Happy

Ping Pong ceases trading closing all remaining restaurants

Dim sum restaurant Ping Pong has ceased trading and closed its four remaining restaurants, 20 years after its initial launch. In a statement on its Instagram, the company stated: “It’s a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed. “We’re incredibly proud of what we…

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Could campsites be the key to saving the Great British pub?

If you’re a country pub operating at the height of summer, you are likely to gain ample business through casual drop-ins from thirsty walkers, weary cyclists and weekend tourists looking for a pint. But what if you could persuade them to use your beer garden as a camping base from…

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Accent Catering appoints new regional director

Staines-based Accent Catering Services Limited has appointed Rachel Wilson to its new regional directorship post to support its growing business in the Midlands. Wilson joined the independent catering company in February. She is now responsible for Accent’s strong portfolio of independent and state schools, as well as B&I contracts throughout…

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Bill’s profits double since FY22 amid ‘remarkable’ turnaround

Bill’s has reported that its EBITDA has doubled to £11.2m in FY24, up from £5.5m in FY22, following a “remarkable” turnaround in sales and guest metrics over the past two years.  The chain said its performance coincided with the appointment of Tom James to the role of managing director in…

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Plant Based World Expo demonstrates continued hunger for innovation in London

Plant Based World Expo Europe, the only 100% plant-based professional event for retail and foodservice, concluded its 2024 event in ExCeL London with just under 3,000 people in attendance. Drawing a record number of buyers in the room seeking plant-based products for their business, it attracted retailers, caterers, restauranteurs, manufacturers…

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Duo of restaurateurs expand presence in Chinatown

Korean street food brand Bunsik and Kung Fu Burger are opening new locations in London’s Chinatown. Bunsik will join Chinatown London’s food landscape in September, marking the restaurant group’s second site within the destination. The 900 sq ft site at 31 Wardour Street is next-door to Pochawa Grill, Maguro Group’s…

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Kung Fu Burger to open in London’s Chinatown

New Chinese burger concept, Kung Fu Burger, is set to join Chinatown London’s Shaftesbury Avenue in what will be the destination’s fourth partnership with restaurateur, Alex Xu.  Inspired by the current street food phenomenon sweeping the ESEA region, Kung Fu Burger will celebrate the food landscape by bringing authentic Chinese…

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Happy reveals plans to expand across London

After celebrating its three year anniversary last month, Happy Restaurant London has revealed it intends to expand across the capital. The international restaurant chain Happy Grill and Bar, which launched its first restaurant in London in February 2020, is a casual-dining place that offers a variety of different cuisines, including…

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The viability of the roadside dining market

Roadside dining had its heyday some 50 years ago and when Little Chef, one of Britain’s most iconic and successful diner chains became defunct in 2018, it seemed like the extinction of the UK’s tenuous motor dining culture was finally complete.  Four years on, and the nationwide operator Loungers of…

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Q&A: The new face of F&B at Liverpool Radisson Red

How long have you been in the hospitality industry and what inspired you to pursue a career in it? I have worked in hospitality for 15 years, in that time working my way up from glass collector to general manager. I’m a people person and a massive fan of food,…

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