Propel Newsletter Archive Page

Harden’s – number of restaurant net openings in London at highest since Brexit while closure rate lowest in decade, price rises at expensive venues double that of cheaper ones: The number of restaurant net openings in London is at the highest since Brexit while the closure rate is the lowest in a decade, according to the new edition of Harden’s London Restaurants. The guide noted this year’s net growth rate of 81 is exceeded by only four other years in the last 35 over which the guide has tracked such stats – a result “more consistent with the start of a boom than the end being nigh”. Editor Peter Harden said: “In the last 12 months, the Harden’s London Restaurants guide has tracked 146 new openings. Except for the boom years of 2013-2017, this is a very perky growth level. As to the rate of closures: it was 65. There is no denying some of these closures were fine establishments, sadly gone before their time, but we still must accept this is the lowest rate of closures among quality restaurants in a decade. We accept our guide focuses on quality establishments rather than all hospitality outlets and the growth rate we’re seeing says nothing about the current profitability of hospitality businesses, but that does not invalidate the general picture that there are healthy, bright spots within the country, and the suggestion from our figures that investors scent future gains in backing these new openings.” In terms of the capital’s favoured cuisines, Japanese rode high this year with 11 openings and came third to the two cuisines that practically always dominate, modern British and Italian, which account edfor 25 and 15 launches respectively. Mediterranean openings were fourth with nine debuts, followed by Greek and Middle Eastern, both with five openings. The guide’s statistics for prices reveal spikes that may reflect the choppy waters restaurants are currently navigating. The average formula price of dinner for one at entries in the 2026 guide is £82.58 compared with £78.84 last year. This increase of 4.7% is above general price growth of 3.6% as judged by consumer price index growth for the 12 months to June 2025, and up on the 4.2% noted in the last edition of Harden’s. For those charging £100-plus per person, the increase was a yet-higher 6.8%, and for those charging £150-plus per person, a yet-higher 8.6%. The guide also highlights the decreasing level of affordability of a meal in the capital’s top restaurants to middle class Londoners. According to comparisons between figures in the 2026 and 2016 guides, the last ten years has seen an average price-rise among the top five awards by Michelin (Alain Ducasse, Hélène Darroze, The Ledbury, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Sketch) of 130%. Allowing for inflation, this is a 65% rise in real terms.

Industry News:

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Turnover & Profits Blue Book tomorrow, videos from this month’s Propel Multi-Club Conference next Friday: Premium Club subscribers will receive the updated Turnover & Profits Blue Book tomorrow (Friday, 12 September), at noon. The database will feature 12 new entries and 72 updated accounts. The database now features a total of 1,163 companies, with 738 in profit and 425 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 will also receive all the videos from this month’s Propel Multi-Club Conference next Friday (19 September), at 9am. They include James Brown, chief executive of Prezzo, talking about re-energising the Italian casual-dining brand, the opportunities and challenges it faces and what comes next for the 25-year-old business. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the New Openings Database, the Multi-Site 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. 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.

Licensed Trade Charity announces first partners for relaunched employee assistance programme: The Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) has launched its newly enhanced employee assistance programme (EAP) provision for businesses working in licensed hospitality, with Anglian Country Inns, Beautiful Pubs and JW Lees the first to partner with the charity on this service. Delivered in partnership with accredited EAP provider CIC, the EAP service expands access to vital support for thousands of people across the hospitality sector. The programme provides access to market-leading services and a team of registered clinicians, as well as access to the new LTC well-being platform featuring more than 6,500 videos, well-being guides, podcasts, live chat and more. The service also features the benefit hub, giving employees access to hundreds of discounts and offers to help users’ money go further. Joby Mortimer, director of charity operations at LTC, said: “Hospitality is a fantastic industry, but it is also one of the toughest. Long hours, high expectations and emotional pressures can make life demanding. Our goal is to make sure every person in licensed hospitality knows there is a safety net in place. These partnerships with Anglian Country Inns, Avani Solutions, Beautiful Pubs and JW Lees mean thousands more people will have easy access to the right support at the right time.”

