Lucky B’s aiming to grow to ten stores this year as it works towards long term goal of 100-plus locations nationwide, finalising international partnerships: Glasgow hot chicken concept Lucky B’s has said it is aiming to grow to ten stores this year as it works towards a long term goal of 100-plus locations nationwide, and is putting the finishing touches to some international partnerships. Lucky B’s, which currently has two stores in Glasgow, was founded in 2022 by Giancarlo Celino and Tony Dobrenko. Lucky B’s will make its debut in England this month when it opens at 53 Whitegate Drive in Blackpool on Sunday, 20 July. The franchisee behind that site, Ross Fairbairn, has already secured a second site in England, at Canning Street retail park in Burnley. Fairbairn, who is also behind the 22-strong Subway franchisee Quick Serv, signed a 15-store franchise agreement with Lucky B’s last year. Dobrensko, who also owns Toni’s Pizzeria in Glasgow’s Giffnock, told whichfranchise that Lucky B’s is aiming for ten UK stores by the end of 2025, with overseas expansion also on the horizon, and is stepping up its franchisee recruitment efforts. “We’re excited to be welcoming new franchisees into the Lucky B’s network,” he said. “The interest has been incredible, not just from the UK, but from overseas too. We’re currently finalising some exciting international partnerships. Lucky B’s began franchising in 2024 as saw the potential to scale our business and reach new markets. We now want to strengthen our franchise network by partnering with experienced franchisees who can help scale operations efficiently. Our long-term goal, over five to ten years, is to reach 100-plus locations nationwide, ensuring brand presence across the UK. We want to innovate our menu to include seasonal items, limited-time offers and healthier options to cater to a broader audience, and implement customer loyalty programmes and mobile app features to drive engagement and repeat business. We want to launch targeted marketing campaigns to build brand awareness in new markets and focus on digital marketing strategies to reach a wider audience and drive online sales. By focusing on these strategic areas, Lucky B’s aims to grow significantly both domestically and eventually internationally. The Lucky B’s franchise model offers options like stand-alone restaurants, food court kiosks and even mobile food trucks. In terms of products, Lucky B’s specialises in hot chicken dishes served with a variety of sides such as tenders, wings, waffle fries, slaw and mac and cheese.” Co-founder Giancarlo Celino also operates three Catch Fish and Chips stores in Glasgow and earlier this year partnered with Hesham Mourad, director for Qatar and special projects at Gulf Franchise Group, to take the business into the UAE.

 

Prezzo Italian CEO James Brown to speak at Propel summer conference and party, open for bookings: Prezzo Italian chief executive James Brown will be among the speakers at the Propel Multi-Club Conference and summer party on Thursday, 4 September, at the Oxford Belfry. Brown will talk about re-energising the Italian casual-dining brand, the opportunities and challenges it faces and what comes next for the 25-year-old business. The all-day conference will focus on “moving ahead with evolved thinking” and will be followed in the evening by the summer party, with a barbecue and more than four hours of live music. There are up to two free places per company for operators and Premium operator subscribers can book up to four places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com. A room can also be booked for the evening at an additional cost. For more details, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Meanwhile, the evening entertainment includes the return by popular demand of the UK’s top Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow tribute acts as Scott Borley and Daniel Hadfield again join forces. Pure Mercury, the UK’s foremost Freddie Mercury tribute act, will also be performing along with The Greek Street Live House Band, which will be playing guests’ requests. The evening will also feature a music quiz with PubQuiz.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive videos from Propel Multi-Club Conference today, updated Turnover & Profits Blue Book on Monday: Premium Club subscribers will be sent all the videos from the Propel Multi-Club Conference – female leaders and entrepreneurs, today (Friday, 11 July), at 9am. They include Ellen Chew, the celebrated UK-based Singaporean restaurateur with 15 venues, talking about her journey to success. Meanwhile, Premium Club subscribers will receive the updated Turnover & Profits Blue Book on Monday (14 July), at noon. The database will feature 46 updated accounts and 13 new companies, taking the total to 1,138. A total of 721 companies are making a profit while 417 are making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. 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 will be sent a dedicated monthly newsletter that will highlight key updates in the sector and direct subscribers to all the vital content their membership offers. Premium Club subscribers also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel group editor Mark Wingett and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. This week’s Premium Opinion features Ben Fordham, the founder of Benito’s Hat and now a Texas-based hospitality consultant, who takes a look at the issues surrounding tipping ‘across the pond’, and how the quest to make hospitality a secure and reliable career path in the US remains a very challenging one. Meanwhile, sector consultant Flo Graham-Dixon asks whether investors are missing a trick in hospitality, and says there is a “quiet wave of smart money” moving in on sector opportunities. 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.

