Young’s CEO – ‘business rates change should be for whole of the sector’, ‘we need long-term meaningful reform’: Simon Dodd, chief executive of Young’s, has told Propel that any changes made by the government to business rates should be for the whole hospitality sector, and that the government should be finding a solution that “fixes the problem over the long term rather than applying a temporary plaster”. He said: “On a positive note, it is good to see it is listening and currently working on a plan. I think it should be for all of hospitality, and it should be finding a solution that fixes the problem over the long term rather than applying a temporary plaster. We have always campaigned for meaningful business rate reform that reduces the burden on bricks and mortar over the long term. If we are approaching this year from a glass half full perspective, then likely interest rate cuts, a balanced national living wage uplift and the hope of business rates relief can only be seen as a positive for the pub sector.” Dodd was speaking after Young’s reported its like-for-like managed revenue was up 5.4% year to date on the back of “very strong” festive trading, with like-for-like sales for the three-weeks to 5 January increasing 11.2%. On what drove that performance, he said: “A combination of things. Aligning all the divisions to ensure everyone knew what was expected. We had a real focus on sales and conversion, taking teams out of the pubs to help convert enquiries into bookings. A focus on bookings as well as encouraging walk-ins. I think if you combine being well planned with a clear premium communication message, overlaid with well invested pubs and really focused teams, you can drive great results. It also has to be said that Central London was massive, with a mixture of corporate bookings as well as mates meeting for a drink.” On looking to further mitigate costs such as the rise in a pint of Guinness, Dodd said: “We will pass through an annual price increase to cover duty etcetera of circa 2.5%. This is the same as last year. In addition, we will continue to invest in our pubs where we are seeing some strong returns, continue to invest in our offer (for example, listing new beers such as Modelo, Hawkstone Black Stout and Murphy's) and of course, continue to invest in our people.”

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality on Monday: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will be released to Premium Club subscribers on Monday (26 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.

AlixPartners – ‘overall, we see positive economic drivers for sectoral demand’: Leading sector advisory firm AlixPartners has said its sees “positive economic drivers for sectoral demand” and is “bullish in our outlook for the financing of the sector in 2026”. Writing in today’s (Friday, 23  January) Premium Opinion, Chris Lowe, head of capital advisory, and director Craig Rachel, said: “We believe inflation is likely to fall to the Bank of England’s target rate of 2% as early as this spring, and we envisage there could be further interest rate cuts in 2026 (before rates gradually elevate again, to align with flat interest curves). In our view, these near-term cuts – alongside real wage growth for lower paid workers – will drive more disposable income into the pockets of consumers, some of which will find its way to pubs, bars and restaurants, which remain vital to our national identity. Overall, we see positive economic drivers for sectoral demand and input inflation in a better place, alongside a significant supply of debt capital (and attractive terms for some), with many lenders actively deploying more funding into hospitality.” Premium Opinion will be sent to Premium Club subscribers today at 5pm. It will also feature Propel chief operating officer – editorial Mark Wingett looking at the week’s main talking points. 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.

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with an independent catering company that is seeking a head of finance. A COREcruitment said: “This role will lead the company’s financial strategy, reporting and budgeting, but also provide commercial insight to influence key decisions, streamline processes across a dynamic, evolving business and collaborate with the teams to support growth, creativity and new ventures.” The salary is negotiable. For more information, email sheila@corecruitment.com

 

Chaiiwala hires new CEO for its Canadian business, aiming to grow to 100 sites in the country by 2030: Indian street food brand Chaiiwala has hired a new chief executive for its Canadian business and is aiming to grow to 100 sites in the country by 2030. The brand, which operates more than 130 stores globally, including 23 in Canada, has appointed James Kang to lead its Canadian operations. Kang joins Chaiiwala with more than 30 years of experience in hospitality, franchising and commercial real estate across North America. Kang is the founder of Bestview Growth & Strategy, where he serves as chief strategy and growth consultant, advising leading organisations on strategic expansion and franchise development in Canada. He has also led multiple global growth initiatives and has overseen the rollout of a major foodservice franchises across Canada and the US. He has also secured major multi unit development agreements across Asia and overseen new market entries and joint venture negotiations in Vietnam, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and China, while driving large scale development pipelines that included multiple 100 unit and 300 unit agreements. In his new role, Kang will be responsible for the continued development of Chaiiwala in the market, working with local franchisees to scale up to 100 sites by 2030 and driving brand awareness to help it become a household name. The brand is already on track, with eight cafés currently under construction, four new franchises signed for opening in 2026 and numerous strong franchise candidates progressing through the pipeline. Kang will work directly with Chaiiwala’s global chief executive, Muhummed Ibrahim, and Canada country manager, Nazibur Rahman, alongside local franchise partners. Stella Yu, former chief marketing officer of Trifecta Brands and senior marketing director at Kinka Family, also joins Chaiiwala Canada to lead local marketing efforts. Kang said: “I have worked with countless brands over the years, but few have the potential that I see in Chaiiwala. It already has a fantastic track record in Canada but, in truth, we are only just scratching the surface. I genuinely believe Chaiiwala is poised to become one of the most recognisable brands across the globe.” Ibrahim added: “In James, we have an industry leading operator with all of the necessary skills, expertise and experience to turbo charge our growth in Canada. We see huge potential in the market, which is today our second largest outside of the UK. We firmly believe we can scale to 100 sites – these are exciting times for Chaiiwala Canada.”

