Starbucks CEO – UK business starting to gain market share and seeing positive like-for-like sales, cutting staff for automation has failed: Starbucks chief executive Brian Niccol has said the UK business has started gaining market share and posted positive like-for-like sales in its second quarter, ending 30 March 2025. It comes after Starbucks posted a bigger-than-expected drop of 1% in global comparable sales, as demand remained sluggish for its coffee in the US amid rising economic uncertainty, compared with analysts’ average estimate of a 0.3% fall. But the international segment saw like-for-like sales increase 2%, compared with analysts’ estimates of a 1.1% drop. Speaking following the results, Niccol said: “In the second quarter, eight of our top ten international markets returned to flat comparable sales or comparable growth. In the UK, we posted positive comparable sales and have started gaining market share with great feedback on our fresh baked launch.” Niccol also said the brand was using learnings from the launch of freshly baked and prepared items in the UK and other international markets to inform its test and scale approach in the US. He added: “To support our continued recovery in future growth, we’re using learnings from international markets to inform our test and scale approach across our global footprint. And we’re building on the success of our US brand campaign to localise and extend our marketing across key international markets.” Niccol, who was hired last year from Chipotle, where he was credited with reviving the fortunes of the burrito brand, has sought to revive sales by steering Starbucks to its coffee house roots. He has rolled out a simpler menu, introducing free refills and made efforts to reduce waiting times at the counter to less than four minutes. He said: “Our financial results don’t yet reflect our progress, but we have real momentum with our ‘Back to Starbucks’ plan. We’re testing and learning at speed and we’re seeing changes in our coffee houses.” Net revenue increased 2% to $8.8bn, in line with analyst estimates. However, net income fell 50% to $384.2m as the business faced costs related to the turnaround strategy. Nicoll also said the business has found cutting staff in favour of automation has failed and it will be looking to hire more baristas. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve actually been removing labour from the stores, I think with the hope that equipment could offset the removal of the labour,” he said. “What we’re finding is that wasn’t an accurate assumption with what played out. Equipment doesn’t solve the customer experience that we need to provide, but rather staffing the stores and deploying with this technology behind it does.”

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive new searchable and segmented New Openings Database tomorrow: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 2 May). The database will show the details of 154 site openings, including which company has opened a site or its plans to open one in the future. The database will have details on what type of site it is and its location, and there will also be a website link to the businesses. The database is published on a monthly basis and Premium Club subscribers will also receive a 9,493-word report on the 154 new additions to the database. The database is segmented into seven categories – cafe bakery, casual dining, experiential leisure, fine dining, hotels, pubs and bars, and quick service restaurants – making it even easier for users to search. The database includes new openings in the experiential leisure sector such as Squid Game: The Experience, opening at London’s ExCel, boutique bowling concept, ML7 (mini-Lane7) being launched in Newcastle by Lane7, and Padium, the high-end padel concept, making its regional debut in Cardiff. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events including Excellence in Pub Retail (May 2025) and discounts on specialist sector reports such as the International Brands report. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club subscribers will be sent a dedicated monthly newsletter that will highlight key updates in the sector and direct subscribers to all the vital content their membership offers. Premium Club subscribers also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel group editor Mark Wingett and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Gordon Ramsay’s new chef’s table experience in London’s Bishopsgate among eight new additions to Michelin Guide: Gordon Ramsay’s new chef’s table experience in London’s Bishopsgate is among eight new additions to the Michelin Guide in April. The 12-seater Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High is one of five culinary experiences from the chef to have opened at the 22 Bishopsgate development, which Ramsay said he has invested more than £20m in. The restaurant sees diners face “stunning views from the 60th floor rather than the chefs” and offers a “surprise menu packed with high-end ingredients”, according to the Guide. It is one of five new entrants from London – alongside Spanish-French influenced Bar Valette in Shoreditch, Italian restaurant canteen in Notting Hill from the owners of The Pelican and The Hero pubs, Thai kitchen Long Chim in Soho, and The Waterman’s Arms pub in Barnes. Moving out to the regions, the Guide has this month added Korean concept Dongnae in Bristol, British pasta and plates restaurant Ember at No.5 in Cardiff, and seafood-focused Zacry’s at the Watergate Hotel in Newquay.

