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Morning Briefing for pub, restaurant and food wervice operators

Wed 6th Jan 2016 - Propel Wednesday News Briefing

Story of the Day:

New World Trading Company set to hit £30m turnover this year, 11 sites average £93,000 net each in Christmas week: New World Trading Company (NWTC), currently operating 11 pub restaurants under the brands The Oast House, The Botanist, Smugglers Cove and The Trading House, has unveiled sales rose 83% to £17.7m, from seven sites, with adjusted profit increasing 58% to £2.3m, in the year to 31 March 2015. The company is on track to hit turnover of £30m in the current year when it will have 14 sites open. Its site in Newcastle is turning over over £6m a year. NWTC added sites in Chester, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham in the year to 31 March 2015. Following the year-end, the company also launched its first London-based business, The Trading House, on Gresham Street in the City and in Glasgow city centre along with a further Botanist in Marlow. NWTC will open three sites before March 2016, including Farnham, Surrey and Knutsford, Cheshire and, building on the successful formula of The Oast House in Manchester, The Club House in Liverpool’s Liverpool ONE development, which will take the company’s total estate to 14. Chris Hill, managing director of NWTC, said: “This has been an exceptional year for NWTC having doubled the size of our estate and grown sales significantly. Our pub restaurants keep proving successful which is testament to their unique nature, each tailored to suit local market demand. This year’s Christmas sales saw our first £1m sales week (£1,030,000) which was an amazing achievement in such a short period of time. In this week, nine of our 11 sites recorded record weeks and four sites took over £100,000 net in the week – Oast House, Manchester, took £150,000 net. The average take per site for the week was £93,000 net. With like-for-like sales (growth) at 3.5% we are set fair for 2016. We believe there are potentially hundreds of town and cities where we could be successful.”

Industry News:

Adrian Blair to present at the Propel Multi Club Conference: Adrian Blair, chief operating officer of Just Eat, is to present at the first Propel Multi Club Conference of 2016, which takes place at Congress Hall in London on Wednesday 16 March. He will provide an overview of the company’s role in the takeaway market, current key trends and future potential for operators to develop revenue. Multi-site pub, restaurant and foodservice operators can claim up to two free places by emailing Adam Dickinson on adam.dickinson@propelinfo.com

Jeremy Skingley retires from M&B after 35-year career: Jeremy Skingley, brand operations director for Mitchells & Butlers’ Toby Carvery brand, retired in December after 35 years with the company. In his four years overseeing Toby Carvery, he expanded the brand from 125 sites to 170. Phil Urban, M&B’s chief executive, said: “Jeremy Skingley has made a huge contribution to the M&B business over the years, showing leadership, passion and drive. I would like to thank Jeremy and wish him the very best for a long and enjoyable retirement.”

Bristol crematorium become first to open on-site bar: A crematorium in Bristol is thought to be the first in the country to win permission to install an on-site bar. Mourners will soon be able to buy a drink from a fully-licensed bar at Westerleigh Crematorium. The licence was granted ahead of the opening of a new hospitality suite and cafe at the site, between Bristol and Yate, in February. It is thought to be one of the first bars of its kind in the UK, and the new bereavement suite will allow post-funeral wakes to be held on the site.

Chiswick residents object to Oktoberfest plan: Residents of one of London’s Chiswick area have hit out at plans for a five-day ‘Oktoberfest’ party to be held there, The London Evening Standard has reported. German entrepreneur Carsten Raun is in talks with Ealing Council to host a festival for thousands of drinkers in Chiswick this summer. Alongside the drinking, proposals include live oompah music and dancing, plus a shop where revellers can hire their own lederhosen. But residents groups say the event is an “imposition” and that it is too large for the proposed site on Acton Green near Turnham Green station. Nigel Walley, from the Bedford Park Residents’ Association, said the green space was normally used for a book festival rather than hosting 1,500 thirsty beer drinkers a day.

