Bow Street Group – close to a couple of acquisitions, not ruling out further closures, expects price increases this year and next year to be profitable: Bow Street Group – formerly Tasty, the owner and operator of the Wildwood and Dim T brands – has said it is close to a couple of acquisitions but is not ruling out more closures. The group also said it expects to introduce price increases this year following a new menu launch and next year to be profitable. In an investor call following its full-year results yesterday (Wednesday, 15 April), chair David Page said: “We’ve signed a few NDAs and we particularly like one or two businesses we are down to the negotiations with – it’s just a question of price and structure.” Propel understands the two more advanced projects concern Asian style menus and cuisine. Page added: “We must have received ten to 15 proposals over various cuisines and there’s more coming in every week. What we’re looking at is successful businesses of between two to 15 sites, and between £10-£30 a head. We’ve got to be able to open them around the UK and possibly abroad. We could possibly convert some of the sites we’ve got already.” In the results, the 29-strong group said it had closed and disposed of three loss-making restaurants – two Wildwood and one dim t. On the possibility of further closures, Page said: “We get a weekly report, and most of the restaurants are green every week, while four or five are red in terms of sales. We’re going to give them some capex and see if we can get them all trading as green, but if we can’t, we’ll have to look at the bottom two or three over the next 12 months.” The group said early trials of the new Wildwood menu have received positive customer feedback. Chief financial officer Nick Wong said “very small price increases” will be introduced with the new menu rollout this summer. Page added: “We think by the end of this year we will be motoring and next year we will even be profitable.” He added refurbished sites had seen a “dramatic increase in sales” and the group is trying to increase spend per head by putting in bar areas “wherever possible”.

Amber Taverns chairman James Baer to speak at Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference, open for bookings: Amber Taverns chairman James Baer will be among the speakers at the Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference. The all-day conference takes place on Tuesday, 19 May at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. Baer will talk about how the wet-led community pub group is bucking the market, providing value and entertainment as a low-price point and its progress on becoming a nationwide operator. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £345 plus VAT for operators and £395 plus VAT for suppliers. There is a 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club subscribers while Premium Unlimited Plus subscribers receive four free tickets to the conference. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality tomorrow: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will be released to Premium Club subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 17 April), at midday. Another 46 companies have been added to the database, which now features 1,536 companies. This month’s edition also includes 178 updated entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent developments reported as well as 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 chief operating officer – editorial, 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 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. A new Premium Unlimited Plus option, which costs £1,995 plus VAT per annum, has some amazing additional benefits including four free tickets to Propel’s paid-for conferences – Excellence in Pub & Bar (19 May), Operational Excellence (9 July) and Talent & Training (15 October) – and the opportunity to run one free sponsored message or situation vacant notice during the year on the newsletter. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Hospitality businesses’ operating costs impacted by inflation more than any other sector in past decade: Hospitality businesses’ operating costs have been impacted by inflation more than any other sector in the past decade, according to research by payments technology company Dojo. The analysis showed on average, UK business costs for small and medium-sized enterprises have outpaced consumer price growth by 11.75%, creating an “inflation gap”. Hospitality business types took the top three positions, with catering businesses seeing the most impact as overall running costs have risen by 62% on average in the last decade. Among the areas that have seen a sharp rise in costs for catering businesses are materials and supplies – now costing 113% more on average than they did a decade ago. Hotels were second, with a 52% increase in overall operating costs, followed by pubs and bars at 48%. Charlie Ashworth, head of research and insights at Dojo, said: “The past decade shows that the cost of running a business has evolved. The next decade will reward those who evolve with it.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a hotel group that is seeking a head of finance. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will oversee financial operations across multiple properties, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting and planning, while partnering with senior management to drive profitability, cost control, and strategic commercial decision-making. Applicants should be ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with a minimum of five years’ experience in a senior finance leadership role within multi-site hospitality, demonstrating commercial acumen and a proven track record of EBITDA growth.” The salary is up to £85,000 and the position is based in Manchester. For more information, email oliwia@corecruitment.com

 

