24/03/2026 09:37:00
Greene King has announced a new strategy for the business, which could see up to 150 managed pubs sold from the estate, Pub & Bar reports. As part of its assessment, the company has identified c. 300 managed sites that it says would be better served under different models. Roughly half of these pubs will be converted to leased and tenanted or franchise venues within Greene King's Pub Partners estate, with the other half evaluated for a potential sale over the medium-term. At the same time, Greene King says it has identified a small number of sites for closure, representing fewer than 2% of the managed estate, in line with the group's typical annual activity.
Hilton has announced an exclusive franchise agreement with Yotel to add the brand's 23 global properties to its distribution network and loyalty programme, reports Hotel Owner. The partnership marks the launch of Select by Hilton, a new category designed for independent brands to retain their identity while accessing Hilton systems. Yotel will continue to independently manage and license its brand across 10 countries following the integration. The 23 existing hotels in markets including London, New York, and Singapore are expected to be available for booking through Hilton channels in 2026. The agreement supports Yotel's plans to triple its current portfolio through a capital-light growth model.
Wetherspoon saw its operating profit slide by 18.4% in the first half of the group's financial year, writes The Caterer. In the 26 weeks ending 25 January 2026, the pub giant's like-for-like profits fell from £64.8m in 2025 to £52.9m this year. Chairman Tim Martin identified rises in National Insurance Contributions and labour rates as resulting in a £60m annual cost increase, which added to an extra £7m yearly energy expenditure. "Substantial tax and cost increases have been imposed on the hospitality industry, including a plethora of stealth taxes (non-domestic electricity charges; climate change levies; packaging charges, etc), by recent governments, so that profits are still below pre-pandemic levels," he wrote in the company's latest interim results. "These cost increases will undoubtedly add to underlying inflation in the UK economy, although Wetherspoon, as always, will endeavour to keep price increases to a minimum."
Immersive Gamebox, the operator of interactive group gaming, has signed a multi-million-pound franchise agreement with Beyond Box Operations to open 30 Immersive Gamebox locations across the UK over the next five years, Pub & Bar reports. Immersive Gamebox is an entertainment company that creates immersive, multiplayer gaming experiences. Working with major studios, including Netflix, Warner Bros. and Sony, it allows players to step inside interactive digital games inspired by global entertainment franchises such as Squid Game, Batman and Floor Is Lava, using projection mapping, touch-sensitive walls and motion tracking technology. The new UK franchise agreement forms part of Immersive Gamebox's broader ambition to scale its footprint internationally through experienced regional operators, with a target of reaching 100 locations globally by 2027.
Marriott International has partnered with Splendid Hospitality Group to accelerate the growth of its midscale brand, Series by Marriott. The hotels in this collection offer affordable accommodation with well-delivered essentials, locally inspired design and grab and go food options. As of March 23rd, Marriott has signed on 11 Series by Marriott projects across the UK and Italy to cater for growing demand within the midscale segment. The announcement encompasses a five-deal agreement with the UK's Splendid Hospitality Group, which will see its existing properties across Earls Court, Euston, Kings Cross in London and other prime regional locations being converted into Series by Marriott, reports The Caterer.
Boxpark has secured its first multi-year partnership with The Jockey Club that will see it return to the Grand National at Aintree this year, advises The Restaurant.