Company News:

Byron’s parent company seeks more time to secure rescue package for business: The parent company of Byron, which at one time grew to an £80m-turnover, 70-strong business, has filed a second notice of intention to appoint administrators as it seeks more time to secure a rescue package for the better burger brand, Propel has learned. Propel revealed last month that Tristar Foods had filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators and was believed to be working with restructuring firm KR8 Advisory on its options for the brand, which operates seven sites – in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Covent Garden, Liverpool, South Kensington, Tottenham Court Road and York. Tristar Foods has now filed a second notice of intention to appoint administrators, giving it a further ten days to find new investment or a buyer for the business. It is thought that there is an unnamed party interested in taking on the company. At the start of 2023, Propel revealed the majority of the Famously Proper business, which operated the Byron and Mother Clucker brands, was acquired out of administration for a total consideration of £856,000 by Tristar Foods. Tristar Foods was a new company owned by Sandeep Vyas, co-founder of Calveton, which previously backed Famously Proper. The deal saw 12 of Byron’s 21 sites acquired as part of a pre-pack administration process. In July 2020, Byron closed 31 of its then 51 sites as part of a pre-pack administration process and sale to Calveton. Byron was founded in 2007 by Tom Byng, with backing from Gondola Group. In 2013, the then 34-strong business was acquired by private equity firm Hutton Collins for £100m. Byron grew to an £80m-turnover, 70-strong business before Byng’s departure at the start of 2017.

Exclusive – Prestige Purchasing hires Mel Marriott as commercial director: Mel Marriott, founder and chief executive of London neighbourhood bar-restaurant business Darwin & Wallace, has joined Prestige Purchasing as commercial director, Propel has learned. Marriott brings a wealth of experience, having worked in hospitality for many years with businesses such as Mitchells & Butlers and All Bar One before founding Darwin & Wallace, which was sold to Portobello Pub Company last year. Marriot said: “I am delighted to be joining Shaun and the team at Prestige Purchasing as commercial director, having been a long-term user of, and passionate advocate for, the exemplary procurement services they provide. Their depth of knowledge is unparalleled, and they deliver exceptional results for many truly great operators with integrity. Sadly, the ongoing cost pressures that our sector continues to face means the maximisation of supply chain utility and efficiency is a commercial imperative – and thankfully one where, with the assistance of a specialist, significant reward can be delivered to the bottom line.” Prestige Purchasing chief executive Shaun Allen added: “I have known Mel for a number of years and feel very fortunate and excited that she has joined our team. Mel’s experience as an operator along with her deep knowledge of our sector will not only help us drive our commercial strategy forward, but her vast experience as a leader will bring huge value to our board, our business and to our customers.”

PizzaExpress seeking franchise partners for DACH region: PizzaExpress, the Paula MacKenzie-led business, has begun seeking franchise partners for possible launches in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Propel understands that PizzaExpress is holding a webinar next week to talk to prospective partners, which will be presented by PizzaExpress international director Ben Lawrence. PizzaExpress, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, operates circa 360 sites across the UK and Ireland and has ambitious plans to reach 1,000 restaurants globally by 2030. The company has about 100 international and franchise sites including in Hong Kong, the UAE, India and Spain. Later this year, the business is set to make its return to the US, with an opening in Florida, in partnership with Purple Square Management Company. PizzaExpress believes that a push into the US will be crucial in fulfilling its 1,000-site target. Earlier this year, the business promoted Lawrence to the role of international director. Lawrence, who was formerly at Costa Coffee and Yum! International, had been the company’s head of franchise growth for the previous two years.

