Stonegate Group CEO – ‘having diverse leadership talent is more than just the right thing to do, it's the right commercial thing to do as well’: David McDowall, chief executive of Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has told Propel that the best chance of success for a business is incorporating diverse thinking – and having diverse leadership talent is “not just the right thing to do, it’s the right commercial thing to do as well”. Speaking on Propel’s In Conversation podcast to mark International Women’s Day, McDowall – who is a mentor with Boardwalk, the mentoring programme dedicated to accelerating senior women in the hospitality industry into board-level positions – said the sector has come long way in terms of diversity of leadership but still has a long way to go. He said: “We recognise the world has changed around us, and subsequently our businesses have changed, and that in order to survive and to thrive, you need innovation, creativity and diverse thinking – and that gives us our best chance of success. And you get that diverse thinking by having a pipeline of great, diverse leadership talent. Over the last five to ten years, and certainly more recently, supported by things like Boardwalk, people are starting to really realise this is more than just the right thing to do. It’s the right commercial thing to do as well, because we are going to build better businesses for the medium to long term. So, I think we’ve come a long way, but the fact we have to do things like this and put initiatives like Boardwalk in place is a stark reminder that we’ve got a long way still to go.” In Conversation is a series of podcasts, exclusive for Propel Premium Club subscribers, featuring industry leaders and sector players talking about their businesses and issues impacting the UK’s hospitality market. 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.

Sponsored message – the £20,000 hidden cost of running your hotel on WhatsApp: UK hospitality operators are under pressure. Labour costs are hitting 35% of turnover, and the market growth forecast is at just 1.6%. Of course, owners are scrutinising every expense. Yet most overlook a significant hidden cost: using WhatsApp for internal communication. Zenzap has the answer. A spokesperson said: “For a 50-person hospitality operation, managers spend six-eight hours a week chasing information across group chats, clarifying miscommunications and repeating the same update in multiple threads. That’s £15,000-£20,000 a year in wasted management time – and that’s before you factor in what happens when a key person leaves. When staff leave, they take months or years of operational discussions, supplier contacts and company knowledge with them. There's no audit trail. No way to recover it. Perhaps most concerning: executives have zero visibility into their team’s daily communication. When something goes wrong, there's no record. Zenzap gets your team communication out of personal apps and into a dedicated work chat app. This helps eliminate these hidden costs by keeping team communication separate from personal life, providing auditable records, and giving owners operational visibility while maintaining full security and compliance.” To find out more, click here. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com

Propel Multi-Club unveils its third Parallel Session – how AI is bridging the insight gap: This year’s Propel Multi-Club Conference series has gone bigger and better with more content. Each conference will feature Parallel Sessions at each event, which has now moved to a new, larger premises, The Victoria Plaza, Victoria. Aside from the full speaker schedule for our next event on Wednesday 25 March (click here), each conference will host Parallel Sessions of content, which we are unveiling day-by-day. The third one is: from dashboards to dialogue – how artificial intelligence (AI) is bridging the insight gap. Hospitality businesses are rich in guest data, but often poor in shared, usable insight. Reports are plentiful – clarity is not. This session, delivered by HGEM implementation manager Maisie Harris explores how AI is helping operators close the “insight gap” by turning complex data into plain-language answers. From surfacing recurring guest issues to highlighting strengths, risks and clear next steps, the session will look at what changes when operators can speak to their data. This is a practical discussion on how conversational insight is shifting guest experience management from retrospective reporting to confident, real-time decision-making. There are more than 450 attendees already booked for the conference. Operators can claim free places by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com