Domino’s Papa John’s, McDonald’s and Burger King kick-off New Year in US with value deals: Four major brands, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, McDonald’s and Burger King has kicked off the New Year in the US with value deals. On Monday, Pizza Hut unveiled the $5 Flavor menu, which offers seven items that include a medium pizza, pasta, and eight boneless wings for only five dollars each when you order two or more. Also on the value menu are a double order of breadsticks or flavor sticks, four Pepsi drinks, brownies and a chocolate chip cookie pizza. Papa John’s is offering an even bigger discount. The company has unveiled a new deal that will give customers a large one-topping pizza for 50 cents when they buy the first for the regular price. Pizza Hut has advertised that the deal is available for a ‘limited time only’ and the Papa John’s promotion only lasts until the end of the month. Jeff Fox, Pizza Hut’s chief brand concept officer, is hoping the $5 Flavor menu will inspire customers to begin purchasing a ‘complete meal’. “Most consumers have tried some of our items,” he told Business Insider. “But they haven’t tried them all in combination.” McDonald’s has launched ‘McPick 2’, a narrow variation on the franchise’s now-defunct dollar menu. There are only four items on the value menu, a McDouble, McChicken, mozzarella sticks, and small fries, and customers pick two for $2. Burger King is offering a bacon cheeseburger, small fries, chicken nuggets, chocolate chip cookie and drunk – all for only $5. 

Final speakers confirmed for Casual Dining Show: Keith Bird, chief operating officer at Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Paul Pavli, operations director of Punch Taverns, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, Mark McQuater, chief executive of Revolution Bars Group, Martin Morales, founder of Ceviche, Mark Linehan, managing director of the Sustainable Restaurant Association, and David McDowall, MD of Bars at BrewDog complete the 17-strong, two-day seminar programme at next month’s Casual Dining show. It takes place at the Business Design Centre in London on 24-25 February 2016, with 170 exhibiting companies showcasing a choice of food and drink, equipment, interior design, furniture, table top, technology and services. For more information, and to register for a free trade ticket, please visit www.casualdiningshow.co.uk (or www.eventdata.co.uk/Visitor/CasualDining.aspx?TrackingCode=PR1).

Company News:

Kornicis reports bumper December with like-for-likes up 10%: Kornicis, owner of the Jamies and Smollensky’s bar brands, enjoyed ‘bumper’ December trading with the vital fortnight preceding Christmas showing 21% like-for-like sales growth, contributing to an overall like-for-like increase of 10% in the December period. Chief executive Richard Stringer said: “This outstanding performance is a credit to our hugely talented and committed team. Many bars broke individual records for their busiest weeks ever, and our sales team produced record breaking pre-booked business in three consecutive weeks. We clearly have a very strong foundation on which to build and, with a major programme of refurbishments planned for 2016 and beyond, we can look forward to the New Year with a great deal of confidence.”

Camino reports 19.1% December like-for-likes: Camino, the London operator led by Richard Bigg, has reported like-for-like sales rose 19.1%, or £129,800, in December. The company turned over £809,700 in the month compared to £679,900 in December 2014. Bigg added: “This only includes three sites as our newest is only a few months’ old.”

Urban Pubs and Bars secures eighth site, reports 12,000 square foot Westfield pop-up ‘doing well’: Urban Pubs and Bars, led by Nick Pring and Malcolm Heap, has secured its eighth pub, The Royal Oak in Harlesden, an Enterprise Inns site to be operated on a commercial lease. It offers 3,000 square foot of trading space over two floor and a beer garden. The company is to invest £300,000 in the site, adding a feature staircase and an open kitchen and expects to re-open the site in mid-February. Meanwhile, the company has reported its The Bat and Ball site, a 12,000 square foot year-long pop-up bar and cafe that opened in mid-December at Westfield, Stratford City, is “doing well”. Nick Pring told Propel: “It is trading in line with expectations. The biggest challenge with a pop-up is letting people know you are there. But it’s made a very encouraging start – each week it is getting busier and busier.” The company said in December it is receiving some “off-beat” help from its so-called DPP (Director of Ping Pong) Ed Turner, previously head of Geronimo Inns. The Bat and Ball features a whole floor of ping pong tables, VIP ping pong rooms for private hire and a lounge bar and deli. During the day, The Bat and Ball caters to shoppers and families serving up coffee, pizzas and artisan deli snacks. By evening the space transforms into a lively bar for groups to share jugs of premium cocktails, craft beers and food boards accompanied by live DJ sets.

