ADVFN Logo ADVFN

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for alerts Register for real-time alerts, custom portfolio, and market movers

VARE Various Eateries Plc

22.50
0.00 (0.00%)
26 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Various Eateries Plc LSE:VARE London Ordinary Share GB00BM9BZK23 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 22.50 20.00 25.00 22.50 22.50 22.50 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Eating Places 46.39M -6.68M -0.0381 -5.91 39.39M

Various Eateries PLC Final Results (2179R)

28/02/2023 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Various Eateries (LSE:VARE)
Historical Stock Chart


From Apr 2022 to Apr 2024

Click Here for more Various Eateries Charts.

TIDMVARE

RNS Number : 2179R

Various Eateries PLC

28 February 2023

VARIOUS EATERIES PLC

("Various Eateries" or "the Company"

and with its subsidiaries "the Group")

Final Results

52-week period ending 2 October 2022

Good strategic progress and continued commercial resilience

Various Eateries PLC, the owner, developer and operator of all day club, restaurant and hotel sites in the United Kingdom, announces its results for the 52 weeks ended 2 October 2022.

Financials

 
      --   Revenue growth of 82% to GBP40.7m (2021: GBP22.3m) 
      --   Adjusted EBITDA* growth of 193% to GBP3.5m (2021: GBP1.2m) 
      --   Total loss before tax of GBP7.2m (2021: loss of GBP3.7m) 
      --   Cash at bank of GBP9.4m (2021: GBP19.7m) 
      --   Net debt of GBP3.3m (2021: net cash of GBP7.3m) 
           *see Financial Review 
 

Highlights

 
      --   Positive trading performance against a challenging backdrop 
                --   Coppa Club estate grew 1% LFL in H2 (a period of relatively normal trading) compared with 
                      2019 (the most recent year with uninterrupted comparable trading) 
                --   Encouraging Tavolino performance (meaningful comparisons not yet available following July 
                      2020 opening) 
                --   Sales of first Noci in Islington surpassed management expectations since March 2022 opening 
 
      --   Continued steady delivery against growth strategy 
                --   Opening of four new venues: Coppa Club Putney, Coppa Club Haslemere, Coppa Club Bath and Noci 
                      Islington (2021: two new venues) 
                --   Coppa Club Cardiff, Coppa Club Guildford, Coppa Club Farnham and Noci Battersea Power Station 
                      due to open in 2023 
                --   Appointment of Lyndsay Anderson as Marketing Director and, post-period, Sharon Badalek announced 
                      as new CFO (starting 1 April 2023) 
 
      --   Ongoing mitigation of the inflationary environment 
                --   Energy costs hedged materially from a volume perspective through to summer 2025 
                --   Steps taken to manage margin pressures including comprehensive menu re-engineering exercise 
                      at period end 
 
      --   Confident of delivering another year of continued progress in FY 2023 
                --   Uncertain outlook for inflationary pressures and ongoing threat of negative impact of train 
                      strikes 
                --   Growing pipeline of high-quality sites; intention to pursue expansion plans at a measured 
                      pace 
                --   Diverse mix of brands aligned to modern consumer needs and chosen pricing points leave us 
                      well-positioned to navigate a recessionary environment 
 

Andy Bassadone, Executive Chairman of Various Eateries, said:

"To have made the progress we have despite the widespread challenges we and many others in the sector have faced is testament to the hard work of our teams and the enduring appeal of our brands, even in times of economic uncertainty.

"There continues to be a complex picture of industry-wide pressures that make it difficult to predict exactly how the coming months will unfold. Nonetheless, we remain focused on executing our strategy, and are confident that we will emerge strongly once conditions improve."

Annual General Meeting and Posting of Results

The Company confirms that it intends to dispatch its Annual Report and Accounts and notice of Annual General Meeting to shareholders later this week. A further announcement will be made at that time. A copy of the annual report and accounts will also be available from the Company's website later this week ( www.variouseateries.co.uk ).

Enquiries

 
Various Eateries plc                                    Via Alma PR 
Andy Bassadone        Executive Chairman 
Yishay Malkov         Chief Executive Officer 
James Darwent         Interim Chief Financial Officer 
 
WH Ireland Limited    Sole Broker and NOMAD            Tel: +44 (0)20 7220 1666 
Broking 
 Harry Ansell 
Nominated Adviser 
 Katy Mitchell 
Megan Liddell 
 
Alma PR               Financial PR                     Tel: +44 (0)20 3405 0205 
David Ison                                             variouseateries@almapr.co.uk 
Pippa Crabtree 
 

About Various Eateries

Various Eateries owns, develops and operates restaurant, clubhouse and hotel sites in the United Kingdom. The Group's stated mission is "great people delivering unique experiences through continuous innovation".

The Group is led by a highly experienced senior team including Andy Bassadone (Executive Chairman), Hugh Osmond (Founder), Yishay Malkov (CEO) and Matt Fanthorpe (Chef Director, a non-board position).

The Group operates three core brands across 15 locations:

 
               --  Coppa Club, a multi-use, all day concept that combines restaurant, terrace, café, lounge, 
                    bar and work spaces 
               --  Tavolino, a restaurant aiming to address a gap in the market for high-quality Italian food 
                    at mid-market prices 
               --  Noci, a modern, neighbourhood pasta-only concept which serves very high-quality dishes at 
                    reasonable prices 
 

For more information visit www.variouseateries.co.uk

CHAIRMAN'S AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S STATEMENT

The 52 weeks ending 2 October 2022 was another period of good strategic progress and commercial resilience against a backdrop characterised by industry-wide challenges.

As previously announced, sales were slightly ahead of market expectations, demonstrating the lasting appeal of our proposition despite the well-publicised headwinds. While profitability was impacted by our decision to resist passing price increases onto customers in full until there was more certainty around the trajectory of inflation, post-period end, we have taken action to enhance margins.

We were delighted to open four new venues in the year - our busiest in terms of site acquisition yet - including our first Noci restaurant in Islington, which has been a success.

Looking ahead, while macroeconomic uncertainty is set to persist in the short term, we believe Various Eateries continues to be in a favourable position, relative to many. It is our view that we have three strong brands aligned with modern consumer trends that are set to endure for many years to come, a proven rollout strategy with enough flexibility to ensure we keep moving forward, and a motivated leadership team with complementary skills and experience to deliver it.

There will no doubt be challenges to overcome in FY23, but we are well-prepared and confident of another year of steady, continued progress.

Ambition to create a significant player in UK leisure

Various Eateries is a modern, high-quality hospitality group that is focused on creating concepts with a solid value-proposition. The Group has several different but complementary brands that are aligned to the needs of the modern consumer, from single-product venues like Noci, that speak to the consumers' desire for high-quality, artisan products delivered at an excellent price, to the Coppa Club concept, with its all-day ethos; that meets consumers' needs for a flexible out-of-home space to work and socialise from. This variety of offer was consciously designed to ensure resilience during difficult economic conditions.

Various Eateries has a highly experienced management team, that over several decades have together and independently played leading roles in building some of the most successful brands in UK hospitality. We have seen market conditions at both ends of the spectrum and everything in between and, as a result, are well versed in not only navigating adversity but recognising opportunities within it.

Various Eateries was conceived as one such opportunity. Although recent years have been characterised by continued uncertainty, and the timings and severity of challenges have at times been difficult to predict, the overall direction of travel of the industry remains the same, and our confidence in and enthusiasm for our strategy is as high as it has ever been.

In Coppa Club, we have a multi-use, all-day concept that combines restaurant, terrace, café, lounge, bar and remote-working spaces under one roof. We operate several formats but are extremely selective in the sites we take. As a result, we have developed a highly desirable estate of prime locations designed to capture the growing demand for this kind of offering and, as an operator with long-term growth ambitions, will continue in a similar vein.

Tavolino addresses the gap in the market for high-quality Italian food at mid-market prices. Located on the river by London Bridge, with year-on-year sales growth, the restaurant has shown real promise and we continue to harbour plans to open new sites when conditions are right.

The first restaurant of our newest brand, Noci, opened in Islington, London, in March 2022. Noci, a modern, neighbourhood pasta restaurant, has been received positively in the local community and beyond and we are excited by the brand's potential. Although early in its existence, we are confident it will go on to form an important part of the Group.

While the pace of the rollout of our brands has been impacted by Covid and the elevated industry-wide cost pressures that have materialised subsequently, the rate at which we open new sites will continue to be dictated by the number of opportunities we see that meet our strict criteria rather than the need to grow at a particular rate.

Solid trading performance

Prior year performance comparisons remain difficult given the extended periods of Covid-related restrictions between March 2020 and January 2022. However, for the last six months of the financial year (4 April to 2 October 2022), a period of relatively normal trading, the Coppa estate achieved an LFL growth of 1% compared with 2019 (2019 being the most recent year with uninterrupted comparable trading).

New sites opened in the year have, overall, performed encouragingly under the circumstances. The performance of our Townhouse Coppa Club in central Bath since opening in August 2022 has been particularly noteworthy, attracting city centre workers and residents through the day and night. In 2023, the Cardiff, Farnham and Guildford sites will take similar formats, and enjoy similarly healthy footfall, giving us a high degree of confidence in their prospects.

Our hotels delivered a steady performance with high occupancy and room rates. Against an exceptional prior year that benefitted from high levels of pent-up demand post Covid and the rise in popularity of the 'staycation', we are pleased with their contribution.

The performance of Tavolino has also been in line with expectation, with central London footfall increasing as workers returned to the office. Opening in July 2020, meaningful performance comparisons are particularly difficult given there have been no reporting periods of uninterrupted trading. Nonetheless, we have been satisfied with the steady improvement we have seen over time and remain optimistic about the brand's prospects.

Since opening in March, Noci has surpassed expectations both in terms of performance and profile across the capital.

Given challenges such as the impact of the Covid escalation on our ability to trade and consumer sentiment in the winter, the cost-of-living crisis in the months since and ongoing train strikes, the Board believes the trading performance in the year to be a positive result.

Ongoing mitigation of industry-wide challenges

We had considerable success in mitigating many of the well-publicised challenges affecting the industry during the year.

While we are not completely immune to energy price rises, we have taken steps to hedge ourselves materially from a volume perspective, which we expect to protect us for at least the next 18 months.

At the end of the period, and moving into the new financial year, we carried out a comprehensive menu re-engineering exercise across the Group. The exercise comprised both food and beverage, enhancing margins with only modest price increases and without sacrificing quality.

Continued delivery of our expansion strategy

During the period, we opened four new venues: Coppa Clubs in Putney, Haslemere and Bath as well as the Group's first Noci in Islington, taking the total number of sites in the group to 15.

In November 2021, Coppa Club Putney opened on the River Thames, benefitting from a wraparound terrace looking onto the water. This generous all-day space has been cleverly designed with different corners for work, socialising and private dining.

In May 2022, Coppa Club Haslemere opened and brought fresh energy and design to an old hotel property. A destination venue, this site benefits from overnight stays, private dining, work and socialising spaces and indoor and outdoor eating and drinking.

