Today’s news in brief – 14/03/24

Top hospitality groups saw “modest” sales growth of 1.4%, according to the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker, following marginal growth of 0.1% in January in the wake of strong trading over Christmas. Restaurants were the sector’s best-performing segment in February with like-for-like growth of 2.2%, followed by pubs at 2.1%. 

Hop Vietnamese has agreed to a 15-year lease at Manchester Arndale. The venue will bring a taste of Vietnam to Manchester City Centre when it moves into the 3,777 sq ft former Samsung unit on Market Street in May. The opening of Hop Vietnamese follows several new arrivals over the last 12 months, including Sides, Black Sheep Coffee, Krispy Kreme, and Lazy Sundae. 

RedCat has brought to market Tom Browns Brasserie in Nottingham for £1.2m. The restaurant can hold around 120 covers with separate first floor space for offices or accommodation. It also features a cocktail bar area and modern multi-sectional dining areas and has been awarded two AA Rosettes.

Abc kitchens will open on 4 April at The Emory in Knightsbridge. The new restaurant by French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will be based on his original Abc kitchen from New York’s dining scene.