Today’s news in brief – 20/02/25

The Nero Group has seen its overall sales rise by 13% to $680m (£539m) in FY24, having restarted its openings programme and added 61 new stores globally – 29 of which were in the UK. The Caffè Nero operator, which has a portfolio of 1,122 stores across 11 countries with more than 11,000 employees, saw the sales of its UK business rise by 10% to £333m during the period, rising by 17% to £38.5m. 

Salad bar concept Atis will open its newest flagship site in Covent Garden on Friday 14 March, marking the brand’s 10th location in London and its first opening of the year – with more expansion plans in the pipeline. The new Covent Garden site will offer Atis’ customisable salad bowls, protein plates, and classic menu items. The store will offer delivery via Deliveroo, with operating hours aligned with store opening times. 

SimpsInns has reopened the doors to The Loans Inn following a £200k makeover. An interior upgrade of the restaurant and bar has seen the venue transformed with mood lighting, muted plaid wallcoverings, statement artworks, and mismatched furniture. The inn is now serving up a refreshed menu to showcase local and seasonal produce, led by executive head chef and local resident Ewan McAllister.

Tasca is set to open at a new bar, Cav, in London’s Bethnal Green on 1 March. The restaurant will be a year-long kitchen residency by head chef Josh Dallaway and sommelier Sinead Murdoch. Inspired by the dining cultures of Portugal and Spain, the food will focus on regionality and product, while the wines will be 80% female-founded and sourced from Portugal and Spain. The two embrace the dining cultures across the Iberian Peninsula.