Exclusive – Oxygen Activeplay acquires five Ninja Warrior UK adventure parks to increase its portfolio to 18 sites: Indoor family activity brand Oxygen Activeplay has acquired experiential operator Leisure TV Rights and its five Ninja Warrior UK adventure parks to increase its portfolio to 18 sites, Propel has learned. The sites are located in Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Teesside and Walsall – adding to a portfolio which includes ten Oxygen Activeplay parks, Boost Leicester and RedKangaroo parks in Nottingham and Coventry. Oxygen Activeplay said the addition of the Ninja Warrior UK brand, managed by ITV Studios in the UK on behalf of Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, will “bring together two of the UK’s most recognised brands in family-focused indoor leisure, both aimed at delivering high quality experiences”. It said the acquisitions follow a strong trading period, with record-breaking summer sales, achieving a 30% year-on-year growth in visitors, plus the opening of a new park at Manchester’s MediaCity. The company said the acquisition is part of its long-term growth plan, and that since its acquisition by Literacy Capital in 2021, the group has expanded through both strategic acquisitions and new park developments. Oxygen Activeplay has previously acquired five other brands – RedKangaroo, Base Jump, Boost, Jump Capital and Jump Evolution. Chief executive Stephen Wilson said: “This latest acquisition is a major step forward in Oxygen’s goal to redefine the indoor leisure sector in the UK. Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Parks is a well-known and loved brand across the country and perfectly complements our ethos of creating fun and inclusive experiences for families that encourage staying active through play. This marks not just an expansion of our footprint, but a deepening of our commitment to bring Activeplay to even more communities across the UK. Together, we’re combining the strength of the Ninja Warrior UK brand with Oxygen's proven, people-led customer experience focused operating models.” Lou Black, ITV Studio’s senior vice-president brand licensing ITV Studios, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Oxygen as the new operator of five Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Parks sites. Its reputation for delivering dynamic, people-focused experiences makes them a perfect fit for the brand and will help us take the experience to the next level, creating more immersive, connected adventures for fans of all ages.” The deal sees Imbiba exit Leisure TV Rights for what it said represents a good return on investment for a business it has backed since March 2022.

 

Former England cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook to speak at final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025, open for bookings: Sir Alastair Cook, former England cricket captain, will be among the speakers at the final Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025, which is open for bookings. Sir Alastair will talk about building teamwork, captaining big characters and getting the most out of them, mental resilience, composure under pressure and making the most of your ability. He will also look forward to the forthcoming Ashes and make a few predictions. 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 Multi-Site Database and videos from Culture, Talent & Training Conference on Friday: Premium Club subscribers are to receive the updated Multi-Site Database on Friday (31 October), at 12pm. The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,474 multi-site operators and is searchable in seven main segments. The database features 1,001 (29%) operators from the casual dining sector, 798 (23%) pub and bar operators, 602 (17%) cafe bakery operators, 487 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 283 (8%) hotel operators, 229 (7%) experiential leisure operators and 54 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month, and this edition includes 20 new companies. The database includes new companies in the cafe bakery sector include coffee shop concept Noxy Brothers, Staffordshire bakery Wrights the Bakery, part of The Compleat Food Group, and London-based Aussie coffee concept Roasting Party. Premium Club subscribers will also receive all the videos from the Culture, Talent & Training Conference on Friday, at 9am. They include Dishoom people director Andrew O’Callaghan discussing the continuing evolution of the company’s award-winning people culture, and how it has lowered recruitment fees and staff turnover in the process. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five additional databases: the New Openings Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who's Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events 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.