 

In Conversation – Propel talks to Sunaina Sethi, co-founder and chief people officer at JKS Restaurants: In the latest In Conversation podcast, Propel group editor Mark Wingett talks to Sunaina Sethi, co-founder and chief people officer of JKS Restaurants. Available today (Friday, 11 July) at 3pm to Premium subscribers, Sethi discusses her career, further plans for the business both nationally and internationally, working with family, mentoring the next generation of female leaders and her thoughts on where the sector is heading.

UKHospitality launches #TaxedOut campaign with three key asks of government ahead of next Budget: UKHospitality has launched a #TaxedOut campaign, with three key asks of the government ahead of its next Budget. Firstly, the trade body is asking Downing Street to revive the UK’s high streets by implementing the maximum discount for hospitality businesses with a rateable value under £500,000 and exempting larger properties from the planned surcharge. Secondly, it is calling national insurance contributions to be fixed by extending existing exemptions to include both young people and people moving from welfare to work. Finally, it wants to see a lower rate of VAT for hospitality, in line with the UK’s European counterparts. Writing in Propel’s Friday Opinion, UKHospitality chair Nicholls said: “The government cannot continue to pursue a course that has seen jobs plummet and investment dry up. We need an intervention, comprised of targeted and sensible reforms. Hospitality is being taxed out, but it is ready to lead the charge for economic recovery, if the chancellor is ready to give us the tools to do the job.” Nicholls will share more of her thoughts in today’s (Friday, 11 July) Friday Opinion, which will be sent out at 11am.

 

Lavazza – soaring coffee bean prices may have peaked as UK consumers shift consumption from cafes to home kitchens: UK consumers are shifting their coffee consumption from cafes to home kitchens in increasing numbers amid “hopes” that record high bean prices may have peaked, Lavazza has said. The Italian coffee company said the sector had faced “exceptional volatility”, with Arabica coffee prices increasing by 70% in 2024 and another 20% in the first two months of 2025 to reach a record high of $4.20 per pound on 10 February. Between early 2023 and the end of 2024, Arabica prices increased by 190%, while cheaper Robusta beans increased by 263% over the same period. Lavazza said the price volatility was driven by a “perfect storm” of droughts in Brazil and Vietnam significantly impacting coffee production and ongoing geopolitical disruption increasing transportation costs and delivery times. However, Lavazza chairman Giuseppe Lavazza told the Press Association that UK consumers may have seen prices peak. Meanwhile, a flat white at the firm’s flagship cafe off Regent Street in Central London is “holding steady” at £4 to take away or £5.50 to have in, reflecting current costs. Giuseppe Lavazza said: “We think the market reached a peak at the beginning of this year. It is our hope that the price for the consumer has peaked.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a lifestyle hospitality group that is seeking a general manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will oversee the operations of a hotel. The business is looking for a born leader who is ready to invest in the development of their staff to create the best experience for guests and has a strong commercial background.” The salary is up to £85,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email ed@corecruitment.com.

