Latest Briefing Archive Tab News Tab Events Tab Advertising Tab Contact Tab
 
Search our Previous Briefings
 
New Archive Heading
Current
Sep 2024
Aug 2024
Jul 2024
Jun 2024
May 2024
Apr 2024
Mar 2024
Feb 2024
Jan 2024
Dec 2023
Nov 2023
Oct 2023
Sep 2023
Aug 2023
Jul 2023
Jun 2023
May 2023
Apr 2023
Mar 2023
Feb 2023
Jan 2023
Dec 2022
Nov 2022
Oct 2022
Sep 2022
Aug 2022
Jul 2022
Jun 2022
May 2022
Apr 2022
Mar 2022
Feb 2022
Jan 2022
Dec 2021
Nov 2021
Oct 2021
Sep 2021
Aug 2021
Jul 2021
Jun 2021
May 2021
Apr 2021
Mar 2021
Feb 2021
Jan 2021
Dec 2020
Nov 2020
Oct 2020
Sep 2020
Aug 2020
Jul 2020
Jun 2020
May 2020
Apr 2020
Mar 2020
Feb 2020
Jan 2020
Dec 2019
Nov 2019
Oct 2019
Sep 2019
Aug 2019
Jul 2019
Jun 2019
May 2019
Apr 2019
Mar 2019
Feb 2019
Jan 2019
Dec 2018
Nov 2018
Oct 2018
Sep 2018
Aug 2018
Jul 2018
Jun 2018
May 2018
Apr 2018
Mar 2018
Feb 2018
Jan 2018
Dec 2017
Nov 2017
Oct 2017
Sep 2017
Aug 2017
Jul 2017
Jun 2017
May 2017
Apr 2017
Mar 2017
Feb 2017
Jan 2017
Dec 2016
Nov 2016
Oct 2016
Sep 2016
Aug 2016
Jul 2016
Jun 2016
May 2016
Apr 2016
Mar 2016
Feb 2016
Jan 2016
Dec 2015
Nov 2015
Oct 2015
Sep 2015
Aug 2015
Jul 2015
Jun 2015
May 2015
Apr 2015
Mar 2015
Feb 2015
Jan 2015
Dec 2014
Nov 2014
Oct 2014
Sep 2014
Aug 2014
Jul 2014
Jun 2014
May 2014
Apr 2014
Mar 2014
Feb 2014
Jan 2014
Dec 2013
Nov 2013
Oct 2013
Sep 2013
Aug 2013
Jul 2013
Jun 2013
May 2013
Apr 2013
Mar 2013
Feb 2013
Jan 2013
Dec 2012
Nov 2012
Oct 2012
Sep 2012
Aug 2012
Jul 2012
Jun 2012
May 2012
Apr 2012
Mar 2012
Feb 2012
 
 
Tevalis Banner
 
Contract Furniture Group Banner
 
CACI Banner
 
Casual Dining Banner
 
Singa Oy Banner
 
Lactalis Banner
 
Santa Maria Banner
 
Tabology Banner
 
awrys Banner
 
Propel Banner
 
Tenzo Banner
 
HGEM Banner
 
Meaningful Vision Banner
 
Zonal Banner
 
Access Banner
 
Christie & Co Banner
 
Sideways Banner
 
Airship – Toggle Banner
 
Wireless Social Banner
 
Startle Banner
 
Deliverect Banner
 
awrys Banner
 
Growth Kitchen Banner
 
Zonal Banner
 
 
Monday 31st May 2021
Caffe Nero reports new digital and delivery channels generating sales of £320,000 a week
Caffe Nero reports new digital and delivery channels generating sales of £320,000 a week: Caffe Nero has reported new digital and delivery channels are generating sales of £320,000 a week, while it has also repaid all of its covid financial … view
................................................................................................
 
