All MCA Insight articles in May 2025 – Page 7
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NewsButcombe Group delivers record Q1 results and double-digit growth
The group achieved record revenues of £149m, up from £144.4m, with underlying group EBITDA growing 7.4%. CEO Jonathan Lawson said the results reflected “continued operational strength and effective strategic investments”
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NewsMarch inflation increase adds to supply chain pressures for hospitality
Year-on-year inflation rose to +2.0% in March 2025, signalling persistent pressures in key categories despite overall relatively low levels of inflation
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InterviewsPasta Evangelists to open 10 new London sites this year
The brand is opening in Farringdon this month, followed by Guildford – its first site outside the capital, with a strategy focused on “key foodie locations”
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Analysis & InsightFrom Korean chicken to immunity shots: Greggs’ take on food to go trends
The retailer has expanded its offer, targeting multiple trends in one go - including high-protein options, East Asian flavours, and a new indulgent drink
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InterviewsBurgerism CEO: ‘We’re not chasing scale for the sake of it’
Co-founder and CEO Mark Murphy tells MCA the brand has two locations currently in the pipeline, including one in a high-footfall urban location
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EventsLoungers on thriving in small towns and new ownership
Loungers exec chair Alex Reilley will open this year’s Pub Conference with a fireside chat reflecting on the company’s journey from public to private ownership
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InterviewsBoxpark CEO: ‘We want to go bigger and be louder than before’
New chief executive Matt Snell speaks to MCA about opportunities for growth in the UK, why he wants to develop an events business, and plans for international expansion
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NewsRedCat in talks over Greene King package
The Rooney Anand-chaired pub company is in advanced talks to buy a 39-strong package from his former company Greene King, Sky News reports
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InterviewsBehind the design at Black Tap’s Soho flagship
Design agency Harrison’s brief was to interpret the burger and bar brand’s Downtown NYC aesthetic for a UK audience while working within the tight parameters of a Grade II-listed building
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InterviewsBrother Marcus: ‘Growth is on the cards'
Named Best Emerging Concept at the MCA Hospitality Awards 2025, founders Tasos Gaitanos and Alex Large share what’s next for the Eastern Mediterranean-inspired all-day concept, and why the key to sustainable growth is good hospitality
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NewsThe Salad Project to open four sites this summer
The premium salad operator will open in Victoria; Notting Hill; Southwark; and Battersea Power Station, and has just launched a new partnership with Dishoom, co-founder Florian de Chezelles tells MCA.
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EventsAI and the route to 2030 at Hostech 2025
Opening this year’s Hostech conference, Arslan Sharif will share his expert view on where technology is heading and what it means for hospitality businesses navigating the road to 2030
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Analysis & InsightStonegate sees low and no alcohol sales up +30% in Q1
Sales were strongest in London, at 27% of regional sales followed by 11% in the North West, South East and Yorkshire and Humber, according from data from Stonegate’s MiXR app.
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Analysis & InsightPubs and bars capture largest share growth in Q1
Frequency rose 7.9%, boosted by events like Six Nations and offers from pub chains along with unseasonably sunny March weather, according to Lumina Intelligence
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NewsTOCA Social confirms Westfield London launch
The interactive football experience will span 30,000sq ft within the former Debenhams store, and is partnering with Sandbox VR on games such as Squid Game Virtuals
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NewsTigermilk to make London debut
The Paris-based Latin American-inspired restaurant group, which has 10 sites in France and Belgium, is opening on 127 Charing Cross Road
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InterviewsMarston’s: ‘We’re very much in delivery mode’
The group is making good progress on its long-term strategy, by rolling out new formats, offers, and demand-driving events, according to CEO Justin Platt
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NewsRare Restaurants shutters M to focus on Gaucho
M Restaurants’ remaining site on London’s Threadneedle Street is set to permanently close next week as the group hones in on the core Gaucho concept
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NewsJohn Lewis ramps up hospitality investment
The retailer plans to grow its number of in-store cafés and restaurants this year, tapping into rising demand for shopping-hospitality experiences
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NewsMarston’s profitability and debt reduction remain on track
The 1,333-strong pub operator also delivered a 2.9% uplift in like-for-like sales in H1 2025, increasing to 10.5% over the past five weeks