 

The Wolseley Hospitality Group owner reveals four new hotel brands including The Wolseley Hotels: Minor Hotels, the owner of The Wolseley Hospitality Group, has announced the strategic expansion of its brand portfolio with the addition of four new hotel brands, including the group’s first soft brands. The global hotel owner and operator, with more than 560 properties across 57 countries, said the new brands will support the company’s continued growth by enabling it to expand into new markets and provide “distinctive hospitality offerings across the luxury, premium and select segments”. The new brands include The Wolseley Hotels, which it said is rooted in the heritage of the iconic Piccadilly restaurant. There is also a luxury soft brand, Minor Reserve Collection, for travellers who seek “extraordinary stays that celebrate personal expression and refined distinction”. The Colbert Collection is a soft brand in the premium segment, which will encompass a global collection of independent hotels designed for those “fuelled by a passion for culinary excellence and genuine social connection”, while iStay Hotels is a select segment brand, offering stays that are “fun and affordable, comfortable and convenient, delivered with minimal fuss”. Minor Hotels said it is in active discussions regarding development opportunities for each of its brands. Ian Di Tullio, chief commercial officer of Minor Hotels, said: “We have meticulously crafted each new brand to capture specific opportunities in the market, enabling us to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers and owners alike. By expanding our brand offering to address new segments, we are empowering our partners, delighting our guests and accelerating our global growth strategy. These additional brands are instrumental in helping us reach our growth target of 850 properties by the end of 2027.”

 

Sticks‘n’Sushi secures debut Scottish site: Danish-Japanese premium restaurant group Sticks‘n’Sushi has secured its debut Scottish site, Propel has learned. The opening in Glasgow will take the brand’s total portfolio to 31 restaurants in Denmark, UK and Germany, with further sites planned nationwide early next year. Located in George Square, the new restaurant, which will open in November, will include a 177-cover dining room and bar. The menu will feature Sticks‘n’Sushi’s signature blend of sharing dishes, sticks, sushi and sashimi, offered à la carte or as curated set menus. Group chief executive Andreas Karlsson said: “We are delighted to be bringing Sticks‘n’Sushi to Scotland – and what better place for us to begin our northern adventure than Glasgow? As we continue to look to grow both in the UK and cross Europe, we look forward to welcoming the local community, both as guests and new members of our team. Being able to grow and create jobs is a huge privilege and plays a large part of our current strategy, with several exciting developments in the pipeline, both nationwide and internationally.” Originating in Copenhagen, Sticks‘n’Sushi is one of Denmark’s longest established restaurant groups. In April, Fernando Alonso, the two-time F1 world drivers’ champion, acquired a stake in Sticks‘n’Sushi. Alonso co-invested alongside McWin Food Ecosystem Fund as a long-term investor in the business, which was founded in 1994 by Thor Andersen, Kim Rahbek Hansen and Jens Rahbek Hansen.

 

Grosvenor Casinos owner reports strong growth with underlying operating profit ahead of expectations: Rank Group, which owns Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos, has reported strong growth as it said underlying operating profit is ahead of expectations. The group saw net gaming revenue grow 11% to £795m for the year ending 30 June 2025 and expects underlying operating profit of at least £63m. The company also operates nine venues in Spain under the Enracha banner. Chief executive John O’Reilly said: “We have enjoyed a very strong year of earnings growth, despite the significant cost and regulatory headwinds that we have faced from the start of the fourth quarter. The momentum experienced in the first three quarters has continued, with strong trading in the fourth quarter resulting in our full year underlying operating profit being ahead of expectations. We are at an exciting inflection point for the group, with the land-based casino reforms now law and coming into force from 22 July. At that point, we will begin the process of securing licence variations from local authorities in England and Wales ahead of the rollout of additional gaming machines across the Grosvenor estate to better meet customer demand.” The 2025 Experiential Leisure Report, the second year of Propel’s exhaustive report on the fast-growing experiential leisure market, will be published on Friday, 1 August at 9am. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It includes opinion from leading players Juliette Keyte, marketing director at Red Engine, Richard Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, and Lisa Boden, partner at investor Edition Capital, and provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes 197 companies, marking a 10% growth in the sector since last year's study, with 3,700 sites. The report is available for £595 plus VAT to pre-order now. Existing Premium Club subscribers can receive it on Friday, 1 August for £395 plus VAT. The report will be made available for free to existing Premium subscribers on Wednesday, 10 September at 9am. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to order a copy.

