JD Wetherspoon revenue tops £2b
Tim Martin, chairman of Wetherspoon, expressed optimism about the pub chain's performance, stating that he anticipated a 'reasonable outcome' for the current financial year.
JD Wetherspoon has reported a significant financial achievement, with total revenue surpassing £2 billion. This comes alongside a 7.6% increase in like-for-like sales.
The pub chain reported a profit before tax of £73.9 million for the 52 weeks ending 28 July 2024.
JD Wetherspoon's pub count currently stands at 800.
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JD Wetherspoon has reported a significant financial achievement, with total revenue surpassing £2 billion. This comes alongside a 7.6% increase in like-for-like sales.
The pub chain reported a profit before tax of £73.9 million for the 52 weeks ending 28 July 2024.
JD Wetherspoon's pub count currently stands at 800.
more »
04/Oct/2024 12:12
Whitbread focused on boosting restaurant performance depite plans to downsize its estate
Premier Inn owner Whitbread is committed to enhancing the performance of its remaining pub restaurants, following its announcement earlier this year to convert or sell 238 of its approximately 450 locations.
“200 pub restaurants looks relatively small in our ecosystem, but actually that’s a sizeable business... this is the right size pub restaurant estate for us,” said Simon Ewins, managing director of UK hotels & restaurants at Whitbread PLC, speaking at the UK Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC) on 30 September at the Manchester Central Convention Complex.
He described pub restaurants as 'the heartland of Whitbread.
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“200 pub restaurants looks relatively small in our ecosystem, but actually that’s a sizeable business... this is the right size pub restaurant estate for us,” said Simon Ewins, managing director of UK hotels & restaurants at Whitbread PLC, speaking at the UK Annual Hospitality Conference (AHC) on 30 September at the Manchester Central Convention Complex.
He described pub restaurants as 'the heartland of Whitbread.
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03/Oct/2024 13:38
Whatley Manor appoints new General Manager
The luxury property Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa has announced the appointment of Chris Smith as its new general manager, effective from 22 October 2024.
Smith comes to Whatley Manor after nearly a decade at The Vineyard, a five-star hotel and spa in Berkshire, where he rose to the position of general manager in 2022.
Before that, Smith served as the director of food and beverage at Foxhills Country Club & Resort and held the position of food and beverage manager at Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel.
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Smith comes to Whatley Manor after nearly a decade at The Vineyard, a five-star hotel and spa in Berkshire, where he rose to the position of general manager in 2022.
Before that, Smith served as the director of food and beverage at Foxhills Country Club & Resort and held the position of food and beverage manager at Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel.
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03/Oct/2024 08:50
Chef-Patron duo opens Nàdair in Edinburgh
Chef partners Sarah Baldry and Alan Keery have launched their debut restaurant, Nàdair, in Edinburgh's lively Marchmont neighborhood.
Located on Roseneath Street, Nàdair (meaning 'nature' in Scottish Gaelic) is a cosy, independent neighborhood restaurant featuring a daily-changing 5-course set menu that highlights the finest Scottish ingredients. Sarah Baldry and Alan Keery, who share kitchen duties, craft their food and drink menus around locally sourced and foraged ingredients, delivering bold and experimental flavors.
The 20-seat restaurant marks Sarah and Alan's first solo venture.
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Located on Roseneath Street, Nàdair (meaning 'nature' in Scottish Gaelic) is a cosy, independent neighborhood restaurant featuring a daily-changing 5-course set menu that highlights the finest Scottish ingredients. Sarah Baldry and Alan Keery, who share kitchen duties, craft their food and drink menus around locally sourced and foraged ingredients, delivering bold and experimental flavors.
The 20-seat restaurant marks Sarah and Alan's first solo venture.
more »
03/Oct/2024 08:41
London Hilton on Park Lane appoints Julian Catzeflis
Julian Catzelis has been appointed as the new director of food and drink at the London Hilton on Park Lane. He joins the team from Harrods, bringing a wealth of experience to his new role.
The London Hilton on Park Lane has recently announced the opening of its luxury steakhouse, Mr Porter, and is preparing to launch Shanghai Me, Dubai's renowned Asian fine dining concept, on the 28th floor, which is set to become the highest restaurant in Mayfair.
In addition to Mr Porter and the upcoming Shanghai Me.
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The London Hilton on Park Lane has recently announced the opening of its luxury steakhouse, Mr Porter, and is preparing to launch Shanghai Me, Dubai's renowned Asian fine dining concept, on the 28th floor, which is set to become the highest restaurant in Mayfair.
