LONG READ
Med ahead: a decade of Brother Marcus
The East Mediterranean dining brand celebrates 10 years of growth in a challenging market, strengthening its London presence while keeping expansion beyond the capital on the horizon.
Business & Legislation
Zero-hours contract reforms could cost employers up to £2.9bn a year
New Government modelling of different options for its zero-hours contract reforms estimates the measures could cost employers between £350m and £2.9bn a year.
Is your business ready for Martyn’s Law?
A law that requires certain public venues to improve public safety and preparedness against terrorist attacks is expected to come into full force in spring 2027, but businesses should start preparing for it now.
Westminster Council insists it is ‘not banning’ standing drinking in Soho pubs
Westminster City Council (WCC) has insisted it is not planning to ban people from standing with a drink in Soho pubs, after headlines claimed the authority wanted to stop ‘vertical drinking’ as part of a new licensing policy.
Itsu names joint managing directors
Itsu has promoted Greg Thorp and Tom Springett to joint managing directors of its restaurant business, with CEO Clive Schlee moving back into a director’s role on the board.
Wagamama enters joint venture in India as it plots 100 sites across the subcontinent
The Restaurant Group (TRG) has entered a multi-million-pound joint venture with Charcoal Concepts to accelerate the expansion of Wagamama across India.
Insight
The man leading the revival of Individual Restaurants
With its revitalised Piccolino brand and new Neapolitan pizza concept Forbici on the up, CEO Andrew Garton has found a rich vein of form at the Italian-focused group.
Michelin-starred Norwich restaurant closes
Michelin-starred restaurant Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall is closing following the departure of its chef patron.
Harts Group teases new concept as turnover rises
Harts Group will launch an ‘exciting new project’ this autumn in London’s Borough.
Domino’s reports strong half-year trading
Domino’s has reported an increase in revenue of 6.7% to £353.6m in its latest financials.
Wingstop UKI sees profits soar
Wingstop UKI has reported a 78% spike in pre-tax profits thanks to strong sales growth and cost efficiencies.
Anthony Demetre’s Vermuteria closes
Anthony Demetre has closed his 45-cover vermouth bar and restaurant in London’s Coal Drops Yard after eight years.
Lolly brings in hospitality specialist Ed Gardner to strengthen its offer
UK hospitality software house Lolly has brought in hospitality and drinks sector specialist Ed Gardner as a consultant to strengthen its offering for the managed multiple retail sector.
My Delhi makes Birmingham debut with Indian restaurant purchase
Much-loved Birmingham Indian restaurant Itihaas has been taken on by growing independent restaurant group My Delhi, ensuring the future of the city venue.
Premium Berkeley Square property hits the market
Premium address 28 Berkeley Square has hit the market with a guide price of £27.5m.
Up for the Vraic: how Nathan Davies put Guernsey back on the culinary map
When the former SY23 chef upped sticks and took his family over to Guernsey to open Vraic it was a gamble that has since paid off. With a Michelin star under his belt, he’s now aiming for even greater things.
“The financials simply don’t work”: Steve Drake’s Dorking restaurant Sorrel closes
Steve Drake has closed his Michelin-starred Dorking restaurant Sorrel with immediate effect just months after it was put up for sale.
Bistro Cocotte and a string of other new London restaurants to open as part of newly formed Maisons Vivantes group
The founder of rotisserie restaurant group Cocotte is opening a new version of the brand in September as part of a newly-formed restaurant group.
5 Boroughs Pizza in Winchester closes after two-year run
New York-inspired pizzeria 5 Boroughs Pizza in Winchester has closed.
Comment
The cavalry is a welcome opening move. Now it’s time for the heavy artillery
Andy Burnham’s decision not to include restaurants and cafes in his rates cut has been met with disbelief. Could he have other intentions for the wider sector?
Hospitality sites flat in second quarter after rapid churn of closures and openings
More than 1,800 hospitality sites closed between March and June this year, the equivalent to around 20 sites per day, new data shows.
Berber & Q in Haggerston to close after 11 years
Josh Katz is to close his Haggerston grill house Berber & Q this month after more than a decade.
Wren Pubs sells The Carpenter’s Arms in Hammersmith to James Blunt
The Carpenter’s Arms in Hammersmith has been bought by musician James Blunt.
