News Headlines
Rowland predicts failures as profits are squeezed
YO! Sushi chief executive Robin Rowland has predicted failures in the restaurant sector as operators struggle to cope with a raft of cost pressures.
Customers scoring pubs higher
The latest data from MCA’s Pub Brand Monitor has shown customers are more likely to recommend leading pub brands than they were a year ago.
McDonald’s grows market share across the board
The latest data from MCA’s Eating Out Panel shows that McDonald’s has grown its market share of visits in all four dayparts between Q2 2016 and the same period this year.
Saravana Bhavan secures Leicester Square site
Saravana Bhavan, the vegetarian Indian concept, is to open a flagship site off Leicester Square, MCA understands.
Prague Bar puts Islington site on market
Prague Bar, the London-based Czech concept, has put its second site on the market.
A year of night tube a “welcome boon” for sector
Operators and sector trade bodies have welcomed the impact of the night tube in its first year, during which it has apparently boosted London’s economy by £171m.
Oakman gets Royal recognition for training excellence
Oakman Inns has been named as a recipient of the Princess Royal’s Training Award, organised by the City & Guilds Group.
Holborn Leisure takes on Kensington Park Hotel
Holborn Leisure Group, the Ducalian Capital-backed pub vehicle, has taken on the Kensington Park Hotel in Ladbroke Grove, MCA understands.
One in seven Brits predominantly drink at home
New research by YouGov has shown that one in seven Brits almost always stay in to enjoy a drink, with over 55s most likely to skip drinking out.
‘Clarity needed over calorie reduction plan’
The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers has called for comprehensive industry engagement around calorie reduction and stressed the sector’s hard work to date in promoting healthy attitudes to food.
Analysts corner: Rollo on pub and restaurant spend
Leading analyst Jamie Rollo, of Morgan Stanley, has said all the metrics point to a continued demand from consumers to spend in pubs and restaurants. However, he insists question marks remain over how long this will be sustainable.
Chestnut Group acquires sixth site
The Chestnut Group, the East Anglian-based pub group, has acquired the Black Lion in Long Melford, on the Suffolk/Essex border, for an undisclosed sum.
Mandira eyes expansion in office hubs
Mandira, the fresh yoghurt bar concept, is looking to expand into the City and Canary Wharf as it looks to capitalise on shifting preferences for healthier eating.
Deliveroo to roll out tech at 160 kitchens in 2017
Deliveroo is rolling out new technology across its UK Editions sites which it says will double the number of meals operators are able to produce an hour.
Inside Track
Brew ideas on an old theme
After falling out of fashion for more than 20 years, the brewpub is back with a vengeance, and Brewhouse & Kitchen has been at the forefront of its revival. James Wallin meets co-founder Simon Bunn to discuss its evolution
Ramen retailer all souped up
Tak Tokumine sold a 40% stake in his Shoryu ramen business earlier this year and now plans to transform his Japan Centre brand into the Japanese equivalent of Eataly. Joe Lutrario reports
Deltic Revs up to overtake Stonegate takeover
Why did Deltic go public with its rebuffed bid to merge with Revolution Bars Group, where does it leave Stonegate and what does it mean for the sector? MCA deputy editor James Wallin discusses.
Marks’ theory on Revolution
Deltic Group chief executive Peter Marks talks to MCA about the group’s proposal to merge with Revolution Bars Group to create a 125-strong “powerhouse” late-night operator.
Founders Forum Focus: Albion & East
Albion & East was set up with a simple, yet ambitious goal – to create London’s best bar. As the Imbiba-backed group prepares to open its second site, James Wallin meets managing director Sarah Weir to discuss progress so far.
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