Christine Hodgson Appointed New Chair of Whitbread
The chair of water company Severn Trent will succeed Adam Crozier, who has served as chair since March 2018.
Christine Hodgson has been named chair of Whitbread, succeeding Adam Crozier, who served in the role for seven years.
She will officially become chair of the Premier Inn owner on 1 September, with Crozier retiring from the board on the same day.
Hodgson, also chair of Severn Trent PLC.
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Christine Hodgson has been named chair of Whitbread, succeeding Adam Crozier, who served in the role for seven years.
She will officially become chair of the Premier Inn owner on 1 September, with Crozier retiring from the board on the same day.
Hodgson, also chair of Severn Trent PLC.
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30/May/2025 10:51
KFC Announces 7,000 Job Openings in UK and Ireland Amid Fried Chicken Surge
The expansion coincides with growth in the UK fried chicken market, now valued at approximately £3.1 billion.
KFC plans to invest £1.49 billion in the UK and Ireland, creating over 7,000 new jobs within the next five years.
The fried chicken chain stated its goal to become the “fastest growing restaurant brand for the next generation,” planning to open an additional 500 restaurants by 2035.
This will involve investing nearly £500 million in new restaurants and drive-through sites in “key locations.
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KFC plans to invest £1.49 billion in the UK and Ireland, creating over 7,000 new jobs within the next five years.
The fried chicken chain stated its goal to become the “fastest growing restaurant brand for the next generation,” planning to open an additional 500 restaurants by 2035.
This will involve investing nearly £500 million in new restaurants and drive-through sites in “key locations.
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30/May/2025 10:44
Marks & Spencer Expands with 12 New Food Stores in Ex-Homebase Locations
M&S is accelerating its store renewal strategy with plans to open 12 new food halls across England, including its largest-ever standalone food store.
The new stores, located on former Homebase sites, will create over 550 jobs and play a key role in M&S’s store rotation programme focused on developing “bigger, better” locations.
The openings also reflect the retailer’s strong confidence in brick-and-mortar investment, despite recovering from a recent cyber attack that affected trading.
Two 18.
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The new stores, located on former Homebase sites, will create over 550 jobs and play a key role in M&S’s store rotation programme focused on developing “bigger, better” locations.
The openings also reflect the retailer’s strong confidence in brick-and-mortar investment, despite recovering from a recent cyber attack that affected trading.
Two 18.
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30/May/2025 10:34
McWin reportedly in negotiations to acquire Flat Iron steakhouse chain
McWin Capital Partners — the investor behind Gail’s, Sticks’n’Sushi, and Big Mamma Group — is reportedly in discussions to acquire the British steakhouse chain Flat Iron.
The talks come approximately seven months after the restaurant group enlisted boutique advisory firm Houlihan Lokey to explore strategic options, including securing third-party investment or pursuing a potential sale.
According to Sky News, McWin has partnered with private equity firm Trispan—majority owners of Asian restaurant chains like Rosa’s Thai.
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The talks come approximately seven months after the restaurant group enlisted boutique advisory firm Houlihan Lokey to explore strategic options, including securing third-party investment or pursuing a potential sale.
According to Sky News, McWin has partnered with private equity firm Trispan—majority owners of Asian restaurant chains like Rosa’s Thai.
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29/May/2025 08:29
Aramark UK collaborates with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation
Aramark UK, a leading foodservice and hospitality provider, has formed a three-year strategic partnership with The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s dedicated food allergy charity, in support of its mission to #MakeAllergyHistory.
Helen Milligan-Smith, President & CEO of Aramark UK, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with Natasha’s Allergy Research Foundation. At Aramark, we place the utmost importance on allergen awareness and food safety. We’re committed to supporting this critical cause to contribute to a future where everyone can enjoy meals with confidence and peace of mind.
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Helen Milligan-Smith, President & CEO of Aramark UK, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with Natasha’s Allergy Research Foundation. At Aramark, we place the utmost importance on allergen awareness and food safety. We’re committed to supporting this critical cause to contribute to a future where everyone can enjoy meals with confidence and peace of mind.
