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Story of the Day - 14 November 2025

Loungers chairman – ‘rent as a percentage of turnover now down to 3.4%, opening of larger Lounge shows we can generate sales of £130,000 a week’

Alex Reilley, chairman of Loungers, the Cosy Club and Brightside operator, has said that rent as a percentage of turnover across its circa 265 Lounge estate is now down to 3.4%, and that the business is focusing on larger site opportunities for Lounge after one example showed it could generate sale of £130,000 a week. Speaking at the Propel Multi-Club Conference, Reilley said that the property deals the company is currently getting on Lounge sites, of which they are opening one every ten days on average, are “probably a bit better than they’ve ever been”.

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Propel Exclusive Report

Propel's Experiential Leisure Report is available now

Experiential Leisure 2025
The 2025 Experiential Leisure Report, the second year of Propel’s exhaustive report on the fast-growing experiential leisure market, is now available. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends.
 
It includes opinion from leading players Juliette Keyte, marketing director at Red Engine, Richard Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, and Lisa Boden, partner at investor Edition Capital, and provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes 197 companies, marking a 10% growth in the sector since last year’s study, with 3,700 sites.
 

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Propel’s Experiential Leisure report is available now for £595 plus vat. Premium Club members receive the report for free.

Order The Experiential Leisure Report today by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com

In-depth insight into the UK hospitality market: two essential reports from Propel
Further reports available from Propel include: The 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 Top 500 Report ranks the UK’s largest operators by turnover – totalling £30bn across 51,000 sites. It features company histories, leadership structures, financial performance, and sector segmentation. It is delivered as an in-depth PDF and searchable Excel file. These reports offer more than 125,000 words of analysis – providing operators, investors and suppliers with comprehensive insight into the structure and direction of the market.

14 November 2025

Dominoes

Domino’s turns to fried chicken as chief says Britain is nearing peak pizza

The chief executive of Domino’s UK is betting the future of the country’s largest pizza delivery operator lies in fried chicken, as he predicts the pizza market is nearing saturation point. Domino’s has rolled out its Chick ’N’ Dip sub-brand to about 200 of its 1,400 branches across the UK and Ireland as it seeks to tap into Britain’s seemingly insatiable appetite for fried chicken.

14 November 2025

The Coconut Tree founders acquire business out of administration

MPS Hospitality, a new company formed earlier this spring by The Coconut Tree co-founders Shamil Fernando and Praveen Thangiah, has acquired the seven-strong Sri Lankan, street-food brand out of administration. Propel reported earlier this week, that the business, which was founded in 2016 by five Sri Lankan friends living in Cheltenham – Mithra Fernando, Rashinthe Rodrigo, Dhanushka Fernando, Praveen Thangiah and Shamil Fernando, had been placed into administration with Forvis Mazars appointed administrators.

14 November 2025

UKHospitality

UKHospitality – ‘it’s clear the UK has a consistent growth problem and it is hitting high streets hard’

UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls has said “it’s clear the UK has a consistent growth problem and that it is hitting high streets hard”. The UK economy saw slower than expected growth of 0.1% in the three months to September, the final figures before the Budget.

14 November 2025

Simon Dodd, Young’s chief executive

Young’s CEO – ‘we’ve been quite cautious on price and have no intention of doing any more this year, every geographic region we trade in is in growth’

Young’s chief executive Simon Dodd (pictured) has told Propel that the company has been “quite cautious on price” and has “no intention of doing any more this year”, and that every geographic region it trades in is in growth. Speaking after the company’s record half-year results, which saw revenue for the 26 weeks to 29 September 2025 up 5.4% to £263.6m and adjusted Ebitda rise 5.9% to £62.5m, Dodd said: “We’ve been quite cautious on price.

14 November 2025

After School Cookie Club

The After School Cookie Club founder – we’re figuring out the best route to scale, secures sixth site

Jesse Jenkins, founder of plant-based cookie concept The After School Cookie Club, has told Propel the business is figuring out the best route to take to scale the business, including whether to franchise or take on further external investment. The company, in which John Vincent, co-founder and former chief executive of Leon, is an investor, opened a West End flagship location for its fifth site this summer. 