August 2022 saw the opening of Coppa Club Bath, the first of the Townhouse venues. The Townhouse concept allows Coppa Club to capitalise on former retail sites and create multi-floor venues that are buzzy from day-to-night; these generous spaces offer both informal and destination-led eating and drinking under one roof. The Bath Townhouse, located on Old Bond Street in the centre of the city's shopping district, was an innovative redesign of a former Gap site. Busy from early to late, locals and tourists visit the venue for morning coffees through to late night dinner and drinks.

In March 2022, we opened the first Noci site overlooking Islington Green, a perennially popular neighbourhood. A fresh pasta and relaxed cocktail concept, the Noci site quickly settled into its first location and became known for its quality and atmosphere, the site has performed strongly since opening.

We remain on track to open Coppa Club sites in Cardiff, Guildford and Farnham in 2023. A second site for Noci will also open during the year at the iconic Battersea Power Station.

Coppa Club Guildford will be the second of the Townhouse variety of Coppa Clubs. A three-storey, all-day venue on the busy High Street, it will boast cafe-work space on the ground floor and a bold mural leading the guests' eye up the stairwell to the first-floor dining space and destinational bar on the top floor.

Coppa Club Farnham opens in Brightwells Yard, a buzzy new neighbourhood in central Farnham. Benefitting from a generous outdoor terrace, this will be a unique, all-day offering for locals in a Grade II Listed building.

Coppa Club Cardiff opens in the Welsh capital's prime shopping district. With a prominent cafe-bar space on the ground floor and a cosy outdoor terrace, guests will then journey up the first floor to the centrepiece bar, private dining room and flexible spaces for eating, drinking, and socialising.

Building on the popularity of the original Islington Green site, the newest Noci will have the same laid- back, friendly vibe of the original, set in the iconic Battersea Power Station. Benefitting from both a strong corporate and tourist market on its doorstep, the latest Noci site will maintain a focus on artisan pasta and cocktails on tap to ensure we can deliver a high-quality product, at high-volume.

While there is an increasing number of good sites available on increasingly advantageous terms, build costs have increased significantly and the economic picture remains uncertain. We will therefore continue to exercise caution in our expansion plans as we move through the new financial year, only proceeding with prospective sites that meet our strict criteria for long-term, sustainable success.

The backbone of our business: our people

Our venue and head office teams once again demonstrated an exceptional commitment to providing outstanding customer service and memorable experiences for customers. It was another year of

testing circumstances caused by challenging market conditions, but our colleagues rose to the challenge. On behalf of the Board, we would like to thank all our colleagues across the Group.

During the period, we continued to recruit and train large numbers of often young and inexperienced staff. While one of the biggest cost increases in the year, we continue to believe it to be the right strategy to ensure we maintain our opening hours, that our service remains to the high standards we expect, and to equip people with skills that will benefit them and society for life.

Alongside significant investment in our venue teams, our senior team has gone from strength to strength. In August 2022 we appointed Lyndsay Anderson as Marketing Director. In the months Lyndsay has been at the business, she has been instrumental in taking our brand and marketing strategies to the next level and asserted herself as a pivotal member of the senior leadership team.

Post period end, on 9 February 2023, we announced the appointment of Sharon Badelek as Chief Financial Officer and board member with effect from 1 April 2023. Sharon has an established track record of driving growth in businesses in our sector, with an impressive CV that includes senior financial positions at RedCat Pub Company, Vue Entertainment and Novus Leisure Limited. To have attracted someone of Sharon's calibre demonstrates the strength of our proposition and ambition and we look forward to benefitting from her counsel.

Sharon replaces Oliver Williams, who left the Company on 11 November 2022. Oliver joined Various Eateries in 2018 and in the years since played an integral role in the Company's successful listing on AIM and was instrumental in navigating the pandemic while strengthening the finance function of the business. We are thankful for his contribution and wish him well.

James Darwent is currently interim CFO and will remain with the Group and on the Board until Sharon's appointment in April 2023.

Market conditions present opportunity

In January 2023, in its coverage of the restructuring of a well-known restaurant group, the BBC provided the results of its analysis of corporate insolvency notices, finding that 320 businesses in the food service industry in the UK - restaurants, pubs, cafés and catering firms - were forced to initiate insolvency procedures in December 2022. This, according to the BBC, was an increase of 41% compared to the same month in 2019, before the pandemic. In total, the BBC said, 6,613 hospitality firms in the UK have started insolvency proceedings since 2020.

Issue 37 of the AlixPartners/CGA HospitalityMarketMonitor included some stark statistics regarding closures in the UK in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2022, with a net decline of 1,611 licensed premises. The report states: This represents a 1.6% contraction between September and December and is equivalent to nearly 18 closures every day. It means the sector saw a net decline of more than 4,800 premises, or 4.5% of its total, across the whole of 2022. More than three quarters of these closures - 3,841 premises - occurred in the second half of the year as business pressures intensified. This is an even worse performance than in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was wrecking trade.

As we have maintained since IPO in September 2020, while it is sad to see our industry peers fall by the wayside, the increasing number of high-quality sites becoming available at extremely attractive rates presents us with a growing opportunity.

Our three new publicly confirmed Coppa Club venues are a good illustration of this. It is very unlikely they would have become available had it not been for the pandemic, and certainly not with the lease terms and at the rates we have been able to secure them on. Similarly, we are seeing an influx of fully fitted restaurants coming to the market that fit the criteria for Noci at no premium, giving us excellent strategic flexibility over the rollout.

As hospitality businesses struggle to contend with food and utility costs, we are observing that consumers are reducing spending in response to the cost-of-living crisis, and with the knowledge government support won't last forever, it is hard to imagine a future where things don't get worse before they get better. It is an unfortunate outlook for many, but an inevitable one, and we believe we are ideally positioned to take on the best of those empty sites and bring them back into the community as thriving all-day hubs and restaurants.

Regarding reduced consumer spending, while obviously not immune to economic downturn, we expect the Group to be a beneficiary of the emerging premiumisation trend. As disposable income reduces, we are seeing more and more people choosing quality over quantity and memorable experiences over the everyday. Our brands and venues, engineered around first-class food and destination venues at affordable prices, should continue to prove a popular choice.

Current trading and outlook

Sales in the first quarter of FY23 were in line with management expectations.

As we move through the second quarter, it remains difficult to predict with any certainty how this financial year will pan out. A mixed picture in October and November followed by a strong festive period didn't offer a great deal in terms of themes and patterns, and it is still too early to draw any meaningful conclusions.

Beyond Various Eateries, there doesn't yet seem to be any real consensus in the industry about what to expect, with opinion divided as to whether inflation and interest rates will continue to rise, or whether the solid Christmas many retail businesses enjoyed represented something of a turning point.

One thing that is certain is the negative impact of the ongoing train strikes on trading, particularly at our London sites. We saw evidence of this during the year under review and post-period end, and expect them to be detrimental as long as they continue.

We shouldn't let the current economic climate and prospect of further train strikes overshadow the progress we continue to make, and the potential of the Group. Our focus for FY23 will be on continued delivery of our strategy. Regardless of what happens to inflation and demand in the short-term, we are building the Group for the long-term, and will continue to make decisions, and take actions we believe will ensure sustainable, profitable growth and value creation for shareholders long into the future.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Overview

The financial results for FY22 benefitted from all sites being open to trade throughout the year compared to periods of closure in the preceding two years due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, albeit trade was impacted in December 2021 through to early 2022 from the Government's advice to stay at home.

The KPI's of the Group's performance are summarised in the table below:

 
                                        52 weeks     53 weeks 
                                          ended        ended 
                                        2 October    3 October 
                                          2022         2021      Change 
                                          GBP 000      GBP 000     % 
 
 Revenue                                   40,667       22,348      82% 
------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA (before impact 
  of IFRS 16)*                                437      (1,178)     137% 
 Adjusted EBITDA*                           3,531        1,204     193% 
 Operating Loss                           (5,209)      (2,098)     148% 
 Total loss for the year after 
  tax                                     (7,215)      (3,740)      93% 
 Basic and diluted earnings 
  per share (pence)                         (8.8)        (4.6)      93% 
 Cashflow from operating activities         1,861        3,292    (43)% 
 Net debt/ (cash) excluding 
  lease liabilities                         3,317      (7,278)     146% 
------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------- 
 Number of sites                               15           12      25% 
------------------------------------  -----------  -----------  ------- 
 * not audited 
 

Summary of financial performance for the 52 weeks ended 2 October 2022

 
                                               52 weeks     53 weeks 
                                                 ended        ended 
                                               2 October    3 October 
                                                 2022         2021 
                                                 GBP 000      GBP 000 
 Reconciliation of loss before tax 
  to Adjusted EBITDA 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Revenue                                          40,667       22,348 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Loss before tax                                 (7,215)      (3,740) 
 Impairment                                        2,543          610 
 Net financing costs                               2,006        1,642 
 Depreciation and amortisation                     4,702        3,971 
 Insurance claim                                       -      (2,500) 
 Loss on disposal of property, plant 
  and equipment                                       54          335 
 Authorised Guarantee Agreements provision             -        (104) 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 EBITDA                                            2,090          214 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Pre-opening costs                                   755          295 
 Share-based payments                                830          844 
 Non-trading site costs                            (144)        (149) 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Adjusted EBITDA*                                  3,531        1,204 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Adjustment for rent expense                     (3,094)      (2,382) 
 Adjusted EBITDA (before impact of IFRS 
  16)*                                               437      (1,178) 
-------------------------------------------  -----------  ----------- 
 * not audited 
 

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Overall Group revenue increased by 82% (FY22: GBP40.7m, FY21: GBP22.3m), resulting in an increase in adjusted EBITDA of GBP2.3m, from GBP1.2m in FY21 to GBP3.5m in FY22. The Group benefitted from all sites being able to trade throughout the period compared to FY21 in which there were significant restrictions to trade at various times during the year.

The loss before tax has increased from GBP3.7m in FY21 to GBP7.2m in FY22. In FY21 the Group benefitted from insurance claim proceeds in the amount of GBP2.5m that related to the original Covid-19 restrictions in FY20. In FY22 the Group incurred impairments to goodwill and right-of-use assets of GBP2.5m (FY21: GBP0.6m). Furthermore, the Group's depreciation charge has increased by GBP0.7m (from GBP4.0m in FY21 to GBP4.7m in FY22) and pre-opening costs have increased by GBP0.5m (from GBP0.3m in FY21 to GBP0.8m in FY22), as we have continued to invest in new sites.

Like for like sales performance (v calendar year 2019)

 
                            Oct 21   Dec 21 to   Feb 22 to   Apr 22 to 
                         to Nov 21      Jan 22      Mar 22      Sep 22 
                       -----------  ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 London (3 sites)*              8%        -19%         -3%          0% 
 Regional (5 sites)*           18%         -7%          2%          7% 
 
 Total (8 sites)*              12%        -14%         -1%          3% 
 

*not audited

Prior year comparisons remain difficult due to the impact of Covid-19 related restrictions during FY21. In addition the period from December 2021 to January 2022 was impacted by the Government's advice to stay at home.

