Seaco Investments acquires Busaba Eathai in pre-pack deal following administration
The Thai restaurant chain Busaba has been sold through a pre-pack administration deal following its entry into administration on 16 July.
Following their appointment, administrator Leonard Curtis arranged a pre-pack sale to Seaco Investments, led by finance professional Ronald Seacombe.
The deal has saved approximately 240 jobs at the restaurant chain.
Before the pre-pack deal.
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Following their appointment, administrator Leonard Curtis arranged a pre-pack sale to Seaco Investments, led by finance professional Ronald Seacombe.
The deal has saved approximately 240 jobs at the restaurant chain.
Before the pre-pack deal.
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25/Jul/2025 10:38
Market Halls appoints new CEO amid ambitious expansion plans
Market Halls has named a new chief executive as it sets its sights on surpassing £100 million in annual revenue and aims to double its footprint over the next three years.
Former Laine Pub Company managing director Dan Hills has been appointed managing director and chief executive designate at Market Halls, as the group plans to expand from five to ten food halls by 2028.
Hills will work alongside founder and current chief executive Andy Lewis-Pratt as he transitions into leadership. Lewis-Pratt.
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Former Laine Pub Company managing director Dan Hills has been appointed managing director and chief executive designate at Market Halls, as the group plans to expand from five to ten food halls by 2028.
Hills will work alongside founder and current chief executive Andy Lewis-Pratt as he transitions into leadership. Lewis-Pratt.
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22/Jul/2025 10:52
Matt Brandon appointed CEO of Honest Burgers
Matt Brandon has been promoted to Chief Executive of the casual dining chain Honest Burgers, succeeding Kevin Styles, who is departing after just seven months to become CEO of the Pig hotels.
Honest Burgers said in a statement: “We are delighted to announce that Matt Brandon steps up from chief financial officer to chief executive, having previously acted as interim chief executive last year delivering the best commercial performance in the brand’s history. We believe that Matt is best placed to lead Honest into our next phase of accelerated growth.”
Brandon.
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Honest Burgers said in a statement: “We are delighted to announce that Matt Brandon steps up from chief financial officer to chief executive, having previously acted as interim chief executive last year delivering the best commercial performance in the brand’s history. We believe that Matt is best placed to lead Honest into our next phase of accelerated growth.”
Brandon.
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15/Jul/2025 08:13
Sticks’n’Sushi to launch first Scottish location
Danish restaurant group Sticks’n’Sushi is preparing to launch its first location in Scotland this November, opening a 177-seat dining room and bar on George Square in Glasgow.
The space has been designed by OEO Studio, the Danish design company known for creating Noma Kyoto.
With this new opening, Sticks’n’Sushi will have a total of 31 restaurants across Denmark, the UK, and Germany.
The menu will include dishes such as beef tataki.
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The space has been designed by OEO Studio, the Danish design company known for creating Noma Kyoto.
With this new opening, Sticks’n’Sushi will have a total of 31 restaurants across Denmark, the UK, and Germany.
The menu will include dishes such as beef tataki.
more »
14/Jul/2025 08:54
Claude Bosi names chef André Garrett as Group Culinary Director
Chef André Garrett has been named Group Culinary Director of the Claude Bosi restaurant group.
He brings over 20 years of industry experience, having most recently held the position of executive chef at Corinthia London. Prior to that, he was executive chef at Cliveden House in Berkshire, where he led the relaunch and refurbishment of both the hotel and its flagship restaurant.
Before that, he served as head chef at the Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows, which closed in 2024.
A winner of the 2002 Roux Scholarship.
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He brings over 20 years of industry experience, having most recently held the position of executive chef at Corinthia London. Prior to that, he was executive chef at Cliveden House in Berkshire, where he led the relaunch and refurbishment of both the hotel and its flagship restaurant.
Before that, he served as head chef at the Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows, which closed in 2024.
A winner of the 2002 Roux Scholarship.
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04/Jul/2025 18:13
KERB ventures into sports bars with its first wet-led concept
Street food operator KERB will launch a new American sports bar in London’s Spitalfields Market this August.
Kerb Social Club marks KERB’s first-ever wet-led concept, arriving approximately 13 years after the brand began as a pop-up lunch market.
The new bar will feature a variety of entertainment, including Mario Kart marathons, chess finals, karaoke showdowns, and Super Sunday screenings. Guests can also enjoy dishes from three of KERB’s signature street food traders: Only Jerkin’ fried chicken.
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Kerb Social Club marks KERB’s first-ever wet-led concept, arriving approximately 13 years after the brand began as a pop-up lunch market.
