11/12/2018
50% stake in Ossett brewery sold to private investor
Ossett Brewery has sold a 50% stake to a private investor, Mark Hunter, for which the parties were advised by Simon Hall of Fleurets and James Boshier. The Yorkshire-based business includes 26 retail sites: including 19 pubs and restaurants, four bars trading as The HOP as well as the recently formed Salt Beer Factory and its own city centre bars under the Craft Asylum brand. Propel Info reports that co-owner and pub company founder Jamie Lawson will continue to lead the business.
Brewhouse & Kitchen acquire 23rd site in Worthing
Brewhouse & Kitchen has acquired Beechwood Hall in Worthing, through Fleurets, reports Propel Info. The acquisition marks Brewhouse & Kitchen's 23rd site and after a comprehensive refurbishment, the property, which dates back to 1829, will continue to trade as a hotel.
Signorelli and Figo set to launch in the IQL development in Stratford
East London artisan bakery Signorelli along with Italian restaurant Figo are confirmed for the £2.4bn International Quarter London (IQL) development in Stratford. The Caterer reports that Signorelli will supplement its primary site in Stratford's East Village with a 1,146 sq ft site in the development. Figo will take a 3,024 sq ft, adding to owner's, Toni Manconi's portfolio of independent restaurants: Bella Vita, Venerdi as well as three-site chain Pivaz.
NewRiver agrees to acquire 76 Star Pubs & Bars sites
As reported by Propel Info, NewRiver has agreed to acquire 76 sites from Star Pubs & Bars, in a deal worth an estimated £12m. NewRiver's Hawthorn Leisure pub estate will reportedly total over 700 sites.
Expedia Group reveals strong hotel demand
Expedia Group has revealed that UK hotels have seen consistent growth throughout the first nine months of 2018, according to Boutique Hotelier. London experienced the strongest demand, with almost 40% of inbound visitors travelling to the capital, however, Essex and Bath saw a 25% year-on-year increase in international and domestic demand. Furthermore, Cambridge increased by 30%, Chester more than 25%, Southampton more than 20% and Dorset almost 20%.
And Finally...
City Pub Co is set to transform a Cambridge pub, previously owned by JD Wetherspoon, into a crazy golf and street food concept. Propel reports that the venue will offer three street food offers, which will rotate as well as crazy golf course, shuffleboard and an 80-seat events space equipped for film screenings, yoga, live music, parties or meetings. A planning application is currently outstanding for a roof terrace, which if approved, will see construction and fit-out begin in April, with an opening anticipated in autumn.