 

UKHospitality – 500 large high street outlets at risk of closure due to business rates surcharge: UKHospitality has warned that 500 large high street outlets are at risk of closure due to a planned business rates surcharge. UKHospitality has united with fellow trade body the British Retail Consortium to call on the government to exempt hospitality and retail outlets from the planned surcharge, which would see 5,000 high street properties over £500,000 rateable value affected by a higher tax rate. The trade bodies believe 500 premises would be put at risk of closure if the surcharge was applied and said these properties employ approximately 120,000 people – jobs which would be impacted by any closures. The trade bodies said the government’s manifesto commitment to reforming business rates and levelling the playing field for the high street cannot be achieved if hospitality and retail businesses are not exempt from the surcharge and end up with higher rates bills. UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls said: “The broken business rates system has punished bricks and mortar hospitality businesses for decades, with our sector paying three times more than its fair share. Reform of the system is long overdue, and we now need to see the government deliver in full its pledge to level the playing field for the high street. That means implementing the maximum possible rates discount for properties below £500,000 rateable value and exempting larger hospitality properties from the surcharge. Delivering both those measures is the only way to fulfil that commitment and prevent hospitality businesses from being taxed out.” Helen Dickinson, chief executive at the British Retail Consortium, added: “Thriving high streets depend on a vibrant mix of outlets – from shops and cafés to restaurants and entertainment venues. We urge the chancellor to exempt these businesses from the surtax, helping safeguard hundreds of anchor stores and the vital jobs they sustain.”

 

Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant applies for asset of community value status to block closure plans: The owners of Britain’s oldest Indian restaurant have applied for asset of community value (ACV) status in attempt to block plans to close it. Veeraswamy, which dates to 1926, could be lost after Westminster City Council approved Crown Estate plans to redevelop the building it sits in, at 99 Regent Street in London. Veeraswamy’s owners Ranjit Mathrani and Namita Panjabi, of MW Eats, have now submitted an application to designate Veeraswamy an ACV, which could protect the restaurant by imposing restrictions and potentially delaying the redevelopment plans. Mathrani said: “We urge Westminster Council to make Veeraswamy an ACV. For nearly 100 years, the restaurant has been the most iconic Indian restaurant in the country. The restaurant is not only an asset for the local community but has national value as it attracts so many overseas visitors. The restaurant is an important part of Regent Street, and if it is forced to close by the Crown Estate, it will be a terrible loss to London.” The council is now considering the application, and a decision will be made in the coming weeks. Veeraswamy’s 25-year lease expired in June, and the Crown Estate has previously stated it does not intend to renew it. MW Eat launched legal action this summer, allowing Veeraswamy to continue operating until a court hearing – expected in spring or early summer next year. Earlier this month, MW Eats – which also operates the Chutney Mary and Amaya restaurants and the Masala Zone business – reported turnover increased slightly to £31,789,469 for the year ending 31 March 2025 compared with ££31,372,050 the previous year. Pre-tax profit was up to £4,433,462 from £3,376,685 the year before (2019: profit of £3,955,479).

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a restaurant group that is seeking a food and beverage director to lead and develop a portfolio of 19 high-performing sites across the UK. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This role will report directly to the chief executive, and sit on the executive team, contributing to broader business strategy while driving excellence on the ground. The role will also guide menu development, supplier relationships, and expansion or refurbishment projects, ensuring standards are consistently high across all sites.” The salary is up to £75,000 and the position is based in the West Midlands. For more information, email kate@corecruitment.com

 

