Melissa Stevens Merrins’ Post

London Shuffle Club is seeking investors to help drive its growth plans and has rebranded to just Shuffle Club as it looks to expand across the UK and overseas, Propel has learned. Former events organiser Graeme Hawkins founded London Shuffle Club with wife, Nine, in 2016, having previously operated the concept as a pop-up in the Truman Brewery in east London. The business previously operated out of Ebor Street in Shoreditch, a site which it vacated in January, and has just moved into a new home nearby, in the former Beach Blanket Babylon unit in Bethnal Green Road. “We see opportunities across the UK in major cities, and notably, internationally,” Graeme Hawkins told Propel. “We can adapt the offering to suit the space. This year is planned for a second site, and then two a year from then on. At two a year in the UK, we have pipeline for five years, and then international is very exciting, and there’s no limit." "We’ve invested heavily in our head office team and infrastructure so we’re ready to move quickly. The market has changed since we began as a pop-up in 2016 – expectations of fit out and service have increased exponentially. There’s also more competition, but that’s because there’s appetite for what we offer. Trading was tough post covid, but the amount of enquiries and bookings we’ve had without opening the doors paints a good picture. We love shuffleboard and believe its beautiful simplicity, coupled with special interiors, food and drink, is the sweet spot that differentiates us.” The new Bethnal Green site features 12 gaming tables across three floors alongside an enhanced food and drink offering. “Our Ebor Street venue provided an incredible opportunity, but it was never going to be a long-term home for the business,” Hawkins added. “The opening of this site is an exciting step for us that really solidifies the business with a long lease in an area we have traded successfully for years. In the last year, we have worked hard to define our position in the market and have invested in areas across the board to further enhance our product. Expect to find an expanded food and drinks offering and the introduction of tech to enhance, but not dictate, the game playing experience in a beautiful, iconic site. We don’t want to stop there. We are in regular discussions on additional venues for our lane shuffle offering plus mixed shuffle sites.” 👉 Find out the latest hospitality news first by signing up to the Propel email newsletter for free, here: https://lnkd.in/g_vS_S7

McMullen acquires third freehold site from Oakman Inns, to add further London venue: Brewer and retailer McMullen’s has acquired The Anchor in Hullbridge, Essex – the third freehold pub it has purchased from Oakman Inns in the space of three months. Last November, McMullen’s acquired The Rose in Wokingham, Berkshire, and The Polecat in Prestwood, Buckinghamshire, from Oakman. McMullen’s said it also expects to end this month by acquiring a separate London freehold site. Heydon Mizon, joint managing director at McMullen’s. said: “We enjoyed a record-breaking festive period thanks to recent investment in Brentwood at The Duchess & Dressmaker, and with the addition of 12 boutique rooms above The Spice of Life in Soho. We look forward to investing in The Duke of York, Fitzrovia, and the addition of further boutique rooms at the nearby Kings Arms.” The disposal of The Anchor follows a review of strategic options available to Oakman including a potential sale of the business and fresh investment. Last November, Oakman said it had been in discussions with a number of parties regarding the possibility of an offer being made for its entire issued share capital but said that “all such discussions have now been terminated”. Peter Borg-Neal, chief executive of Oakman, said: “Selling three fantastic pubs can never be a process that isn’t tinged with a degree of regret. But these disposals represent a first stage in our strategic plan and have enabled us to pay down a significant amount of debt.” Oakman was advised by Sapient Corporate Finance

😎 It’s fitting that we’ve got a TheBusinessDesk.com event with hospitality and clubbing kingpin Sacha Lord next week. 🎶 To prepare I went to the official launch of his new book Tales From The Dance Floor on Thursday, which took me back to my clubbing days: we were only tipped off about the location the day before; when I got there I saw a queue around the block; but I still managed to blag my way in at the front of the queue. 😴 However, such is my lack of energy these days, I did an early dart from the dark but impressive re-purposed venue for the comforts of my home. Sacha spoke about the content of his new book with co-writer Luke Bainbridge, but it’s the other things he speaks about frequently that rang true this week. 🍻 The leisure and hospitality sector has been taking a hammering, which as Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, Sacha has done a lot of campaigning lately. 🍸 The turmoil at Ashton-under-Lyne headquartered Revolution Bars Group PLC was one of our biggest stories this week, and with a deeper dive on our Rainmakers platform. A rescue deal being led by controversial entrepreneur Luke Johnson is designed to address their debt issues, close some sites, and potentially flog off bits of the business that don’t work anymore. 🥗 Hospitality, very much like retail and leisure, is such a trend driven sector, as Johnson knows from his previous experience. So on top of the financial engineering they will also need to really interrogate what will work different parts of their customer base. It will be a very different business that emerges. 🏢 The shape of Liverpool’s skyline is also changing with the King Edward Triangle neighbourhood within Liverpool Waters, looking at developing high quality residential and mixed-use towers on the site. 🎾 I wouldn’t bet against a new bar concept and a Padel Club forming part of that development. But probably not a rave venue. Have a great weekend. * This regular Friday post on LinkedIn is a copy of my Friday High Five (with added emojis) which sits on TheBusinessDesk.com right here. 👇 https://lnkd.in/e2gd-CDB

