Waitrose unveils multi-million-pound investment plan for London
As part of its £1bn nationwide investment, Waitrose has launched a Little Waitrose shop in Wandsworth New Acres and completed refurbishments at its Marylebone and Clerkenwell stores.
The high-street retailer also revealed a multi-million-pound investment in London to expand and upgrade its store network.
Waitrose plans to renovate its convenience stores in Crouch End and Old Brompton Road, along with the Coulsdon supermarket, before year-end.
Tina Mitchell.
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The high-street retailer also revealed a multi-million-pound investment in London to expand and upgrade its store network.
Waitrose plans to renovate its convenience stores in Crouch End and Old Brompton Road, along with the Coulsdon supermarket, before year-end.
Tina Mitchell.
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07/Oct/2025 08:49
Chaiiwala reports 35% rise in global sales during expansion push
Indian street food and café brand Chaiiwala has posted a 35% increase in global system sales as it continues to grow across the UK and internationally.
In its results for the year ending 31 December 2024, Chaiiwala reported sales growth across all markets. It rose from £66.4m in 2023 to £89.4m, with food and beverage each accounting for around half of total revenue.
During the year, the company sold over nine million cups of Karak chaii, an 18% year-on-year increase, along with more than 750.
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In its results for the year ending 31 December 2024, Chaiiwala reported sales growth across all markets. It rose from £66.4m in 2023 to £89.4m, with food and beverage each accounting for around half of total revenue.
During the year, the company sold over nine million cups of Karak chaii, an 18% year-on-year increase, along with more than 750.
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07/Oct/2025 08:42
BaxterStorey announces promotion of Dan Wilson to Head of Food UK
BaxterStorey has promoted Dan Wilson to Head of Food UK as part of its drive to advance the caterer’s sustainable nutrition strategy.
Wilson, who has been shortlisted for the 2025 Foodservice Cateys Chef of the Year award, previously oversaw 300 kitchens across London.
In his new role, he will support BaxterStorey chefs across the UK as the company launches a three-year sustainable nutrition campaign, designed to strengthen partnerships with organisations including Food for Life and the British Nutrition Foundation.
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Wilson, who has been shortlisted for the 2025 Foodservice Cateys Chef of the Year award, previously oversaw 300 kitchens across London.
In his new role, he will support BaxterStorey chefs across the UK as the company launches a three-year sustainable nutrition campaign, designed to strengthen partnerships with organisations including Food for Life and the British Nutrition Foundation.
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07/Oct/2025 08:17
BrewDog announces plans to reduce workforce
Beer giant BrewDog has revealed plans to reduce its workforce across the company.
According to the BBC, employees were informed of the decision via an internal email from BrewDog’s chief executive, James Taylor.
The company has not specified how many roles will be affected, stating that the move is intended to “right-size” the business.
In a statement reported by the BBC, Taylor said: “We’ve taken time to review our structure and ensure we’re focusing our energy and investment in the right areas.
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According to the BBC, employees were informed of the decision via an internal email from BrewDog’s chief executive, James Taylor.
The company has not specified how many roles will be affected, stating that the move is intended to “right-size” the business.
In a statement reported by the BBC, Taylor said: “We’ve taken time to review our structure and ensure we’re focusing our energy and investment in the right areas.
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07/Oct/2025 08:10
New Chief People Officer Joins John Lewis Partnership
Helen Webb has been appointed Chief People Officer at the John Lewis Partnership, effective 24 November.
Webb joins from WHSmith, where she was Chief People Officer, bringing over 30 years of retail and people leadership experience and a proven track record in managing large-scale organisational change.
Her previous experience includes serving as Chief People & Services Officer at the Co-op, alongside senior roles at Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, and Aviva.
John Lewis Partnership chairman Jason Tarry said Webb would play an instrumental role in shaping the group’s people strategy and “fostering our strong Partner ethos”.
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Webb joins from WHSmith, where she was Chief People Officer, bringing over 30 years of retail and people leadership experience and a proven track record in managing large-scale organisational change.
Her previous experience includes serving as Chief People & Services Officer at the Co-op, alongside senior roles at Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, and Aviva.
John Lewis Partnership chairman Jason Tarry said Webb would play an instrumental role in shaping the group’s people strategy and “fostering our strong Partner ethos”.
