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.
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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.
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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.
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14/May/2025 08:55
Kudu Collective to relocate to Marylebone after eight years in Peckham
Amy Corbin and Patrick Williams, the duo behind Kudu Collective, have revealed plans to move their Peckham-based venture to Marylebone in central London.
The husband-and-wife team launched the original Kudu on Queens Road in Peckham in January 2018, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand for their efforts.
In January 2020, they opened the cocktail bar Smokey Kudu, which has since closed. This was followed by the launch of gallery and private dining space Curious Kudu in May 2021, and Kudu Grill in September of the same year.
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The husband-and-wife team launched the original Kudu on Queens Road in Peckham in January 2018, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand for their efforts.
In January 2020, they opened the cocktail bar Smokey Kudu, which has since closed. This was followed by the launch of gallery and private dining space Curious Kudu in May 2021, and Kudu Grill in September of the same year.
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13/May/2025 08:15
Boxpark has appointed its first Chief Growth Officer
Michelle Farrell will lead the sales, events, marketing, and commercial functions at Boxpark, focusing on driving growth at its newest location, BOXHALL City, as well as across all other sites in the UK.
Farrell brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality sector, specialising in marketing and sales. Most recently, she served as group sales and marketing director at Nightcap Group, and has held several senior roles at renowned hospitality businesses, including Stonegate Group and Novus Leisure.
“We are delighted to be introducing Michelle to the team and looking forward to leveraging her experience and expertise as we grow as a business.
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Farrell brings over 15 years of experience in the hospitality sector, specialising in marketing and sales. Most recently, she served as group sales and marketing director at Nightcap Group, and has held several senior roles at renowned hospitality businesses, including Stonegate Group and Novus Leisure.
“We are delighted to be introducing Michelle to the team and looking forward to leveraging her experience and expertise as we grow as a business.
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12/May/2025 10:32
Prezzo rebrands with new name and menu as part of major rebrand after 25 years
Prezzo has introduced a new name, menu, and brand identity as part of a major revamp aimed at revitalising the 25-year-old restaurant chain.
The casual dining group, which operates 96 restaurants and employs 1,900 staff, will rebrand as Prezzo Italian.
The first restaurant under the new Prezzo Italian name opens today in High Street Kensington, as the chain aims to reposition itself as the ‘home of Italian classics’.
Four locations - in Cambridge.
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The casual dining group, which operates 96 restaurants and employs 1,900 staff, will rebrand as Prezzo Italian.
The first restaurant under the new Prezzo Italian name opens today in High Street Kensington, as the chain aims to reposition itself as the ‘home of Italian classics’.
Four locations - in Cambridge.
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06/May/2025 11:35
The Ivy Collection increases profits despite industry challenges
The Ivy Collection has posted an increase in both sales and profits, despite ongoing “inflationary pressures” affecting the restaurant industry.
The Richard Caring-backed chain, which is reportedly being considered for sale at £1 billion, reported pre-tax profits of £37 million in 2023, up from £29 million the year before.
Revenue increased to £314.7 million, up from £302.9 million the previous year, while adjusted EBITDA rose from £54.7 million to £57.4 million.
This growth occurred despite no new Ivy Collection restaurants opening in 2023.
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The Richard Caring-backed chain, which is reportedly being considered for sale at £1 billion, reported pre-tax profits of £37 million in 2023, up from £29 million the year before.
Revenue increased to £314.7 million, up from £302.9 million the previous year, while adjusted EBITDA rose from £54.7 million to £57.4 million.
This growth occurred despite no new Ivy Collection restaurants opening in 2023.
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29/Apr/2025 08:25
Dishoom prepares to open first restaurant in Leeds
Dishoom is gearing up to open its first restaurant in Leeds.
Documents reveal that UK-based property investment firm Town Centre Securities (TCS) submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council on behalf of the Indian restaurant group in March.
TCS stated it plans to develop its 7,300 sq ft site at 68–78 Vicar Lane into a restaurant, with the building set to be 'sympathetically transformed to align with Dishoom’s distinctive design style and storytelling approach'.
Vicar Lane is a 0.
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Documents reveal that UK-based property investment firm Town Centre Securities (TCS) submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council on behalf of the Indian restaurant group in March.
TCS stated it plans to develop its 7,300 sq ft site at 68–78 Vicar Lane into a restaurant, with the building set to be 'sympathetically transformed to align with Dishoom’s distinctive design style and storytelling approach'.
Vicar Lane is a 0.
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28/Apr/2025 09:12
Arepa & Co launches new flagship location
Arepa & Co, the UK’s sole Venezuelan casual dining brand, has launched its new flagship location in London’s Elephant & Castle.
Founded in Haggerston in 2014, Arepa & Co — led by Ernesto Moreno and Kathe Cunin — also operates locations in Brixton and Bethnal Green.
