop creative and cultural activity where they live. We hope this new funding will continue to both address the needs of the sector and empower it to carry on offering high quality live music experiences for audiences across the country.” Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill described the funding as “ground-breaking” and said it will “catalyse positive transformations within the grassroots music sector”.

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with an education business that is growing its portfolio across the UK and is expanding its international development team in order to increase student numbers across all areas of learning. For this reason, it is looking for a senior finance business partner. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This role is ideal for an experienced professional in financial planning and analysis with a strong background in budgeting, performance management and business intelligence, who is looking for a role where they can have real business impact on an international scale. You will be working closely with the leadership team to manage budget and strategy and look for growth opportunities; take the lead on divisional budget development; monitor capex spent on projects, ensuring the correct application of capitalisation rules and performance against budget and business case; and much more.” The salary is up to £70,000, with hybrid work available and the position is based in London. For more information, email oliwia@corecruitment.com.

 

Pret Express trial ‘ongoing’, links up with Budgens c-store chain: Pret A Manger, the JAB Holdings-backed brand, has told Propel the trial of Pret Express, its “24/7 self-service coffee-to-go solution”, is “ongoing”. Propel revealed in July 2021 that Pret, which has been seeking new routes to market as its core business in central London was impacted by the crisis, had trademarked the Pret Express name and was set to follow Costa, which operates circa 10,000 Express machines around the world, and introduce a vending format into offices, convenience stores, hospitals and petrol forecourts. In October 2021, Pret confirmed it had entered into a partnership with JDE Peet’s, the pure-play coffee and tea company and owner of brands including Peet’s Coffee, Douwe Egberts and Jacob, to launch the trial of Pret Express. JDE Peet’s provides the self-service technology and capabilities, with bespoke furniture designed exclusively for Pret. Propel understands that Pret surpassed its end of year target for 2022 of having more than 50 Pret Express locations in operation, across convenience stores, petrol stations, gyms and post offices. It now understands that the brand has linked up with convenience store chain Budgens, which has more than 260 sites across the UK. Pret features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the latest edition of which was sent to Premium subscribers on Friday (10 November). Its turnover of £790,100,000 in the year to 29 December 2022 is the 18th 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.

 

Foodstars appoints advisors to market its UK estate: Foodstars, which provides kitchen space for food companies and is backed by former Uber chief executive Travis Kalanick, have appointed advisors to market the 16-strong estate of commercial kitchens, Propel has learned. Foodstars, which was founded in 2015, is understood to have appointed property advisors Hay Hill Property to market 16 commercial units, comprising 14 in London, plus sites in Manchester and Birmingham. The estate houses more than 110 fitted kitchens of varying sizes. The London locations are in Bermondsey, Peckham, Bethnal Green, Tottenham Hale, Colindale, Kentish Town, Battersea, Nine Elms, Croydon, Streatham, Chiswick, Fulham, Shoreditch and Wandsworth. They include customised kitchens for central production unit use and delivery of food and beverage. Propel revealed this summer that Foodstars had begun seeking interest in ten of its London sites. It now understands that Hay Hill has been appointed as sole agents to dispose of Foodstars’ UK estate to operators on a licence basis. The company works with a number of leading sector brands including Burger King and Chipotle. Foodstars leases kitchen space to restaurants that sell food through delivery apps. City Storage Systems, which trades as Cloud Kitchens in the US, quietly invested in Foodstars in 2019, according to documents filed at Companies House. The investment marked Kalanick’s first expansion outside the US.

