04/11/2025 09:51:00
Urban Pubs & Bars has acquired Albion & East, adding four all-day venues to its growing London estate and strengthening its position as the capital's largest independent pub group. The acquisition includes Teatro Hall in Ealing, Canova Hall in Brixton, Botanica Hall in Clapham Junction, and Serata Hall in the City of London, advises Morning Advertiser. The move follows a period of rapid growth for Urban, which has completed several new openings and acquisitions since May 2025, including St John's Tavern in Archway, The Marlborough Head in Covent Garden, The Bald Faced Stag in East Finchley, The Highbury Barn Tavern, and Bat and Ball in Covent Garden. The latest acquisition builds on Urban's momentum - last year it said it was "poised for expansion" following double-digit like-for-like growth and turnover of £52.2m in FY23.
Leon has been reacquired by its co-founder and former CEO John Vincent in a play to reinvigorate the 71-strong business and return it to its core values, reports The Restaurant. Founded in Carnaby Street over two decades ago by Vincent, Henry Dimbledby and Allegra McEvedy, Leon was sold to Asda owner EG Group in 2021. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. It is the second time that Vincent has returned to the business having stepped away in the early days of the Leon and returned in 2014 as CEO. During this period, he grew the group's estate from 17 to 75 and increased the value of the company to £100m.
Evolv Collection investors Calveton UK and Breal Capital have sold TGI Friday's to Sugarloaf, the manager of the worldwide brand, reports The Caterer. Terms of the deal for the 49 UK restaurants, which Calveton and Breal bought for £9.55m in October 2024, were not disclosed. TGIs was in the midst of a resurgence in the UK, after the closure of 36 underperforming sites preceded its sale last year. It relaunched on 4 July with a refreshed menu and branding. TGI Fridays chief executive Julie McEwan told The Caterer in July that the business had stabilised since being bought out of administration. Sugarloaf is led by Ray Blanchette, who previously ran TGI Fridays for five years until 2023. He took over management of the brand's remaining US restaurants after it filed for bankruptcy protection in late 2024.
Inn Collection Group has secured a £125m finance package from HSBC to fuel its expansion across the UK, writes Boutique Hotelier. The nine-figure sum will be used to increase the Group's portfolio through the acquisition of a number of leisure sites across the country, which will soon be announced, taking its footprint to more than 40 locations over the next five years. The growth will also support an expansion of its workforce from 1,300 to more than 2,000 employees across a range of roles. The Newcastle-based pub with rooms firm already owns and operates 31 sites across the North of England and North Wales, including the Tynemouth Castle Inn and The Bamburgh Castle Inn.
The Evolv Collection has acquired London wine bar group Vinoteca, marking a significant milestone in the company's strategic expansion plans, advises Pub & Bar. As part of the acquisition, the business formerly known as D&D London will begin the evolution of its Sartoria restaurant brand. The deal will see Vinoteca's Farringdon and Bloomberg Arcade venues integrated into The Evolv Collection's portfolio, coinciding with the opening of Sartoria Launceston Place on 4 November. The Evolv Collection will transform Vinoteca's Farringdon location into 'Vinoteca di Sartoria', introducing the Sartoria brand's Italian dining experience in an accessible, small plates format. Furthermore, a new Sartoria venue will open in Liverpool Street in January 2026, while Fiume in Battersea will be reimagined as Sartoria Battersea.
Vagabond Wines, the self-pour wine bar group, has announced that its most ambitious project yet will open on Thursday 4 December at Canada Water, as part of British Land and AustralianSuper's landmark redevelopment, writes Pub & Bar. The 6,000 sq ft space, which the group is calling 'the UK's largest urban winery' combines Vagabond's wine bar experience with a fully operational 100-tonne winery, led by head winemaker José Quintana. Guests will be able to see, smell and taste wine at every stage of its journey while discovering more than 100 wines by the glass from Vagabond's tap-and-pour machines.
Budget hotels lag behind as cost pressures bite, reports Hotel Owner. Luxury and mid-market hotels enjoyed a rise in occupancy, room rates and profits in August, while budget hotels lagged behind as they juggle rising costs and dwindling consumer demand.