Scottish casual dining brand targeting ‘initial wave of around ten sites, then scaling steadily with an average of 15-20 openings per year’ after launching franchise programme: Scottish casual dining brand Tony Macaroni has told Propel it is targeting an “initial wave of around ten sites, then scaling steadily with an average of 15-20 openings per year” after launching a franchise programme. Established in 2007 and part of the Viva Italia Group, Tony Macaroni operates 13 restaurants across Scotland and employs more than 300 people. Tony Macaroni is now inviting experienced operators and entrepreneurs to join its next chapter of expansion throughout the UK by signing up as franchisees. Hansaka Gunarathna, head of marketing for Viva Italia Group, told Propel: “We are hoping to land in one of the major English cities first, with northern England looking like a strong early contender. Our model works well in high footfall areas, so we are open to opportunities in other key regions across the UK too. The priority for our UK-wide growth is franchising, with the first franchise location targeted for early 2026. Alongside that, we will continue to invest in a small number of company-owned sites in Scotland where it fits our wider strategy. In the first year, the focus will be on signing the right partners and opening an initial wave of around ten sites, then scaling steadily with an average of 15-20 openings per year as the network matures. The emphasis is on sustainable, well supported growth, rather than the number of restaurants.” The franchise opportunity includes an initial franchise fee of £20,000 plus VAT, a royalty fee of 6% of turnover, a marketing fee of 3% of turnover, and a total investment range of £300,000 to £1,000,000 plus VAT (depending on size and location). The franchise models are suitable for city centres, shopping malls and retail parks. Managing director Sep Marini added: “Our goal is to make Tony Macaroni accessible to more communities across the UK. We have built a business model that combines operational simplicity with a menu people genuinely love. The addition of our rewards app, online ordering and digital marketing gives franchisees modern tools to attract and retain loyal customers. It’s an exciting time to invest in a business that’s proven, profitable and forward-thinking.” The group is also behind Mozza, Bar 1821, The Wine House 1821, Nardini’s Café and Tony2Go. Tony Macaroni will feature in the next Propel UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database, which is exclusive to Premium Club subscribers, and which currently features 370 companies. 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 is also launching the Franchisor Showcase, which will put the spotlight on 11 up-and-coming food and beverage franchisors. The inaugural event will be held on Tuesday, 25 November at One Moorgate Place in London and will feature 11 presentations from within the UK food and beverage franchisor community.

Gail’s co-founder and CEO Tom Molnar to speak at final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025, open for bookings: Tom Molnar, co-founder and chief executive of the fast-growing Gail’s, will be among the speakers at the final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025, which is open for bookings. Molnar will talk about the hard-won lessons from scaling a craft bakery into a nationwide success without sacrificing quality or creativity. He will also discuss the leadership principles that have helped the business – which came top in the inaugural Profit Growth Tracker with the strongest growth in the UK over the past three years – thrive as it celebrates its 20th year. The all-day conference takes place on Wednesday, 5 November, at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London’s Kensington. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium subscribers who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Turnover & Profits Blue Book today: Premium Club subscribers will receive the updated Turnover & Profits Blue Book today (Friday, 10 October), at noon. The database will feature 17 new companies and 81 updated accounts. The database now features a total of 1,177 companies, with 743 in profit and 434 making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the New Openings Database, 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 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 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.

 

Malvern Inns owner – ‘we finally paid off our covid debt but I regret not going down the CVA route to enable us to start afresh’: Alastair Scott, owner of Malvern Inns, which operates two pubs with rooms in Yorkshire, has said the company has “finally paid off our covid debt” but he regrets “not going down the company voluntary arrangement (CVA) route to enable us to start afresh”. Writing in today’s Propel Premium, Scott, who is also chief executive of sector labour management business S4labour, said Malvern Inns has now paid back the £300,000 it borrowed during covid – along with another £50,000 in interest. “The length of the debt overhang has been significant, and of course, it isn’t just the debt,” Scott said. “I sometimes wonder whether we should have gone down the CVA route and ditched a load of debt to enable us to start afresh. In truth, I have no idea how common this has been over the last five years, but my suspicion is a lot of people have done it, maybe quietly, and it has helped them get restarted much faster than us. It is one on my list of many regrets.” In his column, Scott also reflects on the struggles to remain profitable in the post-covid years, but also where he is seeing positives and things “moving in the right direction”. Propel Premium will be sent to Premium Club subscribers today (Friday, 10 October) at 5pm. It will also feature a chat with Wells & Co chief executive Peter Wells about the successes and challenges of the company’s French estate, as it celebrates 30 years of operating in the country. It also features Propel editorial advisor Katherine Doggrell reporting from the Culture Talent & Training Conference, and discussing why treating teams as well as you treat your guests is key to a happy workplace. 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.

