Hospitality site numbers rise in third quarter but sector seeing 11 closures every week: Britain’s number of licensed premises has fallen 0.6% in the last year despite modest growth in the third quarter of 2025, according to the latest Hospitality Market Monitor from CGA by NIQ. The country had 99,296 licensed venues at September 2025, having recorded 572 net closures in 12 months, or 11 every week. It means there are now 15,812, or 14.2%, fewer premises than at March 2020 – due to the fallout from the covid pandemic and the sustained high inflation and weak consumer spending that has followed. However, the latest quarter has brought reasons for cautious optimism about future prospects. In the three months to September, Britain’s number of licensed premises rose 0.6% – the monitor’s first quarter-on-quarter increase for 12 months and only the third since mid-2022. The monitor highlights a tentative recovery of independently run pubs, bars, restaurants and other licensed premises. After losing nearly a fifth of its sites in just five years, the independent sector grew 0.9% in the third quarter. The monitor also flags the resilience of pubs and bars in 2025. The number of these and other drink-led venues nudged up 0.1% in the 12 months to September, while restaurants and other food-led sites dropped 1.7%. This pattern matches sales trends measured by the CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker, in which managed pubs have outpaced restaurants for growth in every month of 2025 so far. Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “High costs and fragile consumer confidence have created a very difficult trading environment for hospitality in 2025, and these numbers show the toll they have taken on venues. Against that backdrop, a modest rise in sites in the third quarter shows the sector’s impressive resilience. Well-run businesses continue to expand, and the confidence of independent venues is particularly encouraging. These businesses are working exceptionally hard to navigate multiple challenges, and as the Budget nears, they will be hoping for respite on their disproportionately high costs. Government support can help to nurture these green shoots of recovery, but failure to act risks thousands more closures and job losses.” 

 

Founders of north west New York-style pizza business Nell’s to speak at final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025, open for bookings: Jonny and Charlotte Heyes, founders of Nell’s, the north west New York-style pizza business, will be among the speakers at the final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025. The Heyes’ will discuss the concept’s three-year growth strategy, including becoming a regional standout performer, and how it is looking to spread its wings in new territories. 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 next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality on Friday featuring more than 305,000 words of content: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will feature more than 305,000 words of content when it is released to Premium Club subscribers on Friday (24 August) at midday. The database now features 1,208 companies, and this month’s edition includes 99 new additions and 181 updated entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent developments reported as well as results, broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. 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.

The Partyman Group CEO – ‘build it and they will come isn’t true in 2025, but businesses that continue to refine will outperform their competitors when the next boom comes’: James Sinclair, chief executive of The Partyman Group – which operates nine indoor soft play centres, three laser combat arenas and two outdoor attractions – has said “build it and they will come isn’t true in 2025” but businesses that continue to refine will “outperform their competitors when the next boom comes”. He said: “It’s clear we are entering a period where people are tightening their purse strings. At Marsh Farm, we have maintained visitor numbers this year compared with last, which is somewhat disappointing given our investments. Over the last 18 months, we’ve invested significantly in capital improvements, including a new dinosaur park, additional rides, new shops and various events, alongside a substantial increase in marketing spend. Historically, a capital expenditure of £1m would typically attract 100,000 new customers to an attraction. However, this figure now seems closer to £3m. Similarly, marketing used to cost around £1 to spend to acquire a customer. With current costs per click on social media and rising personnel expenses, I estimate this figure has doubled or even tripled, now standing at approximately £2.50 per customer. These shifts in inflated costs are largely due to inflation and the passage of time and a word I hate – ‘stagflation’. When I acquired Marsh Farm 12 years ago, our ticket prices were similar to what they are today but with significantly lower business rates, wage costs and utility expenses. We cannot continue to pass these increasing costs directly on to customers, as people are already feeling the financial squeeze. Balancing pricing effectively has become a delicate art. It's becoming evident that prices will have to increase. Despite investing more than £1m in improvements at Marsh Farm in the last 18 months, we’ve only maintained our customer numbers, not increased them by the expected 100,000. Build it and they will come isn’t true in 2025. For me, build it and you’ll maintain it is the order of the day. While many businesses are struggling, those who continue to refine and advance will ultimately outperform their competitors when the next boom comes – and it will!”

