Exclusive – TGI Fridays UK and Evolv Collection owners acquire London Brasseries: Calveton UK and Breal Capital – owners of TGI Fridays UK and the Evolv Collection, formerly D&D London – has acquired London Brasseries for an undisclosed sum, Propel has learned. London Brasseries operates five dining destinations, predominantly in London’s West End. The group’s portfolio includes Boulevard Brasserie, Maxwell’s Bar & Grill and Palm Court Brasserie in Covent Garden, PJ’s (Polo Joe’s) in Chelsea and Old Compton Brasserie in Soho. Simon Wilkinson, speaking on behalf of Breal Capital and Calveton, told Propel: “We are thrilled to welcome the London Brasseries family into our hospitality portfolio. We look forward to working with and supporting the entire team, ably led by managing director David Solomon. The plan is to run the business as it is. We remain committed to supporting great restaurants that continue to resonate with our consumers in London.” Solomon added: “We look forward to embarking on this new journey with Breal and Calveton and to building upon the strong foundations that have made London Brasseries the successful restaurant group we are today.” London Brasseries’ journey began in 1972, with the opening of American casual dining concept Maxwell’s Bar & Grill in King Street in Covent Garden. In the early 1990s, the group expanded with the launch of PJ’s Chelsea Brasserie, providing a “sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience”. This was followed by Palm Court Brasserie and Boulevard Brasserie in Covent Garden, which both offer traditional French cuisine. Old Compton Brasserie opened in Soho in September 2018, bringing a “fresh and contemporary twist to our culinary offerings, while maintaining the high standards that have defined our business”. Calveton UK and Breal Capital acquired D&D London in 2023, followed by the bulk of TGI Fridays UK out of administration in October last year.

Dorbiere ‘seeking new opportunities to expand’ after growing profit: Pub operator Dorbiere – which operates circa 40 pubs across the Midlands, north west and north east – has said it is “seeking new opportunities to expand” after growing its profit in the year to 30 September 2024. The company reported a pre-tax profit of £3,075,046 compared with £2,811,524 in 2023. Turnover was up from £15,049,975 in 2023 to £15,326,657. The company received £772,954 in interest (2023: £138,449) and £657 in grants (2023: £698). No dividends were paid (2023: nil). Director Ebrahim Mukadam said: “The year saw the company consolidate its operations to concentrate on its existing estate. The market has continued to provide challenges this year, due to the pressures of the cost-of-living impact on our customers, and the costs to the business. In particular, the costs of staffing was higher than in previous years. The directors are delighted that, despite these challenges, retained profit for the financial year amounted to £2,287,046 (2023: 2,235,093). As at 30 September 2024, the company has net assets of £23,458,093 (2023: £21,171,047). As noted last year, the company upgraded all the electronic point of sales systems, and this new functionality has allowed the business to improve its immediate visibility of its performance and profitability. The ongoing business is secure, solvent and has access to funds if necessary. The company is now actively seeking new opportunities to expand its estate, and purchased a new public house, the Pelican Inn, Barley in May 2025.” Dorbiere features in the Premium Club Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the latest edition of which will be sent to Premium Club subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 10 October) and feature 1,177 companies. Dorbiere’s turnover of £15,326,657 is the 666th highest in the 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.