All articles by Shwetali Sapte – Page 2
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InterviewsArdent Pub Group ‘closing in’ on new sites
The pub company, previously backed by JKS Restaurants, is looking to larger sites for expansion after starting a new investment cycle, founder Dominic Jacobs told MCA’s Pub Conference
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NewsIn pictures: A new look for Gaucho Manchester
Gaucho has unveiled a refurbishment of its restaurant in Manchester’s Deansgate, featuring reimagined interiors, a new elevated bar experience, and an evolved menu
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Analysis & InsightPrivate equity gives way to trade buyers in hospitality deals
In Q1 2026, private equity was involved in just 15% of all recorded hospitality transactions – a significant decrease from last year, according to a new report from Moore Kingston Smith
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InterviewsChickpea Group: ‘We want to bring the buzz back to rural living’
The Wiltshire-based pubs with rooms operator is looking at opportunities outside of its core model - but sees accommodation as a key driver of return on investment, co-founder Ethan Davids told MCA’s Pub Conference
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InterviewsRōti Modern Mediterranean sees potential for 70+ stores
The fast casual Mediterranean concept, which specialises in chef-curated, customisable bowls, has launched three dark kitchens in London and plans to open its first bricks-and-mortar unit by the end of 2026
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NewsHarry Ramsden’s continues disposals and conversions
The group is unifying its estate under its core fish & chips brand, but has also identified new formats that could support future expansion
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NewsBone Daddies shifts focus to core concept
The group has closed two sites - Shackfuyu and Flesh & Buns Oxford Circus - following a decline in net revenue, instead focusing on its core ramen bar proposition
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NewsElliott Advisors plots bid for 300 Stonegate pubs
Sky News reports the activist investor is the latest firm to explore a deal to buy c.300 pubs from the UK’s largest pubco, with bidding rivals including Terra Firma
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Analysis & InsightIs Taco Bell planning to launch Live Más café in the UK?
Taco Bell has launched the cult Mountain Dew Baja Blast across its UK estate, a move that could signal wider ambitions for its drinks-led Live Más café concept in Britain
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NewsBoparan partners with TRGC to open first UK airport site for Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens opened at Terminal 3 airside on 4 July, serving the brand’s menu of chicken tenders, sandwiches, wings, shakes, and 15 dipping sauces
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NewsCosta appoints new CFO to lead global finance team
Matthew Sisk joins the coffee giant on 1 September after more than 21 years with the Coca-Cola Company, while Jez Langhorn has joined as chief people officer
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, featuring Pizza Hut’s return to Marble Arch, Darjeeling Express’ return to Soho, and new sites from Shake Shack, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and KFC
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NewsLoungers confirms international expansion to Essen, Germany
The all-day café/restaurant/bar group will make its overseas debut this October under a new brand name - Southville - in a nod to its first ever Lounge, which opened in Bristol’s Southville neighbourhood in 2002
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NewsButchies placed in voluntary liquidation
The buttermilk fried chicken concept, founded in East London in 2013, has three remaining sites and has appointed Begbies Traynor as liquidator
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NewsNew NED at Young’s
Diana Houghton, currently a non-executive director at Marshalls, brings extensive experience spanning retail, leisure, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing
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NewsSan Carlo reports £76m turnover
The premium Italian restaurant group, which also operates under brands such as Signor Sassi and Cicchetti, saw turnover dip marginally due to challenging trading conditions
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Analysis & InsightGLP-1s forecast to reduce away from home spend by nearly £1bn
A new report from IGD predicts that reduced visit frequency and spend across the sector will lead to a decline of nearly £1bn by 2031
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InterviewsUrban Pubs & Bars: ‘There’s nothing in our estate that doesn’t make money’
Co-founder Nick Pring and managing director Chris Hill discussed the pipeline for growth, the importance of teams, and the possibility of a succession plan at MCA’s Pub Conference
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NewsMarket Halls reports ‘landmark’ year
The food hall operator has reported turnover growth of 18% to £16.9m for the year ended 29 June 2025, along with a rise in total venue sales to £32.4m
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NewsGreggs CFO to step down after 28 years
Ben Waldron, formerly of Bakkavor Group, will succeed Richard Hutton, who is retiring as CFO and executive director at the end of the year