 

 Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a multi-faceted venue spread across two floors, featuring multiple restaurants and bars, that is seeking an experienced general manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This is a high-profile role in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. This role will oversee multiple concepts under one roof, requiring exceptional leadership and operational expertise as the team headcount is above 100 and the venue generates more than £200,000 per week in revenue.” The salary is up to £70,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email kate@corecruitment.com.

 

Exclusive – international gaming café concept secures UK master franchise and targets 40 sites here, with first to open this summer: International gaming café concept Friendly Fire has secured a UK master franchise and targeted an estate of 40 sites here, with the first to open this summer. Friendly Fire was founded in Croatia in 2017, opening its first site in Zagreb, followed by its first franchise location the following year. Founder David Kosir said that during the pandemic, the company “doubled down to polish our franchise system and prepare for worldwide expansion”. It now has ten locations in Croatia, four in Austria, five in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and one each in Slovenia and Mexico. The business has now signed deals to open 100-plus locations across the UK, Spain, Poland and Ukraine. Propel understands that it has targeted 40 sites here and will look to open the first ones this summer. It has partnered with an experienced but as-yet unnamed Domino’s franchisee for the roll-out. “This is a monumental day for Friendly Fire, and for me personally,” Korir said. “For years, we’ve patiently built this. My vision was to build a global franchise. Today, that vision accelerates. Massively. We just signed four huge master franchise deals. Simultaneously. Bringing Friendly Fire to the UK, Spain, Poland and Ukraine. This means 100-plus new Friendly Fire locations, seven-figure investments in those location developments, and first locations opening in three month’s time.” One of the equity partners in Friendly Fire is Andrija Colak, founder of “elevated French fries” franchise Surf’n’Fries, which he founded in Croatia in 2009 and grew to 60 outlets in more than 20 countries. Propel understands that Colak has also been exploring the possibility of bringing Surf’n’Fries, which he describes as “the first Croatian international franchise success story”, to the UK through franchising. Colak added: “Friendly Fire has just signed franchise agreements for the next 100 locations. This is an incredible milestone, and I’m truly proud to be part of this amazing journey. The future is on fire and we’re just getting started!”

KFC UK system sales return for growth for first time since fourth quarter of 2023: Yum! Brands has reported KFC system sales in the UK increased 4% for the first quarter ended 31 March 2025 compared with the previous year – the first rise since the fourth quarter of 2023. The UK accounts for 6% of KFC’s system sales worldwide. Globally, KFC like-for-like sales in the quarter were up 2%, with US like-for-like sales falling 1%. System sales worldwide rose 13% to $8,340m. Operating margin was down 6.6 percentage points to 42.9% and operating profit was up 6% to $331m. KFC opened 528 gross new restaurants in 52 countries during the period. Meanwhile, Pizza Hut system sales in Europe, including the UK, were down 4% – the continent accounts for 11% of Pizza Hut’s system sales globally. Pizza Hut system sales fell 4% globally to $3,028m, with like-for-like sales falling 2%. US system sales, which account for 42% of global sales, were down 7%. Operating margin was down 6.5 percentage points to 32.3%, while operating profit fell 20% to $74m. Pizza Hut opened 198 gross new restaurants in 34 countries during the period. Taco Bell like-for-like sales were up 9% and system sales increased 11% to $3,980m. Operating margin was up 1.9 percentage points to 36.7% while operating profit was up 16% to $241m. Taco Bell opened 24 gross new restaurants during the period in eight countries. Total group revenue in the quarter was up 12% on last year, at $1.79bn.