Camm & Hooper acquires first site outside of London as it looks to expand across UK, eyes Leeds and Manchester as well as further Scottish sites: Imbiba-backed events and hospitality group Camm & Hooper has acquired its first site outside of London as it looks to expand across the UK. It has taken on Platform Glasgow, a bar and events venue located below the city’s Central Station. Part of its national growth strategy, the company said the acquisition will enable it to attract a wider national and international client base, while providing new employment and partnership opportunities in Glasgow as it plans to grow across the region. Derick Martin, chief executive of Camm & Hooper, said: “We’re thrilled to incorporate such an iconic and versatile venue into our portfolio. This feels like a homecoming, and we’re excited to infuse our unique touch into the wide array of events at Platform. At Camm & Hooper, we are always on the lookout for unique and distinctive venues that offer guests an unforgettable experience. Platform is a perfect fit with our portfolio, as it is steeped in history and has its own unique story to tell.” Scott McCormick, managing director at Platform, will continue to oversee operations. “We are excited to embark on this new chapter with Camm & Hooper,” he added. “Their reputation for excellence and commitment to creating unique experiences aligns with our vision for Platform to establish itself as a leading venue delivering unique events for our blue-chip client base. Platform looks forward to hosting an even wider range of diverse and memorable events in the heart of Glasgow, and it is our intention to grow the portfolio in Scotland over the next years years, and I am delighted to support Derick in his plans for the growth of the Camm & Hooper Brand.” Featuring six restored arches across 35,000 quare feet, Platform has capacity for up to 600 seated guests across three arches, or 1,800 standing guests. Camm & Hooper said the venue “will remain untouched”, allowing its “distinctive character and deep-rooted connection to the community” to continue to thrive. Camm & Hooper has seen triple-digits growth in 2023 alone and is focused on acquiring additional venues in Scotland, Manchester and Leeds within the coming months. It comes after Camm & Hooper last week said it is continuing to fundraise as it aims to add a further three sites to its portfolio in 2024.

 

Young’s acquires freehold of south west Devon pub with its own private pier: Young’s has acquired the freehold of a south west Devon pub with its own private pier. It has bought The Ship Inn in Noss Mayo, on the Yealm Estuary, close to Salcombe. Located on the edge of the bay, the building comprises a ground-floor 160-cover pub and dining room with exposed timbers, open fires and nautical memorabilia. As well as its own private pier, the pub also has a garden and a waterfront terrace accommodating a further 200 covers, as well as The Glasshouse, a 20-cover private dining room on the water’s edge. The pub, which was being marketed by Ed Jefferson, of Colliers, for £3.7m, has been successfully run by Lisa and Charles Bullock for the past 16 years. It will be Young’s fifth site in Devon, alongside Boathouse and The Seagate in north Devon, the Grove in Exmouth and the City Gate and Double Locks in Exeter. Young’s chief executive Simon Dodd said: “We are delighted that the Bullock family has entrusted us with The Ship Inn. Its unique location and excellent reputation make it the perfect addition to the Young’s family, and it fits with our overall strategy to celebrate proper pubs with British heritage. We will continue to build on the success of the pub and wish the Bullock family a happy retirement.”

 

Hoburne reports turnover boost as staycation demand remains strong but profits fall due to increased costs: Hoburne, the operator of eight UK holiday parks, reported a turnover boost as staycation demand remained strong in the year to 31 January 2023 but said profit fell due to increased costs. Turnover was up to £51,804,687 from £48,019,889 in 2022 but pre-tax profit was down to £8,868,282 from £9,950,666. This compares with turnover of £48,321,668 and a profit of £2,652,400 in the last full year before covid, ending 31 January 2020. Government grants of £34,000 were received compared with £656,030 in 2022. Total dividends of £2.3m were paid during the year, while post year end, an interim dividend of £2.53 per share was approved and paid on 9 May. This compares with a £3.3m dividend in 2022, which included an additional dividend redressing a shortfall in the years impacted by covid. Director James Forward said: “The group’s turnover increased by 7.9%. Profit before tax reduced by 10.9%. This was largely due to significantly increased costs year on year: in particular, utility costs due to increased wholesale energy prices on the global markets, and also employment costs due to the move to paying the Real Living Wage part way through the prior year. The demand for UK holidays and holiday homes remained strong following unprecedented demand in the previous year. Holiday home sales and holiday sales only reduced by 2% on the prior year, despite the ability to travel overseas opening up post covid. Other trading activities increased by 31% over the period. Recruitment of team members remained a challenge during the year, as did the supply of caravan and lodge stock and some food and beverage items.” Capex projects included a cliff top development at Naish, the Otters Walk development at Hoburne Cotswold and the conversion of a touring field at Devon Bay into the Hillview lodge development. Pay increases that would ordinarily have taken effect in April 2023 were brought forward by three months to help staff struggling with the cost of living, who also get significant discounts on food and beverages, discounted holidays and free use of the leisure facilities. Forward added: “A number of opportunities remain for increasing the number of pitches within the existing portfolio, in addition to continuing to further upgrade the facilities. The directors maintain their view that well directed investment will maintain and enhance the group’s position in the market and will increase future sales and profitability.” 

