Paladin, the boutique private equity group specialising in branded consumer goods, has confirmed it is investing in Byron. Byron, the UK market leader in the premium hamburger category, was sold by the Gondola Group in November 2013 to Hutton Collins in a £100m transaction in which Paladin will invest £5m. As part of the investment, Gerry Ford, Founder and Chairman of Caffè … [Read more...]
Bath Ales unveils new concepts at Colston Hall
Independent brewer Bath Ales has just unveiled two exciting new venues housed in the South West’s most popular concert venue, Colston Hall, in Bristol. Comprising two separate locations inside the stunning building in Bristol City Centre, the new venues include a charcuterie bar/restaurant called Gordito (above) and Colston Street Bar & Kitchen, a café bar with a modern … [Read more...]
Welcome Break industry-leading performance in 2013
2013 was a momentous year for Welcome Break with a total of 15 new openings including six Waitrose, two Starbucks and three Starbucks Drive-Thrus, as well as the first KFC Drive-Thru at a motorway service station. It also saw the introduction of the Ramada hotel brand in two locations and new partnerships with two of the country’s most recognised brands, Harry Ramsden’s and … [Read more...]
AFWS launches membership category for young recruits
The Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS), the UK’s professional body for front of house food and beverage service, has revised its membership structure, introducing a membership category specifically for young people in the profession. UK Guild of Restaurant Service As from next month, under 24-year-olds with one year’s full employment in the sector can join the UK … [Read more...]
Plans to reform business rates welcomed by ALMR
The ALMR has welcomed the publication of the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee’s report, into the retail sector which calls for a fundamental reform of business rates. The report by the Committee follows prolonged and robust campaigning for a wholesale review of business rates to create a fairer deal for pubs, restaurants and bars. Fundamental review The BIS … [Read more...]