Giggling Squid laughs all the way to the bank as Thai restaurant chain returns to profit October 14, 2024 Thai restaurant chain Giggling Squid returned to profit during its latest financial year as it sales hit another record. The Guildford-headquartered company has reported a pre-tax profit of £1.5m for the 12 months to 31 March, 2024. The new total comes after the business fell to a pre-tax loss of £1.9m in the prior year. [...]
Taco Bell returns to profit ahead of administration woe October 11, 2024 The UK and European arm of Taco Bell returned to profit in 2023 ahead of one of its franchise partners entering administration. The Surrey-headquartered division has reported a pre-tax profit of $2.2m (£1.6m) for 2023. The total comes after Tac Bell reported a pre-tax loss of $1.8m (£1.3m) for 2022. Newly-filed accounts with Companies House [...]
London landlord GPE benefits from better investment conditions October 10, 2024 GPE, one of central London’s biggest listed landlords said that the capital’s favourable investment market, with improving economic conditions and falling interest rates, has allowed the firm to push ahead with its expansion plans. Great Portland Estate signed 15 new leases and renewals during the quarter to 30 September, generating annual rent of £6.1m, with market lettings on average 6.4 per [...]
Libby takes her favourite Naked Wines on the road. This week: Hide October 9, 2024 Rarely do I decline an invitation to Hide, the Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking Piccadilly and Green Park, but especially not when at the behest of David Baker, Founder of Hermitage Cognac, to “try something special”. In truth it seems unfair to call him merely a “Founder” of a brand, as Cognac is clearly his calling, his [...]
Pasta Evangelists: From ‘pasta le disaster’ to £40m turnover October 9, 2024 After conquering London's pasta takeaway scene, Pasta Evangelists has set its sights on the restaurant industry.
Leeds landmark sold for almost £80m in city’s biggest deal for over five years October 8, 2024 A landmark building in the heart of Leeds’ financial district has been sold for almost £80m in the city’s largest office deal for more than five years. Ashtrom Properties UK has acquired Central Square, which is home to the likes of M&S, PwC an Sky, for £78m. Central Square comprises 217,249 sq ft of office [...]
Cosy Club owner Loungers reports strong growth amid new openings October 8, 2024 Cafe and bar operator Loungers has said it delivered “like for like sales growth” of 4.7 per cent, amid a string of new hospitality openings boosting its portfolio. The Cosy Club, Loungers and Brightside chains owner recorded revenue of £178.3m in the half year to 6 October, up by 19.2 per cent on the previous [...]
Why Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is the most fascinating city in Europe October 7, 2024 Towering over the Georgian capital of Tbilisi is Mtatsminda Park, a Soviet-era fairground and gardens set atop a craggy hill. Accessed by a funicular railway, you will find a host of terrifying, creaky old amusement rides, including the 65-metre-high Giant Wheel, which seems to bow outwards over the edge of a sheer cliff. Dotted around [...]
Pennyhill Park owner’s profit slashed after major renovation October 7, 2024 Profit has been slashed at the owner of Pennyhill Park, the five-star hotel where the England men’s rugby team are based, after it underwent a huge renovation project. The group saw a complete renovation of its newest addition, the Ansty Hall hotel near Coventry, while it also “invested heavily” in its South Lodge location. As [...]
TGI Fridays rescue deal nears completion October 6, 2024 A rescue deal for TGI Fridays’ embattled UK operations is set to be finalised over the weekend, potentially saving over 2,000 jobs. Breal Capital and Calveton, owners of restaurant group D&D London, are expected to acquire a majority stake in the American diner-inspired restaurant chain as soon as Monday, according to Sky News. Final details are [...]