Incipio Group – Olympia sites expected to double turnover to £50m, raises £9.6m to support the project and other growth opportunities, reports strong year of trading with like-for-likes up 22%: Incipio Group – operator of venues including Pergola on the Wharf, The Libertine and The Prince – has said its new Olympia sites are expected to double its turnover to £50m, and that it has raised £9.6m to support the project and other growth opportunities. The group will open five venues at the redeveloped Olympia scheme in early 2026, which it expects to invest £10.5m in, following a £1.2m investment in 2024. To help finance the scheme, the group has refinanced – paying off a previous loan with Metrobank and raising £4.1m at group level alongside a refinance package of £5.5m through NatWest. Chief executive Ed Devenport said: “Five new venues to open in early 2026 in £1.3bn Kensington Olympia development, doubling the group’s turnover at point of maturity. To support the group’s investment in Olympia and other opportunities, the group raised £3.7m through convertible loan notes and issued £405,000 in equity during the year. An additional £439,000 in convertible loan notes were issued post year end. To further support the strategic growth plans, the group completed a post year end refinance through NatWest, securing a package totalling £5.5m. Prior to this, group debt stood at £2.7m at year end (£3.5m in 2023), held with Metrobank. The group is also actively pursuing new opportunities aligned with our strategic objectives, with anticipated openings from late 2026 into early 2027.” It comes as the group reported a strong year of trading in the year to 29 December 2024, with like-for-likes up 22%. Turnover of £25,288,498 was down from £26,348,904 in 2023 (including £426,642 from discontinued operations). The group’s Ebitda grew from £1,012,184 in (including a £1,413,000 loss from discontinued operations) to £1,382,941 (including a £51,725 loss from discontinued operations). Its pre-tax loss of £1,580,767 (including a £1,611,078 loss from discontinued operations) narrowed to a loss of £833,185 (including a loss of £51,725 from discontinued operations). Devenport said: “A strong year of trading for the group. Like-for-like sales grew an impressive 22% from 2023-2024 (calculation excludes Pergola Paddington, which closed as planned in 2024 following expiry of its short-term lease). Despite closure, like-for-like adjusted Ebitda up to £2m from £781,000 in 2023, with conversion improving by 3.9%. This was primarily driven by efficiencies in operations, with our like-for-like gross profit margin improving from 78.9% in 2023 to 80.5% in 2024.” No dividends were paid (2023: nil). Last month, Devenport told Propel that the company’s ambition is to “get up to about 20 venues by 2030 and become a £100m-turnover business”. He also said the new Olympia sites could allow the group to pursue “enormous” national and international opportunities.

 

London operator Night Group to reopen Peckham Palais: Night Group, the independent collective behind some of London’s most loved music-led venues, is to reopen Peckham Palais after more than a decade, Propel has learned. Reopening in February 2026, the restored 11,000-square-foot venue is set within the former 19th-century Jones & Higgins department store. The three-storey landmark has been reimagined as an intimate, independent music venue, with a 500-capacity club including a rare Funktion-One five-way system – the only installation of its kind in a venue of this scale. Phones will be covered on entry, “keeping focus on the sound, the crowd and the moment”, and the in-house club programme will “build on the diverse and wide-ranging line-ups across our current venues and projects”. On the first floor, the 250-capacity Ballroom, a restored cocktail bar, offers seating and a “low-lit, social atmosphere”, until later in the evening, the tables clear and DJs move in, transforming the space into a second room of music. Co-founder Jamie Rule said: “Palais is about being present. We’ve been developing the sound system for over a year. We wanted to create something that moves through you.” Co-founder Lottie Campbell added: “It brings fresh energy to a historically significant building. We’ve been ambitious with the design, and I can’t wait for people to experience it.” Following on soon will be a further 250-capacity Live Room. In June, Propel revealed that Night Group, which is behind venues including Night Tales and NT’s Loft, had made the move into all-day trading after acquiring Hackney venue Netil360.

 

JD Gyms targeting up to 15 new sites in 2026 as it prepares to open 100th UK venue: Gym operator JD Gyms is targeting up to 15 new sites in 2026 as it prepares to open its 100th UK venue. The company, which is part of the global retail group JD Sports Fashion, will mark the milestone with the launch in Enfield, north London, in November. JD Gyms is set for two further openings before the end of the year and is targeting ten to 15 new gyms in 2026. The brand, which was launched in 2014, has a large proportion of gyms across the north of England but said the new Enfield location will open the door to future expansion across Greater London. A £21m investment programme over the latest financial year has included upgrading equipment on the gym floor and converting most sites to 24-hour opening. JD Gyms saw revenue jump by a fifth to £122m for the year ending 3 February 2025, compared with £101m the previous year. Profit before adjusting items increased 42% year-on-year to £42.1m. Membership grew by nearly 40,000 to total 572,000 at the end of the financial year. Chief executive Alun Peacock said: “Since opening our first gym in Hull in 2014, we have remained focused on exceeding member expectations. Our ongoing investment into opening multiple new sites across the UK, refurbishing our existing gyms with the latest premium equipment, upgrading facilities and converting the majority of our gyms to 24-hour operations, has all contributed towards these outstanding results. We are excited about the future with multiple new locations already identified for future growth.”

