Today’s news in brief – 11/07/24

JD Wetherspoon has offloaded 26 pubs so far this year and has revealed that like-for-like sales in the year-to-date rose by 7.7%. According to the group, which currently has a trading estate of 801 pubs, most of the disposals were smaller and older sites, or were where the company has a second pub in “reasonably close proximity”. 

Chef Patrick will be leaving The Midland Grand Dining Room and Allegra. Following a seven year partnership with developer and hotelier Harry Handelsman, owner of St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel and The Stratford, the duo are parting ways in order for Powell to focus on opportunities more aligned to his long-term culinary vision.  

Sticks’n’Sushi will be opening its 14th site in Islington this September. It will mark the brand’s first venture into North London as part of the group’s growth strategy to extend its reach into London’s residential neighbourhoods. The space will feature a large open plan dining room, kitchen counter, lounge and bar, along with outdoor seating.

Sandwich Sandwich will debut in London in July. The Bristol-based eatery that is operated by father-and-son duo Nicholas and Joshua Kleiner first launched in 2012 as a small sandwich shop. Today, Sandwich Sandwich operates four sites, including Baldwin Street, Queen’s Road, and Park Row, with Nick’s sons continuing to work alongside him.