Foodservice Price Index reaches new high as costs rise for sixth consecutive month: Food and drink prices in the hospitality sector rose 0.7% in September, taking the Foodservice Price Index from CGA by NIQ and Prestige Purchasing to a record high of 151.1. This latest movement marks the sixth consecutive month of rising wholesale prices for the UK hospitality and foodservice sector, underscoring persistent inflationary pressure across multiple categories. While the Iindex recorded a smaller month-on-month increase of 0.7% from August, upward pricing momentum continues despite mixed global commodity signals. Inflation was most acute in the oils and fats category, where prices surged 2.9% month-on-month. This escalation was primarily fuelled by tightness in the global supply of high-demand items like sunflower and rapeseed oil, which more than compensated for minor dips in palm and soybean prices. Pressure on inputs extended to the bread and cereal category, which recorded a significant increase of 1.6%. Here, any benefit from softer global grain prices was largely negated for UK operators by high domestic operational costs including energy, packaging and labour, resulting in firm pricing for finished bakery products. Further inflationary challenges came from physical supply constraints, notably in the fish category, where prices rose 1.4% due to limited whitefish quotas. The UK’s challenging summer weather meanwhile contributed to a 0.5% increase in the vegetables category, as heat stress and water scarcity affected crop yields. There was some relief in the mineral water, soft drinks and juice category, where prices contracted 0.4%. However, coffee, tea and cocoa prices rose 1.4%, driven by tightening coffee and tea supplies despite a plunge in global cocoa futures. Prestige Purchasing chief executive Shaun Allen said: “While we see some commodity markets, like cocoa, offering relief, this is immediately offset by high domestic operational costs in areas like energy and labour, which are driving up prices in critical categories like oils and fats and bread and cereal.” Reuben Pullan, senior insight consultant at CGA by NIQ, said: “Hospitality must now hope for a burst of spending over the festive season, followed by respite on the multitude of macro and micro inflationary challenges in 2026.”

 

Tex Mex concept Plan Burrito among businesses presenting at inaugural Propel Franchisor Showcase, free places for operators and investors only: Tex Mex concept Plan Burrito will be among the businesses presenting at the inaugural Propel Franchisor Showcase this month. The Propel Franchisor Showcase, sponsored by Seeds Consulting, will showcase ten of the most exciting and investable franchises in hospitality. The event will be held on Tuesday, 25 November at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. Among the franchisors presenting are Plan Burrito, which former design engineer Stephen Hopper founded in 2015 after finding himself disappointed at high street Tex-Mex offerings. He has since grown the business to 13 sites across the UK and has ambitious plans to reach 100 locations within the next three years. With locations in London, Whitburn, Loughborough, Hitchin, Guildford, Leamington Spa, Ramsgate, Shrewsbury, Norwich, Canterbury, Southend and Gillingham, its 2025 pipeline includes stores in Nuneaton, further London locations and Swansea. Hopper will discuss his new ethical franchise set up and Plan Burrito’s point of difference from the Tex Mex offerings he felt were lacking something when he founded the business, the type of franchise opportunity available, how he plans to accelerate its growth in the coming years, where in the UK the business is targeting next, how its plans for international expansion are going and how its franchise sites have performed so far. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Free places for operators and investors only are available by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive new searchable and segmented New Openings Database tomorrow: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 7 November), at 12pm. The database will show the details of 213 site openings, including which company has opened a site or its plans to open one in the future. The database will have details on what type of site it is and its location, and there will also be a website link to the businesses. The database is published on a monthly basis and Premium Club subscribers will also receive a 14,673-word report on the 213 new additions to the database. It is segmented into seven categories – cafe bakery, casual dining, experiential leisure, fine dining, hotels, pubs and bars, and quick service restaurants – making it even easier for users to search. The database includes new openings in the experiential leisure sector such as Omniplex Cinema Group, Ireland’s largest cinema company, with an opening in Glasgow, LGBTQ+ cabaret collective Screaming Alley opening The Alley Bar in Ramsgate, and Three Sisters, a new holistic wellness studio and salad bar concept, with a launch in London’s Mayfair. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club subscribers also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel group editor Mark Wingett and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