Stonegate puts 23-strong investment package on market: Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has placed a 23-strong free-of-tie pub investment package on the market. Propel understands the pubs, which are spread across England, are available individually or as small packages and have a combined value of circa £22m. The properties, which are being marketed by Savills, are all let on long leases with annual retail price index-linked rent reviews. The pubs are the Admiral Macbride in Plymouth, Coventry Arms in Corfe Mullen, Crown & Anchor in Bromley, Crown & Stirrup in Lyndhurst, Dartmouth Arms in Forest Hill, Dog & Duck in Walthamstow, Fagins in Brookthorpe, Feathers in Chalfont St Giles, Frankland Arms in Washington, Garden Bar in Hove, Golden Ball in York, Harbour Moon in West Looe, Letters Inn in Tattenhall, Malthouse in Timsbury, Milehouse in Cross Heath, Moorings in Loughborough, Pax Inn in Thorp Arch, Romantica in Sutton Coldfield, Salthouse Hotel in Clevedon, Seven Stars in Canterbury, Star in Hampton Hill, Wickham Arms in Brockley and The Windmill in Peterborough. Stuart Stares, director in Savills licensed leisure, said: “Pubs are proving to be a resilient and increasingly attractive asset class, driven by the sector’s strong fundamentals – long leases, index-linked rent reviews and resilient trading performance. Investor confidence is being buoyed by improving trading performance, significant reinvestment by operators and a more favourable economic outlook – including falling interest rates and steady consumer demand. As a result, we’re seeing renewed appetite for well-let pub assets, particularly those with long-term growth potential.” Earlier this year, Stonegate placed a 25-strong free-of-tie pub investment package on the market, with a combined value of circa £26m. Propel understands ten of those sites are currently under offer. In July, Propel revealed the freehold investments of a five-strong package of pubs let to Stonegate had been sold in a deal valued at in excess of £8m. Portland Leisure Advisers advised BlackRock on the sale of what was called The Craft Portfolio.

Zuma and Roka operator makes strong start to current financial year, co-founder steps down: Azumi, which is led by Sven Koch and operates the Zuma and Roka high-end restaurant brands, has said the business has made “a strong start” to its current financial year and that it continues to seek opportunities to expand. It comes as the business reported underlying group revenue grew by £4.5m (2.2%) in the year to 29 December 2024, but the impact of having one less week in the year and foreign exchange differences led to an overall decline in turnover of £2m from £205,129,000 in 2023 to £203,071,000. Ebitda for the year stood at £49,948,000 (2023: £60,200,000), while pre-tax profit stood at £29,929,000 (2023: £42,239,000). At the reporting date [22 August 2025], the group owned or had controlling stakes in seven restaurants in London, two in Florida, two in Dubai and individual restaurants in New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Rome, Madrid and Cannes. The group also had investments in restaurants in Istanbul, Bangkok, Mykonos and Jeddah and in two restaurants in Riyadh. During the period, the group operated nine (2023: nine) seasonal restaurants and five (2023: four) full-year restaurants under management contracts across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. A new seasonal restaurant opened in Santorini, replacing Barcelona, which did not reopen in the year. Roka Bahrain opened as a new full-year restaurant last April. The company said: “The reduction in operating profit from £42.2m in full-year 2023 to £30.4m in full-year 2024 arises as a result of a number of factors. The 2023 results benefited from £3.8m of discreet income streams that did not recur in 2024. Furthermore, £4m of charges were booked in 2024 in anticipation of settling various claims across the businesses. During the year, the group paid £41.9m of dividends and net assets decreased by £18.7m to £82.1m. Group cash balances decreased by £16m to £28.3m. The group has made a strong start to the new financial year and has added an owned restaurant in Saint-Tropez, which opened in May 2025. The pipeline of potential opportunities remains strong.” Propel also understands Rainer Becker, who co-founded Azumi with Arjun Waney, has stepped down as a director of the business.