 

BGF eyes £500m as it explores first external fundraise: Investor Business Growth Fund (BGF), which currently backs the likes of Mission Mars, Arc Inspirations and Giggling Squid, is exploring an external fundraise for the first time and said it could raise £500m from institutional investors next year. The UK and Ireland’s most active growth capital investor said it is looking at providing new institutional investors with the opportunity to invest in UK growth companies through its regional platform. BGF’s existing shareholders are Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and NatWest. BGF has delivered a 21.4% internal rate of return since 2016 and aims to invest more than £3bn over the next five years. Lazard has been appointed to advise BGF as it explores its options. To date, BGF has invested more than £4.7bn in more than 600 businesses, creating in excess of 27,000 new jobs and helping generate £7.1bn in revenue growth. Andy Gregory, chief executive of BGF, said: “The case for supporting this country’s ambitious entrepreneurs is clear and one recognised by the government as a priority. Over the past decade, we’ve proudly backed hundreds of founder-led businesses, supporting them with the capital and expertise they need to scale and succeed. These companies are the backbone of our economy, and it is vital that they receive not only funding but also the support required to thrive. We are now in the early stages of exploring a capital raise that could unlock further sources of funding into this crucial segment of the UK market. Thanks to the continued support of our shareholders, we have the platform, the capacity and the proven expertise to be the partner of choice for investors looking to back ambitious businesses. As part of our £3bn commitment, we have the capacity to take on £500m from institutional investors over the course of 2026.”

Almost half of young adults now choosing no and low-alcohol drinks: Almost half of young adults (49% of those surveyed) are now choosing no and low-alcohol drinks, according to a new report from alcohol charity Drinkaware. This number has almost doubled from the 28% reported in 2018, with 44% saying they choose no and low options to moderate their drinking, up from 31% in 2018. The uptake of alcohol-free drinks among “risky drinkers” – those who drink above 14 units per week – has also more than tripled, rising from 7% in 2018 to 23% in 2025. Meanwhile, the majority (59%) of “risky drinkers” who consume such products use them instead of regular strength alcohol, while a further 25% use them either as a replacement or an addition, and only 9% said they drink them alongside regular alcohol. Drinkaware chief executive Karen Tyrell said: “It is great to see young adults leading the charge in the growth of no and low drinks. But it is the rise in their use by risky drinkers that shows their potential for helping to reduce alcohol harm.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a four-star boutique hotel in London that is seeking a head chef. The food and beverage offering includes a restaurant serving a modern British European menu with seasonal produce, a bar and lounge featuring small plates, premium cocktails and curated wine, as well as private dining rooms and a wine-cellar-style space for events and exclusive dinners. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The head chef will develop innovative menus, introduce creative concepts, and maintain exceptional food standards. They will manage budgets, costs, and supplier relationships with autonomy while mentoring and developing the team.” The salary is up to £70,000. For more information, email stuartcampbell@corecruitment.com.