UKHospitality endorses government’s new employer-first approach to help people into work but again stresses need to reduce sector’s tax burden: UKHospitality has endorsed the government’s Keep Britain Working Review, which sets out a new employer-first approach to supporting employees and healthy workplaces, and tackling the rising issue of ill-health keeping people out of work. UKHospitality has been listed as a sector vanguard, in which it will act as a co-ordinating power for hospitality to work with businesses, input into new policy design and share best practice and insight. In addition to work undertaken as part of the review, UKHospitality also highlighted the need for action to reduce the sector’s tax burden at the Budget, which will support its ability to help people back into work. Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, said: “This business-first approach is critical in order to utilise hospitality’s unique qualities as an entry point for those coming back into work or starting work for the first-time. This approach needs to be taken in tandem with a concerted effort at the Budget to reduce the sector’s tax burden, which is one of the primary barriers to hospitality fulfilling its potential to employ more people and support people back into work. Businesses are being taxed out and there needs to be action at the Budget to lower business rates, fix national insurance contributions and cut VAT to reduce those costs, which will support high street businesses and the government’s objective to help people back into work.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a well-being and residential community in London that is seeking an executive chef. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The executive chef will bring the creativity, polish, and flair of London’s finest restaurants into a warm, home-like environment where food plays a central role in residents’ happiness and overall well-being. This is a role that offers creative freedom, access to resources, and the opportunity to design a restaurant and menu that reflects the executive chef’s culinary vision.” The salary is up to £100,000. For further details, email yasmin@corecruitment.com

KellyDeli UK MD – ‘there is almost exponential white space for us in the UK, disciplined growth and consumers shifts creating huge opportunity’: Mark Buley, UK managing director of Sushi Daily owner KellyDeli, has said that there is “almost exponential white space” for the business in the UK, and that it is in a period of accelerated growth driven by evolving consumer habits and a disciplined expansion strategy. Buley, who joined the company earlier this year after previous roles with Costa Coffee, including 14 months as general manager/retail franchise director EMENA, said he has found KellyDeli UK to be “a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business with vast potential for scale”. KellyDeli reported in September that it had added 100 new kiosks in retail locations in the year to 31 December 2024, bringing the total to 1,147 kiosks by the year-end. “There is almost exponential white space for us in the UK,” Buley told Propel. “If we take a disciplined approach, we can grow in multiples rather than increments. The opportunity is huge – it’s about unlocking that potential responsibly and sustainably.” Buley said a key part of KellyDeli’s strategy involves evolving its franchise model to support greater scale. The company is now aiming to attract more multi-unit operators while investing heavily in training and development for existing franchise partners and their teams. “Our growth depends on building capability within our network,” Buley said. “As our franchisees upskill and expand, everyone benefits – the franchise partners, the business, and our retail partners.” At the same time, he said shifting consumer behaviour is creating new avenues for growth, particularly in hot food and convenience-led categories. Buley said: “We’re seeing consumers ‘trade down to trade up’ – moving away from traditional dining-out occasions but still seeking premium food experiences. Staying in has become the new going out, and we’re perfectly positioned to meet that demand with fresh, high-quality options.” KellyDeli earlier this year launched a new Korean kitchen concept, Onggi, within a Waitrose store in Bath, and Buley said hot food concepts are one of KellyDeli’s fastest-growing areas. “Hot food is a significant opportunity for us,” he said. “It complements our sushi offer and creates a more dynamic, multi-choice environment for customers. The focus now is on quality, simplicity, and scalability – ensuring we grow quickly while maintaining and enhancing excellence.” Looking ahead, Buley said he sees continued momentum across the UK as KellyDeli strengthens its franchise network, expands geographically across the UK and invests in innovation. “With the right focus and discipline, we can scale at pace,” he added. “The potential is significant – it’s about executing with precision and keeping the customer at the centre of everything we do.”