In addition to Mr Porter and the upcoming Shanghai Me.
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02/Oct/2024 12:24
Simon Mahon steps down from the Grand, York
Simon Mahon is stepping down as general manager of The Grand, York hotel after five years in the role.
Mahon plans to relocate to Cornwall with his family for 'a next exciting chapter'.
Simon joined the five-AA-red-star property in 2020 from aparthotel company Edyn and previously managed the Lancaster hotel in Bangkok.
During his tenure, The Grand, York achieved significant accolades, including winning the Catey for Hotel of the Year - Group in 2022.
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Mahon plans to relocate to Cornwall with his family for 'a next exciting chapter'.
Simon joined the five-AA-red-star property in 2020 from aparthotel company Edyn and previously managed the Lancaster hotel in Bangkok.
During his tenure, The Grand, York achieved significant accolades, including winning the Catey for Hotel of the Year - Group in 2022.
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02/Oct/2024 11:55
Tiffin Sandwiches to create 400 jobs with the opening of a new £10 million factory
Convenience food supplier Tiffin Sandwiches is expanding its capacity with a new manufacturing site in the UK, a project expected to generate approximately 400 jobs.
Tiffin is constructing a new factory in Bradford, located in the north of England, where the company already operates its current production and distribution facility, as well as its commercial offices.
The company, which supplies sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and salads to the hospitality sector, is investing £8-10 million ($10.
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Tiffin is constructing a new factory in Bradford, located in the north of England, where the company already operates its current production and distribution facility, as well as its commercial offices.
The company, which supplies sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and salads to the hospitality sector, is investing £8-10 million ($10.
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01/Oct/2024 10:23
Russell Platt appointed general manager of The Cadogan
Russell Platt has been named the new general manager of The Cadogan, a Belmond hotel located in Chelsea, London.
He succeeds Xavier Lablaude, who departed from the 54-room hotel after a four-year tenure.
Platt has held key positions at some of London's most prestigious five-star hotels, most recently serving as hotel manager at The Savoy. Prior to that, he was the director of events and groups at Claridge's and the director of food and beverage at The Dorchester.
In his role at The Cadogan.
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He succeeds Xavier Lablaude, who departed from the 54-room hotel after a four-year tenure.
Platt has held key positions at some of London's most prestigious five-star hotels, most recently serving as hotel manager at The Savoy. Prior to that, he was the director of events and groups at Claridge's and the director of food and beverage at The Dorchester.
In his role at The Cadogan.
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01/Oct/2024 08:15
Young’s Pubs to open new Pub with Rooms
Young’s Pubs is continuing its expansion of pubs with rooms by opening a new site, the Teller's Arms, this October.
The Teller’s Arms, formerly an old bank situated in the heart of Farnham, Surrey, has been extensively renovated to become a vibrant pub with a capacity of 168 guests. The newly transformed venue features nine boutique bedrooms, an all-day dining area, a bar, a spacious roof terrace, and dedicated meeting and event spaces. Guests can enjoy an all-day dining menu crafted by Head Chef Ryan Patterson, highlighting the finest seasonal British produce, alongside a curated selection of local craft and draught beers.
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The Teller’s Arms, formerly an old bank situated in the heart of Farnham, Surrey, has been extensively renovated to become a vibrant pub with a capacity of 168 guests. The newly transformed venue features nine boutique bedrooms, an all-day dining area, a bar, a spacious roof terrace, and dedicated meeting and event spaces. Guests can enjoy an all-day dining menu crafted by Head Chef Ryan Patterson, highlighting the finest seasonal British produce, alongside a curated selection of local craft and draught beers.
more »
30/Sep/2024 10:48
Bespoke Hotels expands with the acquisition of four new properties
Bespoke Hotels has purchased four properties from the Coast and Country hotel collection.
The acquisition comprises the Caledonian Hotel in Fort William, the Great Western Hotel in Oban, the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel (pictured), and the Marine Hotel in Llandudno.
These properties will be added to Bespoke Hotels' portfolio of over 70 independent hotels, further enhancing its presence in key tourist destinations.
The group recently also took over the management contracts for the Green House Hotel in Bournemouth and the Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa in Wales.
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The acquisition comprises the Caledonian Hotel in Fort William, the Great Western Hotel in Oban, the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel (pictured), and the Marine Hotel in Llandudno.
These properties will be added to Bespoke Hotels' portfolio of over 70 independent hotels, further enhancing its presence in key tourist destinations.
The group recently also took over the management contracts for the Green House Hotel in Bournemouth and the Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa in Wales.
