Story of the Day - 14 May 2025
Marston’s CEO – new formats producing ‘really strong results’ with 33% revenue improvement in converted sites
Justin Platt, chief executive of Marston’s, has said the company’s new formats are producing “really strong results” with 33% revenue improvement in converted sites. The company’s format-led strategy is intended to create a more balanced and guest-centric pub portfolio through the development of five distinct propositions: Locals Pub, Family Pub, Grandstand, Two-Door and Adult Dining.
ONE MOORGATE PLACE, LONDON EC2R 6EA
WEDNESDAY 9TH JULY 2025
In Partnership with
The conference takes place on Wednesday, 9 July, at One Moorgate Place, London EC2R 6EA, and is open for bookings.
Tickets are £295+VAT for operators, £345+ VAT for suppliers. 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club members.
Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.
Propel Exclusive Report
Propel's International Brands Report is available now
Propel’s highly anticipated International Brands report, featuring the 100 leading international brands in UK hospitality by site number, is available to order now. This comprehensive 30,000-word report covers company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and turnover figures – an essential resource for industry professionals.
The top 100 features fast-growing brands from major international markets, including the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia.
The guide will be delivered in two formats: an introductory PDF featuring expert analysis on international brands and a fully searchable Excel sheet for quick access to key data. This data will be categorised into the key sectors of pubs and bars, hotels, quick-service restaurants (QSR), casual dining, cafés and bakeries, experiential leisure, and fine dining.
Industry experts sharing their insights in the report include Keith Bird, former CEO of Marugame Udon, on the challenges of introducing an international brand into the UK; Simon Chaplin, senior director of pubs, restaurants and franchise at Christie & Co, on why London remains a prime entry point for international brands; Matteo Frigeri, founder of Seeds Consulting, on the challenges of recruiting the right UK franchisee; Michael Ingemann, director of THINK Hospitality, on why European brands choose the UK for expansion; Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova on the UK market for quick-service restaurant operators; and AlixPartners highlights five key trends that make the UK attractive to international brands.
Get the report
Propel’s International Brands report is available now for £595 plus vat. Premium Club members receive the report for free.
Order The International Report today by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com
14 May 2025
RedCat in talks to acquire 39 Greene King sites in £90m deal
RedCat Hospitality, the recently rebranded operator of Coaching Inn Group and RedCat Independent Pubs, is in advanced talks to buy 39 sites from Greene King in a £90m deal. RedCat, which was established by former Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand during the covid pandemic, is in discussions to acquire the sites that operate under Greene King’s Venture Hotels arm.
14 May 2025
Stonegate CEO – we are seeing the evolution of the alcohol-free trend into a fundamental shift in drinking habits
David McDowall (pictured), chief executive of Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has argued that the business is seeing the evolution of the alcohol-free trend into a “fundamental shift in drinking habits, which is here to stay”. It comes as the business said sales of low and no-alcohol beer and cider increased 32% in the first quarter compared with the same period in 2024 – with more than 270,000 sold across Stonegate’s 4,500 pubs and bars.
14 May 2025
Country Inns (Southern) completes £4.64m refinance to support growth plans
Country Inns (Southern) – which operates eight pubs across the New Forest, Dorset and Wiltshire – has completed a refinancing to support its transition to a fully freehold operation, with plans for expansion, Propel has learned. The business, which is owned by Debbie and Duane Lewis, arranged a £4.64m refinance through Sirius Finance.
14 May 2025
Doner Shack signs Mumbai franchise deal
Doner Shack, the Berlin fast casual kebab concept, has signed a franchise deal to open in Mumbai, India. Last November, Doner Shack signed a 150-site deal to expand in India with FranGlobal – the international arm of Asia’s largest franchising firm, Franchise India Holdings.
14 May 2025
North London pan-Asian restaurant group Tootoomoo launches debut retail range, ‘number of sites in the pipeline’
North London pan-Asian restaurant group Tootoomoo has launched its debut retail range and told Propel it has a “number of sites” in the pipeline. The company, which has three restaurants, has partnered exclusively with Sainsbury’s to offer six chilled food-to-go products.
14 May 2025
London New York-style pizza concept launches fundraiser as it prepares to go from pop-up to permanent
London New York-style pizza concept Bad Boy Pizza Society has launched a £15,000 fundraiser as it prepares to go from pop-up to permanent. The company was founded in 2018 by four friends at Southampton University – Samuel Clowes, Henry Hill, Joshua Oliver and Charlie Reeves – who initially sold pizzas at house parties before running pizza deliveries during the covid lockdowns.