Premium Club subscribers to receive latest Turnover & Profits Blue Book tomorrow: Premium Club subscribers will receive the latest Turnover & Profits Blue Book tomorrow (Friday, 13 March), at 12pm. The database will feature 13 new companies and 59 updated accounts. The database now features a total of 1,244 companies, with 759 in profit and 485 making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club subscribers 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 fish and chips shops ‘under pressure’ as Iran war hits costs: Fish and chip shops across the UK could be hit by rising costs due to the Iranian conflict, an insolvency expert has warned. Oil markets have become increasingly volatile amid fears of major disruption to key shipping routes in the Middle East. And while US president Donald Trump suggested the conflict was nearing a conclusion, economists have warned the war could cause inflation to remain higher for longer. Molly Monks, insolvency specialist at Parker Walsh, said small independent food businesses are often the first to feel the pressure when global economic shocks hit. She said chip shops are particularly exposed because they rely heavily on energy-intensive cooking and frequent deliveries of fresh ingredients. “Fish and chip shops typically operate on relatively tight margins, so even modest increases in fuel, oil or electricity costs can quickly start to bite,” she told Insider Media. “Frying food commercially requires constant heat. That means businesses are directly exposed when energy prices begin to rise. And if fuel becomes more expensive, it costs more to move fish, potatoes and supplies across the country. Bigger chains may have longer-term supplier contracts or more financial protection. But small independent businesses often have to respond quickly when costs start rising. If costs continue to climb, businesses may have to increase menu prices or reduce portions.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a high-growth, business-to-business marketplace business that is seeking a financial controller. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The financial controller will own day-to-day finance operations, delivering accurate monthly reporting, managing revenue recognition across subscription and transaction models and ensuring strong controls, VAT compliance and audit readiness.” The salary is up to £70,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email oliwia@corecruitment.com

 

The Coaching Inn Group turnover approaching £100m: RedCat Hospitality, founded and chaired by Rooney Anand, has said turnover at The Coaching Inn Group, its award-winning pubs-with-rooms business which is adding seven sites to its portfolio, is approaching almost £100m. Founded in 1996, The Coaching Inn Group was acquired by RedCat in 2021, with 18 venues. Five years later, the group’s portfolio will stand at 43 after the transition of seven RedCat Independent Pub locations that will take effect this month. The company said the seven sites were specifically selected based on a blend of property type, heritage, location and long-term potential. Using insights from its internal customer and performance databases, The Coaching Inn Group identified the inns it felt would best serve its 400,000-strong customer base, while enabling the business to expand into the previously underrepresented south east region of the UK. The business said growth is being supported by a substantial capex investment programme focused on enhancing guest experience and maintaining “consistently high quality across the estate”. The latest of these saw the recent reopening of 21-bedroom The Old Bridge in Holmfirth – the first site acquired by the business. Following the appointment of Adam Charity as managing director late last year, the business said it will introduce several new positions from next month, including a new area manager and a regional executive chef overseeing the newly integrated sites. Charity said: “The addition of these seven inns has been carefully considered to ensure they align with our portfolio, our collections and our long-term vision. Over the next year, we’ll be introducing Coaching Inn Group’s signature touches, service standards and digital capabilities, alongside several planned refurbishments, and will continue to look for new opportunities across the UK where the fit is right for the brand.”

 

92 Degrees targeting 100 locations across UK: Independent coffee roaster 92 Degrees, which opened its first franchise site last month, is targeting having 100 locations across the UK in the next four to five years. The business, which was launched in 2015 in Liverpool, currently operates 22 sites. Its first franchisee, Ketch & Co, recently opened a store at Multistory in The Priory Queensway, Birmingham. Ketch & Co is led by Simon and Sue Hedaux, who last summer signed a deal to open multiple 92 Degrees locations across the Midlands. Last September, Matt and Sarah Ebner also signed a deal to open multiple 92 Degrees sites across Kent, initially, and then Sussex, through their EBspresso business. 92 Degrees co-founder and chief executive Jack Brewitt told Propel: “Ketch & Co has five stores in its pipeline, with drive-too/drive-thru locations on the horizon too. Franchise interest continues to grow. We have had some international interest of late, which is exciting, and we are of course exploring that, but with our focus for now being in the UK.” The business acquired its first coffee roaster in September 2014 and “spent months learning how to import, roast, and cup coffee before we even opened a single door”, before opening its first site in January 2015 on the corner of Hardman Street and Hope Street in Liverpool. Brewitt said: “The growth since then has been anything but linear, but here's where we stand today: 22 locations (and growing); more than 100,000 customers served every month; travel, residential, high street and university campus locations; a franchise offer that generated thousands of enquiries across the UK and beyond, with our first franchisee, Ketch & Co, operational today; and a target of 100 locations across the UK in the next four to five years.”