 

Greater Manchester better burger brand launches new franchise programme as it eyes expansion: Greater Manchester better burger brand Side Street Burgers has launched a new franchise programme as it eyes expansion across the UK, Propel has learned. Founded by Josh Ryan in 2020, Side Street Burgers made its debut in Rochdale, where it is headquartered, and has since opened further sites in Manchester, Bonnyrigg (Scotland) and Reading, plus London’s Walthamstow and Upton Park. It is seeking multi-unit investors to launch in its various concepts, including bricks and mortar sites and ghost kitchens.

 

Green & Fortune sees return to positive trading growth, FY revenue tops £15m: Independent hospitality company Green & Fortune has reported it returned to positive trading growth in the year to 31 March 2023, with revenue more than doubling on its previous year’s numbers and 15% ahead of pre-covid levels. The company said that revenue for the year stood at £15,073,012 (2022: £6,977,554), with adjusted Ebitda of £1,135,206 (2022: £11,906). The business posted a pre-tax profit of £386,616 versus a pre-tax loss of £420,404 in the previous year. The company said it expanded its commercial reach while building a platform for the future during the year. It also said it continues to see growth and expects to report further double-digit growth in the current financial year, with a “significant increase in Ebitda”. Greene & Fortune, which is led by John Nugent, operates cafes and events across several London venues, including Kings Place in King’s Cross, Sea Containers on the South Bank, Rose Court on the South Bank and Central Hall. The company said: “This was a positive, transitionary year. While restaurants and bars bounced back, both strongly and quickly from the pandemic, the events, conference and hospitality world had to wait longer for full recovery. The effect of omicron, which ran into early 2022, stalled the confidence and recovery. This affected the first quarter of our financial year. However, since then there has been an insatiable appetite for gatherings – social, corporate and around the workplace. We have been well placed to take advantage of this, which is reflected in our numbers. Our clients and day-to-day customers have returned. Within the year, the Green & Fortune Supports scheme was extended to reach out to, and look after, all employees. There is no outstanding debt with landlords or HM Revenue & Customs. We are on regular terms with suppliers and are proud there is no historical debt in the company. Our cash position is solid. Our borrowings through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is on schedule to be repaid on agreed terms. Like many in the sector and the wider business community, we had the challenge of rising energy costs, rampant food inflation and increased payroll pressures. We have carefully navigated these constant challenges and are in a continual state of review. We are building for the future.”

 