Fireaway reports 6% like-for-like sales growth in 2025, nine stores in pipeline: Fast growing pizza brand Fireaway has reported 6% like-for-like sales growth in 2025. The business has grown to more than 160 sites, including several overseas, since being founded by Mario Aleppo in 2016. Aleppo has plans to eventually grow the brand to 400 sites in the UK while also expanding further overseas. He said: “As we leave 2025 behind, we’re proud to report 6% like-for-like sales growth. As we make a strong start into 2026, with just under 160 stores and another nine in the pipeline, we have to give credit to our franchisees and head office team that make it happen. Looking forward to a successful 2026.” It comes as Fireaway reopens its restaurant in Chislehurst, south east London, under new ownership. New franchisee Mazhar Zahoor also owns Albany Tandoori, an Indian restaurant in Enfield, north London. Aleppo also recently launched a new stand-alone cookie concept, Crack Cookies, with its first site opening in Clapham, south London. He told Propel earlier this month that he intends to expand the concept “throughout the country”, with several more London stores in the pipeline.

 

Harry’s Restaurants hires Tomas Minkley as COO: Harry’s Restaurants, the Richard Caring-backed vehicle behind the Harry’s Restaurant & Bar concept and Ivy Asia brand, has hired Tomas Minkley, formerly of Bob Bob Ricard and The Ivy Collection, as its new chief operating officer. Minkley joins Harry’s Restaurants, which operates five sites under its Harry’s concept in Central London, after just over a year and a half as chief operating officer of Bob Bob Ricard. Minkley joined Bob Bob Ricard after more than eight years as operations director at the Caring-backed The Ivy Collection. He was also previously a general manager at D&D London for three and a half years.

Pho adds two London sites to 2026 opening pipeline: Pho, the Vietnamese restaurant group led by Pat Marrinan and backed by TriSpan, is to enhance its presence in the capital later this year after securing two new sites, Propel has learned. The 51-strong business, which opened in London's Brunswick Centre this week, has secured the former Starbucks site on The Cut, in Waterloo. At the same time, it has also secured the Kazan restaurant site in Wilton Road, Victoria. Marrinan told Propel:  “We managed to open a number of great sites in 2025, which are proving to be great additions to our group. Several more are planned this year, and a number of them are in virgin territories of London that we’ve been looking at for a number of years now. Trading in 2025 was strong, with positive like-for-like sales and increased profit margins, despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop. So, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about 2026.”

 

Chocoberry lining up debut site in Pakistan for its third international market: Dessert brand Chocoberry is lining up its debut site in Pakistan for what will be the brand’s third international market. Chocoberry has signed a memorandum of understanding to open a site at the Lake City development in Lahore. Chocoberry already has two overseas sites, in Dubai and Sharjah, and also has Calgary in Canada) and Istanbul in Turkey in its pipeline. A company spokesman said: “A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Chocoberry London and Lake City Lahore, marking the beginning of a meaningful collaboration. Our sincere thanks to Sultan and Asad Sheikh for their trust, support and belief in this partnership. We're equally thankful to the Lake City team for its warm welcome and shared vision of building thoughtful lifestyle destinations. A special appreciation to the Chocoberry Pakistan team, whose dedication, hard work, and commitment on the ground made this milestone possible. We look forward to contributing sweet experiences and creating moments that resonate with the Lake City community.” In the UK, Chocoberry has 17 locations and is looking to open further sites in Coventry, Slough, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Walsall, Norbury, Northampton, Leicester, Bedford, Luton, St Albans, Whitechapel, Kingston, Manchester and Sheffield, plus a dark kitchen in London’s Colindale. Propel revealed last summer that Chocoberry is launching a new kiosk format to drive its growth towards a target of 100-plus sites.

