05/02/2019
Yard & Coop mark third restaurant with Leeds opening
Yard & Coop, the fried chicken concept, is set to launch a Leeds restaurant in late February reports Big Hospitality. Marking its third restaurant, following openings in Manchester (2015) and Liverpool (2016), the Leeds 120-cover restaurant will occupy the former Miah's Kitchen site near Leeds station.
Bodacious Beds plans expansion
Swansea-based Bodacious Beds has announced ambitious plans to grow its estate by 15 new hotels over the coming five years, with target locations including Birmingham, Bristol and South Wales, reports Boutique Hotelier. Founded in 2017, the business has an annual turnover of £800,000 and is operating at a 92% occupancy rate; founders Lloyd and Marta Smith now hope to secure a refinancing package from NatWest to fund the planned expansion.
Laine Pub Co to open Ninth Life in Catford
Laine Pub Company will be opening Ninth Life, a multi-level pub venue, on the site of Catford's oldest pub. Pub and Bar Magazine reports that Ninth Life, launching on 7-10 February, will host DJs, music, film screenings, a food market, games nights, live art projects as well as a nine-room immersive theatre experience, alongside a food and drink offer.
Franca Manca plans first Wales restaurant
Fulham Shore-owned pizza brand Franca Manca plans to launch its first Wales restaurant on Church Street in Cardiff's city centre and a licensing application has been submitted to Cardiff Council. According to Propel, in December last year Fulham Shore reported revenues of £33m (2017: £27.5m) for the six months ending 23rd September and announced intentions to increase openings for both Franca Manca as well as The Real Greek.
6% increase in turnover for Apex Hotels
Apex Hotels has announced a 6% increase in turnover, to £68.9m, for the year ending 30th April 2018. The Caterer reports that during this period £18.8m was invested in an extensive expansion and refurbishment programme, which included a 20-bedroom extension to the Apex Temple Court hotel in London as well as the addition of a new wine bar and private dining. A further £1.3m investment has seen the launch of the Lampery restaurant as well as spa facilities at Apex City of London.
And Finally...
The Farmer's Arms in the north Devon village of Woolsery has been reopened by the co-founders of the defunct social media site Bebo. Having purchased the then derelict pub in 2015, the purchasers, Xochi and Michael Birch, have carried out an extensive renovation on the grade II listed 17th century former blacksmith's, with design by Hannah Lohan Interiors. The Caterer reports that the pub opening marks the first phase of a greater rejuvenation project of Woolsery village, which will include a new hotel housed within a grade-II-listed Georgian manor house, the village post office and shop as well as fish & chip shop, all set to open in 2021.