 

Young’s CEO – we will mitigate additional £11m in Budgetary costs by being more efficient so it’s not all passed on to the customer: Young’s chief executive Simon Dodd has told Propel the business will mitigate its additional £11m bill rising from Budgetary costs by being more efficient so it’s not all passed on to the customer. Dodd said in November that he expected the Budget to cost the business an additional £11m annually, with the rises in national minimum wage and employers’ national insurance payments kicking in this month. Speaking following Young’s trading update, Dodd told Propel: “The business has continued its momentum into the new fiscal year. The cost of national insurance and national living wage is just on £11m to Young’s, and we will mitigate this through pricing, although this will only be our usual circa 2.5%, and look to be more efficient in the way we do business – working with our suppliers, being more effective with capital investment and, most importantly, how we ensure we can serve our customers at peak times. The sun is shining, and the business is in great shape, with our team really knocking it out the park at the moment.” Dodd spoke after Young’s reported total managed revenue, which includes both Young’s and City Pubs, for the year ending 31 March 2025 were up 25.4%, with like-for-like sales up 5.7%. The company said in the 13-week period ending 31 March 2025, like-for like sales were up 7.7% and total managed revenue increased 16.2%. As a result, it said trading for the full year was in line with expectations.

Bagel business The Steamhouse launches new franchise programme, targets 30-store estate within next three years: Bagel business The Steamhouse has launched a new franchise programme and targeted a 30-store estate within the next three years. The brunch operator, which said it is known for its “vibrant stores and freshly baked produce”, is eyeing nationwide growth through its new franchise model. The Steamhouse has ten stores trading, including its latest opening, at 1a Walker Road in Banbury. Founded in Leamington Spa in 2016 and with a presence across Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, the business is now ready to further roll out its made-to-order bagels. “We’ve just had our best year yet,” said co-founder and director, Ashley Baker. “Over the past decade, we’ve developed three unique store formats: The Steamhouse depot (our full brunch destination), The Steamhouse bakery warehouse and The Steamhouse bagel shops. Each are designed to suit a different customer experience and location, while staying true to our focus on quality, creativity and community. We’re not your average eatery – we’re a passionate crew of young, creative foodies serving up mind-blowing eats, fast and fresh. We have high standards and big ambitions, and we’re looking for partners who share that. All of our stores carry five-star environmental health ratings, and we expect the same excellence from our franchisees. We’re ready, and excited, to welcome our first new partners in summer 2025.” To support the rollout, The Steamhouse has partnered with franchise consultant Andy Hulbert, of Bee Smart Consultancy. They have developed a comprehensive franchise programme including recruitment, onboarding, full training, store acquisition, preferential supplier relationships and launch marketing support. The Steamhouse has two Leamington Spa locations and one each in Solihull, Astwood Bank, Redditch, Cheltenham, Bromsgrove, Oxford, Witney (at UE Coffee Roasters) and Banbury. The business also had a range of merchandise including bobble hats, t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters and tote bags.

Taiwanese bubble tea brand exploring UK play: Taiwanese bubble tea brand Comebuytea is exploring launching in the UK. Comebuytea is a brand of bubble tea restaurants funded in Taiwan in 2002. Comebuyteahas 33 stores globally, in markets such as Hong Kong, Australia, the US, Poland and Germany. Comebuytea opened its first airport location in 2016 and first expanded to Europe in 2019. Comebuytea exhibited at the International Franchise Show at London’s ExCel, as it seeks partner with which to expand to the UK. Comebuytea said opening a new store costs between €250,000-€300,000 plus VAT, as well as a one-time system entry fee of €26,000 and a €10,000 deposit.

