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.
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Feb- 2025 -18 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 18/02/25
The BBPA has called for urgent government action as nearly 300 pubs closed in 2024 – an equivalent of six a week and more than 4,500 job losses alone. The regions that suffered the most were London at 1%, followed by the East Midlands and West Midlands, with 0.9% closures.…
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18 FebruaryCafes and Coffee Shops
Costa Coffee invests in baristas with 5% pay boost
Costa Coffee has announced that it will increase pay rates by 5% from 1 April 2025 for over 15,000 team members in its 1,500 UK company-owned stores following an £8m investment. The investment raises the starting national pay rate for Costa’s baristas to £12.60 per hour, from £12 per hour.…
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14 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 13/02/25
Chopstix has appointed Savills as its advisor to expand its existing portfolio, following a strategic investment in the brand from QSRP in October 2024. The chain plans to focus on high-traffic, prominent, and thriving areas, including high streets, shopping centres and travel hubs – all of which benefit from “substantial”…
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13 FebruaryFood and Drink
Chopstix appoints Savills as advisors amid ‘significant’ expansion plans
Chopstix has appointed Savills as the sole advisory agent as it looks to significantly increase its existing 150-strong store portfolio. Following strategic investment in the brand from QSRP in October 2024, Chopstix has set out to accelerate growth across the UK and Europe. The brand plans to focus on high-traffic,…
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12 FebruaryFood and Drink
Northern hospitality outperforms south in 2024, NRB finds
The north of England has recorded a modest growth of 0.1% in licensed hospitality venues, while the south experienced a slight decrease of -0.2% in 2024, according to the latest data from Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) and CGA by NielsenIQ. Having tracked a wide range of pubs, bars, restaurants…
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5 FebruaryFood and Drink
Nightcap acquires Brighton’s i360 Tower and hospitality venue
Nightcap has announced the acquisition of Brighton’s i360 Tower, following a decision by Brighton and Hove City Council to release the debt in support of the landmark’s future under the hospitality operator’s management. This means that the acquisition has been completed free of debt and any historic liabilities, allowing a…
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5 FebruaryPubs and Bars
Punch Pubs and Co acquires the Bull, Ilchester
Punch Pubs and Co has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of The Bull pub in Ilchester, Somerset, for an undisclosed sum. The traditional wet-led pub sits within Punch’s Leased and Tenanted estate, and will be operated by experienced publican Yvonne Wright, who will be relaunching the Bull…
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4 FebruaryPubs and Bars
Admiral Taverns ‘well-positioned’ to weather tax increases
Admiral Taverns has stated that it is “well-positioned” to weather increases in employer National Insurance contributions and business rates following strong trading. The company revealed that its underlying operating profits rose almost 1% from £36.9m to £37.2m for the year ended 26 May 2024. Alongside this, the company’s turnover rose…
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3 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 03/02/25
Honest Burgers has appointed a new CEO. Kevin Styles previously served in the same capacity at the Jamie Oliver Group, where he spearheaded the development of the new restaurant proposition and cooking school. Styles joining the chain is said to mark a new chapter for Honest Burgers as it continues…
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3 FebruaryPeople
Palé Hall Hotel appoints head chef and extends leadership team
Five-star country house in Snowdonia, Palé Hall Hotel, has announced the appointment of Laurence Webb as head chef as well as the expansion of its leadership team – with Tom James joining as deputy general manager and Vlad Pisarenco as F&B manager. As head chef, Webb brings international expertise and…
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