News


Karen’s Diner closes Brighton site after traces of drugs found


High readings of cocaine were found on a toilet baby changing table By Emma Lake


Karen’s Diner has terminated its contract with a franchisee and closed its Brighton restau- rant after police found high drug readings in areas includ- ing a baby changing table. Concerns had been raised


about the removal of CCTV at the venue, a lack of staff train- ing and an offensive comment written on a hat worn by a child. Traces of cocaine were found


by police in locations in the men’s toilets, the women’s toilets and in various spots in the disabled toilet, including a baby changing table. Lower readings of heroin, MDMA and ketamine were also found at the venue. Karen’s Diner group, which is


known for creating immersive theatrical experiences with delib- erately rude staff, said: “Our


Cocaine, heroin, MDMA and ketamine were found in the restaurant


restaurants are intended to offer outrageously funny experiences, and never to cause offence. Clearly the restaurant has oper- ated outside of our guidelines, and this is unacceptable. “We take this opportunity of thanking the thousands of


people that have been brave enough to visit and we share their disappointment as we announce this closure.” A police report submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council’s Licensing committee read: “There are some very high readings


and most alarmingly a reading of 5.41 for cocaine on the baby changing table. During chang- ing the baby’s fingers could contact the surface where drugs had been consumed then place their fingers in their mouth, causing possible harm.” In relation to the incident


where an offensive comment was written on a child’s hat, a council review said, “lines have been crossed with regard to what is appropriate to the welfare of children”. The restaurant closed on


4 March ahead of a licensing review, which is scheduled for 5 March. Karen’s Diner was launched


in Sydney, Australia in 2021 by themed events business Viral Ventures Global and has UK restaurants in Barnet, Bir- mingham, Leicester, London, Manchester and Sheffield.


PPHE hotels boss: ‘The UK is a growth market for hospitality’


The boss of PPHE Hotel Group has revealed the com- pany is poised for further UK expansion, with four London openings in the pipeline. Speaking to The Caterer, co-chief executive Greg Hegarty said the group was “passionate” about the UK, which remains PPHE’s largest region in terms of revenue. In April, PPHE will soft-


launch its second Art’otel prop- erty, the 357-bedroom Art’otel London Hoxton. It will feature a panoramic events space and a 5,900sq m co-working space will open at the hotel in October. The group has secured planning permission for a site on the A40 in Park Royal, as well as a 179-bedroom subterra- nean hotel beneath the existing Park Plaza Victoria London. PPHE is also in the process


of securing planning permis- sion for another 179-bedroom


6 | The Caterer | 8 March 2024


“There are new development opportunities in London, but getting the planning permis- sion to develop in the capital is becoming business prohibitive.” Despite these challenges,


Hegarty said the UK remained a “growth market for hospitality”. PPHE saw earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation grow 35.5% to £128.2m in 2023, while revenue per available room (revpar) rose 25% to £120.70. The group said occupancy


Hegarty is planning a new hotel in London’s Westminster Bridge Road


hotel in Westminster Bridge Road, which will operate under the same brand concept as Park Plaza Victoria London. The Westminster Bridge property had previously been approved by planning


officers but was rejected by local councillors. “Once we’ve got Westmin-


ster Bridge Road over the road so to speak, because we’re in appeal, we’ll look for growth elsewhere,” Hegarty said.


rose to 72.4%, up from 60.0% in 2022. Hegarty said this was boosted by PPHE’s decision to “insource housekeeping” post-Brexit, which meant it could mobilise staff “as soon as we saw demand”. The average length of stay for corporate customers in London more than doubled last year to an average of 2.1 days per week, Hegarty added.


www.thecaterer.com


KAREN’S DINER


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