Exclusive – Blackstone invests in Little Houses Group: International investment firm Blackstone, which backs Merlin Entertainments and Village Hotels, has invested in Little Houses Group (LHG), the family members' club concept from Charlie Gardiner, Propel has learned. Gardiner, who founded Incipio Group in 2015, opened Jaego's House in London’s Kensal Rise as the first venue under The LHG umbrella in November 2022. Branded as a club for all the family, the venue features a jungle gym, crèche, child-minding service and kids' cinema for children, plus a co-working office, gym, treatment room and library for adults. The 20,000 square-foot site also features a restaurant and waterside cafe, seating 85 inside and 24 on a canal side terrace. The business opened a second site – Jesse's House in Heathman's Road, near Parsons Green tube station – last August. Both clubs have sold out membership. The fresh backing from Blackstone will enable LHG to bring its “unique community-focused concept to even more families across the capital”. The business, which will continue to be run by Gardiner, is set to expand into new sites, including in East Sheen (Orly's House that will open spring 2026) and a south London venue, following the investment from Blackstone. As part of the new investment deal, LHG has concluded its partnership with sector investor Imbiba, which played a key role in the initial growth of the business and opening of its first two sites. LHG was the inaugural investment by Imbiba’s oversubscribed second fund, which closed in October 2022. Imbiba, which also backs the likes of Pizza Pilgrims, Clays and Farmer J, said the transaction represented “another significant exit”, generating a three-times return from the sale. Gardiner said: “This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for LHG. Our mission has always been to create spaces that enhance modern family life in London, and this new partnership allows us to bring our vision to even more communities. We're grateful to Imbiba for its invaluable support and excited about our next stage of growth.” Partner and head of Investment at Imbiba, Lizzie Ryan, said: “It is with a heavy heart that our partnership with Charlie and the LHG team has come to an end. Charlie is one of the pre-eminent leisure entrepreneurs of his generation with an innate understanding of today's consumer coupled with an uncompromising work ethic. In LHG, Charlie, supported by Olivia [Rostron] and the wider team, has built one of the most exciting leisure brands in the UK. We wish Charlie and the team every success in the future and look forward to watching as the business continues to grow and thrive.”

UK bubble tea brand Cupp secures deal for first international locations: UK bubble tea brand Cupp has secured a deal for its first international locations. Propel revealed at the end of last year that the brand, founded in 2012 by Lee Peacock, was aiming to make its international debut in 2025 – as well as grow to 50 UK sites. Cupp has now signed a partnership, through franchise consultant Mikayla Whittle, to expand to Hyderabad, in central India. “I’m thrilled to share one of my most exciting announcements of 2025 so far…Cupp is expanding to India,” Whittle said. “I’m pleased to announce that we have secured a development deal for Cupp in Hyderabad, India, marking a significant milestone in our international growth strategy. Expanding beyond the UK has been a key part of our growth strategy, and Hyderabad with its vibrant food and beverage sector, is the perfect market to introduce Cupp. I’ve been fortunate to play a key role in making this happen, and I couldn’t be more excited to see the brand take its first steps on the global stage. A huge thank you to everyone involved in bringing this to life – here’s to many more international milestones ahead.” Cupp currently has 33 UK locations and has most recently been expanding its Scottish footprint, with two openings in Edinburgh. Cupp last month opened in the former Brave, Strong, Beautiful beauty salon at 112 Lothian Road in the Scottish capital, which was followed by a launch at 321 Leith Walk earlier this month. At the end of last year, Cupp launched its first hot food menu with the brand’s Taiwanese roots influencing a selection of Asian-inspired dishes. These included Taiwanese style chicken, potato pops, pumpkin korokke, yakitori chicken skewers and yaki tsukune chicken meatball skewers, alongside healthy sides such as edamame beans and wakame salad. Cupp features in the UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database, the latest edition of which has 340 entries and was sent to Premium Club subscribers this week. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.