 

BrewDog warns Budget represents ‘critical’ moment for future of industry, with UK brewing and pub sector having been hit by more than £1bn in additional costs: Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog has warned the forthcoming Budget represents a “critical” moment for the future of the industry, with the UK brewing and pub sector having been hit by more than £1bn in additional costs over the past 12 months. Costs have been driven by soaring energy bills, rising labour costs, escalating ingredient and packaging prices, and a raft of new taxes and regulatory charges. The additional costs have forced many businesses, including BrewDog, to take action to protect their long-term future. BrewDog has made targeted headcount reductions, closed ten UK bars and sold the Lost Forest estate in the Scottish Highlands. BrewDog chief executive James Taylor said: “These were not easy decisions, but they were the right ones. They allow us to focus on what we do best – brewing great beer, running brilliant bars and delivering for our community of customers and shareholders. Having returned to profitability in 2024, we are now setting the business up for a period of stability and sustainable growth. In the past year alone, energy and utilities, wages, national insurance contributions, raw materials, packaging and regulatory costs have all moved in the wrong direction. We estimate that, taken together, these cost increases have added more than £1bn to the sector’s collective bill.” BrewDog calculated that to recoup these costs, the sector would have to sell an extra 950,000 pints every hour. BrewDog is calling on the government to take meaningful action to support the sector – including reforms to business rates, relief on beer duty and a review of the cumulative cost burden that is threatening the viability of thousands of UK pubs and breweries. The company is also urging the government to consider temporary VAT relief for hospitality to protect jobs and sustain local economies. British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “This analysis from BrewDog reinforces the cumulative impact of the huge barrage of costs the industry has had to cope with, and the difficult choices businesses are having to make.”

 

Cornish Bakery launches employee benefits including shareholder scheme, team rewards, private healthcare and an extra day off for birthdays: Cornish Bakery has launched employee benefits including a shareholder scheme after two years of service, quarterly team rewards based on bakery performance, private healthcare and an extra day off for birthdays. It is part of the 70-strong company’s new mission to “change hospitality for good” and “set a new benchmark for positive workplace culture in the UK hospitality sector”. Writing in today’s (Friday, 10 October) Propel Friday Opinion, managing director Mat Finch sets out just how Cornish Bakery is going about being a people-first business, and how it is paying dividends in terms of its retention rates and its highest ever employee net promoter scores – as well as strong trading results. “While many businesses in the sector are cutting back on people and leaning into automation, we are proud to be taking a different route, keeping our teams at the heart of the bakery experience,” Finch said. “This is incredibly important to us, and we have ambitions to go even further in terms of strengthening our culture and making a positive impact on the industry. Fundamentally, we strive to be ranked as a world-class place to work.” Finch shares more of his thoughts in Friday Opinion, which will be sent out today (Friday, 10 October) at 11am.

 

Publicans dismiss suggestions that later opening hours will ‘save’ industry: Publicans have dismissed suggestions that pubs being allowed to stay open into the early hours will somehow “save” the industry. The government has announced a review of licensing laws, with the stated aim of extending opening hours for pubs, clubs and restaurants in England and Wales. Labour said the goal is to boost the night-time economy and support the struggling hospitality sector, But the Campaign for Pubs said staying open later would mean higher energy bills and staff costs, “something many publicans couldn’t even contemplate at the moment – at a time when the combined impact of the government’s national insurance and wage hikes plus sky high energy bills are making it difficult for many landlords to make a living”. Dawn Hopkins, vice-chair of the Campaign for Pubs and the licensee of the Rose Pub and Deli in Norwich, said: “Longer opening hours won’t keep pubs open. What we need is real support – lower VAT, help with energy bills, and fairer business rates. Around one pub a day is closing, taking staff, small breweries and local suppliers down with it.” Paul Crossman, chair of the Campaign for Pubs and a licensee of the Swan, Slip and Volunteer Arms in York, said: “The government is plain wrong if it thinks the woes of the pub and hospitality industry are in any way due to the licensing laws at this point, and it is actually insulting to hard-pressed publicans to see these reforms framed as any kind of solution to the ongoing crisis in the industry.”

