Toca Social president – ambitions for ‘hundreds’ of venues worldwide, confirms Americas expansion and sees huge potential in ‘under-served’ European leisure market: Alex Harman, president of interactive football bar concept Toca Social, has told Propel the company has ambitions for “hundreds” of venues worldwide, and while confirming further expansion in the Americas, said he sees huge potential in an “under-served” European leisure market. Toca Social, which has three UK venues, is gearing up to make its US debut in March, at Dallas Forth-Worth, and will follow that with its first continental European site in the second quarter, at La Defense in Paris – Europe’s largest central business district. Like its most recent opening, at Westfield White City, the Paris site will launch in partnership with Westfield owner URW. Harman previously said he is aiming for 20 UK sites in the long term – and the company is in talks and seeking sites to expand here. In terms of Toca Social’s global ambitions, Harman said: “It’s definitely hundreds of venues worldwide; it has a universal appeal. Football is the world’s largest sport by far, so we’ve always designed Toca Social to be a global concept and to travel well overseas. We feel the European leisure market is very under-served, particularly from competitive socialising, and there’s nothing close to what we’re doing at the moment. The UK, if you like, invented competitive socialising as we know it today, and that spread very quickly to the US, which is now just as mature as the UK is. I think a lot of the socio-economic factors that led to the development of the industry here are also present in continental Europe but it hasn’t had the spark as early. That said, it’s coming, and we are seeing competitive socialising operators opening in continental Europe, and by all accounts, doing very well. There is no fundamental reason, in my view, why the industry should be less developed there. I think it just needs time, and investment from people like us, to do it. We have an active pipeline in the US and are finalising some leases, and the next one will hopefully open at the beginning of next year. The US launch is phenomenal timing, with the World Cup coming up just after we launch. We’re also lucky to have two fantastic franchise partners in central America, Groupo Boco in Guatemala, which is going to be taking the Costa Rica and Dominican Republic markets too, and Ventura Entertainment in Mexico.” Harman also said visitation has been strong at the Westfield site, which launched last summer, and the partnership there with virtual reality brand Sandbox VR has been a success. He added: “It’s developed into more than just a concession partnership in that we’ve been able to cross-sell events and the experiences work really well in tandem. We’ll look to do similar partnerships in future locations.” In terms of potential future investment, Harman added: “We have ambitious global plans, which generally require capital to finance them. How exactly that happens, we can’t say, but we’re definitely not ruling further investment out.” The 2025 Experiential Leisure Report, the second year of Propel’s exhaustive report on the market, is now available. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It also provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes 197 companies, marking a 10% growth in the sector since 2024’s study, with 3,700 sites. The report is available free to Premium Club subscribers. 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.

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive updated Multi-Site Database with 3,518 operators and 31 new companies tomorrow: Premium Club subscribers are to receive the updated Multi-Site Database tomorrow (Friday, 30 January), at midday. The next Propel Multi-Site Database provides details of 3,518 multi-site operators and is searchable in seven main segments. The database features 1,019 (29%) operators from the casual dining sector, 803 (23%) pub and bar operators, 617 (18%) cafe bakery operators, 496 (14%) quick service restaurant operators, 289 (8%) hotel operators, 237 (7%) experiential leisure operators and 55 (2%) fine dining operators. The database is updated each month, and this edition includes 31 new companies. The database includes new companies in the hotel sector such as Worcestershire hotel operator Spirit Ventures and hotel group Distinct Group. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five additional databases: the New Openings Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, 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.