Manchester operator to roll out two brands and launch new wellness concept with Selfridges: Manchester operator Christian Coates has told Propel he is set to roll out two of his brands and launch a new wellness concept in partnership with Selfridges. Coates is the founder of Orka Koncepts, which is behind Mexican restaurant and bar Ocasa, cocktail bar Dear Sailor, pan-Asian restaurant Australasia and European restaurant Grand Pacific – all in Manchester. On Sunday (7 September), following a significant refurbishment, he reopened Grand Pacific, which along with Australasia, the company acquired from Living Ventures in December. There is “British brasserie classics with great wine and cocktails and a Sunday roast offering we’re really proud of” and “plenty of tableside theatre – in keeping with a historic venue that hosted Winston Churchill’s election victory speech in 1906”. Coates said launch covers for the opening month are performing above what was forecast. Then, early next year, will come the launch of the new concept. “We’re working on a wellness concept with Selfridges,” Coates said. “The concept has rollout potential, but we will be doing it exclusively with Selfridges, for the first two years at least. We’re hoping for a January or February launch.” And while Grand Pacific and Australasia will probably remain as stand-alone sites within the portfolio, Coates also sees rollout potential in his Ocasa and Dear Sailor concepts. He said: “We’re looking at locations for those in Leeds, Birmingham and Liverpool. They’re both trading really well. We think we’ve found a bit of a sweet spot in the market with them that we can progress and grow. Ocasa has hit the ground running and is a busy venue. It’s one step above mid-market, and we see a real future for that kind of operation. I don’t think there’s anywhere else for us to go in Manchester – but because they’re so popular in Manchester, we have local audiences in the likes of Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, and so, so it’s a natural progression for us to look at those territories rather than looking down south or abroad. We don’t have a roadmap as such but growing across the north is our natural progression. As an independent business, having too much distance between your venues can be a headache rather than leading to easy operations. I don’t think we’ll get to double figures with them – I don’t think we need to – just being strategic and putting them in major cities where you’re going to get guaranteed footfall from high density populations. We’ve tried and tested it in Manchester, and it’s worked, so why not look at neighbouring cities that share the same components.” Coates was previously behind the Firefly restaurant in Manchester that closed last year, and that originally opened in 2018 as Los Angeles-inspired health concept Foodwell. “The Foodwell concept was a bit ahead of its time,” Coates said. “I think if we’d have launched it now, there’d be a lot more understanding of it than there was six or seven years ago.” In terms of current trading, Coates added: “It’s challenging, but if you get the concept right you can streamline, and because we operate a few venues in close proximity, we can be smart with pooling staff and become really efficient. That’s one of the ways we’ve been able to weather the storm and keep moving forwards.”

Gym Group to pass 250-site mark this year, ‘members visiting more than ever’: Gym Group has said it will pass the 250-site mark this year, and its members are “visiting the gym more than ever”. The company said trading momentum continued in July and August, “underpinning confidence that we will deliver circa 3% like-for-like revenue growth for the full year”. It comes as Gym Group reported revenue of £121.0m for the six months ending 30 June 2025, up 8% from £112.1m in 2024. Adjusted profit before tax was up from £0.5m to £4.9m while statutory profit before tax was up from £0.2m to £3.3m. Group adjusted Ebitda rose 16% from £41.7m to £48.3m while group statutory Ebitda less normalised rent increased 24% from £22.1m to £27.4m. Average member count was up 4% and average revenue per member, per month increased 4%. Like-for-like revenue grew 3%, with closing membership up 5% year on year. Strong free cash flow was generated in the period, up 8% to £25.1m – funding new sites, enhancements to existing sites and continued technology investment. Non-property net debt, at £51.2m, was reduced by £10.1m in the period, while the company said both mature sites and new sites are performing well. The group said sustained pricing opportunity is supporting yield growth, while a labour-light business model is delivering strong growth in site performance. The company said a data-driven approach to revenue growth levers “continues to deliver benefits, supported by steps to further increase appeal to Generation Z member demographic in particular, through targeted marketing and enhanced site experience”. Five new sites have opened in the year to date, including three in the first half, and it is currently on-site at a further eight. The company is on track to open 14-16 new sites in 2025, in line with its plan to open circa 50 sites over three years, funded from free cash flow. “This strong set of half year results reflects continued progress against the strategic objectives set out in our Next Chapter growth plan 18 months ago,” said chairman Will Orr. “Our high value, low-cost proposition continues to resonate, with members visiting the gym more often than ever. Encouragingly, the sites opened this year, which reflect new design features, are performing ahead of expectations, and we are on track to deliver our target of opening 14-16 new gyms this year, all funded from free cash flow, taking us beyond 250 sites. In a growing sector, we have once again increased membership, revenue and profit and are well set to deliver full-year results at the top end of market expectations.”