Hakkasan Group hires new CEO, plans further growth worldwide: Mohari Hospitality, the global investment firm specialising in luxury properties and lifestyle hospitality, has hired Yavuz Pehlivanlar, formerly of Caprice Holdings, as chief executive to lead Hakkasan Group, a newly established entity comprising the Hakkasan, Yauatcha, Ling Ling and Sake No Hana brands. The investment firm said Pehlivanlar will lead the continued expansion and strategic growth of Hakkasan Group’s Asian dining brands. Hakkasan was acquired by Tao Group Hospitality in 2021. The wider Tao business was subsequently sold to Mohari Hospitality, which is owned by online poker billionaire Mark Scheinberg, for £441m in 2023. Last month, the Hakkasan Group resumed operations as an independent corporate entity backed by investment from Mohari. Hakkasan Group currently operates 22 sites across three continents including London, Mexico City, Dubai, Shanghai, Miami, Mumbai and many other cities. Pehlivanlar previously served as chief operating officer of the Richard Caring-backed Caprice Holdings. He also held roles at 50 Eggs Hospitality Group, Yardbird Group, Dream-Dogus Group and Mina Restaurant Group. Pehlivanlar said: “I am honoured to join Hakkasan at such an exciting time, as I step into this role to lead change and drive growth. The Hakkasan brands have set the benchmark for modern Asian dining and created unforgettable experiences for guests around the world. I look forward to working with our talented teams at Hakkasan and Mohari, to further elevate our brands and reach new audiences globally.” Scheinberg said: “We see tremendous potential for innovation and growth across these iconic brands, and by appointing a world-class chief executive to lead this portfolio, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing the strategic leadership and investment needed to unlock their full potential. Our goal is to elevate the Hakkasan Group brands to new heights and drive growth across the Mohari food and beverage portfolio by delivering exceptional experiences for our guests around the world.”

Haven reports turnover increases to record £899.4m as demand remains ‘strong’: Holiday park operator Haven, which is part of Bourne Leisure, has reported turnover increased 10.4% to a record £899,432,000 for the year ending 31 December 2024 compared with £814,462,000 the previous year. Pre-tax profit grew 7.2% to £123,406,000 from £115,119,000 the year before. No dividend was paid (2023: nil). In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “Turnover increased partly because of the ongoing investment in park expansions and improvements. This resulted in an increased number of guests and an improved customer experience. Profit on ordinary activities before tax increased by 7.2%, which is lower than the increase in turnover mainly because of inflationary cost pressures particularly on utilities, food and labour costs largely driven by the national living wage changes. Depreciation and amortisation also increased by £8,529,000 because of the continued investment in the business. Shareholders’ funds increased from £395,086,000 to £492,120,000 because of the profit realised for the year of £95,718,000, and the share-based payment of £1,315,700. During the year, the company saw a continued demand for holidays within the UK, which has seen the company thrive and return a positive performance. Demand for holidays within the UK has remained strong in 2025, with profitability expected to increase this year.” The continued demand was highlighted as Haven reported a 7% year-on-year increase in holiday bookings for October 2025, alongside a 11% year-on-year rise in half-term breaks, which includes Hallowe’en itself. Haven’s 39 parks across the UK will offer 13 themed activities and eight shows during half-term week. Chief executive Simon Palethorpe said: “Haven is witnessing a monstrous rise in demand for Hallowe’en-themed breaks. More families are summoning the spirits of adventure and heading to Haven this month.” Haven employs around 9,600 staff. Haven features in the Propel Food & Beverage Franchisee Database, which is exclusive to Premium Club subscribers. The latest edition, which was sent out last Friday (17 October), features 270 entries and more than 109,000 words of content. 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.

 

Scottish company secures UK master franchise deal for Dubai-headquartered fast chicken brand: Scottish company Foodfixx has secured the UK master franchise rights for Dubai-headquartered fast chicken brand ChicKing. Foodfixx was founded in the summer of 2024 by Assad Tariq, securing at the time the rights to develop the brand in Scotland. The company opened ChicKing’s first store in Scotland – and 20th UK location overall – earlier this year, at 1b The Parkway Retail Square in Livingston. ChicKing has since also opened at 73 Holbourn Street in Aberdeen in July and at 51 Home Street in Edinburgh in August. Foodfixx, which last year stated plans to open 30 outlets over the next three years, has now secured the development rights for the whole of the UK. “We’re thrilled to announce that Foodfixx has officially acquired the exclusive UK rights to operate, develop and expand the ChicKing brand across the UK,” Tariq said. “This exciting step cements our vision to bring world-class food concepts to the UK and build one of the country’s most dynamic multi-brand food networks. We’re also proud to be part of the Barclays Franchise Growth Programme, working alongside its incredible team to support our franchisees and accelerate national expansion. From our flagship stores to upcoming franchise partners across the UK this is only the beginning of an incredible journey ahead.”

