Exclusive – first round bids in for Dishoom: Transatlantic investment funds and high-net-worth-individuals are believed to be among the parties that have submitted first round bids to invest in award-winning Indian restaurant group Dishoom, Propel understands. Bids for the business were understood to be due last week, with industry sources suggesting that the valuation for the business could be in excess of £350m. Last November, Dishoom revealed it had appointed advisors to help it secure new investment to aid a launch in the US, which could happen as early as this year. The business, which was founded in 2010, is working with Goldman Sachs. Co-founders Shamil and Kavi Thakrar said the process could see the business bring in an investor or partner to fund the move, and to also provide expertise and strategic counsel as it looks to enter the US market and continue its growth in the UK. The business currently operates ten sites under its eponymous concept and four under its newer Permit Room format. Dishoom – which operates Permit Rooms in Brighton, Cambridge, Oxford and in London’s Portobello Road – will open a site in Glasgow this summer under its eponymous brand – a 7,000 square-foot site at the former stock exchange building in Nelson Mandela Place. Dishoom has also lined up a further opening under its eponymous brand, on the ground floor of 68-78 Vicar Lane in Leeds. Co-founder Shamil Thakrar told Propel earlier this year that he believes Dishoom can open two or three sites a year, and that it will have a clear plan in place in 2025 for its US debut, with New York earmarked for the launch. Latest accounts available for Dishoom show the company saw turnover increase 23% to £116.8m in the 12 months to 31 December 2023. The results – reflecting the first time the current 12-month period and prior comparable year were both unaffected directly by covid 19 – included significant growth in Ebitda, up 41.9% to £13.3m. Pre-tax profit increased to £7.4m from £4.8m. Earlier this year, Shamil Thakrar talked to Propel group editor Mark Wingett about 15 years of the brand, how the business and his leadership has evolved, how it has kept the connection with employees and consumers relevant and strong, and how it plans to keep the “secret sauce” in the company as it looks to take it first steps internationally. This is one of around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of a year made available to Premium 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.

Sponsored message – Square Handheld launches in UK, powering growth for restaurants: Square, the global technology company, has launched Square Handheld in the UK, setting food and beverage sellers up for success as they enter the busy summer season. Square Handheld is the “most powerful”, portable point-of-sale device yet from Square and is being launched alongside a suite of industry-specific features and upgrades “to empower UK businesses to move faster, deliver better customer experiences and grow”. A spokesperson said: “The best systems are those that improve the daily flow – for guests and staff alike – by syncing front-of-house with the kitchen, simplifying payments, and eliminating repetitive tasks. Square Handheld was developed with this in mind, empowering staff with the mobility, speed, and efficiency needed to keep operations steady and deliver high-quality customer experiences.” Square is also launching new features – including item splitting, scan to pay QR codes, multichannel menu management, and ResDiary integration – while expanding its partnership ecosystem to help UK restaurants streamline operations, improve service, and drive growth. For more information on Square's recent product innovations and how they can help UK businesses, click here. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

Heriots Patisserie founder Deena Ataie to speak at Propel summer conference and party, open for bookings: Deena Ataie, founder of Heriots Patisserie, will be among the speakers at the Propel Multi-Club Conference and summer party on Thursday, 4 September, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry. The all-day conference will focus on “moving ahead with evolved thinking” and will be followed in the evening by the summer party, with a barbecue and more than four hours of live music. There are up to two free places per company for operators and Premium operator subscribers can book up to four places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com. A room can also be booked for the evening at an additional cost. For more details, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com. Ataie will discuss the birth of the café/cake shop concept, its growth across London, and where it goes from here. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Meanwhile, the evening entertainment includes the return by popular demand of the UK’s top Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow tribute acts as Scott Borley and Daniel Hadfield again join forces. Pure Mercury, the UK’s foremost Freddie Mercury tribute act, will also be performing along with The Greek Street Live House Band, which will be playing guests’ requests. The evening will also feature a music quiz with PubQuiz. 

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Multi-Site Database with 3,421 operators and 22 new companies today: Premium Club subscribers are to receive the updated Multi-Site Database today (Friday, 27 June), at noon. The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,421 multi-site operators and is searchable in seven main segments. The database features 1,004 (29%) operators from the casual dining sector, 798 (23%) pub and bar operators, 586 (17%) cafe bakery operators, 475 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 283 (8%) hotel operators, 221 (6%) experiential leisure operators and 54 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month, and this edition includes 22 new companies. The database includes new companies in the cafe bakery sector such as independent bakery and café Cotton and London speciality coffee shop Mouse Tail Coffee. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five additional databases: the New Openings Database, the 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 Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events including the Operational Excellence Conference in July and discounts on specialist sector reports. 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. This week, Wingett looks at Pret A Manger’s new format move and the leading news stories from the week, taking in more pain in the casual dining 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.