 

Atis sees ‘strong’ start to 2025 and closing in on regional launch: Atis, the London salad concept co-founded by former Noble Rot sommelier Eleanor Warder and Philip Honer, has told Propel the business has seen a “strong” start to 2025 and is closing in on a regional launch. Atis will expand its presence in the capital when it opens in Grosvenor Street in Mayfair on Monday, 12 May for its 11th outlet. The opening will be Atis’ second of 2025, following a launch at 90 Long Acre in March. The business also has a second Mayfair opening lined up, in North Audley Street. But the company is keen to grow outside London, and Honer said Atis is exploring opportunities in Bristol, Brighton and Manchester, with initial offers submitted. He added: “We’re excited to bring Atis to communities beyond London, and it’s great to see other London-centric brands expanding across the UK too – it's good to see positivity within our segment of the industry.” Honer said trading has seen a “strong start to the year, with momentum continuing to build as the weather improves and the market expands”. He said the business was on track to reach 17 sites by November. “Two more locations are confirmed for next year, and one more to find,” he added. “It’s been intense, but it’s been a positive few months, and everyone is buzzing about the remainder of the year.” Atis is backed by property developer Graham Hedger, who has funded the business, which was founded in Shoreditch in October 2019, from the start. Honer was among the speakers at the latest Propel Multi-Club Conference. His video and the 13 others from the conference are available to Premium Club subscribers. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

JD Wetherspoon set to open new £1m pub in London’s Paddington: JD Wetherspoon is set to open a new pub in London’s Paddington. The pub will open on the site of the former Temper restaurant in Merchant Square and should launch towards the end of the summer. Wetherspoon will spend £1m on developing the site, creating up to 50 jobs. Chief executive John Hutson said: “We are looking forward to opening our new pub in Paddington. Merchant Square is a great mix of residential, office and pubs/restaurants, on the Paddington Basin. We believe that our new pub will be a great addition to the area.” Earlier this month, Propel revealed that Wetherspoon is stepping up its search for franchise partners as it targets hotels to open its pubs. The company has hired Christie & Co to support its search as part of plans to grow to more than 1,000 sites nationwide and is specifically targeting hoteliers across the UK. JD Wetherspoon founder Sir Tim Martin will be among the speakers at the Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference. The all-day conference takes place on Wednesday, 14 May at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. Sir Tim will discuss how the company plans to double its sales to £4bn in the next ten years after passing the £2bn mark last year and why his business is a true melting pot of consumers. Propel is also launching “parallel sessions” at this year’s conference, which offer the chance to deep-dive into specialist subjects. There will be a chance for teams attending the conference to break away and absorb the parallel sessions. There will be ten parallel sessions in total, which will run alongside the main conference. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £345 plus VAT for suppliers. There is a 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club subscribers. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.

 

Lyle’s preparing to take last orders, founder to launch new solo project in 2026: Lyle’s, the modern British restaurant in Shoreditch from James Lowe and John Ogier, is preparing to take its last orders next month. The restaurant, founded by Lowe in 2014, will close its doors for a final time on Sunday, 18 May. Lyle’s was awarded a Michelin star 18 months after it opened and it was placed among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2018, remaining on the list ever since. JKS Restaurants, which has partnered with Lyle’s since 2014, will retain the site at the Tea Building, with further details to follow. Looking ahead to 2026, Lowe is working on an upcoming solo project, with further details to follow on this too. Lowe said: “I couldn’t be prouder of everything that we’ve accomplished at Lyle’s over the last 11 years. Lyle’s has also given me the opportunity to work with some of the best fishermen, artisanal producers and farmers in the UK. To evolve our food alongside them has been a journey that’s kept me inspired year after year, and I’m looking forward to what comes next”. Jyotin Sethi, of JKS Restaurants, added: “We are honoured to have partnered with James and been a part of Lyle’s incredible journey over the last 11 years. We are incredibly sad that this journey has come to end but we wish James the best of luck on his solo project and are excited to see what comes next for him.”

 

Côte launches first homeware collection: Côte, the French brasserie brand backed by the Partners Group, has launched its first homeware collection. Cote has partnered with French lifestyle brand La Redoute Interieurs to produce 12 pieces across two ranges: The Breakfast Collection and Le Marché Collection. These include croissant-print tote bags, breakfast candles and table linens inspired by the colours of seasonal produce. Steve Allen, Côte’s executive chef and former executive chef for Gordon Ramsay, has also created a new spring specials menu to accompany the launch. Dishes include wild garlic French toast, beetroot-cured smoked salmon and slow-roasted lamb shank Navarin. He said: “At Côte, we believe food should be shared and celebrated. This spring, we’ve taken that idea one step further, not only with our inspired new menus, but by creating beautiful products that let our guests recreate the Côte experience at home.”