The freehold going concern of the Grand View Hotel for sale by HTL Property & Sinosmart Business Brokering Broking HTL Property's Blake Edwards and Xavier Plunkett together with Sino Smart Business Broking's Barton Cha, offer the Grand View Hotel Wentworth Falls for sale on behalf of the vendor. The asset is a freehold going concern hotel comprising a bar, bistro, gaming room with 9 GMEs, beer garden, function space, detached bottle shop and 19 accommodation rooms of which 8 are en-suited. Positioned on an enormous 4,074m2* block, the site enjoys excellent ingress for patrons and ample off street car parking. The value proposition regarding this asset is simple, over an acre of land with high exposure, spacious trading footprint, a late licence and one of the least concentrated suburbs in the state on a GMEs per capita basis. There exists latent demand all around, just waiting to be capitalised on by a prudent operator" advised HTL Property Director, Blake Edwards. Vikki Bush Rebecca Buckman Andrew Jolliffe Nic Simarro Glenn Price Brent McCarthy Daniel Dragicevich Sam Handy Andrew Jackson Annabel Noonan James Carrick Paul Nyholt The ASEAN Developer RETalk Asia #htlproperty #htl #pub #pubs #pubnews #hotelbusiness #businessbroker #businessbrokerage #businessadvisor #hotelforsale

Private Members Clubs It's hard to know precisely why private members' clubs have quietly become one of the fastest-growing subsectors in the real estate industry. Some say it’s a desire for connection and community in a world of frenetic activity. Others suggest it’s all about exclusivity and bragging rights. Whatever the truth, the effects are far-reaching. More clubs have opened in the past four years than in the three decades following the 1985 opening of London's iconic Groucho Club. The pipeline of prospective openings is the largest it has ever been. Stardust There were few reasons for homeowners to take note when clubs were generally confined to central locations in global cities - big- brand clubs were city-wide resources - but that changed with the introduction of hyper-local clubs, like Inness in upstate New York and The Dally in London's Islington. How these clubs drive housing market activity is perhaps best shown via the world’s ultimate neighbourhood club cluster: the Cotswolds trio of Estelle Manor, The Club by Bamford and Soho Farmhouse. Our research confirms that residential vendors will try to sprinkle a little stardust due to their proximity to these clubs, often mentioning them in their sales particulars even when they are up to 60 miles away. The reasons why are clear: our data shows that in August 2024, demand for properties within 15 minutes drive of Soho Farmhouse was running at more than twice the average for the area, with 2.3 buyers registering for every one buyer in adjacent areas. They are different buyers, too – more international, more affluent. Typically, 12% of buyers registering in the Cotswolds are from outside the UK, but that rises to 26% within the all-important 15-minute drive to Soho Farmhouse. Not only that, but houses within a mile of these clubs sell faster (by 2.5 weeks) compared to similar properties five miles further away. Liam Bailey Knight Frank

Keys, Sinner and… Melbourne’s economy the big winners from the Australian Open After a huge fortnight of tennis in Melbourne, we’ve crunched the numbers on the boon the tournament provides businesses over the last fortnight. Accommodation spending was more than $111 million. Accommodation group Ascott Australasia highlighted a 16% jump in demand during the 2025 tournament. More than $275 million was spent at Melbourne’s pubs, bars and restaurants over the fortnight. Melbourne’s bars experienced a 3% uplift in spending compared to the 2024 Australian Open. Businesses immediately surrounding the Melbourne Park precinct experienced a $74 million spending injection, up 2% on last year. Clothing and apparel spending at businesses surrounding Melbourne Park was up by 3% year on year. It’s a huge result not just for the city and tourist-facing businesses, but the wider economy, which enjoys a ripple effect of spending. It’s also a marquee event that businesses now bank on to help them launch into a big year ahead. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gmPMucmE NAB #business

💬 Big changes on the horizon for London's historic Smithfield Market – so let’s talk about it. In December, the London Assembly called for the Mayor of London to fight the planned closure of Smithfield Market in a bid to save the 850 year old marketplace from closing its doors for good. Currently, there’s an ongoing battle between the City of London Corporation who granted consent for the markets to be shut, and the London Assembly and other political and cultural bodies to keep the centuries old tradition alive. It’s a tricky issue that requires evaluating a mismatch of emotive notions of history, tradition and a shared cultural identity with the forces of viability, pragmatism and progress. On the one hand, it seems glaringly obvious that, in 2025, the City of London has long since evolved past the need for a wholesale meat market at its core. On the other, defenders argue that the markets have consistently shown themselves to be adaptable to the needs of the day. Many stall operators still report a roaring trade, increasingly in supporting London’s world leading restaurants and hospitality venues. In the eyes of many, the markets contribute a subtle but irreplaceable authenticity towards the overall unique cultural offer of London, which is undeniably one of the city’s chief international pulls and something to be fiercely protected. The proposed delivery of a mixed use cultural venue at Smithfield does seem to be an appropriate way to retain at least some of the cultural value of the site and replace the market with something undeniably positive. Amongst yet undefined things, part of Smithfield is set to become the new home of the Museum of London, widening the cultural offer of the building to a broader audience and arguably adding a more locationally appropriate use to a prime central London spot. Whatever your stance, the debate over the future of Smithfield and Billingsgate Markets encapsulates a broader conversation about how we balance heritage and development in ever-evolving cities. For a city such as London to develop sustainably, it is crucial to consider not just the immediate practicalities but also the long-term cultural and economic impacts of decisions. It serves as a reminder that traditions like these are more than just relics of the past—they are living threads woven into the fabric of London's identity. Here's hoping any resolution ensures the spirit of these historic markets continues to thrive in some form for generations to come.

