James McAllister
James is an NCTJ-qualified journalist whose career has seen him cover everything from the Cannes Film Festival to the plight of Chagossians living in the UK. He has written extensively about the hospitality trade since 2019, first as a reporter and later a senior reporter for Restaurant magazine. He is now business editor for MCA with a remit to cover all corners of the UK’s hospitality sector including restaurant groups, pubcos, and the quick service space.
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 (0)1293 610437
- Email:
- James.McAllister@wrbm.com
NewsTurnover tops £100m at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
Despite showing an operating loss of £5.8m, the chef’s UK business says it continues to be cash and EBITDA generative, aided by a ‘strong performance’ at its 22 Bishopsgate restaurants
NewsLosses widen for The Wolseley Hospitality Group as it prepares to enter London hotel space
The premium restaurant group, which is set to launch its first hotel in the capital later year, saw pre-tax losses increase 10% in 2025
NewsHigher costs hit Wetherspoon profits
The pub giant saw pre-tax profits fall 28% in FY26 despite a 5.2% revenue rise
NewsJersey Mike’s confirms three further London locations
The US-born sub brand has confirmed it will launch sites on New Oxford Street, Baker Street and Covent Garden’s Cranbourn Street following its forthcoming Soho debut
NewsMcDonald’s UK&I appoints Danielle Harris as chief people officer
Harris brings more than 12 years of experience within the McDonald’s system, most recently serving as vice president of global people partner for corporate functions
NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories including a new pub for Ardent, further international growth for Manna, and a new burger and Champagne restaurant in Notting Hill
NewsBig Easy grows profit and revenue
The London-based BBQ and crab shack group saw turnover top £30m in its FY25 results, with the directors saying they expect 2026 to be ‘another successful year’ for the business
InterviewsShepherd Neame sees ‘encouraging trends’ in accommodation business
Jonathan Neame tells MCA the group’s coastal inns and hotels saw ‘incredibly strong demand’ over the summer, accelerating plans to invest in and upgrade its rooms
NewsJollibee UK working to improve financial position as losses narrow
The Filipino fast food chain has reported an operating loss of £3.3m for FY25, down from £3.8m the year before, with the group forecasting further reductions in 2026 and 2027
NewsYoung’s full year performance to be ahead of market expectations
The premium pub operator has reported ‘continued momentum’ in its half-year results with revenue up 10.4% alongside an increase of 6.4% in like-for-like sales
NewsGreggs to consolidate manufacturing with 740 job losses
The bakery chain delivered 7.7% sales growth in Q3 of 2026, supported by the successful launch of new products and more settled weather in August and September
NewsShepherd Neame sees continued pressure in brewing and brands
The brewer and pub operator described its performance for the year ended 27 June 2026 as ‘satisfactory’ with modest increases in underlying EBITDA and profit before and after tax
NewsPermanently Unique has ‘clear and disciplined strategy’ for growth as turnover rises
The premium restaurant operator has reported sales of £42m in its financial results for 2025, with site-level EBITDA rising to £11.2m
NewsBrava appoints new head of operations
Ian Tillet joins the group from Côte and will lead across the Jamies Italian UK, Riding House Cafés and Maslow’s Restaurants brand
NewsHarts Group unveils details of new concept
The London-based group has confirmed its Parrillan restaurant in Borough Yards has closed and will relaunch in November under an all-day Spanish concept called Los Primos
NewsWe Do Play plots fresh investment and further expansion following Boom Battle Bar acquisition
The group, led by Boom Battle Bar founder Richard Beese, plans to introduce new tech, games and experiences across the competitive socialising brand’s estate while also growing its footprint
InterviewsAmber Taverns: ‘London expansion will always be opportunity led’
Chairman James Baer tells MCA the wet-led pub group’s growth in the capital is likely to remain concentrated in the suburbs
NewsXP Factory offloads Boom Battle Bar
The group has entered into an agreement that will see F.O Twenty-Four Ltd acquire the competitive socialising brand for a total consideration of up to £11m
NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories including a new events space for Butcombe Group, Ole & Steen’s latest London location, and Burgerism’s nationwide expansion push
NewsThe Zetter Collection announces first expansion into Europe
The London-based boutique hotel group will launch The Zetter 717 Amsterdam in early 2027 on Prinsengracht in the city’s Canal District