 

Splendid Hospitality Group makes three new senior hires: Privately-owned Splendid Hospitality Group – which employs more than 2,500 people across its hotels, restaurants and care homes – has made three new senior hires. Emma Yearwood joins the business as group people director, while Austen Bushrod has been appointed director of procurement, and Jon Newton has been named central finance director. Previously holding roles within EMEA and global organisations, Yearwood is experienced at delivering large scale projects and developing high performing teams. Bushrod previously worked at Accor, Radisson Hotels and the Rank Group and has “an in-depth knowledge of the procurement requirements of the hospitality industry”. Newton’s background spans the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, starting at Deloitte, and over the last 20 years, he has gained a track record of effective finance management. Rachel Bulford, the group’s chief commercial officer, said: “As the business continues to expand its portfolio, these appointments will be pivotal in realising our vision to become the UK’s best hospitality company. Splendid Hospitality Group is continuously investing in its portfolio, strengthening its assets and exploring new growth opportunities.” Splendid Hospitality Group operates 38 KFC restaurants across the Midlands and north east and 22 hotels across the UK, as well as three care homes.

 

Auntie Anne’s set to open in Swindon: Pretzel brand Auntie Anne’s is set to open in Swindon, Wiltshire, this weekend. The US brand, which is being rolled out in the UK by master franchisee Freshly Baked, will open at the town’s McArthurGlen Designer Outlet on Saturday (3 May). The outlet is a 44th UK store for Auntie Anne’s, which has ambitions to reach 50 stores here by the end of the year. The opening is also the second in a McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, following its launch at the Chesire Oaks one in February. The Swindon store is being opened by new franchisee Bilal Ehsan, as the brand “continues to welcome fresh faces to its growing network”. Max Burton, managing director of Auntie Anne’s UK & Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening at Swindon Designer Outlet, expanding our footprint in such a dynamic retail location. This is a major step in our 2025 growth journey, and we’re excited to serve up our signature freshly baked pretzels to shoppers in Swindon.”

 

London restaurant group Maginhawa preparing to open its third site this year with fourth to follow: London restaurant group Maginhawa is preparing to open its third site this year, with a fourth to follow soon. The group will open Filipino and European bistro Belly at 157 Kentish Town Road on Thursday, 8 May, with a menu centred around wood-fired cooking. The opening follows those this month of both Caribbean takeaway Hoodwood, at 85 Kentish Town Road, and Filipino-Japanese bakery concept Café Mama & Sons, next door at number 83. Omar Shah, owner of Maginhawa Group, already runs Bintang, Guanabana, Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream, Good Wood and Mamasons Cafe in Kentish Town Road. Shah, who is also behind Donia and Rama in the capital, is also lining up Mamasons Bakery Factory, in nearby Hawley Road. The menu at the 35-seater Belly will include French classics such as steak tartar, given an Asian twist with cured yolk and nori seasoned crisps. There will also be wood-fired wagyu picanha with peppercorn and liver sauce, oak-smoked tinola chicken with caper, ginger and coriander salsa verde, and wood smoked sticky tamarind lamb ribs.

 

AG Barr in early talks to sell Strathmore bottled water brand: Funkin owner AG Barr has said it is in preliminary discussions with a third party about the potential sale of its Strathmore bottled water brand. AG Barr had previously declared its intention to discontinue the Strathmore brand within this fiscal year. The company stressed discussions were in the early stages, and there was no guarantee the talks would result in a deal. In March, AG Barr said the business had entered the 2025-26 financial year “in a strong position” and current trading was “in line with our expectations”.

