Sir Tim Martin – JD Wetherspoon franchise operations producing ‘high sales’ and had ‘several’ overseas enquiries, ‘government would give tax equality with supermarkets if it really values pubs’: JD Wetherspoon chair Sir Tim Martin has told Propel the business’ franchise operations is producing “high sales” and it has had “several” overseas enquiries as it prepares to open its first site in mainland Europe. Wetherspoon will open the pub at Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez airport in Spain on Monday, 9 February in partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail. Wetherspoon currently has five pubs under franchise with holiday park company Haven with four more to follow this spring, as well as franchise agreements with Newcastle, Hull and Birmingham universities, with a pub operating at each university. Wetherspoon also has franchise agreements with Thompson Holdings, which operates a pub in the Isle of Man, and The Papas Group, which operates two sites. Speaking following the company’s trading update, where the business reported like-for-like sales for the 25 weeks to 18 January 2026 were 4.7% higher than the previous year, Sir Tim said: “The franchise sites have been good so far. They have good standards and high sales and the franchisees seem happy. We’ve also had several overseas enquiries.” As part of the trading update, Wetherspoon said costs had increased £45m in the period. When asked how it was planning to mitigate costs, Sir Tim said: “Mainly, we’re going to try and increase sales. We’ll perhaps negotiate a better deal or two, and we also hope to see a reduction in interest rates.” In terms of the standout performers for the business in the first half of the year, Sir Tim said Guinness and guest ales are “doing well” while wine was “very strong”. He added breakfasts, Pepsi and spice bags were also performing well. With the government set to reportedly provide business rates support for pubs, Sir Tim reiterated the need for tax equality with supermarkets. He added: “That’s what anyone who really values pubs should do – two pence a pint rates, no VAT on food. Everything else is a side show.”

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality tomorrow: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will be released to Premium Club subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 23 January), at midday. Another 105 companies have been added to the database, which now features 1,387 companies. This month’s edition also includes 375 updated entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent developments reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. 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 also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel chief operating officer – editorial, 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.

 

UK businesses warn growth may be off the menu after latest tax hike: Businesses in the UK’s hospitality sector say taxes are limiting their capacity to invest. Maurice Abboudi, owner of the K10, which operates five Japanese restaurants in London, told Reuters he had shelved plans for a new site and other investments as any profit he once made is being swallowed up. “It’s all about survival now rather than growth,” Abboudi said, adding that his K10 group made a “very small loss” last year. “All we’re doing is saving money, trying to become more efficient to pay our taxes. I honestly cannot think of one single growth policy that they’ve (the government) done for a small business.” Abboudi said he faces an additional £50,000 of business rates this year, equivalent to a 40% rise, on top of £150,000 increase in 2024 from higher wages and payroll taxes. The higher minimum wage, which is due to rise 4.1% from this April after a 6.7% rise in 2025, prompted Abboudi to invest in screens for customers to order food at two sites, allowing him to cut staff numbers from 52 to 35. While the government often talks about easing regulation, business owners report the opposite, pointing to employment rights legislation, above-inflation minimum wage hikes and new packaging rules. “It’s completely counterintuitive to say that you want the economy to grow but then to put hurdles in front of people,” said Alex Reilley, executive chair of Loungers, which runs more than 300 cafe-bars and restaurants and employs in excess of 10,000 people.

 

‘Disastrous’ Welsh Budget lands hospitality with £122m business rates bill: UKHospitality Cymru has slammed the Welsh Budget as “disastrous”, with the sector being hit with a £122m hike to its business rates bills over three years. The trade body said the continued exclusion of hospitality from business rates reform will accelerate high street decline, job cuts and business closures. The trade body’s analysis reveals that, when compared with the current financial year, the sector’s business rates bill will increase by £29.4m in 2026-27, £40.1m in 2027-28 and £52.6m in 2028-29. In total, business rates will increase by 63% over the next three years. The increases are driven by the removal of current business rates relief, hospitality being excluded from business rates reform and an” inadequate” package of transitional relief. This is compounded by rateable values increasing by 23% on average for the sector, UKHospitality Cymru said. Executive director David Chapman said: “This Budget is disastrous for Welsh hospitality. The scale of these shattering increases will be unsustainable for many businesses and the decision to exclude hospitality from any support will only drive further job losses and businesses closures. Communities and their local hospitality venues will be the ones bearing the brunt of an unjust system that has long been broken, despite promises to reform it for the better. The system is in dire need of reform, and the Welsh government’s efforts barely touch the side of what is required. It is now vital that the Welsh government commits to using, in full, any additional funds flowing from additional support in England to support hospitality businesses. All political parties seem to agree that hospitality is unfairly treated by the business rates system, yet still nothing happens. That must change.”