Franco Manca sites in London, Glasgow and Lincoln among those set for closure: Half of the 16 Franco Manca sites that have been earmarked for closure as part of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) process are based in London, Propel has learned. Propel exclusively revealed yesterday (Wednesday, 15 April) that Fulham Shore, which is backed by the Tokyo-listed Toridoll and Capdesia, is to launch a CVA process for its circa 70-strong Franco Manca brand, which will see 16 restaurants close, with approximately 225 roles impacted. Propel understands the 16 sites impacted includes eight in London – located in New Oxford Street, Tottenham Court Road, Chiswick, Brixton, Stoke Newington, Broadway Market (Hackney), Kilburn and Battersea. The other eight sites set for closure are in Cheltenham, Plymouth, Bishop’s Stortford, Hove, Lincoln, Didsbury, Glasgow and Bromley. Propel revealed in February that Fulham Shore, which also operates the 28-strong The Real Greek business, had appointed advisors to review its strategic options to ensure both brands are "on the strongest possible footing to realise their long-term potential". Fulham Shore is working with Alvarez & Marsal on the process and had initially fielded offers for both parts of the business, but it is understood that Toridoll has now decided to continue to support Franco Manca through the CVA process and beyond. The company told Propel that it continues to review options for The Real Greek and that no decision of the future of the brand has been made. Propel revealed at the start of this month that bids had been made for parts of The Real Greek. It is thought that the Karali Group, which last year acquired Côte, the French brasserie brand, has shown an interest in acquiring a number of sites from The Real Greek estate, while Dunham Massey Investment Group, led by pop star turned hospitality entrepreneur Recardo Patrick, which acquired the three-strong Proove Pizza business last year, has also been linked to the eastern Mediterranean brand.

 

Former Heavenly Desserts MD – ‘time felt right to step away, business has strong leadership team in place and will continue to build on the foundations established’: Former Heavenly Desserts managing director Yousif Aslam has told Propel the “time felt right” to step away from the business – and the artisan dessert restaurant brand “has a strong leadership team in place” and “will continue to build on the foundations established”. Aslam co-founded Heavenly Desserts with Mohammad Imran in 2008 and has grown it to 63 UK locations, plus overseas sites in Canada, Pakistan and Germany. The duo were previously joint managing directors, but Imran has now taken on a sole managing director role. Aslam told Propel: “After 18 years building Heavenly Desserts, I’ve made the decision to exit the business. It’s been a long and rewarding journey and having been so deeply involved in building the brand over that time, the moment felt right to transition out. I’m taking some time out before deciding on the next steps, so nothing further to share at this stage. The business has a strong leadership team in place. Mohammed will assume the role of sole managing director and I’m confident the team will continue to build on the foundations that have been established.” Aslam also posted to LinkedIn: “I’m closing a chapter I’m incredibly proud of. What began as a small business, shaped by high standards, a people-first approach, and a deep focus on guest experience has grown into a brand with a national and international footprint – something I’ll always take pride in. I leave the business in the hands of a highly capable and committed leadership team.” Last month, Heavenly Desserts, which last year signed a 50-plus store development deal for India, entered the retail market with the launch of a milk cake tray range. The brand’s latest opening, earlier this month, was at Victoria Centre in Mostyn Street in Llandudno.

 

Brunch concept Pablo Eggsgobao launches franchise opportunity, plans to expand across UK before exploring international opportunities: Brunch concept Pablo Eggsgobao has launched a franchise opportunity and plans to expand across the UK before exploring international opportunities, Propel has learned. Pablo Eggsgobao was founded in 2020 by Emma Dent and specialises in breakfast bao buns featuring folded omelettes, hash browns and sausage patties. It has locations in Whitley Bay, Newcastle and Sunderland in the north east, and Inverleith and Morningside in Edinburgh. Charlie Mander, co-founder of Presman & Colard, which is working with Pablo Eggsgobao on its expansion plans, told Propel: “Pablo Eggsgobao is continuing its expansion across Newcastle and Edinburgh, operating multiple sites with a further location set to open within the next four weeks. The business is delivering very strong site performances and has built a significant social media following, helping to drive sustained demand and brand awareness. The business has also recently launched its franchising programme in partnership with Presman & Colard, with strong early interest and multiple applicants already under review, including operators in London and the Home Counties. Pablo Eggsgobao plans to expand across the UK over the next three years through a mix of company-owned and franchise locations, before exploring international opportunities.” 