14 November 2025

Black Sheep

Black Sheep Coffee makes move into south west of England with new franchise partnership

Speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee is making its move into the south west of England after signing a minimum nine-store development agreement covering Devon and Cornwall. The territory has been awarded to an unnamed “experienced local hospitality operator, which brings a strong understanding of the region’s people, places and values”.

14 November 2025

PCA publishes ‘most extensive release of tenant satisfaction data’

The Pubs Code adjudicator (PCA) has published what it said is the most extensive release of tenant satisfaction data. The additional data from its 2025 Annual Tied Tenants Survey offers deeper insights into how each of the pub companies are performing in their relationships with their tied tenants.

14 November 2025

Gail's

Brett Parker steps down as Gail’s property director, company secures Westfield site

Brett Parker has stepped down as property director at fast-growing bakery brand Gail’s. Parker has spent almost eight years with Gail’s, initially as head of property before being promoted to property director five years ago.

14 November 2025

Big Mamma Group founders raise $21m to support expansion of payment app

Sunday, the payment app from the founders of the Big Mamma Group, has raised a $21m (£15.9m) Series B funding round, with participation from DST Global Partners, to aid its expansion plans. Founded in 2021 by Christine de Wendel, Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux, Sunday has been used by more than 80 million diners, with two thirds (67%) leaving feedback.

14 November 2025

Torquay Leisure Hotels ‘demonstrates resilience by maintaining strong occupancy levels despite challenging economic conditions’

Torquay Leisure Hotels (TLH), which operates four hotels within a single resort in Devon, has said it has “demonstrated resilience by maintaining strong occupancy levels despite challenging economic conditions”. The company reported turnover of £23,118,202 and a pre-tax profit of £638,180 for the 18 months to 31 October 2024, having changed its reporting period. In the year to 30 April 2023, it reported turnover of £15,217,978 and a pre-tax profit of £601,759.

14 November 2025

Starbucks

Scottish Starbucks eyeing new locations after growing its profit and turnover

Starbucks franchisee OCO Westend is eyeing new locations after growing its profit and turnover in the year to 30 November 2024. The company, which has 23 stores, has opened three in 2025 as well as closing one, in Dumfries.

13 November 2025

Alex Reilley, chairman of Loungers

Loungers chairman – Brightside seeing circa 20% like-for-like growth, best brand we’ve got in terms of NPS or feedback

Alex Reilley (pictured), chairman of Loungers, the Lounge and Cosy Club operator, has told Propel that the company’s roadside dining concept, Brightside, has seen circa 20% like-for-like growth over the last two years, and that it’s the company’s best brand based purely on net promoter scores (NPS) and feedback. The company currently operates four sites under the concept, having launched it in February 2023.

November 2025 ~ Premium Club

Available at 9am on Friday 21 November –  videos from the Propel Multi Club Conference – Growth in an era of big challenges. Premium readers receive the videos from Propel conferences each year – around 100 in total. A great way to keep your team abreast of what’s happening in the sector. Andrew Ball, senior hospitality partner at haysmacintyre, talks to Harry Goss, partner at McWinLuke Johnson, co-founder and partner of Risk Capital PartnersYasha Estraikh, associate partner at Piper Private EquityLizzie Ryan, managing partner at Imbiba, and David Roberts, partner at CMS, about the current investment market, where the buyer activity is centred and what is the current investment criteria in a volatile market. Jesse Jenkins, founder of plant-based cookie concept The After School Cookie Club, in which John Vincent, co-founder and former chief executive of Leon is an investor, discusses expanding across London, its strong community focus, and the role of social media in its success. Bubala founder Marc Summers talks about the creation of the Middle Eastern vegetarian concept, its launch into the competitive London market, the future for the business and the vegetarian restaurant category. Jonny and Charlotte Heyes, founders of Nell’s, the north west New York-style pizza business, discuss the concept’s three-year growth strategies, including becoming a regional standout performer and now looking to spread its wings in new territories. Alex Reilley, chairman of Loungers, talks to Mark Wingett about the company’s return to the private world, maintaining consistency of offer, what the expansion runway looks like for the business, and saving the high street. Industry veteran David Page, the former chairman of Franco Manca, owner of Fulham Shore, ex-chief executive of PizzaExpress, and who is set to become chair of Wildwood operator Tasty, talks to Propel’s Mark Wingett about his return to the sector, why now and what does he make of the current landscape and opportunities for growth. Michelle Hazlewood, partner at leading sector licensing firm John Gaunt, will examine all the key legal developments that have impacted multi-site operators in 2025, set out the latest legislation affecting the industry, and analyse the immediate and long-term legislative commitments the government must consider if it is to aid the sector’s return to growth. Aaron Mellor, founder and chief executive of Tokyo Industries, the UK’s largest private operator of bar and nightclubs, alongside multiple international operations in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, New York, Palma, and Ibiza, talks about the late night market, developing a new West End theatre, operating mid-century hotels in California, trading in Palma and Ibiza, operating multiple festivals, building skyscrapers in Manchester and buying a shopping centre in Hull. Matt Snell, chief executive of Boxpark, talks about moving from casual dining into operating an all-day, multi-brand, multi-purpose operator, the evolution of the business and how it chooses who to work with. Mike Spencer, McDonald’s UK & Ireland vice-president of development, discusses the brand’s large-scale reimagining programme across its estate with a target of 200-plus stores refreshed a year as it looks to unlock capacity to drive future growth, how it is looking to open 40 new sites a year, and its approach to the customer journey. Tom Molnar, co-founder of the fast-growing Gail’s, talks to Propel’s Mark Wingett about the hard-won lessons from scaling a craft bakery into a nationwide success without sacrificing quality or creativity, and the mindset shifts, growth strategies, and leadership principles that have helped the business thrive as it celebrates its 20th year.