Sunday 30th May 2021
Weekend leisure stories and restaurant reviews
Table ordering rule in pubs to be ditched as No10 seeks to axe social distancing on 21 June: Pub-goers look set for a boost as ministers are prioritising the return of ordering at the bar over ditching face masks. The Sun understands that … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 28th May 2021
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Tech needs to be seamless; the fight is on for the commuter’s pound; mountains, molehills and customer stress points; from first visit to revisit – creating the perfect customer journey
Authors: Glynn Davis, Ann … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 28th May 2021
Update: Fulham Shore, Burger & Lobster, Clive Watson and AG Barr
Franco Manca reports trading in first week was 92% like-for-like with two years ago: Franco Manca operator Fulham Shore has reported 71 out of the group’s 73 restaurants (53 of 54 Franco Manca and 18 of 19 The Real Greek) are now open a … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 28th May 2021
Propel Friday News Briefing
Review of former Soho House restaurant estate to lead to further closures: Yucaipa Group, now the owner of the former Soho House restaurant brands including Pizza East, Chicken Shop and Dirty Burger, is to make further closures. The opera … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 27th May 2021
Exclusive – sector leaders urged to join industry-championing recruitment campaign
Exclusive – sector leaders urged to join industry-championing recruitment campaign: BrewDog chief operating officer David McDowall has teamed up with sector marketing consultant Mark McCulloch of Supersonic, to launch a new recruitment campa … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 27th May 2021
Oakman reports like-for-like sales up 38.5% in first week, aims for 40 sites by 2022
Oakman reports like-for-like sales up 38.5% in first week, aims for 40 sites by 2022: The Oakman Group has reported a total loss of £13.9m for its year ending June 2020, with an Ebitda loss of £2.6m. The company stated: “As with the r … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 27th May 2021
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Dunstone takes control of Chik’n: Sir Charles Dunstone, the backer of Five Guys UK, has become the majority backer of Chik’n, the fried chicken concept from the team behind Chick ’n’ Sours, with plans to ramp up its rollout, Prope … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 26th May 2021
Update: VAT cut, Revolution, C&C Group and Gym Group
Lord Smith calls for VAT cut for hospitality to be extended to March 2022: Lord Smith of Hindhead has called for an extension of reduced VAT for hospitality. In a House of Lords debate, he stated: “The government’s quick thinking and … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 26th May 2021
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
The Conduit to open six-floor site in Covent Garden featuring all-day restaurant ‘showcasing the best in sustainable and ethical hospitality’: London-based social enterprise The Conduit will open a site in Covent Garden spanning six f … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 25th May 2021
Revolution Bars Group looks to raise £21m to ensure it is ‘well-positioned to grow’
Revolution Bars Group looks to raise £21m to ensure it is ‘well-positioned to grow’: Revolution Bars Group, the operator of 66 bars trading under the Revolution and Revolución de Cuba brands, has announced it is looking to raise £21m to … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 25th May 2021
Wingstop makes minority investment in UK franchisee to drive growth
Wingstop makes minority investment in UK franchisee to drive growth: US chicken brand Wingstop, which has more than 1,500 locations worldwide, has announced a minority investment in the UK business, which is operated by its UK franchisee, … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 25th May 2021
Sky News – Luke Johnson set to make fresh £250m bid to sell resurgent Gail’s chain
Sky News – Luke Johnson set to make fresh £250m bid to sell resurgent Gail’s chain: Sector investor Luke Johnson is set to make a fresh attempt to sell Gail’s Bakery, which has seen a sharp sales rebound despite the pandemic’s impact … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 25th May 2021
The Restaurant Group ‘encouraged’ by trading performance
The Restaurant Group ‘encouraged’ by trading performance: The Restaurant Group has reported it had approximately 200 sites trading for delivery and takeaway in the six weeks to 11 April across its Wagamama and Leisure businesses prior … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 25th May 2021
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Krispy Kreme UK reports turnover falls almost a quarter amid pandemic, receives £2.5m business interruption insurance pay-out: Krispy Kreme UK has reported turnover fell 23.5% to £71.9m for the year ending 3 January 2021, compared with … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 25th May 2021
YO! announces new Food-to-Go trial at 390 Tesco stores
YO! announces new Food-to-Go trial at 390 Tesco stores: YO!, the multi-brand, multi-channel Japanese and Asian food group, has announced a new trial agreement to supply pre-packaged YO! Food-to-Go products to 390 Tesco stores. The new agr … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 24th May 2021
Exclusive: Greene King secures approval for Loch Fyne CVA
Exclusive – Greene King secures approval for Loch Fyne CVA: Brewer and retailer Greene King has received approval for the company voluntary arrangement (CVA) of its Loch Fyne restaurant business, Propel has learned. Propel revealed earl … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 24th May 2021
Propel Monday News Briefing
Punch enters joint venture with Big Smoke Brew Co, eyes similar opportunities: Punch Pubs & Co, the Clive Chesser-led, circa 1,300-strong company, has entered in a joint venture with Surrey-based brewer and retailer Big Smoke Brew Co to i … view
................................................................................................
 