McDonald’s CEO – Chicken Big Mac exceeded expectations in the UK: McDonald’s chief executive Chris Kempczinski has said the company’s Chicken Big Mac has exceeded expectations in the UK. The chicken version of McDonald’s classic burger made a return to these shores in the summer. Speaking to investors following McDonald’s third quarter results, Borden said: “In our international overseas markets, innovation standouts like the Chicken Big Mac in the UK and McWings in Australia exceeded expectations in the quarter. And we’ll continue to go after the broader chicken opportunity by expanding our portfolio and pulsing in limited time offers to meet evolving consumer tastes. Investing in these high-growth categories to align with consumer trends reinforces our broader strategy to drive guest count-led growth, win in taste and quality, and outperform competitors over the long term.” Chief financial officer Ian Borden added that the Taste of the World range, which went live in the UK two weeks ago, has been a hit elsewhere. “A standout in the quarter was the Taste of the World campaign, which showcased the global strength of the McDonald's brand by offering customers a curated selection of international menu favourites at their local German McDonald’s restaurant,” he said. “It provided a campaign blueprint, which we plan to replicate across more international markets in 2026, and which is currently live in the UK.” It comes after McDonald’s reported its global like-for-like sales increased 3.6% in its third quarter to 30 September 2025 compared with the previous year – with the UK also seeing growth. Global systemwide sales were more than $36bn for the quarter, an increase of 8% on the previous year. Systemwide sales to loyalty members across 60 loyalty markets were approximately $34bn for the trailing 12-month period and more than $9bn for the quarter.

 

London Italian sandwich concept co-founder – ‘there’s still so much potential for growth across the city’: Crisitina Affortunati, co-founder of London Italian sandwich concept Dal Fiorentino, has told Propel there is “still so much potential for growth across the city” after opening its fourth site. The outlet at 20-23 Viaro House in Holborn is the company’s biggest site to date, with capacity for 35 people and sister to its Fitzrovia, Brick Lane and Hoxton venues. Dal Fiorentino was founded by Affortunati and her husband Andrei Bazavan in 2022, with the pair wanting to bring a taste of their home city of Florence to London. In terms of further expansion, Affortunati said: “We would love to open more shops around London, ideally expanding into new areas beyond east and central. There’s still so much potential for growth across the city – we see opportunities in neighbourhoods where people value quality, authenticity and a sense of community. While we prefer to grow organically rather than chasing numbers, we’re confident Dal Fiorentino could find a home in several more London postcodes over the next few years.” Affortunati added London was the main focus for expansion but that the company is always “open to exciting opportunities elsewhere if they align with our vision and values”. Affortunati said trading has been “strong”, with its Fitzrovia site, which opened at the end of 2024, performing exceptionally well. She added: “We’re also extremely pleased with Holborn – it’s showing fantastic results and has quickly become a local favourite, attracting a great mix of office regulars and new customers discovering the business for the first time.” Dal Fiorentino focuses on Schiacciata – a flatbread synonymous with Tuscany and Umbria and widely available throughout Florence. The Schiacciata is made daily and filled with Italian ingredients. The menu includes the Machiavelli made with Tuscan pancetta, Stracciatella cheese, nduja cream and grilled courgettes, and the Giotto featuring black olive spread, beef tomatoes, fresh basil and Extra Virgin olive oil.

 

Domino’s open its first UK pod site, in Somerset: Domino’s has opened its first ever pod format site in the UK, in Somerset. The new modular outlet opened at Westpark 26 Business Park near Wellington on the M5, “delivering the complete Domino's experience within a compact 720-square-foot pod”. Despite being more than 25% smaller than a standard Domino's outlet, the pod is fully equipped to provide both delivery and collection seven days a week from 11.30am to 11pm. Franchisee Graeme Rose said: “We’ve been looking for a site for quite a while now and an opportunity came up with MFG for this plot. We then took it upon ourselves to go and find a new concept, which was the Domino's pod, and we're very proud of what we've been able to deliver today. We are very proud to be the first pod in the UK and we certainly hope there’s going to be plenty more in and around the UK.” Earlier this week, Domino’s reported positive system sales growth in the third quarter of its financial year but said total orders were down, driven by a decline in delivery. System sales were £382.7m in the period compared to £374.8m in the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 2.1%. Like-for-like system sales were up 1.0%. in the quarter compared to an increase of 0.7% in the third quarter of 2024. Total orders were down 1.5% in the quarter, with collection up 1.7%, but delivery was down 3.4%. The company said there was a positive initial customer reaction to the introduction of its new Chick ‘N’ Dip and new Ultimate Indian Feast ranges.

