26/02/2018
Dark Star bought by Fuller's
Pub and Bar magazine has reported that Fuller's has bought West Sussex craft brewer Dark Star. Fuller's has purchased a 100% stake in Dark Star, allowing the brewer access to funds to invest in new markets and therefore increase sales of APA, Revelation, Hophead, Dark Star Original as well as their range of seasonal brews. The brewer will continue to function as a standalone business under managing director James Cuthbertson, operating from Dark Star's Partridge Green site.
New Cambridge site for the Ivy Collection
The Ivy Collection is set to open a new brasserie in Cambridge, according to Propel Info. Due to open on Wednesday 14th March, the new 159-cover restaurant will be located on Trinity Street and feature a bar, terrace and private dining, alongside the main restaurant. The Ivy Collection has plans to open sites in Winchester, Leeds, Guildford, Dublin, Brighton and Birmingham later this year.
Nine Group opens Heathrow Novotel
Hotel investment company, Nine Group, has opened a new Novotel hotel at Heathrow Airport, reports The Caterer. The new 166-bedroom hotel marks the investment company's thirteenth and largest site, and will become Nine Group's flagship hotel. Novotel London Heathrow Airport T1, T2 & T3 features Nest restaurant as well as Runway bar, a fitness centre and meeting rooms. The hotel is managed by Nine Group and operated under a franchise agreement with AccorHotels. Future expansions plans for the property will see the hotel increase its room numbers from 166 to 274.
Tom Kerridge to open first London restaurant
Tom Kerridge, the Michelin-starred celebrity pub chef, is set to open his first London restaurant later this year, according to The Morning Advertiser. Located at the Corinthia Hotel in Westminster, Kerridge's restaurant will replace the existing Massimo site. After refurbishment the restaurant will offer relaxed British brasserie-style dining.
Honest Burgers secures a £17m refinancing package
The Caterer has reported that Honest Burgers has secured a £17m refinancing package from Santander, which will see the burger restaurant chain expand to 50 sites by 2020. The Santander package includes a £8m capex loan, allowing Honest Burgers to open seven new restaurants in a year to 18 months, among them will be a 75 cover restaurant in Bristol.
And Finally...
According to the Deltic Night Index, night out consumer spend has increased by 13.7% when compared with the same period last year. Pub and Bar magazine has reported that there was a 19.4% increase in spend for in-venue beverages. 58% of people reported going out at least once a week and the average spend on a night out was £59.49.