UK

Costa Express installs 6000th self-serve coffee bar

Costa Express installs 6000th self-serve coffee bar

The on-the-go coffee brand announced the installation of its 6,000th self-serve coffee bar in Tesco High Wycombe, in line with the brand's target of 8,000 installed machines by 2020.

Takeaway.com looks to raise €175 million through IPO

The food delivery platform announced that it is looking to gather €175 million (£146 million) in a stock market listing on Euronext, the Amsterdam stock exchange.

Tortilla opens first Middle Eastern store in Festival City Mall, Dubai

The Mexican food chain launched its first outlet in the UAE on 31 August 2016 with its regional franchise partner, eathos, the group behind popular F&B brands such as Sushi Art, Rita’s and Kababji.

Barclays: Summer raised consumer spending to 13-month highs

Data from Barclaycard, which processes nearly half of all the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, showed that consumers change little with regards to spending their disposal income following the outcome of the EU Referendum.

Subway unveils plan to develop e-commerce, omni-channel platforms

The sandwich chain announced that it has acquired a digital technology team from Avanti Commerce, a Vancouver-based online commerce solution provider.

Greggs unveils healthy sourdough pasties

The bakery chain announced that it is launching two new products with reduced fat levels and lower calorie counts to promote healthy eating habits.

Chop and Wok cooks up a new menu

Chop and Wok introduced new flavours and combinations in its new menu, serving up classic dishes alongside the new Miso Soup options, and more.

Ed’s Easy Diner joins the SSP brand portfolio

SSP, the food and beverage brand operator , is set to open its first Ed’s Easy Diner at London’s Liverpool Street Station. The new restaurant is scheduled to open this September.

itsu lands in the U.S., changes leadership team

The Asian-inspired food brand created and led by Pret A Manger co-founder Julian Metcalfe, announced the creation of itsu US, which is set to have its first opening in 2017. "We are pleased to announce that Cameron Roberts will lead the itsu US business. Cameron has been integral to itsu achieving record growth in the last two years and we are delighted that he will lead our efforts in the critical US market," the brand said.

Caffè Nero appoints new Managing Director

Glyn House was appointed as Caffè Nero's UK Managing Director after Neil Riding announced his decision to retire after five years at the helm. Riding will step down in November. Riding said, “It was always the plan to help guide Caffè Nero for 5-6 years during this impressive period of growth then retire. That time went very quickly, but it is now up. Gerry and I have planned for this and I am happy to hand over the reins to Glyn.” House recently stepped down from Wagamama, where he was Chief Operating Officer.

Cure + Cut, Balans Soho Society open at Seven Dials

The new delicatessen from restaurateur Jerome Armit and chef Rufus Wickham opened its 800 sq ft site at 36 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials. The brand joins Balans Social Society, which recently launched a1,500 sq ft restaurant next door at 32-34 Monmouth Street. Specialising in home-cured pastrami, freshly made sandwiches and seasonal salads, Cure + Cut provides a premium daytime offer and is now open from 8am to 9pm. The menu features high quality and ethically sourced smoked, spiced and steamed meats, which are all prepared on-site and served alongside homemade cordials and a range of craft beers. The 30 cover site, designed by Kanvass, is set across two floors featuring a deli located on the first floor and counter seating available in the basement ‘hangout area’ downstairs. Balans Soho Society launched its 60-cover site at Seven Dials in June with an all-day offer that features seasonal dishes and a classic and signature drinks menu. The look and feel was created by an in-house team and during the summer months the brands popular al fresco dining is available. Commenting on the new openings, Julia Wilkinson, Portfolio & Group Restaurant Strategy Executive at Shaftesbury, said: “It has already been a great year for the dining offer at Seven Dials and the arrival of both Balans Soho Society and Cure + Cut further adds to the wealth of exciting operators here. Our carefully managed line-up ensures that Seven Dials is a stand-out location to eat and shop in the heart of London’s West End, with a unique and unmatched offer for the area.”

Muffin Break serves up a new Earl Grey Raspberry muffin

The bakery chain announced the details of its latest creative invention in the Muffin Lab, the 'Earl Grey Tea and Raspberry’ muffin.

Veggie Pret settles in Soho, looks to expand

Pret A Manger CEO, Clive Schlee, announced on his blog that the company’s vegetarian pop up will remain a permanent fixture on Broadwick Street in Soho.

IKEA to open DIY pop-up

The Swedish retailer is opening a fully immersive dining experience in Shoreditch – a ‘Do-it-Yourself Restaurant’ where the diners can run their own diner. IKEA is giving guests the chance to express themselves and impress their friends in a restaurant where they will have their very own sous chef and maître de. They will also have 20 of their friends as extra hands. Under the expert supervision of a head chef, diners will orchestrate a foodie experience in a homely kitchen environment to mimic an actual dinner party, but one where diners can host many more guests than usual.