 

Inamo to open two new locations for sub-brand Inamo Sukoshi for first ventures outside London: London tech-restaurant group Inamo has told Propel it will open two new locations for its sushi and fusion street food sub-brand Inamo Sukoshi, for its first ventures outside of London. Inamo Sukoshi will open at Kargo MKT in Manchester on Thursday, 6 November, and at Cutlery Works in Sheffield on Wednesday, 12 November – both part of The Blend Family’s growing portfolio of food halls. The two new venues bring Inamo Sukoshi’s total number of sites to seven, following existing London locations in BoxHall Liverpool Street, Boxpark Wembley, Market Place Vauxhall, Tower Bridge Collective, and Hackney Bridge. Created to bring Inamo’s award-winning pan-Asian cuisine to food hall settings, Inamo Sukoshi offers a menu of sushi and fusion street food inspired by flavours from across Asia. Dishes include the brand’s signature dragon rolls, bao buns and chicken katsu curry. Noel Hunwick, co-founder and marketing director of Inamo, told Propel: “We’re thrilled to be taking the Inamo Sukoshi brand beyond London for the first time. The Blend Family’s sites in Manchester and Sheffield are perfect environments for our concept, and we’re excited to introduce our unique take on Asian fusion to new audiences. With a strong pipeline of opportunities ahead, we’re continuing to explore further openings both within and outside Greater London.”

 

Wingstop opens first Sheffield site: Wingstop, which is backed here by US private equity firm Sixth Street, has opened its first site in Sheffield. Located in the Oasis Dining Quarter at the Meadowhall shopping centre, the new 4,585 square-foot site hosts 114 covers. Diners can expect the full menu of wings, tenders and burgers, in flavours from Hawaiian and lemon pepper to mango habanero and atomic. Milkshakes, beer and a churros selection for dessert are also on offer. The brand currently operates 77 sites across the UK and employs more than 3,000 people, with plans grow to as many as 200 sites within the next five years. Chris Sherriff, chief executive at Wingstop UK & Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to finally open our first Wingstop in Sheffield at Meadowhall. It’s such a great location that brings together shopping, entertainment and great food – the perfect place for us to join the city.”

 

Cornish Bakery to add to south west presence with Exeter site: Fast-growing independent brand Cornish Bakery is to add to its presence in the south west of England with an opening in Exeter. The company will launch in the former Mountain Warehouse store in High Street on Monday, 17 November. The bakery will provide space for up to 46 visitors, with more than 15 jobs created. The opening will add to south west bakeries in Sidmouth, Totnes and Taunton for the group, which first started in Mevagissey in Cornwall. Cornish Bakery managing director Mat Finch said: “We are delighted to be opening in Exeter, a fantastic city full of energy and vibrancy. This new location represents an exciting opportunity for us to invest in the high street, restoring this unit for contemporary use as a high-end bakery. We believe Exeter is a fantastic fit for Cornish Bakery and we look forward to becoming part of its thriving city centre.” Speaking on the Rise of the Café Bakery panel at Lunch! 2025 last month, Finch reiterated the 75-strong business sees scope for an eventual 400-strong estate and said the group would open four more sites before Christmas. Finch was among the speakers at the Culture, Talent & Training Conference, the videos from which will be sent to Premium Club subscribers on Friday (31 January), at 9am. Finch talks about putting a people culture front-and-centre of the business, staff recognition and rewards, the importance of the local community, and its commitment to employee development and recognition. 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.

 

Gym franchise Snap Fitness to open new Cornwall site: Gym franchise Snap Fitness is to open a new site in Wadebridge, Cornwall. The gym will occupy four new units within the Estuary Retail Park and is set to launch in January. Spanning more than 11,000 square feet across two floors, the gym will include top of the range gym equipment, a recovery area with an infrared sauna and a dedicated Reformer Pilates studio. Husband-and-wife duo Olga and Gurnake Cheema, who operate two Snap Fitness gym in nearby Bodmin, will operate the Wadebridge site. Olga Cheema said: “It’s been so rewarding being gym owners and this will be our third location. Being a franchised business, we’re proud to be able to make a difference in the local community. Much like we have in our other locations, we’ll be creating a gym where people of all abilities can feel comfortable and welcome in.” Snap Fitness opened its first UK gym in Kent in 2012 and operates more than 100 sites here among a portfolio of in excess of 1,000 gyms across 20 countries, with more than one million members.