  

Aberdeen becomes first Scottish authority to grant blanket licensing extension for World Cup: Aberdeen City Council has granted a blanket 3am licensing extension for the duration of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, with additional flexibility allowing venues to remain open 30 minutes after the final whistle of Scotland matches. In becoming the first Scottish authority to make such a move, it ensures pubs, bars and restaurants across Aberdeen can show Scotland’s late‑night fixtures – kicking off as late as 2am UK time – in what is the national team’s first World Cup appearance since 1998. Scottish Beer & Pub Association senior advisor Paul Togneri said: “Aberdeen has shown real leadership by recognising the importance of hospitality to our communities and our economy. We hope other licensing boards across Scotland now follow suit and adopt similar blanket extensions. Doing so would support responsible, well‑managed venues and ensure fans everywhere can enjoy the tournament safely and socially.” The news comes shortly after the Scottish FA confirmed that sale of alcohol could be trialled during the friendly matches against Japan in March and Curaçao in May, which has also been welcomed by the trade body. 

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a group of care homes in the east of England that is seeking a head of culinary and hospitality. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The position will oversee everything from nutrition, menus and suppliers to training and team development, working closely with on-site head chefs to build a best-in-class hospitality culture where food and service sit at the heart of daily life of these care homes.” The salary up to £85,000 and the position is based in Cambridgeshire. For more information, email yasmin@corecruitment.com

 

Pieminister – the last five years have been our most challenging ever, but we never wavered on ethics or sustainability: Pieminister, the pie specialist led by Tristan Hogg and Jonathan Simon, has said while the last five years have been its most challenging ever, it has “never wavered on ethics or sustainability”. The B Corp business, which operates five restaurants alongside its wholesale operation and partnerships, has just released its Sustainability Impact Report 2024/25. The report covers the last five years and looks at progress on a series of pledges it made in 2020, with targets to hit in 2025. The company said: “Our original commitments covered everything from animal and human welfare to climate change and waste, with our first targets set in 2020, to reach in 2025. In many ways, 2020-2025 has probably been the most challenging period so far in our 22-year history. Between a global pandemic, soaring energy costs, supply chain disruption and unprecedented inflation, there were countless moments when compromising on ethics or sustainability might have seemed like the pragmatic choice for a medium sized, family business like ours. But we're proud to say that even during the hardest times, we never wavered. Just look at what we've done despite rising costs across the board. Our Scope 1 & 2 CO2e operational emissions are down 30% on baseline. We achieved B Corporation certification. We installed solar panels on our Bristol bakery to boost the 100% renewable energy we already use. We became a Living Wage Employer. 98.7% of our packaging is now fully recyclable. We signed up to the UN’s Race to Zero, setting our net zero deadline for 2040. Last but not least, our new vegan pie, Chana Rama, is our lowest carbon pie so far. And we're not stopping there – we've set our sights even higher for the next five years. Our new commitments tackle the issues you told us you care about the most: animal welfare, ethical sourcing, low-impact packaging and a commitment to achieve net zero. As before, our targets are ambitious for an independent business of our size, but we think anything less just isn't an option.”

Individual Restaurants set to start expanding premium pizza concept Forbici: Individual Restaurants, the Restaurant Bar & Grill and Piccolino operator, is to start expanding its premium pizza concept Forbici. The company launched the concept in the former Betfred site in Manchester’s Cross Street in April last year. Now, the company is set to bring Forbici to Sheffield. Individual Restaurants is converting an office in St Paul’s Square, close to the Winter Garden in the city, with an opening planned for late spring. The company said: “Since opening in Manchester, Forbici has quickly built a loyal following, attracting praise from both guests and industry figures alike. While plans for the Sheffield restaurant are still being worked through, the team is clear on one thing: this will be something completely unique to the city, created with the same respect for Neapolitan tradition that defines the Forbici experience. The Sheffield opening will continue that philosophy, combining Neapolitan craft with scientific fermentation and precision to deliver the new era of pizza. Rather than replicating Manchester, the restaurant will be designed specifically for Sheffield and its food scene.” Andrew Garton, chief executive of Individual Restaurants, said: “Our Manchester opening showed there's a real appetite for pizza done properly. We’re incredibly proud of the response so far, and Sheffield feels like a natural next step for Forbici. While plans are still evolving, what we can promise is something energetic, built upon craft, rooted in true Neapolitan culture and created specifically for the city.” 

