Various Eateries CEO – ‘the chancellor needs to recognise how counterproductive further cost or margin pressures on the industry would be’: Mark Loughborough, chief executive of Various Eateries, the Hugh Osmond-backed business that operates the Coppa Club and Noci concepts, has told Propel that ahead of next month’s Budget, chancellor Rachel Reeves needs to recognise “how counterproductive further cost or margin pressures on the industry would be”. He said: “Meaningful reform on business rates would make a real difference. The sector needs stability and confidence to keep investing and protecting jobs. The chancellor also needs to recognise how counterproductive further cost or margin pressures on the industry would be at this stage. Hospitality has worked hard to rebuild, and sustained support now would generate far greater returns for the wider economy.” He was speaking after the company reported record profitability and a return to like-for-like sales growth, boosted by its summer trading and menu premiumisation. In a trading update for the 52 weeks ending 28 September 2025, the group said it expects full-year revenue of £52.4m (2024: £49.5m), up 6% year on year and ahead of current market expectations of £50.7m. When asked what further levers the business could pull to further mitigate costs, Loughborough said: “The solution will always rely on healthy sales, so we will never compromise our offer in pursuit of cost-cutting. I won’t split them out at this stage, but we have a set of operational and commercial measures to drive meaningful additional revenue and profit, independent of wider market influences. Every venue within our estate will be key to delivering tangible margin improvement and sustained growth.” The group told Propel in June that it is strengthening its foundations as it sets a platform for expansion and is targeting 25 sites its four-strong Noci concept in the medium term. On its plans for 2026, Loughborough said: “We remain ambitious for growth, including the expansion of our core brands. We are in exploratory discussions on several opportunities with a focus on sites that complement our portfolio and strengthen the estate.” Loughborough also said the group’s IT director has been leading a project to review and trial platforms that can “genuinely improve efficiency across the business”. He added: “The focus is on freeing up our teams to do what they do best rather than replacing them.”

 

Bubala founder Marc Summers to speak at final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025, open for bookings: Bubala founder Marc Summers will be among the speakers at the final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025. Summers will talk about the creation of the Middle Eastern vegetarian concept, its launch into the competitive London market and the future for the business and the vegetarian restaurant category. 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 100 new companies and 185 updated entries: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will feature 100 new companies and 185 updated entries when it is released to Premium Club subscribers on Friday (24 October), at midday. The database now features 1,209 companies, and this month’s edition includes more than 305,000 words of content. 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.

Average site emissions down 68% since 2015 as sector makes ‘real progress’ on energy use: Average site emissions in hospitality venues are down 68% since 2015, driven by equipment and building efficiency, behavioural improvements and grid decarbonisation, according to new research. A white paper titled Watt’s Cooking by Hospitality Energy, Saving & Sustainability (HESS) reviewed data from 12,000 hotels, pubs, restaurants, quick service restaurants and leisure sites on their energy use over the past ten years. The findings showed total sector emissions now stand at 9.86 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, up 23% overall due to growth in sites and trading hours. Average site energy consumption is down 25% to 311,415 kWh per year. Energy remains hospitality’s third-largest controllable cost – but still “one of the least understood”, HESS said. HESS director Dr Sam Mudie said: “We found real progress, with average site emissions down 60% since our 2015 research – but ambition is patchy, and many businesses are still not managing energy intensity effectively. The data is a wake-up call, but also a roadmap. There’s enormous potential for savings, decarbonisation, and positive change.”

  

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a Central London events venue that is seeking an experienced general manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This is a hands-on leadership role that will be responsible for every aspect of catering, events, venue management and client relations. The general manager will lead and develop on-site teams to deliver outstanding service standards, while ensuring full compliance with regulations. A key part of the role involves driving operational efficiency, profitability and sustainability initiatives, as well as managing budgets, stock, purchasing and financial reporting.” The salary is up to £70,000. For more information, email marlene@corecruitment.com

 

