Today’s news in brief – 28/01/25

Urban Pubs and Bars saw a “record-breaking” rise in EBITDA of 26% to £8.7m for the year ended 28 April 2024. The group also reported a 16% rise in turnover to £60.5m and a 4% uplift in like-for-like sales in the period. Over the Christmas trading period, which took place post-year-end, UPB also saw a 16% surge in like-for-like sales. 

Burger chain Almost Famous is set to close due to overwhelming financial pressures. The company said that the closure was due to lingering debts from the pandemic, rising costs and fewer people being able to afford eating out. The brand started in Manchester’s Northern Quarter in 2012 and has outlets in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.

Black Sheep Coffee will open a new site at 60 Queens Road, Bristol. Let by Urban Creations, the commercial space is split across the ground floor and basement. The cafe chain will open in the 2,724 sq ft unit soon on a 15-year lease. The arrival of a Black Sheep Coffee site is said to mark a step in revitalising the Bristol Triangle area. 

Brighton’s sustainable restaurants initiative has expanded with a new workshop, having announced a partnership with The University of Brighton for a sustainability workshop to help local restaurants reduce their environmental impact. Building on the success of the Brighton Sustainability Toolkit launched last year, the workshop is open to all local restaurants.