Butcombe Group CEO – ‘government support is welcome to an extent, but certainly not cause for celebration’: Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of Butcombe Group, has welcomed the government’s support relating to business rates “to an extent” but called on it to make good on its promise to “truly reform” the rates system for the whole of hospitality. Lawson said: “It is better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, but certainly not cause for celebration. I would make three key points. Firstly, the government has still yet to deliver on its own promises to truly reform business rates for hospitality, and also for retail – a promise that was made first in October 2024 in Rachel Reeves’ first Budget, and a promise that was reiterated prior to last November’s budget. Secondly, any positive impact from this announcement now pales in significance versus other costs, taxations etc that we are already dealing with. The increase to national insurance contributions for employers is a prime example of that. To suggest this is some form of stimulus for our businesses is quite misguided. Thirdly, the government should be backing pubs and should be backing the whole of hospitality. We are a vibrant sector. We employ more than three million people. We play a crucial role within the communities that we operate. We are in a position to strongly contribute to GDP growth. If the government provides us the environment to invest and to grow jobs, this is exactly what we want to do. Aggressive growth of national minimum and living wage, for me, is counterintuitive when we have a youth unemployment rate of 15%. The government needs to do more to understand business and let us do what it wants us to do, which is to grow and contribute to a growing UK economy.” Richard Lewis, chief executive of RedCat Hospitality, said the business rates support for pubs is “a step in the right direction but “doesn’t touch the sides of what is required”. He added: “Hospitality is not a one size fits all model, and many venues have had to change and diversify away from a ‘traditional’ pub format in order to simply survive. The government’s choice to only focus this relief on ‘traditional’ pubs paints a complicated view for mixed-purpose venues – risking them falling through the cracks of a system. We need swift action from the government for a proper and thorough review of business rates; one that unites the sector, not divides it. If the government fails to this before April, the future, let alone the economic growth, of retail and hospitality sectors hangs in the balance.” Butcombe Group makes senior leadership changes – see Company News

 

Welsh government urged to bring forward business rates support for hospitality: UKHospitality Cymru is calling for the Welsh government to use new funding to help hospitality in the country, following the support announced for pubs in England. Downing Street announced on Tuesday (27 January) that pubs and grassroots live-music venues will get a 15% cut to new business rates bills from April. This will be followed by a two-year real-terms freeze, as well as a review into the method used to value them for business rates. David Chapman, executive director of UKHospitality Cymru, said: “The business rates system is broken and now it’s in danger of breaking hospitality businesses in Wales. Welsh hospitality faces an April cliff-edge because of huge rates hikes, totalling a colossal £122m increase over the next three years. It is vital that every penny Welsh government receives as a result of the new hospitality financial support announced in England – and even more, if possible – is committed to a sector-wide solution to alleviate these damaging increases. I would urge it to engage with us on a package of support measures to reduce business rates bills from April, which will help protect employment and local communities. It can also help begin the process of growth that the nation desperately needs.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a luxury hotel in Ireland that is seeking a director of rooms. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This role requires a highly polished, strategic and experienced rooms division leader with a background in high-end hospitality and delivering world-class guest experiences. The role will provide strategic and operational leadership across all areas including overseeing departmental budgets, P&L, forecasts, labour planning and capex strategies.” The salary is up to €90,000 and the position is based in County Clare, Ireland. For more information, email ed@corecruitment.com.

 

Chopstix opens debut site in France, targets 50 outlets over next three years: Chopstix, the fast-growing, quick service restaurant brand backed by QSRP, has opened its debut site in France, in Paris, with plans to open 50 restaurants across the country over the next three years. Located in the Bastille district at 58 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine (Paris 12th arrondissement), the company said the opening marks “a key step” in its European growth strategy. The company, which operates more than 170 restaurants in the UK and Ireland, plans to roll out its presence in France from the second half of 2026, using different store formats “tailored to locations and customer types”. The brand will initially develop in the Île-de-France region before gradually expanding to the rest of the country. The Paris site is the first restaurant operated by the company outside the UK, with a local head office and a dedicated team in the French market. Alessandro Preda, chief executive of QSRP, said: “The arrival of Chopstix in France is a key step in our strategy of diversification and expansion in Europe. The French market is demanding and particularly influential. While Paris is naturally our entry point, we have ambitions for rapid deployment in major cities and the provinces. Chopstix’s positioning, at the crossroads of fast service and quality pan-Asian cuisine, meets the expectations of consumers throughout the country.” Jon Lake, chief executive of Chopstix Group, added: “The launch of the first Chopstix site outside the UK and Ireland marks a huge moment for the business as we move into international expansion and cement our position as the leading Asian quick service restaurant brand on the continent. This Paris site also represents a significant milestone in our strategic partnership with QSRP, which has accelerated our growth and placed us in an incredible position to grow our footprint in France and beyond.”