The Government's advice to stay at home in December 2021 had a significant impact on all sites, particularly our three sites in London which would traditionally benefit from significant Christmas trade. From April 2022 onwards, a period of relatively normal trading, our five regional sites benefitted from a 7% uplift in like-for-like sales and this contributed to an overall growth of 3% for the eight sites in that period. Trading in London saw a slower recovery as tourism and office-based working had not yet recovered to their pre-pandemic levels.

FINANCING COSTS

Financing costs of GBP2.0m (2021: GBP1.6m) have increased by GBP0.4m in the year. This arises from increases in lease liability interest as we have invested in new sites, together with slight increases in costs on the renewal of the deep discounted bonds.

 
                                       52 weeks   53 weeks 
                                        ended 2    ended 3 
                                        October    October 
                                         2022       2021 
                                       GBP 000    GBP 000 
-----------------------------------   ---------  --------- 
 
 Financing costs on bank overdraft 
  and borrowings                            662        537 
 Lease liability interest                 1,344      1,108 
                                      ---------  --------- 
 Financing costs                          2,006      1,645 
 

IMPAIRMENTS

A detailed review of each individual site has resulted an impairment charge of GBP1.6m against goodwill (2021: nil), and of GBP1.0m (2021: GBP0.6m) against right-of-use assets. Detail of the methodology is included in notes 13 and 14.

DIVIDS

The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend, believing it more beneficial to use cash resources to invest in the Group in line with our strategy.

CASHFLOW AND BALANCE SHEET

Net cashflow from operations declined from GBP3.3m in FY21 to GBP1.9m in FY22. In FY21 the Group benefitted from GBP2.5m relating to its Covid-19 Business Interruption claim and therefore the underlying improvement in net cashflow from operations was GBP1.1m.

During the period the Group invested GBP8.9m (2021: GBP5.1m) in capital expenditure in support of future growth. New Coppa Club sites were opened in Putney, Haslemere and Bath, and our first Noci was opened in Islington. Furthermore some light refurbishment was undertaken across other locations.

As a result of the investment undertaken during the year the Group ended the period with cash at bank of GBP9.4m (2021: GBP19.7m).

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ("KPIS")

The Group's indicators of performance are reviewed on a monthly and annual basis. However with the prior period severely impacted by the conditions faced by the Group arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, the total loss and EPS figures are hard to assess in comparison to the prior year.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the 52 weeks ended 2 October 2022

 
                                                 52 weeks                  53 weeks 
                                                    ended                     ended 
                                                2 October                 3 October 
                                                     2022                      2021 
                                        Note      GBP 000                   GBP 000 
 
 Revenue                                 4         40,667                    22,348 
 Cost of sales                                   (36,992)                  (20,729) 
 Gross profit                                       3,675                     1,619 
 Central staff costs                              (2,617)                   (2,076) 
 Share-based payments                    26         (830)                     (844) 
 Insurance claim proceeds                               -                     2,500 
 Impairment of goodwill                  13       (1,563)                         - 
 Impairment of property, plant and 
  equipment                              14         (980)                     (610) 
 Loss on disposal of property, plant 
  and equipment                                      (54)                     (335) 
 Other expenses                          11       (2,840)                   (2,352) 
 Operating loss                                   (5,209)                   (2,098) 
 Finance income                          6              -                         3 
 Financing costs                         6        (2,006)                   (1,645) 
 Loss before tax                                  (7,215)                   (3,740) 
 Tax                                     10             -                         - 
 Loss for the period                              (7,215)                   (3,740) 
                                              ===========  ======================== 
 
 
 Earnings per share 
 Basic loss per share (pence)            12         (8.8)                     (4.6) 
 Diluted loss per share (pence)          12         (8.8)                     (4.6) 
                                              ===========  ======================== 
 

The above results were derived from continuing operations.

There are no items of comprehensive income other than the loss for the period and therefore, no statement of other comprehensive income is presented.

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

As at 2 October 2022

 
 
                                                  2 October       3 October 
                                                       2022            2021 
                                           Note     GBP 000         GBP 000 
 
 Non-current assets 
 Intangible assets                          13       11,214          12,841 
 Right-of-use assets                        14       26,109          20,724 
 Other property, plant and equipment        14       21,592          15,168 
                                                     58,915          48,733 
                                                 ----------      ---------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                16          808             546 
 Trade receivables                          17          204             137 
 Other receivables                          17        2,359           1,367 
 Cash and bank balances                     18        9,390          19,716 
                                                     12,761          21,766 
                                                 ----------      ---------- 
 Total assets                                        71,676          70,499 
                                                 ----------      ---------- 
 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                   19     (11,420)        (11,243) 
 Borrowings                                 20     (12,707)        (12,438) 
 Net current liabilities                           (11,366)         (1,915) 
                                                 ----------      ---------- 
 Total assets less current liabilities               47,549          46,818 
                                                 ----------      ---------- 
 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Borrowings                                 21     (29,244)        (22,128) 
 Provisions                                 22        (357)           (357) 
 Total non-current liabilities                     (29,601)        (22,485) 
                                                 ----------      ---------- 
 Total liabilities                                 (53,728)        (46,166) 
                                                 ----------      ---------- 
 Net assets                                          17,948          24,333 
                                                 ==========      ========== 
 
 Equity 
 Share capital                              23          890             890 
 Share premium                                       52,284          52,284 
 Merger reserve                                      64,736          64,736 
 Employee benefit trust shares reserve              (5,012)         (5,012) 
 Retained earnings                                 (94,950)        (88,565) 
 Total funds attributable to the 
  equity shareholders of the Company                 17,948          24,333 
                                                 ==========      ========== 
 
 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the 52 weeks ended 2 October 2022

 
                                                                       Employee 
                                                                        benefit 
                      Called-up           Share                           trust 
                          share         premium          Merger          shares          Retained 
                        capital         account         reserve         reserve          Earnings             Total 
 Attributable 
 to 
 equity 
 shareholders               GBP             GBP             GBP             GBP 
 of the Company             000             000             000             000           GBP 000           GBP 000 
                                                                                 ----------------  ---------------- 
 At 27 
  September 
  2020                      890          52,284          64,736         (5,012)          (85,669)            27,229 
                 ==============  ==============  ==============  ==============  ================  ================ 
 Share-based 
  payments                    -               -               -               -               844               844 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners                 -               -               -               -               844               844 
 Loss for the 
  period                      -               -               -               -           (3,740)           (3,740) 
                                 -------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  loss                        -               -               -               -           (3,740)           (3,740) 
                                                                                 ----------------  ---------------- 
 At 3 October 
  2021                      890          52,284          64,736         (5,012)          (88,565)            24,333 
                 ==============  ==============  ==============  ==============  ================  ================ 
 Share-based 
  payments                    -               -               -               -               830               830 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with owners                 -               -               -               -               830               830 
 Loss for the 
  period                      -               -               -               -           (7,215)           (7,215) 
                                 -------------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  loss                        -               -               -               -           (7,215)           (7,215) 
                                                                                 ----------------  ---------------- 
 At 2 October 
  2022                      890          52,284          64,736         (5,012)          (94,950)            17,948 
                 ==============  ==============  ==============  ==============  ================  ================ 
 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

for the 52 weeks ended 2 October 2022

 
                                                52 weeks     53 weeks 
                                                   ended        ended 
                                               2 October    3 October 
                                                    2022         2021 
                                                     GBP 
                                                     000      GBP 000 
 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Loss for the period                             (7,215)      (3,740) 
 Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash 
  items: 
 Depreciation and amortisation                     4,702        3,971 
 Impairment                                        2,543          610 
 Loss on disposal of assets and leases                54          335 
 Share-based payments                                830          844 
 Finance income                                        -          (3) 
 Financing costs                                   2,006        1,645 
                                                   2,920        3,662 
 Working capital adjustments: 
 Increase in inventories                           (262)        (145) 
 (Increase) / decrease in trade and 
  other receivables                              (1,059)           54 
 Increase / (decrease) in accruals, 
  trade and other payables                           262        (175) 
 Decrease in provisions                                -        (104) 
 Net cash flow from operating activities           1,861        3,292 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Interest received                                     -            3 
 Purchases of property plant and 
  equipment                                      (8,852)      (5,059) 
 Proceeds from disposal of property, 
  plant and equipment                                  -           59 
 Costs on issue of shares                              -         (46) 
 Net cash flows from investing activities        (8,852)      (5,043) 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Interest paid                                   (1,345)      (1,525) 
 Proceeds on issue of shares                           -       23,373 
 Repayment of borrowings                           (431)            - 
 Principal elements of lease payments            (1,559)      (1,274) 
 Net cash flows from financing activities        (3,335)       20,574 
 (Decrease) / increase in cash                  (10,326)       18,823 
                                             -----------  ----------- 
 Opening cash at bank and in hand                 19,716          893 
 Closing cash at bank and in hand                  9,390       19,716 
                                             ===========  =========== 
 

1 General information

Various Eateries PLC, 'the Company', and its subsidiaries (together 'the Group') are engaged in the operation of restaurants and hotels in London and the South East of England.

The Company is a public company limited by shares whose shares are publicly traded on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and is incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006 and are registered in England and Wales.

The address of the registered office is 20 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RS.

2 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financials statements of the Group which have been applied consistently to all periods presented, are set out below.

The directors (the 'Directors') of Various Eateries PLC are responsible for the financial statements. Judgements made by the Directors, in the application of these accounting policies that have a significant effect on the financial statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustments in the next period are disclosed in note 3.

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards. The Company has elected to prepare its parent company financial statements in accordance with FRS 101.

The financial statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest whole GBP1,000, except where otherwise indicated.

As permitted under s408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemption in relation to the presentation of a company statement of profit or loss. As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in relation to presentation of a cash flow statement, standards not yet effective, impairment of assets, related party transactions and remuneration of key management personnel.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate those of Various Eateries PLC and all of its subsidiaries (i.e. entities that the Group controls through its power to govern the financial and operating policies so as to obtain economic benefits). All financial statements are made up to 2 October 2022.

All intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.

Going concern

In adopting the going concern basis for preparing the financial statements for the period ended 2 October 2022, the directors have considered the business model, the Group's principal risks and uncertainties as well as taking into account the current cash position and potential facilities.

Based on the Group's cash flow forecasts and projections, the Board is satisfied that the Group will be able to operate within the level of its facilities for the foreseeable future. In making this assessment, the Directors have made a specific analysis of the impact of the economic uncertainty arising from the rise in inflation, along with the continuing impact of both Covid-19 and Brexit, together with the events in Ukraine. We have also taken into account the renewal of the deep discounted bond post year end (as detailed in note 29, post balance sheet events). For this reason, the Board considers it appropriate for the Group to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Revenue

Restaurant revenue represents net invoiced sales of food and beverage excluding value added tax. Hotel revenue represents net invoiced sales of accommodation and room hire excluding value added tax. Revenue is recognised when the goods or services have been provided.