Novus Leisure to close Croydon Tiger Tiger: Novus Leisure, the bar and nightclub operator led by Toby Smith, is to close its Tiger Tiger venue in Croydon this weekend. Staff were informed that the venue will shut after Saturday night. Josh Currey, a senior sales rep at the club, said: “It’s been a long time coming. Footfall in Croydon has gone down a lot. We’ve been in a shadow of decline. We’re a really big venue, with such high rent, and we’re just not making the money we need to survive. It’s a big shame. It’s going to be missed.” Rumours that Tiger Tiger was to close began on Monday when the club’s Twitter account re-tweeted messages from the public expressing disappointment at the news. It shared a tweet by Millie_Paton which said: “Genuinely what is anyone with the CR postcode supposed to do on a Thursday if @TigerTigerCroy are actually closing down??”

Jamie Oliver’s New Zealand debut delayed: The opening of chef Jamie Oliver’s first New Zealand restaurant has been delayed. Jamie’s Italian will not open on Lambton Quay in Wellington until the end of this year now, and it’s understood plans for an Auckland venue have been put on hold while the Wellington one gets up and running. The restaurant, in the restored Public Trust building on the capital’s main shopping strip, was due to launch in early 2016 but will now open its doors in the latter part of the year, “probably in time for the Christmas trade, maybe September or October”, building developer Maurice Clark said. Jamie’s Italian is already paying rent on the Public Trust premises, but had been delayed by work on its Australian franchise. Added Clark: “He just hasn’t got himself organised for staffing, he’s got to train staff, and apparently Jamie himself gets very, very upset if they don’t hit the ground running with everything, and they’ve been preoccupied with opening one over in Perth.”

Nick Batram – Patisserie Holdings shares may pause for breath after a strong run: Peel Hunt leisure analyst Nick Batram has advised Patisserie Holdings shareholder to do a little “top-slicing” after a strong run. He said: “The shares have put in a stellar performance (+20%) since the full year results in November. At the time we moved to ‘Add’ from ‘Hold’ but the share price has now overshot our target price by some distance. We remain positive on management and the long- term prospects for the business. However, at 31x September 2016 earnings the short to medium-term multiple looks a little full. Therefore, we move back to a Hold and wouldn’t discourage some top-slicing at this level. In its relatively short life as a quoted company, Patisserie Valerie has manage to under-promise an over-deliver, something management deserve credit for. This, and a growing appreciation/awareness of the business, has helped to drive a significant rerating of the shares. However, the recent strong share price performance. A prospective PE of c31x to September 2016, falling to 27x in 2017, looks full for a business forecast to achieve 19% and 13% EPS growth respectively. Whilst Patisserie Holding has a track record of over delivery, it is not by such magnitude that our numbers are likely to be materially beaten. It is possible that management may well use the multiple and strong balance sheet (net cash £14m FY16E) to acquire and further boost earnings. In addition, we remain confident in our forecasts and expect management to be able to deliver in FY16. Our base case model assumes 2% like-for-like growth and a disciplined rollout of circa 20 Patisserie Valerie stores per annum achieving c20% growth in the current financial year. We continue to be positive on the business over the long-term and merely see the shares pausing for breath after such a strong run.” 