 

Exclusive – Freight Island to expand to Leeds after securing Trinity Kitchen space ahead of £15m redevelopment: Freight Island, the entertainment and dining business, has secured a partnership to make the Trinity Kitchen space in Leeds its fourth location, ahead of a £15m redevelopment of the food hall, Propel has learned. Freight Island, which has sites in Manchester and London’s Brixton and is also launching in , Newcastle, has partnered with Landsec, owner of shopping centre Trinity Leeds for the expansion and redevelopment of Trinity Kitchen. The partnership forms a key part of Freight Island’s national growth strategy, working with landlords to bring its model to major urban centres and drive long-term footfall. The project will see the overall space expand by 30,000 square feet to create a 63,000 square-foot food and leisure destination. The expanded Trinity Kitchen will place a stronger emphasis on independent food and drink operators, flexible trading formats and curated, entertainment-led programming, with spaces designed for live music, DJs, sports screenings and cultural and community events. Dan Morris, managing director of Freight Island, said: “Trinity Kitchen is an iconic Leeds destination with a decade-long reputation for championing independent food traders and creating a genuinely social dining experience. This project allows us to build on what Trinity Kitchen already does so well, while introducing new energy, scale and creativity through an expanded food and leisure offer, a new entertainment space and a standout rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Leeds is a city with a powerful cultural identity and a thriving creative and food scene – and we look forward to working closely with Landsec and Trinity Leeds to create a destination that supports local operators, creates jobs, nurtures homegrown talent and delivers something special for the city.” In terms of trading, Morris told Propel: “2025 was our best year in Manchester, driven by an excellent programme of events and a renewed focus on the core dining experience. This included a refreshed line-up of food traders, which we are excited to build on in 2026. Our focus is on delivering these large, unique new projects, while also having some great options in the pipeline to support our continued growth.”

 

Group behind open-world immersive adventure Phantom Peak receives investment to open new venue in London’s Westfield Stratford City and ‘multiple new projects around the world’: The League of Adventure, the group behind Phantom Peak, the open-world immersive adventure, has received investment that will see it open a new venue in London’s Westfield Stratford City and “multiple new projects around the world”. The investment, from European private equity investor SenSee, brings together The League of Adventure’s three companies – Phantom Peak, Tandem Set & Scenery and Spectre & Vox – under one group as a new live experience creative studio. Media and entrepreneurial veteran Wil Harris has been hired as group managing director to oversee its expansion. Launched in 2022 at Canada Water, Phantom Peak has welcomed more than 160,000 visitors and said it has a 25% repeat rate. Phantom Peak offers a fully immersive town filled with characters to meet, interactive quests to complete and carnival and arcade games. The whole experience is tied together with an underlying story that evolves and moves forward with a change of seasons every three to four months. The Westfield Stratford City site will be a multi-level, accessible venue with three distinct areas: an underground industrial mining town, a modern town square and one set around an indoor lake. Co-founder and creative director Nick Moran said: “As an original British IP in the immersive and competitive socialising space, Phantom Peak has been built around bold world-building, shared discovery, and unforgettable moments. This next chapter marks an exciting evolution of the concept.” Harris said: “Partnering with SenSee will allow us to move forward quickly, not just with our new London venue, but with multiple new projects around the world and in the digital space.”

