21/08/2018
Chestnut group acquire two Suffolk pubs
The Chestnut Group, founded by Philip Turner in 2012, has acquired two Suffolk pubs from Agellus Hotels, according to Propel Info. The Westleton Crown, a traditional coaching inn with 34 en-suite bedrooms and The Ship At Dunwich, which possesses a bar, restaurant and 16 en-suite bedrooms, will join Chestnut's existing estate of five freehold sites across East Anglia. The two pub acquisitions were financed by Metro Bank's Hospitality & Leisure division, with Fleurets providing valuation advice.
Lounges to open 25 more venues
Lounges, the retro-inspired bar and restaurant brand from Loungers, has announced expansion plans, according to The Morning Advertiser. In the next year, Lounges intend to open up to 25 new venues, with the next openings being Berro Lounge in Didcot which is scheduled to open this week as well as Granello Lounge in Hitchin and Zorro Lounge in Stocksbridge which will both open in autumn.
Shiva Hotels sells Soho property to the Reuben brothers
David and Simon Reuben have acquired 47, 48 and 49-50 Poland Street as well as the land to the rear of 54-55 Great Marlborough Street, in Soho. The 53,000 sq ft site currently houses office and retail space, however has planning permission for a 74,000 sq ft hotel with a restaurant and bar. The hotel was previously owned by Shiva Hotels, and joins the Reuben brothers' portfolio which currently includes the Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club amongst others. According to Propel Info, the brothers also plan to open a 154-bedroom Hilton Garden Inn at Doncaster Racecourse this year.
Vermuteria, alongside other new openings, set for King's Cross
Wild Honey chef, Anthony Demetre, is set to launch a new King's Cross restaurant, Vermuteria. As reported by The Caterer, the new restaurant is set to open in Coal Drops Yard, alongside other openings: Alain Ducasse's Le Chocolat, Pip Lacey's Hicce as well as Spanish tapas bar Barrafina.
Fuller's reopen The Albert Arms in Esher
As reported by The Morning Advertiser, The Albert Arms in Esher, Surrey, reopened on the 14th August. Having acquired the pub two years ago through Fleurets, it has since undergone a substantial renovation. Head chef, Ojas Naware, has created a new menu and the refurbishment has paid tribute to the nearby Sandown Park racecourse, naming letting bedrooms after famous race horses.
And Finally...
Infinite Base, the competitive socialising firm, is seeking central London sites in order to launch "virtual reality gaming arenas", reports Propel Info. Ranging between 8,000 and 10,000 sq ft, the spaces would also house bars and cafes as well as the film-themed games and zombie-shooting experiences.