TeamSport hires Gavin Adair as new chief executive: TeamSport, Britain’s biggest indoor go-karting operator with 37 locations, has hired Gavin Adair, formerly of Rosa’s Thai and Wahaca, as its new chief executive, Propel has learned. Adair stepped down as chief executive of Rosa’s Thai, the TriSpan-backed business, at the end of last year after seven and a half years of leading the business. He was previously commercial and strategy director at Wahaca and finance director at ASK Italian. He joined the then ten-strong Rosa’s Thai in 2017 and handed over the executive reins ahead of the brand opening its 44th site. Earlier this summer, TeamSport reported strong current trading following a “phenomenal” year and said it saw “significant opportunity” from its partnership with cricket-based competitive socialising concept Sixes. The first joint location with Sixes launched in the TeamSport site in London’s Docklands – followed by further sites in Watford and High Wycombe. “It is early days, but we see significant opportunity to include this fun, adrenaline fuelled concept across the UK,” the company said. TeamSport also operates four tracks in Germany and two in the Netherlands. TeamSport reported turnover of £62,154,206 for the year to 30 June 2024, up from £57,008,912 in 2023. Pre-tax profit dropped from £7,915,630 in 2023 to £7,112,836. The previous year included exceptional income of £1,348,843 relating to replacement of tangible fixed assets damaged or destroyed by a fire that broke out at the company's Preston track in 2021. The current year included exceptional expenses of £506,022 relating to one-off prior year tax adjustments, recruitment costs and other small non-recurring costs. 

 

Patty & Bun founder opens second pub: Joe Grossmann, founder of better burger concept Patty & Bun, has opened his second pub. In August 2023, Grossmann relaunched The Watermans Arms in Lonsdale Road, in London’s Barnes. Now, he has reopened The Shaston Arms in Soho after acquiring the lease in July. The Shaston Arms, which is in Ganton Street, was previously operated by Hall & Woodhouse. The pub’s name, a nod to the fictional town of Shaston in Thomas Hardy’s Wessex novels, pays tribute to the literary and cultural heritage that echoes throughout the pub. The Shaston Arms, which has 35 covers, will see Sam Andrews join Grossmann in crafting the food menu, making his return to Soho having previously held the position of head chef at Ducksoup. The menu includes fennel with smoked cod’s roe, merguez frites baguette, celeriac fritter with leek vinaigrette and steak with beef lardons. Grossmann said: “The Waterman’s Arms has been so well received since we revitalised it a few years ago, and we’re looking to bring that same love for this iconic Soho spot. The Shaston Arms is something that’s very close to my heart, from drinking there in the original Pitt Cue days. It is a beloved venue that we have the opportunity to evolve. With a real focus on experience and great hospitality, we’re honouring the pub’s iconic history, while putting our stamp on it.” Landlord Shaftesbury Capital was represented by Alex Mann, of Hanover Green, while Ted Schama, founder of One Voice Hospitality, acted for Grossmann. 

 

Rarebreed Dining appoints two new co-MDs after founder Jordan Hallows steps down, completes disposal of Reading site after returning to profit: Rarebreed Dining, the three-strong steak-focused pub company, has appointed two new co-managing directors after founder Jordan Hallows stepped down, and has completed the disposal of its Reading site. Hallows, who founded the business is 2014, has been succeeded by David Brownlow and Benjamin Rawson, who are the company’s two remaining listed directors. In a post balance sheet events statement in the company’s accounts for the year to 30 September 2024, the company said Hallows stepped down from his role “for personal reasons”. It said: “Following this departure, the board identified suitable successors from within the existing senior management team. Two qualified internal candidates have stepped into the role as co-managing directors, ensuring a smooth and effective leadership transition. The board is confident that these internal appointments provide continuity, stability, and strategic alignment for the group moving forward. Subsequent to the year-end, the group completed the disposal of its Reading-based site, The Corn Store, which had ceased trading in 2023. The disposal was finalised in June 2025, and the board considers the transaction beneficial in streamlining the group’s portfolio, optimising resources and focusing operations on profitable sites and strategic growth areas.” The sale left the company with three locations – in Cobham, Twyford and Weybridge. Rawson said the closure “enabled the company to focus on more profitable areas of the business, driving Ebitda up to £210,890 (2023: £42,214)”. The company also turned a pre-tax loss of £513,507 (including a £2,018 profit from discontinued operations) in 2023 into a profit of £166,381 (including a £45,321 loss from discontinued operations). This was helped by £441,053 of accrued loan interest owed to Havisham Associates being written off, reducing accruals from £564,088 to £101,608. Turnover of £4,078,106 in 2023 (including £750,911 from discontinued operations) was down to £3,851,705 (including £291,612 from discontinued operations). Rawson added that labour market constraints “remain a substantial issue, driven by workforce shortages and ongoing wage pressures linked to government-mandated increases in the national minimum wage and national living wage”. He said: “This regulatory change required us to adjust our internal pay structures to maintain staff morale and retention. The group continued to prioritise talent retention and invested significantly in training and employee welfare. Looking ahead, Rarebreed remains well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the UK hospitality market.” No dividends were paid (2023: nil).