Black Sheep Coffee set to open in Aberdeen: Speciality coffee operator Black Sheep Coffee is set to open a new store in Aberdeen. The store, opening at 73-77 Union Street on Tuesday, 29 July, will be the brand’s 18th store in Scotland and second in Aberdeen. It will be operated by MDM Group, which in May signed a new ten-plus store deal to complete Black Sheep Coffee’s franchise coverage in Scotland. David Moore, operations director for MDM Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our Union Street store in partnership with Black Sheep Coffee – a brand with strong ethics and a bold identity. We look forward to growing the franchise in the North of Scotland and building on the success of their journey so far.”

 

Vue – 2025 has started ‘very strongly’ and similar start to 2026 expected as effects of Hollywood strikes wind down, reports rise in revenue and profit: Cinema group Vue has said its 2025 financial year has started “very strongly” and that a similar start to 2026 is expected, as the effects of the 2023 Hollywood strikes wind down. Director Narinder Shergill, writing in the company’s accounts for the year to 30 November 2024, said: “FY25 has started very strongly, with key titles including Wicked, Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy all driving significant admissions. The third quarter looks exceptionally strong, with Jurassic World: Rebirth, Fantastic Four: The First Steps, How To Train Your Dragon, Superman: Legacy and numerous strong supporting films. The disruption to film production caused by the Hollywood strikes of 2023 is expected to have unwound by the end of the current financial year, and the outlook for FY26 is very positive, with Avatar 3, Wicked 2 and Zootropolis 2 all scheduled to be released in December 2025.” It comes as the company, which has 92 sites in the UK and Ireland, reported turnover of £286,749,000 for the year, up from £274,618,000 in 2023. Of this, £152,182,000 came from box office (2023: £147,168,000), £93,529,000 from concessions (2023: £88,540,000), £13,934,000 from screen advertising (2023: £13,253,000), £11,353,000 from corporate partnerships (2023: £9,533,000), £12,384,000 from booking fees (2023: £11,768,000) and £1,432,000 from gift cards (2023: £2,825,000). Pre-tax profit rose to £20,313,000 from £14,310,000. Shergill said: “The film industry continued to recover post pandemic, with UK box office for 2024 just 1.4% behind 2023, despite the impact of the actors’ and writers’strikes in Hollywood during 2023.” During the year, parent group Vue Entertainment International underwent a financial restructuring to offset the effects of the strikes, which completed in February 2024. One outcome of this was a boost for the parent group’s borrowing capacity due to an increase in the super senior debt basket from £25m to £50m. A statement within the accounts said: “The financial restructuring has delivered additional liquidity, a substantial deleveraging of the balance sheet and a robust capital structure to enable the group to manage any short-term film supply issues caused by the recent strikes.”

 

Chestnut Group creates two new leadership roles to support its ‘ambitious’ expansion plans: East Anglian pub company Chestnut Group has created two new leadership roles, which it said will be pivotal in driving forward its ambitious three-year expansion plan. The group, which owns and manages 22 pubs with rooms and hotels across the east of England, has promoted Henry Fairbanks to director of acquisitions and wholesale, and hired Ollie Trezise to lead its operations. Fairbanks has led Chestnut’s hospitality operations since 2020, while Trezise, previously regional director at City Pub Company, brings with him almost 20 years of experience in building and managing hospitality teams. Chestnut founder Philip Turner said: “Our three-year plan sets out a clear vision for sustainable and strategic growth, focused on acquiring businesses that align with our brand and value. Henry has played an important role in shaping our operational culture and guest experience. His knowledge of the business and leadership experience make him essential in driving us through this next phase of our growth. Ollie’s experience and knowledge of the sector makes him a crucial member of the team. Having him on board will enable us to drive forward our ambitious plans and ensure that whilst we grow, each and every one of our properties remains true to its unique individuality.” Last month, The White Horse in Blakeney joined Chestnut Group, followed by the acquisition of The Red Lion in East Bergholt.