 

Gerry’s Hot Subs raises £350,000 towards expansion, franchise opportunities lining up: Gerry’s Hot Subs, the fledgling concept from André Blais, founder of American barbecue diner-deli brand Bodean’s, has raised £350,000 towards its expansion and told Propel that franchise opportunities for the business are “already lining up”. Blais opened the first stand-alone site for the concept last spring, at 50 Exmouth Market, in London’s Clerkenwell. He previously piloted the concept out of the FoodStars kitchen in Battersea. Propel understands that Blais has lined up an opening in St Thomas Street, at London Bridge station, for a second stand-alone site. Blais told Propel: “The first seven quarters of trading for our new quick service restaurant concept, Gerry’s Hot Subs, have been educational. While there have been challenges, we have attracted significant interest from competitors, including two visits from Peter Cancro, founder of US sub brand Jersey Mike’s, and his team, who noted that we have a great product. To adapt, we have introduced a six-inch bun alongside our usual nine-inch option, allowing us to keep pricing between £4.75 and under £10. We have also developed new cooking techniques to keep ticket times under ten minutes during peak periods, and a new epos system will soon further stabilise and speed up transactions. On the expansion front, we have raised £300,000, with a last-minute top-up bringing the total to £350,000. We have nearly secured our second unit in London Bridge and are planning a spring opening. Additionally, franchise opportunities are already lining up. The future of premium ingredient hot subs is bright.” The business previously said it planned to open 11 sites over the next five years.

Chef Simon Shaw – ‘potential to roll out Black Cat Club concept across the north’: Chef Simon Shaw has told Propel he sees the potential to roll out his Black Cat Club concept across the north. Shaw’s Mill Hill Developments business launched the concept in Manchester in 2024 and last year converted its El Gato Negro site in Liverpool’s Exchange Flags to a Black Cat. The property was the second El Gato Negro site he has converted to a Black Cat Club, having done the same in Leeds. Shaw, who also still operates two El Gato Negro sites, said: “The transition has been a positive one. We quickly recognised the Exchange Flags site was perfectly suited to a Black Cat Club. Although it’s still early days, the Black Cat Club concept is already showing great potential in Liverpool and has all the ingredients of a great business. We are certainly keeping an eye out for the right opportunities to build on that success. Since launching Black Cat Club in 2024, it has made a really encouraging start. We’re really pleased with how the concept is developing, and the response so far suggests the concept has real momentum, with potential to be rolled out even further across the north. When the right opportunity comes along, particularly a great building in a prime location, it can be difficult to walk away. That said, the hospitality industry has faced significant challenges and continues to navigate a complex landscape. As a result, we remain open to the right opportunities, but we are more cautious about further expansion than we previously were. We’re a very ambitious business, but we are pragmatic in how we approach growth. We will always look at strong opportunities, particularly in the right locations, but never at the expense of the businesses we already have.”

 

Gym Group to open 20 new sites in 2026 including new formats, reports strong start to year after profits soared in 2025: Gym Group has said it will open 20 new sites this year – including new formats – as part of previously announced plans to add 75 new locations over the next three years. Having opened 16 new gyms in 2025 to end the year with 260, the company said it is “accelerating” its openings programme “to take full advantage of the available white space and market growth opportunity”. Chief executive Will Orr said: “We expect a good proportion of new sites will open in the Greater London area, where returns remain very attractive, but also see opportunities nationwide to expand into new trade areas. We are also testing new formats that can work in different types of location, such as a smaller format gym in Hendon; a large 20,000 square-foot ‘destination’ gym in Norwich; and a smaller catchment location in Midsomer Norton.” Orr also said the group had started 2026 strongly, adding: “Trading momentum remained strong in our peak recruitment months of January and February; revenue after two months has grown by 9% year on year; with like-for-like revenue up 3%.” It comes after Gym Group reported its profits soared in 2025, as revenue and membership numbers both grew. Adjusted pre-tax profit was up 194% from £3.6m to £10.6m, while statutory pre-tax profit grew 196% from £2.5m to £7.4m. Revenue was up 8% from £226m.3m to £244.9m, with like-for-like revenue growth of 3%. Average member numbers were up 4%, from 891,00 to 923,000, and average revenue per member per month rose 4%. Group adjusted Ebitda increased 13%, from £87.3m to £98.9m, while group adjusted Ebitda less normalised rent was up 19%, from £47.7m to £56.7m. Orr added: “Our Next Chapter growth plan is delivering, and we see significant opportunities ahead in a market with structural growth tailwinds. The resulting momentum has produced a strong profit outturn in 2025, and we have made a good start to 2026.”