Las Iguanas turns 25 this year and is plans celebration throughout: Las Iguanas, the brand now owned by Casual Dining Group, is inviting customers to help it celebrate its Silver Jubilee throughout 2016 in what they have dubbed their ‘Best Year Ever’. To kick off, a la carte main courses can be snapped up as ‘buy one get one free’ from Sunday to Thursday, 3 to 14 January (visit www.iguanas.co.uk for your voucher) and January also sees the launch of a ‘Never-ending’ Happy Hour with a roster of 25 cocktails and coolers offered on a two-for-one basis, all day every day. Treats and competitions will continue all year long, with a special spotlight on both February’s Rio Carnival and the huge spectacle of the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Caffe Nero lines up fifth site in Boston, Massachusetts: Caffe Nero has applied for a license to operate in Fort Point area of Boston, Massachusetts, making good on its promise to open a store close to the company’s headquarters in the city. The proposed store will seat 24 and will operate from 6am to 11pm. The plans include a seasonal patio for use from April to November. Many of the buildings around that address are historic locations, meaning the company will have to work with the city as it develops plans. There are more than 650 locations of Caffe Nero worldwide, including four in Boston: in Downtown Crossing, Longwood Center, the South End, and Jamaica Plain.

Conviviality completes purchase of event company Peppermint: Following its recent purchase of Matthew Clark Holdings, Conviviality has finalised the purchase of a majority stake in bar and events company Peppermint. Peppermint, a London based bar and events solutions business, is one of the largest event bar operators in the UK, and work with outdoor events and brand owners to deliver a full 360 degree spectrum of event services for their clients. The company, headed up by Adam Hempenstall and Alex Brooke, was created 13 years ago and now services more than 40 events annually, primarily providing bars and catering services to outdoor events, and pours over four million pints every summer. It is proud to be servicing the cream of the UK’s festivals and outdoor events market, with clients including AEG Live and Live Nation and events such as British Summer Time in Hyde Park, Henley Regatta, The Rugby World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Matthew Clark was in discussions with the pair prior to Conviviality acquiring the Matthew Clark business on 7 October. Conviviality wanted to pursue this investment as the acquisition elevates the company to a strong and unique position, which will offer existing and prospective festival and outdoor event clients access to their wide range of products in a commercially viable environment. This relationship seeks to offer a new generation of choice alongside brand investment, adding value to clients through multi-channel sponsorship. The deal comes just over a year after Matthew Clark purchased a 51% stake in experiential marketing agency, Elastic. Peppermint will continue to run as an independent business, but both parties will take advantage of the natural synergies working together will bring. Diana Hunter, chief executive Conviviality, said: “We are very excited to be offering this great opportunity to any brand that wants to engage consumers in the outdoor event market. We believe this new partnership will help justify the ROI for brands at the strategy stage of brand planning, through the development of event campaigns based on unique insight. We look forward to working with the Peppermint team as we continue to build this unique offer.”

Pipers Crisps win “Best Savoury Snack” for fourth time in a row: Pipers Crisps, stocked by a range of sector operators, has been voted Britain’s ‘Best Brand’ of savoury snack for an unprecedented fourth year in a row. The Lincolnshire-based crisp maker once again topped the survey of speciality food products on sale in UK delicatessens, farm shops and food halls, as voted for by the retailers themselves. “We’re delighted to have won the ‘Best Brand’ accolade not once, but four times in a row,” said Pipers Crisps’ founder Alex Albone. “It’s an especially important award because it’s voted for by the retailers themselves; our own customers. It shows that we’re not only doing the right things, but we’re also doing them well. A consistently high quality product, exceptional customer service and great distribution – these are clearly valued by our loyal independent retailers and their customers.” Pipers Crisps are now available in around 5,000 outlets across the UK, including cafes, coffee shops, bars, pubs, food halls, farm shops, delicatessens and specialist retailers. “We’ve worked hard to make sure our crisps are easily available across the UK. We have our own personal delivery service operating out of three regional hubs, or customers can buy through our carefully selected regional wholesalers,” Albone added.