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.

November 2025 ~ Premium Club

The 2025 Experiential Leisure Report, the second year of Propel’s exhaustive report on the fast-growing experiential leisure market, was published on Friday, 1 August. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It includes opinion from leading players Juliette Keyte, marketing director at Red Engine, Richard Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, and investor Lisa Boden, partner at investor Edition Capital, and provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes 197 companies, marking a 10% growth in the sector since last year’s study, with 3,700 sites. Katherine Doggrell, Propel’s editorial advisor and the report’s author, said: “The experiential leisure sector is a major growth driver of the hospitality sector, with the market maturing into overseas expansion and franchising as it continues to build and inspire the rest of the market. With trends such as padel keeping the segment fresh, this report hears from operators and investors as they try to anticipate the next innovations. This report delivers an exhaustive overview to all those interested in this influential sector.”  The report was released on Friday, 1 August and is available for £595 plus VAT to pre-order now. Existing Premium Club subscribers can receive it on Friday, 1 August for £395 plus VAT. 

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.

November 2025 ~ Premium Club

Premium Club Opinion provides weekly insights from industry leaders. In this current edition, Mark Wingett, Propel’s group editor, looks at the next moves for Five Guys. The brand was founded in Virginia in 1986 and brought to the UK in 2013 by Sir Charles Dunstone, it has grown to around 290 sites across four European countries, generating £560m in turnover last year. Known for its ultra-simple menu and no-marketing strategy, the brand has carved out a premium fast-casual niche despite high prices. Led by CEO John Eckbert, Five Guys Europe recently completed a £185m refinancing to support expansion, including drive-thrus, transport-hub sites and new markets such as Portugal. Dunstone is now exploring a sale of up to 50% of Five Guys Europe, with Goldman Sachs seeking bidders; the business could be valued at about £600m. This process follows Dunstone’s deal to acquire the Murrell family’s 50% stake, after which the European arm will pay royalties to the US parent. While Five Guys boasts strong unit economics, record-breaking sales at flagship locations and continued customer loyalty, it also faces challenges from inflation, lower consumer confidence, rising employment costs and pressure to remain relevant to Gen Z. Nonetheless, its simplicity, operational strength and growth runway—particularly through drive-thrus and franchising—are expected to attract major private-equity and global QSR interest.

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.