Propel names Licensed Trade Charity as exclusive charity partner: Propel and the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) have signed an exclusive agreement making the LTC the exclusive charity partner of Propel. The new partnership is set to significantly help the charity in growing its awareness, enabling it to reach even more people in the licensed hospitality community in need of support. The partnership will increase visibility of the LTC and drive further awareness of the charity’s services across both the Propel readership and attendees at Propel’s leading trade events, including Propel Multi-Club. KAM research for the LTC has shown that 72% of people in pubs, bars and breweries have faced challenges in the last 12 months, and with more than one million people working in the industry, this partnership is an important strategic step from the LTC, set to raise awareness, widen the charity’s impact and drive the organisation forward in its mission to increase charitable giving to £3m, over the next five years. The partnership between Propel and the LTC is built on shared values, with both committed to positively impacting the industry and increasing awareness of the vital support that the LTC provides to hospitality businesses and their teams. Paul Charity, managing director at Propel, said: “We’re thrilled to establish this partnership with the LTC. At Propel, we hear every day about the challenges operators and industry staff face. The breadth of tools and resources offered by the LTC will no doubt help many of our readers, so we're delighted that we can offer a platform to extend the charity's reach and provide readers with a pathway to the support that’s available through the LTC.” Joby Mortimer, director of charity operations at the LTC, said: “This partnership is an exciting milestone for the LTC, with Propel being a must-read for me and for many others in our industry, and Multi-Club being a must-attend industry event. The partnership will enable us to reach more individuals and organisations in hospitality. We want everyone in the industry to know that we are here for you 24/7, whether you’re facing a challenge or just want to take a positive step forward – we are your safety net. Last year alone, we helped more than 40,000 people, and through this partnership with Propel we’re hopeful that even more people will feel encouraged to use our resources and access our support if in need.”

In Conversation – Propel talks to WatchHouse managing director Caroline Ottoy: In the latest In Conversation podcast, Propel group editor Mark Wingett and Mark Stretton, chief executive of leading sector public relations firm Fleet Street Communications, talk to Caroline Ottoy, managing director of specialty coffee concept WatchHouse. Available today (Friday, 27 June) at 3pm to Premium subscribers, Ottoy discusses her career, further plans for the business both nationally and internationally, staying ahead in a competitive market, mentoring the next generation of female leaders, and how those she has worked under have shaped her management style. 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.

AI-driven customer experience and feedback management platform secures £4.6m in funding: Serve First, the artificial intelligence (AI)-driven customer experience and feedback management platform, has raised £4.6m to support its continued expansion into Europe and the US. The business has secured the funding from Pembroke VCT and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, through its appointed fund manager Mercia Ventures, Tiny VCT and Techstars, alongside angel investors. Together, the investment will support the business’ UK and international expansion into Europe and the US, as well as product innovation, after achieving rapid growth in the UK market. The company said the new funding builds on its momentum to date, having tripled its annual recurring revenue in the past 12 months and secured major enterprise clients including Aramark and Elior Group. Serve First's AI-driven platform collects and analyses customer feedback from sources such as in-store surveys, online reviews and mystery shoppers, “harnessing AI to drive insights and actions to front-line teams”. Serve First founder and chief executive, Erol Ayvaz, said: “This funding marks a landmark moment in Serve First's journey. We've proven the value of our platform in delivering measurable improvement in customer experience, and this investment will enable us to aggressively scale that impact further both in the UK and internationally over the next three years. Our focus remains on building AI-driven technology that empowers businesses to serve, not just sell.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a new restaurant opening this autumn that is looking for an HR manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “Already a global name, this is the company’s first UK site, and is seeking a strong, hands-on HR manager to lead all people operations from the ground up. This role will cover recruitment, onboarding, systems, compliance, training, and everything in between. The role will support the leadership team through pre-opening and then take full ownership of HR day to day. There’s already one HR officer in place – and scope to bring in a second hire to support the HR manager once things are up and running. The role is based on-site in London, with flexibility around working hours/hybrid working – and potential to grow with the brand as it expands.” The salary is up to £65,000. For more information, email kate@corecruitment.com. 

