Heineken to invest £38m in pub estate
Heineken’s pub arm Star Pubs & Bars has revealed a £38m programme targeted at benefitting almost of third of its portfolio by the end of the year. The scheme will benefit 700 pubs across England and Wales and builds on the UK’s £62m in rent reductions during the pandemic.
Nearly 80 pubs will be completely transformed with major makeovers costing between £125,000 and £400,000 each. Every scheme will be bespoke and tailored to the pub and the community it serves.
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New launch date revealed for north east Cuban bar and restaurant following ‘pingdemic’
The Vaulkhard Group’s new venture, Castro’s, has opened in Newcastle city centre, after being delayed due to the recent ‘pingdemic’.
The new Cuban-inspired bar and restaurant will host the Latin-inspired food, drink, and cocktails at its location on Hood Street, formerly the Beeronomy site, which the group purchased from Newcastle Building Society.
Castro’s will offer both vertical drinking and table service for its customers. The Vaulkhard Group, which also owns Blakes and Barluga in central Newcastle, said that the bar and restaurant will also host outdoor space for al fresco dining.
Ollie Vaulkhard, director of the Vaulkhard Group, said: “The pingdemic has been another hit for the hospitality industry.
“It’s vital the hospitality sector continues to innovate and give customers a great reason to socialise. At Castro’s, they’ll be able to fully immerse themselves in a Havana experience like no other – whether that be with friends, family, or work colleagues.”
The Vaulkhard Group recently announced a string of acquisitions, taking on ownership of popular drinking venues such as Bridge Tavern and Town Wall, at the same time dispensing of late-night venues Perdu and MSA.
New rooftop bar opens at London hotel
The capital has welcomed a new rooftop bar called PocketSquare Skyline Bar & Terrace, located on the 9th floor of the new Hyatt Place London City East hotel.
The rooftop bar boasts views of the London skyline, with iconic landmark buildings like The Gherkin, Canary Wharf and the O2 all visible from the outside terrace.
The gin-led bar describes itself as ‘where the City meets the East,’ with its cocktails - inspired by the city’s diverse history and cultures - incorporating a local East London twist.
The bar’s interior also offers cityscape views and the bar reflects East London’s vibrant art scene by incorporating artwork from renowned London-based mural artist Jay Kaes. (Image:Viktor Kery)
Hilton to launch brand-new flagship hotel with sky bar
Hilton Hotels’ newest flagship venue boasts one of the highest bars outside the Capital. Located at 22 floors above street level, The LOFT Sky Bar features panoramic views over Surrey and towards the London skyline beyond.
LOFT is joined by two other drink and dining experiences at the hotel including OXBO Kitchen and GLOW Lounge & Terrace, which is described as the perfect setting for casual catch-ups with friends or relaxed corporate gatherings.
The new build hotel is the latest addition to the growing Hilton portfolio, offering 189 bedrooms and the largest hotel ballroom in Surrey. It’s the first new build managed Hilton hotel in the UK for several years and is part of a soaring development measuring in at over 100 metres above ground level.
Hilton Woking opens November 2021 and can be found just minutes from Woking Station at Church Street West, Woking.
Jack Solomons Club reopens in London’s Soho
Jack Solomons is reopening its doors in London’s Soho with a special late night licence until 3am. The club is named after famous boxing promoter Jack Solomons, who owned a gym on tvery site. He made his name and his money in the grand years of British boxing after the Second World War.
Newspaper clippings from famous fights are mounted on walls. The club offers vintage cocktails and Whiskey, along with gin, are a speciality at the club. The impressive list of cocktails includes:
Jack Solomon’s sits beneath the Sophie’s Steakhouse.
Coppa Club opens in Clifton Village
Casual dining brand Coppa Club has chosen Bristol’s affluent Clifton Village for its eighth location. This is its first site in the south west and outside London and the Home Counties.
The venue has been designed by Fox & Church and has a relatively upscale look.
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