 

The Alchemist working with advisors to assess options: The Alchemist, the bar and restaurant brand, has begun working with advisors on its future funding options which could see long-time backer Palatine exit the business. As first reported by Sky News, the 24-strong business has begun working with advisors at Pura Advisory. Propel understands that the business is at an early stage of assessing its options and that an official sale process has not begun yet. Palatine has backed The Alchemist since 2015. The business trades from 23 sites in the UK – in locations including Birmingham, London, Manchester and Newcastle – and one in Germany and employs close to 1,000 staff. Last year, the company announced plans for ten additional openings, backed by a £15m loan facility with OakNorth bank. The company, which is currently towards a debut franchise location in Dubai, has also closed a number of underperforming venues. A spokesperson for Palatine declined to comment. Last week, chief executive Simon Potts told Propel that the 12 months to 31 March 2025 was “something of a standstill year for us in many ways”, but that trading in its current financial year is “in line with the market”. The business reported turnover for the year to 31 March 2025 of £57,880,000 (2024: £60,319,000), with a pre-tax loss of £2,083,000 (2024: loss of £1,099,000). It said that site Ebitda stood at £9m and that the business remains in a “robust state”. Last month, Potts told bar leaders panel at the National Restaurant Pub & Bar Show 2025 he believes the late night sector will come “roaring back” once economic pressures in this country ease. He said while all manner of studies and reports have shown a trend for Generation Z not drinking or staying out late, this will change once they have more money in their pocket. Potts also said the government, having shifted its autumn Budget back to late November, needs to start communicating its intentions “so we can prepare for Christmas”.

Caffe Nero owner seeing ‘strong’ like-for-like sales growth across all brands and territories: The Nero Group – the owner of Caffe Nero, Coffee#1 and 200 Degrees – has told Propel the group is seeing “strong” like-for-like sales growth across all its brands and territories and continues to see increased customer numbers. Last month, Nero Group, which operates 1,150 stores across 11 countries with more than 11,000 employees, reported record sales of £626.4m for the year ending 31 May 2025. The group delivered like-for-like sales growth of 7%, with overall sales up by 12%. In terms of current trading, Gerry Ford, founder and group chief executive, told Propel: “Trading across the group and brands is very positive. We are seeing strong like-for-like sales growth across all our 11 territories and we continue to increase customer numbers. This suggests the Caffe Nero brand has strong foundations and works well in many communities. We are very pleased by the success in our international markets. Turkey now has more than 100 stores and Poland is just reaching that mark. The island of Ireland has more than 60 stores and the US is closing in on 50. All of these stores are company owned.” As part of its expansion, the group is looking to open 75 sites in the current financial year, and Ford said these will be split half between the UK and half internationally. He added: “We have a lot of growth opportunities everywhere we trade. The issue each year is how many stores do we open in each market.” Last year, the first Caffe Nero drive-thru site opened, at Stansted airport, and Ford said the business will open more. He added: “The lead times of drive-thru stores is significant. It’s a bit disappointing how long it takes to open.” Ford said the group has looked to mitigate rising costs by “buying better, using our scale”. He said generally it only puts prices up in line with inflation. Having acquired FCB Coffee and 200 Degrees, Ford said the group does get a lot of businesses approaching it, wishing to sell or get an investment. He added: “We don’t need to buy anything due to our strong organic growth, but we will always pay attention if it’s a very interesting deal.”