 

The Coffee House to launch new on-the-go concept, secures Warrington site: North west independent coffee shop The Coffee House is to launch a new on-the-go concept. The company, which was founded in 2011 by brothers Chris and Stephen Shelmerdine, currently has 38 locations, opening its most recent store in the Rochdale Exchange shopping centre last month. The Coffee House is now preparing to launch its new concept, along with its first garage forecourt site, at the Kay Group Primrose (Shell) in Whalley Road, Clitheroe. “Exciting news from The Coffee House,” a company spokesman said. “We’re proud to introduce Coffee House on the go. This marks an exciting step forward in our mission, our new concept designed to bring quality coffee and fresh food to even more people, wherever their day takes them. Our first location will open soon in Clitheroe, located within The Kay Group Primrose petrol station, making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy their favourite The Coffee House experience while on the move.” The company has also secured a new location in its hometown of Warrington, within The Causeway – formerly known as St James Business Centre – in Wilderspool Causeway. Scheduled to open in late January, the outlet will serve both residents and workers in the business centre, from 8am to 3pm each working day. “I’m sure many residents will be familiar with our branch in Stockton Heath, but now they can enjoy the convenience of us being on their doorstep,” said Chris Shelmerdine. “It’s a busy road with a very visible frontage on to Wilderspool Causeway, so we’re expecting plenty of passing trade.” Shelmerdine told Propel last year that The Coffee House is eyeing an estate of more than 80 sites after securing a £4m cash injection from the founder of investment platform AJ Bell, Andy Bell.

Mr Bao team to open Hong Kong-style wonton noodle soup bar: 6 of 1 Hospitality Group, the team behind Mr Bao and Master Bao, is to open a new Hong Kong-style wonton noodle soup bar in London Fields, which will mark the company’s first venture beyond Taiwanese cuisine. Inspired by the “bustling eateries of Hong Kong”, Wonton Charlie's will offer bowls of “Cantonese comfort food”. The new 18-cover site will focus solely on wonton noodle soup, a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s dining culture and a staple of Cantonese cuisine. Frank Yeung and Abhinav Malde, co-founders of 6 of 1, which also operates Daddy Bao and Good Measure in the capital, said: “In Hong Kong, we found the intimate, functional and honed in focus at these noodle bars so inspiring and wanted to bring that energy to our site in East London. It felt important to give the dish the same level of respect it's given across the city, so we have worked hard to make sure every element can be made in house, to achieve that same obsessive level of attention and delicious outcome!”

Clip ‘n Climb to open site at Gloucester Quays scheme: Family-friendly climbing attraction Clip ‘n Climb is to open a site at Gloucester Quays. The 14,000 square-foot venue will launch on the upper deck of the shopping outlet next year after Clip ‘n Climb agreed a deal with landlord Peel Retail & Leisure. There will be 19 climbing challenges, including Clip ‘n Climb’s signature attractions  “Vertical Drop Slide”  and “Stairway to Heaven”. The site will also include a large multi-level soft play area and the South Ridge Café. Danny Hodgson, commercial manager at Clip ‘n Climb, said: “Gloucester Quays has always been on our radar as a location to expand into. We’re excited to welcome everyone to enjoy a variety of challenges that cater to all abilities and encourage families to be active together.” Clip ‘n Climb operates nine “premier” centres and has more than 80 facilities across the UK in leisure centres, resorts and shopping centres, including three franchises.

 

Black Country Ales adds former Stonegate pub to West Midlands estate: Brewer and retailer Black Country Ales has acquired a further pub in the West Midlands, the Nursery Tavern, in Coventry. The pub, in Lord Street, becomes the company’s 54th site. The pub, which is currently closed, is to undergo a refurbishment and is expected to reopen before the end of the year. Black Country Ales, which was founded in 1999 by Angus McMeeking, acquired the pub from Stonegate Group. WTS Property Consultants acted on behalf of Stonegate on the deal.