 

Vegetarian Indian restaurant group Namaste Village to open second site with OmNom: Vegetarian Indian restaurant concept Namaste Village is set to open a second site under its partnership with food and wellness charity OmNom. Propel reported earlier this month that Namaste Village – which has restaurants in Norwich, Twickenham, Southend, Cambridge and Oxford plus the original OmNom in London’s Islington – was set to open a site in Birmingham. Namaste Village has now confirmed that the site, at 2 Fleet Street, will not only be a second OmNom, but will be twice the size of the original Islington location. The new site will also feature OMspace, a dedicated studio and event venue designed to host yoga, meditation, talks, workshops and private events. The restaurant will feature an expansive open-plan space with a dining area, a bar, a conservatory and private dining space, accommodating up to 200 guests in total. A distinctive feature of the venue will be a traditional low-seating area adjacent to the bar, crafted from hand-carved timber and plush cushions handmade in India. OmNom founder Yuvi Rana said: “OmNom began in Islington as an idea, to create a restaurant that feeds more than the body. Our new Birmingham home, at twice the size of our London flagship, will allow us to expand that vision. OmNom Birmingham will be a celebration of amazing food, well-being events and community.” Namaste Village founder Vijay Jetani added: “OmNom and Namaste Village share deeply aligned values – those of kindness, compassion, and seva, the spirit of service to humanity. Given these driving values and intentions, OmNom’s growth and success was only a matter of time. We are genuinely proud to be part of this journey and look forward to continuing to work alongside the charity.”

 

Dominus to open new Hilton branded hotel in City of London for sixth site: Real estate developer, owner and operator Dominus is to open a new Hilton branded hotel in the City of London for its sixth site. Owned and operated by Dominus, The Derby London City, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, will open in February. Named after the bowler hats, known as “derbys”, which were once a staple of bank workers in the area, the hotel will offer 234 rooms, including 15 signature suites offering panoramic views of the City skyline. Located in Great Tower Street, at the heart of the hotel will be Rycrofte’s, a new dining destination inspired by Sir John Rycrofte, sergeant of the larder to Henry VII and Henry VIII, which will “reimagine classic British cuisine with inventive flair and seasonal ingredients”. There will also be private dining and boardroom style meeting spaces for ten-20 delegates. Additional amenities will include a 24-hour gym and curated experiences such as Mercer’s Market, a monthly celebration of local artists and artisans. Matt Williams, director of hotels at Dominus, said: “The opening of The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton marks an exciting new chapter for Dominus Hospitality. It represents our ambitious growth strategy and our commitment to delivering best-in-class experiences for our guests. Our vision was to create a destination that not only honours the City’s rich heritage but also reflects the energy and elegance of modern London. From its design to its service, The Derby London City is a celebration of craftsmanship, character, and connection.” Last month, Dominus submitted plans to transform a telephone exchange at 123 Judd Street in Camden into a new 240-room hotel. Dominus’ operational portfolio of hotels comprises The Dixon, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection in Tower Bridge in London, Lost Property, a Curio Collection by Hilton in St Paul’s in the capital, a Courtyard by Marriott in Oxford and two Hampton by Hilton hotels, in Bath and London City.

