- Time Out Market will finally make its UK debut, with its first location opening at The Crown Estate’s landmark 10 Piccadilly development in London’s West End in the first half of 2028. Spanning 26,400sq ft across three floors of the Grade II-listed 55 Regent Street building, the venue will bring together around 15 restaurants, bars and food concepts, showcasing a mix of established names and up-and-coming operators. The opening marks a significant milestone for the Time Out brand, which was founded in London in 1968 and has since expanded its market concept to 13 locations across nine countries. It also brings to an end a long search for a London home, following rejected plans near Spitalfields in 2016 and plans for Waterloo which were shelved in 2021.
- Harts Group is gearing up to launch an ‘exciting new project’ in London’s Borough this autumn. Although details of the concept are still under wraps, CEO Sam Hart says the announcement comes as the hospitality group continues to explore expansion opportunities across the UK. In the year ending 31 July 2025, Harts Group increased turnover by almost 8% to £39.5m, while EBITDA across the group, whose portfolio encompasses its flagship Barrafina brand as well as smaller and individual formats including Parrillan, El Pastor, Quo Vadis, Bar Daskal, The Drop and Two Drops, rose from £2.3m to £2.9m, despite ongoing pressure from rising costs. The group is also considering regional growth, including a potential El Pastor opening in Manchester, although Hart says it will wait for greater clarity on the Government’s financial plans.
- Australian frozen yoghurt brand Yo-Chi is making its UK and European debut this month with the opening of a site in Notting Hill. The Melbourne-founded business has chosen London for its first European location following what it describes as strong demand from UK consumers and the success of its first international opening in Singapore. The 2,000sq ft venue will accommodate more than 120 guests across two floors and feature the brand’s self-serve concept, offering nine frozen yoghurt flavours and more than 30 toppings, with customers building their own bowls and paying by weight. The frozen yoghurt is made using ‘real Australian cows’ milk’ rather than powdered mixes, according to Yo-Chi, and contains live probiotics. The range also includes dairy-free, vegan-friendly, gluten-friendly and nut-free options.
- Pizza Express has confirmed Stevenage as the location of the first UK restaurant for Houston Hot Chicken, with the US fried chicken brand set to open its doors in October. The launch marks the first of three planned UK openings this year following Pizza Express’ acquisition of the brand’s UK franchise rights. Known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, the concept serves tenders, sandwiches, waffles and nuggets. Customers can choose from a range of spice levels, including the signature ‘Houston, We Have A Problem’ option, which measures two million Scoville Heat Units and requires customers to sign a waiver before ordering.
- Michelin-starred restaurant Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall is set to close later this month following the departure of its chef patron. The 35-cover Norwich restaurant, which is the city’s only current Michelin-starred venue, will serve its final guests on 22 August after Mark Poynton stepped down from his position as chef-patron after four and a half years. Poynton joined the business as a partnership in 2022 and the 35-cover restaurant opened in March 2023 as a tasting menu-only venue. The chef announced his decision on social media with ‘a heavy heart’, saying that his focus would now be on his Ancient Shepherds by Mark Poynton restaurant. In a statement, the team behind Caistor Hall said it had made the ‘very difficult decision’ to close, explaining that changes at Caistor Hall meant it did not feel right to continue without Poynton.