Neil Aitken appointed as head chef at The Forge in Chester
Neil Aitken has been named head chef at the Forge, located within Hotel Indigo Chester.
He previously served as sous chef at the Chester Grosvenor, working across the Simon Radley and Arkle restaurants, and before that held a position at the two-Michelin-starred Midsummer House in Cambridge.
The 70-cover Forge restaurant, which opened in 2021, was awarded two AA Rosettes in 2023 for its wood-fire and charcoal-led cooking.
Michael Lyons.
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He previously served as sous chef at the Chester Grosvenor, working across the Simon Radley and Arkle restaurants, and before that held a position at the two-Michelin-starred Midsummer House in Cambridge.
The 70-cover Forge restaurant, which opened in 2021, was awarded two AA Rosettes in 2023 for its wood-fire and charcoal-led cooking.
Michael Lyons.
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27/Nov/2025 08:03
Kokoro to add 100 new stores in five years
Kokoro is inviting new franchise partners to support its nationwide expansion across the UK.
The quick-service restaurant, known for its freshly prepared Japanese and Korean dishes, plans to open 100 additional locations over the next five years.
Kokoro currently operates 82 restaurants across the UK, spanning corporate-owned sites, joint ventures and franchise locations.
The company said it is “investing significant capital” into its growth plans and is seeking franchise partners to support its expansion not only across the UK but also into Europe.
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The quick-service restaurant, known for its freshly prepared Japanese and Korean dishes, plans to open 100 additional locations over the next five years.
Kokoro currently operates 82 restaurants across the UK, spanning corporate-owned sites, joint ventures and franchise locations.
The company said it is “investing significant capital” into its growth plans and is seeking franchise partners to support its expansion not only across the UK but also into Europe.
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24/Nov/2025 08:43
Middletons Steakhouse & Grill sold out of administration safeguarding 159 jobs
Middletons Steakhouse & Grill’s future has been secured after the business was successfully sold out of administration, ensuring the retention of 159 roles.
Joint administrators Tim Bateson and James Clark of Interpath were appointed to Gastro Pubs Limited, the operator of the Middletons brand, on Friday, 14 November.
Following their appointment, the joint administrators concluded a sale of the business to a newly formed group owned by Middletons’ existing shareholders.
Under the agreement.
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Joint administrators Tim Bateson and James Clark of Interpath were appointed to Gastro Pubs Limited, the operator of the Middletons brand, on Friday, 14 November.
Following their appointment, the joint administrators concluded a sale of the business to a newly formed group owned by Middletons’ existing shareholders.
Under the agreement.
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20/Nov/2025 08:00
Sale of Coconut Tree restaurants out of administration secures 150 jobs
The Coconut Tree restaurant group has been sold out of administration to two of its original founders, safeguarding more than 150 jobs.
MPS Hospitality Limited—formed in April by co-founders Shamil Fernando and Praveen Thangiah—has acquired the business.
The Sri Lankan restaurant group entered a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) last summer, only months after launching a £1m crowdfunding campaign aimed at supporting its expansion to 50 sites.
However.
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MPS Hospitality Limited—formed in April by co-founders Shamil Fernando and Praveen Thangiah—has acquired the business.
The Sri Lankan restaurant group entered a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) last summer, only months after launching a £1m crowdfunding campaign aimed at supporting its expansion to 50 sites.
However.
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18/Nov/2025 08:10
TGI Fridays UK acquired by Sugarloaf
Evolv Collection investors Calveton UK and Breal Capital have sold TGI Fridays to Sugarloaf, the global brand’s manager.
Details of the deal for the 49 UK restaurants, purchased by Calveton and Breal for £9.55m in October 2024, have not been disclosed.
TGI Fridays was undergoing a revival in the UK following the closure of 36 underperforming locations ahead of its sale last year. The brand relaunched on 4 July with updated branding and a refreshed menu.
Calveton and Breal reported positive like-for-like sales growth in 2025.
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Details of the deal for the 49 UK restaurants, purchased by Calveton and Breal for £9.55m in October 2024, have not been disclosed.
TGI Fridays was undergoing a revival in the UK following the closure of 36 underperforming locations ahead of its sale last year. The brand relaunched on 4 July with updated branding and a refreshed menu.
Calveton and Breal reported positive like-for-like sales growth in 2025.
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03/Nov/2025 14:24
Evolv Collection announces acquisition of Vinoteca and plans to grow Sartoria brand
The Evolv Collection has acquired the wine bar group Vinoteca and plans to rebrand its two venues under the Sartoria restaurant group.
