St Albans
Focuses on hospitality and foodservice activity in a historic Hertfordshire city, from the bustling Cathedral Quarter and charming city centre to vibrant areas like Fleetville and Verulam. Updates highlight new restaurant and pub openings, menu trends, investment in local venues, seasonal dining opportunities, and regulatory changes affecting operators, alongside profiles of notable chefs and coverage of events that draw in both locals and visitors.
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Aug- 2025 -13 AugustRestaurants
Loungers opens 300th site in Hampshire
Loungers has opened its 300th site with the launch of Antico Lounge in Alton, East Hampshire. Founded in Bristol in 2002 by Alex Reilley, Jake Bishop and Dave Reid, the café/bar group operates all day café/bar/restaurants under the Lounge, Cosy Club and Brightside brands. It has opened 21 new Lounges…
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Jul- 2025 -24 JulyRestaurants
Seaco acquires Busaba out of administration
Busaba has been sold in a pre-pack administration deal to Seaco Investments, safeguarding around 240 jobs across its seven remaining sites. News comes after the Thai restaurant group entered administration on 16 July, with Neil Bennett and Alex Cadwallader of law firm Leonard Curtis appointed joint administrators. The sale to…
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11 JulyPubs and Bars
Herts Pubs Company to open debut venue in Hitchin
Newly-formed hospitality group, Herts Pubs Company, is set to open its first venue, The Cock, in Hitchin later this month on 25 July, following a refurbishment of a 450-year-old coaching inn. Located on Hitchin High Street, The Cock has undergone a renovation intended to preserve its heritage features while introducing…
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Apr- 2025 -29 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 29/04/25
The Ivy Collection has seen its turnover rise by 3.5% to £314.7m in the year to December 2023 despite having not opened any new venues during the period. The Richard Caring-backed group also saw its profits before tax jump by 30% to £37.7m during the period, with its adjusted EBITDA…
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29 AprilCatering Companies
Accent Catering appoints new regional director
Staines-based Accent Catering Services Limited has appointed Rachel Wilson to its new regional directorship post to support its growing business in the Midlands. Wilson joined the independent catering company in February. She is now responsible for Accent’s strong portfolio of independent and state schools, as well as B&I contracts throughout…
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Nov- 2023 -10 NovemberNews
Today’s news in brief – 10/11/23
Krispy Kreme reported net revenues of $407.4m (£333m) in Q3, marking a 7.9% increase compared with the same quarter in 2022. The international segment saw a 15.4% growth in net revenue. The company reported a GAAP net loss of $40.3m (£32.9m) for the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter grew…
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10 NovemberPubs and Bars
Stonegate Group reopens The Hare and Hounds pub
UK-based pub company Stonegate Group has announced the reopening of The Hare and Hounds pub in St Albans after an extensive refurbishment project. The pub which was temporarily closed since mid-August has been refurbished after it received a six-figure investment from the pub group. The revamp has included substantial enhancements…
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7 NovemberPubs and Bars
Oakman Group profits fall despite jump in sales
Oakman Inns and Restaurants has reported that its EBITDA dropped from £12.0m to £9.8m for the last financial year (June 2023) as its profits were impacted by inflation. However, its group sales were 8% ahead of the prior year at just under £70m. In addition, like-for-like sales for the core…
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Sep- 2023 -27 SeptemberNews
Today’s news in brief – 27/09/23
Hydes has achieved a “record” turnover of £34.1m for the year ending 2 April, marking a £5.8m increase from the previous year’s total of £28.3m. The company credits some of its success to long-term energy cost contracts, which shielded them from inflation’s financial impact. Despite challenges such as rising consumable…
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27 SeptemberNews
Octagon Bar opens at Sopwell House in St Albans
Octagon Bar at Sopwell House has officially opened its doors in St Albans to customers in Hertfordshire. Set in the heart of the Georgian manor house, Octagon Bar is inspired by the drinking dens of London and serves an inventive menu of blended cocktails. Featuring an ornate marble topped bar…
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