Hostmore has been formed to provide a platform for the development of hospitality brands. Its current operations are Fridays, a UK chain of American-styled casual dining restaurants (85 sites), 63rd+1st, a cocktail-led bar and restaurant brand (four sites) and QSR Fridays and Go (one site).

COVID-19’s exacerbation of longstanding structural difficulties in UK hospitality has shown up undeniable growth opportunities for well-funded operators, notably the increasing availability of prime sites at cheaper prices and on more flexible terms and the erosion of competition (industry sources estimate a potential loss at up to 30% of restaurants). Current challenges of rising costs and staff shortages are being mitigated by scale and career initiatives. Restaurant market LFL sales in October were down 4% y-o-y (Coffer CGA) and much further behind in real terms.