Senza Fondo founder – ‘our ambition is to grow carefully and sustainably’, ‘new format gives us the opportunity to operate in different types of locations’: Joe Worthington, who is behind all-you-can-eat lasagna restaurant Senza Fondo in London’s Shoreditch, has told Propel the company’s ambition is to “grow carefully and sustainably”, and the upcoming launch of a new all-day restaurant deli format gives it the opportunity to “operate in different types of locations and trading patterns”. Former Hawksmoor and Drake & Morgan employee Worthington, who launched Italian-American concept Senza Fondo last February, will open his first regional site next month – the 90-cover Senza Fondeli in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The new venture is a partnership between Worthington and Charlie Sweet, founder of premium mobile bar business, The Cocktail Social. Worthington told Propel: “Our ambition is to grow Senza Fondo carefully and sustainably, building a small group of restaurants that deliver the same energy and hospitality as the original site. The Shoreditch restaurant has proven the concept works and the next step is to bring that experience to other parts of London and the UK. Alongside that, myself and Charlie have developed a complimentary concept in Senza Fondeli that allows the business to evolve. The new format is designed to be more flexible and all-day, focusing on great sandwiches, wine, cocktails and smaller plates alongside the comfort-food pasta DNA of Senza Fondo. It gives us the opportunity to operate in different types of locations and trading patterns while still staying true to the spirit of the business. Think of those affluent commuter towns – Tunbridge Wells being the first. Ultimately the goal is to build a recognisable hospitality brand centred around generous food, big atmosphere, big energy and genuine hospitality — whether that's in a city centre Senza Fondo or our slightly smaller but premium Senza Fondeli.” Worthington said the group’s original site has traded “around £250,000 ahead of forecast” over the last 12 months.

 

Jeremy King reopens Simpson’s in the Strand: Restaurateur Jeremy King has reopened Simpson’s in the Strand. The relaunch of the iconic venue, at 100 The Strand, has begun with the opening of the restored Grand Divan dining room, alongside Simpson's Bar upstairs and, Nellie's Tavern in the basement. By the end of the month, another dining room, the upstairs Romano's, will also have opened. King has opened two new London restaurants under his own name, the Park and Arlington – the latter on the former site of Le Caprice –over the past 18 months. Earlier this month, he told The Guardian that reviving Simpson’s in the Strand will be “the apotheosis of my career”. He said fell in love with Simpson’s 40 years ago and has been courting its owners, the adjacent Savoy hotel, for more than 20. “I have always enjoyed the romance of historical restaurants, but as the last of the grande dame restaurants in London, Simpson’s was always going to be my heart’s desire,” King said. “It is unlikely we will ever see institutions like this again because the excessive cost conspires against profitability.” King will be among the speakers at the first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, which is open for bookings. Over the past 45 years, King has changed the way London eats, creating some of the city’s most iconic dining rooms and restoring others to their former glory. King, who has been described as the greatest living London restaurateur, talks to Propel chief operating officer – editorial, Mark Wingett, about how his return to the sector has gone, what has been different this time and where he sees the restaurant market in the capital going. The conference takes place on Wednesday, 25 March, at the Park Plaza, Victoria. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium subscribers who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com

