J D Wetherspoon is continuing its journey into franchising, striking up an agreement with The Papas Group which will see 15 new Wetherspoon venues.
The first will open on 1st October in Lincoln. The Hykeham Manor will be in Gateway Park, on the site of a former Brewers Fayre.
The Papas Group is a family business, established in 1966. It has fish and chip shops and is also a Wendy’s franchisee.
Wetherspoon commercial director, Michael Barron, said: “We are looking at further opportunities and are confident that more franchise agreements will be signed.”
• Stonegate Group has placed a package of 23 of its free-of-tie pubs on the market, through Savills. The pubs are: the Admiral Macbride in Plymouth, Coventry Arms in Corfe Mullen, Crown and Anchor in Bromley, Crown and Stirrup in Lyndhurst, Dartmouth Arms in Forest Hill, Dog and Duck in Walthamstow, Fagins in Brookthorpe, Feathers in Chalfont St Giles, Frankland Arms in Washington, Garden Bar in Hove, Golden Ball in York, Harbour Moon in West Looe, Letters Inn in Tattenhall, Malthouse in Timsbury, Milehouse in Cross Heath, Moorings in Loughborough, Pax Inn in Thorp Arch, Romantica in Sutton Coldfield, Salthouse Hotel in Clevedon, Seven Stars in Canterbury, Star in Hampton Hill, Wickham Arms in Brockley, and The Windmill in Peterborough.
• This week’s Tube strikes will cost London hospitality businesses up to £110m. That’s the views of UKHospitality, whose chair, Kate Nicholls, said: “Consumers will be forced to change or cancel their plans, impacting sales, and many hospitality teams will have difficulty making it to work.
“This level of impact comes at a time when businesses can least afford it, having just been hit with £3.4bn in additional annual cost. It’s crucial all parties involved get round the table to negotiate a solution that avoids damaging strikes.”
• Valiant Pub Co has acquired The Coach House, in Potton, Bedfordshire, an 18th century coaching inn. “This acquisition reflects Valiant’s ongoing commitment to championing pubs with strong community roots, keeping them thriving through genuine hospitality and careful investment,” said a company spokesperson.
• Fired up Collective has purchased The Sunray pub, in Weymouth. “The Sunray is set to become a reimagined coastal inn – a premium, food-led pub, with boutique-style cottage accommodation,” said a company spokesperson. “Following a multimillion-pound renovation, The Sunray will blend traditional charm with contemporary comfort.”
