Today’s news in brief – 04/06/24

Hostmore’s year-to-date LFL sales fell 10% during the same 20-week period in 2023. This comes despite the group’s EBITDA continuing to perform ahead of last year during the period, with the first four months to the end of April being higher by £3.3m. According to CFO Matthew Biddy, the board expects net debt to peak for the year at the end of the third quarter. 

Drinks sales fell 3% in the week ended 25 May as wet weather continued, according to data from CGA. Year-on-year sales plunged 22% after heavy rain on 22 May, and they were down by between 8% and 12% on 21, 23 and 24. However, the final round of Premier League fixtures helped to lift sales by 24% on Sunday 19 May.

JKS Restaurants will open its first Indian concept in five years this summer at 25 Heddon Street, Mayfair. Ambassadors Clubhouse will celebrate food, drink, music and culture from the region of Punjab. The 140-cover restaurant will be split across two floors, featuring a 40-cover outdoor heated veranda and three private dining spaces – The Raja Rani Room; The Jungli Room; and The Tamasha Room. 

Sea Containers appoints Tom Morgan as the new head chef, which will see him take over the culinary leadership for Sea Containers Restaurant and the Lyaness Bar. Most recently, Morgan worked as area operations chef for MJMK restaurants, collaborating with renowned chefs such as Nuno Mendes and Santiago Lastra at Michelin-starred venues.