 

East Coast Concepts ends a ‘very strong 2025’ with 4.3% increase in festive sales: East Coast Concepts, the Victors and Neighbourhood operator, said it had enjoyed like-for-like sales growth in 2025 of 2.7%, driven by a 3.5% growth in volume. The company said that in December, its like-for-like sales were even stronger, with all four of its city centre venues enjoying “multiple record ever sales days”. The business currently operates Victors sites in Oxford, Hale and Alderley Edge, plus Neighbourhood sites in Liverpool and Leeds. Chief executive Vernon Lord said: “We have worked hard in 2025 to improve the value proposition in both brands, and it has paid off. We have consistently experienced like for like sales that outperformed those reported for restaurants and bars in the monthly NIQ RSM Hospitality Business Tracker. We are looking to expand our business with plans to open two Victors in 2026.”

 

Randalls owner acquires second restaurant business this month: CI Hospitality, the investment consortium that last year acquired Randalls Group of Guernsey, has acquired its second restaurants business this month after acquiring the three-strong Big Red Group. The deal sees CI Hospitality acquire three Guernsey restaurants – Red, Rosso and Tinto. The company said all three restaurants have built outstanding reputations for drink, food and service and it was committed to "preserving what makes each restaurant unique". A spokesperson said: “These restaurants are already thriving, and our focus is on continuity, stability and protecting what customers love about them.” Earlier this month, CI Hospitality agreed to buy JPRestaurants, one of Jersey’s “most established hospitality businesses”, for an undisclosed sum. JPRestaurants runs the Banjo, Oyster Box and Jersey Crab Shack venues on Jersey and said it would continue to operate them as normal throughout the change of ownership. Last March, a new consortium of local investors brought together by Ravenscroft Capital acquired Randalls Group of Guernsey, which owns and manages more than 20 pubs, restaurants, hotels and shops across the Channel Islands, for an undisclosed sum, under the CI Hospitality umbrella.

 

Midlands restaurant group slips into administration: Jimmy's Restaurant and Bar Mediterranean, which runs two sites – Regina's Bar & Restaurant and Noel’s Bar & Restaurant in Birmingham – has been placed into administration. Sandra Fender of Sanderlings was appointed as administrator to the business at the end of last week. The Daily Express reports that the precise reasons behind the company entering administration remain unclear. Nevertheless, both venues continue to trade normally. Regina's Bar & Restaurant can be found on Newhall Street, in Birmingham, while Noel's Bar & Restaurant is based on Waterfront Walk in the city. 

Popeyes to make debut in the Wirral: Popeyes UK, the TDR Capital-backed business, is to make its debut in the Wirral. The brand will launch a site at The Croft retail and leisure park in Bromborough on Friday, 30 January. The opening marks its second in 2026. Tom Crowley, Popeyes UK chief executive, said: “We're excited to be bringing Popeyes to the Wirral for the first time. We can’t wait to open and continue sharing a taste of New Orleans with even more fans across the UK this year.” Popeyes launched in the UK in 2021 and opened its 100th site here in November, in London Bridge station. Popeyes opened circa 50 sites in 2025. In November, Crowley said there was “no public target” for new restaurants but that he believes it can “keep opening at a similar pace” in 2026.

 

Fuller’s looks to enhance coffee offer with Illy partnership: Fuller's has announced a new partnership with premium and sustainable coffee brand, Illy, which is now available across its pubs and hotels. Oliver Rosevear, Fuller’s sustainability director, said: “We are really excited to see illy in our pubs and hotels. Illy puts social and environmental responsibility at its core. Fuller’s is committed to being net zero by 2040 – with suppliers' emissions and their own net zero targets playing a big role in achieving this. Partnering with brands like Illy who prioritise sustainability not only aligns with our value of doing things the right way – but it helps us on our net zero journey.”