 

Shoryu Ramen like-for-like sales down 7.9% but planning more franchise and owned site openings, pays back CIBILS loan in full: Shoryu Ramen Restaurant Group, which is owned by Toridoll, has reported its like-for-like sales were down 7.9% in the year ending 31 December 2024 but said it is planning more franchise and owned site openings. The company’s turnover dropped from £10,581,945 in 2023 to £9,749,367 during the year, while its pre-tax loss widened from £29,773 to £1,239,358. This included an intercompany balance write-off of £698,066, reported under exceptional items. No dividend were paid (2023: nil). Director Hannah Tokumine said: “The directors are pleased to report that overall, the company traded satisfactorily during 2024. In the year under review, company’s like for like sales declined 7.9%,reflecting the challenging macro-economic and market conditions impacting the business. While 2025 sales are forecasting to be break even with 2019 level, like for like sales are on course to surpass pre-pandemic baseline sales in 2026. The directors have taken into consideration post pandemic changes such as flexible working, trade union strike action, any impact on change in government policy following 2024 elections, warmer than usual summer weather which has footfall patterns. With the successful opening of Shoryu World site in Stratford City Shopping Mall (July 2024), Shoryu plans to expand both owned and franchising sites in the coming years bringing high quality ramen, creating unique and engaging experiences to its’ growing customer base. The company is pleased to note that the CIBILS loan has been fully paid in 2025 and the RLS loan is due to end in July 2026.” Shoryu Ramen has eight London locations and one each in Oxford and Manchester.

 

Popeyes UK to make its West Sussex debut next week: Popeyes UK, the US fried chicken quick service restaurant brand backed here by TDR Capital, will make its West Sussex debut next week. It will open in the former Bella Italia site in Crawley Leisure Park next Thursday (13 November) – the brand’s 40th opening this year. Popeyes’ limited-edition festive menu will also be available at the new restaurant. Popeyes launched in the UK in November 2021 and has grown to circa 100 sites. It last month opened in Swansea for its fourth Welsh restaurant and said it is set to add to its growing transport hub estate with an opening at London Bridge station. The business also has openings lined up in Brighton’s London Road, and on the former Ocean Basket site in Bromley.

 

Green & Fortune reports current trading ‘tracking well ahead of last year’ following increase in revenue and profit: Independent hospitality company Green & Fortune has told Propel current trading is “tracking well ahead of last year” following an increase in revenue and profit in the year to 31 March 2025. The company’s revenue grew from £17,499,431 in 2023 to £19,043,367, while its pre-tax profit increased from £478,867 to £739,227. Its adjusted Ebitda was also up from £1,260,209 to £1,517,244. Director John Nugent told Propel: “The past year shows almost double-digit revenue growth, with a keen eye on the bottom line, while investing in human capital, to allow for future developments. The first six months of this current year are tracking well ahead of last year and our pipeline looks strong. Our independent status allows us to take decisions based on medium- and long-term outcomes. Within the year, Saran Miller joined the company as managing director, joining to support growth and strategic direction. Emma Williams moved into a new director role, focusing on business development and growth.” Nugent said the year also saw the drafting and start of the implementation of the company’s three-year strategic and growth plan to March 2028. He added: “One immediate outcome of this review saw the employment of a sector specialist in the role of managing director, a first for the company. With other new positions employed and a refresh in the senior approach, we are very confident of what lies ahead. Early signs are very encouraging from a growth perspective. We have invested further capital into the operational elements of the business as well as processes and systems, enabling continued successful trading and future growth. Despite the onslaught of increased costs, through effective management, our adjusted Ebitda continues to grow. This is down to two significant factors. Firstly, a continuous assessment of the trading businesses, taking immediate steps mid-year when required. Secondly, reaping the benefits of strategic decisions made in previous years which bring both in year benefits but as important, sustainable medium-term outcomes. This approach is one that we continue to undertake, with future growth and projects in mind.”

