20/02/2018
Marriott announces a successful 2017, following Starwood acquisition
Following the acquisition of Starwood, Marriott has reported a successful year in its financial results. The Caterer reports that irrespective of a decrease in net income, 2017's fourth quarter showed a 24% increase in adjusted net income to $415m, up from (£332m). Globally, Marriott also reported a 4.6% increase in revpar for the fourth quarter, and a 3.1% increase across the entire year. Marriott have predicted that global revpar will continue to climb in 2018 by 1-3%. Adding 473 properties and over 76,000 rooms in 2017, the Marriott estate totals almost 1.25m rooms, and the company anticipate that 2018 will see roughly a 7% gross increase.
Pembury Tavern acquired by Five Points Brewing Company
Pub and Bar magazine has reported that Five Points Brewing Company has acquired the Pembury Tavern, situated in Hackney. The landmark public house was built in the 1860s and in 2006, under the previous ownership of Individual Pubs Ltd, was restored by Milton Brewery. The Hackney based Five Points Brewery Company was founded in 2013 by two local residents.
D&D London launching new Manchester restaurant
D&D London will be launching their new rooftop restaurant, 20 Stories, on the 19th floor of No. 1 Spinningfields, Manchester, on 1 March. Propel Info reports that the 15,263 sq ft interior was created by DesignLSM and CetraRuddy; and the menu will celebrate locally sourced produce, with vegetables sourced from Chef Director Aiden Byrne's Cheshire farm. 20 Stories adds to D&D London's portfolio of 34 restaurants and a hotel.
Planning permission granted for Wembley Park Boxpark
The Caterer has reported that The London Borough of Brent has approved the planning application for London's biggest Boxpark, in Wembley Park. The joint venture between Boxpark and Quintain will house 27 independent operators, and the 20,000 sq ft space, with a capacity of 300, is set to open later this year.
New craft gin and whiskey distillery for Yorkshire
Copper King Distillery is set to launch a 900-litre copper still at its self-built factory in Yorkshire, transforming the site into a destination venue. Propel Info reports that the site is located in Sutton-on-the-Forest, and the first batch of gin is expected to be available in May and the whiskey in 2022. Founders, Abbie Neilson and Chris Jaume have received a funding package of £75,000 from NatWest and also raised £65,000 by crowdfunding.
And Finally...
Eat Out Magazine has announced that Italian chef Gino D' Acampo is planning a 'minimum' of five new restaurant openings for 2018. Working alongside his business partner, Steven Walker, founder of Individual Restaurants who runs The Restaurant Bar & Grill and Piccolino, Gino D' Acampo has announced that a Birmingham site will open before summer, with plans for a further central London location as well as an additional three sites. The 200 cover, 8,000 sq ft Birmingham restaurant will offer all-day dining with ice-cream and prosecco bars, a deli as well as private dining, games room and bowling.