Jacob Sumner steps down from overseeing Chipotle in the UK and Europe: Jacob Sumner has stepped down from overseeing US brand Chipotle in the UK and Europe to “to begin a new chapter with new adventures”. Sumner joined Chipotle’s US business at the end of 2004 as a regional operations manager. In 2010, he was promoted to managing director for the UK, and five years later, he became director of European operations. Under his leadership, the business has grown to 20 sites in the UK, six sites in France and two sites Germany. He said: “I have decided to begin a new chapter with new adventures. I am incredibly fortunate and grateful for the experiences I’ve gained, the life-long friends I’ve made, and what we’ve built from the early days to 4,000-plus restaurants globally. From Denver to Chicago to being selected to open our Canadian market in the summer of 2008 (now 75-plus restaurants), I have been so fortunate. Then opening the UK and European markets; the time has come to pass the torch. With forthcoming and necessary shifts in the European business, I will always be rooting for Chipotle, especially as we enter new markets and strengthen existing ones.”

 

Thesleff Group strengthens leadership team as it accelerates next phase of growth: Thesleff Group has strengthened its operational leadership team as it accelerates its next phase of development across the UK and international markets. Philip Urasala joins the group as director of operations for Sale e Pepe and Sale e Pepe Mare, while Matt Gricius has been hired as director of operations for Los Mochis. Urasala, who has almost 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality across three continents, will oversee operations across Sale e Pepe in London’s Knightsbridge and the forthcoming Sale e Pepe Mare at The Langham in Mayfair, guiding the concept’s next chapter of growth. Gricius brings 16 years of leadership experience in the luxury hospitality sector, driving operational excellence, brand growth and international expansion across the UK and Spain. He joins Thesleff Group following his tenure as group operations director at Caprice Holdings, where he held full operational oversight of flagship brands including Scott’s Mayfair, Sexy Fish and Bacchanalia. As director of operations for Los Mochis, Gricius will lead the brand’s continued evolution and expansion, overseeing both London sites while supporting the group’s wider international growth ambitions, including its forthcoming debut US site, in Beverly Hills. Thesleff Group is also behind Juno Omakase, Luna Omakase and Viajante87 in London and the soon-to-open Japanese restaurant MA/NA Mayfair in the capital. Last month, Thesleff Group founder Markus Thesleff told Propel the group has “a couple of new exciting concepts to bring to market” and is “beginning expansion plans for Los Mochis in key global cities”.

Mark McCulloch transitions from Prezzo Italian chief marketing officer to brand and marketing advisor: Mark McCulloch is to transition from chief marketing officer of Prezzo Italian into a new role as brand and marketing advisor, following the successful delivery of the company’s core rebrand project. McCulloch joined the business, originally on a short-term basis, to support brand strategy development. However, his appointment quickly expanded to include leading the transformation to Prezzo Italian, modernising the brand experience, shaping a new marketing direction and “strengthening the company’s positioning in the highly competitive casual dining market”. He said: “I’m incredibly proud of the new brand that the team has brought to life and delighted that we delivered something that future-proofs the business. Now that the core transformation is complete, I’m looking forward to supporting Prezzo Italian on future brand initiatives while turning my focus to my own consultancy and long-planned projects.” James Brown, chief executive of Brava Hospitality Group, Prezzo Italian’s parent company, added: “Mark was originally brought in for just three months, but we quickly extended the relationship to a full year because of the enormous value he added. His vision, energy, and leadership have been incredible, and we’re delighted he will continue to be part of our future as an advisor.” In his consulting capacity, McCulloch will now focus on work with brands including Tossed, Buzzworks, Hall & Woodhouse, Riddle & Finns and Market Halls. He will also launch an online platform helping operators improve brand, marketing and guest experience performance.