14 May 2025
UK foodservice inflation rises above 6% with beef burger prices leading the surge
Inflation continues to climb across the UK restaurant landscape, with burger prices, particularly beef, outpacing the sector average, according to new data from Meaningful Vision, a provider of real-time competitive intelligence for the foodservice industry. As of April 2025, overall foodservice inflation has risen above 6%, marking the second consecutive month of accelerating pressure on menu prices.
14 May 2025
Jeremy Clarkson admits running a pub is ‘more stressful’ than a farm
Jeremy Clarkson has admitted he didn’t do himself any favours trying to juggle running his farm with opening a new pub. The TV presenter-turned-farmer and publican took on the challenge in buying, renovating and opening The Farmer’s Dog in Oxfordshire last year. He has since said that in comparison, operating his new pub was “more stressful” than the daily running of Diddly Squat, his 400-hectare farm in the Cotswolds.
14 May 2025
Popeyes UK eyes Republic of Ireland launch
Popeyes UK, the US fried chicken quick service restaurant brand backed here by TDR Capital, has taken a step forward in plans to launch in the Republic of Ireland. PLK Chicken Ireland has submitted a planning application to develop a unit in Westmoreland Street in Dublin city centre.
14 May 2025
Taco Bell partners with Applegreen to launch in Ireland
Applegreen will open Ireland’s first Taco Bell site this summer as part of plans to open further sites under the US brand in its Irish locations over the next five years. The move to bring Taco Bell to Ireland is part of Applegreen’s €1bn expansion programme over the next five years.
13 May 2025
Toca Social partners with Sandbox VR for Westfield opening this summer, opportunity for further partnerships and investment
Interactive football bar concept Toca Social has partnered with virtual reality brand Sandbox VR for its Westfield opening this summer and told Propel it sees the opportunity for further partnerships and investment. Toca Social currently has sites in London’s O2 and Birmingham’s Bullring, and will launch its third UK location, at Westfield White City, on Tuesday, 1 July.
13 May 2025
Pizza Hut Restaurants UK business owed £53.1m before it was rescued
The company behind Pizza Hut’s restaurants in Britain owed more than £50m as it collapsed before being rescued, it has been revealed. Heart With Smart was saved in January by an entity controlled by investment firm Directional Capital in a deal that saw 139 Pizza Hut Restaurants acquired, and led to the closure of one Pizza Hut site, and three Itsu franchise sites.
May 2025 ~ Premium Club
Propel Premium Club members can access more than 100 videos from Propel’s market-leading conferences. These include the Multi Club Conference – Prospering in the new reality, available to Premium Club members, featuring speakers such as Mark Stretton, chief executive of Fleet Street Communications, Maria Vanifatova, founder of Meaningful Vison, Graeme Smith, managing director of AlixPartners, and Phil Honer and Eleanor Warder, co-founders of Atis. Further examples include Anthony Murphy, co-founder of Beefy Boys, Elizabeth Stanway, co-founder of Treetop Golf, Dan Brookman, founder of Airship Toggle, and Chris Stagg, the former Brunning & Price director and current managing director at Peach Pubs. Also, Francesco Arcadio, managing director of dessert Brand Kaspa’s, Wingstop UK chief executive Chris Sherriff, Thomas Heier, chief executive of Wagamama, Kate Wilton, managing director of Banana Tree, and Shamil Thakrar, co-founder of Dishoom. Also, Tim Wilks, founder of Lane7, Tom Snellock, founder of Clays, Richard Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, Lisa Boden Shah, partner at Edition Capital and Juliette Keyte, marketing director at Red Engine in a panel discussion about competitive socialising.
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.
May 2025 ~ Premium Club
Propel’s International Brands report, featuring the 100 leading international brands in UK hospitality by site number, is now available. Priced at £395 plus VAT for Premium Club members to purchase now, it will for be delivered to Premium Club members for free on Friday, 9 May. The 30,000-word report includes company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and turnover figures. It showcases fast-growing brands from across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. The report comes in two formats: a PDF with expert analysis and a searchable Excel sheet for easy access to key data. Contributors include Keith Bird, former CEO of Marugame Udon, on launching international brands in the UK; Simon Chaplin of Christie & Co on why London is the gateway market; Matteo Frigeri of Seeds Consulting on finding the right UK franchisee; Michael Ingemann of THINK Hospitality on why Europe targets the UK; and Maria Vanifatova of Meaningful Vision on the UK’s QSR landscape; AlixPartners’ highlights five key trends that make the UK attractive to international brands.