Fatt Pundit co-owner partners with wife and brother-in-law for new family-run Italian restaurant: Huzefa Sajawal, co-owner of two-strong Indo-Chinese concept Fatt Pundit in London, has partnered with his wife and brother-in-law for a new family-run Italian restaurant in the capital. Sajawal, who founded Fatt Pundit in 2019 and has opened sites in Soho and Covent Garden, is part of the team behind Capilungo, which will open on Wednesday, 13 December in Covent Garden’s Long Acre. Among the co-founders are his wife, Asia Capilungo, and her brother, Gianluca Capilungo. Completing the founding team is the siblings’ uncle, Luca Capilungo, who has run his own bakery in Lecce, Italy, since 1991 and is described as “both the inspiration behind the concept and its head chef”. The 15-cover Capilungo will serve a concise menu centred around the “pasticciotto” and “rustico” pastries that can only be found in Lecce. Sweet, shortcrust “pasticciotto” pies are filled with pastry cream and best eaten for breakfast alongside a shot of espresso. On the savoury front, mozzarella and aubergine “rusticos” can make a light bite “at any time of day”. In the evening, the venue will offer a concise cocktail list and a selection of wine exclusively from Puglia and Salento, alongside traditional Lecce-style bar snacks and small plates. In the spring, Capilungo will also open a downstairs space, providing a dedicated bar area and additional seating. Sajawal co-founded Fatt Pundit with his brother, Hamza Sajawal, who both hail from Mumbai. DCL acted on the Capilungo deal.

 

Chaiiwala opens second Dubai store with third to follow: Indian street food franchise Chaiiwala has opened its second store in Dubai, with a third to follow. Chaiiwala’s first store in the country, launched at Dubai Hills Mall in 2021, was its Middle East debut and second international location after Toronto in Canada. It has now opened at Business Bay in the Bay Avenue Mall and will follow this soon with a third site in Dubai, at Al Barsha. It comes a month after Chaiiwala secured an investment partnership to help with its global expansion plans. It partnered with investment firm Lote Global as part of a long-term plan to accelerate its domestic and international expansion to 500 stores, including “a keen focus on key growth markets” such as the US, Canada and the Middle East. It is now looking to enhance its operational capabilities, supply chain facilities and digital experiences in those markets. Chaiiwala has a portfolio of 90 stores across the world, with plans to hit 100 by the end of 2023, including new openings in the UAE and Canada.

 

Olga and Alex Polizzi’s hotel business reports record turnover: Hotel Tresanton, the company founded by Alex and Olga Polizzi, has reported turnover increased to a record £11,637,756 for the year ending 31 January 2023 compared with £9,425,621 the year before. The group – which operates the Hotel Tresanton in Mawes, the Endsleigh Hotel in Milton Abbot, and whose subsidiary operates The Star in Alfriston – saw Ebitda drop to £2,635,000 from £3,087,000 the previous year. Pre-tax profit fell to £1,918,431 from £2,456,717 the year before. In her report accompanying the accounts, Olga Polizzi stated: “The results reflect a full year of trade without impact of the covid-19 pandemic, which led to enforced closures in the comparative period. In addition, the results reflect a full year of trade at the Star, which opened in June 2021. Cost pressures coupled with the impact of the increase in the VAT rate have led to a small fall in the gross profit margin achieved to 80.9% (2022: 82.7%). Administrative costs have also increased due to an increase in headcount, as well as pressures on costs in particular light and heat in the period. The group has continued to invest with capital additions in the year of £1.3m, with works commencing pre year end on room refurbishments at the Tresanton and two new suites in the stable block at Endsleigh. While cash balances have reduced in the year, the group has reduced its debt exposure with bank loans now standing at £3.26m (2022: £5.33m).” The group received government grants of £18,450 (2022: £420,751). No dividend was paid (2022: £545,455).

 

Team behind Village London acquires second pub: The team behind Village London – which operated Village East, The Garrison and Riding House Cafe in the capital – has acquired a second pub. Nick Levantis and Darryl Healy, who have been operating The Swan in West Malling, Kent, since 2011, are set to later this month open The Gosling in Woking, Surrey. The site, formerly Sands at Bleak House, has undergone an extensive refurbishment to become a fully-fledged restaurant and bar offering all-day dining and modern European cuisine. The restaurant will comprise 76 covers with added seating in the bar (24 seats) and a private dining room (up to 16 seats), while the garden, which will open next summer, will offer an additional 60 covers. Levantis and Healy also launched Amano, a restaurant and boutique hotel that specialised in authentic Italian food, in West Malling in 2016, but it is no longer part of their portfolio. They are joined by executive chef Mark Wadsworth, formerly of Michael Wignall at The Latymer in Bagshot, The Ginger Pig in Hove and The Salt Room in Brighton. Head chef Adam Reclik, meanwhile, most recently worked at One One Four in Teddington and London’s five-star Hotel Café Royal. Dishes include pan-roasted halibut with lobster dumpling, baby spinach, ginger and lobster butter; and wild venison haunch with smoked celeriac, cep, purple kale, blackberries and venison crumble.