 

M&B lodges plans to create Innkeepers Collection hotel above Leeds city centre pub: Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) has lodged plans to create a boutique hotel operating under its Innkeepers Collection brand above one of its Leeds city centre pubs. The company has applied to the city council to convert the floors above the Nation of Shopkeepers pub on the corner of Cookridge Street and Great George Street. The grade II-listed building was constructed between 1840 and 1847 and comprised offices and shops, with warehousing on the upper floors. It was listed in 1986 and restored during the 1990s to convert it into a pub and offices. The upper floors have most recently been used as offices but are currently empty. Planning permission is sought to convert the first and second floors of the building to create a 42-bedroom Innkeepers Collection hotel. A new reception would be created on the first floor, together with associated hotel facilities. A planning statement submitted as part of the application said: “The proposal will maintain, and secure, the long-term future of the public house, which is a valued community asset, as well as creating a facility that will support the tourist economy and the vitality and viability of the city centre. The proposed works will sensitively bring back into use the upper floors of this heritage asset and contribute to the tourism and city centre economies, without causing any harm to any material planning interest.” M&B operates more than 50 Innkeepers Collection sites across the UK.

 

Burger Boi signs new multi-site franchise deals for London and the north: Premium smashed burger business Burger Boi has signed a number of new multi-site franchise deals, “covering key territories across London and the north”. The first location under the new agreements will be in Cannock, which will take the company’s estate to 17 locations. A Burger Boi spokesman said: “This marks another major milestone in our growth journey, creating a significant number of new jobs and bringing our premium California-inspired smashed burgers to even more communities across the UK. First up – Cannock, opening soon!”

 

Freehold of Leeds city centre property occupied by Popeyes changes hands for £2.7m: A Leeds city centre property occupied by a Popeyes UK restaurant has changed hands for £2.7m. Glenbrook's investment business has completed the sale of 5-6 Commercial Street – a freehold unit let to Popeyes UK – to Berens Group. Originally acquired from L&G in 2023 when let to jeweller Goldsmiths, Glenbrook secured Popeyes as the new tenant and oversaw a comprehensive refurbishment. Following the surrender of Goldsmiths’ lease, the property was fully let to Popeyes on a new 15-year full repairing and insuring term with no break options, generating £190,000 per annum. The restaurant provides customer dining across the ground and first floors, kitchens and staff facilities at basement level, and additional storage on the upper floors. Scott Griffiths, investment director at Glenbrook, said: “This transaction underscores our strategy of pursuing selective acquisitions of prime high street assets in major UK cities. Backed by Popeyes’ strong covenant and this location’s exceptional profile, the result was a first-class product that generated significant investor demand.” Savills acted for Glenbrook on the letting and Metis Real Estate Advisors advised Glenbrook on the disposal.

 

Camerons Brewery confirms plans to open Manchester Head of Steam site: Camerons Brewery, led by Chris Soley, has confirmed it is to return to the expansion trail with the opening of its first Head of Steam site since 2019. Propel revealed in July that Camerons Brewery, which operates 15 sites under its Head of Steam concept, had lined up an opening in Newton Street, on the edge of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, in the site that was formerly Cottonopolis. The venue will be Camerons Brewery’s first new opening since covid struck and the first Head of Steam opened since the launch of the company’s award-winning Head of Steam in Park Row, Leeds, in 2019. Opening later this year, the new 2,800 square-foot venue will have a capacity of 180 guests, with seating for 120, and will create 14 jobs. The opening forms part of Camerons Brewery’s ongoing strategy to grow the national footprint of its flagship Head of Steam craft beer concept while “reflecting a strategic and sustainable approach to site investment”. Soley said: “It's fantastic Head of Steam and Camerons Brewery are back on the expansion trail. Following our successful refinance in 2024, we are delighted Head of Steam Manchester will be the first venue to open on this next stage of growth.” David Scott, retail director at Camerons Brewery, added: "Manchester has been our number one target city for some time, and we are pleased to have finally found a venue that matches both our design vision and our demographic. At Head of Steam, our exciting beer range and knowledgeable teams are at the very centre of what we do, so finding a site that allows for a central island bar and literally places the beer and the team at the heart of our guest experience is very exciting.”