Wetherspoon knocked back in Clydebank because of the “over-provision of alcohol”: JD Wetherspoon has been told it will not be granted a license to operate in Clydebank after councillors were told the town was struggling to cope with the effects of excessive drinking. The company had applied to West Dunbartonshire Council for an alcohol license in a bid to open a pub in the former Harry Corry store at 18 Britannia Way, in Clyde Shopping Centre. Councillors on the licensing board feared another pub in Clydebank would result in the over- provision of alcohol. One letter from the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership objected to the application due to the negative impacts that alcohol consumption has on residents’ health. It was this concern for public health that caused councillors to vote against granting the license. Chairman of the board Councillor John Mooney told the local newspaper: “In West Dunbartonshire, our rate of hospital admissions because of alcohol and in particular the number of people that get alcohol-related brain damage is significantly higher than the national average. We failed it on the grounds of our health objectives and our over provision policy.” Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We addressed the board at length on the steps taken by the company to ensure that the licensing objectives are fully observed and to ‘evidence’ that having a top quality operator in the area would be of such benefit to the community as to outweigh any detriment. We also addressed them on the economic benefits that the grant would bring in the form of the size of the investment and the creation of around 40 new jobs.” Gershon added that Wetherspoon would review the feedback on the application before deciding whether or not to appeal.

BrewDog to open in York in May: BrewDog is to open its new bar in York in May. The firm announced last year that it had secured a deal for 130-134 Micklegate, the former Portfolio. It plans to open a bar with 2,500 square foot of space. In a statement on the company website, they say the expect to open in May. They add: “As befits a city which shaped the course of British history, we faced several battles to secure the site – but have finally captured it and can’t wait to get the freshest beer from ourselves and other amazing craft breweries served to the people of this beer-loving city.”

Carlsberg rules out acquisitions as it cuts costs: Carlsberg, whose biggest market is the UK, will not pursue takeovers for the time being as it focuses on cutting costs at its core Russian business, its chairman told daily Berlingske in an interview published on Monday. “Acquisitions are no longer on the agenda for Carlsberg. This is because we are challenged on earnings,” Chairman Flemming Besenbacher told the newspaper. He said that the focus for chief executive Cees ‘t Hart is to secure long-term profitable growth. The world’s fourth largest brewer has long been struggling in Russia due a shrinking economy and tighter regulations on alcohol consumption. It announced $1.4 billion of writedown and restructuring charges in November and said it would cut 2,000 jobs. “The board was in 2014 more and more unsatisfied with the value creation the company has created in recent years,” Besenbacher said. Both share price and profit have moved little in several years, he said. Vietnamese media reported last week that Carlsberg has dropped its plan to increase its ownership in Vietnam’s second largest brewer Habeco. Carlsberg will publish the results of a strategic review in March.

Profit erosion led to pre-pack sale of Leeds steak restaurant to Avant Garde Restaurants: An erosion in profitability and sales following a challenging summer in 2015 led to the administration of a well-known Leeds steak restaurant, which had generated national acclaim and hit £1m in turnover during its first two years of operation, before the brand had to be rescued by a new owner. Based on Lower Briggate by Lambert’s Yard, Rare champions premium local produce and high-welfare meat. Rare Restaurants Ltd was established in 2013 by Matthew Firth, an entrepreneur who is also behind The Riverside in Leeds and a director at White Cloth Bar and Food. The business was backed by a Royal Bank of Scotland loan, money from a supplier, and a leasing agreement. Turnover by the end of the financial year to 28 April 2015 had hit £1m. However, sales and profitability began to decline in the spring of last year, which led to the introduction of a new business model, using the restaurant as a production kitchen for events organised by White Cloth and The Riverside. A subsequent financial review found Rare Restaurants Ltd to be insolvent and after a going concern was ruled out, a pre-pack deal was agreed with Avant Garde Restaurants following the appointment of James Sleight and John Twizell, administrators from PKF Geoffrey Matin, safeguarding the jobs of the workforce. Despite the £80,000 sale, a creditor shortfall of £342,000 is expected.