 

Liverpool pub company acquires former café: Liverpool pub company 1936 Pubco has acquired a former café in the city’s Bold Street, with plans to transform it into another pub. The company, owned by Robert Gutmann, is behind circa 20 venues in the city, including The Vines in Lime Street, The Monro in Duke Street, The Masonic Arms in Lark Lane and The Mayflower Inn in Pilgrim Street. The group has now acquired Maggie May’s in Bold Street, one of Liverpool’s longest running cafes, having been opened in 1995 by husband-and-wife duo John and Susan Lea. The café closed on Christmas Eve, with owner Carly Lea, saying: “It’s really sad in lots of ways that we’re going, but it just feels like the time is right. We've enjoyed the 30 years, the only reason we’re stopping is because something had to give, unfortunately it’s the business.” A 1936 Pubco spokesman said: “We’re excited to be bringing a new pub to the Maggie May’s site later this year. We’re still working out the final details, but we know our aim is to create a pub that Bold Street can be proud of, and to open the kind of business the street has been crying out for. Bold Street has never really had a proper traditional pub, and the time feels right for it.” 1936 Pubco’s most recent venture, The Shandon Bells, opened last week in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter. The mid-century, flat-roof pub occupies the ground floor of Federation House in Hope Street and was formerly Smokey Joe’s, a US-themed bar with a Benidorm sister venue, reports the Liverpool Echo.

 

Northern Ireland’s largest hotel operator has several developments in pipeline, reports profit fall: Northern Ireland’s largest hotel operator, Andras House, has said it has several developments in the pipeline as it reported turnover dipped slightly to £47,474,637 for the year ending 30 April 2025 compared with a record £47,798,131 the previous year. The company – which operates 14 sites with a total of 1,473 bedrooms, including nine under franchise agreements – saw Ebitda before exceptional items fall to £14,642,663 from £17,446,279 the year before. Pre-tax profit was down to £5,717,805 from £9,393,980 the previous year. The group, which was founded in 1981, also owns commercial properties in Belfast. In his report accompanying the accounts, director Rajesh Rana stated: “Andras House has several further developments in the pipeline, having just opened an 80-room hotel in Portrush. Planning permission has been secured for a mixed-use development featuring an aparthotel with offices and cafes in Bedford Street in Belfast as well as a hotel in Botanic Avenue. Andras House has recently commenced the development of a 136-room Adagio aparthotel in Belfast, due to complete in early 2027. The board is taking a prudent approach to future developments.” No dividend was paid (2024: nil).

 

Luxury health club business Third Space secures north west London site: Luxury health club business Third Space has secured a new site in north west London. The company, which has 15 sites across the capital, has struck a deal with landlord Landsec to open at The O2 Centre in Finchley Road in 2027, transforming its fitness and wellness offering. Occupying almost 50,000 square feet, the new Third Space club will include state-of-the-art gym facilities, an extensive class programme, a swimming pool and dedicated areas for health, recovery and relaxation. Colin Waggett, chief executive at Third Space, said: “This is a fabulous opportunity to bring Third Space to this under-served part of north west London. The high-quality space will allow us to create something truly special, that matches the high aspirations that Landsec has for the transformation of the wider development.” P-Three acted for Third Space and Bruce Gillingham Pollard advised Landsec. Last September, Third Space, which is owned by American private equity firm KSL Capital Partners, reported its profit more than doubled in the year to 31 December 2024 following an expansion drive that sparked a rise in membership. Pre-tax profit grew to £11,241,748 compared with £5,262,599 the previous year. Adjusted Ebitda was up to £26,295,965 from £16,509,136 while turnover increased to a record £99,033,011 from £69,312,930 in 2023.

 

Pug café concept to open in Brighton for sixth site: Pug café concept CuppaPug, which launched in London in 2022, is to open in Brighton for a sixth site. The concept, which invites guests to enjoy food and drink while getting the chance to meet a range of rescue pugs, is due to open a branch at Brighton Marina in the coming month. The Brighton branch will join the company’s others UK locations, in London, Edinburgh and Manchester, as well as international sites in California and Texas. The café will host a soft launch opening on Saturday, 14 February, with an official opening date yet to be announced, reports The Argus. The company prides itself on its suitability for the dogs, implementing a number of house rules to ensure everyone’s safety. Many of the pugs at the café are also available for adoption, with the café working alongside local pug charities to help the dogs find a home.

