03/09/2019
Chopstix secures funding and plans expansion
Chopstix, the noodle bar chain, is planning to expand further across the UK, having secured a £5m debt facility from Metro Bank. Big Hospitality reports that the group has more than 40 company-owned sites and several franchise units. Since January Chopstix has opened sites in Intu Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol Cribbs Causeway, Earls Court, Glasgow and Southampton's West Quay scheme.
Darwin & Wallace venue to open in Canary Wharf
Darwin & Wallace will open its eighth venue in November, reports Pub and Bar Magazine. No 35 Mackenzie Walk is located in Canary Wharf and will also mark the company's first site in East London. Darwin & Wallace's other London sites are located in Pimlico, Clapham, Richmond, Chiswick, Battersea, Wimbledon and Ealing.
Mexican taqueria joint venture set for Liverpool
The founders of two Liverpool restaurants, Belzan and Volpi, have joined forces with London's Breddos Tacos to launch a new Mexican taqueria in Liverpool's Royal Albert Dock. The 100 cover restaurant, called Madre, will open in November this year, reports The Caterer, in a Grade I listed site on the Atlantic Pavilion.
New hotel planned for Victoria Leeds
A 205-bedroom, 14 storey hotel, designed by Acme, is set for Victoria Leeds, reports The Caterer. Landlord Hammerson owns and manages Victoria Leeds and is behind the redevelopment of the former car park site which is 1,670 sq m.
Fourth site for all-day Hampshire-based restaurant group
Josie's, a Hampshire-based all-day restaurant, is set to open its fourth site later this year. Big Hospitality reports that the new restaurant in Romsey will join existing units in Bishop's Waltham, Winchester and Petersfield.
And Finally...
Kuckoo, the north west-based rock 'n' roll cocktail bar brand, has acquired three sites from Star Pubs & Bars, reports Propel. Kuckoo is led by Chris Powell, who was the existing tenant at all three sites. The venues are: Kuckoo in Preston, Kuckoo in Knutsford and the Fox & Grapes in Preston.