Friska founders secure funding for Double Puc business: Bristol independent café and hospitality business Double Puc, which was established in 2021 by Ed Brown and Griff Holland, founders of former café concept Friska, has received a six figure-funding boost to accelerate growth. The investment has been provided from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund via appointed fund manager FW Capital and is assisting Double Puc’s expansion of its outside catering offering. The business said the new working capital boost is enabling it to meet growing demand and increase its capacity to secure further new contracts. Double Puc operates five cafés across Bristol – one stand-alone venture located at The Eye in Bristol and four further in-house café partnerships inside the science museum We The Curious, Wake the Tiger, OVO Energy and, most recently, at the Crescent in Bristol’s Temple Quarter. The outside catering division of Double Puc works with a variety of blue-chip customers across Bristol, and due to increased demand, the business was seeking funding to support its fast growth. Brown said: “Griff and I are well versed in the hospitality business and founded Double Puc with the same ethos as Friska – to deliver sustainable hospitality to consumers and businesses across Bristol. We’ve had lots going on recently with the launch of our fifth café at The Crescent. The outside catering side is also going from strength to strength, and we were seeking working capital to support expansion and meet the demands of new business wins.”

Doner Shack signs New Jersey franchise deal: Doner Shack has signed a multi-unit development deal for a franchisee to open sites in New Jersey. The deal was reached with Hamal Patel, formerly of Blue Ridge Properties and Walmart. Patel said: “We are excited to partner with a brand that aligns closely with our vision. This collaboration marks the beginning of a promising journey, one that we believe will make history through significant expansion and sales in New Jersey. Doner Shack’s outstanding food, especially its signature sauces, sets us apart from other franchises. Additionally, its innovative integration of technology enables franchise owners to minimise food waste and maximise profitability. Our shared objective is to become the world’s number one kebab brand.” Doner Shack is on track to have locations open in at least eight US states by the end of 2026. More than 65 units have already been awarded to franchisees in the US this year so far.

Greene King launches new app with added loyalty rewards for customers: Brewer and retailer Greene King, the operator of circa 2,600 pubs, has said it has made a multimillion-pound investment into the evolution of its app. Greene King said the investment will enable a better customer connection and allow them to explore its brands, make and manage bookings, customise orders and pay all in one place. The new app also introduces a new loyalty programme, which Greene King said will enhance customer experience and “incentivise repeat visits through exclusive and personalised offers, discounts and rewards”. It said the development of the new app builds on the success of its predecessor. Greene King's group marketing director Kevin Hydes said: “The new Greene King app is clever, intuitive and gives our customers a seamless and hassle-free way to book, order and pay across all our pubs and brands. It is all about building an even better in-pub experience for our customers and making the processes easier for our pub teams to deliver exceptional service and to increase frequency of visit and spend. This is so much more than an app update; this is a significant digital shift to put our customers first and reward them for their loyalty at the same time. Our app is no longer just order and pay – it's a way to drive connection.” The company said the new app is part of its wider investment in technology and digital that is accelerating its digital growth plan. Starting this month, customers will be able to win free drinks, desserts and main meals with a “spin to win” sign-up incentive, while a new game, Greene King's “pub match”, features an interactive leaderboard, giving app users the chance to win up to £50 each month.

Boxpark secures event partnership with Silverstone as it looks to evolve into ‘globally recognised hospitality experience brand’: Boxpark has struck a new partnership with Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, launching at next year’s event, Propel has learned. The Matt Snell-led business said the partnership marked “a bold new chapter in its evolution from pioneering food and beverage operator to globally recognised hospitality experience brand”. Following the success of its first external brand activation at Aintree earlier this year, Boxpark said it will deliver a “vibrant race day festival experience” for fans throughout the British Grand Prix weekend, taking place from 2-5 July 2026. Boxpark said the collaboration is a milestone in the company’s new strategic vision, set out by Snell and his leadership team, to take the brand beyond its UK venues and into new internationally significant cultural settings. Snell said: “This partnership is about showing the world what Boxpark can be – not just a venue but a cultural experience that can travel anywhere. Silverstone is an iconic stage, and together we will create a world-class food and beverage and entertainment destination for fans at the British Grand Prix. This is a significant step in us realising our ambition to be one of the world's most sought-after hospitality experience brands.”