 

Panmure Liberum – ‘Marston’s rates bill saving could be circa £4m’, ‘new formats delivering average revenue uplifts of 23%’: Anna Barnfather, analyst at Panmure Liberum, has forecast that Marston’s is set for a circa £4m saving on its business rates bill after the government’s support package, and said the sites it has converted to new formats are delivering average revenue uplifts of 23%. It comes after Marston’s said it saw a strong trading performance over the festive period, where like-for-like sales increased 4%, while like-for-like sales for the 17 weeks to 24 January 2026 “remained resilient”, with performance tracking in line with the prior year. Barnfather said: “We expect sales growth to accelerate as the year progresses and leave our assumption for like-for-like sales growth of 2.5% in the full year unchanged. An enhanced order and pay platform launched in March 2025, and now live across the entire managed estate, is supporting a 10% increase in spend per guest and improving sales mix through upselling and premiumisation and operational efficiency. The company’s ‘right people, right time’ labour model has been successful in offsetting national insurance and minimum wage increases, which annualise from April 2026. Cost pressures remain manageable within the context of its ongoing efficiency programme. As a result, management expects to deliver further margin uplifts in the year ahead, which would provide upside to our forecasts for flat Ebitda margin of 22.8%. Changes in business rates may also add upside, not currently in forecasts. We are awaiting further detail, but this could be up to circa £4m based on 15% of its circa £25m annual rates bill. Marston’s completed 31 format conversions during its 2025 financial year, comprising 21 Two-Doors, five Grandstands and five Woodie’s. These were delivered on time and within budget. Furthermore, these have received strong guest feedback and delivered average revenue uplifts of 23% and return on invested capital of more than 30% on average capex per renovation of £260,000. Marston’s is accelerating this roll-out with at least 50 further conversions in its 2025 financial year, weighting to the first half, with 23 already completed in the first quarter, while remaining within its 7%-8% capex-to-revenue range. We forecast capex of £69m in FY26 (from £55m in FY25) equivalent to 7.5% of sales.”

 

Travelodge slams government for making trading ‘more challenging’: Travelodge has warned recent government policies have made trading conditions “more challenging” after the sector missed out on fresh business rates relief. The criticism came in a trading update published a day after the Treasury confirmed fresh tax support for pubs and live-music venues. Travelodge chief executive Jo Boydell said the decision showed a lack of understanding of the hotel industry’s economic contribution. “Higher rates and a lack of bespoke support, together with wider regulatory cost increases, sends the message that the government does not understand the economic value that our sector delivers,” she said. Travelodge, which operates 625 hotels across the UK, expects its annual business rates bill to jump from £38m last year to £50m from April, warning of further sharp increases as transitional relief is phased out. The company warned the current policy environment risks undermining investment at a time when operators are already grappling with substantial increases in business rates. Despite the pressures, Travelodge reported improved financial performance in 2025. Group revenue rose 0.7% to £1.04bn for the year to 31 December 2025, with fourth quarter revenue up 4.3% to £261m. Demand was boosted by major events including the World Travel Market at London’s ExCeL, England’s autumn rugby international against Australia at Twickenham, and Premier League and European football fixtures. The company also completed its largest development programme in more than a decade, opening 21 new UK hotels and signing additional pipeline deals in the UK and Spain. Boydell said the business remained confident about its outlook, adding Travelodge is “well placed for medium‑term growth” due to its brand strength and broad customer base.

 

Caprice Holdings strengthens management team with chief marketing and people hires: Caprice Holdings, the Richard Caring-backed, high-end restaurant business that operates ten sites across the UK, has strengthened its management team after hiring Alix Pickard and Natalie Tait as its new chief marketing officer and chief people officer, respectively, Propel has learned. Pickard joins Caprice Holdings after a year as chief marketing officer at the Bagatelle Group. Previous to that, she spent four years at the Tao Hospitality Group, including 15 months as director of international marketing. She also spent eight years at the Hakkasan Group, including six years as its director of marketing. Tait, who is chief people officer across Caprice Holdings, The Ivy Collection and Harry’s, spent almost five years at Artfarm, including 15 months as its chief people officer. Previous to that, she spent four and a half years as HR director at the Home House Collection, and five years at D&D London, including three and a half years as a HR business partner. 