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30/Sep/2024 09:20
Blenheim Palace and Eden Project join forces to eradicate over 600,000 single-use coffee cups with innovative returnable cup system
Two popular UK visitor attractions, Blenheim Palace and the Eden Project, are setting new standards as the pioneers of an innovative returnable cup system.
This is the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by both organisations, which has seen the elimination of approximately 620,000 single-use coffee cups per year.. This represents a combined saving of 27 tonnes (26.87) of CO2e per year, which equates to heating 12 domestic homes for 12 months.
The initiative, powered by green-tech company re-universe.
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This is the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by both organisations, which has seen the elimination of approximately 620,000 single-use coffee cups per year.. This represents a combined saving of 27 tonnes (26.87) of CO2e per year, which equates to heating 12 domestic homes for 12 months.
The initiative, powered by green-tech company re-universe.
more »
27/Sep/2024 12:55
Katharine Challinor hired by Morrisons as new head of independent franchise
Katharine Challinor, the former director of retail at Allwyn, will be joining Morrisons next month as the head of independent franchise and new business.
Challinor will be replacing Nick Russell, who is leaving after three years, as the head of independent franchise and new business at Morrisons. In her new role, she will be responsible for supporting Morrisons’ franchise partners.
Before joining Allwyn, Katharine Challinor held senior roles at the Post Office, including director of branch retail design.
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Challinor will be replacing Nick Russell, who is leaving after three years, as the head of independent franchise and new business at Morrisons. In her new role, she will be responsible for supporting Morrisons’ franchise partners.
Before joining Allwyn, Katharine Challinor held senior roles at the Post Office, including director of branch retail design.
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27/Sep/2024 11:33
YOTEL announces plans to open new hotel in Belfast City Centre
Global hotel brand YOTEL has announced plans to expand its UK and European presence with the opening of YOTEL Belfast.
Slated to open in late 2026, YOTEL Belfast will be a new-build hotel featuring 165 rooms, located in the historic Shaftesbury Square in central Belfast. The hotel will be ideally positioned within walking distance of some of the city's key attractions, such as Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens.
Rohan Thakkar, chief development officer at YOTEL, said: “We are delighted to bring YOTEL to Belfast.
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Slated to open in late 2026, YOTEL Belfast will be a new-build hotel featuring 165 rooms, located in the historic Shaftesbury Square in central Belfast. The hotel will be ideally positioned within walking distance of some of the city's key attractions, such as Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens.
Rohan Thakkar, chief development officer at YOTEL, said: “We are delighted to bring YOTEL to Belfast.
more »
26/Sep/2024 18:54
James Brown to step down as BrewDog Bars CEO
Further changes are taking place at BrewDog's head office, with James Brown announcing his decision to step down as CEO of its Bars division.
James Brown, co-founder of TiPJAR, announced his decision to step down as CEO of BrewDog Bars via LinkedIn. Brown has led BrewDog Bars for over two years, but his tenure with the company spans nearly nine years.
Shortly after the announcement, Sky News reported that he is set to become the next chief executive of Prezzo, the privately owned casual dining chain.
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James Brown, co-founder of TiPJAR, announced his decision to step down as CEO of BrewDog Bars via LinkedIn. Brown has led BrewDog Bars for over two years, but his tenure with the company spans nearly nine years.
Shortly after the announcement, Sky News reported that he is set to become the next chief executive of Prezzo, the privately owned casual dining chain.
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26/Sep/2024 16:24
From Jam to Gin and Back Again: The Original Bothy Brand Celebrates a Jam-Packed Decade
“Accidental Gin Maker” and Gin Bothy Founder, Kim Cameron, today (September 20th) celebrates the 10th anniversary of Jam Bothy, the brand that started it all. As the initial venture of the now globally established Bothy Trading Group, the artisanal producer has launched three new preserves; a blackcurrant jam, an orange and cranberry jam, and a long-awaited chutney.
The milestone marks a decade since Kim first began making jams and marmalades in a bothy kitchen in the Angus Glens. It was here that her gin journey began, using leftover fruit juice to create the now-famous Gin Bothy Raspberry Gin.
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The milestone marks a decade since Kim first began making jams and marmalades in a bothy kitchen in the Angus Glens. It was here that her gin journey began, using leftover fruit juice to create the now-famous Gin Bothy Raspberry Gin.
more »
26/Sep/2024 16:14
Creed Foodservice announces agreement to be acquired by Kitwave Wholesale Group
Creed Foodservice, a prominent foodservice provider in the UK, has reached an agreement to be acquired by Kitwave Wholesale Group (Kitwave).
