Two long-time friends from the hospitality world are joining forces to put over 60 years of experience into bringing a £2m new restaurant to Weetwood, on the outskirts of Leeds city centre. Martin Hicks and Martin Pickles have been friends for over 30 years and will launch ‘Convive’, a new build authentic Mediterranean restaurant that will bring a Mediterranean lifestyle to … [Read more...]
Busaba Opens Third Regional Site in St Albans
Leading Thai restaurant group Busaba is set to open the latest restaurant of its casual dining concept in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Launching on the 1st of November in the heart of the town’s shopping district, the restaurant will offer visitors the classic Busaba experience with modern Bangkok eating and a stylish fusion of Thai design features. The latest opening will take … [Read more...]
The Oracle unveils plans to revitalise The Riverside
Hammerson today reveals The Oracle’s exciting new plans to deliver a £5.7 million comprehensive upgrade of The Riverside, which will see Reading’s premier dining and leisure destination significantly enhanced. Central to the regeneration project will be a new 167 m2 fully glass fronted Pavilion in which modern Lebanese restaurant, Comptoir Libanais will make its debut in the … [Read more...]
HSBC serves up £25m of funding for Wasabi sushi and bento
Japanese sushi and bento outlet Wasabi has secured a funding package worth £25 million from HSBC to help fund its ambitious expansion plans in the UK and New York. The funding is primarily made up of a £20 million three-year revolving credit facility which will be used to fund the roll out of 20 new sites. In addition, HSBC has provided £4 million of asset finance to develop … [Read more...]
Barclaycard research shows customers’ need for speed dining
New research from Barclaycard has revealed that busy Brits are demanding faster service and more convenient ways to pay when eating out and ordering takeaways for delivery. As dining habits change, the pressure is mounting on restaurant owners to respond with technology which balances both the need for speed with providing a more personalised dining experience. Once … [Read more...]