 

Rolled set for London debut as Market Place reveals trader line-up for St Paul’s venue: Australian-style sushi concept Rolled is set to make its London debut, as Market Place reveals the trader line-up for its forthcoming St Paul’s venue. Market Place, the food hall concept with locations in Vauxhall, Peckham and Harrow, will open its largest and most central site yet, next to St Paul’s Cathedral, on 27 May. The 6,834 square-foot venue will feature nine traders over two floors, one of which will see Rolled – which made its debut last year and has two sites in Manchester – open its first London location. There will also be wood-fired sourdough pizzas from Free Wheelin Pizza, Michelin-starred Greek street food from OPA, South American flavours from Streat Latin and Bangkok-inspired street food from Thai House. Joining them will be duck specialists Duck Shed, Caribbean concept Hot Scotch, award-winning Indian kitchen Tikka Nation and South American asado experts Argentinian Grill. Blake Henderson, managing director of Market Place, said: “The City has been crying out for a dining concept that matches its energy. We’re not just opening another food hall; we’re creating an escape from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world. We’re thrilled to be welcoming a mix of traders to our venue, some old friends of the brand, and some exciting new additions.”

London coffee operator secures third site: London coffee operator Kat Coffee has secured its third site, Propel has learned. Kat Coffee is to open in the former Anglo restaurant premises in St Cross Street in Farringdon. Launched in 2019, Kat Coffee currently operates sites in Sloane Square and Wandsworth. Modern British restaurant Anglo, which was opened by Le Manoir-trained chef Mark Jarvis in March 2016, shut in July last year. Percy Fricker, of Restaurant Property, acted for the seller on the Farringdon deal.

 

Ennismore to open Hoxton in Nashville: Gleneagles and Hoxton hotels owner Ennismore is set to open a new Hoxton hotel in Nashville. Due to open in 2027, the hotel will join the brand’s growing network in the US including New York, Portland, Los Angeles and Chicago. The Nashville hotel’s four food and beverage destinations will include a restaurant, bar and coffee shop concept offering “Hox classics” with a local twist, and a rooftop, poolside restaurant and bar on the eighth floor. There will also be a speakeasy on the lower level offering late-night cocktails and entertainment, while The Apartment will host private dining, parties, meetings and celebrations in a series of private rooms centred around a communal pantry kitchen. The 200-bedroom hotel will have an indoor fitness centre and an events terrace. There are currently 17 The Hoxton hotels across cities like London, Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam and Florence. The pipeline of new additions opening in 2025 includes Edinburgh, Dublin, Oslo and Melbourne.

 

Pure partners with Wildfarmed for new sustainable breakfast and lunch menu: Pure, the healthy food-to-go concept, has partnered with regenerative farming business Wildfarmed for a new “elevated and sustainable” breakfast and lunch menu. Pure’s muesli and porridge will now feature Wildfarmed oats, grown using regenerative agricultural processes, while its thick-cut sandwiches will now be made with premium Wildfarmed flour. Pure founder Spencer Craig said: “The Wildfarmed partnership is a proud moment for Pure and aligns perfectly with our broader sustainability initiatives. We already have the largest high street discount of £1 for using a reusable cup, offer free water in all Pure shops in partnership with Belu, collaborate with food waste reduction platform Too Good To Go, and have a very strong commitment to sourcing ingredients responsibly. By joining the regenerative movement alongside Wildfarmed, Pure is setting a new standard for food quality and sustainability in both food-to-go and catering.”

 