 

North east Scotland bakery and coffee shop business JG Ross reports record turnover of £17.2m: North east Scotland bakery and coffee shop business JG Ross has reported turnover increased to a record £17,200,348 for the year ending 30 March 2025 compared with £16,481,945 the year before. The group, which operates 23 sites, saw Ebitda grow to £1,454,096 from £1,426,192 the previous year. Pre-tax profit was down to £988,046 from £1,037,551 the year before. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “The overall sales performance has been reasonable but has been masked by margin pressures resulting from increases in labour, commodity and utility costs. The directors continue to explore opportunities to continue the growth of the company.” A dividend of £1,750,000 was paid (2024: nil).

 

Market Taverns ‘looking for new sites’ as it reports turnover boost: Market Taverns, the privately-owned pub company operating 15 sites across London, has said it is “optimistic about the future” and is “looking for new sites”. The company reported turnover of £13,508,345 for the year to 30 September 2024, up from £12,289,713 in 2023. The company posted a pre-tax profit of £579,044 compared with £604,289 in 2023. The 2023 figure included £225,126 from discontinued operations (£379,163 without). Director Steve Welsh said: “The recovery from the covid pandemic continued into 2024 and the company enjoyed the first undisrupted Christmas festive period since 2019. First quarter like-for-like sales were up 9.7%, helped by a surge in larger bookings as companies used Christmas parties to encourage staff to socialise together after spending so much time working from home during the pandemic. England's fine run to the final of the UEFA European Football Championships was positive for summer trading. Ongoing cost pressures over the last two years has put pressure on hospitality as a whole and Market Taverns has not been immune from these pressures, especially rising labour costs and food supply chains. We continue to offset the pressures through better buying, reviewing service contracts and maintaining a tight grip on costs. The directors consider the results to be satisfactory given the difficult macro trading environment. The directors continue to be optimistic about the future of the business and the sector as a whole and are looking for new sites to add to the estate of pubs.” No dividends were paid (2023: nil).

 

Clapham Leisure acquires first north London pub: South London pub and café operator Clapham Leisure has acquired its first site in north London. The business, which was formed in 2013 by Jayke Mangion and Andy Bell, has acquired the leasehold interest of the Gipsy in Kentish Town from Tavern Pub Co. The pub has been renamed the Gipsy Queen Tavern. Clapham Leisure currently operates four pubs in south London, including the Pepper Street Tavern in Canary Wharf and the Wapping Tavern in Wapping. The business also operates two sites under its wine and charcuterie bar concept, WC, in Clapham and in Lamb’s Conduit Street, and five sites under its Brickwood Café format. AJR Leisure acted on behalf of Clapham Leisure on the Kentish Town deal.

McGinty’s Group CEO – sector tax hikes have forced us to halt recruitment plans, restrict opening times and slash staff hours: Allan Anderson, chief executive of Aberdeen operator McGinty’s Group, has said sector tax hikes has forced the group to halt recruitment plans, restrict opening times and slash staff hours. Henderson has called on the government to reverse its increase in minimum wage and employer national insurance contributions, which he said has cost the ten-strong group £350,000 and counting. “Governments need to help us make sure the industry survives,” he told the Press & Journal. “The local pub or restaurant is an integral part of the community. If these places go, communities will suffer. This year alone, I have been approached by nine hospitality businesses in the north-east asking if I’d consider buying them. In a normal year, I might hear from one or two.” It comes as McGinty’s Group reported turnover of £7,926,694 for the year to 30 September 2024, down from £8,343,694 in 2023, The company’s pre-tax loss widened from £273,265 in 2023 to £594,041 – mainly due to an exceptional impairment cost of £546,000. Post year end, in July 2025, McGinty’s Group exited its very first venue when it sold McGinty’s Meal an’ Ale 16 years after opening the business. The company completed a deal with the owners of Big Mannys’ Pizza to take over the Union Street venue. Henderson said: “Although we are sad to say goodbye to McGinty’s after a wonderful 16 years, it felt like the right time to pass on the baton to well-respected owners who we can trust will uphold the site whilst reinventing it to meet the current trends. McGinty’s will always be a special venue for our group and the fantastic staff who have worked for us.”

