Story of the Day - 30 April 2026
Exclusive – Kitchen Ventures acquires majority stake in Chicken Shop as it prepares for next stage of growth
Kitchen Ventures, the restaurant group and brand incubator led by Jonny Boud, has acquired a majority stake in Chicken Shop. Propel has learned. The deal sees Freston Ventures, the vehicle backed by Sir Charles Dunstone, the backer of Five Guys UK, retain a small stake in the business.
Tickets are £345+VAT for operators, £395+VAT for suppliers. 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club members.
Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book.
Propel multi club conference videos from march 2026
All the videos from our latest Propel Multi Club Conference – New directions in a period of strong headwinds, available for subscribers to watch for £195+VAT.
Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com for access.
To access all the 100 plus videos from Propel conferences & webinars, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to sign up for Premium.
A subscription to Premium costs £495 plus VAT for operators, £595 plus VAT for suppliers, £995 plus VAT for unlimited staff access, and £1,995 plus VAT for Premium Unlimited Plus, which includes: Unlimited staff access, four free places to Propel’s paid events and one free sponsored message, or situation vacant notice during the year on the newsletter.
Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference
One Moorgate Place, London EC2R 6EA ~ Tuesday 19th May 2026
9.00am – 10.00am: Registration and coffee
10.00am – 10.30am: Craig Rachel, director at leading advisory firm AlixPartners, examines how consumer and structural trends are influencing the outlook for pub and bar prospects and deals, and discusses transactions and asset values in the market.
10.30am – 11.00am: Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI/Reward, talks about the areas where the pub sector is and has been performing strongly and where the opportunities are for the sector to drive growth.
11.00am – 11.20am: Jamie Allsopp, the founder of Allsopp’s Taverns and former City fund manager, discusses why he opted for a career change during the pandemic, swapping hedge funds for reviving his family’s old beer brand, Allsopp’s Ale, and then launching a pub venture.
11.20am – 11.40am: Bex Wilkins, co-founder of Makers of Hospitality, talks about leaving her role as marketing director to start her own pub company with wife Sarah, launching an award-winning debut site, opening a second site, and looking at further growth opportunities.
11.40am – 12.00pm: Dominic Jacobs, founder and managing director of Ardent Pub Group, formerly JKS Pubs, discusses securing new investment, expanding in the capital, and how the new generation of pub operators coming through are standing out.
12.00pm – 1.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm – 1.25pm: David McDowall, chief executive of Stonegate Group, talks about the continued evolution of the UK’s largest pub company, as it looks to become a “partnership-led pub portfolio”.
1.25pm – 1.50pm Kevin Charity, founder of the Coaching Inn Group, talks to Propel’s Mark Wingett about his life in the sector, growing Coaching Inn Group into a 36-strong group with more than 1,000 rooms, to this year being named hotel group of the year, how the business balances F&B and accommodation, and his take on the wider industry.
1.50pm – 2.15pm: Anglian Country Inns managing director James Nye discusses how the award-winning operator rises to the challenge of being a seasonal business, and how it looks to diversify its model including the opening of its first bakery.
2.15pm – 2.45pm: Coffee Break
2.45pm – 3.05pm: Amber Taverns chairman James Baer talks about how the wet-led community pub group is bucking the market, providing value and entertainment as a low-price point and its progress on becoming a nationwide operator.
3.05pm – 3.25pm: Louise Maclean, business development director at Signature Pub Group, discusses the growth strategy for the 24-strong, Edinburgh-based business, as it looks to further expand in Scotland and further afield.
3.25pm – 3.45pm: Ian Dunstall, director at Upham Inns, talks about the southern England premium pubs operator’s evolution, the success of its Harpers Steakhouse concept in suburban locations, and the integration of the 14 ex-Oakman Group sites.
3.45pm – 4.15pm: Panel – prospering in the pub and bar trade – Oisin Rogers, co-founder of The Devonshire, Richard Colclough, co-founder of Parogon Group, Susan Chappell, divisional director at Mitchells & Butlers, and Ted Kennedy, chairman of Coral Pub Company, discuss building momentum and sales in a challenging market.
4.15pm – 4.45pm: Sir Tim Martin, founder of JD Wetherspoon, discusses the group’s move into franchising and handing his brand over to other operators, its international expansion plans and maintaining its value-led proposition in a hostile cost environment.
Propel Exclusive Report
Propel's 500 Report is available now
Propel 500 is back for the second year. It brings together the top 500 players shaping the industry, offering not only comprehensive listings but also deep insights into the forces driving growth, innovation, and transformation across the sector.
Propel 500 provides critical insights into the companies leading the charge in hospitality, including turnover, number of sites, key staff, and more.
The 45,000-word report also includes exclusive analysis providing a full understanding of the market’s dynamics, as the top companies in the sector shift position after a challenging year. Mark Wingett reviews the mergers and acquisitions changing the shape of the Top 500 as size increasingly matters. Katherine Doggrell examines the key developments in UK hotels and looks into one of the sector’s brightest lights; experiential leisure. Tim Street dissects the UK’s rapidly developing franchise market. Data expert Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, looks at emerging growth sectors, and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova analyses the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market.
