Today’s news in brief – 11/03/25

Bill’s has reported that its EBITDA has doubled to £11.2m over the past two years, following a “remarkable” turnaround in sales and guest metrics. The chain said its performance coincided with the appointment of Tom James to the role of managing director in October 2022, who joined with a “clear brief to reinvigorate the brand”. In December 2024, Bill’s also opened two new locations. The business is continuing to explore other growth opportunities. 

Brewdog has promoted its chief financial officer James Taylor to CEO, effective immediately. The announcement follows the resignation of current chief executive James Arrow due to personal reasons. Taylor’s financial and strategic expertise has played a key role in restoring BrewDog to profitability. Prior to joining the Scottish brewer, he held senior roles at Mayborn, the parent company of Tommee Tippee, GHD, and Anya Hindmarch.

Cider has reached a “historic” record worth of £2bn to UK hospitality, due to ‘premiumisation’ driving its value by 5% over the last two years. According to Heineken’s Cider Report 2025, 342 million pints of cider and around 114 million bottles have been sold in the last year across the on-trade, making it the second most popular alcoholic drink by volume in the sector. As a result, value sales have outstripped volume over the last 12 months. 

Dishoom sister brand Permit Room has opened its third site, and first in Oxford. Located on one of Oxford’s oldest streets in North Bailey House, the design team from Macaulay Sinclair transformed an empty, concrete shell into a hospitality space. Permit Room’s interior design draws its name and inspiration from the popular, low-lit drinking spaces of Mumbai. Music is referenced across the wall art and through the inclusion of a permanent DJ booth.