Pavilion Clubs owner hires COO to lead hospitality arm: Ocubis, a privately owned property investment and development company, has hired Francisco Macedo as chief operating officer of its  hospitality arm, overseeing its four-strong Pavilion Clubs business in London and Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk. Macedo joins Ocubis following his tenure as senior vice-president international operations at Iconic Luxury Hotels and L+R Hotels, where he oversaw global expansion and openings including the Palm House Hotel in Palm Beach, the Gran Marbella Resort, the creation of Amu Beach Club, and the first phase of the Excelsior Venice refurbishment. Ocubis group chief executive Harry Hunt said: “Francisco brings a rare blend of strategic vision and operational precision. His international experience and people-focused leadership will be invaluable as we continue to evolve Wilderness Reserve and Pavilion Clubs. Both are extraordinary platforms with considerable potential, and Francisco’s track record of transforming iconic brands and opening award-winning properties around the world makes him the ideal person to lead this journey.” Macedo said: “Wilderness Reserve is a benchmark in conservation and sustainable luxury, and Pavilion Clubs stands at the intersection of hospitality, design, and culture. I’m honoured to join Harry and the team to shape the next phase of growth while continuing to champion the people and places that make these businesses special.”

Flight Club to open in Newcastle tomorrow for 15th UK site: Red Engine, the hospitality group behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle, will open its 15th UK Flight Club, in Newcastle, tomorrow (Friday, 7 November). The venue is the third opening for Red Engine this year and the seventh inclusive of franchise openings, with another planned before the year-end. The 400-capacity Newcastle venue at the Eldon Square shopping centre features two bars, 14 semi-private oches and an outdoor terrace. The launch follows last month’s announcement that Red Engine had secured an additional £10m investment, following a £60m facility that was agreed in April last year, to fuel the group’s ambitious growth plans across the UK and internationally. Steve Moore, chief executive and co-founder of Flight Club, said: “We’ve had Newcastle firmly in our sights as a prime location for Flight Club for some time. The renowned social energy and the city’s vibrant nightlife perfectly align with our brand proposition.” With Newcastle open, the total Red Engine and partners estate stands at 38. This portfolio is set to increase to further by year-end, with Flight Club Cincinnati. In March, Red Engine said it and its franchise partners are aiming to open 45 venues over the next five years as it targets an estate of 84 sites by 2030. It came as Red Engine reported revenue increased 15% to a record £77.1m for the year ending 31 December 2024 compared with £66.8m the previous year. Red Engine’s sales, combined with its franchise partners’, reached £118.3m.

 

Profit rises at Pure Leisure despite dip in UK holiday home market: Profit has risen at holiday park operator Pure Leisure despite a dip in turnover as UK holiday home sales fell below “normal levels of trading”. Pure Leisure is wholly owned by John Morphet, who started life as a farmer but made his fortune in the leisure business, founding South Lakeland Caravans in 1988 and Pure Leisure in 2004. Pure Leisure operates around 15 holiday lodge and caravan parks in the UK, as well as Tydd St Giles Golf and Leisure Estate in Cambridgeshire and Bridlington Links Golf and Leisure Estate in West Yorkshire, alongside the 750-acre Westmoreland estate in Barbados. For the year to 31 January 2025, pre-tax profit grew to £15,722,000, up from £12,438,000 the previous year. This was despite turnover falling to £46,139,000 from £57,839,000 the year before. Of the 2025 turnover, £21,965,000 came from holiday home and property revenue (2024: £36,745,000), £9,812,000 from other caravan/lodge related income (2024: £9,867,000), £4,550,000 from rental and tourer income (2024: £3,440,000), £2,844,000 from bar, shop and food income (2024: £2,881,000), £516,000 from leisure centre income (2024: £496,000), £5,676,000 from golf sales (2024: £4,352,000) and £776,000 in other income (2024: £58,000). In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “The sales of holiday homes in the UK have fallen below normal levels of trading linked to a decline in consumer confidence surrounding the cost-of-living crisis. Owner numbers have remained strong. The results of the overseas business are heavily dependent upon the real estate sales, fractional ownership revenue and the associated margins. For the current year, real estate sales volumes have increased compared with the prior year with a mixture of whole property and apartment sales. The fractional ownership offering on the resort continues to prove to be attractive to buyers looking at entering the overseas property market. In both the UK and overseas considerable focus was made to control and reduce operating costs.” No dividend was paid (2024: nil). As previously reported, in April 2025, Pure Leisure acquired the Twin Lakes Country Club in Lancashire. 