 

Oysterfleet sees turnover grow but profits drop: Essex hotel, restaurant and bar company Oysterfleet saw its turnover grow but profit drop in the year to 30 April 2023. Its turnover was up from £3,009,271 in 2022 to £3,319,410 while its pre-tax profit was down from £370,309 to £336,089. This compares with turnover of £3,193,339 and a profit of £452,690 in pre-covid 2019. The company received no government grants compared with £71,805 in 2022. Dividends of £318,507 were paid (2022: £237,600). The company said it has a “successful trading year” and a “strong balance sheet” that shows it is in a “strong financial position”. The company operates the 41-bedroom Oysterfleet Hotel and adjoining Lighthouse restaurant, as well as Oyster Bay Brasserie and Sports Bar in Canvey Island and the Oyster Court Brasserie and Sports Bar in Southend.

 

Buxton Brewery appoints new MD as it strengthens team to ‘expand production and acquire additional licensed premises’: Buxton Brewery has made three key appointments, including a new managing director, as it looks to “expand production and acquire additional licensed premises”. Dominic Metcalfe has also been brought in as managing director, having previously gained experience in strategic growth opportunities at Adnams, Black Isle Brewery and Thornbridge. Metcalfe will be instrumental in steering Buxton through its next expansion phase and overseeing the acquisition of additional licensed premises. Having joined the company in August, Rob Topham has taken on the role of technical director, overseeing production at the brewery’s Staden Lane brewing facility. With an extensive background in brewing and production management at Fuller’s, Camden Town and Anheuser-Busch InBev, Topham will optimise production processes and elevate efficiency within the brewery. John Hamilton has been brought in as area manager, spearheading the management and operations of Buxton’s bar operating company, Axe Edge Bars. With a proven track record in multi-venue management and business development gained at True North Brew Co, Hamilton will be tasked with bringing an enhanced customer experience to the bars. “We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to our leadership team,” said Geoff Quinn, who founded Buxton Brewery in 2009. “Their collective expertise and fresh perspectives align perfectly with our company's vision. We’re confident that their contributions will be instrumental in propelling our business to even greater success.”

 

Hilltop Kitchen owners acquire 16th century Surrey pub: Alex Winch and Sam Fiddian-Green, owners of the Hilltop Kitchen cafe in Godalming, have acquired the 16th century Merry Harriers pub in Hambeleton, Surrey. The pub will close for a week until Tuesday, 21 November, while the transfer of management takes place, and then again in the new year, for a refurbishment. Winch and Fiddian-Green will introduce their Hilltop Kitchen concept to the pub, as a pop-up initially, over the winter. The duo said: “We have long admired the Merry Harriers and are honoured to be able to continue and develop this fantastic local pub. Since opening Hilltop Kitchen more than two years ago, we have been bowled over by the support we have received. From day one our guests, suppliers, friends and families have been with us every step of the way.” They have acquired the pub from Peter and Lana de Savary, who bought it in 2017 and refurbished the four rooms above the inn and restaurant. They also added five luxury shepherds’ huts, situated across the road from the inn around a pond, and six garden rooms in a converted barn. The family also introduced llama trekking in the surrounding countryside to become the UK’s first luxury inn to offer such an experience. Lana de Savary said: “Without my husband to carry on with his plans, my management team has advised me that this is a good opportunity to secure the future of the Merry Harriers. With this in mind, we would like to thank all of our customers and our neighbours for their continued support. We wish Alex and Sam great success as they become the new custodians of the Merry Harriers.” Before setting up Hilltop Kitchen, Fiddian-Green worked at the Michelin-starred Harewood Arms in Fulham and the two Michelin-starred restaurant Henne Kirkebby Kro in Denmark, while Winch has worked at Portland Restaurant in Fitzrovia, Wildflower Restaurant in Perth (Australia) and Smoke & Salt in Brixton.