Seafood concept Shrimp & Co aiming to build 20-strong estate to give business ‘clearer view’ of long-term scale: Seafood concept Shrimp & Co has told Propel it is aiming to build an estate of 20 sites, which will then give the business a “clearer view” of its long-term scale. The concept, which was launched by former German Doner Kebab (GDK) franchisee Imran Makda, has open its fourth site, in Brixton, south London, marking its debut in the capital. The venue at 207 Ferndale Road adds to sites in Birmingham’s Star City and Fiveways Leisure Complex, and in Leicester’s London Road – all of which have opened in under 12 months. In terms of expansion, a spokesperson told Propel: “We have the operational capacity to reach up to 12 stores by the end of this year. That said, timelines will ultimately depend on securing the right locations that align with the brand. Our longer-term vision is to build a presence across the UK where customers can reach a Shrimp & Co within a one-two hour drive by the end of 2027. While we’re not announcing the full rollout just yet, upcoming locations following Brixton include cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Milton Keynes, and Northampton. We’re taking a measured approach to growth, focusing on sustainable expansion. Our next key milestone is reaching 20 sites, at which point we’ll have a clearer view of long-term scale.” The spokesperson added trading for the business has been “strong” so far in 2026, “with each of our locations consistently welcoming hundreds of new and returning customers on a weekly basis”. Makda was a GDK franchisee between 2017 and 2020.

Bread Ahead founder confirms international plans: Matt Jones, founder of Bread Ahead, the independent bakery and baking school business, has confirmed the company will open in the US, the Philippines and Thailand. The company, which signed the lease on its debut US site, in New York, last month, currently operates six locations across London, plus sites in Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah. Jones said: “Three extraordinary cities, three very different contexts, but all share something that matters to us: a serious food culture, a genuine appetite for craft and communities that care about where their food comes from and who made it. New York has always felt like a natural home for what we do. It’s a city that rewards authenticity and punishes imitation. Bread is personal there in a way it isn’t everywhere. The competition is serious – which is exactly the kind of market that sharpens you. Bangkok is a different kind of excitement. The food culture is exceptional – one of the most vibrant in the world. The appetite for premium experiences is growing fast. And there’s something about bringing slow, craft-led baking into a city that moves as quickly as Bangkok does that feels right. Not as a novelty. As a counterpoint. Manila has a baking tradition that runs deeper than most people realise. The city has one of the most food-literate, engaged consumer bases in the region, and a real curiosity about what great baking can be. We think it's time someone showed them. In those cities, we’ll do what we always do. Find the right location. Find the right partner. Build something that earns its place. A great bakery does something most retail can’t. It creates ritual. We’ve tried to protect that feeling at every location we’ve opened. It’s harder than it sounds. Scale has a way of flattening things. But the ambition stays the same.”

Chocolate shop and cafe concept Chococo makes US debut: Chocolate shop and cafe business Chococo has made its debut in the US, in New York. The business, which operates six sites in the UK, has opened in the Upper East Side at 1293 3rd Avenue. Chococo will follow this with the opening of a flagship site, which is set to open at 500 Madison Avenue in Fifth Avenue on Saturday, 2 May. The 1,220-square-foot flagship café-and-store will feature the company’s full “chocolate house experience along with exclusive moments available only at this location including a chocolate tasting where guests can sample selections from more than 100 chocolate varieties”. “Launching Chococo in the US is an exciting new chapter, and New York felt like the perfect place to begin,” said Claire Burnet, who co-founded Chococo with her husband Andy. “Our chocolate houses are an invitation to experience what chocolate can be when craftsmanship and sourcing are never compromised. That's what Chococo has always stood for. Chocolate inspires us every day and we're ready to share that with New York.” The company said its New York debut marks the first step in a “deliberate international sequence”. Chococo will follow its US opening with a planned location in San Marino, Italy, as the brand continues to bring its “chocolate house concept to the world's most discerning markets”. Last month, the parent company of Chococo announced it was undertaking a £30m capital raise as it looks to accelerate the brand’s international growth plans. Percy's Baking said the move into the US will mark a “significant step” for Chococo, which is looking to replicate its UK chocolate house concept in key urban locations, combining retail, gifting and café formats.

 

Soul Mama set to open in London’s Islington, launches £1m crowdfund to support growth plans: YolanDa Brown, the award-winning saxophonist and broadcaster, is expanding her Soul Mama restaurant business with an opening in Islington, north London, and is embarking on a £1m crowdfund to support its growth plans. The new venue will launch at Angel Central in May after a deal was agreed with landlord CBRE Investment Management. Following a Kickstarter campaign that raised a record-breaking £248,148 to launch the first Soul Mama in September 2004, Brown and business partner, Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola, are now embarking on a new fundraise, aiming to raise the £1m in 60 days. Taking over the ground floor of The Gantry hotel in Stratford, Soul Mama’s inaugural site has welcomed more than 50,000 people. As Soul Mama prepares to move from The Gantry after two years, two new openings beckon. As well as the Islington site, Soul Mama is, as previously reported, also heading to Westfield Stratford City in August. Soul Mama serves African, Caribbean and South American fusion dishes while doubling as a live jazz, R&B and reggae venue. Brown said: “With Soul Mama, we are on a mission to spread love one venue at a time, and we see Angel Central as the perfect home for our next chapter. Our very first Soul Mama location was originally meant to be in Islington, so in many ways this feels like a homecoming. Having received so much love for Soul Mama in Stratford, we cannot wait to bring that same energy to the heart of north London and continue growing our community.” In December, Brown told Propel she is in conversations about taking Soul Mama nationwide – and that the business has received international interest.