 

Wingers opens site in Stoke: Buttermilk fried chicken restaurant concept Wingers has opened a site in Stoke. The company – founded during the covid pandemic by Amran, Dylan and Bill Sunner – has launched the outlet at Trentham Lakes in Stanley Matthews Way. The opening is one of five planned by the end of 2025, including launches at 33 Horse Fair in Rugeley, Staffordshire; and Spinella Road in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, that will take Wingers to 23 sites. The business has previously said it has “a strong pipeline for 2026 and beyond” and “a strategic aim of 50 stores open by the end of 2027”. The company also launched its first loyalty scheme this year.

South west pub group Buccaneer reports revenue growth across all segments: Buccaneer Holdings, which runs nine managed pubs in the south west of England, reported revenue growth across all segments in the year to 31 October 2024. The company’s turnover grew from £10,229,669 in 2023 to £10,887,661. Of this, £6,405,102 came from food sales (2023: £5,901,590), £3,516,866 from liquor sales (2023: £3,334,061) and £793,251 from accommodation (2023: £712,889). The company’s pre-tax profit increased from £262,091 in 2023 to £263,830. Dividends of £136,334 were paid (2023: £16,334). Director Tim Ruthven said: “Energy prices continue to put pressure on profits due to supply and demand pushing up wholesale energy prices. The company has, however, continued to control costs to ensure ongoing profitability.”

 

Four Star Pizza opens in Navan: Four Star Pizza, the Dublin-headquartered brand, has opened a new store in Navan, County Meath. The site has opened at 7-8 Metges Lane in Townparks. Four Star Pizza has circa 40 stores in the Republic of Ireland and a further 11 in Northern Ireland. Founded in 1986, the company has previously said its goal is “for virtually everyone in Ireland, north and south, to have access to a Four Star Pizza outlet”.

Family-owned hotel operator grows its profit and turnover: Family-owned hotel operator 777 Hotels grew its turnover and profit in the year the year to 30 November 2024. The company, which operates five venues in Dorset, saw its pre-tax profit rise from £796,547 in 2023 to £891,681. Its turnover grew from £6,012,603 in 2023 to £6,136,305. Dividends of £300,000 were paid (2023: £10,000). Post year end, in April 2025, the company reopened The Kings Arms in Christchurch, three months after acquiring it from Harbour Hotels. Director James Bowley said: “The Bridge House has maintained its position and we have made some small improvements. The Frampton Arms has been steadily trading. We have made plans to sell or lease the premises however as we feel the current model is very dependent on the current staff, so we are being quite cautious. The Merchant’s House and The Riverside have been a bit quieter this year, like most of Salisbury, due to the lack of new shops opening or film crews filming in the area. We imagine the film crews will be back in 2025 however as they usually film on two-year cycles. We also have agreed to purchase 27, Milford Street which is the building attached to The Merchant’s House on its west side. We will start the works on combining it with The Merchant’s House after The Kings Arms renovations have been completed. Overall, it has been a decent year with no great concerns.”

 

Greek coffee shop concept to expand to Liverpool and Bolton: Greek coffee shop concept Coffee Rules is to expand to Liverpool and Bolton. The first Coffee Rules store opened in 2021 and has since grown to four locations in Manchester and one each in Sheffield and Athens. The company, which is led by Thomas Kasaras, is due to open shortly in the large corner unit in Marsden House, at the intersection of Deansgate and Marsden Road, in Bolton. It has also secured a vacant unit in Liverpool’s Slater Street, where signage this week went up. It read: “At Coffee Rules, we’re more than just a coffee shop – we’re a family. Our story began in Greece, where coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a way of life. In April 2021, we opened our first shop with one simple goal: to bring people together over great coffee delicious food and genuine hospitality. Since then, we've grown faster than we ever imagined. Why? Because we care deeply. About the little details, the quality in every cup, the warmth in every smile and that cosy feeling you get the moment you walk in.”