Business for Sale | Clifton Hill Vic One 2 Three Bar You'll find One 2 Three Bar in the centre of everything in Clifton Hill on the Queens Parade service road. The venue is easily accessed by tram and train with plenty of car parking around. That takes care of all those out of the area coming to enjoy the bands and music but the bulk of the patrons are a very loyal crowd that come to enjoy a small intimate venue with a retro feel. There is footpath trading for twelve at the front of the venue. Heading inside, the bar is on the right which includes a food prep area for light snacks. There is no commercial kitchen. Throughout is cafe style seating that leads through to the back room that at night transforms into a cozy band room. A covered walkway leads from the band room out past the toilets and storeroom to a charming rear courtyard with decking and bench seating. There is rear access to the laneway with one off street car parking space. Heading upstairs from the bar is a recently built private function room. One 2 Three Bar has five years left on the lease made up of 2+3 with the opportunity to negotiate further terms with the landlord. Rent comes in at a very low $500 per week with no GST. The venue has an On Premises licence till 1am with a capacity of 64. All fixtures and fittings are included in the sale and there are no supplier contracts or lease agreements in place. The venue is run under management as a side hobby for a father/daughter team. However, it really suits an owner operator that can give the venue their undivided attention, perhaps opening more than the two nights a week as it is at the moment. The venue is in good condition, with a nice location and loyal following amongst the locals. There are books but they are not in the best condition but do show all the expenses so that any buyer can clearly see the venue can make money quite easily. One 2 Three Bar is an excellent opportunity for someone taking on their first venue with minimal risk and lots of fun to be had with a great opportunity to greatly increase the income and profitability of the venue. View more details: https://lnkd.in/gq2DGUbd #businessesforsale #barforsale #investinabusiness #smallbusinessmelbourne #buyabusiness #sellingabusiness #businessopprtunity #businessbrokers

Introducing Club20: A Game-Changer for Clubs and HOAs in the Coachella Valley Is your club or HOA ready to unlock a new revenue stream while enhancing the value you offer to your homeowners? Meet Club20 — a revolutionary program by Valei Home that allows clubs and HOAs to generate consistent income from services homeowners are already using. Why Club20? Revenue Generation: Earn 20% of the gross revenue from housekeeping and inspection services—business that’s already happening in your community. Enhanced Member Value: Provide your members with trusted, top-tier luxury home services, ensuring continuity and satisfaction year-round. Exclusive Innovation: Be among the first to offer this program, positioning your community as a leader in innovative, member-centric services. Curious to learn more about how Club20 can benefit your community? 👉 Click the link below to dive into our latest blog post and discover all the details. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gT-j24Zf For more information or to set up Club20 for your community, contact us directly at Ph: 888.406.7492 or info@valeihome.com. Let’s elevate your community together! #LuxuryLiving #CoachellaValley #ClubManagement #HOA #HomeServices #RevenueStreams #Innovation #LuxuryHomes #RealEstate #FamilyOffices #ValeiHome

JUST CLOSED HOTEL!!! HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS DEVILS LAKE The hotel is a three-story structure built in 2008 and features 60 guestrooms. With the current franchise agreement nearing its end, the investor was able to take advantage of a unique opportunity with franchisors aggressively pursuing recently built and well-located hotels for conversion. Devils Lake, North Dakota, entices travelers with its stunning natural beauty, boasting the largest natural body of water in the state. The hotel itself is situated on a large parcel on Highway 2, famously referred to as The Great Northern Road Trip and spans the entire northern United States and in to Canada. Overall, this acquisition also provided the investor the opportunity to acquire a historically consistent performing hotel with an ideal franchise situation at considerably below replacement cost. Enhanced projected revenue generation and improved operating margins via a more hands on approach moved multiple investors to make offers, each recognizing the substantial upside potential of ownership. Our team is making significant strides, having recently closed numerous deals, as we progress towards our goal of achieving a record-breaking year. Contact us to capitalize on hospitality opportunities. We'll guide you expertly, maximizing your returns. Jake EricksonJared PlamannJoseph FergusonSarah Piper #marcusandmillichap #cre #HospitalityInvestments #MinneapolisStPaul #RealEstateInvesting #hotelbroker #hotelsales #hospitalityindustry