16/03/2021
Oakman Inns acquires six former Seafood Pub Company sites
Boutique Hotelier has reported that The Oakman Group has acquired six properties from the administrators of Seafood Pub Company Holdings Limited. The six pubs will help strengthen Oakman Group's footprint in the north, with new manager Joycelyn Neve also appointed to head up a new Northern Division for the Tring-based business.
Marston's CEO Ralph Findlay to step down
The Morning Advertiser has advised that Marstons has announced that Ralph Findlay will be stepping down from his role of CEO at the end of September.
Wetherspoon, Loungers, Oakman Group and Drake & Morgan join the BBPA
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has added JD Wetherspoon, Loungers, the Oakman Group and Drake & Morgan to it's membership. The BBPA said the four new members were representative of "a shift in the beer and pub sector to a modern, innovative and forward-looking industry which the trade association champions". Together, the four operators comprise nearly 1100 venues across the UK, according to The Drinks Business.
The Restaurant Group eyes growth in pubs and Wagamama as it raises £175m
According to the Guardian, The Restaurant Group, is planning to raise £175m. The company said the outlook for the hospitality industry remained uncertain as long as coronavirus restrictions stayed in place and it intends to use the proceeds from the cash call to increase its financial cushion in case of any resurgence of the pandemic. The money will also allow it to expand the Wagamama chain and its Brunning & Price pubs business, and to help it reduce its debt.
Curzon to open cinema at Hawley Wharf development in Camden
The Evening Standard has reported that boutique cinema chain Curzon has signed a deal to open a "landmark" new 6,000 sq ft cinema in Camden's upcoming Hawley Wharf complex. The new five-screen multiplex will form part of the canal-side development, which is owned by billionaire entrepreneur Teddy Sagi's investment firm LabTech. It is set to open this autumn with 150 stores, 60 food outlets, and 195 apartments.
Soho House 'exploring seriously' a New York float, plans 20 more clubs
Nick Jones, the founder and chief executive of the Soho House chain of private members' clubs, has told The Sunday Times that he is "exploring seriously" a float for the business in New York, aiming to capitalise on America's buoyant equity markets. Soho House operates 27 private members' clubs from Los Angeles to Mumbai with further openings planned in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Brighton, together with new clubs in Paris, Rome, Stockholm and Sydney.
Beer gardens sold out for months as English pubs count the days to April reopening
The Guardian is reporting that Britons are planning to "eat, drink and be merry" once lockdown lifts, with many pubs and restaurants already fully booked for several months. Those keen to make up for lost time have inundated venues in England with bookings for tables in beer gardens for when they are scheduled to reopen on 12 April.
Customers may be forced to pay before they drink when pubs and restaurants reopen
When the lockdown restrictions are eased and pubs reopen on April 12, they could start asking punters to pay a fee when they book a table, to avoid costly no shows, according to the Daily Star.
And Finally...
The Westmoreland Gazette has reported that 4 former Hawkshead Brewery employees have unveiled their new business venture, the Lakes Brew Co, which will focus on the thriving local independent beer scene. The new brewery will be based in the heart of Kendal and the company hopes to have the first beers ready in June, available in can, keg and cask.