Four new restaurants lined up for Gloucester Quays: Four new restaurants could soon arrive at Gloucester Quays if its owner’s plans win approval. Peel Land and Property wants permission for new eateries in four units between Merchants Road and High Orchard Street, near the new Bella Italia. The application comes in the wake of new restaurants opening at the Quays, which is fast becoming a food destination in the city. Jimmy Lane, assistant manager of nearby Portivo Lounge, said: “The Quays has become the place to go for food in Gloucester and the surrounding area. It is good for the consumer because it is boring to go eating out in the same places all the time.” The vacant units were built in 2008 and 2009 and have remained empty ever since. Lane added: “This is the latest – loads of restaurants have sprung up in the past year. It is nice because each new place adds a different vibe and a new flavour to the area.” If planning permission is granted, the floor space of the units will be expanded. Additional restaurants would be “appropriately located, adding choice and activity in this city centre location”, according to the planning application.

Molson Coors begins Staropramen distribution in the UK: Molson Coors has begun exclusive distribution of Staropramen in the UK. This follows the announcement in June that Staropramen, Molson Coors’ global brand, was moving to its UK portfolio. World beer continues to drive category growth, with sales in the on trade up 6% and 8% in the off trade. Joining brands such as Grolsch, Cobra and Singha, Staropramen will contribute to the growth plans of the full Molson Coors world beer portfolio. Frederic Landtmeters, managing director for Molson Coors UK & Ireland, said: “Staropramen is a brand with strong history and heritage and it continues to perform well throughout our European business and around the world, where it operates in over 40 markets. The arrival of Staropramen to our UK portfolio is a significant and exciting milestone. The brand adds to Molson Coors UK’s industry leading range of world beers and we hope it will help drive increased sales for our customers and continue to delight beer drinkers.” Molson Coors acquired StarBev in 2012, which included the Staropramen brand.

Starbucks launches Evolution cold-presses juices in Canada: Starbucks Canada has introduced Evolution Fresh cold-pressed juices to customers at more than 1,300 stores nationwide. The introduction of Evolution Fresh will make Starbucks Canada one of the largest distributors of cold-pressed juices in the country. There are four varieties – Orange, Sweet Berry, Sweet Greens and Super Green – competitively priced from $4.95 to $5.95.“We want to enrich our customers’ lives by offering a superior option for their healthy choice,” said Rossann Williams, president, Starbucks Canada. “Customers will be amazed when they learn that each 450 milliliter bottle contains from one to two pounds of fruit, or fruit and vegetables. I am certain they will enjoy how remarkably fresh the pure ingredients taste – as if the juice had just been freshly made in their kitchen.” This launch marks the Evolution Fresh brand’s first foray into the Canadian market – it has more than 15,000 points of distribution in the United States.

PizzaExpress set for Moseley opening: PizzaExpress is set to open on Moseley’s Alcester Road after proposals to convert retail units into a restaurant were given the green light. Community leaders fear Moseley’s “ambience” is under threat after a third major chain in as many months revealed plans for a new restaurant. David Isgrove, vice chairman of community group The Moseley Forum, said the suburb had been deluged with interest since being named the best place to live in Britain by the Sunday Times. He said: “This is the last remaining Edwardian shopping centre left in Birmingham and we have always strived to maintain its ambience. We don’t want Moseley to just become another homogenous suburb.” Boston Tea Party’s plans for a new restaurant were revealed in September and Costa Coffee was given the go-ahead before Christmas. BII Licensee of the Year Keith Marsden, who runs the Prince of Wales pub, reacted by launching a “Keep Moseley Special” campaign. Isgrove said he was also concerned about a rising tide of stores being changed to cafés and restaurants. He said: “Moseley will survive but this just dilutes its character and therefore we would much prefer not to have another chain. We have a vibrant evening economy but we don’t want to keep losing the retail we have.”