 

Merlin Cinemas founder – ‘when the right films are available, audiences return in large numbers to enjoy the big screen experience’: Geoff Graves, founder of the 19-strong Merlin Cinemas, has said despite difficulties facing the industry, “when the right films are available, audiences return in large numbers to enjoy the big screen experience”. Merlin reported a boost in profit and turnover for the year to 3 April 2025, with pre-tax profit up from £93,819 in 2024 to £671,585, while turnover grew from £9,552,560 to £11,120,796. The group received £15,005 in government grants compared with £5,000 in 2024, while dividends of £30,000 were paid, the same as in 2024. Graves said: “Since the pandemic, the cinema industry has continued on its path of recovery, though the pace has been irregular. In 2024, the disruption caused by prolonged writers' and actors' strikes in the US meant a thinner release schedule in the first half of the year, with many films delayed into late 2024 and 2025. While this dampened admissions in early 2024, it did result in a stronger slate for the rest of the year and beyond, with several highly anticipated blockbusters driving huge numbers back to cinemas. Steaming platforms continue to compete for audiences’ attention but there is growing recognition among studios that theatrical releases are essential for building awareness and long-term value. The return of cinema-first release strategies is encouraging for our business model. Business levels continue to show volatility, with the industry still navigating peaks and troughs in the release schedule. However, late 2024 and early 2025 have demonstrated once again that when the right films are available, audiences return in large numbers to enjoy the big screen experience. These strong results reinforce confidence in our business model, even if overall product flow and attendance levels remain less consistent than in the pre-pandemic era. Our programming has also continued to benefit from more localised content, Q&A sessions, and repertory screenings through our Big Movie Deal strand, all of which have demonstrated strong demand for nostalgia-led and event-driven experiences. Together, these factors contributed to an admissions increase of more than 10% compared with the 2023-24 financial year.” He added the business has “deliberately refrained” from price increases and that the 2025 financial year saw the first full trading period from the Astoria Ayr, which is “already emerging as a strong contributor to group performance”.

Victor Garvey opens new restaurant Materia Prima in Notting Hill: Chef Victor Garvey has launched a new restaurant called Materia Prima in London’s Notting Hill. The chef launched a crowdfunding campaign last summer to help develop the project, which launched at 115 Westbourne Grove. Materia Prima is described as the “culmination of four years of evolution” from Garvey, who is also chef-patron at Soho Michelin-starred restaurant SOLA. The business said: “Where SOLA became known for its precision and luxury, Materia Prima embraces the opposite – intimacy, simplicity, and purity.” Garvey added: “It’s my own little world that I’d like to personally invite people into, one service at a time.”

 

One Vision Management lines up site in London’s Covent Garden for noodles concept: One Vision Management – the vehicle led by Alex Xu – has lined up a third site for its hand-pulled noodles concept, Noodle Inn. The company, which operates 20 sites under a number of concepts across five cities, launched Noodle Inn in September 2024, in Old Compton Street in London’s Soho’s. A second site opened last November, at 100 Middlesex Street, near Spitalfields. Propel understands One Vision Management, which also operates the Happy Lemon bubble tea business and Taiwanese dessert parlour Meet Fresh, has lined up an opening on the Gordon Ramsay Street Burger site in Maiden Lane in Covent Garden. Propel understands One Vision Management is looking to further roll out the concept inside and outside the capital, with a future opening in Battersea thought to be under consideration, while regional location targets include Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol. Last November, Propel revealed that Tom Vincent, co-founder of 200 Degrees, which was acquired by Caffe Nero in 2024, was working with Noodle Inn, advising the business on strategy and operations. Richard Negus, of AG&G, acted on the Covent Garden deal.

 

Maki & Ramen adds sites at London’s The O2 and Southampton to 2026 opening pipeline: Japanese restaurant concept Maki & Ramen has added sites at London’s The O2 and in Southampton to its 2026 opening pipeline. The company, which operates 16 sites across the UK, has secured the former Chopstix site in Peninsula Square at The O2. At the same time, Propel understands Maki & Ramen, which was founded by Teddy Lee in 2015 and is led by Michael Salvador, has lined up a site at The West Quay scheme in Southampton. Last month, Propel reported that Maki & Ramen is to make its London debut this year with an opening in Soho, which will also see the introduction of a new hand-roll concept, Maki Nori, to the UK market. The group’s expansion strategy for 2026 includes ten new openings, with eight already under offer, with company openings for its eponymous business lined up in Birmingham’s New King Street, and at Lakeside in Essex. The business has plans to grow to 50 sites in five years following the launch of its franchise programme last year.