Sunday 23rd May 2021
Weekend leisure stories and restaurant reviews
Staff drought forces restaurant bosses to offer cash bungs to fill vacancies: Pub and restaurant bosses are pushing ministers to introduce a “coronavirus recovery visa” to persuade foreign workers to return, as they resort to increasi … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 21st May 2021
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Whither liberty? Saving the supply chain, restarting the balance sheet, we need to say no more to no-shows
Authors: Paul Chase, Glynn Davis, Graeme Smith and Craig Rachel, Paul Shaw
 

Whither … view

................................................................................................
 
Friday 21st May 2021
Electra to demerge TGI Friday’s into FTSE main market later this year
Electra to demerge TGI Friday’s into FTSE main market later this year: Listed investment firm Electra is to demerge its TFI Friday’s business into the FTSE main market in the third quarter of this year. The move comes as Electra repor … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 21st May 2021
Propel Friday News Briefing
Pret to make petrol station debut: Pret A Manger, the JAB Holdings-backed chain, is to open new shops in petrol stations owned by Motor Fuel Group (MFG), the largest forecourt operator in the UK with more than 900 sites nationwide. Throug … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 21st May 2021
Pret to make petrol station debut
Pret to make petrol station debut: Pret A Manger, the JAB Holdings-backed chain, is to open new shops in petrol stations owned by Motor Fuel Group (MFG), the largest forecourt operator in the UK with more than 900 sites nationwide. Through the … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 20th May 2021
Young’s confirms sale of 63-strong tenanted division being pursued, reports outdoor trading hit 85% of normal sales
Young’s confirms sale of 63-strong tenanted division being pursued, reports outdoor trading hit 85% of normal sales: London pub operator Young’s has confirmed it is looking to sell its 63-strong tenanted division and reported that ou … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 20th May 2021
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Findlay – pandemic will present consolidation opportunities and we are seeking ways to participate: Ralph Findlay, chief executive of Marston’s has said the pandemic will present consolidation opportunities within the pub sector over … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 19th May 2021
Plans to ease social distancing in ‘disarray’
Plans to ease social distancing in ‘disarray’: Plans for easing social distancing rules were said to be in ‘disarray’ on Tuesday amid concerns that pubs and restaurants may still have to serve at limited capacity after 21 June. … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 19th May 2021
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Sales down more than 10% on first day of indoor trading against 2019 as Sacha Lord warns it will take three years for businesses to return to pre-pandemic levels: Sales were down more than 10% on the first day of indoor trading compared w … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 18th May 2021
Nick Collins – we won’t be back up to full profit until 21 June
Nick Collins – we won’t be back up to full profit until 21 June: Nick Collins, chief executive of listed cafe bar operator Loungers, has said that the business won’t be back up to full profit until 21 June and only if it is allowed … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 18th May 2021
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Operators reveal extent of success of business pivots during pandemic and how they are set to stay: Operators have revealed the extent the huge pivots they made to their businesses during the pandemic have taken off – and are now set to … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 17th May 2021
Exclusive – Nando’s to become carbon neutral this year, adds new plant-based options to menu
Exclusive – Nando’s to become carbon neutral this year, adds new plant-based options to menu: Nando’s has announced that it will become carbon neutral across its scope one, two and three emissions by November this year, on its roadm … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 17th May 2021
Propel Monday News Briefing
IPO remains favoured route for Hawthorn despite private equity interest: A London stock exchange listing remains the favoured route for community pub company Hawthorn despite reported interest from private equity firms in the Mark Davies- … view
................................................................................................
 
