France
Coverage explores food, drink, and hospitality developments across key French markets, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux, with a focus on culinary trends, casual dining formats, sustainability initiatives, and the movement of brands between France and the UK. Reporting offers insight for operators tracking international influence, chef-led innovation, and sourcing practices, as well as UK businesses exploring franchising or cross-border growth opportunities.
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Jun- 2025 -6 JuneCafes and Coffee Shops
Pret owner explores new investors ahead of possible IPO
Pret A Manger owner Jab Holding has reportedly engaged advisers to explore bringing in new investors for the business ahead of a public offering, according to the Financial Times (FT). People with direct knowledge revealed to the FT that Jab Holding, who acquired Pret in 2018 for £1.8m, is exploring…
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6 JuneCafes and Coffee Shops
Black Sheep Coffee and Costa open new cafés on Edgware Road
Two major coffee chains, Black Sheep Coffee and Costa, have opened new sites on Edgware Road in the west end of London as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the area’s retail and hospitality offering. Speciality chain Black Sheep Coffee has launched a 3,000 sq ft site at 124 Edgware…
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May- 2025 -27 MayFood and Drink
SSP Group HY revenues rise 12% to £1.7bn
Travel foodservice company, SSP Group, has seen its revenues rise 12% on a constant currency basis to £1.7bn for the half-year ended 31 March 2025, having seen like-for-like sales grow 5% during the period. Operating profits also rose by 31% on a constant currency basis to £45m during the period,…
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21 MayRestaurants
Tortilla revenues surge to £68m in FY24
Fast-casual Mexican restaurant group Tortilla has seen a 3.5% increase in its FY24 group revenues to £68m, up from £65.7m in 2023, attributed to the strategic acquisition of Fresh Burritos in France, the addition of one UK company-owned site and a “strong” contribution from its franchise network. For the 52…
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19 MayPeople
Pret appoints former Restaurant Brands CEO as chairman
Pret A Manger has announced the appointment of José Cil, former CEO of Restaurant Brands International, which owns brands such as Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, as its new chairman. Cil helped grow that business to more than $40bn (£29.88bn) in system-wide sales and 30,000 restaurants in more than…
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Apr- 2025 -17 AprilFood and Drink
Deliveroo reports ‘strong’ Q1 as GTV hits £1.87bn
Deliveroo has reported a 9% increase in its gross transaction value (GTV) year-on-year to £1.87bn in constant currency in Q1 2025. It also saw continued improvement in order growth, up 7% to £72.6m (up 6% in Q4 2024), with GTV per order up 2% to £25.8m. Across both UK&I and…
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16 AprilRestaurants
Big Mamma Holdings FY profits rise 10% to £44m
Big Mamma Holdings, a subsidiary of France-based Italian restaurants operated by Big Mamma Group, has reported that company turnover saw a 10% uplift, from £40m to £44m, in the year ended 31 December. According to the group’s filings at Companies House, 2024 was the first year where all six restaurants…
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16 AprilFeatures
Is it time to rethink restrictions around outdoor dining spaces?
During the pandemic when hospitality businesses were struggling as a result of social distancing restrictions, outdoor dining was a saviour to many. Lots of businesses were able to put tables and chairs on pavements and in roads allowing them to make money when people could not mix inside. However, as…
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7 AprilPubs and Bars
Wells and Co revenues rise 5.6% to £65.8m in FY24
The operator of pubs and breweries, Wells and Co, has revealed that revenues rose by 5.6% to £65.8m in the year to 30 September 2024, despite tough trading conditions. As well as a revenue uplift, group EBITDA rose by 4.2% to £9.9m during the period. In the UK, EBITDA for…
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Mar- 2025 -26 MarchFood and Drink
Hammerson launches street food market ‘District’ at Brent Cross
Property developer Hammerson is set to launch a new street food market at Brent Cross on 31 March as part of its expanded line-up of retail, leisure and hospitality brands. Occupying 20,000 sq ft of space, District will offer a 130-cover food court-style seating area encouraging communal dining and casual…
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