Investment

Our coverage tracks financial activity shaping the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, from venture capital and private equity backing to corporate acquisitions, refinancing deals, and growth funding. Our reporting is focused on the operators, brands, and concepts attracting capital, and what that means for the wider industry. Whether you’re a restaurant group seeking funding, a pub chain monitoring market valuations, or a catering contractor analysing competitor growth, our investment coverage delivers intelligence that helps business leaders understand where money is flowing, and why. Expect deep dives, expert commentary, and deal-by-deal context, all tailored to the foodservice trade.

Jul- 2025 -

8 July

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Starbucks UK expands youth leadership scheme

Starbucks UK has launched the second round of its Accelerated Leadership Programme, aiming to fast-track more than 20 young people from entry level to store manager within 13 months. The scheme, which opened for applications yesterday (7 July) during Youth Employment Week, offers a management-level qualification that typically takes three…
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8 July

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Costa Coffee unveils new store design at Great Portland Street

Costa Coffee has unveiled a new store design with the reopening of its branch at 111 Great Portland Street, London, following a full refurbishment aimed at creating a “modern and inviting” space for customers. The refreshed branch features an open-plan counter, allowing customers to see drinks being prepared, alongside self-service…
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7 July

Pubs and Bars

North-west multiple operators take on third Star Pubs lease

North-west multiple operators Julie Panaro and George Catterall have taken on a lease for the Feilden’s Arms in Mellor Brook, Blackburn – their third pub with Star Pubs. The couple already run the Butler’s Arms in Pleasington and the Hospital Inn in Bamber Bridge. Panaro and Catterall, in partnership with…
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4 July

Features

Loungefest: the day hospitality pauses to party

Ragley Hall was responsible for hosting “the biggest bash in hospitality” – Loungefest 2025 – earlier this month. By mid-morning, coaches carrying Lounge’s whole staff had begun arriving from Durham, Southampton, West Wales, and nearly every town in between. For all of Loungers’ people to participate, nearly 300 venues –…
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3 July

Catering Companies

Delaware North partners with Sunderland AFC

Hospitality and foodservice company Delaware North has partnered with Sunderland AFC to become the club’s new premium hospitality provider at the Stadium of Light. The long-term agreement marks a new phase in matchday and event services, with Delaware North set to deliver food and beverage offerings across general admission and…
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3 July

Food and Drink

KFC targets 50 new UK sites in £1.5bn expansion

KFC plans to open more than 50 new UK restaurants this year as part of a £1.49bn investment in its estate over the next five years. The fried chicken chain, which operates more than 1,000 restaurants in the UK, aims to spend £466m on expanding its estate, with a target…
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1 July

Restaurants

Pizza Pilgrims FY revenues rise 20% to £34.4m

Pizza Pilgrims has reported a 20% rise in revenues to £34.4m for the financial year ending 30 June 2024, up from £28.7m the previous year. However, pre-tax profits fell to a loss of £0.1m, down from a profit of £0.7m in 2023, while EBITDA – excluding exceptional items – also…
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1 July

Pubs and Bars

Greene King reopens historic LGBTQIA+ pub after refurb

Greene King has officially reopened The City of Quebec, London’s oldest LGBTQIA+ pub, following a six-figure refurbishment programme. Located on Old Quebec Street in Marylebone, the venue dates back to 1946 and has been a longstanding hub for the LGBTQIA+ community. It was originally popular with Royal Air Force personnel…
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Jun- 2025 -

30 June

Pubs and Bars

Slug and Lettuce in Lincoln reopens after six-figure refurb

Cocktail bar Slug and Lettuce has reopened in Lincoln following a six-figure refurbishment by owner Stonegate Group. The venue on Lincoln High Street relaunched on 27 June with a new interior design, outdoor seating upgrades, and a refreshed drinks offering. The redesign includes new lighting, furniture and four VIP huts…
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30 June

Pubs and Bars

Discovery Group expands with first Star Pubs lease

Discovery Group is set to grow its hospitality estate to 16 venues across northern England and Scotland, having announced it is taking on its first long-term lease with pub operator Star Pubs. The two companies are investing £850k in a joint refurbishment of The County Hotel in North Berwick, which…
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