16/01/2018
Increased sales in December for Brewhouse & Kitchen
Pub and Bar magazine reports that Brewhouse & Kitchen saw a 5.25% uplift in like-for-like sales throughout the Christmas period. Currently operating 17 Brewpubs, Brewhouse & Kitchen intends to open five new sites this year, including sites in Milton Keynes and Cardiff.
Jamie's Italian considers restructure
Eat Out Magazine has reported that a number of Jamie's Italian sites are at risk of closure, following the announcement that the restaurant group is seeking a restructuring deal. The celebrity chef opened the first Jamie's Italian in 2008 and now has a 36-strong global estate. The last financial year the business reported pre-tax losses of £9.9 million and also saw the closure of six underperforming sites. A spokesman for the group said: "We are exploring plans to restructure the Jamie's Italian restaurant estate in the UK, to ensure the business is in good shape for the future. As part of this review, we are in conversation with our stakeholders, but no final decisions or proposals have been made."
Northcote Leisure Group's turnover increase to £11m
According to accounts filed on Companies House, Northcote Leisure Group has seen an 8% uplift in turnover to £11m for the financial year March 31 2017. Lewis Catchpole of Hotel Owner reports that the group comprises of Ribble Valley Inns, the newly-opened Café Northcote, Northcote at the Rovers as well as four-red-AA-star Northcote Hotel in Lancashire.
Disco Bars Group plans new Society Bar
Disco Bars Group, the Midlands-based nightclub operator, has revealed plans for its fourth Society Bar brand. According to Paul Charity at Propel Info, the new site will replace the former Engine Room pub in Leek, Staffordshire. Led by Peter Terry, the company currently operate three other Society Bars in Uttoxeter, Burton-upon-Trent as well as Newcastle-under-Lyme. Disco Bars Group intends to invest between £150,000 to £200,000, transforming the pub into late-night offering; and have submitted a licensing application to the local council. This opening will take Disco Bars Group's estate to 10 sites.
Michelin-starred chef to open Seafood and Grill restaurant
Thomas Carr, the Michelin-starred chef, has announced his intentions to open a Seafood and Grill restaurant, according to The Caterer. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, the chef has exceeded his £15,000 target with 133 backers having pledged £17,920. His new Seafood and Grill restaurant will be located in Ilfracombe, north Devon; alongside Carr's existing Michelin-starred restaurant, The Olive Room. The new restaurant, which will be launched with his brother Kevin and friend Richard Evans, will offer a grill menu and bar downstairs and an à la carte menu upstairs.
And Finally...
Acting on behalf of Lipman Properties, Fleurets has successfully let the first floor of 12-20 Crown Hill, in central Croydon. The 18,500 sq ft site, which is the combination of a former nightclub and snooker hall, will be occupied by Pure Gym. Steven Lipman of Lipman Properties commented: "Fleurets did a fantastic job securing Pure Gym's interest, as did Cubic overseeing the handover works. We are delighted to have the market leader as our tenant." Philip Smith of Fleurets and James Hicks of Cubic Building Surveyors represented Lipman Properties.