Today’s news in brief – 02/05/25

McDonald’s has seen its international sales dip 1% in Q1, with US sales falling by 3.6% over the period. That is the steepest decline in like-for-like sales in the US since the three months to the end of June 2020 during the pandemic, when sales fell by 8.7% in the second quarter of that year. Overall consolidated revenues for the fast food giant decreased 3% to $5.9bn (£4.4bn) with operating income also dipping 3% to $2.6bn (£1.9bn). McDonald’s said that comparable sales were primarily impacted by negative sales in the UK. 

Lion Capital and Fortress have secured a £30m loan to support the acquisition of Loungers, the UK’s all-day café-bar operators. Under Fortress and Lion’s ownership, Loungers plans to continue its proven site rollout strategy, opening over 30 new sites a year to capture further market share in “underserved UK locations”. The strong cash generation and low leverage profile of the business post-acquisition are expected to “underpin continued investment in expansion”. 

Rhubarb Hospitality has appointed Kieran Reilly as its new executive chef of events. He brings a wealth of experience in luxury hospitality and event catering, having most recently served as culinary director at Rocket Food. Prior to that role, he was executive chef at Lush by Tom Kerridge, following his time working alongside Kerridge at the two-Michelin-starred Hand and Flowers. He also spent time at Maze by Gordon Ramsay. Outside of the restaurant world, Reilly has overseen “major” catering operations. 

Reddington Pub Company will reopen The Anchor pub and Tom Browns restaurant. After 16 years of inactivity, The Anchor now features a pub, café and courtyard, with a menu designed by Michelin-star Bib gourmand, chef Andy Goodbourn. The pub also has The Anchor Courtyard, an entertainment space, for birthdays, weddings or corporate events. It also includes The Anchor Express, the pub’s very own 18-seater model train. The Anchor also features four en-suite guest rooms.