 

3Kobros team to open new Korean barbecue concept in London’s Covent Garden: The team behind Korean restaurant business 3Kobros will next month open a new Korean barbecue concept in London’s Covent Garden. Opening at 99 St Martin’s Lane. Soom will “celebrate the communal spirit of Korean barbecue, where guests gather around the grill to cook and share a selection of premium meats and seasonal vegetables”. Alongside the barbecue experience, the menu will offer a range of traditional and contemporary Korean dishes, with options designed for all preferences including vegetarian, vegan, and halal. There will also be a concise dessert menu and a drinks list featuring soju, Korean-inspired cocktails, tea and non-alcoholic choices. Each premium stone table will be fitted with a concealed electric barbecue grill, “allowing guests to cook and dine seamlessly”. At the heart of the main floor will be the Soom feature table – a circular, 12-seat centrepiece “designed to bring people together”, and adjacent to this will be the ground floor bar, while there will also be a private dining room. 3Kobros was founded in 2017 by Ho Yoon Kim, Won Suk Choi, Ryan Choi and Gong Cheol Bae and has locations in Canary Wharf, Elephant & Castle and Bermondsey (delivery-only).

 

East London brewer Exale Brewing opens fourth pub: East London brewer Exale Brewing has opened its fourth pub. The company has opened The Black Eel at 41 Kingland High Street in Dalston, on the site of the former F Cooke pie and mash shop, which had been a Chinese karaoke bar and, most recently, home to cocktail and board game concept Draughts. The building’s historic tiled shopfront, arched windows and original 1862 doorway mosaic have been maintained. Inside is a main bar, private karaoke room, darts and shuffleboard spaces, lounge zones and flexible hire rooms, all set across a 250-cover interior. Outdoors, there is a 150-seat beer garden featuring a pétanque court. The food comes from Riley’s, the latest project from chef Billy Fisher, former head chef at Lagom and The Hawke Pub, both in Hackney. Highlights include steamed mussels with red onion, marinated chestnut mushrooms with garlic, parsley and lemon and pork ribs with pickles and hot honey. The bar stocks Exale’s own brews alongside craft beer, seasonal and signature cocktails, natural wine and a range of low/no alcohol options. The Black Eel has joined the Exale Tap, Three Colts Tavern and William The Fourth Leyton in Exale’s pub portfolio.

 

Wildes Group investing £9m in new Chester hotel to open in 2027, exploring ‘exciting opportunities’ for management business: Hotel and spa operator the Wildes Group has said it is investing £9m in a new hotel in Chester, which is now due to open in 2027. The group expects construction work to begin at the end of this year and continue throughout 2026, welcoming its first guests the following year. The hotel will have 18 bedrooms, a spa with a rooftop swimming pool and two restaurants – one with Michelin star aspirations called X by Harry Guy. “The group will be investing more than £9m on this project,” director Paul Wilde said. “Our own branded properties remain a focus into 2025-2026 as we continue to try and source exceptional properties, which we believe fit our strategic aim of creating a portfolio of beautiful properties which offer our guests the best of everything.” Own branded hotel is one of three divisions of the business, alongside branded hotels and retail and hotel management. Giving an update on the branded hotels business, Wilde said: “In August 2024, we completed a ten-year lease agreement on our hotel in Crewe with a very attractive income stream. We have therefore terminated our agreement with IHG, and the hotel will now operate under the OYO brand, the hotel’s new tenants.” Giving an update on the retail and hotel management business, Wilde said: “Bluebell Hospitality, the group’s hospitality management company, is exploring some exciting opportunities to manage other hotels and restaurants on behalf of third parties. We are currently evaluating these opportunities to establish if they fit the strategic direction we want to take the group.” It comes as the group reported a drop in turnover and profit for the year to 31 March 2024, due to the disposal of the Holiday Inn in Hoylake the previous year. Revenue was down from £8,426,988 in 2023 to £7,568,100, while pre-tax losses widened from £1,317,915 to £1,929,450. Wilde added: “We expect turnover to increase to £7,919,000 in 2025 due to the continuing maturing of the group’s assets. Fixed assets of the company was £24,963,000. We expect this to rise to around £34m once the development of our new five-star property in Chester is finished. During the year, the company made a provision of £2,234,000 for bad debt from a related company. We have taken the prudent view, but we expect to recover this debt over the long term, and as we do, we will release the provision back to the company's accounts.”