Motcombs opens at former Jason Atherton site in London’s Mayfair: Motcombs, the restaurant group that originally operated as a neighbourhood brasserie in Belgravia, has returned to Central London with an opening in London’s Mayfair. The company has repurposed Jason Atherton’s flagship former Pollen Street Social site, at 8-10 Pollen Street, as Motcombs Mayfair. The venue features a 65-cover restaurant, a large bar and a covered terrace for 18 guests that will open for summer. Head chef Rafal Nowack, a former Gordon Ramsay alumni who oversaw the kitchen at Motcombs St John’s Wood, also previously worked at the venue when it was Pollen Street Social. He oversees an open kitchen serving fresh fish and lobster food from the raw bar, while the main menu showcases “modern European and British comfort cuisine with elevated touches”. Highlights include the caviar rosti, hand cut steak tartare, chicken pot pie and duck ragu pappardelle, as well Motcombs Belgravia classics such as shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and vodka penne. There is also a burger and hot dog counter offering food to take away. The bar is led by James Smith, formerly of The Ivy West Street, and offers house and classic cocktails, draught beer and curated wine and Champagne lists. Motcombs Mayfair also host events including weekly live jazz every Thursday. Owner Ross Anderson said: “We're excited to be opening this new style Motcombs in Mayfair. We wanted to create a space for everyone that celebrates the traditions of Motcombs Belgravia while offering a more modern finesse. The menu has been designed to encourage long lunches and celebratory dinners.” Motcombs first launched as neighbourhood brasserie Motcombs, at 26 Motcomb Street in Belgravia, in 1982. At the end of last year, the company opened a second site, at 3 Circus Road in St John’s Wood. The original Motcombs site has since closed and is no longer listed on the company’s website.

Padel company led by son of former Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp lines up plans for UK debut: A padel company led by the son of former Liverpool FC manager Jürgen Klopp has lined up plans for its UK debut. Padel FC, which has a location in Berlin, is behind plans to launch a padel club at Liverpool Tennis Centre, located in Wellington Road. The city council has now issued heads of terms to the company for a 25-year lease agreement. The scheme includes six indoor and three outdoor padel courts, along with toilets and a food truck. The business will also construct a dome-shaped steel structure with plastic sheeting to cover the site. Padel FC will invest about £500,000 into the development, with rent for the first year set at £70,000 and £140,000 thereafter, with five yearly rent reviews. The local authority’s cabinet will discuss the development at a meeting next week. Marc Klopp is one of four directors that head up Padel FC, alongside former footballer Bradley Orr, plus Michael Smith and Carl Spellman, reports Insider Media.

Former Palomar and Machneyuda chefs to relaunch Middle Eastern steakhouse concept in June: Former Palomar and Machneyuda chefs Shiri Kraus and Amir Batito will relaunch their Middle Eastern steakhouse concept, Black Cow, in June. The Israeli duo launched Black Cow at the Hawley Wharf development in London’s Camden in 2021, which has now closed. They will relaunch a revamped Black Cow in east London’s The Stage, on Thursday, 12 June. The Stage is a “reimagined development” of the 1570s Shakespearean Curtain Playhouse Theatre in Curtain Road split into three dining areas. Black Cow will offer a dining experience filled with theatrics, from an open-fire kitchen to plates arriving with flaming herbs. Dishes will include homemade cornbread with lamb butter; lamb merguez corn dog, labneh and sweet harissa; and corn, ras el hanout, salted crumble and feta. There will also be picanha, T-bone and onglet steaks. Signature cocktails will include the Ottoman Martini – with vodka, kahlua, Turkish coffee, cardamom and cream – alongside wine from lesser-known producers in the old world, with a particular focus on unique, quirky and family-owned producers.

Electric Group rebrands Bristol site: Electric Group, the UK’s fastest growing music venue operator behind venues like Electric Brixton and NX Newcastle, has rebranded its SWX Bristol site to Electric Bristol. The company said it is intended that Electric Bristol will host an eclectic programme of club nights working in collaboration with the best promoters, brands and labels across dance genres to compliment the live diary. The group said: “With a new, major investment in stage production, the new Electric Bristol will be a production complete events space for the south west, leveraging the venue's illustrious past, with its unique ball-room layout, stage, unbeatable sight-lines and acoustics, state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. Located centrally in Nelson Street, Electric Bristol will continue its legacy of hosting cutting-edge live music performances and late nights, with a reputation as one of the south west’s premier music destinations and community staple.” Chief executive and co-founder of Electric Group, Dominic Madden, added: “It’s so important that music venues evolve with the times, and we are committed to putting the artist and fan, front and centre of what we do. The rebranding of SWX as Electric Bristol is a natural progression for the iconic Nelson Street building.”