The Northeast founded breakfast and bao brand will make its London debut at BLOODsports in Covent Garden as it accelerates franchise-led expansion across the UK.
Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao, the Northeast founded breakfast and bao brand, is targeting 11 sites as it steps up its UK expansion through franchising. The company has secured its first franchise deal, bringing the concept to BLOODsports in Covent Garden and marking its debut in London.
Founded by entrepreneur Emma Dent in 2020, Pablo has developed a distinctive food-to-go concept centred on breakfast bao buns, combining Asian-style steamed buns with familiar breakfast fillings. The brand has established a presence across Newcastle, Whitley Bay and Sunderland, as well as Edinburgh, and is now looking to extend its footprint beyond its regional base.
The Covent Garden opening represents a significant milestone in Pablo’s expansion strategy, introducing its breakfast-led offer to the London market. The company’s target of 11 sites reflects its ambition to build a wider UK network through franchise partnerships.
Pablo opened its first franchised outlet on Pilgrim Street in Newcastle in June 2026. The location was developed as a flagship site and a model for future franchise operations. The company is working with franchise recruitment specialist Presman & Colard to identify suitable operators and multi-unit partners for further expansion.
Charlie Mander, Chief Operating Officer of Presman & Colard, said that Pablos has built an exciting brand with a distinctive customer proposition. He added that the company is delighted to be leading the recruitment process and look forward to introducing exceptional franchise partners who can help drive the next stage of the company’s growth across the UK.
The brand has reportedly received franchise enquiries for prospective locations in central London, Edinburgh and Bristol, indicating interest in expanding into additional major UK cities.
Pablo’s growth plans have also received financial backing. In 2025, the business secured six-figure funding through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II’s NEL Debt Finance Fund, managed by NEL Fund Managers. The funding supported the development of its Pilgrim Street location, which was intended to help establish and refine the company’s franchise model.
Dent said at the time: “We’re incredibly excited about the opportunity this investment brings. It’s a huge moment for our team, our customers, and our journey as a brand.” She added: “It also enables us to test and refine our franchise model, which is a key part of our long-term vision.”
Pablo’s menu combines steamed bao buns with familiar breakfast ingredients, including eggs, sausage, hash browns and cheese, alongside other food and drink options. Its differentiated menu and convenience-focused format position it within the competitive breakfast and food-to-go market.
The company’s next phase will depend on securing suitable franchise partners and locations while maintaining product quality and operational consistency across its growing network. With its first franchise deal taking the brand to Covent Garden, Pablo is moving beyond its Northeast roots as it pursues a broader UK presence.