McDonald’s closes “no longer viable” Bristol site: A McDonald’s restaurant in Bristol has been forced to close due to the branch “no longer being viable” – despite it being in the busiest area of the city. A spokesperson for McDonald’s told the Bristol Post: “We can confirm that McDonald’s, together with our local franchisee, has took the decision to close the restaurant at The Galleries, Merchant Street in Bristol. All of our 45 staff members have been offered employment at our neighbouring restaurants in the area, including our Horsefair restaurant in the City Centre. This is not a decision we took lightly but as we constantly review our estate, it became apparent that this location was no longer viable for us and therefore we took the difficult decision to cease trading.”

Four friends become Papa John’s franchisees and plan eight sites: Papa John’s has announced the opening of eight new stores in Wales over the next three to four years. Four school friends from Merthyr Tydfil have got together to take advantage of Papa John’s franchisee incentive deal. One of them, former maths teacher John O’Brien, said: “My son used to work for a rival firm and he loves pizza so a little homework led me to discover Papa John’s. The company’s ‘Better Ingredients, Better Pizza’ concept based on the freshness and quality of the product, got top marks from me and so after a chat with my old school friend Clif Roberson, plus two other mates who also attended Cyfarthfa High School, we decided to go for it. We have just opened a Papa John’s in Cwmbran and will use the deals on equipment, help with marketing and reduced franchisee fees offered as part of Papa John’s incentive deal, to now open multiple stores in Wales. School mates turned business partners – it really is too good an opportunity to miss! We plan to open three further stores in Wales shortly and will follow with a further four as part of a longer-term strategy after that.”

Mitchells & Butlers to invest £500,000 in former Orchid pub: Mitchells & Butlers is to invest £500,000 in one of Huddersfield’s best-known pubs, The Nags Head at Ainley Top, which is to close for six weeks for a makeover costing more than £500,000. The company is to take the historic pub back to its roots with plans to expose the beams and strip off the plaster. In addition, the kitchen will get a much-needed transformation and the toilets will be moved with the introduction of a separate disabled loo. There are also ambitious plans to create French doors in the barn area amid other structural changes. A spokeswoman for owners Mitchells & Butlers said: “I can confirm the site will be closing at the start of February for six weeks and will reopen in late March. The refurbishment is part of Mitchells & Butler’s acquisition of 173 Orchid sites in 2014. The pub will continue to deliver high quality service and premium food, as well as having a fresh new look.”

New appeals system must not derail further reform: The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has responded to the Valuation Office Agency’s consultation on the business rates appeals system welcoming the government’s commitment to rates reform, but expressing concerns that the proposed system may delay further root and branch reform. ALMR chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “We are pleased to see the government addressing the issue of reform in this area, but we are also worried that the focus may be drifting away from once in a generation reform the government has promised. Property costs for pubs and bars remain the second largest operational overhead and the ALMR’s annual Benchmarking Report shows them rising by 18% over the past decade. The average pub currently pays just under £15,000 with nightclubs paying over £26,000. Reforming the appeal system is a small step on the way to change, but we need to ensure the focus remains on larger scale, meaningful reform. We are also concerned that the new system, which seems to place the burden of proof on the occupier, will add complexity to an already convoluted system. Evidence used to determine Fair Maintainable Trade is not disclosed in the first instance to the businesses in question, and the new proposals do not oblige the VOA to provide this at the check stage. There is a real danger that, unless transparency is provided earlier in the process, the government may find itself dealing with numerous, time consuming appeals that make life easier for nobody. Any reform to the appeals system needs to give full disclosure of the rental valuation at the earliest opportunity. Only then will it help reduce administrative burdens for businesses. First steps on the road to reform show the government is listening, but meaningful, root and branch reform must follow quickly.”