 

Badiani launches crowdfunding campaign to support future expansion: Italian gelato brand Badiani – which has 14 UK sites as well as six in Spain, four in Italy and one in France – has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help support its future expansion. The campaign, on Crowdcube, has so far raised circa £38,000. The company, in its pitch, said it expanded from nine to 25 stores between June 2022 and December 2024 and showed gross sales growth of 41.27% year on year, reaching £9.4m in 2024. Badiani said: “We operate top-rated gelato shops in the UK, Spain, Italy, France and Japan using local farmers’ ingredients to craft classic flavours and city-inspired creations. We operate our own gelato shops in high-traffic areas in each market and supply selected business-to-business  clients, using ingredients sourced from local producers. We believe our challenge is the lack of true artisan gelato options outside Italy, amidst a fragmented market with many single-location shops. We believe the gelato market is fragmented, with most competitors operating a single shop and our potential lies in scalability and brand recognition. The funds will be used to improve our production infrastructure, enhance brand visibility and support future expansion. Having raised more than £10m since incorporation, including a £2.9m Series A in 2023, we are now inviting the crowd to be part of our journey.” Badiani expanded to the UK in 2016, with the majority of its sites here being in London – plus one in Brighton.

 

Middle Eastern-inspired ice cream parlour concept launches franchise programme: Middle Eastern-inspired ice cream parlour concept Darlish has launched a franchise programme. Laura Dawson, who is half-Iranian and half-Indian, founded Darlish in 2018 as she couldn’t find anywhere serving the flavours she craved, such as saffron, rose and pistachio. Offering luxury ice cream inspired by the natural botanicals and flavours of the Middle East, Darlish currently has sites in St Albans and Hatfield in Hertfordshire, and in London’s Spitalfields, as well as catering weddings and events. A fourth site, in Harpenden in Hertfordshire, closed last month, with the company saying it is “hoping we’ll be able to make a different kind of site work for us in the area”. The Darlish franchise comes with an investment of £20,000 to £50,000 for single unit development opportunities. “The UK ice cream market hit £1.3bn in 2024 and is set to grow to £2.2bn by 2033,” the company said. “Now’s the time to launch your own Darlish parlour – a premium, foodie-loved concept with full support to help you succeed. As a Darlish franchisee, you’ll be running your own parlour, leading a small team, and building a homely oasis for your customers. No food or hospitality experience? No problem. We’re looking for driven, ice cream-loving people who are ready to make their mark and enjoy the sweet rewards of business ownership.”

 

Sqew co-founder – we hope to have two more sites by the end of next year: Craig Bell, the co-founder of kebab concept, Sqew, has told Propel that the business hopes to have two more sites secured by the end of next year as it looks to up its expansion plans. Bell, who is Vaulkhard Group’s financial director, founded Sqew in 2019 with Mitch Renshaw. Sqew launched its debut site at 7 Duncan Street in Leeds in 2021. Earlier this week, Propel reported that Sqew is to open a second site later this summer, in the former Rola Wala site at 75 Deansgate, Manchester. The new Sqew will feature an all-day shawarma bar concept, with seating, takeaway and delivery, and a menu rooted in Lebanese flavours with a modern twist. Bell – who was also previously financial director for Ultimate Leisure Group, Ladhar Group, Red’s True Barbecue and Apartment Group and was chief executive of The Naked Deli – told Propel: “We would have liked to have expanded quicker than we have, but the trading environment and waiting for the right opportunity to come up meant that we have had to rein in our plans. We continue to be privately funded, we secured two new private investors, who have helped with the Manchester site. I would like to think that when that is open that by next year, we will be in a position to add sites three and four.”

 

Auntie Anne’s returns to Scotland: Pretzel brand Auntie Anne’s has returned to Scotland. The US brand, which is being rolled out in the UK by master franchisee Freshly Baked, previously operated a site in Glasgow’s Barrhead Road, which has since closed. Auntie Anne’s has now opened at The Centre in Livingstone, for the brand’s 45th UK site overall. Basil Saman, who heads up franchise development for Auntie Anne’s in the UK, said: “Our newest Auntie Anne’s store has opened in The Centre, Livingston – and we are excited to be back in Scotland. With even more openings on the way this year, we’re proud to be growing a brand that brings joy to people of all ages.” Freshly Baked also holds the UK master franchise for Dutch smash burger brand Fat Phill’s, which launched in the UK in December 2024 and now has two sites in London.