Exclusive – The Coconut Tree placed on the market after CVA process fails: Sri Lankan street food operator The Coconut Tree has been placed on the market after the company voluntary arrangement (CVA) it was subject to recently failed, Propel has learned. It is understood that purchasers are sought for the seven-strong company, which was founded in 2016 by five Sri Lankan friends living in Cheltenham – Mithra Fernando, Rashinthe Rodrigo, Dhanushka Fernando, Praveen Thangiah and Shamil Fernando, with offers invited for the business and assets on an accelerated time frame. Last year, the company closed its site in Cardiff, and earlier this year shuttered a site in Birmingham. The business had been working with restructuring experts at Forvis Mazars on its CVA plans. Propel understands that The Coconut Tree is profitable at a gross margin/site by site level, but legacy debt is holding the company back and has become difficult to service. It is thought that the existing owners will consider a full exit and support a smooth transition to new ownership. The business is headquartered at a freehold premises in Cheltenham with two leasehold restaurants in Bristol and one in each of Bath, Reading, Oxford and Bournemouth. Average covers per week are believed to be circa 3,000, with an average spend per cover of around £30. For the period from January to May 2025, sales per site were £417,000 at the Cheltenham site, £244,000 in Oxford, £175,000 in Bournemouth, £258,000 in Bath, £223,000 in Reading, £258,000 in one of its Bristol sites, and £220,000 in the other. Last January, the company launched a £1m crowdfund campaign, with plans to open two sites in London. The business was offering 10% of equity, with a pre-money valuation of £10m. The business was forecasting having 13 sites by the end of last year, 20 by the end of 2025 and 50 by the end of 2028. The company was targeting a valuation of £100m by 2028, with an aim to grow annual revenue from £6.7m to £70m. However, no update on how the crowdfunding campaign went was given and the end date of the campaign was pushed out from 15 January into February, and then into April. Last year, the business also said it was preparing a franchise model to “fast-track” its overseas expansion, focusing on Sri Lanka, the country that inspired its offering.

Various Eateries targeting 25 Noci sites in medium term, Rebecca Tooth stands down as Coppa Club MD: Various Eateries, the Hugh Osmond-backed business that operates the Coppa Club and Noci concepts, is looking to grow the latter pasta bar format to 25 sites in the medium term, and said it was “well positioned for selective expansion in London and beyond”. The business currently operates four sites under the Noci concept in London – in Richmond, Battersea, Islington and Shoreditch. The company, which earlier this week reported like-for-like sales for the 12-week period since 30 March 2025 are up 6.8%, said: “Noci, the modern neighbourhood Italian pasta bar with sites across London, also performed well and is primed for long-term growth. Our Richmond location, which opened in May last year, continues to trade in line with expectations, benefiting from its prime location and establishing itself among locals as an affordable, high-quality dining location. Like Coppa Club, Noci is well positioned for selective expansion in London and beyond, supporting our medium-term goal of growing the brand to 25 sites. The scalable concept also allows for easy roll-out into 3,000-4,000 square foot units, broadening the range of potential locations, which we continue to assess with discipline.” The company currently operates 13 Coppa Club sites, and said that post 30 March 2025, its Tower Bridge Coppa Club recorded its best ever week. The company said: “We see strong growth potential in both ‘townhouse’ and single-floor formats, and will continue to assess expansion opportunities carefully, pursuing them only when the conditions are right. Our expansion strategy for both concepts is clearly defined, with a target return on investment of 25% to 33% for new sites.” It comes as Propel has learned that Rebecca Tooth has recently stepped down as managing director of Coppa Club to join cinema group Everyman as its new director of operations. Tooth joined Various Eateries in summer 2003, after stepping down as chief operating officer of Bill’s, the Richard Caring-backed restaurant business, at the end of 2022. Tooth joined Bill’s in October 2021 following 12 years at Cote, where she had stints as its central operations director, operations director and regional director.

