Today’s news in brief – 10/09/24

UKH has called for a permanent, lower hospitality multiplier to avoid sky-rocketing business rates bills for thousands of businesses in April 2025. The chancellor must act to ensure already cash-strapped hospitality businesses aren’t left facing the prospect of their business rates bills increasing by tens of thousands of pounds, UKH said in its Budget submission.

Admiral Taverns will acquire a portfolio of 18 freehold pubs from Marston’s. The portfolio of 18 wet-led establishments spans the UK, located in counties including Dorset, Derbyshire and Yorkshire. The acquisition brings Admiral’s total estate to over 1,420, further strengthening its portfolio of community focused pubs.

Revolution Bars Group has appointed Luke Johnson to its board as a non-exec chairman, following the retirement of Keith Edelman, who has held the role since February 2015. Johnson first established himself in the hospitality industry as chairman of and significant investor in Pizza Express during its rapid expansion in the 1990s. 

Ekstedt at The Yard has appointed Luca Mastrantoni as head chef. Mastrantoni joins the Scandinavian open-fire restaurant in Westminster with more than a decade of experience in the role. Prior to his appointment, he was chef de partie at Farringdon’s The Drunken Butler, where he expanded his skills in preserving and fermenting.