 

Welsh chef set to reopen his Michelin Guide-rated restaurant, has plans approved for fifth site for his bakery concept: Welsh chef Tom Simmons is set to reopen his Michelin Guide-rated restaurant in Cardiff, Thomas by Tom Simmons, and has had plans approved for a fifth site for his bakery concept, Ground. Simmons, a MasterChef: The Professionals contestant in 2011, will reopen the site, which was awarded three AA rosettes in 2024, as Thomas The Brasserie in January. The chef, who previously ran Tom Simmons, Tower Bridge in London before returning to Wales, told Wales Live: “We are so proud of what we have achieved in the last six years at Thomas, but we feel ready for a new chapter. This is a reinvention on our original concept, as I’ve noticed that diners are looking for good, honest food without the high prices. We love being part of the Pontcanna neighbourhood and we’re hopeful The Brasserie will be a go-to for everyone who wants to enjoy good local food at reasonable prices. I want everyone to be able to enjoy what we create, without compromising on quality. Our goal at The Brasserie is to make exceptional food accessible to the local community, without ever sacrificing standards.” As part of the new concept, Simmons will also be launching Lofft, a new intimate chef’s table dining experience which will be located upstairs at The Brasserie from February. It comes after Simmons was awarded planning permission to open a fifth site for his Ground bakery concept, on Merthyr Road in Whitchurch, Cardiff. Simmons has other Ground locations in Pontcanna, Penarth, Cowbridge and Canton. In addition to this, Simmons is working on reopening The Park House in Cardiff’s Park Place, which has been shut since 2023, as a restaurant. Renovating the grade I-listed venue, which was designed by Cardiff Castle architect William Burgess and was formerly the Park House Restaurant & Wine Bar, will see Simmons “celebrate its history while creating a modern, high-quality dining experience”.

 

House of Koko to open third site tomorrow: Leeds brunch concept House of Koko is to open its third site the city, and its most central, tomorrow (Friday, 7 November). Taking over the Central Road premises that was previously home to Mrs Atha’s, which closed in the spring, the new House of Koko will offer “classic brunch dishes with a Middle Eastern twist”. The concept, which was founded by Rosita Roger, opened its debut site in Chapel Allerton in 2015 before opening a second site three years ago, on the former Hessian site in Oakwood. The café will seat 28 people inside, with plans for outdoor seating to nearly double capacity during the summer months. Rogers said: “House of Koko has always been about more than great coffee; it’s about connection, culture, and creating spaces with heart. With the city centre opening, we wanted to bring that same sense of community to a bigger stage and create a place that feels elevated but still warm, soulful and unmistakably Koko. We’ve grown from being a small neighbourhood café to something that really represents the independent spirit of Leeds, and this move into the city centre marks a reflection of how far we’ve come. House of Koko – City is about celebrating that journey and bringing our roots with us while looking to the future.”

 

Malaysian restaurant owners to open first Malaysian speakeasy in London: The owners of Malaysian restaurant Sudu in London’s Paddington will this month open the first Malaysian speakeasy in the capital. 19fiftyseven will open in the space below Sudu, at 30 Salusbury Road, and will be a 1950s style speakeasy where guests are given a secret code and enter the room through a hidden door to an intimate bar with a cocktail list made using either Malaysian or pan-Asian spirits. Named after the year that Malaysia liberated itself from British colonial rule, the bar is being launched by siblings Fatizah and Irqam Shawal along with Aishah Shawal Sanders, a third generation of the Shawal family. Fatizah and Irqam are also the current owners of Satay House in Paddington, having taken over the restaurant from their parents, who established it in 1973. The new bar will offer a selection of Malaysian snacks and small plates such as Pau Sumbit (small steamed buns filled with aromatic beef rendang, grilled chicken and chilli tofu) and Mwah Keju (melt in the mouth rotis with cheese and coriander).