Get the report
Propel’s 500 Report is available to Premium Club members for free.
To sign up to Premium Club email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com
30 April 2026
Whitbread to sell off £1.5bn of property to recover from business rates hit
30 April 2026
KFC UK – seeing real momentum driven by strong teams, system sales up 9% in first quarter
30 April 2026
Whitbread to exit branded restaurant operations in new five-year plan
30 April 2026
Flight Club and Electric Shuffle owner – ‘trading remains in line with expectations’, ‘shift in how people spend their time’
30 April 2026
Chipotle CEO reveals new site at London’s Westfield Stratford delivers record opening day sales for brand in Europe, ready to pick up pace of expansion here
30 April 2026
Yum! Brands – Taco Bell generated two-year stacked like-for-like sales growth of 23% in the UK
30 April 2026
Restaurants’ at-home growth below inflation in March as consumers count their costs
30 April 2026
Wafflemeister looking to open sites in US, first quarter sales up 22%, expands Costco deal
30 April 2026
Tonkotsu sees positive first quarter, to open in Bath, looking for more sites
30 April 2026
Kerb to open flagship London campus this year and relaunch inKERBator social impact programme
30 April 2026
Activist increases stake in SSP
30 April 2026
Scott Grimbleby steps down as COO of Turtle Bay
30 April 2026
Fast-growing US fitness brand Jetset Pilates to make UK debut in July, plans several London sites before expanding to other cities
30 April 2026
Ollie Rosevear to step down as Fuller’s director of sustainability
30 April 2026
YouMeSushi set to open four sites in coming weeks, seven more in legals
30 April 2026
Bakery and retailer Flapjackery names new MD as co-founder becomes chair
30 April 2026
Aparthotel operator Roomzzz put Manchester site on the market with £12m guide price
29 April 2026
Cote-owner Karali Group in pole position to take on bulk of The Real Greek
29 April 2026
Zambrero targeting at least 30 sites across Hampshire and Berkshire by 2030 as it appoints development agent
29 April 2026
Evolv Collection trading ‘very strongly’, hires new operations director
April 2026 ~ Premium Club
Premium Club readers have received all the videos from Restaurant Marketer and Innovator.
Propel Premium Club members have access to the entire recording of the 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator Conference.
Members are now able to access all the videos of the event.
Premium Club subscribers also receive videos from all of our conferencess, including the paid for events:
- Four Propel Multi Club conferences
- Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing
TO LINK TO THE FULL SCHEDULE CLICK HERE - Operational Excellence
- Culture, Talent & Training
By joining Propel Premium Club members get access to essential insight through Propel Opinion pieces from leading industry commentators, plus our industry-leading databases, receive hospitality’s foremost newsletter first, watch vital video content and get event discounts.
April 2026 ~ Premium Club
Propel 500 is back for the second year. It brings together the top 500 players shaping the industry, offering not only comprehensive listings but also deep insights into the forces driving growth, innovation, and transformation across the sector. Propel 500 provides critical insights into the companies leading the charge in hospitality, including turnover, number of sites, key staff, and more. The 45,000-word report also includes exclusive analysis to provide a full understanding of the market’s dynamics, as the top companies in the sector shift position after a challenging year.
Mark Wingett reviews the mergers and acquisitions changing the shape of the Top 500 as size increasingly matters.
Katherine Doggrell examines the key developments in UK hotels and look into one of the sector’s brightest lights; experiential leisure.
Tim Street dissects the UK’s rapidly developing franchise market.
Data expert Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, looks at emerging growth sectors, and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vantifatova will analyse the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market.
Premium Club members receive the report for free.
By joining Propel Premium Club members get access to essential insight through Propel Opinion pieces from leading industry commentators, plus our industry-leading databases, receive hospitality’s foremost newsletter first, watch vital video content and get event discounts.
April 2026 ~ Premium Club
Premium Club Opinion provides weekly insights from industry leaders. In this current edition, Market Halls chief executive Dan Hills explains why food halls are shaping the future of social-led dining. He explains how food has shifted from sustenance to social experience as time-pressed consumers seek meaningful, shared moments. Social-led dining, especially in flexible food halls, fosters connection, variety and entertainment, building loyalty through atmosphere, adaptability and community, redefining hospitality as a space for gathering. Also, Geof Collyer, founder of Lavender Bank Partners, looks at the growth in QSR. Eight UK QSR groups achieved strong post-pandemic sales growth but saw EBITDA decline due to rising labour and costs. They outperformed pub groups in growth and efficiency, though margins weakened, with IFRS 16 accounting significantly influencing reported financial performance. Also, Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill ponders the future of hospitality in a possible post-Sir Keir Starmer world. UK hospitality faces mounting strain from taxes, rising costs and overlapping regulations, eroding trust in Keir Starmer. The sector seeks collaborative policymaking, questioning whether potential successors like Angela Rayner or Andy Burnham would deliver meaningful change. Meanwhile, The Beautiful Pubs Collective founder Sam Hagger reveals to Propel chief operating officer – editorial, Mark Wingett, his strategy to ride out the latest storm. Beautiful Pubs Collective is investing to enhance experience and resilience despite rising costs and uneven trading. Founder Sam Hagger prioritises quality, community and staff retention, pursuing selective growth while advocating VAT cuts to support a pressured yet meaningful pub sector. Lastly, Propel managing editor Paul Bishop talks to Andy Oliver, co-founder of Thai restaurant Kolae, about building back after its fire closure. After a major fire, Som Saa closed for six months, costing hundreds of thousands. Founders rebuilt, refined the menu and reopened with loyal support, using the setback to evolve while focusing on strengthening their two restaurant sites.