 

Olive Tree Brasserie confirms plans for Leeds opening: Mediterranean restaurant brand Olive Tree Brasserie has confirmed it plans to open a new site before the end of the year, in Leeds. Propel revealed last month that the Dean Wilson-led business will open its fourth site on the ex-Mr Foley’s Cask Ale House site at 159 The Headrow, in the city. The business said: “Following huge success of our restaurants in Lytham, Chester and Stockton Heath, we are ready to please the people of Leeds with our amazing food, drinks and vibes.” Opening next month, the company said the site, which was formerly home to Stockdales, will form a “bohemian backdrop to sophisticated brunches, lunches and dinners”. There will be resident DJs at weekends, an extensive cocktail menu and both table and booth seating. The Olive Tree will also offer private dining for special occasions, meetings and corporate events. Executive chef Aaron Thomas said: “We're so excited to bring our modern Greek food experience to Leeds. Thirty new staff members will ensure we settle into our new Leeds home nicely, alongside our long-standing, passionate team.” At the same time, Wilson has been linked with opening a new concept, Gyros Street Food, in the former Venus unit in Manchester’s Oxford Street.

 

Global tourism operator Skyline Enterprises submits plans for debut UK site: Global tourism operator Skyline Enterprises has submitted plans for its first UK site, on Swansea's Kilvey Hill. The proposals, lodged with Swansea Council, include an accessible gondola (cable car), downhill karting known as the Luge, a zipline, a sky swing, a restaurant and bar, enhanced walking and mountain bike trails, picnic areas and a children's adventure play park. All current footpaths and access points to the hill would remain, with unhindered access continuing for those who use the hill for recreation. Geoff McDonald, Skyline Enterprises chief executive, told Insider Media: “By creating a sustainably-designed wheelchair and pram-accessible gondola, our first European Skyline destination would allow more people to enjoy the spectacular views from Kilvey Hill – we fell in love with the site as soon as we first visited in 2017 while seeking our first European destination. What’s more, this would be the first Luge ride to open in Europe and can run in all weather conditions, and it’s wheelchair accessible. Sustainability is a feature across all our sites in New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada and South Korea. Our business is all about putting smiles on people’s faces, and that’s what we’d hope to do by bringing this globally tried and tested leisure destination to Swansea.”

 

Castlebridge Group reports widening of FY pre-tax losses, expects profitability to improve as costs reduce and tourism returns: Hotel operator Castlebridge Group saw its pre-tax losses widen in the year ended 31 December 2022, on the back of increased interest rates, along with reduced consumer demand. The business, which operates three hotels – in Birmingham airport, Winchester and Chester – reported turnover for the year of £9,299,894 (2021: £6,194,728), as it incurred a pre-tax loss of £866,372 (2021 (£803,967)). The business said: “The group has been significantly impacted by the covid-19 pandemic and the effect of restrictions imposed by governments around the world to travel and working practices; and the Ukraine and Russia conflict that commenced in February 2022 as all covid-19 restrictions were removed in the UK. As a result, of these events 2022 saw significant global financial headwinds including increased inflation (particularly wages and food and utility prices), which has resulted in increased interest rates, along with reduced consumer demand. These factors have reduced the group’s profitability. In 2023, however, the group's revenue and profitability are expected to improve as cost inflation and utility costs reduce and international tourism continues to increase. Additionally, the group’s hotels in Chester and Winchester, which were developed and refurbished respectively just before the pandemic, continue to build up to expected mature trade levels. Subsequent to the year end, CH Winchester agreed revised financial test banking covenants with the bank lender of its Winchester hotel loan as part of a loan variation. CH Chester is in discussions with the bank lender of its Chester hotel loan to reset financial test loan covenants in line with forecasted trading.”

