Luminar hires Thorndycraft as operations director: The UK’s largest nightclub operator, The Luminar Group, has appointed Jason Thorndycraft as its new operations director, with effect from today (Monday 6 October). Reporting directly to chief executive Peter Marks, Thorndycraft previously held the roles of operations director for Drake & Morgan and chief operations officer for Novus Leisure. Marks said: “Jason was a key member of the team that built Novus into one of the strongest companies in its sector. He has an impressive track record of strategic transformation, venue profitability and operational excellence. With a passion for innovation, Jason will add a fresh perspective to the business that will be invaluable as the company continues its growth plans.” In his new role, Thorndycraft will be responsible for delivering investment and profitability across the company’s 53 strong nightclub estate. Working closely with Luminar’s five regional directors, he will support the company’s ongoing investment programme and help to realise its full market potential. Thorndycraft said: “Luminar is a great turnaround story; over the last two years the company has built a solid platform for growth. I’m looking forward to working with Peter and the management team to guide the business through the next exciting phase of its development.” The Luminar Group operates a total 53 nightclubs nationwide and was voted the 2014 Best Late Night Operator at the Publican Awards.

Gordon Ramsay reveals Heddon Street opening date: Gordon Ramsay Group will open Heddon Street Kitchen in the week commencing 10 November. The restaurant, located in Regent Street’s Food Quarter, is the thirteenth in the group’s portfolio and its first in the heart of the West End’s shopping district. The all-day dining restaurant and bar will open from breakfast until late seven days a week. Maria Tampakis has been appointed head chef and brings three years of experience from Bread Street Kitchen where she was senior sous chef and before that spent time at three Michelin-starred restaurant Jean-Georges in New York. Inspired by Bread Street Kitchen in the City and designed by Russell Sage Studios, the 8,900 square foot, 232-cover venue will span two floors. Stand out features, unique to Heddon Street, include an ice cream bar and a wine tasting counter where guests will be able to sample a wide range of wines by the glass and participate in regular tastings, using both Bermar wine preservation systems and a Coravin Wine Access System. There will also be an open kitchen and pass, raw bar, pizza oven, cocktail lounge bar and private room with full media facilities. Managing director Stuart Gillies said: “We are extremely excited to be opening in the very heart of the West End in what has become one of London’s premier shopping destinations. With Regent Street receiving 7.5 million tourists each year and with 20,000 employed in the area, we have developed Heddon Street Kitchen as an accessible all-day concept that will appeal to both locals and visitors.”