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29/May/2025 08:18
Leadership shake-up: Village Hotels appoints its first Chief Operating Officer
Village Hotel Club has strengthened its leadership team with three new appointments to drive its growth strategy.
Paul Roberts, formerly chief financial officer, will now serve as the company’s first chief operating officer (COO). Matthew Ward has been named chief financial officer (CFO), while Jon Davis takes on the role of chief technology officer (CTO).
As COO, Roberts will be responsible for shaping the company’s vision, strategic framework, systems, efficiency, and sustainability, while ensuring alignment across commercial.
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Paul Roberts, formerly chief financial officer, will now serve as the company’s first chief operating officer (COO). Matthew Ward has been named chief financial officer (CFO), while Jon Davis takes on the role of chief technology officer (CTO).
As COO, Roberts will be responsible for shaping the company’s vision, strategic framework, systems, efficiency, and sustainability, while ensuring alignment across commercial.
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28/May/2025 09:37
Asda Exec exits after brief six-month tenure in leadership reshuffle
Asda faces another senior management exit as Vice President for Ambient, Adrian McLeod, prepares to leave less than six months after re-joining.
McLeod, previously a leader at Accolade Wines, re-joined Asda in January amid executive chairman Allan Leighton’s management restructuring.
Leighton said McLeod “understands the language of Asda” when he joined.
McLeod’s appointment comes after he first joined the supermarket chain in 2010 and was later promoted to Asda brand director.
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McLeod, previously a leader at Accolade Wines, re-joined Asda in January amid executive chairman Allan Leighton’s management restructuring.
Leighton said McLeod “understands the language of Asda” when he joined.
McLeod’s appointment comes after he first joined the supermarket chain in 2010 and was later promoted to Asda brand director.
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28/May/2025 09:24
Deliveroo COO resigns after four years in role
Deliveroo Chief Operating Officer Eric French is set to leave the company to 'explore [his] next chapter.'
The decision follows a four-year tenure at the fast-growing food delivery company. French began as Deliveroo’s Chief Marketing Officer in 2021, stepping into the COO role the following year.
Posting on LinkedIn, French expressed his gratitude to Deliveroo and acknowledged colleagues including founder and CEO William Shu and chair Claudia Arney.
“When I joined.
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The decision follows a four-year tenure at the fast-growing food delivery company. French began as Deliveroo’s Chief Marketing Officer in 2021, stepping into the COO role the following year.
Posting on LinkedIn, French expressed his gratitude to Deliveroo and acknowledged colleagues including founder and CEO William Shu and chair Claudia Arney.
“When I joined.
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28/May/2025 09:15
Mellors introduces new Tuk Truck to bring street food to schools
Mellors Catering Services has unveiled its newest culinary innovation—the Tuk Truck—a mobile street food concept designed to revolutionise school lunchtimes across the North of England and the Midlands.
The school food provider invites students to “get ready to embark on a flavour-packed journey around the world” as the Tuk Truck arrives at schools, offering a unique mix of education, culture, and delicious dishes.
Building on the success of their iconic Big Red Bus, this new initiative aims to inspire students to discover new flavours.
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The school food provider invites students to “get ready to embark on a flavour-packed journey around the world” as the Tuk Truck arrives at schools, offering a unique mix of education, culture, and delicious dishes.
Building on the success of their iconic Big Red Bus, this new initiative aims to inspire students to discover new flavours.
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27/May/2025 08:39
St. Paul’s to welcome Market Place Food Hall
London’s St. Paul’s is set for a delicious boost with the opening of Market Place, the popular food hall, launching its newest spot on Cheapside at the end of May.
Spanning 6,834 square feet, this foodie haven is opening in the heart of London’s financial district, just steps away from St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s the perfect spot for city workers and tourists to enjoy dishes from nine incredible vendors offering flavours from South America, Thailand, Greece, and beyond.
Featuring two lively bars serving craft beers.
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Spanning 6,834 square feet, this foodie haven is opening in the heart of London’s financial district, just steps away from St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s the perfect spot for city workers and tourists to enjoy dishes from nine incredible vendors offering flavours from South America, Thailand, Greece, and beyond.