 

Chick-fil-A to make return to England this week: US brand Chick-fil-A, which made its debut site in Northern Ireland earlier this year as it begins its return to these shores, will open its first site in England since 2019, on Thursday (23 October), in Leeds. As previously revealed by Propel, Chick-fil-A will open a site on the former Clarks unit in Commercial Street in the city. Chick-fil-A Leeds will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm. The site will be closed on Sundays, a tradition that dates back to Chick-fil-A’s founder Truett Cathy, who wanted to give his team members a day to rest, spend time with family or worship if they chose to. Mike Hoy will be the UK’s first local owner-operator at the Leeds site. Hoy most recently spent the past three and a half year as an insight lead at Nando’s. He also spent four years at Restaurant Brands International, the Tim Hortons, Burger King and Popeyes owner, including a year and a half as area franchise lead for EMEA. He told the Yorkshire Post: “It’s an incredible privilege to be the first UK operator. Leeds is such a welcoming city, and I’m excited to build something lasting – something that gives back and serves more than just great-tasting food.” Propel revealed earlier this month that Chick-fil-A had hired Paul Claxton, formerly of PizzaExpress and Paul UK, to lead its operations in the UK, as senior principal operations lead. The brand said the opening in Leeds was part of the company’s commitment to open five restaurants in the UK in the next two years and invest $100m in the market throughout the next ten years. Earlier this year, Chick-fil-A entered a new licensing partnership for Northern Ireland with service station operator Applegreen. The first of two Northern Irish Chick-Fil-A locations opened at Applegreen’s Lisburn South motorway service area on the M1, and at Applegreen Templepatrick on the M2. The brand will also open single sites in Liverpool and London, the latter in Kingston. Propel understands that the brand is in talks to take the former Goldsmiths jewellery store in Liverpool’s Church Street.

 

Gaucho hires Martin Bishop as finance director: Gaucho has hired Martin Bishop, formerly of Rileys and The Restaurant Group (TRG), as its new finance director, Propel has learned. Bishop joins the 20-strong business after two years as finance director at sports bar operator Rileys. He previously spent four and a half years at TRG, including one and a half years as its head of group financial planning and analysis. Earlier this month, Gaucho told Propel it had seen like-for-like sales grow 5% in last quarter, and that it was “regularly experiencing weeks with cover growth in the multiple thousands” as the company eyed new openings. The company, which earlier this year closed the two remaining sites operated under the M Restaurant banner to focus on growth for its core Gaucho business, said that after a management restructure and the appointment of Baton Berisha as chief executive in March 2025, the business has seen a dramatic improvement, with like-for-like sales 5% up over the last quarter. It said: “We have improved our offer to guests and are driving a fresh face of the brand through an improved menu offer. This, alongside refurbishing key terraces and improving restaurant infrastructure, has seen us regularly experiencing weeks with cover growth in the multiple thousands.” It came as the company reported its pre-tax loss more than doubled in the year to 29 December 2024, from £7,427,000 in 2023 to £14,504,000. Turnover was down from £75,319,000 in 2023 to £72,541,000.

 

Black Sheep Coffee signs franchise development deal for Cambridgeshire, to open first store in Norwich: Speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee has signed a seven-store development agreement covering the county of Cambridgeshire. The territory has been awarded to MJP Coffee, operated by Tom and Laura McEwan, who have strong backgrounds in care home franchising in the region. They will lead the rollout of Black Sheep Coffee across Cambridgeshire and its surrounding areas, and plan to open in both urban and commuter hot spots. Izzy Childs, Black Sheep Coffee’s EMEA growth director, said: “Cambridgeshire is an exciting market with huge potential, and we’re looking forward to seeing Tom and Laura bring the Black Sheep Coffee experience to life across the region.” It comes as Black Sheep Coffee is set to open its first store in Norwich. The East Anglian Daily Press reports that it will open in the former Byron Burger unit in Chantry Square, which closed in 2023, in December.