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06/Oct/2025 10:18
Midcounties Co-operative and Central Co-op enter merger discussions
Midcounties Co-operative and Central Co-op have announced plans to merge, bringing together two of the UK’s largest independent co-operatives.
The proposed merger would create a combined organisation with annual revenues exceeding £1.8 billion. It would unite more than one million members and around 13,000 colleagues across their retail operations.
Elaine Dean, president of Central Co-op, said: “As co-operators, we know that by working together, we can achieve more for our members, colleagues and communities.
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The proposed merger would create a combined organisation with annual revenues exceeding £1.8 billion. It would unite more than one million members and around 13,000 colleagues across their retail operations.
Elaine Dean, president of Central Co-op, said: “As co-operators, we know that by working together, we can achieve more for our members, colleagues and communities.
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06/Oct/2025 09:17
The Karachi Group acquires Côte Restaurant Group
Côte Restaurant Group has announced its sale to The Karali Group, led by Salim Janmohamed OBE and Karim Janmohamed.
The Karali Group is a dynamic, family-owned multinational business with a proven track record of success across the hospitality, consumer, and real estate sectors.
The Côte team looks forward to collaborating with The Karali Group and benefiting from their extensive knowledge, expertise, and network.
Emma Dinnis.
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The Karali Group is a dynamic, family-owned multinational business with a proven track record of success across the hospitality, consumer, and real estate sectors.
The Côte team looks forward to collaborating with The Karali Group and benefiting from their extensive knowledge, expertise, and network.
Emma Dinnis.
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06/Oct/2025 08:42
Greggs reports Q3 sales growth
Food retailer Greggs reported a 6.1% rise in total sales for the 13 weeks to 27 September 2025, while company-managed like-for-like sales grew by 1.5%.
On a year-over-year basis, total sales were up 6.7%, with like-for-like sales increasing by 2.2%.
The strong performance was supported by the launch of its autumn menu and a recovery in trading during August and September, following a slowdown in July caused by the heatwave.
Greggs also broadened its product range and expanded the availability of its ‘Bake At Home’ line.
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On a year-over-year basis, total sales were up 6.7%, with like-for-like sales increasing by 2.2%.
The strong performance was supported by the launch of its autumn menu and a recovery in trading during August and September, following a slowdown in July caused by the heatwave.
Greggs also broadened its product range and expanded the availability of its ‘Bake At Home’ line.
more »
02/Oct/2025 08:09
Hawksmoor sets sights on expanding across the UK and US
Hawksmoor is planning further expansion in the UK and US, with several new openings under consideration for 2026 and beyond.
The steakhouse group currently operates 10 restaurants in the UK — seven of them in London — alongside sites in New York, Chicago, and Dublin. For the year ending 31 December 2024, Hawksmoor reported turnover of £100.4m.
This represents an 11.8% increase on the £89.8m reported the previous year, driven by sustained growth in like-for-like sales, with all restaurants said to be “trading at record levels of sales and profitability.
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The steakhouse group currently operates 10 restaurants in the UK — seven of them in London — alongside sites in New York, Chicago, and Dublin. For the year ending 31 December 2024, Hawksmoor reported turnover of £100.4m.
This represents an 11.8% increase on the £89.8m reported the previous year, driven by sustained growth in like-for-like sales, with all restaurants said to be “trading at record levels of sales and profitability.
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02/Oct/2025 08:03
Three New Café and Bakery Brands Join Covent Garden in Latest Wave of F&B Signings
Shaftesbury Capital has announced a trio of high-profile bakeries and cafés will be joining Covent Garden, reinforcing its reputation as one of London’s leading F&B destinations. New arrivals include Copain for its first UK location, a debut London bricks-and-mortar store for Oliphant & Pomeroy, as well as Hagen, each bringing distinct, high-quality concepts to the neighbourhood.
Copain is set to join Covent Garden with its debut 460 sq ft café, opening soon at 54 Neal Street and bringing its well-loved menu of artisanal baked items and coffee to the neighbourhood. This will be the location’s first bakery outside of Paris.
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Copain is set to join Covent Garden with its debut 460 sq ft café, opening soon at 54 Neal Street and bringing its well-loved menu of artisanal baked items and coffee to the neighbourhood. This will be the location’s first bakery outside of Paris.