 

Doner Shack founder – ‘next few months are going to be monumental’, signs on 16th US state: Sanjeev Sanghera, co-founder of Doner Shack, the Berlin fast casual kebab brand, has said the next few months for the business “are going to be monumental”, as the company signed up its 16th US state. The brand’s first international site opened in India in the Bandra West area of Mumbai, at the corner of Linking Road and Waterfield Road, last September. Doner Shack is also on track to have locations open in at least eight US states by the end of 2026. The business is also gearing up to triple its presence in the UK with two new sites in Glasgow opening by the end of March. Sanghera said: “Doner Shack has signed a multi-unit development agreement in Atlanta, Georgia, with experienced operators Saif Momin and Mohmad Momin. Georgia becomes our 16th US state, marking another major milestone in our North American expansion. With multiple multi-unit development agreements already signed nationwide, I’m excited about what’s ahead and the strength of our 2026 pipeline. The momentum we’re seeing across the US reinforces our belief that the market is ready for a premium quick service restaurant kebab brand built on quality, systems, and strong local operators. Hoardings are now going up across the US as franchisees secure permits and move into the construction phase. The next few months are going to be monumental for Doner Shack.”

 

Adam Breeden joins No Strings vehicle as an advisor: Adam Breeden, co-founder of F1 Arcade, Flight Club Darts, Puttshack and Bounce, has joined soon-to-launch padel club operator No Strings as an advisor. Propel reported earlier this month that entrepreneur Dov Penzik, who co-founded Bounce with Breeden, had launched a fundraising round to back the launch of what he said will be the “Topgolf/Flight Club experience for padel”. Through his No Strings vehicle, which he founded with hospitality entrepreneur Charlie Myers, Penzik is looking to build a “national portfolio of innovative padel clubs that combine elite-level play with elevated social experiences”, starting in the US. Breeden will focus his time with No Strings consulting on brand positioning, venue design, corporate development and licensing strategy, as the company prepares to open its first flagship location in the third or fourth quarter of this year. No Strings recently also hired Joey Gonzalez, chief executive of gym brand Barry’s, as an advisor, and is raising a $6m seed round with assistance from Oakwell Sports Advisory. No Strings closed a $1.3m pre-seed last March.

 

Butcombe Group makes senior leadership changes: Butcombe Group, formerly Liberation Group, has announced two senior leadership changes that it said will support the business as it “continues to drive growth across its whole estate”. From next week (Saturday, 1 February), Cat Moseley will take on the newly created role of chief experience officer, where she will oversee the group’s marketing function, alongside her existing leadership of the people team. The company said that since joining the business two years ago, Moseley has made a “significant impact, bringing extensive hospitality and branded casual dining experience that will be invaluable as Butcombe Group continues to strengthen its position across pubs, boutique inns and brewing”. Alongside this, Richard Maslin will assume the title of group property and commercial director, taking on additional responsibility for Butcombe Group’s tenanted division. The company said that over nearly six years at the business, Maslin has played a central role in estate planning, investment strategy and major acquisitions and integrations. Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of Butcombe Group, said: “As we come to the end of a busy and successful year, these appointments further strengthen our senior leadership team and reinforce our commitment to delivering a best‑in‑class experience for both colleagues and customers. Cat’s new role reflects the huge impact she has already made across the business, and her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to elevate our people proposition and enhance the guest experience across every part of our estate. Richard has also been a driving force behind our growth, and his expanded remit will ensure we continue to invest in and develop our portfolio. Both Cat and Richard bring exceptional expertise, energy and passion to their roles, and I’m confident they will play a pivotal role in the next phase of our growth.”

 

Wagamama to open Birmingham airport site: Wagamama, The Restaurant Group-owned brand, will open a new venue at Birmingham airport as part of a significant investment by the regional transport hub in its departures lounge. The new 180-cover Wagamama will be one of three new restaurants and a new executive lounge within the departures lounge to open in phases during this year. Located between Gates 1 to 20 and the main departures lounge, the new reconfigured airside space will connect all areas of the airside terminal and feature a variety of new openings. In addition to restaurants, the space will include a new executive business lounge. Richard Gill, commercial director of Birmingham airport, said: “From much-loved high-street brands to Birmingham airport-first exclusives, our new dining options will diversify our airside hospitality options and provide new pre-flight dining experiences. By effectively reconfiguring space, the new development will also improve the passenger experience with a cohesive and connected departures lounge.” Wagamama expects to open eight to 12 new franchise sites in 2026, including entry to “several new regions with new partners”, and to open five or six new openings across the UK and Ireland in 2026.

