01/08/2017
UK hotels see strong profit growth
Katherine Price at The Caterer has reported that profit growth has remained strong for UK hotels irrespective of the political instability caused by June's surprise election which resulted in a hung parliament. Hotstats' research into UK hotels revealed GOPPAR increase of 5.4% in June as well as a 6.2% uplift in REVPAR. Furthermore, there was also a 0.6% rise in occupancy and average room rate increased to £122.23, a 5.4% year-on-year increase.
Fourth site for Charles Wells' Pizza, Pots & Pints concept
As reported by the Morning Advertiser, the award-winning concept, Pizza, Pots & Pints, is to open its fourth site in two years. As part of the conversion, the Radcliffe Arms in Hitchin will receive a six-figure investment. Director of Charles Wells, Craig Mayes stated that the brewery is dedicated to expanding its portfolio in the Hertfordshire region.
Urban Kitchen concept to launch in Nottingham
Propel Info reports that Jasmin Barlow-Wilkinson, a multi site operator based in Nottingham, with two restaurants operating under her Homemade brand, has added her latest edition, Urban Kitchen. The concept is set to launch in the Hockley area in a derelict building in Goose Gate, having partnered with Kevin Wright and his daughter Naomi. Urban Kitchen is set to open in autumn and will focus on sharing plates.
Mitchells & Butler reports like-for-like sales growth of 2.6%
Mitchells & Butler has announced a 2.6% like-for-like sales growth, over a 10-week span, ending on 22 July, according to Pub and Bar magazine. Food sales increased by 1.3%, however like-for-like drink sales surpassed that figure with 3.8% growth. Having opened 13 new sites in this financial year so far, Mitchells & Butler's total sales grew by 3.1% in the year-to-date.
Restaurant in residential development to be opened by Michel and Alain Roux
Taplow Riverside is a new development in Berkeley, which includes 139 residential properties as well as a care home and new restaurant. The Caterer has announced that the restaurant will be Roux at Skindles, opened by Michel and Alain Roux.
And Finally...
Burge Halston has opened its second The Halston Aparthotel in the city centre of Carlisle. The upper floors of a former Lloyds Pharmacy has been converted into six serviced apartments. Paul Charity at Propel Info also reports that Burge Halston is planning to increase its Carlisle presence further with another site planned for the former Belted.