 

Five Akhis opens in Bedford: Gourmet burger concept Five Akhis, which has fast-pizza brand Fireaway founder Mario Aleppo as a backer, has launched in Bedford. Five Akhis has opened at 28 Castle Lane in the town for its 12th site. Five Akhis also has two sites in Milton Keynes (full restaurant and express) and one each in Northampton, Oxford, Preston, Birmingham, Sheffield, Banbury, Nottingham, Luton and Wellingborough. The company’s current pipeline includes locations in Manchester, Leicester and London’s Whitechapel. Aleppo invested in the fledgling business in 2023, taking a 5% stake as well as lending his expertise.

 

Champagne and cheese concept set to open third London site: Champagne and cheese concept Champagne + Fromage is set to open its third site in London – and sixth overall. The site will open at the end of November in the former Colairo’s café and deli site at 1 Westow Street in Crystal Palace, south London. The site will join Champagne + Fromage’s original London locations, in Covent Garden and Greenwich. The company, founded by Stefano Frigerio in 2011, launched a two-pronged franchise scheme in 2023 – through pub, restaurant and deli partnerships and through franchisees opening their own stores. It has since opened franchise sites in Chester’s Watergate Street and Harrogate’s Royal Parade, as well as making its hotel debut through a partnership with the Wellington Hotel on the Isle of Wight. Propel also revealed earlier this year that a franchise agreement has also been signed for York, and an opening in the second quarter of next year has been targeted, with a site search currently underway. Frigerio told Propel: “The Chester location, which opened last December, continues to perform strongly, and Harrogate, launched in mid-September, has had an excellent reception from locals. Next on the calendar is Crystal Palace, scheduled to open at the end of November, which will be another exciting milestone for the business. Our York is now planned for opening in the second quarter of next year, further strengthening our franchising expansion across the UK. We’re also exploring several opportunities for 2026, though nothing is finalised yet.” The company also operates sister business Comptoir + Cuisine in Bath, but has closed its Cheese + Fizz site in London’s Brixton Village, which launched in 2013.

 

Pub People completes £1.1m capex investment: Midlands pub company Pub People has completed two major capex schemes, investing £1.1m across a pair of its sites, which it said came off the back of continued strong trading across the business. The circa 40-strong, Downing-backed business invested £300,000 in The Rutland Cottage in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Marr Lodge, near Doncaster, has also reopened following an extensive refurbishment of more than £800,000. The company said the pub, which was destroyed by fire a year ago, has undergone a major renovation to produce a modern site with a strong food and drink offer. The company said the reopened Marr Lodge has “massively exceeded trading expectations”. Non-executive chairman Mark Crowther said: “These successful schemes come off the back of continued strong trading across the business. These lovely freehold pubs have responded well to capex investment, firmly establishing them as favourite pubs in their communities.”

 

Northern Ireland hotel group McKeever grows turnover: Northern Ireland operator McKeever Hotel Group grew its turnover in the year to 30 September 2024 – from £15,220,434 to £17,211,995. The company, which added its seventh site post year end with the acquisition of the Armagh City Hotel in April, saw its pre-tax profit fall slightly, from £1,373,905 to £1,254,482, as administration expenses rose from £9,882,572 to 11,419,754. Dividends of £150,000 were paid (2023: £70,000). Director Eugene McKeever said: “The directors have considered the results for the group for the year and the financial position at the end of the year to be satisfactory and to have been achieved in a challenging time for the industry with rising costs.”

 

Padel concept Social Sports Society plans double Bristol opening: Padel concept Social Sports Society is planning a double opening in Bristol. The company has submitted a planning application for a new venue at Brabazon, a new city development that includes 6,500 homes, a railway station, a 15-acre park, a Waitrose store and office buildings. The proposed flagship Social Sports Society venue, which is expected to open in spring 2026, will bring padel, pickleball, social games and wellness facilities. The facility will feature nine pro-standard padel courts, three pickleball courts, a community sauna and ice baths, social games, immersive golf pods and a curated food and drink offer. The company has also confirmed another Bristol destination at Filton Retail Park, which will have six padel courts. “Launching not one but two padel venues in Bristol shows our commitment to growing padel across the UK,” said Tom Rooney, chief executive of Social Sports Society. “Bristol Filton will be our Bristol destination venue, where sport meets social, while Brabazon is a bold ‘meanwhile’ project that brings life, padel,and community into a landmark regeneration site. Together, they showcase our vision for the future of sport in the UK.” The launches are part of Social Sports Society’s national growth strategy. Multiple new venues are planned to open in 2026, including in Manchester. The company currently operates three London venues – in Brent Cross, Sutton and Wembley – and a site in Derby.