 

Former TRG director turned pub operator targets ten-strong estate after acquiring fifth site: Bups Chaggar, a former director of The Restaurant Group, is looking to build a ten-strong pub estate after securing his fifth site. Chaggar has acquired the lease of The Five Bells in the Northamptonshire village of Bugbrooke, which is part of Star Pubs’ portfolio, with business partner Denis Gill. Chaggar already runs another Star pub, The Three Crowns in Barrow Upon Soar in Leicestershire, with a further three leased pubs in his portfolio – The Carrington Arms in Ashby Folville and The Malt Shovel in Barkby, both in Leicestershire, and The Blue Ball in Oakham, Rutland. The Five Bells has been closed since July 2023 and will reopen in the first week in December following a joint £400,000 refurbishment. Funds are being spent overhauling the pub, which will consist of a bar/lounge and a dining area. Outside, the pub will have a refresh to offer alfresco dining. The food menu will include burgers, Italian cuisine and Punjabi fusion dishes. Chaggar, who was an operations director for Frankie & Bennys and worked with TRG from 1998 to 2018, said: “Denis and I have many years hospitality experience from working in a corporate background to running traditional village pubs. We appreciate the important role pubs play in a community and are focused on making sure pubs stay open. We’re interested in expanding our estate to as many as ten pubs looking at areas between Watford and Northampton area as well as in Leicestershire. The current economic challenges don’t deter us as people will continue to want to eat, drink and socialise. When one door closes another door opens. We want to be in position to open doors but will only do if it is worth our while and the relationship with ourselves and the breweries is good.”

 

Premium Indian vegetarian restaurant brand to make Scottish debut: Premium Indian vegetarian restaurant brand Sarvanaa Bhavan is set to make its debut in Scotland, with an opening in Glasgow. The brand, which operates more than 100 sites worldwide in 21 countries, including five restaurants in London and the south east, will open a site in Sauchiehall Street, in the Beresford Building, in Glasgow. The brand specialises in meat-free dishes and south Indian cuisine. According to its official website, there are 104 branches worldwide in 21 countries – including locations in Dublin, Milan, New Jersey, Dubai, Paris, New York and Toronto.

 

Honest Burgers to begin GBK conversion process with site in London’s Wimbledon: Honest Burgers, the Active Partners-backed business which acquired 12 Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) sites from Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) last month, will begin the conversion process to its core brand with a site opening in Wimbledon on Sunday (26 October). The conversion of the 12 GBK sites will take Honest’s restaurant portfolio to 51 locations across the UK, including three new regions and further sites in London and Bristol. Propel understands that Honest Burgers paid circa £3.7m for the 12 sites, which strengthens the brand’s footprint in London and broadens its geographical reach into the Midlands, the south east and East Anglia. Tom Barton, co-founder of Honest Burgers, said: “When we started Honest back in Brixton, we wanted to do one thing really well: serve simple, quality British burgers and chips that people would love. We’re proud to be opening another restaurant in south London, not too far from where we began and we’re excited to welcome the Wimbledon community through the doors.” Located at 88 The Broadway in Wimbledon, the new restaurant will have 40 covers and feature a selection of beer from a local brewery.

 

Frasers Hospitality reports drop in revenue following ‘subdued demand in the long-term serviced apartment segment’: Luxury serviced apartments business Frasers Hospitality has reported a drop in revenue in the year to 30 September 2024 following “subdued demand in the long-term serviced apartment segment”. The company – which operates 24 properties across Europe under brands including Fraser Suites, Capri by Fraser and Fraser Place – saw its revenue fall from £9,463,000 in 2023 to £8,875,000. Of this, £7,513,000 came from the UK (2023: £8,152,000) and £1,362,000 from France (2023: £1,311,000). Pre-tax profit was down from £4,139,000 in 2023 to £1,069,000 as administrative expenses almost doubled, from £3,343,000 to £6,322,000. Director Rebecca Hollants Van Loocke said: “Top-line group revenue for the year decreased by 6.2%. This is mainly attributable to four properties management contract ending versus prior year, and also subdued demand in the long-term serviced apartment segment, as big corporates tightened spend on staff accommodation and relocation. To mitigate the continued industry-wide labour supply challenges, we are prioritising talent acquisition and staff retention, paired with progressively embedding new technology to meet evolving consumer needs and mitigate potential service gaps. Consequently, the senior management team remain optimistic about the group's future prospects and ability to thrive and deliver growth.”