“When is a pub a pub, and when is it a restaurant?”: owners react to business rates announcement
Restaurant owners across the country have responded with frustration and confusion to the Government’s announcement of a reduction in business rates for parts of the hospitality sector.
Industry welcomes business rates cut
The sector has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England from next year.
Hospitality business rates cut announcement ‘within days’
Andy Burnham is preparing to cut business rates for hospitality businesses by 20%, according to reports.
Domino’s adverts banned under new HFSS advertising rules
Domino’s has become the latest hospitality brand to fall foul of new restrictions on the promotion of less healthy food products.
20 brands to watch: part two
In the second instalment, we bring you another 10 brands to keep an eye on.
Hospitality footfall rises 4.5% in June thanks to football fever
The hospitality sector entered the peak summer trading period with positive momentum in June, as warmer weather and the start of the World Cup helped drive footfall and dwell time.
UKHospitality: “We stand ready to work with the new Government”
UKHospitality has welcomed new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to the economy and supporting career opportunities for young people.
Hospitality insolvencies decline as World Cup and warm weather boost trading
The number of businesses in the accommodation and food services going insolvent has continued its downward trend, according to the latest figures.
Uber looks to buy Delivery Hero for $14.8bn
Uber has put in a bid to buy Germany-based online food ordering and delivery company Delivery Hero for $14.8bn (£10.9bn).
The Restaurant Group sells its concessions division
The Restaurant Group (TRG) has sold its concessions division to travel dining and retail operator Areas Group.
Pablo Eggsgobao kicks off first wave of franchise recruitment
Breakfast bao bun concept Pablo Eggsgobao says it has officially started its first wave of franchise recruitment after building ‘a huge following’.
BrewDog ‘not for sale’ says owner
Brewing business BrewDog is ‘not for sale’ according to the CEO of owner Tilray Brands following an expression of interest by its founder.
Prezzo Italian owner reports strong half year growth
Brava Hospitality saw revenue grow by 7.1% in the first half of its financial year, it has reported.
“Hopefully, we can bring BrewDog home” James Watt launches bid for brewery he founded
BrewDog founder James Watt has launched a bid to regain control of the craft beer company he founded.
Boxpark reports its first million pound week
Boxpark has recorded the biggest grossing revenue week in its history, surpassing the £1m mark for the first time.
Spaghetti House to be dissolved after failing to find a buyer
Spaghetti House will be dissolved following failed attempts to find a buyer for the Italian restaurant group.
10 Greek Street to close after 14 years
Soho restaurant 10 Greek Street is to close after nearly a decade and a half.
Analysis
Teenage dreams: why summer menus need to look beyond young children
The Great British Summer Savings scheme has led operators to evolve their kids’ offer with new menus aimed specifically at teens and tweens.
Wahaca bought by Luke Johnson’s Risk Capital Partners
Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca has been acquired by Luke Johnson’s investment vehicle Risk Capital Partners in a deal designed to support its growth.
Government withdraws updated tipping code of practice
The Government has withdrawn an updated tipping code of practice less than three months before its implementation.
Analysis
Will Germany become the next battleground for UK casual dining brands?
International expansion continues to be high on the agenda for casual dining operators, and the German market has become an unlikely European frontrunner.
Loungers launches loyalty scheme for families
Loungers has launched a family-focused loyalty initiative for the summer holidays that coincides with the temporary cut in VAT for children’s meals.
Korean Dinner Party closes but owner promises new concept coming soon
Soho restaurant Korean Dinner Party has closed with a new concept set to launch in the space in the coming months.
Northern Ireland launches inquiry into VAT levels for hospitality and tourism sectors
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is undertaking an inquiry into the taxation of the hospitality and tourism sectors in Northern Ireland.
It’s coming home: England’s World Cup matches lead to 16% rise in takeaway orders
England’s World Cup matches are leading to a surge in takeaway orders, according to delivery platform Just Eat.
Fowl play: Morley’s fried chicken promo deemed to break new HFSS ad rules
An advert by south London chicken shop chain Morley’s has fallen foul of the Government’s new HFSS ad restrictions.
Cornish Bakery reveals locations for next four sites
Cornish Bakery will open sites in Wells, Witney, Shrewsbury, and Guildford this year, with more in the pipeline.