F1 Arcade opens Denver site, secures Chicago location: F1 Arcade, the Formula 1-licensed experiential brand, has opened its fourth site in the US, in Denver. The site has opened in the River North Arts District at 2734 Walnut Street in the city. The company already has locations in Philadelphia, Boston and Washington DC, with plans to expand to Atlanta and Las Vegas next. The business has also signed a deal to open in a two-level building in River North, Chicago, which was formerly home to Rock Bottom Brewery. F1 Arcade previously said it plans to add about 30 locations across the US by the end of 2027. Last week, the company signed a master franchise agreement with Top Racing Iberia, which will see it open its debut venue in mainland Europe, in Madrid, Spain, by 2027. The announcement followed a period of rapid growth for the UK-born F1 Arcade, which first opened in London in late 2022. Last month, the company, which also has a site in Birmingham, launched a smaller format called F1 Box. The company said the new immersive racing experience, which opened at Westfield Stratford City in London, offers “significant global growth potential”.

Wireless Social founder Julian Ross steps down from The Access Group: Julian Ross has stepped down as enterprise strategy director at The Access Group to “pursues new opportunities”. Ross joined The Access Group at the start of February 2024 following the company’s acquisition of Wireless Social, which he founded and of which he was chief executive. Access Hospitality, a division of The Access Group, acquired Wireless Social, the provider of guest Wi-Fi, analytics and marketing solutions, in January 2024. Champa Magesh, managing director of Access Hospitality, told Propel: "After careful consideration, Julian has made the decision to step away from Access to pursue new opportunities. We are incredibly grateful for everything Julian has contributed since joining us after the acquisition of Wireless Social. Julian played a pivotal role in shaping our strategy, strengthening key partnerships across the hospitality industry, and encouraging us to think differently about customer engagement and market opportunities. As we move forward, our commitment to delivering connected technology that transforms hospitality experiences remains stronger than ever. With Access Evo and our expanded portfolio, we continue to empower our customers to unlock growth, efficiency, and exceptional service – every guest, every time.” Last February, Ross became a strategic investor in Invyted, the influencer marketing platform.

Harry Ramsden’s partners with Goodwood Revival: Harry Ramsden’s, owned by Deep Blue Restaurants, has secured a deal to become official fish and chips supplier for Goodwood Revival 2025. As part of the partnership, Harry Ramsden’s will serve its signature sustainably sourced fish and chips from outlet on-site at Richmond Lawn, styled on the brand’s original Guiseley shopfront, while staff will be dressed in traditional Harry Ramsden’s attire of butcher’s-style jackets, red ties, and flat caps. To start the day, guests can also enjoy Yorkshire pork butties for breakfast. The partnership forms part of Harry Ramsden’s wider brand strategy, which focuses on reconnecting with its heritage by reintroducing original recipes and iconic brand touchpoints. “Partnering with Goodwood Revival allows us to showcase Harry Ramsden’s on a national stage, alongside a brand that shares our values of heritage, quality and craft,” said chief executive James Fleming. “This is an opportunity to connect with new audiences through one of Britain’s most celebrated cultural moments.” Fleming was hired as Deep Blue’s chief executive in May after James Low stepped down. Earlier this year, the company secured a franchise deal for Harry Ramsden’s to be offered to ferry passengers travelling on DFDS routes between Dover and Calais and Dover and Dunkirk.

Native Places adds three new locations across London and Edinburgh, plans further UK expansion: UK lifestyle aparthotel operator Native Places, which was last year acquired by digital hospitality platform Numa Group, has added three new locations across London and Edinburgh and is planning further expansion here. The London property, a listed building in Margaret Street, will see a former convent transformed into a blend of 30 aparthotel apartments and hotel bedrooms in the heart of the West End. In Edinburgh, the first aparthotel development, Water Street in Leith, will offer 45 apartments in the city's waterfront district. The second property in the city is Thistle Street, in the New Town, which will provide a hybrid of 72 hotel rooms and apartments. Looking ahead, Numa and Native Places plan to expand into major cities such as Manchester, Bristol, Belfast, and Glasgow. Olivia Immesi, chief executive of Native Places, said: “Native Places has grown into one of the UK’s leading lifestyle aparthotel and serviced apartment brands, and we’re excited to now offer hotel rooms for hybrid stays, giving our guests even more flexibility.” Dimitri Chandogin, president of Numa Group, added: “With Margaret Street in London and two centrally located properties in Edinburgh, Numa is advancing a UK strategy focused on prime, culture-rich districts and a fully digital guest journey that today’s travellers expect.” Numa has a presence in 15 countries and 37 cities, with a growing portfolio of 9,000 units. In the UK, its Native Places brand currently has four locations in London and one each in Glasgow and Manchester.

