4/15/2025 9:37:00 AM
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has issued an urgent open letter to the chief executives and leaders of all London boroughs, calling for swift and decisive action to support the capital's hospitality and night-time economy. The call comes after a letter was sent by London deputy mayors Howard Dawber and Justine Simons, who have encouraged support for alfresco dining and extended trading hours. This is in the wake of the Mayor of London being given new powers to review blocked licensing applications that it is hoped will boost the capital's nightlife. This pilot, if successful, will be rolled out across the country to other towns and cities advises the Morning Advertiser.
A new competitive socialising concept based around pool is to open its first London site after raising raised $34m (£25.8m) in funding reports The Caterer. Poolhouse has been created by brothers Steve and Dave Joliffe, the founders of golf-based social hospitality brands Topgolf and Puttshack. The concept promises to combine the "familiar traditions of pool with its cutting-edge game patented technology" in a venue "designed to mirror the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, juxtaposed against the grit of iconic pool halls". The team has secured a 21,500 sq ft site close to London Liverpool Street station for its first location.
RedCat Hospitality's Coaching Inn Group is opening a new flagship site this month (April), following a £3m refurbishment, says the Morning Advertiser. The Castle of Brecon Hotel, the iconic and historic Welsh venue, is built into the remains of Brecon Castle. It closed in October 2024 to complete a full renovation of its 42 bedrooms, the restaurant, bar and all public areas. The latest reopening marks a new push in RedCat Hospitality capex programme, which is currently being rolled out across both its Coaching Inn Group arm as well as its RedCat Independent Pubs faction.
A new-look boutique city centre hotel has opened in Manchester's Northern Quarter. The Abel Heywood is the result of the latest investment from Salford-based brewer and pub operator Hydes Brewery, which has spent £235,000 on the project advises Pub & Bar. This investment follows a multi-million, seven-figure investment programme across its pub estate in 2024, which included a £200,000 refurbishment of the Abel Heywood pub just 12 months ago.
Real estate company Jastar Capital has submitted a proposal to redevelop the Grade I-listed Custom House in the City of London into a luxury 179 room hotel. Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the landmark building dates back to the early 19th century and once served as the headquarters for HMRC, which vacated the premises in 2021. Jastar Capital, which acquired the site in 2023, aims to revitalise the property into a heritage-led hospitality destination reports Boutique Hotel News.
London is to get yet another food hall with the opening of a venue in Tower Bridge. Called Tower Bridge Collective (TBC), the new 16,0000sq ft food hall will be opened by Blend Family and will bring together 13 globally inspired food partners, yet to be announced, under one roof. It will be located on the ground floor of a net zero carbon development by FORGE partnership next to Tower Bridge and will operate entirely on 100% electric energy. This new venture will join Blend Family's portfolio of food halls, including Cutlery Works and Cambridge Street Collective in Sheffield, as well as Kargo MKT in Manchester, says Restaurant Online.
The British Institute of Innkeeping has urged "meaningful support for pubs, not empty words" after 80% of its members reported that all four changes introduced in April negatively affected their businesses, reports Catering Today.