Leon, Somerset
Roadchef is opening a new Leon outlet at its Sedgemoor site on the M5, marking the food-to-go brand’s second opening in Somerset and its most westerly location in the UK.
The outlet is located on the M5 Southbound between J21 and J22. It will offer all the Leon classic menu items, and boast several self-order kiosks.
This new opening marks a continuation of the ongoing partnership, which has seen Roadchef open eleven outlets at their locations since 2018, following the MSA operator opening their first Leon in Wales at Roadchef Magor in 2023.
Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, Richmond
The Japanese sushi and yakitori-sticks concept will launch its latest restaurant in Richmond this Spring.
It will mark the brand’s 13th UK site, when it opens on May 5. The interior has been designed by Berlin-based architects Diener & Diener and incorporates nods to its London location.
Located on the corner of George Street and King Street, the site was formally built as a Dickins and Jones department store in 1968, and more recently housed the retailer House of Fraser until 2020.
Fuller’s, Spitalfields
The Astronomer, next to Liverpool Street station has reopened with a new look and menu.
The Fuller’s pub in the heart of Spitalfields has a new layout which sees the bar now positioned at the back of the ground floor – opening up space for more seating and additional poseur height tables.
Downstairs at The Astronomer customers will find the newly re-named Rocket Room, which has also undergone a transformation with its own bar, available for private events. On the menu, small plates and sharing boards accompany a range of burgers and pub classics.
Chopstix, Thornwick Bay
Pan-Asian QSR brand, Chopstix, has strengthened its relationship with franchise partner Haven, launching an ‘eat-in’ Chopstix restaurant at its Thornwick Bay site.
This traditional four-walled format is a first for the holiday park operator, having launched three modular units with the brand across its parks so far.
The opening of a traditional seated restaurant concept is an important step for Chopstix and Haven, with both brands exploring the potential for future rollouts across the Haven estate. The new site follows openings at Haven’s Presthaven, Haggerston Castle, and Craig Tara parks.
Shake Shack, Notting Hill Gate
American fast-casual restaurant chain, Shake Shack has announced its next opening, with a prime location in front of Notting Hill Gate station exit.
On offer will be core menu items, including the signature ShackBurger®, Crinkle Cut Fries, Flat-top Dogs, ShackMeister® Ale and hand-spun shakes.
Pilpel, City of London
CDG Leisure has announced the completion of the next Pilpel site in the City of London, in what will be business’ 8th site.
Pilpel will soon be opening its doors on Fenchurch Street, serving falafel and sabich. Pilpel was founded in 2009 by Uri Dinay who continued his late grandfathers legacy of making falafel to perfection, something he had been doing for many decades, and the brand has grown continually ever since.
Little Door, Soho
House-party inspired late night bar and restaurant concept, Little Door & Co. will open its fifth site on Kingly Street in June.
The Little Violet Door is the group’s second central London site, joining The Little Scarlet Door in Soho and neighbourhood locations in Notting Hill, Fulham and Clapham.
Within Shaftesbury Capital’s Soho neighbourhood, the 3,400 sq ft, 180-capacity site at 9 Kingly Street - formerly music venue Bag O’ Nails - is spread over two floors with additional terrace seating out front.
Marylebone Leisure Group, Camden
Privately owned and operated, Marylebone Leisure Group, is expanding with the opening of its eleventh site.
The new late night pub concept, Lock Inn Camden, on Jamestown Road joins London sites: The Princess of Wales, The Marylebone, Clerkenwell & Social, Home Marylebone and Marylebone Live.
The two-storey 3,500 sq ft venue with a capacity of up to 300 includes a rooftop terrace events space with a retractable roof and generous outdoor seating. A pub by day, The Lock Inn will offer a high energy vibe come evenings courtesy of a varied music schedule and vinyl DJs playing until late Thursday through to Saturday.
Fremantle Bar & Kitchen, Docklands
An Australasian inspired all-day restaurant and bar is set too open at Royal Victoria Dock in May-Crowne Plaza.
Launching as a standalone restaurant at the Royal Victoria Dock hotel in May, the new offer replaces the hotel’s Docklands Bar & Grill and has been inspired by the history of the docks that surround it and draws on the influences from one of its longstanding trading partners, Australia.
The expansive open-plan spcae includes a year-round terrace, private dining spaces, and has been designed to offer a warm, laid-back ‘neighbourhood’ welcome throughout the day, from weekend brunch and after work drinks, to weeknight dinners and team meetings.
White Cloth Hall, Leeds
Christie & Co has completed the sale of White Cloth Hall, a former market hall in the heart of Leeds city centre.
Located behind the Corn Exchange in central Leeds, the White Cloth Hall was originally built in 1775 as a market for the sale of undyed cloth and most recently house three separate businesses including a BrewDog bar and Pizza Express.
The White Cloth Hall has been acquired by Ed Mason, co-founder of Five Points Brewing, who intends to re-convert the newly acquired premise into a single unit, and re-open as a food and drink hall, which will champion Leeds’ thriving independent food and drink scene.