 

London restaurateurs to launch seafood focused modern French dining concept: Khaled Dandachi and Fred Srouchi, who are behind Sparrow Italia in London’s Mayfair, are to launch a new modern French dining concept. Mazarine will open in Hanover Square late next month, showcasing “exceptional seafood crafted by a world-class culinary team”. Dishes will include Raviole of Cornish crab with lobster broth and citronelle, and Le Grand Aïoli Marseillais (salt cod, sea urchin, langoustines, seasonal vegetables). Accompanying the seafood will be a range of fine wine. Dandachi said: “Mazarine, in all things, aims to epitomise the virtues of timeless refinement, technical perfection, and peerless hospitality in every gesture. At Mazarine, we believe in dining over eating, elegance over opulence, ritual over routine, and guests, above all else.” Dandachi and Srouchi opened Sparrow Italia in Avery Row in 2022.

 

Liverpool operators open second site for Italian concept: Liverpool operators Kayleigh and Talia Baccino have opened a second site for their Italian concept, Pasta Cosa. The sisters have launched the restaurant at the Royal Albert Dock, building on the original Castle Street location that opened in 2016. Pasta Cosa specialises in freshly cooked pasta and salad. Jacob Loftus, chief executive of Royal Albert Dock owner General Projects, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Pasta Cosa and to have Kayleigh and Talia expand their wonderful business here. Their commitment to authentic, high-quality food in a welcoming, relaxed setting is a perfect fit for the dock’s vibrant dining scene.” The sisters are also behind Francie’s Focaccia & Coffee, which is already based at the Royal Albert Dock.

 

Northamptonshire operator opens third site: Northamptonshire operator Danny Webster has opened his third site in the region. The former military chef, who is also behind The Old Fire Station in Brackley, has just opened a second site under his Old Bakery concept, in Towcester. The unit, in Whittons Lane, joins Webster’s first Old Bakery location, which opened in Market Place, Brackley, earlier this year. Webster initially opened The Old Fire Station in Brackley High Street just after the pandemic, having previously operated a wedding catering business, and also delivered afternoon tea and tapas packages during covid. “I had no expectations but I’m in an amazing position and have a great team around me,” Webster told the Northampton Chronicle. “Towcester came up and I said let’s do it. It’s a great location and our busiest one yet. I want to maintain a good, happy workforce who are on my page and want to grow the business with me. If an opportunity comes up, I’ll go for it – but I really want to enjoy the three we’ve got. As a chef, my mind is always going with ideas.”

 

North east entrepreneurs acquire second pub, open to expanding portfolio: North east entrepreneurs Andrew White and Michael Bray have acquired their second pub and are open to expanding their portfolio further. The duo have secured the lease of The George Stephenson in West Moor, Newcastle, which is part of Heineken-owned Star Pubs’ portfolio. White and Bray also operate Fleet Street in Newcastle with Star Pubs, a city centre bar that reopened in July 2024 after being boarded up for nine years. Changes at The George Stephenson will include introducing food to broaden its appeal and enhancing the sports and live entertainment. Together with Star Pubs, they are investing £205,000 in upgrading the pub. White said: “We are interested in growing our hospitality business to include more community pubs and city centre bars in the north east if the right opportunities come along. We’re also in the process of setting up a production company to offer sports podcasts with big social media influencers for our Fleet Street bar and The George Stevenson pub. They raise the profile of our venues and add a bit of theatre and atmosphere, giving fans reasons to visit.” White and Bray also run Wasp Global, a design and digital marketing agency; Capital 4 Training, which does apprenticeships in construction; and Empentis which offers multi-channel marketing apprenticeships plus heavy goods vehicle apprenticeships. Empentis also owns a vocational English school in Cambodia specifically targeting the tourism and hospitality sector. Star Pubs business development manager Tammy Molson said: “Andrew and Michael have a clear vision for the pub and the added benefit of extensive in-house marketing and training expertise. There is also new housing being built nearby which will boost business further.”

