City news
City Digest: Touchwood, City Pub Co and Charles Wells
Touchwood site to open in August
Cloverleaf founders John Winder and Gary Douglas are to open the first site under their Touchwood joint venture with Joseph Holt in August.
The Bowling Green at Charnock Richard in Chorley, Lancashire, was acquired from Mitchells & Butlers. Winder and Douglas have already opened four venues with the Manchester-based brewer and pub operator under the Foresight Restaurants banner.
City Pub Co’s fourth Cambridge site
City Pub Co has secured its fourth site in Cambridge after completing on the freehold acquisition of the currently vacant Back Street Bistro.
Rupert Clark, chief executive of City Pub Co East, told MCA the company, which aims to build an estate in key hubs, would now submit a planning application for a significant refurbishment. He expected the venue to reopen later this year or early next under a new name.
Pantry plans for Charles Wells
Charles Wells has launched a new licensed café concept in Stratford-upon-Avon with plans to roll it out. The launch of The Pantry is the first phase of the redevelopment of the site by the company’s managed arm, Apostrophe Pubs.
The Pantry will offer traditional cakes, freshly baked bread, croissants and sandwiches, as well as fruit selections and salad bowls. There will also be wood-roasted coffee, artisan teas and craft beer and wine.
Deliveroo eyes expansion after trial
Food delivery concept Deliveroo has rolled out its tie-up with BrewDog after a successful trial. MCA has also learnt that the company is in talks with a handful of pub chains on launching a delivery offer and is delivering from the Urban Pubs & Bars-owned Rose Pub & Kitchen site in New Cross, south London.
Deliveroo moved into the wet-led category with trials across three BrewDog bars in London and with Vagabond wine shop and deli concept.