Tonkotsu to double up in Birmingham, confirms Cardiff launch: Tonkotsu, which is backed by YFM Equity Partners and chaired by Sarah Willingham, has announced it will open a second site in Birmingham, and confirmed it is also set to make its debut in Wales, with an opening in Cardiff. Opening later in 2025, Birmingham will now have its own dedicated, full-size Tonkotsu Ramen bar at Grand Central. Birmingham was the city Tonkotsu first opened outside of London, when it launched within Selfridges Food Hall back in 2016. Then, in early 2026, Tonkotsu will arrive in Cardiff. As previously revealed by Propel, it will open a site, which will be its 20th, in the Welsh capital’s High Street. First launched in Soho in 2012 by co-founders Ken Yamada and Emma Reynolds, Tonkotsu currently operates sites in Bristol and Brighton as well as 15 in the capital. The founders said: “We are delighted to be joining such vibrant food scenes and deeply honoured to be opening in these iconic cities.” At the same time, Tonkotsu has announced that Trieu Luu has been promoted to head of people with immediate effect. Since joining from Gourmet Burger Kitchen in 2018, the business said that Luu has grown with the company, stepping into the people and culture manager role in 2023, and now as head of people.

Aparthotel operator Beyond’s first regional site takes big step forward after owner secures £3.6m loan: Aparthotel operator Beyond first regional site has taken a big step forward after the building’s owner, Countrylarge, secured a £3.6m loan from OakNorth to develop the venue. Beyond – which already operates aparthotels in London’s Fitzrovia, Marylebone, Soho and Waterloo – first outlined plans in 2022 to operate an aparthotel Countrylarge plans to develop in James Street, Harrogate. The new £3.6m loan will support the development of a 17-key, 25-bedroom aparthotel, which will offer “eco-conscious accommodation with high-quality, flexible stays for both leisure and business travellers”. James Fry, founder of Beyond Aparthotels, said: “We are delighted to be operating this prime location site that is being repurposed to provide generously sized rooms that range from studios to three-bedroom units. We will operate the site to the highest low impact and wellness standards enabling guests to live well, tread lightly and rest easy in the heart of Harrogate.” Timothy Smith, managing director at Countrylarge, added: “This scheme represents a unique opportunity to deliver something new to Harrogate, a premium aparthotel offering in a town with high visitor demand but limited modern accommodation.”

Chef Stevie Parle confirms plans to open restaurant in London’s Fitzrovia: Chef Stevie Parle, who returned to the capital’s restaurant scene with the opening of Town in London’s West End earlier this year, has confirmed he is to open a new site in Fitzrovia. Propel revealed last month that Parle was set to open a site in Pearson Square, with the new venue joining Town as part of a growing group. Parle said the site will house a “big, London Italian” called Motorino and will have around 140 covers. He will be assisted in the new restaurant by chef Luke Ahearne. Like Town, the new site will also feature a drinks programme, developed under the guidance of Kevin Armstrong, founder of Satan’s Whiskers. Parle said: “Luke is a fantastic young chef – passionate about produce and obsessed by quality and consistency – and together, we want to create something really special. We’re determined to open the best London-Italian we can. With Luke’s food, Kevin’s world-class cocktails and a wine list to match, we want to make Motorino the London-Italian this city deserves.” Parle first announced plans for Town – opposite the Gillian Lynne Theatre in Drury Lane – at the end of 2023. It was Parle’s first launch since well before the pandemic, which saw the closure of his restaurants Sardine, Palatino and Craft London. He is understood to be working with Street Feast founder Jonathan Downey on the new group.

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