 

F1 Arcade makes mainland European debut with launch of first franchise site: F1 Arcade, the Formula 1-licensed experiential brand, has made its debut in mainland Europe with the launch of its first franchise site, in Madrid. The business has opened a flagship venue in Paseo de la Castellana 103. Spanning 1,500 square metres across two floors, the venue has a 400-capacity, 71 state-of-the-art motion simulators, two VIP spaces, a 12-metre bar, private event areas and a dedicated social zone “inspired by the atmosphere of race day”. Last year, Pablo Juantegui, chief executive of Top Entertainment Iberia, took on the master franchising rights for F1 Arcade for the Iberian Peninsula. Jonathan Peters, chief executive of F1 Arcade, said: “A major new chapter for F1 Arcade begins today with the opening of our first franchise site. We have an incredible partner in Pablo Juantegui Azpilicueta. He has built a remarkable team, which is going to bring all the fun, energy and great hospitality of F1 Arcade to Madrid. This is a true partnership, and a huge thanks to our own incredible team that has been providing support along the way.” Last summer, F1 Arcade debuted its small-format arcade experience, F1 Box, at London’s Westfield Stratford City, ahead of a planned global roll-out. Backed by Formula 1 and Liberty Media, F1 Arcade opened its first venue in London in 2022, followed by Birmingham, and in April 2024, launched its first US site, in Boston Seaport. The business has opened a further five sites in the US, with an opening in Chicago in the pipeline.

Punch acquires two sites from former Orchid Group director: Punch Pubs & Co, the Fortress-backed operator of circa 1,300 community pubs, has acquired two pubs in the north east from a former director of Orchid Pubs. Punch has acquired The Northumberland Hussar in Heaton and The Ivy House in Sunderland from Magnus Wilson, a former director of Orchid Group and Vaux Brewery. Both pubs will transfer into Punch’s managed partnerships estate and will continue to be run by their existing managers. Punch head of acquisitions, Andrew Cannons, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome two fantastic pubs into the Punch family. We know both pubs are well-loved locally, and I do not doubt that with our industry leading training and support, they will continue to thrive and flourish for many years to come.” Earlier this month, Punch acquired an eight-strong package of pubs from RedCat Hospitality, for an undisclosed sum. The eight pubs were the Broad Leys in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire; the Bull in Barming, Kent; the Cross Keys in Nottingham; the Crown Inn in Old Dalby, Leicestershire; the Hare in Roxwell, Essex; the Nags Head in Little Kingshill, Buckinghamshire; the Prince Rupert in Newark, Nottinghamshire; and the Wig & Mitre in Lincoln. Drake & Company and Christie & Co acted on the Ivy House and Northumberland Hussar deals.

 

Gail’s hires Tom Hatcher as new head of operations: Fast-growing bakery brand Gail’s has hired Tom Hatcher, formerly of PizzaExpress and Mowgli, as its new head of operations. Hatcher joins the circa 195-strong Gail’s after a year at Mowgli, the TriSpan-backed company, as its business development director. Hatcher, who spent nine and a half years at PizzaExpress, including 14 months as the brand’s strategic projects director, was hired on a fixed term basis to support Mowgli’s first steps into the delivery market. In his new role, he will lead operations across Gail’s sites in the south of England. Earlier this month, Gail’s opened its first shopping centre site, at Westfield Stratford, which it said “marks a new chapter” for the brand. The company said the new site, at the shopping scheme’s The Street area, was a “step into new formats as we continue to reach more communities”. At the same time, Propel revealed that Gail’s was lining up a debut site in the north east. The business plans to open a site on the High Street in the town of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.