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.
May 2025 ~ Premium Club
Premium Club Opinion provides weekly insights from industry leaders. In this current edition, James Hacon, managing partner at Think Hospitality Consulting, explores how DoorDash’s acquisitions of Deliveroo and SevenRooms signal a shift toward controlling both delivery and in-house dining. With access to guest data and booking systems, platforms may soon charge restaurants for dine-in customers too. UK restaurants must urgently invest in direct customer relationships and digital tools to avoid platform dependence. Meanwhile, Propel group editor Mark Wingett talking to Frazer Grimbleby, managing director for Craft Union, Stonegate’s operator-led managed format, as it celebrates its tenth anniversary discusses how the model has grown to nearly 650 sites by focusing on community, value, and sport. Frazer Grimbleby credits its success to empowered local operators, sustainable growth, and staying true to its roots. The model’s strength lies in relationships, adaptability, and continued innovation. Lastly, Flo Graham-Dixon, founder of Juniper Strategy, examines the speed and simplicity behind the growth of Blank Street Coffee. The brand, launched in Brooklyn in 2020, has rapidly expanded to 87 global sites by prioritising speed, affordability and consistency. With automated machines, minimal menus, and trendy design, it offers functional, reliable coffee over artisanal flair. Its model targets everyday convenience, fuelling steady growth across major UK and US cities.
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.
May 2025 ~ Premium Club
Mark Wingett’s Premium Club Diary delivers insider sector gossip every week to Premium Club members. In this current edition, Punch Pubs & Co, the Fortress-backed group, has reported strong trading and expects its EBITDA to surpass £100m this year. the Andy Spencer-led business gave an update on its management partnership model, saying it had identified the next tranche of pubs to convert to the format. The company is now in its 11th year of converting pubs across from its leased and tenanted estate to managed partnerships. Over the ten-year period to February 2024, Diary understands that it has converted 240 pubs, with 37 more planned, delivering strong returns and ongoing investment. Prezzo, the Cain International-backed Italian dining group led by James Brown, has rebranded to Prezzo Italian, launching a refreshed menu and playful initiatives like rock-paper-scissors for dessert deals. Stonegate’s new concept, Rita’s Beer Hall and Ballroom in Leeds, has seen strong performance, prompting plans for more sites. Meanwhile, Big Mamma Group, backed by McWin, is preparing for its Middle East debut in Dubai. Lastly, pub industry veteran David Bruce OBE, the founder of the Firkin pubs brand and co-founder of Capital Pub Company and City Pub Company, is releasing The Firkin Saga, chronicling his entrepreneurial journey with business tips and tales from the pub trade.
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.
13 May 2025
Marston’s CEO – H1 a period of significant momentum, lfl sales up 2.9%
Justin Platt, chief executive of Marston’s, has said the company’s first half has been “a period of significant momentum” for the business, as it posted like-for-like sales up 2.9% in the 31 weeks to 3 May, with strong growth of 10.5% in the five weeks since the period end of 29 March. The company, which operates 1,333 pubs, said that like-for-likes sales grew by 1.3% in the 26 weeks to 29 March 2025 reflecting timing of Easter and Mother’s Day, which fell in H1 in 2024 and in H2 2025.
13 May 2025
JKS cements leadership team as it enters next phase of growth
JKS Restaurants has promoted Joanne Searley, formerly chief operating officer, to managing director of Sabor, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng and Speedboat Bar, and Laura Irving, formerly chief marketing officer, to managing director of Trishna, Gymkhana, Brigadiers, Ambassadors Clubhouse and 42. Both will work alongside co-founders Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi to drive expansion, including an international growth strategy.
13 May 2025
WatchHouse names new commercial and finance directors
Specialty coffee business WatchHouse has promoted Josh Brown to the role of commercial director, and James Elliott to finance director, respectively. Brown joined the Caroline Ottoy-led business as head of coffee last October.
13 May 2025
UKHospitality urges government to bring forward employment and skills strategy to further drive domestic recruitment
UKHospitality has urged the government to bring forward an employment and skills strategy to further drive domestic recruitment as Downing Street unveiled its plans to reduce migration. The government has set out its immigration white paper, with proposed changes including English tests for all visa applicants and their adult dependants, as well as a longer route to settled status.