 

Signature Group launches new senior chef academy: Signature Group, the circa 20-strong Scottish hospitality business, has launched a new senior chef academy. Under the mentorship of Ian Boyd Thorpe, executive chef at the group’s Rutland Hotel in Edinburgh, the first successful applicants will start an intensive three-month development programme in November. The academy is designed to immerse aspiring senior chefs in the standards, systems and culture of the group, with participants receiving hands-on training, mentorship and leadership development – culminating in a tailored role placement aligned with their strengths and future potential. The scheme is expected to continue to run every three months throughout 2026, with at least one full-time senior chef position being offered at the end of each programme. Tom Adam, head of food for Signature Group, who created the academy and will be leading the initiative, said: “This development programme has been designed to support aspiring senior chefs in building the skills, confidence and leadership required to thrive in our kitchens across the Signature portfolio. This is a unique opportunity to learn our standards and systems, receive mentorship and grow into a role that matches your strengths and ambitions.” First stage interviews and practical assessments will take place at The Rutland, in Edinburgh, in November. Signature Group founder Nic Wood told Propel last year that it is considering expanding into England and has the structure in place for another four or five openings before it would need to restructure. The company has since launched a new digital loyalty scheme and appointed Liam Finn, formerly head of European operations at BrewDog, as its new operations director.

 

Padel concept Social Sports Society opens Derby site: Padel concept Social Sports Society has opened its new site in Derby. The ten indoor padel courts, spread across 54,773 square feet, have transformed part of the former Eagle Market space at Derbion shopping centre. Tom Rooney, chief executive of Social Sports Society, said: “We’re proud the opening of our new Derbion space will enable us to continue our efforts to help unlock new community spaces across UK urban areas, and are confident that it will bring padel to a new audience and help to grow the game across the East Midlands.” Last week, Social Sports Society opened a new four-court facility in Sutton, south London. The venue opened on a previously unused plot within the London Cancer Hub. Social Sports Society also operates padel venues in the capital in Wembley and Brent Cross and also has a site in Manchester in the pipeline.

 

Noxy Brothers open fourth London site: Noxy Brothers, the coffee shop concept, has opened its fourth site in London, with plans for more across the capital. The concept, which was founded by Hussein Faridany and Jean-Philippe Leclef in 2018 and started life as a single coffee cart, has opened a new flagship site next to Tottenham Court Road station. The site, at 2 Earnshaw Street, underneath GSK’s new headquarters, joins the company’s other sites in Russell Square, Burlington Arcade and Old Spitalfields Market. The business is working with Adam Bowers, of onepoint2, on its expansion plans, and is looking to add further sites to its growing estate over the next 12 months.

Grange Hotels returns to profit after making £4m profit on disposal of properties: Grange Hotels, which operates a collection of four independent four-star hotels in London, returned to profit in the year to 31 March 2024 after making £4m profit on disposal of properties. The then-six strong company reported last year that it had accepted a £31m offer for two of its hotels, and it has since sold Grange White Hall Hotel and Grange Blooms Hotel, both in Montague Street in London’s Fitzrovia. This left it with Grange Beauchamp Hotel, Grange Clarendon Hotel, Grange Buckingham Hotel and Grange Portland Hotel – all located on Bedford Street in Covent Garden. The company’s accounts for the year show it made a £4,141,000 profit on disposal of operations. The subsequent £4,158,000 profit from discontinued operations saw a loss of £3,267,000 turn into an overall pre-tax profit of £891,000. This compares to a loss of £2,950,000 in 2023, including a £3,177,000 loss from continuing operations and a £167,000 profit from discontinued operations. Turnover of £6,503,000 in 2024 included £330,000 from discontinued operations, while the 2023 figure of £7,342,000 included £2,657,000 from discontinued operations. Director Harpal Matharu said: “The directors, as part of the ongoing re-organisation of the group, will consider any potential sales and strategies for all or parts of the remaining group. The group has incurred higher than normal administrative costs and professional fees as a result of the ongoing re-organisation above and changes in ownership structure. In March 2024, it vacated one of its administrative offices to help reduce these costs. On 13 February 2025, the group reached a confidential settlement in relation to a legal dispute and received £491,000 from such. Since the year end, the group has disposed of some of its investment properties for total consideration of £2,707,078.”

