JKS Restaurants, the group behind Gymkhana, Brigadiers, Bao, Lyle's and Xier, has secured a significant new tranche of growth capital and confirmed it is in advanced discussions on restaurant sites in Manchester and Edinburgh, sources close to the business have told The Mise.
The Sethi family group — founded by siblings Karam, Jyotin and Sunaina Sethi — has to date concentrated its portfolio almost entirely in London, where it operates some of the capital's most critically acclaimed restaurants. The move toward regional expansion marks a strategic shift for one of the UK's most respected independent hospitality groups, and is likely to be closely watched across the industry.
The Manchester site under discussion is understood to be in the city's Deansgate area, with the Edinburgh conversation centred on the New Town. Neither deal is confirmed at this stage. A spokesperson for JKS declined to confirm the specifics but said: "We are actively looking at opportunities to bring JKS restaurants to new cities. We have always believed that the quality of experience we offer should be available to more people across the UK."
Why now?
The move comes at a time of renewed confidence among London's independent restaurant groups, several of which are pursuing regional strategies after years of hesitancy driven by concerns about labour availability, supply chain complexity and the challenge of replicating a London-trained hospitality culture in other markets.
Observers suggest the talent landscape has shifted. Years of expansion by groups like D&D, Hawksmoor and Dishoom across Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham have collectively deepened the regional pool of experienced hospitality professionals, reducing the risk for groups following them.
JKS is also known for investing heavily in its team pipeline — its apprenticeship programme, launched in 2023, has produced over 80 trained culinary and service staff to date, a number of whom are understood to be earmarked for future openings outside London.
The estate
The JKS portfolio currently spans around 20 sites across London, including the Michelin-starred Gymkhana in Mayfair, the Indian-inspired Brigadiers in Bloomberg Arcade, and the rotating omakase concept at Bao's Windmill Street location. The group has historically acquired and launched new brands as well as growing existing ones, and sources suggest the regional expansion may involve an existing brand rather than a new concept.
No opening timeline has been given. The Mise will report further as details are confirmed.