Blackpool diners club snapped up by a roses rival

The Hi-Life Diners Club, based at The Pavilions in Avroe Crescent has been snapped up by The Dining Club Group of Yorkshire.

The firm secured private equity backing from Bridgepoint Development Capital.

Hi-life was set up more than 30 years ago and specialises in offering two-for-one dining deals for members.

It has more than 200,000 members and has attracted around 5,000 restaurants across the UK and Ireland taking part in the scheme.

Affiliated restaurants include those owned by world renowned chefs such as Marco Pierre White and Cyrus Tobiwala, as well as leading high street chains and local independent restaurants.

Matt Turner, chief executive of The Dining Club Group, said: “Discounted dining is part of a growing benefits sector.

“With our support, we are confident that Hi-Life can continue to broaden its geographical footprint and grow its membership and restaurant numbers.”

James Tolland, managing director of Hi-Life, who will be continuing in his current role, added: “We are delighted to join with The Dining Club Group to help us further promote and grow the Hi-Life brand”

The Dining Club Group is backed by Bridgepoint Development Capital and part owned by its management.

It was incorporated in 2015 to acquire tastecard and the Gourmet Society, dining clubs which collectively offer discounts to members at over 10,000 restaurants across the UK in return for an annual membership fee.

Tastecard was established in 2005 and has over three million members, whilst the Gourmet Society was launched in 2003 and has over one million members.

Hi-Life was advised by Carson McDowell LLP.