 

Langham Hospitality Group to open new China hotel: Langham Hospitality Group, which takes its name from its eponymous site in London, is set to open a new hotel in China. The group has secured a deal to manage a luxury hotel being built in Jinan, the capital of China’s Shandong Province. The Langham Jinan will comprise 286 guest rooms and suites across a 35,000 square-metre space. There will be several dining venues, among them an outpost of the group’s three-Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant, T’ang Court. These will be complemented by a destination bar, extensive meeting and event facilities and wellness amenities under the group’s Chuan Spa brand. The design will draw on The Langham’s 160-year heritage while incorporating elements inspired by Jinan’s springs. Langham Hospitality Group chief executive, Bob van den Oord, said: “We look forward to bringing The Langham to Jinan, an increasingly important city that serves as the ideal starting point for our entry into Shandong Province.” The hotel is expected to open in 2029. With more than 40 hotels, resorts and residences in operation or development, Langham Hospitality Group has an international footprint that extends across Asia, Europe, North America, Australasia and the Middle East.

 

Junk Group to open third UK site for its smash burger brand: Junk Group, the French-based business that operates four concepts across France, is to open a third UK site for its eponymous smash burger brand. Junk Group already operates two Junk Burger sites here, in London’s Marylebone and Soho. Junk Burger is now preparing to open in Spitalfields Market, reports Hot Dinners, with signs going up announcing its arrival in the spring or summer of 2026. In February, Propel reported Junk Group had secured a second UK site for its freshly baked cookies brand, Puffy. The company opened its debut UK site for Puffy last summer, on the former Orée Boulangerie site in Old Compton Street, Soho. Junk Group has now secured a site at 12 South Molton Street, Mayfair, for an opening later this year. Junk Group, which was founded by Wissem Ben Ammar and Majed Mansour in 2013, currently operates seven Puffy sites across Paris.

 

Tipjar names Ben Hood as chair and ex-Bookatable CEO Michel Cassius as non-executive director: Cashless tipping platform Tipjar has named Ben Hood, co-founder of Fourth, as its new chairman, and former chief executive of Bookatable, Michel Cassius, as a non-executive director. Tipjar, which last month secured £4.5m in new investment in a round led by YFM Equity Partners, said Hood brings decades of senior leadership and technology expertise, including more than ten years at Tesco, before building data-led software business, Fourth Hospitality. Under his leadership, Fourth expanded to more than 60 countries in a 20-year period, completing seven acquisitions in that time, and built partnerships with major brands such as Greene King, Hilton, IHG, PizzaExpress, Stonegate and Wagamama. Cassius has held senior leadership roles at global technology giants such as Apple, Microsoft and EA, and has led high-growth consumer and software businesses including being chief executive at Michelin's reservation technology arm, Bookatable, and chief marketing officer at employee engagement app, Blink. Ben Thomas, chief executive of Tipjar, said: “Following our recent investment from YFM, we’re now focused on strengthening our business, expanding our product offering, and extending our reach into new territories – Ben and Michel joining us will be a significant support for that next phase of growth. Both bring exceptional experience in technology, operations and scaling high-growth businesses, and they’ve already made a great impression on our team.”

 

Nando’s to open in Grimsby: Nando's has confirmed plans to open at Freshney Place in Grimsby next year. The restaurant will be in the newly developed section of Freshney Place, which is part of a broader strategy to regenerate Grimsby town centre. A pre-let has also been agreed for a multi-screen Parkway cinema, alongside additional leisure tenants. Nando’s has around 475 restaurants in the UK.

  

Yorkshire indoor play operator acquires fifth site: Yorkshire indoor play operator Play Valley has acquired a fifth site. The company, which already has locations in Dinnington, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, has secured the Jack in the Box Play Centre in Beverley, which was established in 1990 as a small toddler gym club before growing into a full children's activity centre. Founders Ken and Gail Lunn have announced their retirement and the sale of the business to Play Valley owners Simon and Sarah Jesson. The current management team and staff will remain in place, with Simon Lunn continuing as centre manager. Gail Lunn said: “Starting Jack in the Box all those years ago with just an hour a week in a church hall, I could never have imagined what it would become. We are incredibly proud of what has been built and the community that has grown around it. We're confident Simon and Sarah are the perfect people to take it forward.” Simon Jesson added: “Jack in the Box has an outstanding reputation and a loyal customer base. We're honoured to be taking it on and are committed to maintaining everything families already love about it, while continuing to invest in its future.”