 

Yotel secures debut Malaysian site: Yotel, the accommodation chain launched by YO! founder Simon Woodroffe, has secured its debut site in Malaysia. Yotel Kuala Lumpur, developed in partnership with High Street Holdings, is expected to open in the capital’s Central Business District in the summer of 2025. The 290-room hotel will include a rooftop pool and bar offering views of the city skyline, as well as Yotel amenities, including a multi-functional dining and co-working space, a fitness centre and grab-and-go snack station. Yotel chief executive Hubert Viriot said: “Following the success of Yotel Orchard Road and YotelAir Changi Airport in Singapore, expanding our brands in Malaysia forms an essential part in growing our operating cluster, distribution strategy and brand awareness in south east Asia. We are privileged to have been selected by High Street Holdings to operate this new hotel in Kuala Lumpur, which will be a true flagship for our brand, and hopefully the first of many hotels across Malaysia. Asia continues to be a key territory for our growth, and with Kuala Lumpur joining the pipeline, alongside Tokyo and Bangkok, we are doubling our current footprint in the region and are excited to enhance the portfolio even further.”

 

Pan-Asian London restaurant Gilgamesh confirms December date for comeback launch: Pan-Asian London restaurant Gilgamesh has confirmed a December opening date for its comeback. The Babylonian-themed venue closed in 2018 after more than a decade. At the time of its opening in the Stables Market in Camden, it was London’s largest restaurant, and also had one of the world’s longest bars. Now making its return, this time in Covent Garden, it will open on Monday, 4 December. The new restaurant in Upper St Martin’s Lane will span a multi-level space and will have a menu featuring dishes from across Japan, China and south east Asia, including sushi, salads, dim sum, and robata plates.

 

Scottish coffee bar concept opens second permanent site: Scottish coffee bar concept, The Espresso Kart & Coffee Bar, has opened a second permanent site. Founded in 2018, Stuart Pell originally operated Expresso Kart as a mobile coffee business before the pandemic saw his predominantly events-based business “wiped out”. Instead, he opened his first store, at 43 Campbell Road in Kilmarnock, in April 2021, which has now been followed by a second premises, in St Quivox Road, Prestwick. “Considering how hard the pandemic has hit the hospitality sector, it’s unreal to think we’re in a position to open another outlet,” he told the Daily Record. “It was a dream for me to start the van, coffee was something I wanted to get involved with, and if I had had to close, that would’ve been pretty heart-breaking. The pandemic has actually made me realise that I'm not sure If I would've taken the chance on the shop. I want to give it a real good go.”

 

Freehold investment of Preston building home to Premier Inn, German Doner Kebab and Kaspa’s sold after being marketed for more than £8.7m: The freehold of a Preston building occupied by Whitbread-owned Premier Inn, Hero brands-owned German Doner Kebab and dessert operator Kaspa’s has been sold for an undisclosed sum. The building in Fox Street has been acquired by Haydock-based Seneca Property. The seven-storey property was developed in 2011 at a reported cost in excess of £23m and has been home to a 140-bedroom Premier Inn since, with the business having taken a 25-year lease over the property, for a rent of £725,000 per annum. While the purchase price hasn’t been revealed, it is known that CBRE was marketing the property for sale in the fourth quarter of 2022 and seeking offers in excess of £8.7m. There is potential for further income to be generated from additional suites on the ground and first floors. Jeff Morton, Seneca Property chief executive, said: “The current UK real estate climate presents an attractive contra cyclical, entry point for investments in well located and well occupied properties, particularly where you have a very strong and well established tenant in place such as Premier Inn.” Chris Bullough, Seneca Property managing director, added: “We remain acquisitive and have significant funds to deploy, we are still seeing that the current market can provide opportunities to source and acquire assets with sound property fundamentals while also offering very attractive risk-adjusted returns.”