Goodwill

Goodwill relates to acquired sites and is initially measured at cost (being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling interests) and any previous interest held over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the fair value of the net assets acquired is in excess of the aggregate consideration transferred, the Group re-assesses whether it has correctly identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed and reviews the procedures used to measure the amounts to be recognised at the acquisition date. If the reassessment still results in an excess of the fair value of net assets acquired over the aggregate consideration transferred, then the gain is recognised in the income statement.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The goodwill is tested annually for impairment irrespective of whether there is an indication of impairment.

Intangible fixed assets (other than goodwill)

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business combination are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date if the fair value can be measured reliably.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives of 4 years on a straight-line basis.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost comprises purchase cost together with any incidental costs of acquisition.

Depreciation is provided to write down the cost less the estimated residual value of all tangible fixed assets by equal instalments over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight-line basis. The following rates are applied:

Asset class Depreciation method and rate

Right-of-use assets Life of lease

Freehold buildings 2% per annum

Freehold land Not depreciated

Leasehold improvements Life of lease

Furniture, fittings and equipment 14.29% - 33.33% per annum

Assets under construction Not depreciated

IT equipment 20% - 33.33% per annum

The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at the end of each reporting period, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis. Property, plant and equipment are tested for impairment if indications of impairment are present.

Assets under construction relates to capital expenditure on sites that have not started trading.

Inventories

Raw materials and consumables are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on latest contracted purchase cost.

Financial instruments

The Group classifies financial instruments, or their component parts, on initial recognition as a financial asset, a financial liability or an equity instrument in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement. Financial instruments are recognised on the trade date when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value plus, in the case of a financial instrument not at fair value through profit and loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial instrument. Financial instruments are derecognised on the trade date when the Group is no longer a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Non-derivative financial instruments

Non-derivative financial instruments comprise trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, loans and borrowings and trade and other payables. All financial instruments held are classified as subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Trade and other receivables and trade and other payables

Trade and other receivables are recognised initially at transaction price less attributable transaction costs. Trade and other payables are recognised initially at transaction price plus attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any expected credit losses in the case of trade receivables. If the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, for example if payment is deferred beyond normal business terms, then it is measured at the present value of future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Interest bearing borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at the present value of future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances held at bank, call deposits, cash on hand and cash in transit.

Impairments of tangible and intangible fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior periods. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Tax payable is based on taxable profit. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the statement of profit or loss because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. Any liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised based on tax laws and rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the consolidated profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited in other comprehensive income, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in other comprehensive income.

The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Company expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Current and deferred tax are recognised in the consolidated profit or loss, except when they relate to items that are recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current and deferred tax are also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.

Employee benefits

Post-retirement benefits

The Group operates defined contribution plans for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate entity and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the periods during which services are rendered by employees. Termination benefits

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Group is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

Leases

The Group leases a number of properties in various locations around the UK from which it operates.

All leases are accounted for by recognising a right-of-use asset and a lease liability except for:

Leases of low value assets; and

Leases with a duration of twelve months or less.

Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the contractual payments due to the lessor over the lease term, with the discount rate determined by reference to the rate inherent in the lease unless (as is typically the case) this is not readily determinable, in which case the Group's incremental borrowing rate on commencement of the lease is used. This is 4.5% (2021: 4.5%). Variable lease payments are only included in the measurement of the lease liability if they depend on an index or rate. In such cases, the initial measurement of the lease liability assumes the variable element will remain unchanged throughout the lease term. Other variable lease payments, such as those linked to revenue, are expensed in the period to which they relate.

On initial recognition, the carrying value of the lease liability also includes:

Amounts expected to be payable under any residual value guarantee;

The exercise price of any purchase option granted in favour of the Group if it is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and

Any penalties payable for terminating the lease, if the term of the lease has been estimated on the basis of termination option being exercised.

Right-of-use assets are initially measured at the amount of the lease liability, reduced for any lease incentives received, and increased for:

Lease payments made at or before commencement of the lease.

Initial direct costs incurred; and

The amount of any provision recognised where the Group is contractually required to dismantle, remove or restore the leased asset (typically leasehold dilapidations).

Subsequent to initial measurement lease liabilities increase as a result of interest charged at a constant rate on the balance outstanding and are reduced for lease payments made. Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease or over the remaining economic life of the asset if, rarely, this is judged to be shorter than the lease term. Right-of-use assets are tested for impairment if indications of impairment are present.

When the Group revises its estimate of the term of any lease (because, for example, it re-assesses the probability of a lessee extension or termination option being exercised), it adjusts the carrying amount of the lease liability to reflect the payments to be made over the revised term, which are discounted at the same discount rate that applied on lease commencement. The carrying value of lease liabilities is similarly revised when the variable element of future lease payments dependent on a rate or index is revised. In both cases an equivalent adjustment is made to the carrying value of the right-of-use asset, with the revised carrying amount being depreciated over the remaining (revised) lease term.

Lease modifications change the scope of the lease or change the consideration for the lease by comparison with that detailed in the original terms and conditions of the contract. If the modifications, in substance, mean that the original lease has been terminated and a new lease created, then the revised terms are accounted for as a new lease.

Where modifications do not need to be accounted for as a separate lease, the amount recognised for the lease liability and the right-of-use asset is revisited to reflect the updated terms and conditions of the contract.

Finance income and Financing costs

Financing costs comprise interest payable, finance charges on shares classified as liabilities and finance leases recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method, and net foreign exchange losses that are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Finance income includes interest receivable on funds invested.

Interest income and interest payable are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as they accrue, using the effective interest method.

Investments

In the separate accounts of the Company, interests in subsidiaries are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Interests in subsidiaries are assessed for impairment at each reporting date. Any impairments losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Government grants

During the period, the Group has received business rates relief. The income from this has been offset against the expense to which it relates.

Standards issued but not yet effective:

The following standards relevant to the Group are in issue but are not yet effective and have not been applied in the financial statements. In some cases these standards and guidance have not been endorsed for use in the United Kingdom.

 
 IFRS 3 (Amendment)    Reference to the conceptual framework 
 IAS 16 (Amendment)    Property, plant and equipment: proceeds before 
                        intended use 
 IAS 37 (Amendment)    Cost of fulfilling a contract 
 IAS 1 (Amendment)     Classification of liabilities as current 
                        or non-current 
 IAS 1 (Amendment)     Disclosure of accounting policies 
 IAS 8 (Amendment)     Definition of accounting estimates 
 IAS 12 (Amendment)    Deferred tax related to assets and liabilities 
                        arising from a single transaction 
 IFRS 17 (Amendment)   Insurance contracts 
 

The Group has not yet assessed the impact of these amended Accounting Standards.

3 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires the Directors to make estimates and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, costs and revenue. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Information about such judgements and estimates is contained in individual accounting policies. The judgements, estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant.

The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below:

Key estimate - determining the rate used to discount lease payments

At the commencement date of property leases the lease liability is calculated by discounting the lease payments. The discount rate used should be the interest rate implicit in the lease. However, if that rate cannot be readily determined, which is generally the case for property leases, the lessee's incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right of use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions. The discount rate applied to the Group's leases under the portfolio approach is 4.5%. A 0.5% increase in the discount rate to 5% will result in a decrease in net present value of the total lease liability of GBP1,012,000 in 2022 (2021: GBP648,000). A 0.5% decrease in discount rate to 4% results in increase in the net present value of the total lease liability of GBP1,067,000 in 2022 (2021: GBP683,000).

Key estimate - determining the AGA provision

The Group has historically entered into AGA provisions for 8 sites (2021: 9) which have been disposed of via assignment of lease. Should the assignees default on their payments, the Group would become liable. Judgement is required to determine the probable outflow of resources that arise from these guarantees. A provision of GBP357,000 (2021: GBP357,000) has been made for one year of rent at 3 sites (2021: 3), with other sites considered a contingent liability (as detailed in note 30). This reflects an assessment of the trading status of the assignees, and the expected cost to dispose of the lease should those assignees default.

Key estimate - assessment of recoverable amounts for assets tested for impairment

The Group performs impairment assessments on goodwill, other intangibles, and property plant and equipment as required by IAS 36 Impairment of assets. The Company also performs impairment assessments on investments in subsidiaries under IAS 36 and receivables from subsidiaries under IFRS 9 Financial instruments.

Determining whether assets are impaired under IAS 36 requires an estimation of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating units ('CGUs') to which those assets have been allocated. The value-in-use calculation requires estimation of future cash flows expected to arise from the cash generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value. Details of cash generating units, carrying values of goodwill, other intangibles and property, plant and equipment as well as further information about the assumptions made are disclosed in notes 13 and 14 to the financial statements.

Determining whether assets are impaired under IFRS 9 requires application of the 'expected credit loss' approach, which involves estimation of how current and future economic conditions will impact on the amount of any such loss. The carrying value of receivables from subsidiaries is set out in note 17 to the financial statements.

4 Revenue

An analysis of the Group's total revenue (including sublease rental income shown within cost of sales) which all originates in the UK is as follows:

 
                                                     52 weeks                   53 weeks 
                                                        ended                      ended 
                                                    2 October                  3 October 
                                                         2022                       2021 
                                                      GBP 000                    GBP 000 
 
 Sale of goods                                         36,523                     20,212 
 Accommodation and room hire                            4,086                      2,111 
 Sub-let rental income                                     58                         25 
                                                       40,667                     22,348 
                               ==============================  ========================= 
 

5 Segmental Reporting

IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' requires operating segments to be based on the Group's internal reporting to its Chief Operating Decision Maker ('CODM'). The CODM is regarded as the Chief Executive Officer together with other Board Members who receive financial information at a site-by-site level.