The new bar will feature a variety of entertainment, including Mario Kart marathons, chess finals, karaoke showdowns, and Super Sunday screenings. Guests can also enjoy dishes from three of KERB’s signature street food traders: Only Jerkin’ fried chicken.
more »
30/Jun/2025 08:49
Piccolino to open new London restaurant in landmark partnership
Piccolino will launch a new restaurant this summer at Hilton London Tower Bridge, marking a significant milestone for the brand. This opening represents a pivotal step in Piccolino’s evolution, as it embarks on its first-ever partnership within a hotel setting—ushering in an exciting new chapter of growth.
Part of the privately owned Individual Restaurants group, Piccolino currently operates 22 locations across the UK. The upcoming opening marks the brand’s first entry into the hotel sector, underscoring Individual Restaurants’ strategic focus on brand evolution and market expansion. This move follows a record-breaking year.
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Part of the privately owned Individual Restaurants group, Piccolino currently operates 22 locations across the UK. The upcoming opening marks the brand’s first entry into the hotel sector, underscoring Individual Restaurants’ strategic focus on brand evolution and market expansion. This move follows a record-breaking year.
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30/Jun/2025 08:41
Freak Scene teams up with The Evolv Collection for pop-up Experience at 100 Wardour Street
Freak Scene and The Evolv Collection are collaborating on an exclusive pop-up residency at 100 Wardour Street, bringing bold pan-Asian flavours to Soho from July through November.
The Evolv x Freak Scene partnership marks the first major strategic collaboration under CEO Martin Williams, reflecting his vision to modernise the company’s brand portfolio and attract a wider audience.
Since assuming the role, Williams has spearheaded several innovative projects, including the launch of ‘Pont Plage’—a pop-up beach along the Thames— the opening of Bluebird at South Place Hotel.
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The Evolv x Freak Scene partnership marks the first major strategic collaboration under CEO Martin Williams, reflecting his vision to modernise the company’s brand portfolio and attract a wider audience.
Since assuming the role, Williams has spearheaded several innovative projects, including the launch of ‘Pont Plage’—a pop-up beach along the Thames— the opening of Bluebird at South Place Hotel.
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26/Jun/2025 17:04
MBO at Buzzworks propels £100m+ growth plans
Award-winning hospitality operator, Buzzworks Holdings, has announced details of a family management buyout.
Kenny Blair, Co-Founder and Managing Director, will take control of the family business continuing with its mission to become a £100m+ Scottish hospitality company.
Founded in Ayrshire in 1978 and led by siblings Colin (68), Alison (66) and Kenny (55), Buzzworks has gone from strength to strength with its successful formula of bringing great hospitality venues to Scotland’s towns and suburbs.
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Kenny Blair, Co-Founder and Managing Director, will take control of the family business continuing with its mission to become a £100m+ Scottish hospitality company.
Founded in Ayrshire in 1978 and led by siblings Colin (68), Alison (66) and Kenny (55), Buzzworks has gone from strength to strength with its successful formula of bringing great hospitality venues to Scotland’s towns and suburbs.
more »
25/Jun/2025 14:20
Big Table Group reduces losses as Managing Director of leisure division departs
Big Table Group, the operator behind Bella Italia, Las Iguanas, and Café Rouge, has reported improved trading results for the 12 months ending 27 October 2024.
The company cut its pre-tax losses from £13.8 million in the 2023 financial year to £4.4 million in 2024.
Adjusted trading EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) rose by 77%, reaching £3.9 million—up from £2.2 million the previous year.
Full-year sales rose by 3%.
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The company cut its pre-tax losses from £13.8 million in the 2023 financial year to £4.4 million in 2024.
Adjusted trading EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) rose by 77%, reaching £3.9 million—up from £2.2 million the previous year.
Full-year sales rose by 3%.
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25/Jun/2025 10:08
Goodman Canary Wharf to shut its doors after nearly 15 years
The steakhouse group Goodman will be closing its Canary Wharf location after nearly 15 years of operation.
On Instagram, the group shared that it had been “tough to keep things going” since the pandemic, with the final service scheduled for June 29.
However, Goodman, which also operates steakhouses in Mayfair and the City of London, stated that it is actively searching for a new location for the restaurant.
The post said: “After nearly 15 incredible years.
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On Instagram, the group shared that it had been “tough to keep things going” since the pandemic, with the final service scheduled for June 29.
However, Goodman, which also operates steakhouses in Mayfair and the City of London, stated that it is actively searching for a new location for the restaurant.
The post said: “After nearly 15 incredible years.
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24/Jun/2025 08:16
Salad chain Atis expands offering with new catering service
Fast-growing salad bar chain Atis has introduced its first dedicated catering service to meet rising demand for group orders.
Launched on 19 June, Catering Feasts is now available for groups of five or more, serving offices and events throughout central London.
Co-founder Eleanor Warder described the launch as the “next natural step” for the brand, which has opened 10 locations across London since its debut in 2019. A new Atis site — the 11th — is set to open at Battersea Power Station on 30 June.
