Today’s news in brief – 09/05/24

Brewdog co-founder and CEO James Watt will step down after 17 years in charge. He informed the board of his decision last year and will be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, James Arrow. He will still own 21% of the company and will hold the newly created title “captain and co-founder”, as well as remaining a non-executive director. His departure follows a number of controversies at the company.

Pubs will be allowed to stay open till 1am if the UK makes the Euros semi finals. The decision will only cover venues in England and Wales, as Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own licensing laws. The Euros will be held in Germany with the semi finals due to take place on 9 July and 10 July, with the final on 14 July.

Chopstix has opened at Welcome Break Woodall Southbound Services on the M1. This opening marks its fourth site with the motorway service area (MSA) operator in the past six months. According to the group, strengthening its presence at travel hubs is a core focus and has already proven highly effective at driving revenue and brand awareness. 

Piccolino will open a new location in Marlow on 20 May. Run by privately owned restaurant group, Individual Restaurants, the new Piccolino will seat up to 160 guests in its restaurant, with additional seating in a brass and marble topped bar area, as well as opening the doors to a winterised secret garden.

Metropolis London will open in Vauxhall at Albert Embankment’s Railway Arches at the end of May. The 8,000 sq ft venue across two arches features a line-up of 11 local street-food vendors alongside a standalone bar and live events space. With space for 350 seated throughout indoor areas and an additional 150 outdoors in the expansive garden space, the interiors draw inspiration from the bustling streets of New York.