As part of the acquisition, Creed Foodservice will assume a key position within Kitwave’s Foodservice division, which encompasses the trading operations of David Miller Frozen Foods, Total Foodservice, M.J. Baker Foodservice, and Westcountry Food Holdings.
With the integration of Creed Foodservice, Kitwave’s Foodservice division will expand its depot count to 10 (16 when including the on-trade business).
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As part of the acquisition, Creed Foodservice will assume a key position within Kitwave’s Foodservice division, which encompasses the trading operations of David Miller Frozen Foods, Total Foodservice, M.J. Baker Foodservice, and Westcountry Food Holdings.
With the integration of Creed Foodservice, Kitwave’s Foodservice division will expand its depot count to 10 (16 when including the on-trade business).
more »
26/Sep/2024 10:02
Chick-fil-A announces the locations of its first restaurants in the UK
The US fast food chain Chick-fil-A has revealed the locations of its first permanent UK restaurants, which are set to open in early 2024.
The first phase of the brand’s nationwide expansion plans will see restaurants opening in London, Liverpool, Belfast, and Leeds.
Chick-fil-A intends to invest $100 million (£74 million) in the UK over the next decade, with plans to open five locations within the first two years.
The initial expansion is expected to generate approximately 400 jobs across licensed and franchised restaurants.
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The first phase of the brand’s nationwide expansion plans will see restaurants opening in London, Liverpool, Belfast, and Leeds.
Chick-fil-A intends to invest $100 million (£74 million) in the UK over the next decade, with plans to open five locations within the first two years.
The initial expansion is expected to generate approximately 400 jobs across licensed and franchised restaurants.
more »
26/Sep/2024 08:40
Country Valley Foods to join Country Range Group
As of October 1st, 2024, Country Valley Foods has become the newest foodservice wholesaler to join the Country Range Group.
Founded in 1971 by Stewart Munro and Eric Duggan, Country Valley Foods provides a wide selection of fresh meat, dry goods, chilled and frozen products, as well as janitorial supplies, serving the hospitality, retail, education, and healthcare industries.
In 2023, the family-owned business generated a turnover of £29 million and operates a fleet of 24 vehicles delivering five days a week across North East England.
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Founded in 1971 by Stewart Munro and Eric Duggan, Country Valley Foods provides a wide selection of fresh meat, dry goods, chilled and frozen products, as well as janitorial supplies, serving the hospitality, retail, education, and healthcare industries.
In 2023, the family-owned business generated a turnover of £29 million and operates a fleet of 24 vehicles delivering five days a week across North East England.
more »
26/Sep/2024 08:09
Whitbread plans to build Premier Inn at Manchester Airport
Premier Inn’s parent company, Whitbread, in collaboration with Mix Manchester, has announced plans to establish the largest Premier Inn hotel in northern England at Manchester Airport.
The new 276-bedroom Premier Inn hotel is set to increase the brand’s room capacity in the Manchester area by over 50%. This facility will serve Manchester Airport, the UK's third busiest airport, which connects to more than 200 domestic and international destinations.
The upcoming Premier Inn hotel at Manchester Airport will operate on a leasehold basis and will showcase a range of the brand's latest style bedrooms.
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The new 276-bedroom Premier Inn hotel is set to increase the brand’s room capacity in the Manchester area by over 50%. This facility will serve Manchester Airport, the UK's third busiest airport, which connects to more than 200 domestic and international destinations.
The upcoming Premier Inn hotel at Manchester Airport will operate on a leasehold basis and will showcase a range of the brand's latest style bedrooms.
more »
24/Sep/2024 16:29
Owners of D&D London are in advanced talks to acquire TGI Fridays UK
D&D London owners are currently in discussions to purchase the UK operations of TGI Fridays, following the collapse of its parent company, Hostmore, into administration last week.
Breal Capital and Calveton, the investment firms that acquired D&D London last year, are in advanced negotiations to take over the UK franchise of TGI Fridays.
Industry sources indicated that the potential acquisition of TGI Fridays' UK operations by Breal Capital and Calveton could result in the new owners taking over most of the 89 sites.
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Breal Capital and Calveton, the investment firms that acquired D&D London last year, are in advanced negotiations to take over the UK franchise of TGI Fridays.
Industry sources indicated that the potential acquisition of TGI Fridays' UK operations by Breal Capital and Calveton could result in the new owners taking over most of the 89 sites.
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24/Sep/2024 13:58