The Farringdon and Bloomberg Arcade locations will be incorporated into the Evolv Collection’s expanding portfolio, marking another step in the company’s rapid growth under chief executive Martin Williams.
Since taking the helm of the group, formerly known as D&D London, Martin Williams has focused on strengthening and expanding its core brands — including Bluebird.
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The Farringdon and Bloomberg Arcade locations will be incorporated into the Evolv Collection’s expanding portfolio, marking another step in the company’s rapid growth under chief executive Martin Williams.
Since taking the helm of the group, formerly known as D&D London, Martin Williams has focused on strengthening and expanding its core brands — including Bluebird.
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03/Nov/2025 08:45
Korean Cuisine Continues to Rise – SOOM Brings BBQ Culture to Covent Garden
This November, a new Korean BBQ restaurant will open its doors at 99 St Martin’s Lane. SOOM is the latest concept from the team behind 3KOBROS, a Korean restaurant in Canary Wharf.
Korean food continues to rise in popularity across London, celebrated for its bold flavours, communal dining culture, and balance of tradition and innovation. SOOM builds on this energy with a refined take on Korean BBQ, designed to be both social and serene.
At its core, SOOM will celebrate the communal spirit of Korean BBQ.
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Korean food continues to rise in popularity across London, celebrated for its bold flavours, communal dining culture, and balance of tradition and innovation. SOOM builds on this energy with a refined take on Korean BBQ, designed to be both social and serene.
At its core, SOOM will celebrate the communal spirit of Korean BBQ.
more »
27/Oct/2025 12:28
Half-term savings for families at Wildwood
This half-term, Wildwood is serving up a treat for families with its Halloween- themed Monster Menu, a spooky dining experience designed especially for kids.
From 27th October to 2nd November 2025, children can enjoy a main, dessert and drink from the limited-edition Monster Menu for just £1 when accompanied by an adult choosing a main meal from the a la carte menu, providing great value for money for our local families dining with Wildwood this half-term.
Available at 18 Wildwood locations nationally.
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From 27th October to 2nd November 2025, children can enjoy a main, dessert and drink from the limited-edition Monster Menu for just £1 when accompanied by an adult choosing a main meal from the a la carte menu, providing great value for money for our local families dining with Wildwood this half-term.
Available at 18 Wildwood locations nationally.
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27/Oct/2025 12:20
Hakkasan Group appoints new CEO to lead global expansion
Hakkasan Group has appointed Yavuz Pehlivanlar as its new Chief Executive Officer as it looks to accelerate global growth.
Pehlivanlar previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Caprice Holdings, the parent company of Sexy Fish and Scott’s Mayfair, and brings over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality.
He joins Hakkasan Group, which operates Hakkasan Mayfair and two Yauatcha restaurants in London, as it transitions to a new business structure while pursuing brand expansion.
Hakkasan was founded by Alan Yau in 2001.
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Pehlivanlar previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Caprice Holdings, the parent company of Sexy Fish and Scott’s Mayfair, and brings over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality.
He joins Hakkasan Group, which operates Hakkasan Mayfair and two Yauatcha restaurants in London, as it transitions to a new business structure while pursuing brand expansion.
Hakkasan was founded by Alan Yau in 2001.
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21/Oct/2025 10:38
Honest Burgers to launch 12 new restaurants in late 2025
Honest Burgers will open a new restaurant in Wimbledon on Sunday, 26th October, marking the first of 12 planned openings across the UK.
The expansion will bring the British burger chain’s total to 51 locations, introducing the brand to three new regions and adding further sites in London and Bristol.
Tom Barton, Co-Founder of Honest Burgers, added: “When we started Honest back in Brixton, we wanted to do one thing really well: serve simple, quality British burgers and chips that people would love.
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The expansion will bring the British burger chain’s total to 51 locations, introducing the brand to three new regions and adding further sites in London and Bristol.
Tom Barton, Co-Founder of Honest Burgers, added: “When we started Honest back in Brixton, we wanted to do one thing really well: serve simple, quality British burgers and chips that people would love.
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21/Oct/2025 08:08
Pizza Hut to close 68 UK restaurants after operator enters administration
Pizza Hut will close 68 restaurants after the company operating its UK branches entered administration.
No details have been given on how many employees could lose their jobs as a result of the closures.
DLC London Pie, which runs Pizza Hut’s UK restaurants, appointed administrators from the corporate finance firm FTI on Monday.
The move comes less than a year after the company acquired the chain’s restaurants out of insolvency.
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No details have been given on how many employees could lose their jobs as a result of the closures.
DLC London Pie, which runs Pizza Hut’s UK restaurants, appointed administrators from the corporate finance firm FTI on Monday.