Seafood Pub Company hires manager for seventh site: Seaford Pub Company has appointed Dan Mcdonald, 26, from Cheadle, Manchester, as its the new general manager at the Town Green Brasserie, the company’s seventh site. He said: “It was a fantastic career opportunity and after hearing great reports about the Seafood Pub Company, I couldn’t wait to get started. I instantly felt at home within my team, they’ve been really welcoming and are definitely on board with any new ideas I have.” Mcdonald has worked in the hospitality industry for over eight years, working his way through the ranks from bartender to supervisor to general manager at Vodka Revolution, then onto general manager roles at other popular destinations. Managing Director of the group, Joycelyn Neve said: “Dan boasts a wealth of experience, and his attitude and outlook fit in nicely with our own vision and ethos. The Town Green Brasserie is our newest site and seemed the perfect option for Dan, his time spent working in the city is particularly beneficial and he has a wealth of skills and expertise which are always welcomed within the company.”

Brighton to host tap takeover in April: The south coast’s biggest dedicated craft beer festival, featuring more than 80 beers from eight outstanding breweries, is coming to Brighton thanks to The Laine Pub Company and The Beer Collective. Breweries taking part in The Brighton Tap Takeover include Fourpure, The Celt Experience, The Mad Hatter Brewing Company, Northern Monk and Laine’s Brewing Company. It will run across the town from the 8 to 10 April, 2016 and each brewery will take over the taps in one of Brighton’s best pubs, together providing an unrivalled chance for beer lovers to try new flavours and specially created brews.

Itinerary unveiled for second Propel and Thinking Drinkers Craft Beer Retail Study Tour: The itinerary has been unveiled for the second Propel and Thinking Drinkers Craft Beer Retail Study Tour. The event, which this year focuses on south London, takes place on Thursday, 28 January and will visit seven of the capital’s leading craft beer retailers in an eight-hour period. It starts at the Four Thieves brewpub in Battersea, owned by Laine Pub Company. The tour will then visit hybrid craft beer and bottle shop We Brought Beer in Clapham Junction, which was founded by former BrewDog employee James Hickson, followed by the Craft Beer Co site in Clapham Manor Street. The next stop will be the Crown & Anchor in Brixton run by London Village Inns before heading to independently operated Stormbird in Camberwell Church Street, which was runner-up in the Timeout Love London Awards this year. The tour then continues to Late Knights Brewery’s micro-pub Beer Rebellion in Gypsy Hill and ends at Utobeer’s The Rake in Borough Market. The tour will again be led by Thinking Drinkers, award-winning beer writers Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, who will provide the latest craft beer facts and figures, market segmentation, analysis and spot up-and-coming trends. The day includes lunch and breakfast and travel between venues by coach. Tickets are £345 for Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) members and £395 for non-ALMR members. To book, email adam.dickinson@propelinfo.com

ALMR National Restaurant Association Study Tour to Chicago open for bookings: The Propel and Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) 2016 Chicago Study Tour is open for bookings. The trip, sponsored by CPL Training and Sky, takes place between Thursday, 19 May and Monday, 23 May 2016. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) draws 58,000-plus industry professionals from all 50 states and 100 countries, seeking the newest innovations and up-to-the-minute information about trends and issues. The ALMR trip provides: insights from industry experts on the rise in fast-casual dining, social media, new and emerging brands, menu development, staff management and a host of other issues – with 70 free education sessions at the NRA show. It also involves two tours of Chicago’s hottest concepts and a market overview briefing sessions from US experts. Paul Charity, managing director of Propel Info, said: “The NRA show combined with our tour of Chicago is a fantastic opportunity to find fresh inspiration and understand the emerging trends shaping the fast-changing US market.” To get more information or to book, email jo.charity@propelinfo.com

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