 

Saltaire Brewery owner acquires Keystone Brewing Group in £6.5m deal: Paramount Retail Group, the family-owned business behind Bradford’s Saltaire Brewery, has acquired Black Sheep Brewery owner Keystone Brewing Group in a £6.5m deal. The acquisition was agreed two months after the Breal Capital-backed Keystone Brewing Group filed a notice of its intent to appoint administrators. The newly formed Great British Drinks Company, backed by the family entrepreneurs behind Paramount Retail Group, said the deal will save 145 jobs, the brewery and its brands including Purity Brewing Co, Brew By Numbers, Brick Brewery, North Brewing Company, Magic Rock Brewing and Fourpure Brewing Co. Paramount Retail Group, which also owns several pet food suppliers, acquired the group for £4.5m and agreed to invest £2m into Black Sheep as part of the deal, as it looks to “restore the business back to growth”. With combined sales of £28m, the Great British Drinks Company said it is in a strong financial position and will save three important heritage brewery sites. Sunny Sharma, co-founder of Great British Drinks Company, said: “Our approach is to ensure each brewery and its brands maintain their distinctiveness and independence, that only comes from the people and places involved, not through consolidation. Our ethos is one of stewardship.” Ravi Sharma, fellow co-founder, said: “This isn’t just a restoration deal, it’s about restoring pride to Yorkshire. The region has a proud brewing heritage, and we could not stand by and let that be lost. The Great British Drinks Company is open for business and here for the long term.”

 

Black Country pub group Bathams reports turnover and profit boost: Family brewer and pub operator Bathams, which has been in operation for nearly 150 years, has reported a turnover and profit boost for the year to 30 June 2025. The company’s turnover rose from £6,794,149 in 2024 to £7,015,658. Pre-tax profit was up from £2,201,121 to £2,221,563. Dividends of £2,001,552 were paid, the same as in 2024. Director Dorothy Batham said the board considers the profit to be “satisfactory in these challenging times”. Founded in 1877 by Daniel Batham, the company is now in its sixth generation of ownership by the family and runs 12 pubs around the Black Country, while supplying beer to establishments across the country.

 

SushiDog to make regional debut next week: Quick service sushi roll concept SushiDog will make its regional debut next Saturday (31 January), in Birmingham. As revealed by Propel in October, SushiDog, which last year secured a further £1.3m of funding from backer Middleton Enterprises, with plans to reach 40 sites in the next five years and build a national presence, will open a site in the city’s Bullring centre. The site, located on the upper level of the shopping centre, will feature seating for up to 20 guests and a takeaway counter. The site will be a first location outside of London for the 12-strong business.

 

Northern Ireland café business ceases trading: Cafe business Synge & Byrne has announced the closure of its sites in Northern Ireland. Up to 80 employees will be affected in nine branches around Belfast, Derry City, Dungannon and Newry. The Irish News reported that administrators at Newry-based AAB Group have been appointed to assist with a sales process. Synge & Byrne was founded in 2014 by brothers Damien and Adrian Garvey. Damien Garvey said: “We are deeply sorry to have reached this situation. Despite our very best efforts to save the business, we have been unable to overcome the mounting difficulties we faced, not least the current market conditions impacting the hospitality sector, including soaring operating costs. This situation, combined with a growing debt burden, means we have no other option than to close our doors. We would like to thank the hundreds of talented and hardworking staff who have been part of our business over the past 12 years, as well as all the customers who supported us during that time.”

 

Electric Star Pubs acquires the Light Bar in London’s Shoreditch: Electric Star Pubs, the London business led by owner and founder Rob Star, has acquired The Light Bar in London’s Shoreditch. Locals Morten Jensen and Darren Collins reopened the former nightclub, at 233 Shoreditch High Street, in 2021 after it had been shut for seven years. There is a new mezzanine floor above the bar, and a third floor club space called The Timber Loft, where weekend day parties and club nights will be held, it also set to open, reports Hot Dinners. The venue has also welcomed a new executive chef, Jake Ayliffe, previously head chef at Rogues restaurant in Bethnal Green. It comes just two months after Electric Star Pubs launched a new live-fire restaurant called Firestarter in the capital. Launched at the group’s Star by Liverpool Street, the restaurant project represented the company’s first move into dedicated dining. Firestarter occupies the restaurant space at 94 Middlesex Street, with an entrance shared with The Star by Liverpool Street pub/bar venue next door, also owned by the nine-strong group.