The move comes less than a year after the company acquired the chain’s restaurants out of insolvency.
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20/Oct/2025 15:16
Honest Burgers releases latest financial accounts
The Honest Group has announced its financial results for the year ending January 2025, recording its strongest performance to date. Like-for-like sales grew by 10% to £59.9 million, while EBITDA rose to £5.3 million, up from £3.5 million in FY24 — a 52.3% year-on-year increase.
This performance builds on the 21% like-for-like sales growth achieved in the previous year (ending January 2024) and sets the stage for sustained growth in 2025. Year-to-date results continue the brand’s positive momentum, with like-for-like covers up 3.3% and EBITDA projected to rise by 37% in the first half of the year.
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This performance builds on the 21% like-for-like sales growth achieved in the previous year (ending January 2024) and sets the stage for sustained growth in 2025. Year-to-date results continue the brand’s positive momentum, with like-for-like covers up 3.3% and EBITDA projected to rise by 37% in the first half of the year.
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16/Oct/2025 08:13
Marketplace Food Hall to open in London’s Leicester Square
Market Place is set to unveil a five-storey food hall in London’s Leicester Square this December.
Situated next to the iconic Odeon cinema, the venue will host 16 independent kitchens and three standalone bars, making it the brand’s largest project to date.
The Leicester Square site will also feature a dedicated events space with a large screen and a curated cultural programme including comedy nights, live music performances, and DJ sets.
Those planning after-work drinks or exclusive gatherings will be able to reserve one of the venue’s private dining rooms.
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Situated next to the iconic Odeon cinema, the venue will host 16 independent kitchens and three standalone bars, making it the brand’s largest project to date.
The Leicester Square site will also feature a dedicated events space with a large screen and a curated cultural programme including comedy nights, live music performances, and DJ sets.
Those planning after-work drinks or exclusive gatherings will be able to reserve one of the venue’s private dining rooms.
more »
14/Oct/2025 08:11
Owners of the Evolv Collection acquire London Brasseries
Calveton UK and Breal Capital have announced their acquisition of London Brasseries Ltd, the group behind five restaurants located in London’s West End.
The acquisition follows roughly a year after Calveton and Breal’s rescue deal to purchase 51 of TGI Fridays’ 87 UK restaurants. This was after the brand’s owner, Hostmore, entered administration in September 2024.
The investors also completed their acquisition of the Evolv Collection, formerly known as D&D London, in late 2023.
In a LinkedIn post.
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The acquisition follows roughly a year after Calveton and Breal’s rescue deal to purchase 51 of TGI Fridays’ 87 UK restaurants. This was after the brand’s owner, Hostmore, entered administration in September 2024.
The investors also completed their acquisition of the Evolv Collection, formerly known as D&D London, in late 2023.
In a LinkedIn post.
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13/Oct/2025 09:54
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
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
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
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
JKS Restaurants names global CEO in preparation for U.S. expansion
JKS Restaurants has named Pavan Pardasani as global chief executive officer of its Indian dining portfolio as the group gears up for international expansion.
In his new role, Pardasani will lead operations across JKS’s acclaimed London restaurants. This includes Michelin-starred Trishna and Gymkhana — while also steering forthcoming launches in New York and Las Vegas.
The son of Indian immigrants, Pardasani was raised in New York and brings extensive industry experience, having held senior positions at Hakkasan and Catch Hospitality.
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In his new role, Pardasani will lead operations across JKS’s acclaimed London restaurants. This includes Michelin-starred Trishna and Gymkhana — while also steering forthcoming launches in New York and Las Vegas.
The son of Indian immigrants, Pardasani was raised in New York and brings extensive industry experience, having held senior positions at Hakkasan and Catch Hospitality.
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23/Sep/2025 08:10
CEO of Burger & Lobster steps down
Misha Zelman has resigned from her role as chief executive of Burger & Lobster.
Zelman, who co-founded the surf-and-turf restaurant group in 2011 with Roman Zelman, Ilya Demichev, and George Bukhov-Weinstein, will continue to serve on the board as a non-executive director.
He also serves as chairman of Creative Restaurant Group, the company behind London’s Michelin-starred Humo in Mayfair and Kioku by Endo at the OWO in Whitehall.
Dino Sura.
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Zelman, who co-founded the surf-and-turf restaurant group in 2011 with Roman Zelman, Ilya Demichev, and George Bukhov-Weinstein, will continue to serve on the board as a non-executive director.
He also serves as chairman of Creative Restaurant Group, the company behind London’s Michelin-starred Humo in Mayfair and Kioku by Endo at the OWO in Whitehall.
Dino Sura.
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10/Sep/2025 09:41