22/05/2018
NewRiver enters negotiations for Hawthorn Leisure
NewRiver, the retail property specialists with a pub portfolio of over 300 pubs, is in exclusivity to acquire Hawthorn Leisure. Founded four years ago, Hawthorn's first acquisition was a portfolio of 275 pubs from Greene King for a sum of £75.6m, followed by an additional portfolio of 88 pubs acquired from R&L Properties, reports Propel Info. Since, Hawthorn has also acquired two smaller packages from JD Wetherspoon and Nectar Taverns.
Majestic Hotel in Harrogate rebranded as Hilton Double Tree
Harrogate's Majestic Hotel is to be converted to Hilton's Double Tree brand, according to Boutique Hotelier. The hotel owner, The Cairn Group, and Hilton have signed a franchise agreement, which will be followed by a £15m refurbishment programme. Once completed the hotel will showcase 170 refurbished rooms alongside a conference and events space for up to 500, spa and pool as well as fitness facilities. The hotel is expected to operate under the new brand by the end of 2019.
Lasan Group open Jailbird in Birmingham
The Lasan Group, founded by Jabbar Khan, has opened Jailbird New York Seafood and Steak on Colmore Row in Birmingham, on the former Nosh & Quaff site. The Caterer reports that Nosh & Quaff closed earlier this month, and the newly opened restaurant will offer New York themed steak and seafood dishes.
Burning Night Group's Potting Shed and Firepit to open in Southport
Burning Night Group is set to open a new £2.6m venue in Southport under their Potting Shed brand, according to Propel Info. Expected to open next month, the Southport location will mark the group's sixth Potting Shed site. However, the new site also houses Burning Night's Firepit Smokehouse & Sports Bar brand on the first floor, therefore marking the group's first joint-site venture.
Taco Bandits acquire permanent Oxford site
Taco Bandits, the soft taco restaurant concept, has made its Oxford city centre pop-up site a permanent venue. The permanent site is located on Magdalen Road, replacing Hyper Ramen noodle bar. According to Propel Info, Taco Bandits will be sharing the site with Spurtle & Spoon, a pop-up breakfast and brunch concept.
And Finally...
Redcomb Pubs Ltd, the pub, bar and room operator founded by friends Dan Shotton and Mark Draper in 2009, has re-launched Alphabet in Islington. Pub and Bar Magazine reported that Alphabet, originally located in Beak Street, Soho, has relocated to Upper Street in Islington and will open in August, following a £600,000 refurbishment. Strengthening Redcomb's central London portfolio, Alphabet forms part of their Urban Social division and features a 100-cover restaurant as well as roof terrace with a further 50 covers.