The menu centres around arepas — traditional flat corn breads, toasted, split open, and stuffed with a variety of fillings such as meats, pulses, and dairy, a tradition rooted in the continent’s indigenous tribes. It also showcases cachapas.
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Founded in Haggerston in 2014, Arepa & Co — led by Ernesto Moreno and Kathe Cunin — also operates locations in Brixton and Bethnal Green.
The menu centres around arepas — traditional flat corn breads, toasted, split open, and stuffed with a variety of fillings such as meats, pulses, and dairy, a tradition rooted in the continent’s indigenous tribes. It also showcases cachapas.
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28/Apr/2025 08:40
Edinburgh’s Fhior restaurant to close its doors after seven years
Edinburgh fine dining restaurant Fhior will close after nearly seven years in operation.
Chef and co-owner Scott Smith announced the closure earlier this week via Instagram. He wrote: 'After seven incredible years, we’ve made the deeply difficult decision to bring our restaurant, Fhior, to a close.”
Fhior, derived from the Gaelic word for ‘true,’ opened in 2018 and is featured in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
Smith explained that “a very difficult hospitality climate has taken its toll” on him and his co-owner and wife Laura Smith.
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Chef and co-owner Scott Smith announced the closure earlier this week via Instagram. He wrote: 'After seven incredible years, we’ve made the deeply difficult decision to bring our restaurant, Fhior, to a close.”
Fhior, derived from the Gaelic word for ‘true,’ opened in 2018 and is featured in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
Smith explained that “a very difficult hospitality climate has taken its toll” on him and his co-owner and wife Laura Smith.
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24/Apr/2025 08:32
F1 driver Fernando Alonso makes investment in Sticks’n’Sushi
Formula One driver Fernando Alonso has invested in the Danish-Japanese restaurant group Sticks’n’Sushi.
The two-time world champion has acquired a stake in the company alongside private equity firm McWin Capital Partners, which secured a majority share in the business last year.
A spokesperson for the restaurant group described it as a 'meaningful investment,' although This Is Money reports that the Spanish driver’s stake is over 20%.
Founded in Copenhagen in 1994.
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The two-time world champion has acquired a stake in the company alongside private equity firm McWin Capital Partners, which secured a majority share in the business last year.
A spokesperson for the restaurant group described it as a 'meaningful investment,' although This Is Money reports that the Spanish driver’s stake is over 20%.
Founded in Copenhagen in 1994.
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23/Apr/2025 09:46
Big Mamma’s new restaurant in Canary Wharf will be named Barbarella
Big Mamma is preparing to launch its sixth restaurant in London this June.
The new restaurant, Barbarella, will be located in the corporate district of Canary Wharf in east London.
Housed in the YY Building, the restaurant’s theme is inspired by 1970s Roman cinema. Its décor will feature vintage Ferragamo silks, a mirrored glass bar, and a 70s-style chromed lounge upstairs, with an open kitchen at the heart of the space.
The kitchen will be headed by Roma-born Marco Rastelli.
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The new restaurant, Barbarella, will be located in the corporate district of Canary Wharf in east London.
Housed in the YY Building, the restaurant’s theme is inspired by 1970s Roman cinema. Its décor will feature vintage Ferragamo silks, a mirrored glass bar, and a 70s-style chromed lounge upstairs, with an open kitchen at the heart of the space.
The kitchen will be headed by Roma-born Marco Rastelli.
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16/Apr/2025 10:28
Iconic Michelin-Starred Veeraswamy Faces Closure in Lease Battle
The UK’s oldest Indian restaurant is at risk of closure following a dispute with its landlord, the Crown Estate.
Since 1926, Michelin-starred Veeraswamy has served guests from its site in Victory House, just off London’s Piccadilly Circus.
However, The Times reports that the restaurant has been informed its lease will not be renewed when it expires in June.
The Crown Estate is reportedly seeking to reclaim the space in order to carry out a major 12-month renovation and convert the building into offices.
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Since 1926, Michelin-starred Veeraswamy has served guests from its site in Victory House, just off London’s Piccadilly Circus.
However, The Times reports that the restaurant has been informed its lease will not be renewed when it expires in June.
The Crown Estate is reportedly seeking to reclaim the space in order to carry out a major 12-month renovation and convert the building into offices.
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14/Apr/2025 10:14
New chairman appointed at Rick Stein Restaurants
Richard Banks has stepped down as chairman of Rick Stein Restaurants after serving in the role for nearly four years.
The group stated that Banks, the former chief executive of UK Asset Resolution, has stepped down from the position he has held since 2021 due to personal reasons.
He has been succeeded by Mark Hixon, who has been promoted from his position as non-executive director at Rick Stein Restaurants.
Hixon.