 

North east McDonald’s franchisee opens sixth site: North east McDonald’s franchisee Dean Fitzmaurice has opened his sixth site with the brand. Former military man Fitzmaurice founded Mavas Foods in 2019 and initially operated three restaurants in Middlesbrough before last year buying two restaurants – in Teesside Park and Thornaby – from retiring long-serving franchisee Paul Buckingham, who with partner Yvonne Buckingham has been operating McDonald’s locations in the north east since 1993. For his sixth site, Fitzmaurice has opened a new 56-seater restaurant in Yarm Road, Stockton – only the second “net zero build” McDonald’s restaurant so far in the country. Fitzmaurice said the venue will have just over 100 employees, bringing the company’s total to 640, and estimates it will bring £2.5m to the local economy. “It’s a real moment for the community, to open a new place like this that’s been built on sound, eco-friendly values,” he said. Fitzmaurice started out as a combat medical technician for the British Army before performing a variety of roles around military training and international security, which saw him based in Baghdad, Basra and the UAE for more than a decade.

London hotel owned by The Eton Collection appoints administrators: A London hotel owned by The Eton Collection – owners of five hotels across London, Edinburgh and Leeds – has appointed administrators. Duncan Coutts, Rupen Patel and Nimish Patel of Coots and Boots have been appointed as joint administrators for The Colonnade Hotel, in Little Venice, north west London. The historic property, located at 2 Warrington Crescent, has a rich heritage that spans over 160 years. Originally two Victorian houses built in 1865, it was the birthplace in 1912 of mathematician and Enigma codebreaker Alan Turing, and in 1938, it became a home for Sigmund Freud and his family while their permanent residence in Hampstead was being renovated. A formal marketing process for the 43-bedroom venue is scheduled to commence at the end of January. “The Colonnade is more than just a hotel; it is a piece of London’s history,” said Coutts. “Our goal is to manage this transition with the respect the building deserves. We are seeing significant early interest and look forward to officially bringing the property to market.”

Brunch and bakery concept Gooey hires David Cahill as commercial director: Manchester brunch and bakery concept Gooey has hired David Cahill, formerly of TD4 Brands, the parent company of Boost Juice UK and The Shake Lab, as its new commercial director. Cahill, who also previously worked at SSP and Krispy Kreme, spent 11 years at TD4, including just over six years as director of operations and four years as brand director. His appointment comes as Gooey is set to make its transport hub debut later this year, in Terminal 2 at Manchester airport. Gooey started life in 2020 as a delivery-only service during the pandemic before opening up kiosks at Ducie Street Warehouse, and within the Selfridges store at the Trafford Centre. Gooey also has its permanent bakery and cafe base in High Street in the city’s Northern Quarter, and a site in Liverpool’s Bold Street. The business, which counts R&B star Lizzo among its fans, was co-founded by Jake Ansbro, Sax Arshad and Paddy Brown in 2020.

 

Simple Health Kitchen secures second site: Healthy fast-casual operator Simple Health Kitchen is to open a second location in London after securing a site in Fitzrovia. The Bradley Hill-led concept has taken a ground-floor unit occupying a corner position at 67 Whitfield Street, as part of Derwent London's mixed-use 80 Charlotte Street scheme. The new site will operate as an eat-in, takeaway and delivery site, serving Simple Health Kitchen's “signature fresh, high-protein dishes, nutritional salads and guilt-free snacks and desserts”. The business also operates a site in Baker Street, Marylebone. Hill said: “We’re excited to be opening in Whitfield Street and bringing Simple Health Kitchen’s fresh, high-protein food to the Charlotte Street neighbourhood. The space allows us to serve great-tasting, nutritious meals for eat-in, takeaway and delivery, making it easy for people to eat well without compromise. It’s a brilliant location and a natural next step for the business.” Ted Schama, founder of One Voice Hospitality, which acted on the Fitzrovia site, said the deal reflected the continued demand for quality, health-led food offers in mixed-use locations. 

 

Clink Project launches catering arm: The Clink Project – the charity that aims to reduce reoffending by providing vocational training in hospitality – has launched a catering arm. Catered by Clink is a new catering and bakery offering that includes canapés, pastries and celebration cakes. All products are prepared by students and graduates of The Clink Charity’s accredited hospitality and bakery programmes, with trainees learning both inside prisons and within the community. Participants work towards City & Guilds qualifications in professional cookery and baking. Office and workplace catering is available for delivery across London and the Home Counties. The offer includes the High Down Collection, which serves ten to 12 people. This collection honours The Clink Charity’s very first restaurant at HMP Highdown, which launched the charity’s mission to reduce re-offending in 2010. Bakery Collection items are currently available for collection only, with plans underway to introduce wider delivery by the spring.