24/10/2017
Number of UK breweries exceeds 2,000
As reported by Pub and Bar magazine, the number of UK breweries has exceeded 2,000 for the first time since the 1930s, according to national accountancy group UHY Hacker Young. The total amount of breweries in the UK has increased from 1,692 in 2015 to 1,994 by the end of 2016, a 18% growth rate over the course of a year. In 2012 there were 1,218 UK breweries, therefore totalling a 64% increase over a five year period.
Second site in Bloomberg Arcade for Andrew Wong
Andrew Wong, chef proprietor of A Wong restaurant in Victoria, has acquired a second site in the City's Bloomberg Arcade, according to The Caterer. The 3,300 sq ft site is set to open next year and will be run in partnership with the White Rabbit Fund, former Soho House commercial director Chris Miller's capital services for entrepreneurs within the hospitality industry. The White Rabbit Fund has also invested in Island Poke and Kricket.
InterContinental Hotels Group reports UK hotels RevPAR increase of 4%
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) have announced a 4% increase in RevPAR (Revenue per available room) in Q3 for their UK hotels. According to James Stagg at The Caterer London RevPAR rose by 3% whilst the regions saw a 5% rise.
Fifth Roxy Ball Room site to open in Nottingham
Jones Bar Group has opened a new Roxy Ball Room site in Nottingham according to Pub and Bar magazine, offering beer pong, pool and table tennis. Founded in 2004 by brothers Matt and Ben Jones, Jones Bar Group have invested £400,000 in the site. This Nottingham unit marks their first venture into the Midlands, with sites already operating in Huddersfield, Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds.
£45m Stockport development to open in November
A new leisure development in Stockport, costing £45 million, is set to open next month, according to Eat Out Magazine. The 38,000 sq. ft. 'Redrock' will feature a cinema as well as restaurants, including PizzaExpress, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Zizzi. After a two year construction period, the site will open on the 24th November.
And Finally...
Phil Healy is set to open his first city centre site in Manchester, on the former Avalanche site, after a £1m refurbishment. The property deal was brokered by Tim Martin at Fleurets, having marketed the free of tie lease. The ground floor will be occupied by 1761, a 130 cover restaurant offering modern British food, as well as Lily's Bar in the basement, named after Lilly Bollinger, the champagne entrepreneur. Furthermore, the room will be surrounded by an 18,000 litre fish tank with stingray. 1761 will open to the public on Monday 13th November.