 
 52 weeks ended 2         Restaurant              Hotel           Other 
  October 2022               Segment            Segment     Unallocated                   Total 
                             GBP 000            GBP 000         GBP 000                 GBP 000 
 
 Revenue                      36,523              4,086              58                  40,667 
 
 Adjusted EBITDA 
  (before impact of 
  IFRS 16)                     4,548              1,050         (5,161)                     437 
 Pre-opening costs             (734)                  -            (21)                   (755) 
 Non-trading sites 
  income                         144                  -               -                     144 
 Impact of IFRS 16             1,819              1,275               -                   3,094 
 Share based payments              -                  -           (830)                   (830) 
 EBITDA                        5,777              2,325         (6,012)                   2,090 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation                     -                  -         (4,702)                 (4,702) 
 Loss on disposal 
  of assets and leases             -                  -            (54)                    (54) 
 Impairments                       -                  -         (2,543)                 (2,543) 
 Financing costs                   -                  -         (2,006)                 (2,006) 
 Profit / (loss) 
  before tax                   5,777              2,325        (15,317)                 (7,215) 
 Tax                               -                  -               -                       - 
 Profit / (loss) 
  for the period               5,777              2,325        (15,317)                 (7,215) 
                         ===========  =================  ==============  ====================== 
 
 
 53 weeks ended 3             Restaurant              Hotel           Other 
  October 2021                   Segment            Segment     Unallocated                   Total 
                                 GBP 000            GBP 000         GBP 000                 GBP 000 
 
 Revenue                          20,212              2,111              25                  22,348 
 
 Adjusted EBITDA 
  (before impact of 
  IFRS 16)                         2,748               (18)         (3,908)                 (1,178) 
 Pre-opening costs                 (295)                  -               -                   (295) 
 Non-trading sites 
  income                             149                  -               -                     149 
 Impact of IFRS 16                 1,182              1,200               -                   2,382 
 Share based payments                  -                  -           (844)                   (844) 
 EBITDA                            3,784              1,182         (4,752)                     214 
 Depreciation and 
  amortisation                         -                  -         (3,971)                 (3,971) 
 Loss on disposal 
  of assets and leases                 -                  -           (335)                   (335) 
 Impairments                           -                  -           (610)                   (610) 
 Financing costs                       -                  -         (1,642)                 (1,642) 
 Movement in AGA provision             -                  -             104                     104 
 Insurance claim proceeds          2,500                  -               -                   2,500 
 Profit / (loss) 
  before tax                       6,284              1,182        (11,206)                 (3,740) 
 Tax                                   -                  -               -                       - 
 Profit / (loss) 
  for the period                   6,284              1,182        (11,206)                 (3,740) 
                             ===========  =================  ==============  ====================== 
 

6 Finance income / financing costs

 
                                                 52 weeks     53 weeks 
                                                    ended        ended 
                                                2 October    3 October 
                                                     2022         2021 
                                                  GBP 000      GBP 000 
 
 Interest income on bank deposits                       -            3 
 Total finance income                                   -            3 
                                              -----------  ----------- 
 
 Interest on bank overdrafts and borrowings         (661)        (537) 
 Lease liability interest                         (1,344)      (1,108) 
 Foreign exchange loss                                (1)            - 
 Total financing costs                            (2,006)      (1,645) 
                                              -----------  ----------- 
 Net financing costs                              (2,006)      (1,642) 
                                              ===========  =========== 
 

7 Auditor's remuneration

 
                                        52 weeks     53 weeks 
                                           ended        ended 
                                       2 October    3 October 
                                            2022         2021 
                                         GBP 000      GBP 000 
 
 Audit of the financial statements           199          138 
                                     ===========  =========== 
 
 

Audit fees for the 52 weeks ended 2 October 2022 includes GBP36,000 in respect of the 2021 audit. Audit fees for the 53 weeks ended 3 October 2021 includes GBP13,000 in respect of the 2020 audit.

8 Staff numbers and costs

 
                                                      52 weeks     53 weeks 
                                                         ended        ended 
                                                     2 October    3 October 
                                                          2022         2021 
                                                       GBP 000      GBP 000 
 Their aggregate remuneration comprised: 
 
 Wages and salaries                                     15,339       11,824 
 Social security costs                                   1,215          898 
 Other pension costs (see note 24)                         220          179 
 Share-based payments                                      830          844 
 Other employee costs                                       91           94 
 Grant income - CJRS                                         -      (3,091) 
-----------------------------------------  -------------------  ----------- 
                                                        17,695       10,748 
-----------------------------------------  -------------------  ----------- 
                                                      52 weeks     53 weeks 
                                                         ended        ended 
                                                     2 October    3 October 
                                                          2022         2021 
  The average monthly number of employees 
               (including Directors) was: 
 
 Restaurants                                               759          521 
 Hotels                                                     56           46 
 Management                                                 43           32 
-----------------------------------------  -------------------  ----------- 
                                                           858          599 
-----------------------------------------  -------------------  ----------- 
 

The average monthly number of employees (being directors) of the Company was 7 (2021:7)

9 Directors' remuneration

 
                                                 52 weeks     53 weeks 
                                                    ended        ended 
                                                2 October    3 October 
                                                     2022         2021 
 The Directors' remuneration for the period       GBP 000      GBP 000 
  in respect of services to the Group, 
  was as follows: 
 
 Remuneration                                         483          444 
 Employer pension contribution                          9            8 
                                                      492          452 
                                              ===========  =========== 
 
 
                                               52 weeks     53 weeks 
                                                  ended        ended 
                                              2 October    3 October 
                                                   2022         2021 
 In respect of the highest paid director:       GBP 000      GBP 000 
 
 Remuneration                                       202          181 
 Employer pension contribution                        5            5 
                                                    207          186 
                                            ===========  =========== 
 

10 Tax

Tax charged in the statement of comprehensive income

 
                                                   52 weeks       53 weeks 
                                                      ended          ended 
                                                  2 October      3 October 
                                                       2022           2021 
                                                    GBP 000        GBP 000 
 Tax expense 
 Corporation tax                                          -              - 
 Total current income tax                                 -              - 
                                                -----------    ----------- 
 Tax expense in the statement of comprehensive 
  income                                                  -              - 
                                                ===========    =========== 
 Corporation tax is calculated at 19% (2021: 19%) of the estimated 
  taxable loss for the period. 
 
 
 The charge for the period can be reconciled to the loss in 
  the consolidated statement of comprehensive income as follows: 
                                                52 weeks     53 weeks 
                                                   ended        ended 
                                               2 October    3 October 
                                                    2022         2021 
                                                 GBP 000      GBP 000 
 
 Loss before tax                                 (7,215)      (3,740) 
                                             ===========  =========== 
 
 Corporation tax at standard rate 19.0% 
  (2021: 19.0%)                                  (1,371)        (711) 
 Fixed asset differences                             527          236 
 Expenses not deductible                           1,792          311 
 Income not taxable                              (1,409)            - 
 Remeasurement of deferred tax for changes 
  in tax rates                                         1      (3,049) 
 Movement in deferred tax not recognised             529        3,213 
 Other movements                                    (69)            - 
 Total tax charge                                      -            - 
                                             ===========  =========== 
 
 

No account has been taken of the potential deferred tax asset of GBP13,528,000 (2021: GBP12,705,000) calculated at 25% (2021: 25%) and representing losses carried forward and short-term timing differences, owing to the uncertainty over the utilisation of the losses available.

11 Other expenses

 
                                          52 weeks             53 weeks 
                                             ended                ended 
                                         2 October            3 October 
                                              2022                 2021 
                                           GBP 000              GBP 000 
 
  Depreciation and amortisation                244                  389 
  AGA release of provision (note 22)             -                (104) 
  Other central costs                        2,596                2,067 
                                       -----------  ------------------- 
                                             2,840                2,352 
                                       ===========  =================== 
 
 

12 Earnings per share

Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year. There were no potentially dilutive ordinary shares outstanding as at the periods ended 2 October 2022 and 3 October 2021.

 
                                                    2 October    3 October 
                                                         2022         2021 
                                                      GBP 000      GBP 000 
 
  Loss for the year 
   after tax                                          (7,215)      (3,740) 
  Basic and diluted weighted average number 
   of shares                                       82,143,398   82,143,398 
  Basic loss per share 
   (pence)                                              (8.8)        (4.6) 
  Diluted loss per share (pence)                        (8.8)        (4.6) 
                                                  ===========  =========== 
 
 

13 Intangible assets

 
  Group                                               Trademarks, 
                                                          patents 
                                 Brand   Goodwill      & licenses     Total 
                               GBP 000    GBP 000         GBP 000   GBP 000 
 
  Cost or valuation 
  At 3 October 2021              2,912     26,019              25    28,956 
  Additions                          -          -               -         - 
  At 2 October 2022              2,912     26,019              25    28,956 
                              --------  ---------  --------------  -------- 
 
  Amortisation 
  At 3 October 2021              2,724     13,391               -    16,115 
  Charge for the period             64          -               -        64 
  Impairment                         -      1,563               -     1,563 
  At 2 October 2022              2,788     14,954               -    17,742 
                              --------  ---------  --------------  -------- 
 
  Carrying amount 2 October 
   2022                            124     11,065              25    11,214 
                              ========  =========  ==============  ======== 
 
 
                                                      Trademarks, 
                                                          patents 
                                 Brand   Goodwill      & licenses     Total 
                               GBP 000    GBP 000         GBP 000   GBP 000 
 
  Cost or valuation 
  At 27 September 2020           2,912     26,019              25    28,956 
  Additions                          -          -               -         - 
  At 3 October 2021              2,912     26,019              25    28,956 
                              --------  ---------  --------------  -------- 
 
  Amortisation 
  At 27 September 2020           2,662     13,391               -    16,053 
  Charge for the period             62          -               -        62 
  At 3 October 2021              2,724     13,391               -    16,115 
                              --------  ---------  --------------  -------- 
  Carrying amount 3 October 
   2021                            188     12,628              25    12,841 
                              ========  =========  ==============  ======== 
 
 
 
 

Brand relates to registered brand names and is amortised over an estimated useful economic life of four years.

Goodwill is not amortised, but an impairment test is performed annually by comparing the carrying amount of the goodwill to its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is represented by the greater of the individual cash generating units (CGU's) fair value less costs of disposal and its value-in-use.

The goodwill balance relates to two sites in the restaurant segment (GBP2,038,000) and two sites in the hotel segment (GBP9,027,000).

Restaurant segment

The key assumptions for the value-in-use calculations are those regarding the discount rate, trading forecasts and growth rates. A pre-tax discount rate of 14.9% was used (2021: 12.0%), based on the Group's WACC and comparable businesses in the sector. Cash flows in line with forecasts were used. Cash flows beyond the forecast period are extended out to the end of the lease terms at a 2% growth rate.

Impairment testing at 2 October 2022 resulted in the impairment of goodwill relating to Restaurant 1 for GBP1,563,000, leaving a recoverable amount of GBP1,046,000. This is due to the recoverable amount, being value-in-use, being lower than the goodwill recognised.

Given the ongoing global economic uncertainty and its impact on the UK hospitality sector there is particular sensitivity to the forecasts prepared in connection with the impairment review as at 2 October 2022. The estimate of recoverable amount for the restaurant segment is particularly sensitive to the discount rate and trading forecast assumptions. If the discount rate used is increased by 2%, the forecast future EBITDA is reduced by 10% and the terminal growth rate reduced by 1%, a further impairment loss of GBP991,000 for the period ended 2 October 2022 would have to be recognised against goodwill (2021: GBP220,000). Management is not currently aware of any other reasonably possible changes to key assumptions that would cause a unit's carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount.

Hotel segment

The key assumptions for the value-in-use calculations are those regarding the discount rate, trading forecasts and growth rates. A pre-tax discount rate of 14.9% was used (2021: 12.0%), based on the Group's WACC and comparable businesses in the sector. Cash flows in line with forecasts were used. Cash flows beyond the forecast period are extended at a terminal growth rate of 2%.

Impairment testing at 2 October 2022 resulted in no requirement to reduce the carrying value of goodwill at 2 October 2022, as the recoverable amounts of the CGUs, based on value-in-use estimates, were greater than the carrying values.