Featuring two lively bars serving craft beers.
more »
27/May/2025 08:29
Mark Brooke named CEO of Amber Taverns
Amber Taverns has named Mark Brooke as its new Chief Executive Officer.
He is set to join the company in mid-August, bringing with him four years of experience as Managing Director of Proper Pubs at Admiral Taverns.
Brooke also brings extensive industry experience, having held senior operational roles at Hawthorn Leisure and Ei Group/Stonegate Pub Company between 2011 and 2020.
Admiral Taverns.
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He is set to join the company in mid-August, bringing with him four years of experience as Managing Director of Proper Pubs at Admiral Taverns.
Brooke also brings extensive industry experience, having held senior operational roles at Hawthorn Leisure and Ei Group/Stonegate Pub Company between 2011 and 2020.
Admiral Taverns.
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27/May/2025 08:17
Butcombe Group aims to acquire 20 pubs with rooms as sales surge
The Butcombe Group plans to expand its pubs with rooms by converting 20 of its locations into Butcombe Boutique Inns.
The pub operator and brewery, previously known as Liberation Group, stated that its accommodation division “continues to mature and increase its value” now representing 14.5% of its UK managed sales.
Butcombe manages more than 120 pubs and inns, offering over 400 rooms across locations from London’s Mayfair to St Aubin, Jersey.
Last year.
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The pub operator and brewery, previously known as Liberation Group, stated that its accommodation division “continues to mature and increase its value” now representing 14.5% of its UK managed sales.
Butcombe manages more than 120 pubs and inns, offering over 400 rooms across locations from London’s Mayfair to St Aubin, Jersey.
Last year.
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22/May/2025 08:34
Developer secures £15.7 million funding for Motto by Hilton Hotel in Manchester
Ancoats Manchester has obtained a £15.7 million loan from OakNorth Bank to develop a 154-room Motto by Hilton micro-hotel in the city.
Planning permission for the 20-storey hotel was granted in 2023, with construction set to begin later this year and completion anticipated in 2026.
The hotel will be among the first UK locations for the Motto by Hilton brand, which debuted in Glasgow in 2024.
Motto by Hilton is a lifestyle micro-hotel brand offering compact yet flexible rooms.
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Planning permission for the 20-storey hotel was granted in 2023, with construction set to begin later this year and completion anticipated in 2026.
The hotel will be among the first UK locations for the Motto by Hilton brand, which debuted in Glasgow in 2024.
Motto by Hilton is a lifestyle micro-hotel brand offering compact yet flexible rooms.
more »
22/May/2025 08:19
Ex-CEO of Burger King owner named chairman of Pret A Manger
The former CEO of fast-food giant Restaurant Brands International (RBI) has been appointed chairman of Pret A Manger.
José Cil, who previously led brands including Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs, played a key role in growing RBI’s sales to over £30 billion.
Under his leadership, the company grew to operate 30,000 restaurants across more than 100 countries.
Cil succeeds Konrad Meyer as chairman.
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José Cil, who previously led brands including Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs, played a key role in growing RBI’s sales to over £30 billion.
Under his leadership, the company grew to operate 30,000 restaurants across more than 100 countries.
Cil succeeds Konrad Meyer as chairman.
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21/May/2025 09:33
Julie Hutchison named hotel manager at Macdonald Pittodrie House
Julie Hutchison has been appointed hotel manager of Macdonald Pittodrie House, located near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire.
She steps into the role after nearly a year at Macdonald Norwood Hall in Aberdeen, a sister property within the group.
A psychology graduate from St Andrews University, she brings over a decade of hospitality experience, having held roles with renowned brands including Hilton, Marriott, and the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews.
At Macdonald Pittodrie House.
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She steps into the role after nearly a year at Macdonald Norwood Hall in Aberdeen, a sister property within the group.
A psychology graduate from St Andrews University, she brings over a decade of hospitality experience, having held roles with renowned brands including Hilton, Marriott, and the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews.
At Macdonald Pittodrie House.