 

Wingstop UK to open fourth Bristol site: Wingstop UK, which is backed by US private equity firm Sixth Street, is to open its fourth location in Bristol. The company has signed a 15-year lease for a 4,500 square-foot unit at Cribbs Venue. The restaurant will join its outlets in Cabot Circus, Eastgate Road and Queen's Road. The company currently operates 86 sites across the UK and employs more than 3,000 people, with plans to grow to as many as 200 sites within the next five years. Last month, Wingstop UK opened its debut site in Ireland, at the Liffey Valley shopping centre in Dublin. Sovereign Centros from CBRE is asset manager for Cribbs on behalf of M&G Real Estate, while Time Retail Partners and Cushman & Wakefield are retained letting agents for the centre, with Green & Partners retained in the leasing advisory role.

 

Maki & Ramen plans opening in London’s Old Street: Japanese restaurant concept Maki & Ramen has added a site in London’s Old Street to its opening pipeline. The business, which was founded by Teddy Lee in 2015 and is led by Michael Salvador, is set to open a site at 2 Old Street Yards. Earlier this month, Propel revealed Maki & Ramen had added sites at London’s The O2 scheme and in Southampton to its 2026 opening pipeline. The group’s expansion strategy for 2026 includes ten new openings, with eight already under offer. The company has openings lined up in Birmingham’s New King Street, and at Lakeside in Essex. Savills is advising Maki & Ramen on its expansion plans.

 

Ellen Chew to open third Arôme Bakery site: Singaporean restaurateur Ellen Chew will open the third site under her Arôme Bakery concept this spring. Chew and co-founder Alix Andre have secured a 900 square-foot site in Shaftesbury Capital’s Chinatown London, at 92 Shaftesbury Avenue. Chew already operates two Arôme Bakery sites, under partnership agreements, in Covent Garden and Duke Street, as part of her wider portfolio in the capital. The new location will focus on grab-and-go, serving a selection of the concept’s favourite bakes and, for the first time, seasonal soft serve. The menu combines traditional French pastry craft with innovative East Asian flavours. Chew said: “Our relationship with Shaftesbury Capital is one that has proven incredibly rewarding, working with them now for more than 18 years, so it felt right that we select Chinatown London for Arôme. Whether we are welcoming tourists, residents or office workers, we know that the people who come to this part of the West End are seeking exactly what we’re offering – authenticity enhanced through innovation.” Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, aded: “Ellen has a deep understanding of Chinatown London, with Rasa Sayang and nearby Singapulah going from strength to strength, so it’s great for us to be partnering with her again, alongside Alix Andre. Arôme Bakery has a unique offer and product, which is a recipe for success in a place that already has a curious and well-informed customer base.” As well as the Arôme Bakery sites, Rasa Sayang and Singapulah, Chew is also behind Shanu Shui in Bicester Village and Heathrow airport, Shan Shui Social in London’s Victoria, Mrs Chew’s Chinese Kitchen in Westfield White City, Westfield Stratford and Birmingham, and Lobos Tapas in Soho and London Bridge (also under partnership agreement).

 

Central London hotel group reports record turnover of £141m with profit jumping to £11.8m but warns macroeconomic conditions ‘becoming ‘increasingly challenging’: Hotel group Imperial London has reported turnover increased to a record £147,128,363 for the year ending 30 April 2025 compared with £140,950,937 the previous year as occupancy levels “continued to increase” but warned macroeconomic conditions are becoming “increasingly challenging”. Of the 2025 figure, £133,972,889 came from hotel operations (2024: £128,284,674), £9,550,869 from property trading and investments (2024: £9,568,169) and £3,604,605 from other income (2024: £3,098,094). The company, which operates six hotels in Central London, saw pre-tax profit jump to £11,810,762 from £3,210,970 the year before as administration expenses were cut by more than £4.5m. The group continued its refurbishment programme, spending £46.0m (2024: £27.3m). In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “The last two years have shown strong growth in revenue from the group's hotels, as occupancy levels have continued to increase. This has been largely driven from the recovery of overseas visitors as well as the short-stay staycation market. Macroeconomic conditions are becoming increasingly challenging, but tight operational cost efficiencies have resulted in an increase in profit for the year. The UK hotel sector is facing a potentially volatile period of trading, with the increase in costs, rise in employment taxes and potentially weakening consumer confidence putting pressure on profitability and the ability to deliver personalised and effective guest experience.”

