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 -19 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Todayโs news in brief – 19/02/25
Hospitality insolvencies were down 7% year-on-year from 3,737 in 2023 in 2023 to 3,464 in 2024, according to ONS data. Insolvencies in the sector saw an even bigger drop month-on-month, down 31% from 327 in November 2024 to 224 in the following month, and fell 29% compared with the same…
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19 FebruaryPubs and Bars
Greene Kingโs The Railway to reopen following ยฃ1m refurb
London pub the Railway in Liverpool Street is set to reopen next week following a ยฃ1m investment from owner Greene King.ย The investment has been designed to transform both the exterior and interior of the pub in order to elevate it to a flagship site within the Greene Kingโs pub…
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19 FebruaryFood and Drink
Roadchef to welcome new F&B brands at Folkestone Services
Roadchef has announced that a number of new brands, including McDonalds, Costa and WH Smith, will be arriving at Folkestone Services on the M20.ย The new on-site venues will be open 24/7 to offer round-the-clock access to food, drinks and shopping for travelers.ย Costa has benefited from additional upgrades such…
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18 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Todayโs news in brief – 18/02/25
The BBPA has called for urgent government action as nearly 300 pubs closed in 2024 โ 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 ยฃ8m investment. The investment raises the starting national pay rate for Costaโs baristas to ยฃ12.60 per hour, from ยฃ12 per hour.…
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14 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Todayโs 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 โ all of which benefit from โsubstantialโ…
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13 FebruaryFood and Drink
Chopstix appoints Savills as advisors amid โsignificantโ 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.ย Having tracked a wide range of pubs, bars, restaurants…
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5 FebruaryFood and Drink
Nightcap acquires Brightonโs i360 Tower and hospitality venue
Nightcap has announced the acquisition of Brightonโs i360 Tower, following a decision by Brighton and Hove City Council to release the debt in support of the landmarkโs future under the hospitality operatorโs management.ย 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 Punchโs Leased and Tenanted estate, and will be operated by experienced publican Yvonne Wright, who will be relaunching the Bull…
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