Hospitality arm of Regency Homes reports record profit: Hotel and golf course operator Manor of Groves, the hospitality arm of Regency Homes, has reported a record profit of £11,216,674 for the year to 31 March 2024. This compares to its previous record profit of £10,628,430, which was reported in the 14-month period ending 31 March 2023. Although the company’s turnover for the year was down to £31,307,300, this was over a 12-month period, while the 2023 figure of £34,589,478 was over 14 months. Dividends of £78,700 were paid, the same as in 2023. Director Michele Hung said: “The hotel industry is facing an uncertain future. Uncertainty, due to the current economic climate resulting in higher levels of inflation and higher interest rates, as well as an economic slowdown, may impact corporate budgets and travel, a vital segment for hotels. The balance sheet has also been significantly strengthened as a direct result of the performance of the group, with the group showing a net current asset position of £16,256,329 compared to £7,547,412 at the end of the previous accounting period.”

 

North east sustainable coffee brand opens second site and in talks for third: North east sustainable coffee brand Caribe has opened a second site and said it is in talks for a third. Named after the Spanish word for Caribbean, Caribe has opened a kiosk at Sunderland station, reports the Sunderland Echo. Caribe, which brews all its coffee with Arabica beans from Honduras, was founded by husband-and-wife team Will and Ellie Carcamo, who met on the Cayman Islands. Will hails from Honduras and grew up on a coffee farm in the Central American country. After he moved to Ellie’s native north east with their son, they launched their business and even pitched their idea on Dragon’s Den. Caribe deals directly with farmers to give them a fairer price, as well as using fully compostable cups and coffee bags and 100% electric vans. Caribe, which has its roastery and warehouse in Morpeth, originally started life for the wholesale market, as well as pop ups at markets, but more recently expanded into grab and go kiosks. “The idea has always been to create great grab ‘n’ go coffee with great chat, instead of sit in coffee shops,” said business development manager Quincy Doherty.

 

South Devon hotel operator sees turnover fall due to reduction in demand: South Devon hotel operator Thurlestone Estates saw turnover fall in the year to 31 October 2024 due to a reduction in demand. The group, which operates the Thurlestone Hotel & Spa and Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa alongside several holiday apartments, saw revenue drop from £8,664,307 in 2023 to £8,508,870. Pre-tax profit fell from £213,386 to £40,694. Combined room occupancy rate was down from 52% to 49%. Director Christian Thomas said: “Group turnover decreased £155,000 due to a reduction in demand in the year. This followed a similar trend experienced by many other holiday destination hotels in the UK, following the weakening in demand due to higher costs of living and general economic downturn. Lower occupancy rates at both hotels and apartments reflected the reduction in demand experienced in the financial year. Room rates at a relatively high level were still achieved reflecting the high standard of product being delivered. Gross margin decreased by 1%, which reflects the inflationary pressure on direct costs particularly on food items. Net current liabilities decreased by £589,000 due in part to lower bank loan and overdraft balances £598,000 (2023: £1,244,000) and a reduction in accrued expenses £102,000 (2023: £152,000). Net assets reduced by £520,000 on the prior year but still remain strong.” Dividends of £37,625 were paid (2023: £74,408).

 

New Hertfordshire cocktail bar will allow guests to order from their table by calling the bar: A new Hertfordshire cocktail bar will allow guests to order from their table by calling the bar. Botanica is set to open later this year at 97-98 Bancroft in Hitchin, with the unit having stood empty since the closure of pet shop Paws Fur & Fin. It will include the quirky feature of ordering drinks from your table via a direct phone line to the bar, while once a week, the phone lines will also open for an evening called Crossed Lines, which could connect you to another table for a chat over drinks. “Your table just got its own direct line to the bar," a post on Instagram said. “At Botanica, you’ll place your orders the old-fashioned way – by lifting the receiver and speaking straight to our bartenders. No queues, no waving for service, just pick up, dial, and your drink is on its way. And once a week, the lines open for a special evening we call Crossed Lines – where your call might just connect you to another table for a little conversation over cocktails. Botanica Hitchin is coming soon.”