Kerb CEO – we are excited to see how new smaller format connects with people in a different way: Simon Mitchell, chief executive of street food collective and hospitality group Kerb, has told Propel that the business is excited to see how its new smaller format “connects with people in a different way” but still delivers “everything we care about”. The business announced this week that it was to launch Kerb Social Club in Brushfield Street, on the edge of Spitalfields Market, in August. The space will span two floors and is being billed as a place where “American sports bar energy meets proper pub comfort, fused with an inclusive community buzz”. There will be three food residencies on the ground floor – fried chicken concept Only Jerkin', Oh My Dog serving hot dogs, and Cutie Pies, which offers Detroit-style pizza and is new to London following a recent Brighton residency. Upstairs, there will be a terrace bar overlooking the market and five private rooms, featuring 100-inch TV screens, karaoke booths, gaming consoles, pool tables and darts. Mitchell told Propel: “Since opening Seven Dials Market, we've been clear on what we look for in a Kerb space – iconic locations, strong footfall, and a thriving local street food scene. But places like Seven Dials Market don't come around often – especially outside of London. With Kerb Social Club, we're exploring a more intimate format that still delivers everything we care about – an iconic location with brilliant food and drink, lots of energy, and an inclusive spirit. It's a new, smaller kind of Kerb space and we're excited to see how it connects with people in a different way.” Earlier this week, Kerb revealed it was launching a new weekly market in nearby Leyton. Kerb is rolling into Francis Road every Saturday from 5 July. The market – supported by Waltham Forest Council – will bring a rotating line-up of up to 20 independent street food traders and local produce stalls every week from 10am–4pm. Since launching as a pop-up in 2012, Kerb has grown into an international operator of food halls, event catering and its own social enterprise.

Birds looks to increase foothold in area of market between Greggs and Gail’s while modernising product range and building on sales growth: Jamie Bird, joint managing director of East Midlands bakery brand Birds, is planning to introduce a new range of products to widen its customer-base and increase sales. It comes as the 106-year-old business is expected to see turnover hit £35m in 2025, its highest for a number of years. Birds sees its position in the market as between food-to-go operator Greggs and fast-growing bakery brand Gail's. Bird told Insider Media the 62-strong group will build on this momentum by catering for more modern tastes and emphasising freshness. “A big part of our rebranding is around being more relevant to more people,” he said. “As we revitalise our basket of goods, we should see that drive through in additional sales.” Bird, who is the fourth generation of the family to run the business, said the major challenge for the management team is balancing traditional offerings with more discerning choices. “Historically, you knew what people were buying,” he said. “There was more consistency. Now there's more choice in the high street, and people want to try lots of different things. We've seen sales of some of our cream cakes decline. We're replacing these with other options, like cinnamon buns and raspberry and pistachio Danish pastries.” As the business continues to evolve – a shop was recently opened in Ruddington, south Nottinghamshire, and another is planned in Sheltorpe near Loughborough – Bird said expansion is not the main priority right now. The bakery operation at its headquarters in Osmaston currently services all of its shops. While it could serve 80 shops in total, said Bird, the current focus is on “some rotation” of stores – as recently seen in Ashby-de-la Zouch and Loughborough town centre – but staying with roughly the same number for at least the next three years. There are no plans to move any further out of the East Midlands. “All our stores are profitable, but we're always conscious about how the high street is reshaping and where we sit within that,” said Bird. “There are a number of sites where we have done small relocations within that town or street.”

SSP hires Scott Etherington as new CFO UK & Ireland: SSP, the UK operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has hired Scott Etherington – formerly of Debenhams, Co-op and Wasabi – as its new chief financial officer for the UK and Ireland. Etherington joins SSP after just under a year as group finance director at Debenhams. He spent almost seven years at Co-op, including just over two years as its commercial finance director. He also spent two-and-a-half years as group finance director at Wasabi. Last month, SSP reported UK like-for-like sales in the six weeks to 11 May 2025 were up 10% as its strong performance continued. Group like-for-like sales during the period grew by 5% on a constant currency basis, including a benefit from the later timing of Easter. Last week, SSP signed a new 14-year catering deal at Leeds Bradford airport.

Blank Street plans fourth Manchester site: US coffee brand Blank Street, which made its debut in the UK in 2022, is lining up a further opening in Manchester. The company, which operates 45 sites in the UK, plans to open in the former Philpotts unit on the corner of Portland Street/Oxford Street, in the city. Blank Street already operates three sites in Manchester, in Piccadilly Gardens, the Trafford Centre and King Street. Earlier this year, the brand, which currently operates circa 50 sites in New York City plus outposts in Boston and Washington DC, opened its second site in Edinburgh, on the corner of Princes Street and Hanover Street. It came after the business made its debut in Scotland, with an opening at 5 India Buildings, in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Last year, Issam Freiha, who co-founded Blank Street Coffee in New York in 2020 with Vinay Menda, said the UK market was a driving force of the company’s overall growth strategy.