The estimate of recoverable amount for the hotel segment is sensitive to the discount rate, trading forecast assumptions and terminal growth rate. If the discount rate used is increased by 2%, the forecast future EBITDA is reduced by 10% and the terminal growth rate reduced by 1%, no impairment would be required (2021: nil). Management is not currently aware of any other reasonably possible changes to key assumptions that would cause a unit's carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount.

Company

The Company has no intangible assets.

14 Property, plant and equipment

Group

 
                                                           Furniture, 
                                                             fittings         Assets 
                  Right-of-use   Freehold      Leasehold          and          under          IT 
                        assets   property   improvements    equipment   construction   equipment      Total 
                                      GBP                                                    GBP        GBP 
                       GBP 000        000        GBP 000      GBP 000        GBP 000         000        000 
 
 Cost or 
 valuation 
 At 3 October 
  2021                  29,215      2,294          9,814        6,003          1,336       1,583     50,245 
 Additions               6,531          -          5,481        2,291            585         495     15,383 
 Lease 
  modifications          2,127          -              -            -              -           -      2,127 
 Disposals               (285)          -              -          (3)           (74)         (2)      (364) 
 Transfers                   -          -            998          244        (1,274)          32          - 
 At 2 October 
  2022                  37,588      2,294         16,293        8,535            573       2,108     67,391 
                 -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Depreciation 
 At 3 October 
  2021                   8,491          -          1,756        3,091              -       1,015     14,353 
 Charge for 
  the period             2,286          -            733        1,351              -         268      4,638 
 Eliminated 
  on disposal            (278)          -              -          (2)              -         (1)      (281) 
 Impairment 
  loss                     980          -              -            -              -           -        980 
 At 2 October 
  2022                  11,479          -          2,489        4,440              -       1,282     19,690 
                 -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Carrying 
  amount 
  At 2 October 
  2022                  26,109      2,294         13,804        4,095            573         826     47,701 
                 =============  =========  =============  ===========  =============  ==========  ========= 
 
 
                                                          Furniture, 
                                                            fittings         Assets 
                 Right-of-use   Freehold      Leasehold          and          under          IT 
                       assets   property   improvements    equipment   construction   equipment      Total 
                                     GBP                                                    GBP        GBP 
                      GBP 000        000        GBP 000      GBP 000        GBP 000         000        000 
 
 Cost or 
 valuation 
 At 27 
  September 
  2020                 26,907      1,795          7,860        5,942          1,171       1,432     45,107 
 Additions              2,308         17          2,088        1,404          1,336         215      7,368 
 Disposals                  -          -          (701)      (1,404)           (60)        (65)    (2,230) 
 Transfers                  -        482            567           61        (1,111)           1          - 
 At 3 October 
  2021                 29,215      2,294          9,814        6,003          1,336       1,583     50,245 
                -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Depreciation 
 At 27 
  September 
  2020                  5,858          -          1,436        3,551              -         823     11,668 
 Charge for 
  the period            2,023          -            374        1,267              -         244      3,908 
 Eliminated 
  on disposal               -          -           (54)      (1,727)              -        (52)    (1,833) 
 Impairment 
  loss                    610          -              -            -              -           -        610 
 At 3 October 
  2021                  8,491          -          1,756        3,091              -       1,015     14,353 
                -------------  ---------  -------------  -----------  -------------  ----------  --------- 
 
 Carrying 
  amount 
  3 October 
  2021                 20,724      2,294          8,058        2,912          1,336         568     35,892 
                =============  =========  =============  ===========  =============  ==========  ========= 
 
 
 

The Group's leasehold premises and improvements are stated at cost, being the fair value at the date of acquisition, plus any additions at cost less any subsequent accumulated depreciation. Assets under construction relates to capital expenditure on sites that have not started trading.

Depreciation is charged to cost of sales in the Statement of Comprehensive Income for property, plant and equipment in use at the trading leasehold premises. Depreciation on property, plant and equipment used by central functions is charged to other expenses in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Rental income from subletting right-of-use assets is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. It is netted off against rental costs and is recognised within cost of sales (2022: GBP42,000, 2021: GBP41,000).

The Group has determined that each site in the restaurant operating segment, and each of the companies in the hotel operating segment are separate CGUs for impairment testing purposes. Each CGU is tested for impairment at the balance sheet date if there exists at that date any indicators of impairment. Losses incurred by the Group pre Covid-19 as well as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic are considered indicators of potential impairment, accordingly all CGUs have been tested for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is represented by the greater of the individual CGU's fair value less costs of disposal and its value-in-use.

Restaurant segment

The key assumptions for the value-in-use calculations are those regarding the discount rate, trading forecasts and growth rates. A discount rate of 14.9% was used (2021: 12.0%), based on the Group's WACC and comparable businesses in the sector. Cash flows in line with forecasts were used. Cash flows beyond the forecast period are extended out to the end of the lease terms at a 2% growth rate.

Impairment testing resulted in the reduction of carrying amount to recoverable amount, being value-in-use, for three CGUs in 2022, with the full charge recognised against the restaurant segment. This charge was for the lease on restaurant 2 (impairment of GBP495,000 leaving a recoverable amount in the CGU of GBP1,970,000), restaurant 3 (impairment of GBP278,000 leaving a recoverable amount in the CGU of GBP471,000) and restaurant 4 (impairment of GBP207,000 leaving a recoverable amount in the CGU of GBPnil). The CGUs with the least headroom are Restaurant 5 with GBP160,000, Restaurant 6 with GBP318,000 and Restaurant 7 with GBP534,000. The charge in 2021 was for GBP610,000 against right of use assets at restaurant 4.

The estimate of recoverable amount for the restaurant segment is particularly sensitive to the trading forecast assumptions. If the discount rate used is increased by 2%, the forecast EBITDA is reduced by 10%, and the terminal growth rate reduced by 1%, a further impairment loss of GBP569,000 for the period ended 2 October 2022 would have to be recognized against right of use assets. Management is not currently aware of any other reasonably possible changes to key assumptions that would cause a unit's carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount.

Hotel segment

As a result of the headroom identified during the goodwill impairment testing of the hotel operating segment (see note 13), no impairment charge is required in respect of the hotel segment.

Company

The Company has no property, plant and equipment.

15 Investments

 
 Group subsidiaries 
                                                     Country of incorporation       Proportion of ownership 
                           Principal                  and registered               interest and voting rights 
 Name of subsidiary         activity                  office                           held by the Group 
------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------  ------------------------------ 
                                                                                          2022            2021 
                                                                                --------------  -------------- 
                                                     United Kingdom 
                                                      20 St Thomas 
 Various Eateries                                     Street, London, 
  Holdings Limited*        Holding company            SE1 9RS                             100%            100% 
                                                     United Kingdom 
                                                      20 St Thomas 
 Rare Bird Hotels          Hotels and                 Street, London, 
  at Sonning Limited*       similar accommodation     SE1 9RS                             100%            100% 
                                                     United Kingdom 
                                                      20 St Thomas 
 Rare Bird Hotels          Hotels and                 Street, London, 
  at Streatley Limited*     similar accommodation     SE1 9RS                             100%            100% 
                                                     United Kingdom 
                           Property                   20 St Thomas 
 VEL Property Holdings      management                Street, London, 
  Limited                   services                  SE1 9RS                             100%            100% 
                                                     United Kingdom 
                                                      20 St Thomas 
                                                      Street, London, 
 SCP Sugar Limited         Holding company            SE1 9RS                             100%            100% 
                                                     United Kingdom 
                                                      20 St Thomas 
 Various Eateries          Licensed                   Street, London, 
  Trading Limited           restaurants               SE1 9RS                             100%            100% 
                                                     United Kingdom 
                           Property                   20 St Thomas 
                            management                Street, London, 
 Noci Islington Limited     services                  SE1 9RS                             100%            100% 
                                                     United Kingdom 
                           Property                   20 St Thomas 
 Coppa Club (Haslemere)     management                Street, London, 
  Limited                   services                  SE1 9RS                             100%            100% 
                                                     United Kingdom 
                           Property                   20 St Thomas 
                            management                Street, London, 
 Coppa Club Limited         services                  SE1 9RS                             100%            100% 
 Coppa (Bath) Limited      Property                  United Kingdom                       100%               - 
                            management                20 St Thomas 
                            services                  Street, London, 
                                                      SE1 9RS 
 Coppa Club Cardiff        Property                  United Kingdom                       100%               - 
  Limited                   management                20 St Thomas 
                            services                  Street, London, 
                                                      SE1 9RS 
 Tavolino Limited          Dormant                   United Kingdom                       100%               - 
                                                      20 St Thomas 
                                                      Street, London, 
                                                      SE1 9RS 
                                                     United Kingdom 
                                                      20 St Thomas 
                                                      Street, London, 
 Coppa Limited             Dormant                    SE1 9RS                             100%            100% 
------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------  --------------  -------------- 
 

*Indicates direct investment of the Company, other companies are held by direct subsidiaries

The two subsidiary companies set out above, Rare Bird Hotels at Sonning Limited (Registered Company Number 12764418) and Rare Bird Hotels at Streatley Limited (Registered Company Number 12764529) are exempt from the requirement for an audit for the period ended 2 October 2022 under section 479A of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of that period, as the ultimate parent company, Various Eateries Plc, which has prepared audited consolidated financial statements, is providing a guarantee under section 479C of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of that period, and all members of the companies above agree to the exemption of an audit for the period ended 2 October 2022.

 
                                                    2 October   3 October 
                                                         2022        2021 
                                                      GBP 000     GBP 000 
-----------------------------------------    ----------------  ---------- 
  Summary of investments in subsidiaries 
  At start and end of financial period                  9,325       9,325 
 
 

There were no additions by the Company in the period.

16 Inventories

 
                                    Group                                     Company 
                      ---------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------ 
                                  2 October   3 October                2 October                3 October 
                                       2022        2021                     2022                     2021 
                                    GBP 000     GBP 000                  GBP 000                  GBP 000 
 
  Food and beverage                     285         234                        -                        - 
  Consumables                           523         312                        -                        - 
--------------------  ---------------------  ----------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
                                        808         546                        -                        - 
--------------------  ---------------------  ----------  -----------------------  ----------------------- 
 
  Inventories recognised as an expense in the period totalled 
   GBP9,828,000 (2021: GBP5,078,000). 
 

