07/11/2017
Loungers' turnover exceeds £90m
As reported by The Caterer, Loungers' turnover has exceeded £90m for the last financial year. The group also saw a 34% increase in net sales for the year ending 23 April 2017, as well as an increase in revenue from £68.5m to £91.8m. Like-for-like growth was 5.3%, whilst underlying EBITDA for the same period also increased from £8.4m to £12.3m. Loungers have opened 20 sites, four Cosy Clubs and 16 Lounges.
Greene King plans 20-bedroom hotel in Salisbury
Brewer and retail giant Greene King have announced plans for a new 20-bedroom hotel in Salisbury, according to Paul Charity at Propel Info. Permission is being sought from Wiltshire Council to demolish derelict garages in the grounds of the Greyfisher pub in New Bridge Road. The hotel intends to operate alongside the pub and increase the trade.
Ninth site for the London Cocktail Club in Liverpool Street
The London Cocktail Club has launched its ninth site in Bishopsgate by Liverpool Street Station. The group was founded in 2008 by JJ Goodman and James Hopkins and now has sites in Shoreditch, Shaftesbury Avenue, Oxford Circus, Islington, Goodge Street Bethnal Green and Covent Garden. According to Propel Info, the new Liverpool Street venue has a vintage fairground-themed bar, decorated with a tiger's cage, ouija board tables and contortionist portrait paintings.
Bonnie Gull to roll out Salt 'n' Sauce concept
Propel Info reports that Bonnie Gull, seaside restaurant concept, is embarking on a £200,000 crowdfunding campaign to roll out its new Salt 'n' Sauce concept to affluent university towns and tourist hotspots outside of London. The first site is set for the Westgate Centre in Oxford in March, with further proposed locations of Brighton, Bath, Exeter and Cambridge. A second phase will introduce restaurants in York, St Andrews, Manchester, Edinburgh and Winchester. The company is seeking investment through Crowdcube and is offering a 11.11% equity stake in return for the £200,000 investment.
First pub escape room launched by Bermondsey Pub Company
Bermondsey Pub Company, part of Ei Managed Operations, in partnership with Handmade Mysteries, has launched the first interactive escape room pub experience. Pub and Bar magazine has reported that the venue is on the second floor of The Hope in Farringdon and the game will be called 'Lady Chastity's Reserve'.
And Finally...
Bright Hospitality Group has acquired the 37-bedroom Staindrop Lodge Hotel in Sheffield, through Fleurets. Boutique Hotelier reported that this acquisition marks the company's tenth site which was purchased off a guide price of £1.6m. Furthermore, Bright Hospitality Group recently acquired the 42-bedroomed Cheltenham Regency Hotel in Gloucestershire also through Fleurets.