 

Reel to open new cinema in County Durham: Independent cinema operator Reel is to open a new site in Bishop Auckland, in County Durham. The seven-screen venue will launch at the town’s new retail and leisure park on Friday, 27 March, completing phase one of the wider development. The seven-screen venue will feature a licensed bar, coffee shop, hot food offer and bookable spaces for events. Sunil Suri, director of Reel, which has 15 sites nationwide and celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, said: “Very few towns blend heritage and culture quite like Bishop Auckland. You can feel the town investing in its next chapter – building on its roots with new spaces for people and community to come together – and it’s a privilege for a family-owned independent like ours to play a small role in that.”

 

Indian gastropub operator Soho Tavern acquires eighth site, two more in pipeline: Indian gastropub operator Soho Tavern Group has acquired its eighth site – with two more in the pipeline. The company has added Berry Brook Farm in Wednesfield on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. The deal follows the opening of its seventh venue – the former Greene King-owned Old School House pub site in Mere Green – at the end of last year. The company, which was founded in 2014 by brothers Mikey and Danny Singh, is also progressing on two further sites, in Leicester and Leeds. Mikey Singh said: “We’re delighted to be bringing Berry Brook Farm into the Soho Tavern family. It’s a well-known local landmark and a site with huge potential. Our focus will be on sensitively revitalising the venue, enhancing the offer for the community, and delivering the quality of food, drink and atmosphere that Soho Tavern has become known for, with the ambition of creating a standout Black Country destination.” WTS Property Consultants acted for Soho Tavern Group while Matt Phillips, of Matthew Phillips Surveyors, represented the vendor.

 

Owners of Suffolk country estate acquire hotel: The owners of a Suffolk country estate have added a hotel to their portfolio in the region. In a deal led by Everard Cole, husband-and-wife team Charles and Harriet Buckle have completed the freehold acquisition of the Angel Hotel in Lavenham. Family-owned Nedging Hall, which covers 5,000 acres in the Suffolk countryside between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich, is a collection of hospitality businesses and includes award-winning pub with rooms The Crown in Bildeston; Suffolk country pub The Lindsey Rose; country house Nedging Hall; and Mauldons Brewery. The Buckles said: “We are thrilled to have purchased The Angel – it has been serving the village of Lavenham since first licensed in 1420. We have a considerable amount of work to do but we can’t wait to open the doors once more. To now own The Angel surrounded by so much heritage is a dream come true. We are confident The Angel will be a great addition to Lavenham once more. It’s an exciting time for Nedging Hall Estate as we expand our offering into a thriving town.”

 

