The Wolseley Hospitality Group (TWHG) – formerly Corbin & King – has announced its plans to more than 'double its portfolio' over the next five years.
Big Hospitality has reported that Dillip Rajakarier, chief executive officer of Minor International (the Thai hotel company which acquired TWHG last year), has revealed that he sees the brand expanding both globally and rapidly.
Commenting on the project, he said: 'Our plan has always been two things. One is to grow the brand within the UK, and number two is to take the brand outside, because a lot of our international guests love the brand, whether it’s the Middle East or Asia'.
The first opening under the new expansion plan will be Manzi’s in Soho. This seafood-focused restaurant has been in development since pre-Covid and is now due to launch in the spring. A second Wolseley will follow later in the year. Found in the City of London, the capital's financial district, this will boast a 268-seat site on King William Street, and is due to open towards the end of this year. Next, more restaurants are earmarked for Saudi Arabia and Dubai initially, with Shanghai, Singapore and Hong Kong looking likely to follow. Back in the UK it is thought that there are further branches in the works for Manchester, Birmingham and Oxford.
![The Wolseley Restaurant London]()
Frequented by celebrities, tourists, and business lunch enthusiasts alike, The Wolseley has long been one of London’s most celebrated institutions. The group also owns The Delaunay, Brasserie Zedel and Colbert.
Back in 2017, Minor had taken on a 74% stake in the group, but subsequently clashed with founder, Jeremy King, over the strategic direction of the company. Minor International CEO, Dillip Rajakerier, told Bloomberg, ‘Sometimes not all joint ventures go the way you want. It was sad. The guy is one of the best restaurateurs in London, and I value that. So yes, I do have regrets’.
Under its new plans, the group could grow from seven sites to over 20 in the next 5 years, more than doubling its portfolio. Minor already has venues across Asia and Europe, and a variety of hotels internationally, some of which will host the new restaurants, whilst other sites will be arranged through franchise agreements.
Want to learn about more franchises opening in across the UK this year? Check out where Popeyes plans to make its next UK opening.