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Launched on 19 June, Catering Feasts is now available for groups of five or more, serving offices and events throughout central London.
Co-founder Eleanor Warder described the launch as the “next natural step” for the brand, which has opened 10 locations across London since its debut in 2019. A new Atis site — the 11th — is set to open at Battersea Power Station on 30 June.
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24/Jun/2025 08:09
Buzzworks becomes Scotland’s first multi-venue hospitality company to earn B Corp certification
Leading Scottish hospitality group Buzzworks has officially become Scotland’s first multi-venue hospitality business to receive B Corporation certification.
By joining a global movement of businesses committed to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, Buzzworks earned its certification after a thorough evaluation by B Lab, the nonprofit organisation behind the B Corp movement.
Kenny Blair, Managing Director of Buzzworks, who played a key role in guiding the company through the demanding certification process.
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By joining a global movement of businesses committed to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, Buzzworks earned its certification after a thorough evaluation by B Lab, the nonprofit organisation behind the B Corp movement.
Kenny Blair, Managing Director of Buzzworks, who played a key role in guiding the company through the demanding certification process.
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11/Jun/2025 11:05
Karen’s Diner to shut down last remaining UK location
The final Karen’s Diner in the UK will close its doors at the end of June, marking the end of two years in operation.
The White Lion Street location in London’s Islington, operated under a franchise agreement, is closing following a decision earlier this year not to renew its lease.
Karen’s Diner became famous for its intentionally rude staff, with viral TikTok clips showing waiters playfully insulting customers amassing millions of views.
In a statement.
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The White Lion Street location in London’s Islington, operated under a franchise agreement, is closing following a decision earlier this year not to renew its lease.
Karen’s Diner became famous for its intentionally rude staff, with viral TikTok clips showing waiters playfully insulting customers amassing millions of views.
In a statement.
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09/Jun/2025 11:24
Incipio Group to debut four new food and beverage concepts at Olympia London
Incipio Group has revealed plans to open four food and drink venues at Olympia London.
The exhibition and events centre in West London, originally constructed in the late 1800s, is currently undergoing a £1.3 billion redevelopment, with reopening scheduled for October 2025.
Incipio’s four new venues will span 40,000 square feet, accounting for nearly half of all food and beverage outlets at Olympia.
The revamped Olympia is projected to draw approximately 10 million visitors each year and will include a 4.
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The exhibition and events centre in West London, originally constructed in the late 1800s, is currently undergoing a £1.3 billion redevelopment, with reopening scheduled for October 2025.
Incipio’s four new venues will span 40,000 square feet, accounting for nearly half of all food and beverage outlets at Olympia.
The revamped Olympia is projected to draw approximately 10 million visitors each year and will include a 4.
more »
09/Jun/2025 10:13
Thomas Heier steps down as chief executive of Wagamama as part of a broader senior leadership reshuffle
Thomas Heier has exited his position as chief executive of Wagamama UK after serving in the role for four years.
Heier joined Wagamama in 2017 as people director and became chief executive in 2021, leading the company through the latter stages of the pandemic and navigating significant cost pressures.
He will be succeeded by Mark Chambers, currently chief financial officer at Wagamama’s parent company, The Restaurant Group (TRG), effective from 2 June.
Chambers previously headed TRG’s leisure and concessions division — overseeing brands such as Chiquito’s and Frankie & Benny’s — which TRG transferred to the Big Table Group in 2023 in a £7.
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Heier joined Wagamama in 2017 as people director and became chief executive in 2021, leading the company through the latter stages of the pandemic and navigating significant cost pressures.
He will be succeeded by Mark Chambers, currently chief financial officer at Wagamama’s parent company, The Restaurant Group (TRG), effective from 2 June.
Chambers previously headed TRG’s leisure and concessions division — overseeing brands such as Chiquito’s and Frankie & Benny’s — which TRG transferred to the Big Table Group in 2023 in a £7.
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05/Jun/2025 09:53
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
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
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.
more »
20/May/2025 12:22
Parisian group Tigermilk set to launch its first restaurant in London
A Parisian restaurant group renowned for its Latin American cuisine and vibrant interiors is set to make its UK debut with a London opening next month.
Tigermilk, which operates ten restaurants across France and Belgium, will open its first UK location at 127 Charing Cross Road on 12 June.
The concept is described as a “love letter to Latin America” that is “not authentic, not traditional, just full of life”.
Founded in 2019 by restaurateurs Nina and Alexis Melikov.
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Tigermilk, which operates ten restaurants across France and Belgium, will open its first UK location at 127 Charing Cross Road on 12 June.
The concept is described as a “love letter to Latin America” that is “not authentic, not traditional, just full of life”.
Founded in 2019 by restaurateurs Nina and Alexis Melikov.
more »
14/May/2025 08:55