 

Permanently Unique Group makes international debut: Permanently Unique Group has made its international debut. The group has launched Tattu Dubai, at the Ciel Tower, the world’s tallest hotel, located at the edge of Dubai Marina. Tattu Dubai comprises Tattu restaurant and bar (level 74), Tattu sky pool (level 76) and Tattu sky lounge (level 81). Last month, the group reported sales climbed from £29,341,081 to £36,737,249 for the year ending 31 December 2024 and has set its sights on tripling the size of its estate over the next five years. The group, which also includes the Fenix and Louis concepts, saw site Ebitda increase to a record £9.8m from its six existing restaurants and launched Italian American concept Louis last October. Pre-tax profit was up to £3,937,080 from £2,865,118 the year before. The company, which has entered its tenth year in operation, said trading remains strong. The group is currently forecasting significant growth in both turnover and Ebitda in 2025, with group profit expected to pass £11m following a full year's operation of Louis and “exceptional” like-for-like performance from the company’s London flagship Tattu restaurant, at the top of the Outernet building.

 

Chicken Cottage launches first service station site: Halal fast food company Chicken Cottage has launched its first service station site. The company, which has circa 70 UK locations plus a handful of overseas sites, has opened within the Esso Hylands service station in Bookham, near Leatherhead, in Surrey. Chicken Cottage has also opened a further high street store in Greater London, at 54 Tolworth Broadway in Tolworth, Surbiton. A company spokesman said. “Our Bookham Hyland store marks a special milestone as it introduces our first store-in-store concept located inside the Esso petrol station alongside Spar. The launch day was buzzing with energy and plenty of customers trying our products. Meanwhile, our Tolworth opening was a perfect reminder of what brand loyalty looks like –familiar faces, repeat customers, and that unmistakable excitement for their favourite Chicken Cottage flavours.” Chicken Cottage, which has a target to reaching 100 sites by 2027, last month made two promotions to its senior leadership team. Tom Corcoran, who was previously head of operations and group head of operations, was promoted to group chief operating officer, while Rahim Naggay was promoted to group operations manager. Earlier this year, Chicken Cottage launched into Iraq – joining its other overseas markets including Ireland, Malaysia, Kenya, Nigeria, Belgium and Pakistan.

 

Haute Dolci launches new luxury kiosk concept, targets ten openings per year with first to be in Birmingham: Premium dessert and gourmet burger brand Haute Dolci has launched a new luxury kiosk concept, with the first location to open in Birmingham’s Bullring centre next month. Called Dolci Mono, the new format is designed to bring the brand into high-footfall retail and travel destinations. Following the Birmingham launch, the company has an “ambitious rollout strategy” for Dolci Mono and is targeting the rollout of ten kiosks per year across major shopping centres, transport hubs and leisure destinations. Confirmed pipeline locations include Brent Cross, the O2 Arena and Wembley Park in London, and Edinburgh St James. Haute Dolci director Hamzah Alli said: “The Bullring is the perfect launchpad for Dolci Mono – a concept we believe will be a real game changer. By pairing bold design with a streamlined operational model, Dolci Mono allows us to expand quickly into new destinations while creating a premium experience that sits naturally alongside our flagship restaurants in some of the UK’s most prestigious locations. Even before its debut, Dolci Mono has attracted significant interest from landlords and existing franchise operators across the Haute Dolci network. The kiosks are designed as destinations in their own right, combining visual impact, social media shareability and culinary quality. This aligns with Haute Dolci’s appeal to Generation Z consumers while also retaining multi-generational family appeal.” Haute Dolci, founded in 2017 by Nizam Mohamed, has 20 UK locations as well as three in Pakistan and one in Kuwait. Mohamed was a co-founder of Heavenly Desserts before selling his rights in the brand in 2021.

 

Iro Sushi opens in London’s West Hampstead, 15-plus more to follow in 2026: Sushi concept Iro Sushi has opened in West Hampstead, north west London, with 15-plus more to follow in 2026. The company, which hit the 30-site mark last month with a launch in Sevenoaks, has continued its expansion with an opening at 272 West End Lane. The company, which was founded in 2014 by Chhong Sherpa, has previously said it is targeting having 50-plus stores by 2027 and also plans to expand into America and Europe. “West Hampstead is officially open – our latest step towards 50-plus stores across the UK by 2027,” said operations director Sultan Thakur. “From one dream to 30-plus stores strong – and we’re just warming up! We are ready for 2026, with more 15-plus stores opening.”

 

Laine Pub Company to expand its music-led dive bar concept to Norwich: Laine Pub Company, the circa 55-strong pub operator, is set to expand its music-led dive bar concept, Dead Wax Social, to Norwich. The company currently operates a single Dead Wax Social, at 18a Bond Street in Brighton, offering live DJ sets alongside canned craft beer and cocktails. A second Dead Wax Social will now open in the former Dog House Bar in Norwich’s St George’s Street on Friday, 24 October. Bands and DJs will host live music events, but the venue will also hold art exhibitions, community-led events and podcasts. World Famous Gordo’s Pizza will serve up New York-style slices, and there will be a big range of craft beer from Laine Brew Co. The company’s first venue in Norwich, Dead Wax Social will feature a DJ booth downstairs and a live music floor upstairs. Last month, Laine Brew Co, the brewing arm ofLaine Pub Company, outsourced its operations after partnering with Keystone Brewing Group, the brewing operation backed by investment firm Breal Group. The agreement sees Keystone become the sole producer of Laine’s beer, supporting its distribution and maintaining supply to Laine’s 55 pubs and existing customers, while opening new national routes to market.

 

Forest Holidays parent company confirms redundancy talks, holiday park business sees losses widen following £6.3m impairment: Forge Holiday Group, the parent company of 13-strong holiday park business Forest Holidays, has confirmed it is in redundancy talks with staff following a restructuring. The company, which was formerly backed by LDC, was acquired by Sykes Holiday Cottages in 2022, with the new business becoming Forge Holiday Group. The Chester-based business told the Chester Standard that talks are ongoing with staff about changes to the company which could lead to a loss of jobs. “We’re currently implementing a group-wide transformation project to unify our structure, operations, and processes,” a company spokesman said. “As a result, we’re consulting with colleagues on proposals aimed to align and improve the efficiency of our group businesses. This may potentially impact some of our colleagues, and we will provide support throughout the consultation period.Proposals include the migration of our customer service operation to a partner organisation following the additional support delivered by working with an outsourced provider during our busiest summer period.As a result, we have entered consultation with colleagues on proposals to reduce roles within the team, and we are committed to supporting those impacted. We remain focused on our mission to create the largest and most diverse technology-driven, impact-focused provider of UK short-stay holidays, delivering an unrivalled experience for customers and value-adding services for property owners.” It comes as Forest Holidays saw its losses widen in the year to 30 September 2024 following a £6.3m impairment loss. The company’s pre-tax loss increased from £4,058,000 in 2023 to £11,942,000, which included a £6,318,000 impairment loss plus £253,000 in restructuring costs (2023: £136,000). Revenue was up from £57,398,000 in 2023 to £59,163,000 while Ebitda pre-exceptional costs margin was 30.94% compared to 35.45% in 2023. No dividends were paid (2023: nil).

 

Amorino secures lease for Bristol location, to open before Christmas: Italian gelato brand Amorino has secured the lease for a new location in Bristol, which it plans to have open before Christmas. The store, at 3 Queens Road in Clifton, will be the company’s second in the south west, joining its Bath location. Hubert Attali, owner of master franchisee Amorino UK, said: “We’re delighted to announce the successful completion of our lease for the new Amorino shop in Bristol. This marks an exciting milestone for our team as we prepare to bring our artisanal gelato to the vibrant city of Bristol. We'll be opening in early December, just in time for the festive season.” Amorino currently has 38 UK locations, with a site in Bromley’s The Glades Shopping Centre opening on Saturday (11 October). This will be followed by further launches in Newcastle and Wembley this month and next. Amorino also last month secured the former Burger King restaurant at 24 Cornmarket Street in Oxford, and has locations in Henley, London’s Fulham Road, Cheltenham and Chelmsford in the pipeline.

 

Heartwood Collection reopens Surrey pub for 34th site: Heartwood Collection, the Alchemy Partners-backed business, has reopened The Old Crown in Great Bookham, Surrey, for its 34th Heartwood Inns pub. The Old Crown has undergone a multimillion-pound refurbishment to restore its heritage character, providing seating for 260 guests indoors and a further 100 covers outside. Richard Ferrier, chief executive of Heartwood Collection, said: “The Old Crown is a special pub, and we’ve taken great care to create a warm and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.” The company’s upcoming openings include The Woodman in Southgate, north London, and The Potter’s Heron in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire – both opening in 2026.

 

Wingers opens two stores in as many weeks, five more to follow before December: Buttermilk fried chicken restaurant concept Wingers has opened two stores in as many weeks and has said five more will follow before December. The company – founded during the covid pandemic by Amran, Dylan and Bill Sunner – has taken its estate to 18 stores with openings at 821 Bath Road in Brislington, Bristol, and at Kipling Court in Caterton, Brize Norton. Among its forthcoming locations are 33 Horse Fair in Rugeley, Staffordshire; Trentham Lake District Centre in Stanley Matthews Way, Stoke-on-Trent; and Spinella Road in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Dylan Sunner said: “Two weeks and two new stores. Five more to follow in December. Busy times here at Wingers.” The business has previously said it has “a strong pipeline for 2026 and beyond” and “a strategic aim of 50 stores open by the end of 2027”. The company also launched its first loyalty scheme this year.

 

Bristol operators acquire brewery and taproom: Bristol operators World Famous Dive Bars have acquired a brewery and taproom in the city. The group already owns Bristol venues Mother’s Ruin, The Crown, Colosseum, Greyhound and The Croft, as well as better burger business, Really Good Burgers. World Famous Dive Bars has now acquired Good Chemistry, which sees the group take over the St Philip’s brewery and taproom, reports Bristol 24/7. Good Chemistry founders Kelly Sidgwick and Bob Cary will remain the custodians of their two pubs, the Good Measure in Redland and the King’s Head in Victoria Street. World Famous Dive Bars said it promise to operate Good Chemistry “as a distinct brewing arm within its wider group while investing in capacity, route-to-market and local outreach to help the brewery grow”. World Famous Dive Bars director Marc Griffiths said: “We’ve always admired what Good Chemistry has done for Bristol’s independent beer culture; great recipes, genuine community ties and an obvious care for sustainability and quality. Our plan is simple: keep everything that makes Good Chemistry special, and back it so it can reach more locals, pubs and beer lovers across the city and beyond.” Sidgwick said: “We’ve worked with World Famous Dive Bars for a number of years, supplying its venues with our beer, so it’s great to see it investing in the brewing side of the industry. We wish it all the best with Good Chemistry and are excited to see what it will achieve as it heads into its second decade. Bob and I would like to thank everyone who has helped us get the business to where it is today, and we hope Bristol’s venues and beer drinkers will continue to support this independent local business.”

 

Boss Pizza to open in Clydebank: Franchise pizza concept Boss Pizza, founded during the pandemic by Ajmal Mushtaq, is set to open in Clydebank for its fourth site in Scotland and seventh overall. Mushtaq, who previously operated acclaimed Indian restaurant Mushtaqs in Hamilton, already has stores in Hamilton, Larkhall and Glasgow in Scotland. The concept has also been expanding in England this year, with openings in Walsall – its first franchise store, in partnership with HLN Group – followed by Colchester and Bradford. Boss Pizza is now preparing to expand further into Scotland with a launch at 54 Kilbowie Road in Clydebank. Boss Pizza’s immediate pipeline also includes locations in Oldham, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Sheffield, Luton, Rochdale, Bletchley and Hemel Hempstead.

 

Black Sheep Coffee Scottish franchisee Sur Coffee Group to open fifth site with brand as part of 15-store development deal: Sur Coffee Group, a Scottish franchise partner of speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee, is to open its fifth site with the brand as part of a 15-store development deal. Sur Coffee Group will open the store inside Glasgow’s Reel House on Tuesday, 11 November. Once home to an Odeon cinema, the Grade B-listed building has sat empty for more than 20 years. Now, following a significant investment to restore the landmark, Black Sheep Coffee will take over the ground floor, creating a 120-cover space, which it said will be one of the largest coffee shops in Scotland. Sur Coffee Group already runs four stores across the Glasgow area, including Byres Road and Sauchiehall Street – with ten more lined up over the coming years as part of the 15-store development deal across the west of Scotland. Sur Coffee Group director Tariq Din said: “Reel House has been sitting empty for years, so we’re excited to bring it back to life. This isn’t just another coffee shop; it’s about giving Glasgow a new space.” In May, Black Sheep Coffee said it had completed its franchise coverage in Scotland after signing a ten-plus store deal with MDM Group Enterprises to open stores in the north of Scotland. Black Sheep Coffee has more than 100 UK locations and a handful abroad.

 

Former Toca Social global director of F&B to launch open second site for sandwich shop concept next week: Former Toca Social global director of food and beverage Ross Clarke will next week open a second site for his sandwich shop concept, My Favourite Sandwich. Clarke founded My Favourite Sandwich earlier this year with Nathanael Dadoum and Damien Aiudi, co-founders of London restaurants Inca and Taco Taco, opening its first site in March, at 141 Commercial Street in London’s Shoreditch. The new site will open next Wednesday (15 October) at 51 Lexington Street in Soho. As well as classics like its signature meatball marinara and crispy chicken sandwiches, there will be new menu items such as the El Maradona (with smoky chorizo and chimichurri) and the Burrata, Pistachio & Mortadella. Co-founder Aiudi said: “Soho felt like the natural next step for us. It’s creative, energetic and full of character; everything our brand stands for. We’re not just opening a sandwich shop; we’re creating a space that feels like home, where great food and genuine connection come together.” Clarke spent four and a half years with Toca Social, between 2018 and 2023, before which he spent almost two years as culinary director at Ennismore. Dadoum and Aiudi co-founded Inca, in Soho, in 2021 and Taco Taco, in Shoreditch, in 2023.

 

Global Brands founder reports ‘strong’ trading at Peak District hotel but pauses expansion plans because of cost pressures: Global Brands founder Steve Perez has reported strong trading at his family-owned countryside hotel Peak Edge on the edge of the Peak District – but has paused expansion plans at the venue because of cost pressures. Perez said the four-star venue, which has 27 bedrooms and an immersive wine cellar experience, had seen year-on-year growth across every part of the business. In the nine months to 31 July 2025, Peak Edge recorded 15% net revenue growth in beverages at the adjoining Red Lion restaurant and bar, a 9% net revenue increase in food, 26% growth in venue-hire revenue and a 9.4% rise in accommodation net revenue. Perez said: “This hotel and the landscape around it are part of my family story, and that sense of place runs through everything we do. Demand is strong and revenue is up, but margins are tight. We have seen significant percentage increases in food costs alongside energy and supplier inflation. Recent government tax changes announced in last year’s Budget, including higher employers’ national insurance and threshold changes, have also added pressure. As a result, we have paused our plans to build additional bedrooms and a spa. The designs are ready, and we remain committed to growing Peak Edge when market conditions improve.” Perez also owns the four-star Casa hotel in Chesterfield. In 2018, he acquired back Peak Edge and the Red Lion site, which had been owned by his father between 1966 and 2010. In August, Perez told The Telegraph his tax adviser told him “to leave the country” in the wake of recent tax reforms, which make it much harder to pass companies to the next generation. He has been vocal about the impact of the changes to inheritance tax and business property relief, which will restrict the tax breaks from April 2026.

 

London private members’ club The Sloane Club unveils new spaces as part of a £20m refurbishment that marks ‘bold new chapter’: London private members’ club The Sloane Club has unveiled new spaces as part of a £20m refurbishment that marks a “bold new chapter” for the Chelsea venue. Under the leadership of managing director Neena Jivraj-Stevenson and general manager Anna Jackson, the club has undergone a transformation, including a rebrand and new visual identity. Among the new spaces is Lila, a south east Asian inspired, 90-cover restaurant and bar under a retractable glass skylight roof on the top floor. Meanwhile, Venus is a signature dining room “showcasing the best of land and sea through locally sourced, seasonal dishes”, complemented by an extensive wine list. Alongside Venus is The Wren Room, a new private dining space for up to 12 guests, and The Study, a new dedicated co-working hub. The transformation also includes a new wellness suite, Helena’s all-day dining restaurant, the Demob cocktail bar, the exclusive Lady in Black and The Ranalegh private dining rooms, plus 56 refurbished club bedrooms and ten suites. The Sloane Club was originally set up in 1922 to provide accommodation for ex-service women following the First World War. In 2017, it was acquired by Queensway, a family-owned hospitality company, together with Clearbell, a privately-owned real estate fund management and advisory business.

 

London craft brewery Gipsy Hill to move production in face of ‘unsustainable’ rent costs: London craft brewery Gipsy Hill, which is part of Sunrise Alliance Beverages, is to move production in the face of “unsustainable” rent costs. Gipsy Hill co-founder Charlie Shaw said while the business had intended to continue brewing its beer indefinitely at its Hamilton Road premises, the landlord has said the next rent increase will be “double digits once again”. Shaw said this will result in the pound-per-square-foot rate being an “eye-watering 430% higher than when we started on 12 years ago”. Shaw said: “Despite all the success we continue to have at Gipsy Hill, including a 19% year-on-year increase in sales of our flagship Hepcat this year, no amount of growth or improved efficiency can offset our escalating overheads. We are fortunate we have the option to move the majority of our brewing to one of our sister sites within Sunrise, the Curious Brewery in Kent. This transition will happen once beer produced there match the same exacting standards they do at Hamilton Road. The plan is to continue to make beer at Gipsy Hill for many years. It is the leases of the large warehouses that we can no longer justify. We are investing heavily in our taproom, and we are extending that space into the neighbouring unit. The majority of our production team will be offered roles elsewhere in the company and will be given relocation expenses where necessary. The commercial viability of having a large or even midsized brewery with a London postcode has been brought sharply into question in recent times. Those times have caught up with Gipsy Hill, but we have an opportunity to make this business work.” Gipsy Hill was acquired by Sunrise Alliance Beverages, previously St Peter’s Brewery Group, in October last year.

 

US-inspired restaurant to open third site and relocate sister fried chicken concept: US-inspired restaurant Meat:Stack is to open a third site and relocate its sister fried chicken concept, Feds. The American cheeseburger concept was founded as a pop-up in 2016 by Allan Hyslop, Tom Westman and Charlie Mair, based initially at Newcastle’s Sunday Quayside Market before making its bricks-and-mortar debut in the city’s weekday Grainger Market (which later bacame Feds). A first permanent site opened in the Bigg Market in May 2020, with number two opening in Leeds’ Bishopsgate Street in 2022. The team is now moving Meat:Stack back to its original home in Grainger Market for its third site and moving Feds to a new city centre location in Newcastle. “We have big news,” they posted to Instagram. “Feds is on the move and Meat:Stack is coming home. Five years ago, we set up shop in the Grainger Market, filling the old Meat:Stack spot with something new – a fried chicken joint born in the middle of covid. What started as a way to keep things going over time grew into a city centre favourite. And now, we’re ready for the next chapter, as we’ll be spreading our wings in a new home in the centre of Newcastle. This move means we can stay open later, trade on bank holidays, and generally take Feds to places the market’s hours just wouldn’t let us go. But that’s not all. The Grainger Market site isn’t being left behind, because we’re bringing Meat:Stack back to its very first bricks-and-mortar home. This spot was where it all started for us in 2018. Back in the uncertainty of covid we had to move Meat:Stack out and Feds stepped in. But the truth is, we’d always dreamed of bringing it back, and now it’s a reality.”

 

New 300-cover F&B, music and art venue to open in Salford: A new 300-cover venue that spans food, drink, music and art is set to open at the end of this month beneath the tracks of Salford Central station. Tangerine will transform two historic, derelict railway arches and sub-platform spaces into the new venue. Platform 1 will be home to the daytime offering, which will include a bakery, coffee roastery, florist, wine store and Canteen Club, while Platform 2 will house a music hall, arthouse stage and a Grand Departures bar serving specialist martini, and seven styles of espresso martini. At the venue’s heart will be seven handpicked kitchens. The opening line-up includes Vanda, a family-run Parisian-inspired Ukrainian bakery; Panthera Hot Taco, a new Mexican taqueria; Juicy, which specialises in burgers; YO Dutchie, a Dutch-Japanese collaboration where loaded fries and Yakitori skewers collide; and a fresh Korean and ramen concept from the creators of Unagi. The Grand Departures bar will feature a taproom with 40 taps, and an espresso martini bar. Tangerine’s Independent kitchens are being supported by Manchester’s Want Studios and Will Taplin, executive chef at Ramona, Firehouse and Diecast. Andy Windsor, director of Want Studios, said: “Tangerine unites the city’s independent kitchens, bar tenders, bakeries and entertainment specialists. It is a unique showcase of what we do in the city. Tangerine isn’t just another venue – it’s a new space for creativity, food and culture, and we’re proud to be part of it.”