As motorsport fans gather for this year’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, premium hospitality brand The Pop Up Hotel (TPUH) is in pole position in its mission to deliver an unforgettable experience for guests. Combining temporary accommodation with a star-studded package that excels in convivial luxury, customers are set to revel in chats with champion drivers, fine dining courtesy of a Michelin star chef and a first-of-its-kind trackside swimming pool.

Now accelerating growth with expansion in the sports events sector TPUH made its debut in 2011 with a site next to the Glastonbury Festival. Since then founders, property development expert Mark Sorrill and wife Vicky, have maintained that relationship and taken their operation to events and special occasions across the world.

As highly choreographed as a pitstop, TPUH’s process covers all bases, from hire and construction to run and remove, creating “not conventional luxury but shared, immersive experiences,” declares Mark. “Our goal is to provide the true essence of iconic events, allowing guests to live and breathe the atmosphere over several days within a dedicated community of fellow enthusiasts. We curate a complete environment, combining tailored programming, unique site infrastructure, and an end-to-end premium vibe.”

Its expanding footprint includes one pop up accommodating 8,000 guests while its second Silverstone this year is tripling in size with 360 units. Having just featured at Monaco’s Grand Prix TPUH is heading for Monza in September and a major move next year into golf with the Ryder Cup in Ireland.

“Consumers increasingly prioritise human connection, shared real world spaces and memorable experiences over material goods,” says Mark.“Event accommodation used to be polarised between basic uncomfortable camping and standard off-site hotels. We’ve bridged that gap creating a village in the heart of the action. We saw the sports market was underserved creating a new opportunity. Now the demographic is changing shaped by rapidly growing international traveller and female audiences.”

The brand maintains end-to-end control and its biggest challenge today is the pressure of “delivering on time,” he explains. “An event is set and there’s no leeway on dates.”

But while guest satisfaction is its prime target, TPUH’s worth is multi-faceted. Beyond its small management team, it collaborates extensively with hundreds of smaller companies and contractors as well as attracting visitors boosting local economies and individuals’ CVs. By providing valuable learn and earn foundational work for young people the Sorrills have seen them progress from banging in tent pegs to becoming entrepreneurs and business professionals.

A recent £350,000 crowdfunding raise has built a committed community with an equity stake and last year the business generated £2.9m. Based on running six flagship events a year, is forecasting a £5m to £8m turnover for 2027/28.

Landmark horse racing and tennis events such as Ascot and Wimbledon offer potential too. New partner Rufus Mountain Lawrence has recently joined and Mark pays tribute to motorsport chiefs Nick Read and Stuart Pringle “for having the foresight to partner with us to extend and diversify the guest experience at Silverstone”. But could a budget TPUH be possible too? “Yes,”, confirms Mark who thinks the Marriott Hotel offers a good accessible model with celebrities “on stage rather than at breakfast”. www.thepopuphotel.com, www.silverstone.co.uk

A popular cafe and B&B has announced it has been forced to close for good after only a couple of years, as they “couldn’t keep up with rising costs“. Cafe Neuk, located within the grounds of Arduthie House, a six-bedroom bed and breakfast in the Aberdeenshire town of Stonehaven, confirmed on social media that they will be closing the shop permanently within weeks, and that the B&B part of the business will eventually close after being sold.

In the announcement, Caitlin and Craig Turrif, who took the tearooms in 2024 and the B&B the following year, blamed pressures faced across the hospitality sector and offered a touching tribute to their customers and community. “We are absolutely heartbroken to share that Cafe Neuk’s last day will be on February 22.

“This was the hardest decision to make as it really has been our happy place – and hopefully yours – since we opened the cafe in 2024 and the B&B in 2025.

“Sadly, with each passing month, the pressure of the hospitality industry and small businesses keeps getting heavier on every front.

“Hospitality UK have been advocating for changes such as a VAT scheme that is fairer on the hospitality industry… I sincerely hope that some changes are made so that other businesses can keep going.

“Sadly, We just couldn’t keep up with the rising costs while our footfall kept going down.”

Cafe Neuk said they are “truly so sorry” for the closure and “wish that we would be here serving you coffees until we were old and grey”,” Aberdeen Live reports.

“We couldn’t have asked for lovelier customers than you all, you have brought our cafe to life each day with your chatter and laughter,” they added.

“I have had more ‘pinch me’ moments than I can count. Every time everyone joins in to sing happy birthday as we bring out a candle on an afternoon tea stand (or mini burgers…or pancakes!) to hosting your friends and family for special occasions like baby showers, hen do’s and milestone birthdays.

“When new customers enjoy their first visit or when you welcome back those of you who don’t need a menu (you know who you are!)

“I could go on forever. Thank you for being part of the Cafe Neuk journey, from the bottom of our hearts.”

The post added that former Arduthie House owners Rod and Lesley would be running the B&B until the property is sold.

Hospitality bosses are making a last-ditch plea to Rachel Reeves to protect them from a hammer blow rise in business rates.

Hotel owners say rates rises will hit their investment plans — and UK growth — and are calling on the Chancellor to extend a support package intended for pubs.

Restaurateurs and other high street businesses also want access to the financial lifeline, which is expected within days, reports The Sun.

Gordon Ramsay warned last week that hospitality businesses were “lambs to the slaughter” unless they received urgent help.

Family hotel business faces £1.18m rates increase

Ravi Majithia, director of Avantis Hotels, which runs three Hiltons in York and St Albans, has now echoed the TV chef’s warning.

He said: “Our business is my family’s life’s work.

“We are proud to be a local employer and contribute to our communities but we’re now facing a £1.18million increase in our business rates over the next three years.

“That’s on top of a potential tourist tax and higher national insurance.

“It’s a hammer blow to the industry, which strips out cash for jobs and investment.”

Lancashire Cricket Club hotel hit with £198k bill by 2028

Meanwhile, the Hilton Garden Inn hotel owned by Lancashire Cricket Club will see its business rates bill increase by £183,000 next year — and by £198,000 in 2028.

Club boss Daniel Gidney said: “It’s critical the hotel and stadium sector is included in any support measures.

“Hotels are a key contributor to their local communities — both as significant local employers and supporting local supply chains.

“We urge the Government to act now to support the sector.”

A Treasury spokesman said: “We’re backing hospitality businesses with a £4.3billion support package to limit bill rises, as well as capping corporation tax at 25 per cent.”