 

Cupp opens third Glasgow location: UK bubble tea brand Cupp has opened its third Glasgow location. The brand has launched at the city’s Silverburn centre, joining its sites at 184 Byers Road and 520 Victoria Road in the city. The outlet is a seventh Scottish location for Cupp – which also has two Edinburgh sites and one each in Aberdeen and Glasgow – and a 35th UK site overall. Cupp’s marketing manager, Laura Bennett, said: “We’re excited to be opening our third location in Glasgow – the city always shows us so much love. Silverburn is a brilliant spot with huge footfall, and this new kiosk looks amazing.” Cupp, founded in 2012 by Lee Peacock, is aiming to reach 50 UK locations by the end of the year. The business also secured a deal for its first international locations in March, with a development deal in Hyderabad, India, and launched a new express format in May.

 

Thai Express UK opens debut English site for its full dining restaurant concept: Thai street food business Thai Express UK has opened the debut English site for its full dining restaurant concept, Thai Express Kitchen. Husband-and-wife team Uzma and Sachin Pattani, who took on the UK master franchise for Thai Express in 2012 and have since grown it to nine locations, launched the new dine-in format in 2021 with a site in Edinburgh. The concept has now been brought to England with a launch in Bristol’s Cabot Circus. Kaizer Rehman, senior operations and project manager for Thai Express UK, said: “We’ve got woks blazing, curry simmering and enough rice to feed a small country. Our goal? Feed the city. Conquer the world. Hit £2.5m in year one and then become the UK’s number one fast casual Thai dining brand, one Thai basil leaf at a time.” The Pattanis told Propel in May that they are aiming to grow the new format to 30 sites and see an even bigger opportunity for Japami – the Japanese cuisine concept they launched in Nottingham last year. The husband-and-wife team are also this year launching a parent company, Supa Group, under which all three of their brands – Thai Express, Thai Express Kitchen and Japami – will operate.

 

Coyote Ugly to open in Edinburgh this autumn: Bar concept Coyote Ugly is set to open in Edinburgh this autumn. Propel revealed in April that the brand, which currently operates seven sites in the UK, had applied to open on the former Shandwick’s site in South Charlotte Street, in Edinburgh’s New Town, for its Scottish debut. Giving an update on social media, Coyote Ugly said: “This autumn, Coyote Ugly Edinburgh opens its South Charlotte Street. We're bringing boots on the bar, bold bartenders and full-throttle country nightlife to the heart of the Scottish capital.” Steve Lewis holds the franchise rights for Coyote Ugly in the UK through his Breaking Brands business. He told Propel last August: “We plan a large expansion in major cities up north and in Scotland over the next six months, subject to finding the right sites. We have a few under offer.” The US brand, which inspired the film of the same name, was founded in the early 1990s by Liliana Lovell. Coyote Ugly has more than 20 bars globally and has UK sites in Camden, Cardiff, Birmingham, Swansea, Blackpool and Liverpool. A second London location, in Piccadilly Circus, is listed as temporarily closed.

 

Marine & Lawn Hotels acquires Scottish property overlooking tenth tee at Muirfield: Marine & Lawn Hotels, the AJ Capital Partners-owned business, has acquired a historic Scottish estate hotel overlooking one of the world’s most famous golf courses for an undisclosed sum. Marine & Lawn Hotels has expanded its footprint in Scotland with the addition of Greywalls Hotel, which overlooks the tenth tee at Muirfield. Marine & Lawn Hotels has also acquired Mid Pines Inn and Pine Needles Lodge in the Pinehurst region of North Carolina, US. Ben Weprin, founder of Marine and Lawn Hotels & Resorts and chief executive and founder of AJ Capital Partners, said “These acquisitions represent a pivotal milestone for Marine & Lawn. Since launching the brand in 2019, our ambition has always been to honour golf’s most legendary locales with world-class hospitality. The addition of these iconic properties, each with deep roots in golf’s history, allows us to bring that vision to life on both sides of the Atlantic.” Greywalls Hotel has been privately owned by the Weaver family since 1926. Marine and Lawn’s portfolio includes Rusacks St Andrews, Marine North Berwick, Dornoch Station, Marine Troon, Slieve Donard, and the recently opened Portrush Adelphi.