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01/Oct/2025 13:42
Rhubarb Hospitality Collection appointed catering partner for London Bridge student accommodation
Greystar has appointed Rhubarb Hospitality Collection to launch two new quick-service restaurant concepts at its London Bridge student accommodation.
Rhubarb Hospitality Collection will manage Journal, a contemporary coffee shop, and the Chop, a chopped salad and sandwich concept, at Chapter London Bridge, a new 950-bed student accommodation development located beside the Shard in central London.
Opening later this month, Journal will bring specialty coffee and fresh bakes from Lockdown Bakehouse to London Bridge.
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Rhubarb Hospitality Collection will manage Journal, a contemporary coffee shop, and the Chop, a chopped salad and sandwich concept, at Chapter London Bridge, a new 950-bed student accommodation development located beside the Shard in central London.
Opening later this month, Journal will bring specialty coffee and fresh bakes from Lockdown Bakehouse to London Bridge.
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01/Oct/2025 09:57
Arora Group appoints new chief executive to drive expansion
Sanjay Arora has stepped into the role of chief executive at Arora Group, the family’s hotel and property company.
Founded in 1999 by Sanjay’s father, Surinder Arora, the group owns more than 20 UK hotels, including Fairmont Windsor Park and Bedfordshire’s Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, which is earmarked for redevelopment under the Fairmont brand.
With over ten years’ experience at the family firm, Sanjay has held positions such as chief operating officer and led projects including the acquisition of two large shopping centres and the opening of the Buckinghamshire Golf Club.
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Founded in 1999 by Sanjay’s father, Surinder Arora, the group owns more than 20 UK hotels, including Fairmont Windsor Park and Bedfordshire’s Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, which is earmarked for redevelopment under the Fairmont brand.
With over ten years’ experience at the family firm, Sanjay has held positions such as chief operating officer and led projects including the acquisition of two large shopping centres and the opening of the Buckinghamshire Golf Club.
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30/Sep/2025 09:11
Buzzworks names new Operations Director to lead growth strategy
Award-winning Scottish hospitality group, Buzzworks, has appointed JP McKeown as its new Operations Director.
The appointment strengthens the company’s leadership team as it enters the next stage of growth and expansion.
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, JP joins Buzzworks from Stonegate Group, where he oversaw a £160 million portfolio of 150 pubs alongside the company’s group hotel strategy.
A values-driven.
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The appointment strengthens the company’s leadership team as it enters the next stage of growth and expansion.
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, JP joins Buzzworks from Stonegate Group, where he oversaw a £160 million portfolio of 150 pubs alongside the company’s group hotel strategy.
A values-driven.
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30/Sep/2025 08:07
Sysco acquires Fairfax Meadow from Hilton Foods in £54m deal
Hilton Food Group has completed the £54m sale of its UK meat supplier, Fairfax Meadow Europe Limited, to Sysco GB as it refines its strategic focus on core operations.
The agreement also includes a three-year supply partnership with Hilton Food Solutions. This will ensure continued access to premium, internationally sourced meat products.
Hilton said the divestment followed a portfolio review and would allow the group to concentrate on areas where it can best apply its global expertise and strengthen customer partnerships.
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The agreement also includes a three-year supply partnership with Hilton Food Solutions. This will ensure continued access to premium, internationally sourced meat products.
Hilton said the divestment followed a portfolio review and would allow the group to concentrate on areas where it can best apply its global expertise and strengthen customer partnerships.
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30/Sep/2025 08:01
Rick Stein Group considers closing Marlborough restaurant
Rick Stein Restaurants is considering closing its Marlborough location following a 5.4% revenue decline in 2024.
A group spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are proposing the closure of our Marlborough restaurant and are consulting with the team to explore whether this can be avoided.
“Our other restaurants and rooms continue to trade well, but this particular site has not delivered the same level of return.”
The Marlborough restaurant.
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A group spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are proposing the closure of our Marlborough restaurant and are consulting with the team to explore whether this can be avoided.
“Our other restaurants and rooms continue to trade well, but this particular site has not delivered the same level of return.”
The Marlborough restaurant.
