Restaurants
The Restaurants section on Catering Today delivers comprehensive coverage of the UK restaurant industry, from independent operators to national chains. It reports on business performance, openings, acquisitions, and leadership changes, alongside analysis of market trends, menu innovation, and consumer behaviour. With insight into finance, operations, technology, and sustainability, Catering Today provides hospitality professionals with the intelligence and updates shaping commercial strategy across the UK dining landscape.
-
Jan- 2025 -22 January
Bodega appoints Rodhri Davies as head chef
Cardiff-based Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Bodega has appointed Rhodri Davies as its new head chef. Davies, a Cardiff native and former contestant on MasterChef: The Professionals 2021, joins Bodega known for his “refined” approach to seasonal cuisine. He honed his skills at two Michelin-recommended establishments; The Heathcock in Llandaff, where he served…
Read More » -
21 January
Applebee’s restaurant to relaunch in February
Applebee’s restaurant is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary in Borough Market with a relaunch on 13 February. As a marker of this anniversary, Applebee’s will launch a brand new concept, menu and refurbishment of the space, as well as a continued determination to champion sustainably sourced British seafood. Still…
Read More » -
20 January
Captain D’s to expand in UK with new 20-site deal
US-based fast-casual seafood restaurant Captain D’s has signed a 20- multi-unit franchise agreement for the United Kingdom. The agreement, signed with an experienced team of restaurant operators, will introduce Captain D’s signature seafood offerings to Europe, starting with the first restaurant in the London area in 2025. This development marks…
Read More » -
17 January
Duck and Rice to open second site at Battersea Power Station
Cantonese kitchen and pub brand, Duck and Rice has revealed that it is set to open a second venue at Battersea Power Station. A 4,000 sq ft unit is currently undergoing a transformation into a 185-seat restaurant, including an open kitchen and raised bar area. Interior architecture and design studio…
Read More » -
17 January
Directional Capital acquires Pizza Hut’s UK franchisee in pre-pack deal
Directional Capital has acquired Heart With Smart, one of the UK’s leading hospitality franchise operators which manages the operations of the UK Pizza Hut dine-in restaurants, in a pre-pack transaction which sees the transfer and continuing operation of 139 restaurants across the UK. Directional Capital is a US-based private equity…
Read More » -
16 January
Individual Restaurants sales rise 14% over Xmas
Individual Restaurants has reported “record” Christmas sales with a 14% growth in the four weeks of December, across its portfolio of world-leading restaurant brands Piccolino, Riva Blu and Restaurant Bar and Grill. Like for like sales for the group increased by 8% in December, whilst covers increased by 4% year…
Read More » -
15 January
Mitchells and Butlers sales rise 3.9% in Q1
Mitchells and Butlers (M&B) has seen a like-for-like sales growth of 3.9% over the 15 weeks ended 11 January 2025. Over the core three-week Christmas period, sales increased 10.4%, a figure built on “numerous record sales performances through the estate and the brand portfolio”. The group said that sales remained…
Read More » -
14 January
Tony Page’s Island Grill restaurant relocates to Marylebone
Tony Page’s Island Grill, a fine dining kosher restaurant, is relocating from Bayswater Road at the Royal Lancaster to a larger venue in Marylebone, opening today (14 January) as Tony Page Marylebone. Situated at the corner of Paddington Street and Chiltern Street, the new 3,460 sq ft site will be…
Read More » -
14 January
Pizza Hut’s UK franchisee nears rescue deal
Pizza Hut’s biggest UK franchisee, Directional Capital, is reportedly close to finalising a rescue deal later this week, according to Sky News. Directional Capital, which already controls a majority of Pizza Hut’s dine-in operations in Denmark and Sweden, would save the jobs of some 3,000 employees and acquire about 140…
Read More » -
14 January
Azzurri Group reduces GHG emissions by 7% in 2024
Azzurri Group, investor in businesses such as ASK Italian, Zizzi and Coco Di Mama, has revealed that it has reduced its GHG emissions by 7% in 2024. During FY24, the company delivered a strong financial performance, opening additional restaurants, expanding retail offerings and growing its portfolio with Boojum, Dave’s Hot…
Read More »