Costa’s third-largest UK franchisee keeps expansion plans on hold in short term as turnover passes £20m: Costa Coffee franchisee, Gerry’s Offshore, which operates 33 sites in. the UK and is the brand’s third-largest franchisee here, has said growth plans remain on hold in the short term as it focuses on current operations. It comes as the group, which employs around 550 staff, reported turnover increased to £20,368,266 the year ending 30 June 2023 compared with £19,239,174 the previous year. Ebitda stood at minus £473,366 compared with minus ££96,363 the previous year. Pre-tax losses narrowed to £1,100,677 from £1,367,218 the year before. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “In light of the economic impacts, the company has again restricted its growth in the year. Instead of opening new stores, the focus has remained on current operations, aiming to maximise sales with minimum new employment opportunities due to a short-term halt in store acquisitions. The company will continue to review operations and invest to take advantage of growth opportunities, to build infrastructure to support long-term growth and improve the customer offering to retain the market position.” No dividend was paid (2022: nil).

Safestay hires new CFO: Hostel operator Safestay has hired Carlos Salas Dual as its new chief financial officer. Salas Dual will join the business on Monday (30 June) to replace Paul Hingston, who has decided to step down after three years in the role. Salas Dual has extensive experience in senior financial management roles across a range of sectors, most recently acting as group financial controller for Gibraltar-based marine company MH Bland. He has also held senior financial controller positions at Gibraltar-based Fairhomes Real Estate Group, cosmetics producer KF Beauty, and international pharmaceutical and biotechnology company GSK. Safestay chairman Larry Lipman said: “Carlos’ extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue to explore the expansion of our portfolio of premium hostels and, where appropriate, seek to crystallise value for shareholders. On behalf of the board, I would also like to thank Paul for his contribution over the last three years and wish him the very best for the future.” Earlier this week, Safestay reported forward bookings are at a “satisfactory level” as consumer confidence remains under pressure, as it posted record turnover of £23m for the year ending 31 December 2024.

Black Country pub group Bathams reports record £6.8m revenue as turnover exceeds pre-covid levels: Family brewer and pub operator Bathams, which has been in operation for nearly 150 years, has reported turnover increased to a record £6,794,149 for the year ending 30 June 2024 compared with £6,198,956 the previous year. Revenue also exceeded the £6,235,187 for the year ending 30 June 2019 – the last full year before the covid pandemic. Pre-tax profit was up to £2,201,121 from £1,667,710 the year before (2019: profit of £1,713,115). A dividend of £2,001,552 was paid (2023: £500,388). Founded in 1877 by Daniel Batham, the company is now in its sixth generation of ownership by the family and runs 12 pubs around the Black Country, while supplying beer to establishments across the country.

Scottish operator MacAli Group adds pub with rooms to growing portfolio: The MacAli Group, which labels itself as “one of the north of Scotland’s fastest-growing hotel and accommodation operators”, has added to its expanding portfolio by reopening the Old Mill in the historic village of Brodie, near Inverness. The business has refurbished the five-bedroom pub, returning the site from a restaurant to its original country pub status. The company also intends to develop the site, which has been closed since 2023, as a venue for weddings and outdoor events and will submit plans to increase the number of guest bedrooms. MacAli Group chief executive, Mohammed Ali, said: “We are very excited to welcome this new business to our portfolio. I have lived in this area all my life and have fond memories from being young and knowing the Old Mill as being a pub and then seeing it move to fine dining. MacAli Group is going to bring it back to the old days of real pub food for all the family. We are a family-run business and we are proud to be bringing back more family-friendly venues across Scotland.” MacAli Group operates several properties across the north of Scotland, including the Poseidon’s Inn, the Firth Hotel and MacRaj Indian restaurant, all in Lossiemouth; Nairn Nights and the West End hotel in Nairn; Harbour Nights in Arbroath; Taigh Mor in Eriskay; and the Crown Court Hotel in Inverness.

Chef Phil Howard plans opening in City of London for Notto concept: Michelin-starred London chef Phil Howard is planning to open a site under his pasta bar concept Notto, in the City of London, Propel understands. Howard – who is behind Elystan Street, Church Road, and Kitchen W8 – launched Notto in London’s Piccadilly in November 2022, having changed its name from Otto following a legal issue. The venture, with business partner Julian Dyer, of Pots & Co, was the first bricks-and-mortar site for the concept, having initially launched as an online delivery service in May 2021. In 2023, Howard opened a second Notto site at 4 Henrietta Street in Covent Garden. He has now applied to open a site at 1 Broadgate, under the name Notto to Go, suggesting a smaller, more grab and go version of the concept. Earlier this year, Propel reported that Howard plans to open a Notto in the Loxton Walk development in Marylebone, which comes online later this year. The development will deliver 28,500 square-foot of retail and leisure space across 17 ground floor units, accessible via four new avenues from George Street, Blandford Street, Gloucester Place and Baker Street. Last year, the business was linked with a site at 29-31 Old Brompton Road, in South Kensington, although that is yet to open. 