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21/May/2025 09:18
The owner of Wagamama acquires 10 pubs from Oakman Inns
The Restaurant Group (TRG), owner of the Wagamama brand, has purchased 10 freehold pubs from Oakman Inns, a pub and restaurant chain, amid earlier rumours of a sale.
Yesterday’s Sky News report revealed that TRG was in “advanced discussions” to acquire certain assets from Oakman’s privately held company.
Industry sources told Sky News that Oakman and its advisers were negotiating with other potential buyers. One source suggested that TRG is expected to acquire between one-third and half of Oakman’s 30-pub portfolio.
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Yesterday’s Sky News report revealed that TRG was in “advanced discussions” to acquire certain assets from Oakman’s privately held company.
Industry sources told Sky News that Oakman and its advisers were negotiating with other potential buyers. One source suggested that TRG is expected to acquire between one-third and half of Oakman’s 30-pub portfolio.
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20/May/2025 12:22
Greene King plans to sell Venture Hotels business in £90 million deal
Greene King is reportedly seeking to offload its Venture Hotels division in a deal estimated to be worth £90 million.
The pub giant is said to be in discussions to sell the 39-site Venture Hotels portfolio to RedCat Pub Company.
Venture Hotels encompasses Everly Hotels, the boutique brand introduced by Greene King last year as part of its strategy to enter the premium accommodation sector.
The debut Everly Hotels site.
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The pub giant is said to be in discussions to sell the 39-site Venture Hotels portfolio to RedCat Pub Company.
Venture Hotels encompasses Everly Hotels, the boutique brand introduced by Greene King last year as part of its strategy to enter the premium accommodation sector.
The debut Everly Hotels site.
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20/May/2025 10:36
Diageo faces $150m yearly impact from U.S. tariffs
Drinks giant Diageo has warned that the continuation of the 10% U.S. tariff on UK and European imports could cost the company an estimated $150 million (£112 million) annually.
The company said it expects to offset around half of the impact on operating profit on an ongoing basis without adjusting its prices, but added that it will continue to explore additional mitigation measures.
Diageo issued the warning in its Q3 2025 trading statement, which showed a 2.9% year-on-year sales increase to $4.
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The company said it expects to offset around half of the impact on operating profit on an ongoing basis without adjusting its prices, but added that it will continue to explore additional mitigation measures.
Diageo issued the warning in its Q3 2025 trading statement, which showed a 2.9% year-on-year sales increase to $4.
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20/May/2025 08:15
Austrian hospitality group sets sights on UK market
The Falkensteiner Michaeler Tourism Group (FMTG), an Austrian hospitality brand with a portfolio of 30 hotels and two campsites across seven European countries, has released its latest financial results and highlighted the UK as a key market for future expansion.
At a recent press conference in Milan, FMTG reported a 2024 turnover of €264 million—an 11.1% increase over 2023—driven by more than two million overnight stays, up 7.8% year-on-year.
FMTG has a €400 million investment pipeline planned over the next five years across four countries.
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At a recent press conference in Milan, FMTG reported a 2024 turnover of €264 million—an 11.1% increase over 2023—driven by more than two million overnight stays, up 7.8% year-on-year.
FMTG has a €400 million investment pipeline planned over the next five years across four countries.
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20/May/2025 08:01
Tommy Banks and partners unveil Jeopardy Hospitality
Restaurateur Tommy Banks has announced the launch of Jeopardy Hospitality, a new venture created in partnership with Matthew Lockwood, his brother James Banks, and entrepreneur Neil Armstrong.
The group’s first project under the Jeopardy Hospitality banner is the restoration and reopening of The General Tarleton, a beloved North Yorkshire venue, scheduled to welcome guests later this summer. Through this initiative, the team seeks to revitalise treasured establishments and foster a renewed sense of community and purpose across the UK.
Acknowledging the vital role pubs play in British culture.
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The group’s first project under the Jeopardy Hospitality banner is the restoration and reopening of The General Tarleton, a beloved North Yorkshire venue, scheduled to welcome guests later this summer. Through this initiative, the team seeks to revitalise treasured establishments and foster a renewed sense of community and purpose across the UK.
Acknowledging the vital role pubs play in British culture.
more »
19/May/2025 11:33