19/06/2018
Steamin' Billy receives HSBC funding for expansion
Steamin' Billy, a Leicester-based pub chain, plans to expand, having received financial backing from HSBC. According to Pub and Bar Magazine, Steamin' Billy currently owns 13 sites across the East Midlands and the seven figure funding package will cover further expansion across the region as well as renovation plans.
Pizza, Pots & Pints to open in Oxford
Charles Wells' Pizza, Pots & Pints concept has opened its first site in Oxford, according to Pub and Bar Magazine. Marking the concept's sixth site, The Oxford Blue on Cowley Road will offer 85 inside covers across the 2,200 sq ft space. A second Oxford site is scheduled to open late this year and Charles Wells intends to increase to 25 properties over the next three years.
SACO announces plans for Manchester site
SACO, the serviced apartment company, backed by Oaktree Capital, has announced plans for a new site in Manchester which will open under its Locke brand. Situated on the former Atrium Serviced Apartments site, on the corner of Princess Street and Whitworth Street, the new 160-bedroom aparthotel will be called Whitworth Locke. According to Propel Info, Whitworth Locke is due to open in October and will include a co-working space as well as a cocktail bar, dining facilities, a gym as well as an apparel kiosk.
Tom Kerridge's new Bar & Grill to open at London's Corinthia Hotel
Tom Kerridge is set to open a new restaurant at the five-star Corinthia Hotel this September, according to Boutique Hotelier. Named Kerridge's Bar & Grill, the eatery will mark the Michelin-starred chef's first site in London. The restaurant will cater for 90 covers and is being designed by David Collins Studio.
Frog relocates from Shoreditch to Hoxton
Frog E1 in Shoreditch, headed by chef Adam Handling, has announced the relocation of the restaurant to a larger site in Hoxton, reports The Caterer. Situated on Hoxton Square, the restaurant will cater for 60 covers and is due to open next month. Furthermore, Handling has recently been appointed executive chef at Belmond Cadogan hotel in Knightsbridge, which he will oversee alongside the expansion in Hoxton and also Frog's flagship site in Covent Garden.
And Finally...
The Ship Hotel in Brancaster, North Norfolk, has been sold to Chaplin Group. The renowned coaching inn was previously owned and operated by Flying Kiwi Inns, headed by Chris Coubrough. Propel Info reports that Simon Jackaman of Fleurets brokered the transaction, for which the freehold property, trade contents and good will were marketed off a sum of £1.6m and sold for an undisclosed amount. Chaplin Group also owns the Gonville Hotel in Cambridge whilst Flying Kiwi Inns also owns and operates the Crown Hotel in Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, which is unaffected by the sale of The Ship.