Lancashire operator Bowland Inns acquires new restaurant, pizzeria and pub with rooms: Lancashire hotel, pub and restaurant operator Bowland Inns & Hotels has acquired a new restaurant, pizzeria and pub with rooms – all in one “hamlet”. Guy’s Thatched Hamlet in Bilsborrow – which was home Guy’s Eating Establishment, Owd Nell’s Canalside Tavern and a 65-room lodge, all set within nine acres of land beside the Lancaster Canal – was put up for sale last month by the Wilkinson family, which had owned the business for 40 years. Bowland plans to reopen “as quickly as possible” and begin a major rolling refurbishment programme “to restore the site to its former glory”. James Warburton, owner of Bowland Inns & Hotels, said: “The Thatched Hamlet is so much more than a pub, restaurant and hotel; it is an iconic destination. It has been a fixture of the north west’s hospitality landscape for more than 40 years. We aim to get the site working again as quickly as possible. We will be investing in the outdoor areas first to try to make the best of the fabulous location, and then we’ll be working our way through the interiors room by room.” Warburton also said Bowland plans to bring some of the events the venue hosted, like the four-day Oyster Festival, along with “a few new ideas”. He added: “We also have plans and ideas to create a unique weddings and events space.” Bowland Inns & Hotels owns and operates the James’ Places group of country inns, hotels, weddings and events venues across the north west, as well as Bowland Brewery in Clitheroe.

SushiDog to open in London’s Westfield Stratford: Quick service sushi roll concept SushiDog is to open its latest site – its 14th – in London’s Westfield Stratford, next month. The business, which was founded by Nick Goldstein and Greg Ilsen in 2018, made its regional debut in January, in Birmingham’s Bullring centre. Ilsen said: “From our first kiosk in Westfield White City in 2018 to now – 14 stores later – it feels special to be opening another site in a Westfield centre. A full circle moment. What started as a small idea has grown into something much bigger than either of us imagined. Ever since we opened Westfield White City, Westfield Stratford has probably been the most frequently requested location for us to open, so we're delighted after many years of me and Nick knocking on the door, SushiDog number 14 will be opening in Westfield Stratford on Saturday, 11 April.” Last year, SushiDog 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.

Oxfordshire coffee shop business opens seventh site, eighth to follow next month: Oxfordshire coffee shop business Missing Bean has opened its seventh site, with an eighth to follow next month. Missing Bean has opened at Alder House in Market Street, Charlbury, Chipping Norton, offering speciality coffee, sweet treats, pastries, sourdough toasties and focaccia. Missing Bean was founded in 2009 by Ori Halup and Vicky Troth, following a trip Halup took to the Chilchos Valley in Peru. Troth said: “Charlbury is my hometown, so when it came to opening a new site for Missing Bean, it only made sense to do it here. The site we’ve chosen is charming; and we’re only an hour outside London, placing us in a location that’s easily accessible to everyone. With the support of the local community, we’ve created a space that celebrates exceptional coffee, where people and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.” Propel previously reported that Missing Bean is also planning to open at state-of-the-art research and science building Trinity, in Oxford Business Park in Cowley – and that site will now open on Tuesday, 14 April.

Padel concept Smash Padel submits plans for site in village on outskirts of Bath: Padel concept Smash Padel has submitted plans for a site in a village on the outskirts of Bath. The company has applied to Bath and North East Somerset Council to build five outdoor padel courts on the former railway station in Bathampton, reports the Local Democracy Service. Smash Padel said: “There are currently no existing padel facilities in the area. Demand for such facilities is growing, particularly for venues to accommodate quality coaching. This is especially important for two young Bath residents who are elite athletes and currently have to travel considerable distances, notably to Smash Padel in Bicester, to access the high-level of coaching they require.” As well as Bicester, Smash Padel has sites in Oxford, Cardiff, Whitstable in Kent and Cuckfield in West Sussex. In 2024, Smash Padel raised almost £1m through a crowdfunding campaign to support its expansion plans.

