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
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
NewsBow Street Group targeting up to six acquisitions in next three years
Executive chairman David Page says the group is only interested in bringing profitable businesses into its stable, which have scope to expand up to and beyond 60 sites nationwide
NewsCapdesia completes majority acquisition of Alice Pizza
The foodservice sector specialist investor has partnered with Quadrivio & Pambianco to acquire the Italian fast casual pizza chain
NewsThird Space sees turnover top £100m
The luxury health club and fitness chain has reported a 36% turnover increase for 2025, boosted by growth in its membership
NewsLina Stores appoints new marketing director
Hannah Clark joins the Italian deli and restaurant brand from Urban Pubs & Bars
Analysis & InsightRestaurant sales revive while pubs soften in August
While leading managed groups overall saw like-for-like sales up 0.8%, the sector showed a slight cooling of growth compared with July when the impact of the World Cup boosted takings
NewsZizzi returns to TV advertising with Christmas campaign
Zizzi’s Christmas advert will mark its first TV advertising campaign since 2021 and forms part of the brand’s wider investment in building brand salience ahead of the festive trading period
NewsVue explores London IPO
The European cinema operator is looking to capitalise on a record-breaking summer at the box office with a £1.5bn listing
NewsStarbucks mulls $3bn sale of Japanese operations
The coffee giant has solicited pitches from several financial advisers on options for the business and is open to selling a majority stake
NewsRandy’s Donuts to make UK debut
The US donut chain is to launch its first outpost this side of the pond in Scotland having secured a site in Edinburgh city centre