 

Pizza 1889 to open second Bristol site and launch new in-line format: Pizza 1889 – the Italian Street pizza concept taking its name from the year the margherita pizza was invented and that operates out of shipping containers – will open a second Bristol site and launch a new in-line format. The company, founded in 2014 by husband-and-wife team Daniel and Lynda Southwell, currently operates sites within Surrey Quays shopping centre in London, Cambridge Leisure Park in Cambridge and Avonmeads Leisure Park in Bristol. Pizza 1889 is now set to open its fourth site – at an as yet unnamed pub in Bristol. Franchise consultant Paolo Peretti said: “After ten years of hand-stretching, stonebake-firing and serving up the most delicious authentic Neapolitan pizza, Pizza 1889 is taking the next step with some exciting new ventures. First up, Pizza 1889 will be working with a fantastic pub in central Bristol, where its beer garden will host one of its shipping container units. The space will not only serve pub customers but will also open on to the walkway – giving easy access to nearby residents and shoppers from the Cabot Circus shopping centre. Alongside this, Pizza 1889 has developed a new in-line Pizza 1889 concept. Working closely with Skyline Studios, Pizza 1889 has reimagined the original container design into a format that works seamlessly within a building – all while keeping the same brand values, look and, most importantly, its authentic cooking experience. These are just the start of some very exciting opportunities on the horizon, including interest from potential franchise partners who share the passion for great pizza and great places to enjoy it.” Pizza 1889, which launched a franchise programme last year, also previously operated sites in Oxford and High Wycombe.

 

Former Raymond Blanc and Gordon Ramsay alumni Mike Shaw becomes chef patron of Lancashire gastropub: Chef Mike Shaw has been named chef patron at The Freemasons in Wiswell as the Lancashire gastropub marks a new chapter. Shaw’s career includes time at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Hambleton Hall, Gordon Ramsay’s Aubergine and as sous chef under Richard Neat in Cannes. He later became head chef at Gilpin Lodge, helping the Lake District hotel achieve a Michelin star. Reflecting on his move, Shaw said: “I visited The Freemasons a number of years ago and thought, what a beautiful place. It reminded me of my time in Great Milton at Le Manoir and Hambleton Hall. Customers can expect the new menu to offer British pub classics alongside seasonal dishes, each with our signature touch, showcasing the best of local produce as well as ingredients from further afield.” Under Shaw’s leadership, The Freemasons, which holds three AA Rosettes and has four guest bedrooms, will continue to offer both its signature tasting menu and à la carte dining. The Freemasons will reopen on Wednesday, 5 November as Shaw and the team prepare their new menus, with the pub also undergoing a series of small refurbishments.

 

US wine importer Jon Davey opens wine store and deli in London’s Shoreditch: US wine importer Jon Davey has opened a wine store and deli in London’s Shoreditch. Nekter Deli in Bowl Court offers a series of “new world, new wave wine made using natural, low intervention methods”, with almost every variety available by the glass, reports Hot Dinners. Meanwhile, the deli offers small plates that can also be taken away, including duck liver mousse served with sour cherry biscuits and N25 Oscietra caviar served with Torres truffle crisps and sour cream. The grocery side of the business stocks cheese, fish and steaks. Davey supplies London venues including The Clove Club and Ynyshir.

 

Hollywood stars plan to build new ‘super brewery’ and visitor centre in Wrexham: Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are planning to build a new “super brewery” and visitor centre in Wrexham. The actors, who own Wrexham FC and are behind the TV series Welcome to Wrexham, have submitted a planning application for a Wrexham Lager brewery and visitor centre next to the football ground. The pair said the venue would “provide an attractive welcome to the city of Wrexham” and would include tasting rooms for visitors and football fans. The application states: “The Wrexham Lager proposals, consisting of a brewery and associated taproom and museum, will utilise existing buildings on the site.” The success of Wrexham has been documented over four seasons of the Disney+ series, with many scenes filmed in The Turf, a pub on the corner of the Racecourse Ground. Two million visitors – an increase of 21% in five years – spent around £179m in the city last year.