Husband-and-wife team to open third Greek restaurant in London today: Husband-and-wife team Christina Mouratoglou and Adrien Carré, who are behind Greek restaurants Mazi and Suzi Tros in London’s Notting Hill, will open a third site in the capital today (Thursday, 12 March). Mouratoglou and Carré will launch Maza at 21-25 Bruton Place in Mayfair, accommodating 90 guests. Upstairs, there will be a vinyl listening bar featuring 1970s and 1980s Greek records. Dishes will feature handmade pasta with sea urchin, chicken jus and truffle, and Grandmama’s disco fries topped with shredded veal kokkinisto. Carré has curated what he said was the world’s largest exclusively Greek wine list, featuring more than 150 varieties. The drinks offer will also include cocktails crafted with Greek ingredients and flavours. Carré told Propel in January that he is also planning an international opening, with Abu Dhabi understood to be one of the places on the radar.

Berkshire pizza concept to open third site: Berkshire pizza concept Knead Neapolitan Pizza is to open a third site. The business, which is led by Simon and Olivia Perry and counts Nick Csemiczky, formerly of Byron and ASK Italian, as a director, launched in Maidenhead in 2022 – at Trinity Place in St Ives Road. Knead Neapolitan Pizza opened a second site last summer, in Peach Place, Wokingham, and is now gearing up to open in Windsor, reports The Bracknell News, although the exact location has not yet been revealed.

Chef Aktar Islam to open new Bristol restaurant: Aktar Islam, the chef behind Birmingham’s two-Michelin starred Opheem, is to open a new restaurant in Bristol. Islam will open Kush Bristol in the former The Mint Room site in Clifton, reports Bristol Live. The Mint Room, which was also an Indian restaurant, closed in 2024 after ten years. No opening date has yet been given, but ahead of the official launch, the venue has been hosting a supper club series. Islam is known for his appearances on Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word, The One Show and Saturday Morning Live. Islam is also due to make his London debut this spring with the launch of Oudh 1772 in Borough, as previously reported.

Ukrainian operator to open City of London bar this weekend: Ukrainian operator Artem Skapenko, co-owner of the HRAM and Loggerhead Kyiv bars in Kiev, will open a new City of London bar this weekend. Skapenko will launch FlipDog at 104-122 City Road in Old Street on Saturday (14 March), set across two floors, each with a different drinks list. There will also be a menu of dishes with a mix of European and Asian influences. As at Loggerhead, a 1,200°C iron poker will be put into the drinks “to enhance flavour, texture and aroma”, reports Hot Dinners. There will be a 20-seat space at ground level and an 80-seat room underground.

Dublin padel operator plans to open in Belfast for second site: Dublin padel operator House of Padel is planning to open in Belfast for its second site. House of Padel is seeking permission to change the use of a vacant warehouse in Redcar Street to an indoor padel court facility, including a cafe, changing rooms, gym and pickle courts. The application site comprises a large, rectilinear, two-storey, vacant commercial building that covers a large proportion of the site, with the remainder used for parking and ancillary purposes. An application has been lodged with Belfast City Council. Will McGlade, son of serial entrepreneur Paul McGlade, who founded Champion Sports, is the founder and managing director of House of Padel. Its debut site opened in July 2024, in an industrial estate in Old Belgard Road, near Tallaght.

 

Café business set to return to Nottingham city centre: Café business Økende is set to return to Nottingham city centre. The business has lodged plans to launch in the former Wild Clothing unit in Broad Street. Under the proposals submitted to the city council, Økende would operate an all-day hospitality venue combining a coffee shop, bakery and evening wine bar. Økende already operates a café in Gordon Road in West Bridgford. The business previously had a city centre location in Carrington Street, which closed in 2024.

 

Mansfield set to get new food hall: Mansfield is set to get a new food hall – in the former BHS building in West Gate. No objections have been received by Mansfield District Council to the plans from RG Property. The building has been unoccupied since 2023. The plans include a shared food hall, cookery college and seating area. There would be seven individual vendors serving food, bars, arcade/pool table area, and café/dessert shops. A report said: "No objection has been received from statutory or non-statutory consultees and the development would have clear material benefits, including bringing a vacant building back into use, employment creation and boosting the vitality and viability of the town centre, while helping to secure the future use of the part of the site that is of local historic interest.”