Sunday 16th May 2021
Weekend leisure stories and restaurant reviews
Pubs and restaurants will need more taxpayer support if 21 June opening is delayed: Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality chief executive, said: “The emergence of the so-called Indian variant in the UK is of conc … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 14th May 2021
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Out of the cold and into the pub, on course for self-care, give yourself the edge when it comes to recruitment, a fresh start for the industry
Authors: Glynn Davis, Ann Elliott, Amber Staynings, Jasper Cuppaidgeview
................................................................................................
 
Friday 14th May 2021
Propel Friday News Briefing
April like-for-likes down by a quarter at managed restaurants and pubs while total sales fall 60% versus 2019: Managed pub and restaurant groups recorded a 26% drop in like-for-like sales in April compared with the same month in 2019, the … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 14th May 2021
April like-for-likes down by a quarter at managed restaurants and pubs while total sales fall 60% versus 2019
April like-for-likes down by a quarter at managed restaurants and pubs while total sales fall 60% versus 2019: Managed pub and restaurant groups recorded a 26% drop in like-for-like sales in April compared with the same month in 2019, the late … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 13th May 2021
Drake & Morgan plans CVA, three sites to close
Drake & Morgan plans CVA, three sites to close: Drake & Morgan, the London-based bar and restaurant group backed by Bowmark Capital, is planning to enter a company voluntary arrangement (CVA). This follows a strategic review of the business th … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 13th May 2021
Propel Thursday News Briefing
ETM Group co-founder and senior management team to launch new leisure venture: Ed Martin, co-owner of ETM Group, which operates 13 premium bars, pubs and restaurants in central London, has joined forces with two of his senior management t … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 12th May 2021
Carluccio’s and Sainsbury’s partner to trial trio of concepts
Carluccio’s and Sainsbury’s partner to trial trio of concepts: Carluccio’s has partnered with Sainsbury’s to test three new in-store concepts. The first format will be a coffee shop in Sainsbury’s St Albans superstore, offering custo … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 12th May 2021
Legal Briefing

Approaching freedom by Michelle Hazelwood

On 17 May, hospitality can finally open its doors and welcome the British public with a pint, whether the sun is shining or snow is falling. We look forward to this exciting milestone and … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 12th May 2021
Andrew Andrea named as next Marston’s chief executive
Andrew Andrea named as next Marston’s chief executive: Andrew Andrea has been promoted to become the next chief executive of Marston’s. The company stated: “Andrew’s appointment follows Ralph Findlay’s decision announced earlier … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 12th May 2021
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Exclusive – Wagamama tests lunch delivery-only concept: Wagamama, The Restaurant Group-owned business, has launched the test of a new lunch delivery-only concept called Box by Wagamama, Propel has learned. Emma Woods, Wagamama’s outgo … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 11th May 2021
Revolution – bars open for outdoor trading delivering 48% of 2019 sales
Revolution – bars open for outdoor trading delivering 48% of 2019 sales: Revolution Bars Group, which opened 20 bars for outside trading on 12 April, has opened a further five bars including those as permitted by the relaxation of restr … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 11th May 2021
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Nicholls – next week is ‘a psychological, not an economic opening’: UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls has said next Monday’s (17 May) opening for consumers to eat and drink inside pubs and restaurants is “a psychologic … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 10th May 2021
Greggs – delivery now at 800 shops and 8.2% of sales
Greggs – delivery now at 800 shops and 8.2% of sales: Greggs has reported positive like-for-like sales since non-essential retail reopened and delivery service is now available from 800 shops – delivery sales represented 8.2% of compa … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 10th May 2021
Propel Monday News Briefing
Laurillard – average weekly sales of £15,000 per site during lockdown has given us the confidence to expand, eight sites already secured: Andy Laurillard, co-founder of Giggling Squid, the Thai restaurant brand backed by BGF, has said … view
................................................................................................
 