 

Roger Payne-led vehicle opens new ‘modern house of hospitality’ venture: Eclection Group – the restaurant, pub and bar group led by Roger Payne – has opened a new venture in London’s Shoreditch. 45 London, which is described as a “new modern house of hospitality”, is located in Curtain Road, in the former Blue Marlin site. Sitting within the Virgin Hotel London, 45 London brings together rooftop dining, co-working areas and lounges, events spaces, a late-night club and lounge, and spa and wellness sanctuary. At its core is a new restaurant, 45 Curtain Road, which offers a “curated, elevated Japanese inspired chophouse with Mediterranean influences”. The new venue also comprises a rooftop restaurant and bar – 45th & 7th, and lounge and late-night club – Parallel 45.

 

New holistic wellness studio and salad bar concept launches in London’s Mayfair: A new holistic wellness studio and salad bar concept has launched in London’s Mayfair. Three Sisters, which is the brainchild of Siham Jubaili, has opened in Brook Mews and features a menu co-created with culinary consultancy Ducasse Conseil. The name “Three Sisters” is in recognition of Jubaili's three daughters, who all share a keen interest in health. Jubaili has launched the venue having trained at The College of Naturopathic Medicine, which led her to explore diet more closely, and how this had such a profound impact on mental well-being. Guests at Three Sisters can opt to build their own salad with various greens, bases like millet or red rice and ingredients such as pickled rhubarb, charred halloumi or lacquered eggplant. Premium proteins like wild salmon or Ayurvedic chicken can also be added. For pre-designed options, the menu includes salads such as The Artisan, which features heirloom tomatoes and marinated chicken, or The Ethical, with black bean hummus and roasted beetroots. Sandwiches are also available, including The Gourmand, with sesame tempeh and white kimchi, and The Explorer, with Mexican chicken and chipotle. Drinks include a variety of organic coffee, tea and cold-pressed juice.

 

Award-winning hotel and wedding venue acquired out of administration by new entrants to sector: Award-winning hotel and wedding venue The Mill in the Lancashire village of Conder Green has been acquired out of administration by new entrants to the sector. The hotel is set within a site of 1.7 acres and comprises 21 en-suite guest bedrooms, a lounge, bar and restaurant with 85 covers. In recent years, a wedding/function suite with a capacity of 120 has been added. The property first went on the market in 2022, for offers of £3m, due to the owner’s retirement. The venue, located four miles south of Lancaster and winner of the countryside wedding venue of the year at the 2024 Wedding Fayres Lancashire Wedding Awards, was then marketed for offers in the region of £2.5m in July 2024. In March this year, the freehold was made available for £1.6m – a month after The Lancashire Post reported the venue shut suddenly due to covid-related financial difficulties and a drop in demand due to the cost-of-living crisis, with all 12 staff made redundant. The property has been purchased by CG Hotel and Hospitality, a new company formed by Danny and Andrea Whitlock, in a deal brokered by Christie & Co on behalf of joint administrators Anthony Collier and Steven Williams, of FRP Advisory. Danny and Andrea Whitlock said: “The Mill has such a rich history, and we have plans to bring this fabulous venue back to its glory days.”

 

LGBTQ+ cabaret collective to open first permanent site: LGBTQ+ cabaret collective Screaming Alley is to open its first permanent site. The members-only venue will launch next month in Ramsgate in Kent. Tucked beneath a barber shop in the town, The Alley Bar will host live performances, workshops and open mic events. Memberships and drink sales will go directly towards artist fees and creative development, with member fees starting at £5 per month and temporary memberships available. Launched in 2018, Screaming Alley is a cabaret production company providing space and infrastructure for independent artists. Lara Clifton, the company’s founder and creative producer, said: “We’re not opening a bar for frivolous reasons. We’re doing it because we believe our communities need access to performance, to get paid, and to have their voices heard. The art I’ve made throughout my whole career and here at Screaming Alley has always been a way to stand up against what tries to divide us and seeks to bring us together, which is needed more than ever in the current political climate.” For the past seven years, Screaming Alley has hosted cabaret nights in London and across the south east. The opening of The Alley Bar was made possible in part by Ramsgate Space, a local initiative that pairs businesses with vacant shops in the town's high street. Screaming Alley is also launching an artist management arm in the spring. The initiative will represent and support independent performers, helping them develop sustainable careers and reach wider audiences across the UK and beyond.