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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May- 2025 -30 MayRestaurants
Wagamama to open at Animate Preston
Asian-inspired Japanese restaurant Wagamama is to open its doors at Preston’s newly launched £45m Animate leisure scheme, which has been delivered by Maple Grove Developments. Positioned between Taco Bell and Mad Giant Food Hall, Wagamama has taken a 4,125 sq ft unit on a 15-year lease. The fit out is…
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28 MayRestaurants
McWin in talks to acquire Flat Iron
Gail’s Bakery backer McWin Capital Partners is in talks for a deal to acquire steak restaurant Flat Iron, according to reports from Sky News. McWin has reportedly teamed up with TriSpan to try and buy a large stake in the restaurant chain. As it currently stands it is unclear what…
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27 MayFood and Drink
KFC unveils plans to invest £1.49bn in the UK and Ireland
KFC UK and Ireland has announced plans to invest £1.49bn and create over 7,000 new jobs in the UK and Ireland over the next five years. Of the £1.49bn investment, £466m will go towards opening new restaurants focusing on building flagship sites and drive-thrus in key locations such as Ireland…
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27 MayRegulations & Policies
Hospitality leaders urge EPR delay over cost and investment fears
Leading pub, hospitality and brewing bodies have said they are “deeply concerned” about the cost and impact of EPR, and Defra’s lack of progress to solve the issue. In a letter to the prime minister and chancellor, the coalition said it does not believe Defra has given “due regard” to…
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22 MayPubs and Bars
Mitchells and Butlers HY revenues and profits surge
Mitchells and Butlers has reported a 4.3% increase in revenues to £1.45bn and a 10.4% rise in operating profits to £181m for the 28 weeks ended 12 April 2025 (HY 2025). Its adjusted operating margin also increased from 11.7% to 12.4%, 0.7ppts higher than last year driven by strong like-for-like…
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22 MayRestaurants
German Doner Kebab opens first Norwich site
German Doner Kebab has opened its very first site in Norwich, located on 43 St Stephens Street today (22 May 2025). The new Norwich location will create over 20 new jobs and offer GDK’s signature offering of meat, salad, handmade sauces and waffle bread. The OG Kebab includes your choice…
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21 MayPubs and Bars
Thwaites acquires The Buck Inn, Malham
Thwaites has acquired The Buck Inn, Malham in the Yorkshire Dales for an undisclosed sum. Dating back to 1874, The Buck is a historic village inn comprising a bar and restaurant, plenty of outdoor space and 11 bedrooms. The addition of The Buck takes Thwaites’ portfolio of managed pubs with…
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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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20 MayCafes and Coffee Shops
Greggs sales surge 7.4% to £784m
Greggs has reported a 7.4% increase in total sales to £784m (2024: £730m) for the 20 weeks of 2025, driven by store expansion and product innovation. Its like-for-like (LFL) sales in company-managed shops also grew by 2.9%, with improved performance in the last 11 weeks supported by better trading conditions.…
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16 MayRestaurants
Slim Chickens opens new site in Merry Hill
Slim Chickens has announced the opening of its newest restaurant at Merry Hill shopping centre. The Southern-inspired operator has opened in a location near one of the food court entrances to the centre. Spanning 5,229 sq ft, the two-floor restaurant features Slim Chickens’ signature red and black décor, seating for…
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