 

The Secret Hospitality Group acquires Gin & Juice site: Swansea operator The Secret Hospitality Group has added to its portfolio in the region with the acquisition of the Gin & Juice site in Mumbles, from the Barker family. The Secret Hospitality Group, which is owned by brother-and-sister team Ryan and Lucy Hole, currently operates The Secret Bar and Kitchen, The Green Room, The Lighthouse and Verdi’s in the city. The group plans to fully rebrand the Gin & Juice site and reopen it on Friday, 1 May as an all-day destination called Ula Mumbles. Ryan Hole said: “Ula translates as a hidden gem by the sea, which felt perfect for this incredible rooftop venue. Brunch, rooftop dining and music will be at the heart of what we do. We’ll open early, close late, and create a venue that feels just as good in the day as it does at night. A special thank you to the Barker family. It has created something special for Swansea over the last five years, and we’re honoured to take that on.” The Barker family said the transaction will have no impact on the broader Gin & Juice operation or any other sites in Cardiff, Cheltenham or Bristol, which remain open for business as usual. The family also operates Rum & Fizz, Maison De Boeuf and Barkers Tavern in the Welsh capital.

Owner of Britain’s highest pub acquires third site: The owner of Britain’s highest pub – The Tan Hill Inn in Richmond, Yorkshire – has acquired a third site. Andrew Hields has secured The Station Inn in Ribblehead, which sits by the Ribblehead Viaduct and is used by thousands of walkers who attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The sale sees The Station become the third pub in his Tan Hill portfolio, which also includes the historic Green Dragon in Hardraw. Hields bought Tan Hill Inn in 2018 and took over as operator of The Green Dragon in 2024. Former owners David and Claire Hobbs handed over the keys of The Station Inn at a party to mark the end of their 24-year tenure. Hields said: “It is an honour to take ownership of such a Yorkshire landmark from David and Claire, who have done a fabulous job. Under their ownership and with a team of excellent staff, The Station Inn has become part of the fabric of the Dales and a beacon of hospitality.” Standing 1,732 feet above sea level on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, The Tan Inn is officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest pub in Britain.

  

Singburi co-owner to launch new Greek-Cypriot taverna in London’s Covent Garden: Nick Molyviatis, co-owner of London Thai restaurant Singburi, is to open a new Greek-Cypriot taverna in Covent Garden. Molyviatis last summer partnered with Sirichai Kularbwong to relaunch Singburi in Shoreditch, following the closure of the original in Leytonstone. He has now partnered with fellow chef Barry Karacostas for Zylia, which will open at the new Arcade Covent Garden food hall next month. Inspired by Molyviatis’ upbringing in Athens and Karacostas’ Cypriot heritage, it will launch on Friday, 22 May, offering the “shared traditions and distinct flavours of Greek and Cypriot cooking”. Molyviatis, who has also led the kitchens at restaurants including Kiln, Oma and Agora, will lead a menu focused on traditional charcoal grill, for dishes such as sheftalia (grilled pork parcels with oregano and lemon) and vazania (grilled aubergine with spiced tomato sauce and anari cheese). Larger plates include lamb kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb with wine, garlic and bay) and lamb chops served Greek style with olive oil chips. The 50-cover Zylia will also offer an all-Greek wine list, as well as Greek and Cypriot beer, and a short cocktail list inspired by the flavours and aromas of the region Molyviatis said: “Zylia is a very personal project for Barry and I. For me, it’s about capturing the energy of the tavernas I knew in Athens and working with Barry to reflect his Cypriot roots too. We want Zylia to be a place where people feel looked after and can experience a genuine taste of both cultures.”

  

London supper club All Roads to open first permanent site: London supper club All Roads is to open its first permanent site, in Brixton. Launching on Wednesday, 6 May at 44 Atlantic Road, All Roads is the first bricks and mortar restaurant from chefs and partners Malika Green and Paschelle Brown. Serving a menu of comfort food, All Roads is shaped by Green and Brown’s Caribbean heritage and a decade spent working across some of London’s most respected kitchens, including Lai Rai, Patty & Bun, Daddy Bao and Soho House. The couple, who met working together in a restaurant 13 years ago, launched All Roads in 2023. Small plates include fried wings marinated in sweet black tea and herbs and clams in a rich soy and tomato sauce finished with parmesan, while mains centre around low-and-slow cooking, with dishes such as oxtail and turkey or lamb neck, or pork chops served with pimento peppercorn sauce and buttered apple with thyme. The 35-cover restaurant, with an additional terrace, will also have a music-led atmosphere, featuring DJ sets across the weekend. “Food for us growing up was always about people,” the founders said. “We want to bring this energy to our first restaurant.”