Sunday 9th May 2021
Weekend leisure stories and restaurant reviews
Hospitality chiefs plea for fresh government support package after revenue slump: Hospitality chiefs have urged the chancellor to prepare a new financial support package for the industry even as remaining restrictions on their operations … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 7th May 2021
Friday Opinion
Subjects: The challenge of allergens, reasons to be joyful, appeal of the capital is returning, essential fairness points the way towards landlord and tenants sharing the pain
Authors: Simon Wilkinson, Paul Chase, Glynn Davis … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 7th May 2021
Propel Friday News Briefing
Luke Johnson – industry must never allow lockdowns again: Sector investor Luke Johnson has said the industry must never allow lockdowns again, but admits that will take work. Writing exclusively in this week’s Propel Premium Opinion, … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 6th May 2021
Exclusive – new pub venture to launch after securing funding from private investors including the Sethi family
Exclusive – new pub venture to launch after securing funding from private investors including the Sethi family: A new pub venture led by Dominic Jacobs of The Running Horse Mayfair, and backed by a number of private investors, including … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 6th May 2021
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Puttshack secures $60m for UK and US expansion: Indoor mini golf experience Puttshack has completed a growth capital round of $60m (£43.2m) led by Promethean Investments. The funds will continue to support the company's growth, bringing … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 5th May 2021
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Week-on-week sales fall 1.2%, number of sites open also declines: Hospitality sales were down 1.2% last week on the previous week, according to analysis from S4labour, the online labour-scheduling management system from Catton Hospitality … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 4th May 2021
Island Poké signs first two UK franchise partners, further discussions taking place with potential for another 50 sites
Island Poké signs first two UK franchise partners, further discussions taking place with potential for another 50 sites: Island Poké, the London-based, White Rabbit Group and Hero Brands-backed business, has signed-up its first two UK f … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 4th May 2021
Earlier opening blocked, Nightcap buys Adventure Group
Lord and Osmond lose legal battle to bring sector reopening date forward: Sacha Lord, night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, and serial sector investor Hugh Osmond have lost their legal battle to force the government to bring … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 4th May 2021
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
UKHospitality issues proposals to government to tackle £2.5bn rent debt ahead of formal statement on ‘call for evidence’: UKHospitality has issued proposals to the government to help tackle the rent debt crisis that threatens to “w … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 4th May 2021
BBPA makes submission to call for evidence on commercial rents, new openings
BBPA – leased and tenanted pubs secure average support of £27,000 while landlords give pub companies ‘but a fraction’: The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has said leased and tenanted pubs have received, on average, £27,000 … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 4th May 2021
Propel reports on Greene King’s full-year results and speaks to chief executive Nick Mackenzie
Propel reports on Greene King’s full-year results and speaks to chief executive Nick Mackenzie

Financial overview: Greene King reported revenue of £562.1m for the 36 weeks ending 3 January 2021. The shor … view
................................................................................................
 
Sunday 2nd May 2021
Weekend leisure stories and restaurant reviews
Social distancing one-metre rule to scrapped on 21 June: Boris Johnson promises to scrap the ‘metre plus’ social distancing rule from 21 June, and, within days, issue the first list of ‘green’ countries that holidaymakers can visi … view
................................................................................................
 
Saturday 1st May 2021
Exclusive – Byron owner et cetera
Exclusive – Byron owner acquires fried chicken brand Mother Clucker, plans nationwide expansion: Famously Proper, the Calveton UK-backed owner of better burger brand Byron, has acquired Mother Clucker, the London-based, buttermilk-fried chic … view
................................................................................................