31/03/2026 10:00:00
The sites, acquired out of administration earlier this year, will be converted into its core concepts over the coming months. The site in Southampton will relaunch as Barbara's Bier Haus, says Propel, while the site in Bristol will be Bonnie Rogues. The moves are part of Neos Hospitality's strategy to invest and reposition selected sites, following the acquisition which saw the group double in size to 40 venues.
Valiant, founded at the start of 2021, has added circa 20 rooms to its growing estate with the acquisition of sites in North Yorkshire and Somerset, confirms Propel. The circa 85-strong business has secured The George & Dragon in Kirkbymoorside, and The Oakhouse in Axbridge, in two off-market deals. Both properties are historic 17th-century landmarks, with approximately ten bedrooms each, and are set to receive "major investment".
The operator of Coppa Club and Noci (soon to be known as Coppa Collective), has acquired 4 sites from Grosvenor Pubs. Propel reports the asset purchase, for £11.25m will form a third operating brand, The Linwood Collection. It has completed on three of the four sites. Completion of The Wellington Arms (Hampshire) remains subject to landlord consent. Total revenue was circa £10.5m in the 52 weeks to 28 December 2025, with site-level Ebitda of c. £1.5m.
Despite grappling with "reduced discretionary spending and increased competition" Starbucks is planning to open more than 75 shops this financial year, according to the Times. Starbucks UK recorded an operating loss of £29.8m for the 12 months to 28 September 2025. Revenues increased 6% to £556.3m, driven by a 2% rise in customer transaction volumes and the expansion of its UK portfolio with the opening of 96 stores last year.
Stonegate Group, saw its group profit grow 7.5% in the 16 weeks to 18 January 2026, driven by the increasing contribution from its leased and tenanted estate and Craft Union business. The transformation strategy continues at pace, with the reduction of 357 managed sites since the 2023 financial year and the expectation of circa 320 by end of the 2026 financial year. Total revenue was £476m, the managed segment contributed £226m, the group's circa 3070 leased and tenanted pubs, Pub Partners and commercial property, together contributed £137m and the operator-led segment (Craft Union) contributed £113m. The business said 56 sites were converted from managed to leased and tenanted during the 16-week period. This is on track to delivering circa 200 sites in the 2026 financial year. Stonegate said 31 freehold sites were disposed of in the quarter for £28m proceeds. Group cash stood at £170m at the end of the period, while net debt stood at £3.003bn reports Propel.
Pay in UK retail and hospitality firms has increased by an 'unprecedented' 18% in the past year. At the same time, employment in the sector has fallen by just over 1%, said payroll software firm Employment Hero. While wages are rising in the short term, job opportunities are becoming more limited, the study indicated. Kevin Fitzgerald, MD, said: 'Businesses are having to make decisions now about how they structure their workforce going forward. For many, that means being more cautious about hiring, particularly in roles that have traditionally relied on part-time or younger workers. UK retail and hospitality pay has seen 'unprecedented increase' reports AJ Bell
Propel confirms almost two-thirds of young adults are swapping shots for their sofas. According to new research from Lamb Weston, 64% of those aged 18 to 24 prefer to stay at home, with only those aged over 65 bucking the trend. Three in ten of those polled said that just getting through the day feels like an achievement, without the added pressure of plans after work.