November 2025 ~ Premium Club

READ PREMIUM CLUB'S DIARY FOR INSIDER SECTOR GOSSIP

Mark Wingett’s Premium Club Diary delivers insider sector gossip every week to Premium Club members. In this current edition,

Azzurri Group – operator of ASK Italian, Zizzi, Coco di Mama, Boojum and Dave’s Hot Chicken UK – recently completed a refinancing that extends debt maturity to 2030 and provides £125m in new facilities to support growth, particularly for Dave’s Hot Chicken in the UK, Ireland and Europe. CEO Steve Holmes said supportive ownership from TowerBrook Capital Partners means no sale process is underway. Azzurri reported stable revenue of £303.1m for the year to June 2025, with varied spend-per-head figures across its brands, and is preparing to introduce delivery for Dave’s Hot Chicken. Zizzi is trialling a refreshed service style and identity to boost guest engagement ahead of a full rollout. Elsewhere in the sector, Loungers chairman Alex Reilley said the group has explored acquisitions and new concepts but believes its capital is better invested in expanding existing brands due to weak site economics in categories like coffee shops. Meanwhile, Real Eating Company, which underwent a pre-pack administration in 2023, is believed to have faced further restructuring, with several sites closing. Finally, Hospitality Jobs UK chief executive Dawn Lawrence has been awarded an honorary doctorate for her contribution to promoting careers in hospitality. The honour celebrates her “outstanding contribution to the hospitality sector and her dedication to promoting it as a great place to work with rewarding and long-term career opportunities”.

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 November 2025

Anglian Country Inns full-year revenue passes £22m, refinances as current trading up 14%

Gastro-pub operator Anglian Country Inns (ACI), led by James Nye, saw revenue increase by 8.4% to £22.3m in the 12 months to 30 March 2025 (2024: £20.6m), as it said it has made a “robust start” to its new financial year, with sales up 14% in the first six months. Underlying site Ebitda was £4m (2024: £3.7m), an 8.1% increase on the previous year from the existing sites, while company Ebitda was £1.6m (2024: £1.6m) and company operating profit was £700,000 (2024: £900,000).

13 November 2025

Which Wich

Which Wich aiming to open five new UK sites in 2026

US hot customisable sandwich brand Which Wich has told Propel the business is aiming to open five new sites in the UK in 2026. Which Wich is gearing up to open its Welsh debut site at the St David’s shopping centre in Cardiff.

13 November 2025

Starbucks interior pic

Starbucks franchisee KBeverage reports rise in sales by store

Starbucks franchisee KBeverage has reported a rise in sales by store in the year to 30 November 2024. Total sales, after the company changed its reporting period, were £29,219,616.

13 November 2025

We Do Play

We Do Play to open three new Activate sites in London before Christmas

We Do Play, the multi-concept experiential leisure operator backed by the Frasers Group, will open three new sites for Canadian immersive game brand Activate in London before Christmas. Following the success of its debut site at The O2, which has welcomed more than 125,000 visitors since opening last December, Activate will open at Oxford Street, Vauxhall (Albert Embankment) and Westfield White City over the coming weeks.

13 November 2025

Hotel pic

Northern Ireland hotel group McKeever planning to expand further into Ireland and beyond as it unveils five-year plan

Northern Ireland operator McKeever Hotel Group has said it is planning to expand further into Ireland and beyond as it unveils its five-year plan. Having added two new properties over the past two years to take its portfolio to seven, the group said it continues to look for further opportunities to expand, with the Republic of Ireland and Scotland on its target list.

13 November 2025

Lyon Holiday Parks

Lyons Holiday Parks reports ‘strong’ performance despite ‘competitive trading conditions due to cost-of-living crisis’

Lyons Holiday Parks, which has more than 20 sites across North Wales and Cumbria, has said its performance has again been “strong” despite “competitive trading conditions due to the cost-of-living crisis”. The family-run business, which was founded in 1924 by Joe William Lyons, reported revenue of £54,938,972 for the 11 months to 31 January 2025 compared with £55,921,360 for the previous 13-month period.

13 November 2025

Christmas turkey

Turkey shortages to continue into festive season

Turkey shortages are set to continue into the festive season, according to analysis from catering butcher Birtwistle’s. Its latest report said the global turkey market remains “severely undersupplied”, with UK numbers down 39% year-on-year.

12 November 2025

Fuller's the Half Moon

Fuller’s managed like-for-like sales up 4.6%

Fuller’s has this morning reported a 4.6% increase in like-for-like sales across its Managed Pubs & Hotels in the six months to 27 September 2025, with total revenue up 7% to £207.5m (H1 2025: £194.1m). It said that adjusted pre-tax profit for the period increased by 28% to £22.5m (H1 2025: £17.6m), while statutory pre-tax profit stood at £21.1m (H1 2025: £29m), with the prior period reflected book profit of £17.2 million arising from the disposal of The Mad Hatter hotel. 

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