08/01/2019
Spending in pubs increases by 11.2% in 2018
Figures released by Barclaycard have revealed that spending in pubs increased by 11.2% when compared to 2017, reports The Morning Advertiser. The figures, which relate to the period 24th December 2017 to 18th November 2018, also indicated that overall expenditure increased by 9%, whilst restaurant spending saw a 8.7% growth.
Chipotle to open second city restaurant
Chipotle has opened its second site in the City of London, taking its total sites in the capital to nine. Propel Info reports that the new restaurant has opened on King William Street, near to Monument station; with its existing City site located at London Wall. Chipotle's other London restaurants include: Islington, Baker Street and Soho.
Advance Synergy Berhad to acquire Earl's Court Beaver hotel
Malaysia-based investment holding company Advance Synergy Berhad has announced its intentions to acquire the Beaver hotel, in London's Earl's Court, for £10.25m, reports The Caterer. The 38-bedroom hotel is currently owned by Jan Joseph Lis, Alexander Lis and Aurelian Jan Alexander Lis; whilst Advance Synergy already own Malaysia-based Holiday Villa Hotels and Resorts brand. The acquisition is being undertaken via Philbeach Gardens, a wholly owned subsidiary of Advance Synergy's Arosa company. The hotel could potentially undergo refurbishment, renovation and extension in the future.
Stonegate Pub Company report 7.8% increase in seasonal sales
As reported by The Morning Advertiser, Stonegate Pub Company has announced a 7.8% increase in year-on-year, like-for-like sales growth between 1st December and 1st January. In particular, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve saw an 8.3% average sales increase across its 735 wet-led pubs and bars. Furthermore, the company saw a 17.8% uplift in pre-booking throughout 2018.
Duke Street Food and Drink Market to launch in Liverpool
Graffiti Spirits Group will launch Duke Street Food and Drink Market in Liverpool in April this year. The market will occupy a restored, 100-year-old warehouse, reports The Caterer. Housing multiple independent brands and traders, the premises, spread across three floors, will have a 500-person capacity. Confirmed brands include: open wood fire cooking operator Cinder, Cuban street food concept Finca as well as Italian restaurant Cucina di Vincenzo.
And Finally...
Nigerian hotel and property group, The Statement Hotel LTD, has purchased The Clarendon Hotel in Morecambe off a guide price of £725k, reports Boutique Hotelier. The 29-bedroom hotel was used as RAF headquarters during WWII, and will now been transformed into a 'world-class' destination. The transaction was brokered by Lesley Watmough of Fleurets, for an undisclosed price.