Coyote Ugly signs 12-site UK franchise deal: Coyote Ugly, the rowdy, western-themed bar that celebrates the wild side of American culture has signed a franchise agreement that will bring 12 bars to major cities throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. The agreement, Coyote Ugly’s second in the United Kingdom, was awarded to Steve Lewis who currently has the franchise rights in Wales and opened the company’s first UK bar in Cardiff in December of 2016. All 12 bars are expected to open within the next five years, with the first slated to open in Liverpool. The original bar in New York City founded by Liliana Lovell inspired the blockbuster 2000 film, starring Tyra Banks and John Goodman. The new Liverpool venue will carry on those the traditions of female bar tenders (Coyotes) dancing on the bar, and interacting with patrons in a fun, wild, party atmosphere. “Finding the right franchise partner is key for the success of Coyote Ugly Global Expansion,” said vice president of global development Justin Livingston. The brand found that in Steve Lewis, Coyote Ugly Franchisee, and owner of Coyote Ugly Saloon in Cardiff. “Customers have been travelling to our Cardiff Coyote Ugly location from all over the UK, Ireland and throughout Europe. Many patrons have been disappointed on not being able to book tables or booths as many key dates sell out weeks or months in advance. The perfect answer to this problem is to expand and open other venues throughout the UK.” The company currently has 26 locations operating in seven countries – the United States, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, and Kyrgyzstan. 

Mowgli to open in Oxford: Mowgli Street Food has taken its first site outside the North of England. It will open its doors in Westgate Oxford in the New Year with a 110-cover site. Founder and Indian food writer Nisha Katona said: “This was a bold move for me. Some would counsel against the inevitable risks that come with growth and ambition. Many urge caution against a move south but I feel passionately about taking Mowgli to the cities that would have her. We have many followers in Oxford who are calling for the smash and grab of the Mowgli home kitchen. We are not everyone’s cup of tea but we go where our consumers and followers want us, and their appetite is thankfully unshackled by the perceived north south divide.”

Newcastle-based Lane7 to start expansion by launching Aberdeen boutique bowling alley and bar: Newcastle boutique bowling alley Lane7, owned by entrepreneur Tim Wilks, is to start expansion by opening a bowling alley and bar on the site of a former nightclub in Aberdeen city centre. The new venue will open next month on the site of Tiger Tiger in Shiprow, which has lain empty since its closure in 2014. The new venue will have a late-night drinks licence and six lanes following a “substantial” six-figure investment, with the opening creating 30 jobs. Lane7 operations manager Charlie Snow told the Evening Express: “This is a city with a buzzing nightlife and we’re thrilled to be adding a fresh, new dimension to it. We launched Lane7 as an antidote to plastic, soul-less retail park bowling venues. As well as the six super-slick lanes, we’re going to bring some special twists too. We’re keeping them under wraps for now, but we promise the people of Aberdeen will love what we’re bringing to the city.” Lane7 launched in Newcastle in 2013 and has also operated pop-up attractions. Earlier this year, the company introduced large-scale car racing games at its Newcastle site, with plans to roll out the concept to other UK cities. “The Racing Rig” is a ten-player indoor racetrack in which customers use real steering wheels and pedals. The venue also offers pool, ping pong, beer pong, and karaoke booths.