17 Trade and other receivables

 
                                       Group                                          Company 
                  ----------------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
                               2 October               3 October               2 October               3 October 
                                    2022                    2021                    2022                    2021 
                                 GBP 000                 GBP 000                 GBP 000                 GBP 000 
 
 Trade 
  receivables                        204                     137                       -                       - 
 Receivables 
  from 
  subsidiaries                         -                       -                  42,632                  40,872 
 Prepayments                         907                     579                       -                       - 
 Other 
  receivables                      1,452                     788                       -                       - 
----------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
                                   2,563                   1,504                  42,632                  40,872 
----------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

All of the trade receivables were non-interest bearing, receivable under normal commercial terms, and the Directors do not consider there to be any material expected credit loss. The Directors consider that the carrying value of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

18 Cash and bank balances

 
                                       Group                            Company 
                           -----------------------------  ----------------------------------- 
                            2 October          3 October                2 October   3 October 
                                 2022               2021                     2022        2021 
                              GBP 000            GBP 000                  GBP 000     GBP 000 
  Cash and bank balances        9,390             19,716                        -           - 
-------------------------  ----------  -----------------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 
 

19 Trade and other payables

 
                                      Group                                          Company 
                  --------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------ 
                              2 October              3 October               2 October                 3 October 
                                   2022                   2021                    2022                      2021 
                                GBP 000                GBP 000                 GBP 000                   GBP 000 
----------------  ---------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------ 
 Trade payables                   2,232                  1,544                       -                         - 
 Payables to 
  subsidiaries                        -                      -                   1,863                     1,146 
 Accrued 
  expenses                        3,805                  5,028                       -                         - 
 Social security 
  and other 
  taxes                           1,363                    923                       -                         - 
 Other payables                   1,194                    906                       -                         - 
 Lease 
  liabilities 
  due 
  in less than 
  one year                        2,826                  2,842                       -                         - 
----------------  ---------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------ 
                                 11,420                 11,243                   1,863                     1,146 
----------------  ---------------------  ---------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------ 
 

20 Current borrowings

 
                                         Group                                        Company 
                       -----------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------- 
                                    2 October          3 October               2 October               3 October 
                                         2022               2021                    2022                    2021 
                                      GBP 000            GBP 000                 GBP 000                 GBP 000 
 Borrowings from 
  related 
  parties                              12,707             12,438                       -                       - 
---------------------  ----------------------  -----------------  ----------------------  ---------------------- 
 

Borrowings from related parties classed as payable within 12 months includes two deep discounted bond instruments issued by VEL Property Holdings Limited and by Various Eateries Trading Limited.

The deep discounted bond instrument issued by VEL Property Holdings Limited was issued in January 2022, the subscription amount was GBP2,584,000, the nominal value GBP2,791,000, the final redemption date being 14 January 2023. The discount is recognised between subscription and redemption date, resulting in GBP147,000 of accrued financing costs as at the reporting date.

The deep discounted bond instrument issued by Various Eateries Trading Limited was in April 2022, with a subscription price of GBP9,515,000, a nominal value of GBP10,001,000, and a term of 12 months. The discount is recognised between subscription and redemption date resulting in GBP226,000 of accrued financing costs at the reporting date. The balance of GBP608,000 (2021: GBP1,038,000) under the August 2019 loan agreement matures in April 2023, bears cash settled interest at 3.75% above SONIA (2021: cash settled interest at 3.75% above LIBOR.

21 Non-current borrowings

 
                                            Group                           Company 
                                ----------------------------  ----------------------------------- 
                                 2 October         3 October                2 October   3 October 
                                      2022              2021                     2022        2021 
                                   GBP 000           GBP 000                  GBP 000     GBP 000 
  Lease liabilities due after 
   more than one year               29,244            22,128                        -           - 
------------------------------  ----------  ----------------  -----------------------  ---------- 
 
 

The loans and borrowings classified as financial instruments are disclosed in note 25.

The Group's exposure to market and liquidity risk in respect of loans and borrowings is disclosed in the financial instruments note.

22 Provisions for liabilities

 
 Group                                                    52 weeks 
                                                             ended 
                                                         2 October 
                                                              2022 
 Authorised Guarantee Agreements ('AGAs')                  GBP 000 
------------------------------------------    -------------------- 
 At start and end of financial period                          357 
 
 
                                                        53 weeks 
                                                           ended 
                                                       3 October 
                                                            2021 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------- 
 Authorised Guarantee Agreements ("AGAs")              GBP 000 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------- 
 At start of previous financial period                     461 
 Release of provision in the prior year                  (104) 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------- 
 At end of previous and current financial period           357 
-------------------------------------------------  ----------- 
 

The provision relates to the annual rental cost of three (2021: three) previously operated sites that have been disposed of via assignment of lease and include Authorised Guarantee Agreements ('AGAs') as part of the assignment arrangement (see also note 30).

23 Share capital and share premium

 
 
    Authorised, allotted, called-up 
    and fully paid shares 
                                        2 October 2022                  3 October 2021 
                               ------------------------------  ------------------------------ 
                                     No. 000          GBP 000        No. 000          GBP 000 
-----------------------------  -------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------- 
  Ordinary shares of GBP0.01 
   each                               89,008              890         89,008              890 
-----------------------------  -------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------- 
 

There were no movements in ordinary share capital in the period ended 2 October 2022

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on the winding up of the Company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. The fully paid ordinary shares have a par value of GBP0.01 and the company does not have a limited amount of authorised capital.

Employee benefit trust shares reserve

The Group presents these shares as an adjustment to own equity at the period end date through the employee benefit trust shares reserve, until the point that the shares are awarded, and cease to be conditional awards of shares. The award of shares is conditional upon certain vesting criteria, as outlined in note 26.

24 Retirement benefit schemes

Group personal pension scheme

The Group operates group personal pension schemes for all qualifying employees. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the Group.

The total cost charged to income of GBP220,000 (2021: GBP179,000) represents contributions payable to these schemes by the Group at rates specified in the rules of the schemes. As at 2 October 2022, contributions of GBP30,000 (2021: GBP26,000) due in respect of the current reporting period had not been paid over to the schemes.

25 Financial instruments

 
 Group 
 Financial assets at amortised cost 
                                          2 October           3 October 
                                               2022                2021 
                                            GBP 000             GBP 000 
-----------------------------    ------------------  ------------------ 
 Cash at bank and in hand                     9,390              19,716 
 Trade and other receivables                  1,656                 925 
-------------------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
                                             11,046              20,641 
  -----------------------------  ------------------  ------------------ 
 

Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities

 
                          Lease Liabilities   Other Borrowings     Total 
                                    GBP 000            GBP 000   GBP 000 
-----------------------  ------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 At start of financial 
  period                             24,970             12,438    37,408 
 New borrowings                       7,315                        7,315 
 DDB renewal                              -                700       700 
 Interest charge                      1,344                  -     1,344 
 Repayments during 
  the period                        (1,559)              (431)   (1,990) 
-----------------------  ------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 At end of financial 
  period                             32,070             12,707    44,777 
-----------------------  ------------------  -----------------  -------- 
 

Valuation methods and assumptions

Trade receivables are all due for settlement in less than one year. The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables is approximately equal to their fair value due to their short-term nature.

 
 Financial liabilities 
  at amortised cost 
                                                            2 October            3 October 
                                                                 2022                 2021 
                                                              GBP 000              GBP 000 
-------------------------------  -------------      -----------------   ------------------ 
 Trade and other payables                                      39,190               32,447 
 Borrowings from related parties                               12,707               12,438 
------------------------------------   -----------  -----------------   ------------------ 
                                                               51,897               44,885 
------------------------------------   -----------  -----------------   ------------------ 
 
 

Valuation methods and assumptions

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables is approximately equal to their fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of financial liabilities is estimated by discounting the remaining contractual maturities at the current market interest rate that is available for similar financial liabilities.

Fair value hierarchy

The tables above detail the Group's assets and liabilities disclosed at fair value. Using a three-level hierarchy, based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the entire fair value measurement, all assets and liabilities shown above are considered to be level 3: 'Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability'. There were no transfers between levels during the financial period.

Financial risk management and impairment of financial assets

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial instrument risks. The risk management policies employed by the Group to manage these risks are discussed below. The primary objectives of the financial instrument risk management function are to establish risk limits, and then ensure that exposure to risks stay within these limits.

Capital risk management

The Group's objectives when managing capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimum capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

Capital is regarded as total equity, as recognised in the statement of financial position, plus net debt. Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The Company is subject to certain financing arrangements covenants and meeting these is given priority in all capital risk management decisions. There have been no events of default on the financing arrangements during the financial period.

Credit risk management

The Group's credit risk is attributable to trade and other receivables and cash with the carrying amount best representing the maximum exposure to credit risk. The Group places its cash with banks with high quality credit standings. Trade and other receivables relate to day-to-day activities which are entered into with creditworthy counterparties.

Market risk management

The Group's activities expose it economic factors, the Directors closely monitor market conditions and consider any impact on the Group's existing strategy.

Interest rate risk management

The Group is exposed to interest rate risk as the Group's borrowings have an interest rate of 3.75% above SONIA.

Liquidity risk management

Liquidity risk arises from the Group's management of working capital and the finance charges and principal repayments on its debt instruments. It is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations as they fall due.

Management review cashflow forecasts on a regular basis to determine whether the Group has sufficient cash reserves to meet future working capital requirements and to take advantage of business opportunities.

Remaining contractual maturities

The following tables detail the company's remaining contractual maturity for its financial instrument liabilities. The tables have been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the financial liabilities are required to be paid. The tables include both interest and principal cash flows disclosed as remaining contractual maturities and therefore these totals may differ from their carrying amount in the statement of financial position.

 
                     Weighted 
                      average                Between    Between                   Remaining 
                      interest     1 year      1 and      2 and       Over      contractual 
                        rate      or less    2 years    5 years    5 years       maturities 
                                      GBP        GBP        GBP        GBP 
 2022                    %            000        000        000        000          GBP 000 
 
 Non-derivatives 
 
 Trade payables          -          2,232          -          -          -            2,232 
 Other payables          -          4,999          -          -          -            4,999 
 Borrowings 
  - Deep Discount 
  Bond                   -         12,792          -          -          -           12,792 
 Borrowings            3.75% 
  - loan               + SONIA        608          -          -          -              608 
 Lease liability       4.5%         3,157      3,669     11,178     26,451           44,455 
                                   23,788      3,669     11,178     26,451           65,086 
                                =========  =========  =========  =========  =============== 
 
 
                        Weighted 
                         average                Between    Between                 Remaining 
                         interest     1 year      1 and      2 and       Over    contractual 
                           rate      or less    2 years    5 years    5 years     maturities 
 
                                                    GBP        GBP        GBP 
  2021                      %        GBP 000        000        000        000        GBP 000 
 
  Non-derivatives 
  Trade payables            -          1,544          -          -          -          1,544 
  Other payables            -          5,934          -          -          -          5,934 
  Borrowings 
   - Deep Discounted 
   Bond                     -         12,099          -          -          -         12,099 
  Borrowings              3.75% 
   - loan                 + LIBOR      1,038          -          -          -          1,038 
  Lease liability         4.5%         2,970      2,999      8,627     18,387         32,983 
                                      23,585      2,999      8,627     18,387         53,598 
                                   =========  =========  =========  =========  ============= 
 

The cash flows in the maturity analysis above are not expected to occur significantly earlier than contractually disclosed above.

