All Experiential leisure articles – Page 2
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InterviewsTOCA Social: ‘We’ve learnt to be more secure and proud of our football heritage’
As the competitive socialising concepts marks its fifth birthday, group president Alex Harman discusses the brand’s evolution and how it is tapping into football’s fast-growing popularity in the US
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Analysis & InsightInside the UK’s taco boom
Taco brands are accelerating their UK expansion as changing consumer habits, affordable pricing and growing interest in Mexican cuisine reshape the market
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NewsUK cinemas mull Meta glasses ban
Many of the UK’s chains could introduce policies to prohibit and/or restrict the wearing of camera-enabled smart glasses, according to the industry’s trade body
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OpinionWhat is our positive vision for the high street?
It’s all very well targeting vape shops, gambling operators and ‘rogue operators’, but how do we create the conditions in which world-class destinations can thrive?
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NewsLondon casino boss urges joined-up vision for high streets and night-time economy
Simon Thomas said recent debates often overlooked a fundamental question: what should successful town and city centres actually look like in the future?
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Analysis & InsightGame plan: the pub companies betting big on sport
As fans demand more immersive experiences, pub companies are using sport to differentiate venues, increase visits and drive sales beyond the final whistle
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Analysis & InsightFrom pints to play: The growth of experience-led bars
With consumers demanding more value from every occasion, experience-led pub and bar concepts are outgrowing the market. Operators from Flight Club, Little Door & Co, Vagabond and Inception Group are proving that memorable moments can be just as important as food and drink in driving footfall and growth.
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InterviewsMarket Halls: ‘We’ve moved away from the transactional relationship and into the emotional’
Following a ‘landmark’ year, the food hall operator is looking to take advantage of consolidation in the market to grow its estate while also evolving the concept and guest experience
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InterviewsPoolhouse can work in ‘many towns and cities' in UK
CEO and co-founder Andrew O’Brien tells MCA initial reaction to the tech-led pool group’s debut London site has been ‘amazing’ with strong repeat business and opportunities to evolve the concept
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InterviewsNEOS eyes further conversions after Bristol success
CEO Russell Quelch said NEOS is aiming to convert six former Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites by the end of the year, following its pre-pack deal for 20 bars from the Revel Collective
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Analysis & InsightMore than half of young people prioritise experiences over material things
The experience economy could be instrumental in unlocking future economic growth, according to a new report
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NewsPadel worth £200m a year as participation doubles
Investors are rushing to capitalise on the demand for the UK’s fastest-growing sport as new courts spring up across the country
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NewsIn pictures: Five Iron Golf launches UK flagship
The US-founded experiential golf concept has opened its first UK outpost at Broadgate in the City of London amid plans to eventually open 10 locations across the UK
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NewsNightcap in talks about multimillion pound fundraising deal
It’s reported the late-night operator has approached investors about a seven-figure capital injection to finance the purchase of a sizeable ‘competitive socialising’ leisure concept
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories including a trio of taco brands pushing for expansion, Tonkotsu’s latest regional outpost, and the launch of Inception Group’s new flagship concept
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NewsPoolhouse raises $55m in new funding round
Led by Bluestone Equity Partners, the financing values the startup at more than $100m and will fund international expansion, The New York Times reports
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Analysis & InsightBack of the net! The unstoppable appeal of sports in pubs
While the pub remains home of the big match, greater interest in sports across the spectrum is now also giving rise to a (Mexican) wave of specialist hospitality formats
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NewsRed Engine revamps Electric Shuffle gameplay
CEO Steve Moore said the company would dedicate 2026 to enhancing the Electric Shuffle experience through new gameplay developments aimed at ‘redefining’ the customer journey
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Weekend PressHow the Great British Summer Savings scheme is helping families
The BBC speaks to families planning to make the most of the policy, which sees VAT slashed from 20% to 5% across a range of family-focused hospitality and leisure settings including on kid’s meals in restaurants
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Analysis & InsightTaking centre stage: Why festival F&B is now the headline act
With food and drink quality now one of the most important factors for consumers choosing which festival to attend, MCA explores the evolving landscape of event F&B and why a growing number of operators see the market as a compelling new revenue stream