13 May 2025
Remaining Steak of Art site acquired out of administration for £22,500, launches series of deals to attract new trade
The remaining restaurant in the Steak of Art business, which is based in Bristol, was acquired out of administration for £22,500, Propel has learned. Propel revealed last month that the parent company of the Steak of Art restaurant concept has been placed into administration, following the recent closure of the company’s site in Churchill Way, Cardiff.
13 May 2025
McDonald's plans to hire 375,000 US workers this summer
McDonald’s plans to hire up to 375,000 US restaurant employees this summer, its biggest hiring push in years. The company said the openings are partly due to its expansion plans.
13 May 2025
Sacha Lord – red tape is killing hospitality
Sacha Lord, chair of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), has said that major cities across the country are “strangling their own hospitality sectors” by failing to approve basic pavement licence applications. Lord criticised the “mindless delays and bureaucracy” in cities like Liverpool, Birmingham and the borough of Westminster, warning that thousands of pounds in trade are being lost each day as a result of delays stopping venues from putting out tables and chairs and cashing in on the sunshine.
13 May 2025
Boss Pizza plans 20 new locations over next 18 months as it works through pipeline of 50 locations
Franchise pizza concept Boss Pizza, founded during the pandemic by Ajmal Mushtaq, has said it is planning 20 new locations over next 18 months as it works through pipeline of 50 locations. Mushtaq, who previously operated acclaimed Indian restaurant Mushtaqs in Hamilton, launched Boss Pizza with two stores in Scotland – in Hamilton and Larkhall.
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
Unlock the Power of Change: Download McCain's Impact Report Today!
McCain’s Streets Ahead Programme, powered by KERB, is transforming the UK street food scene by empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly those facing barriers to entering the hospitality industry.
7 October 2024
Meet Maral, the visionary behind Ayal: Sharing Turkmenistan’s Flavours with London’s Streets
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
In 2022, Akbar and Sanobar joined the Streets Ahead program with a clear vision: to become the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and immersive experience.
Never Miss a Story
Subscription Plans
Standard
- Receive the Morning Briefing newsletter
- Receive Breaking News
- Exclusive access to 100 videos from Propel conferences & webinars
- In Conversation podcast series with industry leaders
- Receive the 500 Report
- Receive the Experiential Leisure report
- 20% discount on tickets to five Propel paid-for events
- 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
- Receive the Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisor database
- Receive the Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisee database
- Receive the Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage database
- Read Propel insight editor Mark Wingett’s weekly analysis and City Diary
- Plus insight from leading commentators
Premium Club
Supplier: £595 + VAT / per year
- Receive the Morning Briefing newsletter 11 hours early at 7pm each evening
- Receive Breaking News
- Exclusive access to 100 videos from Propel conferences & webinars
- In Conversation podcast series with industry leaders
- Receive the 500 Report
- Receive the Experiential Leisure report
- 20% discount on tickets to five Propel paid-for events
- 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
- Receive the Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisor database
- Receive the Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisee database
- Receive the Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage database
- Read Propel insight editor Mark Wingett’s weekly analysis and City Diary
- Plus insight from leading commentators
Premium Club Unlimited
- Unlimited access for your company
- Receive the Morning Briefing newsletter 11 hours early at 7pm each evening
- Receive Breaking News
- Exclusive access to 100 videos from Propel conferences & webinars
- In Conversation podcast series with industry leaders
- Receive the 500 Report
- Receive the Experiential Leisure report
- 20% discount on tickets to five Propel paid-for events
- 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
- Receive the Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisor database
- Receive the Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisee database
- Receive the Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage database
- 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
June 25TH 2025
Propel Multi Club - Female Leaders and Entrepeneurs
The conference takes place on Wednesday, 25 June, at Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London Kensington, and is open for bookings. Operators of multi-site hospitality companies can book up to three free places, or operators who are Premium subscribers can claim up to four free places, by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com
November 13th 2025
The Propel Bangkok
Study Tour
Bangkok is a culinary hot bed of talent and has no less than 34 Michelin starred restaurants including a street vendor who has one star, it is a truly world class ‘Foodie Destination’. The city also boasts some of the highest rooftop bars and restaurants in the world and is a hospitality bucket list in Asia.