Pure

Reporting on the operations, brand strategy, and menu direction of a fast-casual concept known for its focus on health-led, grab-and-go food in urban markets. This section highlights leadership updates, store performance, sustainability initiatives, and customer engagement, offering insight for operators, developers, and food and beverage professionals tracking high-street trends, daytime trading, and the evolution of wellness-focused foodservice in the UK.

  • Aug- 2025 -
    8 August
    FeaturesCould Gusto’s fall signal a casual dining scene in crisis?

    Could Gusto’s fall signal a casual dining scene in crisis?

    Italian restaurant chain Gusto, once seen as a staple of mid-market dining in the UK, has become the latest brand to fall victim to the sector’s mounting structural and economic challenges.  On 29 July, the 13-site operator entered administration before being swiftly acquired via a pre-pack deal by Cherry Equity…

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  • Jun- 2025 -
    27 June
    PeopleMarston’s appoints new chief financial officer

    Marston’s appoints new chief financial officer

    Marston’s has announced the appointment of Stephen Hopson as its new chief financial officer, replacing Hayleigh Lupino, who is stepping down to take up a new role outside the company. Hopson will join the pub and hospitality group and take up a seat on its board on 8 September, while…

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  • May- 2025 -
    13 May
    Pubs and BarsMarston’s sales rise 2.9% in H1

    Marston’s sales rise 2.9% in H1

    Marston’s has seen its like-for-like (LFL) sales up 2.9% in the 31 weeks to 3 May, with strong growth of 10.5% in the five weeks since the period ended. In H1 2025, LFL sales grew by 1.3% reflecting timing of Easter and Mothers Day which fell in H1 in 2024…

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  • Mar- 2025 -
    5 March
    PeopleMarston’s CFO steps down

    Marston’s CFO steps down

    Marston’s has announced that Hayleigh Lupino has decided to step down as chief financial officer to pursue a new opportunity outside the group. She will remain as Marston’s CFO and an executive director for the remainder of the financial year until October 2025 in order to ensure a smooth transition. …

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  • Dec- 2024 -
    18 December
    RestaurantsAzzurri Group profits double to £42m in FY24

    Azzurri Group profits double to £42m in FY24

    Azzurri Group, the operator of ASK Italian,  Zizzi and Coco di Mama, has seen profits rise from £21.3m to £41.9m in its full-year results, amid a year of “strong financial performance and transformational strategic progress”.In the year ended 30 June, 2024, revenues rose by 18% to £303.1m, up from £257.8m…

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  • 3 December
    Pubs and BarsMarston’s PBT up 64.5% to £42.1m

    Marston’s PBT up 64.5% to £42.1m

    Marston’s has revealed that its underlying profit before tax rose 64.5% to £42.1m for the year ended 28 September 2024. Moreover, the company’s pub operating profit was up 17.9% to £147.2m compared with a figure of £124.8m in the same period last year. Alongside this, its revenues were up 3.0%…

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  • Oct- 2024 -
    8 October
    Pubs and BarsEpiris acquires Amber Taverns

    Epiris acquires Amber Taverns

    Epiris has announced that Epiris Fund III has agreed to acquire pub operator Amber Taverns for an undisclosed sum.  The acquisition is Epiris Fund III’s fifth investment, following Delinian, LoneStar, Pure Cremation and GSF Car Parts. Amber Taverns operates 178 freehold, wet-led pubs, predominantly in the North of England, the…

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  • Aug- 2024 -
    22 August
    NewsToday’s news in brief – 22/08/24

    Today’s news in brief – 22/08/24

    Punch Pubs and Co has named Andy Spencer its new CEO, effective from 27 September. It comes after current CEO Clive Chesser will be moving on to the same role at the Pure Gym Group after six years at the pub operator. Spencer has over 20 years of experience in…

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  • Jul- 2024 -
    26 July
    Pubs and BarsMarston’s reports 5.2% LFL sales boost

    Marston’s reports 5.2% LFL sales boost

    Marston’s has reported a 5.2% increase in its like-for-like sales in the year to date and a 6.2% rise in total retail sales in its managed and franchised pubs for the 42 weeks to 20 July 2024. Like-for-like sales also increased by 2.4% in the 16-week period to 20 July…

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  • 9 July
    Pubs and BarsMarston’s to dispose of 40% stake in Carlesbeg JV

    Marston’s to dispose of 40% stake in Carlesbeg JV

    Marston’s has announced the sale of its 40% interest in Carlsberg Marston’s Limited to a subsidiary of Carlsberg for £206m in cash to create a business entirely focused on pubs. According to Marston’s, pubs are at the “heart of UK socialising and the UK pub market offers significant opportunities to…

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