Indian restaurant business Noir set to open first QSR location: Indian restaurant business Noir is set to open its first quick service restaurant (QSR) concept. Noir launched in east London at the end of 2022 with a site at 190 George Lane in South Woodford. The concept, which is led by Ardy Ardakani, then last year opened a 350-cover site at 3rd Avenue, in Manchester’s Trafford Park. Noir is now preparing to return to the capital to open a QSR location in an as-yet unnamed Central London location.

Bowling, gaming and bar concept Bowl Central opens third site: Bowling, gaming and bar concept Bowl Central has opened its third site, in Reading, Berkshire. The venue has opened in Caversham Road, offering bowling, pool and augmented reality darts and a bar serving a range of cocktails. There is also an arcade. Bowl Central also has sites in Fareham in Hampshire and Bournemouth in Dorset. 

NHS Chef of the Year winners adapt winning dish for hospital menus: Medirest, the healthcare division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, and Compass’ Cuisine Centre have partnered to bring a new dish to hospital patients. Medirest chefs Manuela Miccoli and Alejandro Bedoya Hernandez were named the NHS Chef of the Year winners in October 2024, having competed against seven other finalists during the five-day event. The duo have been working closely with Compass’ wider Medirest and Cuisine Centre teams to create a main course of fresh hake and gnocchi served with a cherry tomato sauce. The dish has been added to Cuisine Centres’ Steamplicity menu and is available across 24 partner trusts within the UK. Steamplicity is a catering solution designed to deliver high-quality, nutritious, and convenient dining options, using steam-release cooking technology. The Cuisine Centre creates more than 14 million meals per year. Kate Edgecombe, head of new product development at Cuisine Centre, said: “It’s a real accomplishment to achieve the coveted NHS Chef of the Year award, so we wanted to commemorate the team’s success while further elevating our Cuisine Centre options. Together, we’ve taken Manuela and Alejandro’s creative execution and developed it to work for Steamplicity. It was fantastic to work with the award-winning duo and we’re very happy with the result.”

Scottish Highlands family operator puts both its sites on market for combined £4.5m: Scottish Highlands operator the Dayne family has put both its sites on the market for a combined £4.5m. The family has operated The Clachaig Inn in the village of Glencoe, and The Grog & Gruel in Fort William, for more than 30 years. Owners Peter and Eileen Daynes bought The Clachaig Inn in 1984 and undertook a comprehensive programme of modernisation and expansion. This included the refurbishment and further development of both the self-catering chalets, and the letting accommodation, increasing the number of en-suite bedrooms to 23. Their sons, Guy and Ed, followed in their footsteps and have been running and further developing the business since 1990. Also owned by the family, The Grog & Gruel comprises a traditional ground floor bar, and a restaurant on the first floor, along with a fully fitted commercial kitchen and a beer garden to the rear. Both businesses are being sold as a package through Christie & Co.

 

New Japanese restaurant concept set to open at Stoke development: A new Japanese restaurant concept is set to open at the Goods Yard development in Stoke-on-Trent later this year. Panko & Sushi will occupy a 1,650 square-foot unit on the ground floor of the Goods Yard apartment building. Founded by Edward Cayton, who has 27 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Panko & Sushi offers a contemporary take on Japanese cuisine. He said: “We’ve always believed in finding neighbourhoods with real character and buzz, and Goods Yard has that in spades. There’s a great energy and community vibe here – it’s the perfect spot for Panko & Sushi to land in Stoke. We can’t wait to open our doors and start serving up fresh, flavour-packed dishes to our new neighbours.” The Goods Yard development, led by social impact developer Capital&Centric, includes rental apartments, workspaces and a range of commercial units intended for independent businesses. Panko & Sushi will join independent bakery and café Cotton, which is set make its Midlands debut, at the scheme. Tom Wilmot, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “Having Panko & Sushi choose Goods Yard shows how this new neighbourhood is already turning heads. Its energy and creativity fit perfectly with what we’re all about – bringing authentic, independent vibes to the heart of Stoke-on-Trent.”