Today’s news in brief – 03/03/25

Drinks sales across managed venues rose 4% in the week to Saturday 22 February, marking only the second week of growth in 2025 so far. Trading beat the levels of last year on six of the seven days, and was ahead by between 8% and 11% every day between 17 to 20 February, although this was compared with a week of bad weather in 2024. Surprisingly, soft drinks saw particularly strong growth at 13% during the week. 

Wagamama has appointed a new chief marketing and commercial office. Effective from April, Emma Culquhoun will be responsible for overseeing the brand’s proposition, marketing, commercial and growth strategy, including its recently launched loyalty scheme – soul club – which aims to increase guest frequency. Prior to her appointment, Culquhoun was at Krispy Kreme and Ferrero where she “successfully increased business revenue”. 

Kricket has officially opened its latest location in Shoreditch at 36 Charlotte Road. Founded by Rik Campbell and Will Bowlby, the modern Indian restaurant group has introduced its first ever breakfast menu alongside a new all-day Kafé and bar concept to complement its à la carte offerings. The Shoreditch space features an 80-cover restaurant serving Kricket’s signature modern Indian dishes, as well as the 50-seat Kafé and bar. 

Games and leisure complex, King Pins, has opened in Bristol’s Cabot Circus, marking its third UK site and first out of Manchester. Located on the second floor of Cabot Circus, King Pins offers bowling, tech darts, American pool, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, karaoke rooms, and an arcade. King Pins’ in-house food vendor Marvin’s will be serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, fried chicken, and sides. The venue also offers frozen cocktails and draught beers.