 

Nottinghamshire operators acquire second site: Nottinghamshire operators Adam Godfrey and James McDermott have acquired their second site. The duo have secured the Cross Keys in the village of Epperstone. Godfrey was close friends with the former owner – ex-royal chef Des Sweeney, who ran the pub for nine years until he died last October. Godfrey said he was proud to be taking over as the new landlord. He was a young chef when he first met Sweeney 20 years ago. Godfrey, who also runs the Good Fellow George in Canning Circus in Nottingham with McDermott, told Nottinghamshire Live: “We always wanted to expand the pub company outside of the Good Fellow George and I know Epperstone really well. I've known the Keys for a good while as I was a close friend of Des’ and as such became friends with a lot of the villagers through him. I was in and out of it a lot. It seemed the right fit.” The pub in Main Street is being refurbished ahead of reopening. The new owners said they plan to take the pub in a slightly different direction, “less of a restaurant and more pub grub, family-friendly and a community local feel”. Godfrey said: “I want something where people can afford to eat there twice a week.”

 

Restaurant Associates secures new ten-year contract with Bristol City Council: Restaurant Associates, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has secured a new ten-year contract with Bristol City Council to oversee its catering and hospitality operations. The deal will see Restaurant Associates Venues retain its existing presence at M Shed and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery while expanding into new locations, including City Hall, Central Library, Create Centre and a collection of eight park café outlets across the city. Former MasterChef: The Professionals winner and National Chef of the Year, Steve Groves, will oversee menu design and supplier procurement. Guests can expect a range of new menus and food offers across the council locations, from freshly prepared grab-and-go options to “elevated café classics”. In addition, a significant refurbishment programme is planned, including major upgrades to the M Shed Café and a selection of park cafés across the city. Dirk Talsma, managing director of Restaurant Associates Venues, said: “We are thrilled to continue our valued relationship with Bristol City Council and to extend our presence across some of the city’s most iconic and community-focused venues. This contract represents an exciting opportunity to bring fresh ideas and enhanced hospitality experiences to the people of Bristol. We are passionate about supporting local suppliers, utilising fresh, seasonal produce and creating spaces that reflect the city’s vibrant culture.”

 

Newly formed Herts Pubs Company to launch first venture: Newly established hospitality company, Herts Pubs Company, is launching its first venture. The company, led by operations manager Adam Msetfi will open The Cock, a restored 16th century coaching inn in Hitchin High Street on Friday, 25 July. The Cock has undergone a refurbishment and the space includes a 46-cover dining room, a 15-cover private dining area called The Stables, a lounge and bar, and an enclosed patio garden. Msetfi has more than 20 years’ experience at venues across Hertfordshire. Heading up the kitchen is Alex Corley, whose experience also includes Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill and Petrus. Dishes at the new pub will include citrus cured mackerel with rainbow radish; roasted hen of the woods, chargrilled artichoke, wild garlic and crispy mushroom; and sirloin of 50-day aged heritage beef in a smoked bone marrow sauce. Msetfi said: “We have been hard at work creating a premium pub offer rooted in quality British produce.”

 

Peak District concept The Bakewell Tart Shop reopens after undergoing transformation as part of growth plans: Peak District concept The Bakewell Tart Shop has reopened after transforming its only site as part of ambitious growth plans. The 100-year-old café and shop in Bakewell has undergone a complete refurbishment, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the business. Owner Duncan Kirk’s aim is to create a “modern, streamlined model that can be replicated in select locations across the Peak District”. As well as a new layout, there is an evolved food and drink offering, including a limited selection of alcohol and additional features such as a customer-built interactive map – where visitors are able to choose a coloured pin sticker, write their name and date on it and pin it to the part of the world they come from. Kirk said: “This transformation is about taking The Bakewell Tart Shop into the future. It’s not just about a fresh look, but a modernised service and a forward-thinking business model. This is just the beginning – we’re excited about expanding the model throughout the Peak District.” In May, a spokeswoman told Propel that Kirk was looking to add four or five sites in similar locations to Bakewell, with Buxton and Ashbourne among its potential targets.