 

Manchester operators reopen historic Chorlton pub: The team behind The Black Friar pub in Salford have reopened an historic pub in Chorlton. The Horse & Jockey, a 200-year-old landmark in Chorlton Green, became part of the Joseph Holt estate in 2012. The Horse & Jockey is now under the stewardship of Neil Burke and Ben Chaplin, who took over the 19th-century The Black Friar in 2021 after it had stood derelict for 15 years. Having acquired the lease from Joseph Holt, the duo have reopened The Horse & Jockey following a short closure for refurbishment. These works have seen the pub reimagined as a food-led gastropub with a renewed focus on seasonal cooking. Joseph Holt’s award-winning ale is joined at the bar by a curated wine list, a refreshed cocktail offering and updated bar snacks. Leading the kitchen is chef Paolo Bianchi, whose career has spanned from working under Alain Ducasse at the Eiffel Tower to opening Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat in Manchester. His menus are designed to be ever-changing, making the most of seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers to offer “classic British pub food reimagined with touches from Paolo’s Italian heritage and his French and Asian influences”. Highlights include Berkshire pork neck, mustard, apple and pancetta strudel and whiskey jus; hand-carved honey roast ham and Alpine cheddar toastie with a slow-poached egg. Burke, a former regional manager for Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group in Manchester and The Keystone Group in Sydney, also owns the Leo + Roobs café in Garden Lane, Salford.

Gym brand reports increase in member numbers and revenue despite ‘challenging environment’: Gym brand Lifestyle Fitness, which operates 24 clubs across the UK, has reported an increase in member numbers and revenue in the year to 30 September 2024, despite a “challenging economic environment”. The company’s turnover grew from £5,831,252 in 2023 to £7,149,376, including £118,645 from discontinued operations. Its pre-tax loss narrowed from £934,024 in 2023 to £843,463, including £89,010 from discontinued operations. Ebitda was up to £505,982 from £210,693 in 2023, while member numbers (continuing operations only) grew by 8.9%. Director Tim Curtis said: “The directors were pleased by the performance across the clubs in the trading period, with continued increases in member numbers and revenue. The economic environment continued to be challenging, impacting the group cost base. During the financial period, the group opened one new club, carried out investment in 14 clubs and agreed a contract extension with an existing partner. The directors continue to seek new opportunities to grow the business, working with existing partners and new. The company exited from two clubs during the financial period, one due to a property lease break and the other by mutual agreement with the partner, due to a change in the partner's strategic focus.”

 

Team behind Gold in London’s Notting Hill to open Mediterranean riverside restaurant and bar in Richmond next month: The team behind Gold, the restaurant and late-night bar in London’s Notting Hill, will next month open a new Mediterranean riverside restaurant and bar in Richmond. Propel revealed in April that entrepreneur Nick House, a founder of clubs such as Mahiki and Whisky Mist, had been linked to launching a new concept on the site of the former Pitcher & Piano in Richmond’s Bridge Street. House launched Gold with former River Cafe chef Theo Hill on the site of the four-storey Portobello Gold pub in Portobello Road in 2019, and the duo have partnered once more to open Tower House in Richmond, which will feature a riverside garden with sweeping views of the River Thames, Richmond Bridge and Twickenham Bridge. Hill’s menu will feature dishes from chargrilled vegetables to hand-rolled parcels of pasta and wood-roasted whole turbot. He said: “We simply wish to show as much consideration as we possibly can towards the best produce available. The aim is always to cook with fire in an unforced and harmonious way, which allows the ingredients to speak for themselves.” Tower House will welcome walk-ins from early November and bookings from the start of December.

 

Scottish catering and hospitality business reports increase in profit and turnover, long-term debt fully paid off: Scottish catering and hospitality business Entier reported an increase in profit and turnover during the year to 30 September 2024. The company – which provides catering and hospitality services at oil and gas installations, mobile marine vessels, client premises, retail outlets and venues – saw turnover grow from £76,840,454 in 2023 to £82,588,995. Pre-tax profit increased from £2,058,703 to £2,819,266. The 2023 figure included an exceptional cost of £117,076, relating to the payment of underpaid historic wage costs to a third party dating from 2018 to 2023. Group Ebitda increased from £3.1m to £3.8m. Dividends of £605,354 were paid (2023: £1,212,641). Director Peter Bruce said: “This was another successful year for the group, with revenue and Ebitda growth and new business secured with clients both onshore and offshore. The balance sheet remained strong, with group net assets increasing from £3.5m to £4.7m. Liquidity remained strong throughout the year, with net current assets increasing from £2.7m to £4.0m and cash balances increasing from £1.2m to £2.7m, and long-term debt fully paid off during the year. Significant opportunities exist both domestically and internationally, particularly in the marine and renewables sectors with several live opportunities being pursued.”

 

Vietnamese restaurant brand Cô Thành to make UK debut this week: Vietnamese restaurant brand Cô Thành will make its UK debut this week. Founded in 2017 by Brian Woo and “grounded in the scenes and scents of Ho Chi Minh City”, Cô Thành will open in Henrietta Street in Covent Garden on Thursday, 23 October. The brand is a celebration of regional Vietnamese cuisine and a tribute to the late Nguyễn Thị Thanh – affectionately known as The Lunch Lady – whose daily-changing street-side noodle soups earned her a devoted following. A formative trip to Vietnam in 2013 led Woo to train under Nguyễn’s guidance for three years, during which he immersed himself in the traditions of Vietnamese cuisine. After Anthony Bourdain named Nguyễn Thị Thanh among his “Top 10 Wishlist” vendors for the highly anticipated Bourdain Market in New York, Woo reached out to the project team, which was eager to showcase her food. With Nguyễn’s personal encouragement to continue her legacy and the market’s opening delayed, Woo opened Cô Thành in Hong Kong in 2017. Now he is taking the brand to London, bringing together signature dishes from the Hong Kong restaurant with London-only specials. Dishes will include Bún Thái, a Vietnamese take on the sweet, salty, sour and spicy flavours of Thai cooking, and Bún Mắm, a vermicelli noodle soup made from fermented fish and shrimp paste broth.

 

Chef Carlo Scotto opens restaurant at Buckinghamshire hotel: Carlo Scotto, who was part of the team behind Amethyst in Mayfair, has opened a restaurant at Crazy Bear Group’s hotel in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Bear by Carlo Scotto is an intimate 14-cover restaurant described as Scotto’s “most ambitious venture to date” and offers a menu influenced by Europe, Asia and the Middle East. At the heart of this is a foraged tasting menu, with around half of its ingredients foraged daily from the day’s harvest in the Chiltern Hills and local woodlands. These include lung oyster mushrooms and burdock root from Hogback Wood, wild garlic sourced in Peterley Wood and blackthorns and blackberries gathered in Roundhead Wood. Sample dishes include Ike jime chalk stream trout with wild sea beets, green walnuts and ardbeg; agnolotti pasta with rolet gem squash, black garlic, mascarpone and tagete leaves; and miso-glazed duck with blue moon radish, girolles, damsons and umeshu jus. The sustainable approach continues into the drinks list, with foraged forward cocktails such as wild garlic martini and rhubarb negroni. Each tasting menu is also accompanied by an optional drinks pairing, featuring rare wine, artisanal mead, vintage sake and spirits, with a non-alcoholic option also available.