26 Share based payments

As at 2 October 2022, the Group maintained three separate share based payment scheme for employee remuneration (2021: three):

Various Eateries Joint Share Ownership Scheme ("JSOP Scheme 1")

Various Eateries Joint Share Ownership Scheme ("JSOP Scheme 2")

Various Eateries Company Share Option Plan ("CSOP")

JSOP Scheme 1

In accordance with IFRS 2 "Share-based Payment", the value of the awards is measured at fair value at the date of the grant. The fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on management's estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest. A charge of GBP713,000 (2021: GBP818,000) has been recognised in profit and loss by the Group in the period ended 2 October 2022.

The JSOP is part of the remuneration package of the Group's senior management. Participants in this scheme have to be employed until the end of the agreed vesting period. Upon vesting, the holder is entitled to purchase ordinary shares at the market price determined at grant date.

 
                                                             JSOP (Scheme 1) 
                                                            Number of shares 
                         Granted                           Exercisable                                     Total 
 
 At 3 October 2021                             5,809,523                               -               5,809,523 
 Granted                                               -                               -                       - 
 Vesting                                     (5,809,523)                       5,809,523                       - 
                        --------------------------------  ------------------------------  ---------------------- 
 At 2 October 2022                                     -                       5,809,523               5,809,523 
                        ================================  ==============================  ====================== 
 
 
 At 27 September 2020                          5,809,523                               -               5,809,523 
 Granted                                               -                               -                       - 
 At 3 October 2021                             5,809,523                               -               5,809,523 
                        ================================  ==============================  ====================== 
 
 
 
 The fair value of these options granted was determined using a 
  Black-Scholes model. The following principal assumptions were 
  used in the valuation: 
 
                                                                JSOP 
 Grant date                                        18 September 2020 
 Vesting period ends                                  31 August 2022 
 Share price at date of grant                                GBP0.73 
 Volatility                                                   66.98% 
 Option life                                              1.95 years 
 Dividend yield                                                0.00% 
 Risk-free investment rate                                  (0.13) % 
 Fair value per option at grant 
  date                                                       GBP0.26 
 Exercise price at date of grant                             GBP0.73 
                                                 31 August 2022 / 31 
 Exercisable from / to                                   August 2030 
 Remaining contractual life                                      nil 
 

The historical volatility has been calculated based on the share returns of four comparators for a period preceding the valuation date equal to the initial expected term of the options, i.e. a period of 1.92 years. The total estimated fair value of the options granted on 18 September 2020 that was recognised in expenses over the vesting period is GBP1,513,000.

JSOP Scheme 2

A charge of GBP35,000 (2021: GBP20,000) has been recognised in profit and loss by the Group in the period ended 2 October 2022.

The JSOP is part of the remuneration package of the Group's senior management. Participants in this scheme have to be employed until the end of the agreed vesting period. Upon vesting, the holder is entitled to purchase ordinary shares at the market price determined at grant date.

 
                                                                JSOP (Scheme 2) 
                                                                                            Exercise 
                                      Number                                               price per 
                                       of shares                                         share (GBP) 
 
  At 3 October 2021                                              360,000                        1.09 
     Granted                                                           -                          - 
  Lapsed 29 June 2022                                          (360,000)                        1.09 
                                          ------------------------------                 ------------------ 
     At 2 October 2022                                                 -                          - 
                                          ==============================                 ================== 
 
 
     At 27 September 2020                                              -                          - 
  Granted 11 May 2021                                            360,000                        1.09 
  At 3 October 2021                                              360,000                        1.09 
                                          ==============================                 ================== 
 
 
 

26 Share based payments

 
                                                    JSOP 
 Grant date                                  11 May 2021 
 Vesting period ends                             Various 
 Share price at date of grant                    GBP1.03 
 Volatility                                       64.17% 
 Option life                                        3.89 
 Dividend yield                                    0.00% 
 Risk-free investment rate                         0.24% 
 Exercise price at date of grant                 GBP1.09 
                                      31 March 2025 / 31 
 Exercisable from / to                        March 2026 
 Remaining contractual life                   2.50 years 
 
 

The historical volatility has been calculated based on the share returns of four comparators for a period preceding the valuation date equal to the initial expected term of the options, i.e. a period of 3.89 years. The total estimated fair value of the options granted on 11 May 2021 to be recognised in expenses over the vesting period was GBP193,000. All options under the scheme as at 2 October 2022 have lapsed.

CSOP

A charge of GBP82,000 (2021: GBP6,000) has been recognised in profit and loss by the Group in the period ended 2 October 2022.

 
                                                                      CSOP 
                                                                                     Exercise 
                                    Number                                          price per 
                                     of shares                                    share (GBP) 
 
 At 3 October 2021                          92,402                                  1.09 
 Granted 17 January 2022                                 990,441                    0.69 
 Lapsed 11 May 2022                                     (92,402)                    1.09 
 Granted 25 August 2022                                  250,000                    0.42 
---------------------------------  -----------------------------              --------------- 
 At 2 October 2022                                     1,240,441                  various 
                                   =============================              =============== 
 
 
 At 27 September 2020                                          -                     - 
 Granted                                                  92,402                    1.09 
 At 3 October 2021                                        92,402                    1.09 
                                   =============================              =============== 
 
 
 

The fair value of the options is estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation method. The total estimated fair value of the options granted during the year to be recognised over the vesting period is GBP340,000.

 
                                      CSOP              CSOP             CSOP 
                                                  17 January 
 Grant date                    11 May 2021              2022   25 August 2022 
 Vesting period ends           11 May 2024   17 January 2025   25 August 2025 
 Share price at date 
  of grant                         GBP1.08           GBP0.69          GBP0.42 
 Volatility                         65.66%            65.66%           65.66% 
 Option life at grant              3 years           3 years          3 years 
 Dividend yield                      0.00%             0.00%            0.00% 
 Risk-free investment 
  rate                              0.87 %            0.87 %           0.87 % 
 Fair value per option 
  at grant date                    GBP0.49           GBP0.30          GBP0.19 
 Exercise price at date 
  of grant                         GBP1.08           GBP0.69          GBP0.42 
                                             17 January 2025   25 August 2025 
 Exercisable from /            11 May 2024      / 17 January      / 25 August 
  to                         / 11 May 2031              2032             2032 
 Remaining contractual 
  life                           1.6 years         2.3 years        2.9 years 
 

27 Related party transactions

Transactions with related parties include management charges for services provided by Osmond Capital Limited, which has common shareholders with controlling influence with the Company, of GBP198,000 (2021: GBP200,000). In addition, H E M Osmond is the principal lender of the GBP12,099,000 borrowings (2021: GBP10,000,000) and a shareholder with controlling influence of Xercise2 Ltd which is a significant shareholder of the Company.

As at 2 October 2022, there was GBP9,000 (2021: GBP20,275) of accrued cash interest payable on borrowings from related parties.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of the Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries and other key management, who are the key management personnel of the Group, is set out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in IAS 24 "Related Party Disclosures".

 
                                                 52 weeks   53 weeks 
                                                    ended    ended 3 
                                                2 October    October 
                                                     2022       2021 
                                                  GBP 000    GBP 000 
--------------------------------------------  -----------  --------- 
 
 Salaries and other short term employee 
  benefits                                            641        716 
 Employers national insurance contributions            83         88 
 Post-employment benefits                              11         15 
--------------------------------------------  -----------  --------- 
                                                      735        819 
--------------------------------------------  -----------  --------- 
 

During the period, the Company entered the following trading transactions with related parties

 
 
                                52 weeks ended              53 weeks ended 
                                 2 October 2022              3 October 2021 
                                Purchase             Sale                Purchase            Sale 
                                 of Goods        of Goods                of Goods        of Goods 
                                 / Services    / Services              / Services      / Services 
                                                      GBP                     GBP             GBP 
                                    GBP 000           000                     000             000 
 
  SCP Newbury Manor Limited              15             -                      15               - 
  Osmond Capital Limited                198             -                     200               - 
  The Great House at Sonning 
   Limited                              774             -                     657               - 
  CCO Cygnet Limited                    888             -                     748               - 
                                      1,875             -                   1,620               - 
                               ============  ============  ======================  ============== 
 
 

The following amounts were outstanding at the statement of financial position date:

 
                                 2 October 2022       3 October 2021 
                                Amounts   Amounts   Amounts      Amounts 
                                owed to   owed by   owed to         owed 
                                related   related   related   by related 
                                parties   parties   parties      parties 
                                                                     GBP 
                                GBP 000   GBP 000   GBP 000          000 
  The Great House at Sonning 
   Limited                            -         -         1           53 
  Rare Bird Hotels Limited            -         -         -          119 
  CCO Cygnet Limited                207         -         -            - 
  Mudlark Hotels Limited              -       396         -            - 
                                    207       396         1          172 
 
 

SCP Newbury Manor Limited, Osmond Capital Limited, The Great House at Sonning Limited, Rare Bird Hotels Limited, CCO Cygnet Limited and Mudlark Hotels Limited are related parties of the Company because they have common shareholders with controlling influence with the Company.

Sales and purchases of goods and services between the related parties were made at market prices discounted to reflect the relationships between the parties.

The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or received. No provisions have been made for doubtful debts in respect of the amounts owed by related parties.

28 Controlling party

The ultimate controlling party of the Company is H E M Osmond.

29 Post balance sheet events

VEL Property Holdings Limited funding

Within current liabilities (note 20) is a deep discounted bond instrument with a nominal value of GBP2,791,000 and a final redemption date of 14 January 2023. In January 2023, this was replaced by a new deep discounted bond instrument with a nominal value of GBP2,902,000 and a final redemption date of 14 July 2023.

Various Eateries Trading Limited funding

Within current liabilities (note 20) is a deep discounted bond instrument with a nominal value of GBP10,001,000 and a final redemption date of 15 April 2023. In February 2023, this was replaced by a new deep discounted bond instrument with a nominal value of GBP10,802,000 and a final redemption date of 15 April 2024.

30 Contingent liabilities

Authorised Guarantee Agreements

There are 8 (2021: 9) previously operated sites that have been disposed of via assignment of lease and include Authorised Guarantee Agreements ('AGAs') as part of the assignment arrangement. There is a risk that the sites would be returned if the assigned leaseholders were to default on their contractual obligations with their respective landlords, the risk of which was heightened as a result of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. The total annual rental cost for these sites is GBP559,000, of which GBP357,000 (2021: GBP357,000) has been provided for (see note 22). The average remaining lease length is 6 years.

CJRS claim

The Group made material claims under the CJRS schemes in order to support the business through the pandemic. Given multiple changes to the rules governing the schemes, as well as the degree of complexity in the various rules, the Group undertook an external review of past claims to confirm their validity. The directors are of the opinion that claims made to date are valid and materially correct and so do not consider the likelihood of material outflow as a result of this review to be probable.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.

END

FR SEUEFWEDSEIE

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 28, 2023 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

1 Year Various Eateries Chart

1 Year Various Eateries Chart

1 Month Various Eateries Chart

1 Month Various Eateries Chart

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock