All articles by Finn Scott-Delany – Page 61
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OpinionThe Ivy Collection: ‘We have a formula that works’
With five new openings in November including a second Asian concept in St Paul’s, The Ivy Collection is confidently bringing its aspirational glamour across the UK. Ahead of a busy month, managing director Baton Berisha discusses his workaholic tendencies, executing Richard Caring’s vision, and the group’s unique formula for success.
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NewsBrewdog bars lose £235k amid expansion drive
Brewdog’s bar division made a pre-tax loss of £235,000 in 2018 - up from £45,00 in 2017.
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NewsAdministrators appointed at Bumpkin and Eclipse operator Ignite
Ignite, the premium West End operator which was once a favourite of Prince William and Prince Harry, has been taken into administration, MCA understands.
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NewsPizza Hut: ‘A lot of people have tried to imitate us, but I think we do it best’
As a subsidiary of the five billion-dollar corporate behemoth Yum! Brands, misty-eyed sentimentality might not be an emotion readily associated with a Pizza Hut refurbishment.
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NewsPrezzo made £29.7m loss in 2018 after CVA
Prezzo made an operating loss of £29.7m in 2018 following the CVA that saw it close nearly 100 restaurants.
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InterviewsWhy Inn Collection set its sight on £1m-plus sites
Following The Inn Colleciton Group’s sale to the Harris family and Kings Park Capital for a reported £300m, MCA revisits a deep-dive interview with MD Sean Donkin, where he details the group’s strategy of buying and building pubs with rooms
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InterviewsCoqfighter: chicken for grown-ups
In the early days of Coqfighter, a senior industry peer predicted that soon enough, they would be forced to ditch the vodka from their chicken batter due to mounting costs. The addition was inspired by Heston Blumenthal, with Coqfighter’s executive chef and ‘mad scientist’ Troy Sawyer using it to make the batter lighter and more crispy.
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NewsEsquires Coffee founder Doug Williamson departs
Esquires Coffee founder director Doug Williamson has left the business, to be replaced by Aiden Keegan who becomes UK CEO, MCA understands.
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NewsKPMG updates on Patisserie Holdings administration
Patisserie Holdings administrator KPMG does not expect to realise any value from the company’s subsidiaries, and has yet realise any money from freehold property or claims against third parties.
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Analysis & InsightMixed wag: TRG leisure estate continues to drag
Former HBOS boss Andy Hornby might have hoped for a smooth introduction to the sector yesterday after joining The Restaurant Group as CEO in August.
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NewsPret promotes Clough to UK MD
Pret A Manger has promoted Clare Clough to UK managing director and chief food and coffee officer.
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NewsIppudo takes Kua ’Aina site on Goodge St
International ramen concept Ippudo has secured its fourth London site, on the former Kua ’Aina site on 40 Goodge Street.
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NewsIncipio takes former Mahiki site in Kensington
Incipio Group is set to open a new venue at the former Mahiki site on Kensington High Street.
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NewsRestaurant Group writes off £125m amid ‘structurally unattractive’ leisure estate review
The Restaurant Group has written off £125m - nearly £100m related to its leisure restaurant business - as it faces continued retail decline and saturated local markets.
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OpinionLoungers sets sights on premium coffee and drinks
As an all-day operator promising something for everyone, Loungers has never had any problem going toe to toe with high street coffee shops.
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NewsThe Big Interview: Jamie Barber on Cabana
Jamie Barber’s Cabana chain was bought out of administration last week and absorbed into his Hush Brasseries group, saving the Brazilian barbecue concept, but shuttering a further two sites. In his first interview since the news, Barber discusses the bittersweet outcome, securing new investment for the brand, and the continued tough trading in the sector.
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NewsBird sold in pre-pack to Crown Partnership
Fried chicken and waffle concept Bird has been sold in a pre-pack administration to the hospitality and catering business Crown Partnership, MCA has learnt.
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NewsCoffeesmiths looks to offload four sites
Speciality operator Coffeesmiths Collective is looking to dispose of four sites alongside its aggressive acquisition strategy, MCA understands.
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NewsUnBarred merges with Holler for Brighton brewhouse
Cult craft beer brand UnBarred is launching a new brewery and taproom after merging with Holler, MCA understands.
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NewsSukhothai undergoes partial MBO
Thai casual dining group Sukhothai has undergone a partial management buy-out (MBO), with the current management team joining founders Gerrard Marks and Yupha (Ban) Kaewkraikhot as shareholders.