 

Blend Family to open Nottingham food hall: Blend Family, the team behind Kargo MKT in Salford’s Media City and Tower Bridge Collective in London, will this summer open a new food hall in Nottingham. Located within the Clocktower dining quarter at Victoria Centre, the new 17,500 square-foot destination will feature 14 independent food partners as well as a bar and coffee shop. Blend Family is now welcoming interest from independent food businesses “with a strong sense of identity, ambition and a clear culinary vision”. Co-founder Matt Bigland said: “This is an opportunity to become part of a growing network that champions diversity, creativity quality, and community to help shape Nottingham’s next landmark food destination. At Blend Family, we don’t just provide a space; we work alongside our food partners to develop strong, individual brands that can thrive both within our sites and beyond.” Rebecca Milnes-James, of Pradera Lateral, asset manager for the Victoria Centre, added: “Blend’s scale, ambition and community-first approach will elevate Clocktower Works and make a significant contribution to Nottingham’s wider day to evening economy.” Blend Family’s expanding portfolio of award-winning food halls also includes Cutlery Works and Cambridge Street Collective in Sheffield and the upcoming Alfred Works in Digbeth, Birmingham. Metis Real Estate Advisors were leasing agents for the Victoria Centre deal.

 

Innis & Gunn narrows losses in ‘year of continued progress’: Scottish brewer and retailer Innis & Gunn has reported it narrowed its losses in a “year of continued progress”. Turnover was down 2.3% to £23,614,000 for the year ending 31 March 2025 compared with £24,158,000 the year before. Editda loss improved to £276,000 from £911,000 the previous year. Pre-tax losses narrowed to £982,000 from £2,368,000 the year before. Administrative costs reduced 6.4% to £7,162,000 from £7,654,000 the previous year. The company said its taprooms enjoyed a strong year, with turnover rising across all operating sites, driven by a new Steak Frites menu. Trading sites revenue increased 9.1%, while turnover in its events business increased 49.5%. In the Scottish on-trade, conditions were “challenging as the market contracted further”. Against this backdrop, its own volumes were down 12.5% year on year. Internationally, with the localisation of brewing now fully established in Ontario and distribution channels successfully rebuilt, the company said its Canadian business delivered 13.9% growth on the prior year. Sweden also “significantly outperformed expectations”, ending the year 32% ahead of budget. In his report accompanying the accounts, founder Dougal Gunn Sharp stated: “FY24-25 was a year of continued progress; against the backdrop of a persistently difficult trading environment, we strengthened the underlying resilience of the business. While group volume and turnover finished behind prior year, we nonetheless delivered a second successive year of marked profitability improvement. Comparing against the same period last year, gross profit improved by a further 5.8%, while Ebitda improved by a further £635,000, underscoring the momentum we built in FY23-24. Our efforts were guided by a clear strategy: to embed our Brewed by Scotland identity across every consumer touchpoint, to maintain and extend our premium distribution in the Scottish on-trade, to sustain leadership in the off-trade despite regulatory and consumer headwinds, to accelerate our rebuilt distribution following localisation in Canada, and to leverage the strength of our taprooms and events to amplify brand awareness and drive growth.”

 

North west operator lodges plans for restaurant and spa in Oldham: North west operator Luke Rafferty has lodged plans to open a restaurant and spa in Oldham. The project at the former St Paul's Church, in Huddersfield Road, would also see an indoor and outdoor pool built at the site, which has previously been a bridal shop, reports The Oldham Times. Rafferty first opened Smoke Yard restaurant in Oldham in 2015. He later opened West Ivy in Bury town centre, which he sold Smoke Yard to focus on, and later also opened Drip, in Bury, which has since been rebranded to Alfred’s. His restaurants sell a range of food, including hanging skewers, steaks, burgers and small plates. The Oldham restaurant and spa would be called The Cotton and set across three levels, according to planning documents lodged with Oldham Council, with a 23-space car park. Both pools will be located on the ground floor, along with an entrance way, a 40 square-metre treatment room, lockers, storerooms and a prep kitchen. There will be four treatment rooms on the second floor, as well as a private dining room and an adjoining bar.

Patara reports turnover down, losses reduced: Fine Thai dining group Patara, which has four sites in London, has reported turnover dropped to £3,442,639 in the year to 31 December 2024 (2023: £4,282,943). Losses before tax reduced to £292,509 from £510,095 in the year prior. The company first opened more than 25 years ago in Berners Street.

 

North Wales operator acquires historic Anglesey hotel: North Wales operator Mirza Real Estates has acquired an historic Anglesey hotel. The company, which also owns Tre-Ysgawen Hall Hotel & Spa on the Isle of Anglesey and is actively pursuing further opportunities in the area, is the new owner of The Valley Hotel near Holyhead. In a deal brokered by Christie & Co, Mirza Real Estates has bought the hotel from Anglesey Inns, which has owned and operated the hotel for 30 years, having acquired the site from Burtonwood Brewery in 1993. The Valley Hotel is a 19-bedroom hotel and event venue that dates to the 1800s. Paul Snape, owner of Anglesey Inns, said: “We would like to thank everyone involved in our 32 eventful and challenging years at The Valley. We are glad to see that the business is going to continue, and hopefully thrive, under its new owners, who we know have excellent plans for the site.” Takir Mirza, director at Mirza Real Estates, added: “The Valley has a long, rich history, and we plan to invest heavily over the next year. All the staff have been fantastic since we took over.”

 

Inverness café set to open second site: Inverness café Park Coffee & Doughnuts is set to open a second site in the city. Nicole Mclennan, owner of the Church Street cafe, confirmed the plans for a second location in the Hilton area, reports the Inverness Courier. The new space will take over the former Utopia Cafe in Tomatin Road and will function as a combined bakery, kitchen and cafe. “It’s exciting,” Mclennan said. “It’s been a long time coming, so I kind of can’t wait to get the cogs running.” Mclennan said she is hoping for a February opening date.

Glasgow barber business launches coffee shop concept: Glasgow barber business Paragon has launched a coffee shop concept called Paragon Coffee Club. Paragon Coffee Club x Paragon Modern Barbering is the first of its kind in the city, combining a cafe with the barbers. Located in Glasgow’s West End in Great Western Road, at the front of the space, Paragon Coffee Club serves a rotating menu of specialty drinks, from flat whites to matcha lattes, alongside a selection of artisan cakes and pastries. Behind the café is the barber shop and a small bar serving whiskies and drinks. The launch marks the second site for Paragon and the business’ first foray into the coffee space. Founder Tommy Taylor, who launched Paragon in 2023, said the new concept was inspired by a desire to create a hub for both socialising and self-care. He said: “With Paragon Coffee Club, I wanted to create a space that feels stylish but relaxed, a hub in the heart of the West End where people can connect, enjoy great coffee, and experience something a bit different. The combined concept reflects how people live now; we’re all looking for quality, style and connection in the places we spend time.”

 

Yorkshire brunch concept to open second site: Yorkshire brunch concept Cafe J’Adore is to open a second site. Raja Sakander Hayat opened the first Cafe J’Adore, which specialises in brunches, burgers and croissants, in Bradford’s Chester Street in 2022. Hayat is now gearing up to take over the former Roberto’s Italian restaurant in Market Place, Batley, which closed last year after 38 years. Posting on Facebook, Cafe J’Adore said: “The word is out – Batley, you’re next. Work is almost complete on our amazing café number two, and we cannot wait to show you what we’re bringing. This one’s very special.” The venue also serves mains, desserts and mocktails.

 

New Italian trattoria-style restaurant opens in Royal Lancaster London hotel: A new Italian trattoria-style restaurant has opened in the Royal Lancaster London hotel. Tortello is a “a fresh, contemporary interpretation of the traditional Italian trattoria” that guests can enter through the hotel or via Tortello’s own private street entrance. Offering regional Italian plates and hand-rolled pasta, dishes include beef shin and chianti tortello (eight-hour slow-cooked beef shin ragù folded into fresh egg pasta and finished with a rich jus) and seafood calamarata (langoustine tomato sauce with Scottish clams, Dorset mussels and king prawns, paired with ring-shaped calamarata pasta). The 80-cover dining room and Hyde Park-facing terrace is open daily for lunch and dinner. The Royal Lancaster London hotel is owned by Thai entrepreneur Jatuporn Sihanatkathakul and part of the Landmark Lancaster Hotel Group.