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29/Sep/2025 09:04
Starbucks to shut several UK stores as part of global restructuring
Starbucks has announced plans to close some of its UK cafés as part of a wider restructuring strategy that will also result in hundreds of job losses worldwide.
The company has not specified how many UK branches will be affected but confirmed it has begun a consultation process with employees.
In Britain, Starbucks operates about 520 company-owned outlets alongside nearly 900 franchise locations.
The closures form part of a wider review under which Starbucks will shut about 1% of its North American outlets this year.
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The company has not specified how many UK branches will be affected but confirmed it has begun a consultation process with employees.
In Britain, Starbucks operates about 520 company-owned outlets alongside nearly 900 franchise locations.
The closures form part of a wider review under which Starbucks will shut about 1% of its North American outlets this year.
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29/Sep/2025 08:51
Just Eat Takeaway to cut 450 jobs
European food delivery giant Just Eat Takeaway (JET) is set to eliminate around 450 positions across various countries and departments following a strategic business review.
The decision is intended to boost operational efficiency, with the company pledging support for employees impacted by the cuts.
Positions at risk include roles in customer service and sales administration.
The move follows Just Eat Takeaway’s plans to adopt automation and artificial intelligence technologies to strengthen its customer experience.
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The decision is intended to boost operational efficiency, with the company pledging support for employees impacted by the cuts.
Positions at risk include roles in customer service and sales administration.
The move follows Just Eat Takeaway’s plans to adopt automation and artificial intelligence technologies to strengthen its customer experience.
more »
26/Sep/2025 09:24
Chartwells Independent rebrands as Lodestone House
Chartwells Independent, a division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has officially rebranded as Lodestone House.
The rebrand unites Compass’s independent school catering operations under a single name. This includes the independent school catering division of CH&Co, which Compass Group acquired last year.
Lodestone House will operate under the ethos of “garden to kitchen to classroom,” emphasising seasonality, sustainability, and social value.
Noelle Jones.
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The rebrand unites Compass’s independent school catering operations under a single name. This includes the independent school catering division of CH&Co, which Compass Group acquired last year.
Lodestone House will operate under the ethos of “garden to kitchen to classroom,” emphasising seasonality, sustainability, and social value.
Noelle Jones.
more »
25/Sep/2025 15:42
Greggs set to launch the Golden Flake Tavern pub this weekend
Greggs will open its first-ever pub, the Golden Flake Tavern, inside Newcastle’s Fenwick department store on Saturday, 27 September.
The pub will be open from 11am to 7pm, pouring Greggs-themed draft beers such as the Pink Jammie IPA and Gosforth 1939 Stottie Lager, brewed in collaboration with Full Circle Brew Co.
Cocktail options will include the Pink Jammie Fizz and a Spiced Caramel Doughnut Old Fashioned, complemented by a full drinks list featuring soft drinks, wines, Newcastle Brown Ale.
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The pub will be open from 11am to 7pm, pouring Greggs-themed draft beers such as the Pink Jammie IPA and Gosforth 1939 Stottie Lager, brewed in collaboration with Full Circle Brew Co.
Cocktail options will include the Pink Jammie Fizz and a Spiced Caramel Doughnut Old Fashioned, complemented by a full drinks list featuring soft drinks, wines, Newcastle Brown Ale.
more »
25/Sep/2025 14:11
Prezzo Italian becomes Brava Hospitality Group
Prezzo Italian has rebranded as Brava Hospitality Group as part of its strategy to expand its hospitality portfolio.
Under the new group, Prezzo Italian will continue to operate alongside additional restaurant brands, which will be announced in due course.
James Brown, chief executive of Brava Hospitality Group, said: “As we look to the future, we knew it was time for a new group identity – one that reflects our ambition and gives us the foundation to grow. Brava is about ‘hospitality with heart’ – and building a portfolio of distinctive brands that people love.
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Under the new group, Prezzo Italian will continue to operate alongside additional restaurant brands, which will be announced in due course.
James Brown, chief executive of Brava Hospitality Group, said: “As we look to the future, we knew it was time for a new group identity – one that reflects our ambition and gives us the foundation to grow. Brava is about ‘hospitality with heart’ – and building a portfolio of distinctive brands that people love.
more »
25/Sep/2025 08:09