Former Lakeshore Leisure CEO’s new holiday park business acquires two more sites: Former Lakeshore Leisure chief executive Stephen Twiss’ new holiday park business has acquired two more sites. Twiss founded Evergreen Escapes Group at the end of last year with the aim of operating 15-20 sites within the next five years. Its first acquisition, last September, was The Manor and Ashbury Resorts in Okehampton, Devon. The group has now agreed to buy Hoburne Doublebois and Hoburne St Mabyn from Hoburne Holidays, in a multimillion-pound deal. The parks will be known as Doublebois Lodge Escape and St Mabyn Lodge Escape. Evergreen is planning “significant investment” in the accommodation and facilities at both sites in a bid to attract “aspirational” holiday guests and lodge owners, it said. Geoff Cowley, chief executive at Evergreen Escapes Group, said: “Doublebois and St Mabyn will bring to life the ‘escape the urban’ ethos at the heart of our business and growing portfolio, embodying our core values of space, tranquillity and exceptional quality. Both parks have benefited from years of outstanding stewardship by Hoburne, and we are proud to be able to continue that legacy.” All employees are being offered the chance to carry on working for Evergreen Escapes Group, the company added. Jim Forward, chief executive at Hoburne Holidays, said the disposal of its two Cornish parks would create “new opportunities” for investment in the company's remaining locations. Hoburne has sites in Dorset, south Devon, Somerset, Hampshire and the Cotswolds. “Doublebois and St Mabyn have provided tranquil experiences for many thousands of holidaymakers and owners over the years,” he added. “We’ll be sad to see them leave the Hoburne family, but having worked closely with the Evergreen leadership team on this deal, we have no doubt they are in very safe hands.”

 

Verdant Leisure investing more than £5m in holiday park portfolio: Holiday park operator Verdant Leisure, which operates 11 sites across the UK, has said it is investing £5m across its portfolio, alongside a brand refresh designed to give each park a clearer individual identity. Verdant said the updated branding, now live across its digital and outdoor channels, puts local heritage, landscape and community at the heart of each site’s offer. Alongside this, the operator is spending £2m to upgrade its accommodation – introducing 75 new lodges, holiday homes and caravans this spring. This includes its first neurodivergent-friendly caravan, launching at Riverside Wooler in Northumberland, designed with specialist features and supported by tailored staff training. New four-bed lodges will also be introduced at the park, while Thurston Manor will welcome high-end S-Pod glamping-style accommodation. A further £1.6m is being invested in food and drink venues across Verdant’s portfolio. Heather View, in Weardale, will relaunch its hospitality offer as The Curious Grouse, while Riverside Wooler is set to open The Canny Owl, featuring a restaurant, bar, leisure facilities and upgraded swimming pool with a new sauna and plunge pool. Mike Wilmot, chief executive of Verdant, said: “This is a really exciting time as we go live with our brand refresh and invest in the facilities and accommodation on our fabulous holiday parks. Each park’s identity now plays reference to local wildlife and its natural beauty.” 

  

London & Regional Hotels to embark on £10m transformation of Teddington resort: London & Regional Hotels – which owns and manages an extensive hotel portfolio across the UK, Europe, US and the Caribbean – is to embark on a £10m transformation of The Lensbury in Teddington, south west London, in the spring. The project will see the renovation of the Club House restaurant, reception and Club House guestrooms. Throughout the programme, the resort will remain fully operational. Claire Llewellin-Davis, managing director of The Lensbury, said: “This investment marks a new chapter for The Lensbury. Our goal is to create beautifully refreshed spaces that honour the resort’s heritage while delivering an elevated experience.” The Lensbury is a four-star resort combining a hotel, conference centre and leisure club. Established in 1920 as a sports club, it has evolved into a modern resort to offer 155 guest rooms, restaurant, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness suites, tennis courts, padel and pickleball courts, and riverside outdoor spaces. Ian and Richard Livingstone created London & Regional Hotels in 1990.

 

Two Delta by Marriott branded hotels go on market: Two Delta by Marriott branded hotels have gone on the market. Christie & Co has been instructed to market the hotels in Newcastle and Preston. Delta Hotels by Marriott Preston is a Victorian manor house and full-service hotel with 149 bedrooms and extensive conference and meeting facilities, set within 11 acres of parkland. The hotel also offers a restaurant, bar and lounge, and a leisure club with a gym, swimming pool and spa facilities. Having undergone significant investment in recent years, with a full refurbishment in 2023, the hotel has operated under a new franchise agreement from August 2025. Delta Hotels by Marriott Newcastle Gateshead, situated next to The Metrocentre, has 150 bedrooms, a bar, a restaurant, a leisure centre and a range of function suites. The hotel has also undergone significant investment in recent years, with a refurbishment in 2023, and has operated under a new franchise agreement since May 2025. Offers are being invited for both hotels.