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The group stated that Banks, the former chief executive of UK Asset Resolution, has stepped down from the position he has held since 2021 due to personal reasons.
He has been succeeded by Mark Hixon, who has been promoted from his position as non-executive director at Rick Stein Restaurants.
Hixon.
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10/Apr/2025 13:51
Yard Sale Pizza secures investment to support its plans for expansion
Yard Sale Pizza has received backing from investment firm Piper to accelerate its expansion across the UK.
The brand aims to grow to 40 sites within five years, having identified up to 500 potential locations across the UK.
Founded in 2013 by Johnnie Tate and Nick Buckland, Yard Sale Pizza now operates 14 sites across London and recorded a turnover of £13m for the year ending April 2025.
Tate.
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The brand aims to grow to 40 sites within five years, having identified up to 500 potential locations across the UK.
Founded in 2013 by Johnnie Tate and Nick Buckland, Yard Sale Pizza now operates 14 sites across London and recorded a turnover of £13m for the year ending April 2025.
Tate.
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08/Apr/2025 09:23
Chipotle to open first Essex restaurant
Chipotle opened it first location in Essex last week after securing a site at Lakeside Shopping Centre.
The group made its UK debut on Charing Cross Road in 2010 and has since largely focused on London locations, with only two previous ventures outside the capital—in Guildford and Watford, the latter of which closed at the end of last year.
Chipotle currently operates around 20 locations across the UK.
Each restaurant offers a signature menu featuring burritos.
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The group made its UK debut on Charing Cross Road in 2010 and has since largely focused on London locations, with only two previous ventures outside the capital—in Guildford and Watford, the latter of which closed at the end of last year.
Chipotle currently operates around 20 locations across the UK.
Each restaurant offers a signature menu featuring burritos.
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07/Apr/2025 09:29
Kricket continuing its expansion with the launch of a new site in Covent Garden
The modern Indian restaurant group Kricket is set to open a spacious new location in Covent Garden later this year, expanding its London presence to five restaurants.
The opening follows the recent launch of a site in Canary Wharf late last year and another in Shoreditch at the beginning of last month.
Situated in Neal’s Yard within Covent Garden’s Seven Dials area, the new Kricket site will span 4,000 sq ft and accommodate over 130 diners. Similar to its Shoreditch location, it will operate as an all-day restaurant.
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The opening follows the recent launch of a site in Canary Wharf late last year and another in Shoreditch at the beginning of last month.
Situated in Neal’s Yard within Covent Garden’s Seven Dials area, the new Kricket site will span 4,000 sq ft and accommodate over 130 diners. Similar to its Shoreditch location, it will operate as an all-day restaurant.
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04/Apr/2025 10:56
PizzaExpress shareholders invest £20m in refinancing boost
PizzaExpress has finalised a refinancing deal to strengthen its balance sheet after an already strong start to the year.
The restaurant group, one of Britain’s largest casual dining chains with around 350 locations, has secured a £55m par debt paydown, lowering its total debt to £280m.
As part of the refinancing, shareholders will invest £20m in equity into the chain’s parent company, Wheel Topco.
PizzaExpress stated it had secured 'strong support' to extend the maturity of its senior secured notes from July 2026 to September 2029.
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The restaurant group, one of Britain’s largest casual dining chains with around 350 locations, has secured a £55m par debt paydown, lowering its total debt to £280m.
As part of the refinancing, shareholders will invest £20m in equity into the chain’s parent company, Wheel Topco.
PizzaExpress stated it had secured 'strong support' to extend the maturity of its senior secured notes from July 2026 to September 2029.
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03/Apr/2025 10:07
Team behind Higher Ground prepares to launch new seafood restaurant and bar
The team behind Manchester's Bib Gourmand restaurant, Higher Ground, has revealed plans to launch Bar Shrimp later this year.
Daniel Craig Martin, Joseph Otway, and Richard Cossins—the team behind Higher Ground and wine bar Flawd—are set to open a casual British seafood and snacks venue, Bar Shrimp, in Manchester city centre this winter.
Bar Shrimp will also feature cocktails, draft beers, and live music, though further details remain under wraps.
Higher Ground began as a pop-up in Manchester in early 2020 after its founders connected with a breeder raising pasture-fed cows in Cheshire woodlands as part of a regenerative food system.
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Daniel Craig Martin, Joseph Otway, and Richard Cossins—the team behind Higher Ground and wine bar Flawd—are set to open a casual British seafood and snacks venue, Bar Shrimp, in Manchester city centre this winter.
Bar Shrimp will also feature cocktails, draft beers, and live music, though further details remain under wraps.
Higher Ground began as a pop-up in Manchester in early 2020 after its founders connected with a breeder raising pasture-fed cows in Cheshire woodlands as part of a regenerative food system.
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31/Mar/2025 09:28