By joining Propel Premium Club members get access to essential insight through Propel Opinion pieces from leading industry commentators, plus our industry-leading databases, receive hospitality’s foremost newsletter first, watch vital video content and get event discounts.
April 2026 ~ Premium Club
Mark Wingett’s Premium Club Diary delivers insider sector gossip every week to Premium Club members. In this week’s edition, recent hospitality developments highlight shifting investment, market pressures and evolving strategies across the sector.
London-based investment firm Fitzwalter has increased its stake in Young’s to around 18.5%, shortly after abandoning a prolonged takeover attempt of Auction Technology Group, prompting speculation about its intentions.
Debate continues over the viability of market town dining. David Page argues that declining footfall and oversupply have undermined restaurant performance in such areas, though some operators report strong profitability, suggesting success depends on execution rather than location alone.
Industry veteran Rupert Clevely has re-entered the sector as chairman of Wren Pubs, expressing confidence that well-invested, quality-led pubs can still thrive despite rising costs and reduced consumer spending. His track record includes founding Geronimo Inns and Hippo Inns, both successfully scaled and sold.
Meanwhile, Laura Montana is launching Zadie’s, a high-end pan-Asian concept in Manchester, reflecting continued appetite for experiential dining in high-growth cities.
At the same time, Attendant Coffee Roasters has closed its Shoreditch site after 12 years, citing post-pandemic demographic shifts, high costs and reduced demand. Founders emphasised the importance of recognising when closures are necessary to sustain overall business health.
By joining Propel Premium Club members get access to essential insight through Propel Opinion pieces from leading industry commentators, plus our industry-leading databases, receive hospitality’s foremost newsletter first, watch vital video content and get event discounts.
29 April 2026
Italian dessert business focused on tiramasu seeking UK franchise partners
29 April 2026
Cosy Club MD – ‘bringing the brand to London feels like a natural and incredibly exciting next step’
29 April 2026
The Ivy Collection hires Med Rogers as restaurant operating officer, opens in Chester
29 April 2026
The Beautiful Pubs Collective founder – ‘we’re open to further expansion but under strict conditions’
29 April 2026
Starbucks raises full-year outlook following sharp sales rise in second quarter
29 April 2026
Leon begins menu reset
29 April 2026
New Digbeth Dining Club venture welcomes 20,000 guests in first two months
29 April 2026
Former Pasture executive chef partners with Depot founder for second Cardiff site
Watch highlights from this year’s Propel summer conference and party.
Video presentations of all the speakers are available to Premium Club members, join to unlock exclusive access to 100 insightful videos each year.
To view pictures from the event click here
Promotional Content
22 April 2025
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7 October 2024
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With the help of the McCain Streets Ahead programme, Maral turned her dream into a thriving business. Through Ayal, she offers Londoners a taste of Turkmen cuisine, from Manti dumplings to traditional palav, highlighting the rich heritage of her culture.
9 September 2024
Meet Eman and Bisan Bites: Bringing Palestinian Flavours to London's Streets
In 2022, Eman embarked on a journey to bring the authentic taste of Palestinian cuisine to the street food scene of London. Seeking guidance from the Streets Ahead programme, she transformed her passion into a reality, creating Bisan Bites a business that celebrates her heritage.
17 July 2024
Taste Uzbekistan: The Street Food Duo sharing the traditions and flavours of Central Asia
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- In Conversation podcast series with industry leaders
- Receive the International Brands Report
- Receive the 500 Report
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- Operators can send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free
- Receive the Propel database of multi-site companies, updated every month
- Receive the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, updated every month
- Receive the Propel database of new openings, updated every month
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- Read Propel insight editor Mark Wingett’s weekly analysis and City Diary
- Plus insight from leading commentators
Conferences, study trips, and propel multi club
Upcoming Events
May 19th 2026
Excellence in Pub and Bar Retailing Conference
One Moorgate Place, London EC2R 6EA
Tickets are £345+VAT for operators, £395+VAT for suppliers. 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club members.
To book places email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com
June 4th 2026
Propel Multi Club – Female leaders and entrepreneurs
Park Plaza, Victoria, London SW1V 1EQ
Operators of multi-site hospitality companies can book three free places each, or operators who are Premium subscribers can claim up to four free places.
To book places email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com