15/10/2019
Greene King shareholders approve CK Asset deal
The £2.7bn Greene King deal from Hong Kong firm CK Asset has been approved by Greene King's shareholders. The deal was announced on the 9th October and includes Greene King's estate of 3,000 pubs, reports The Morning Advertiser.
Slapfish opens first UK site in Camden
Slapfish, a US 'modern seafood shack' brand serving sustainably-sourced fish, has opened its debut UK restaurant on Kentish Town Road in Camden. Founded by Andrew Gruel in 2011, Slapfish first operated as a food truck in Los Angeles and Orange County. It now operates over 20 sites in the US, spanning 11 states. Big Hospitality reports that other recent London launches of US brands include: Eggslut, Wahlburgers and The Halal Guys; all of which intend to roll out across the country.
Oakman Inns announces continued sales growth
Oakman Inns has reported a continuing sales growth for the 13 weeks to the 29th September 2019. Pub and Bar Magazine reports that like-for-like sales increased 5.1% for the last quarter and total sales of £10.9m, a 15.7% growth when compared to the same period the previous year. Oakman Inns recently opened The Lost Boy in Farnham, which is trading at circa £40,000 per week.
Whistle Punks to open in Bristol
Whistle Punks, the urban axe-throwing concept, will open in Bristol next month, marking its fourth site, reports Propel. Whistle Punks will occupy the former Panache nightclub on All Saints Street. Alongside axe-throwing it will also house Bristol-based pizza brand Pizzarova. Jools Whitehorn and John Nimmons launched Whistle Punks in 2016, and current operations include London, Manchester and Birmingham. The concept also received £1.5m of new investment from Edition Capital which will facilitate further UK expansion.
Dodo Pub Company opens Berkshire pub
Oxford-based Dodo Pub Company has opened its first site in Berkshire, reports Propel. The former Prince of Wales in Caversham has been refurbished and reopened as The Last Crumb. The company also revealed that they are looking to open a further ten to 15 pubs in the Home Counties, rescuing rundown sites.
And Finally...
One of Bristol's most popular restaurants is for sale. Bomboloni, situated on the ever popular Gloucester Road, has been run by the Griffin family for just over two and a half years. Following the sudden death of Andrew Griffin in March this year, the restaurant has continued to thrive, but the family have now made the difficult decision to sell the business. The Griffin family have appointed Fleurets to sell the lease at a guide premium of £75,000 and an annual rent of £26,000. Please click here for more details.