Coffee shops to outnumber pubs by 2030 as they become UK’s new ‘local’: Coffee shops are set to outnumber pubs in the UK by 2030 as they become the new “local”, according to the Project Café2017 UK report from Allegra World Coffee Portal. Estimated at 22,845 outlets, the market has delivered growth of 6% in outlets and 12% in turnover to reach £8.9bn in 2016. The branded coffee shop chain sector contributed to the total market growth, adding 445 new stores to reach an estimated 6,940 outlets, representing a growth of 6.9%. With an estimated annual turnover of £3.7bn, chains delivered sales growth of 11.2% in 2016. After 18 years of considerable continued growth, the coffee shop market is one of the most successful in the UK economy. The UK branded coffee shop segment is forecast to reach 9,400 outlets to record more than £6bn annual revenue by 2021. Allegra predicts the total UK coffee shop market will exceed 32,000 outlets and a turnover of £16bn by 2025, with an annual outlet growth of 6%. Whitbread-owned Costa Coffee, Starbucks and Caffe Nero remained the UK’s leading chains, with a 53% outlet share of the branded coffee shop market. Market leader Costa operates 2,121 UK outlets, adding 129 units in 2016, and Starbucks and Caffe Nero operate 898 and 650 UK outlets respectively. For the seventh year in a row, Costa has been voted the nation’s favourite coffee shop chain by Allegra’s independent panel of 5,000 consumers. However, Starbucks has seen a notable rise in popularity in 2016. The report showed leading chains continue to expand and enjoy positive like-for-like sales growth, albeit at a slowing pace. However, small and medium-sized boutique chains such as Coffee#1, which is owned by Cardiff brewer and retailer SA Brain, Joe & the Juice, and Taylor St Baristas are gaining momentum and driving the comparable sales growth across the sector, ahead of the leading chains. Increased merger and acquisition activity throughout 2016 signified the strength of the vibrant coffee shop market in the UK, with activity such as Whitbread’s 49% acquisition of Pure, Tchibo’s acquisition of Matthew Algie, and Caffe Nero’s purchase of Harris + Hoole. The UK has become a nation of coffee drinkers, with coffee shop visitors purchasing an estimated 2.3 billion cups of coffee per year in stores. Consumers are more knowledgeable and empowered with choice than ever before, and the rise of artisan coffee has driven the desire for premium quality coffee, the report said. Leading chains have continued to respond to this trend with improved store experience and product. With 8,200 machines, gourmet vending units now outnumber the branded chain market, meeting the growing consumer demand for speciality coffee any time, anywhere. The industry faces rising costs and unstable currency as a result of the 15% decline in the pound relative to the euro following the EU referendum. Allegra warned a hard Brexit would pose significant issues around access to labour and rising pressure on costs. Allegra Group chief executive Jeffrey Young said: “There has been a powerful change in industry dynamics over the last year. As boutique chains continue to expand and drive sales of premium quality coffee, we observe a shift in the competitive market set. We are entering an exciting, yet challenging era for the UK coffee industry within a global context – one that will ultimately see the leading brands compete on excellence in an environment where winning is everything.”

Itinerary unveiled for third Craft Beer Retail Study Tour: The itinerary has been unveiled for the third Propel and Thinking Drinkers Craft Beer Retail Study Tour. The event, which this year focuses on east London, takes place on Thursday, 26 January and will visit six of London’s leading craft beer retailers and a cider specialist during the seven-hour tour. It starts at Urban Pubs and Bars’ ping-pong concept Bat and Ball at Westfield Stratford. The tour will then visit Tap East in Stratford, the brewpub operated by Mike Hill and Richard Dinwoodie, the duo previously behind Utobeer. The next stop will be Mason & Company, a specialist craft beer bar and deli at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The tour will then head to brewery and pizza venue Crate Brewery and fresh tank beer venue Howling Hops, both based at Queen’s Yard. It will continue to artisan pizza and cider brand The Stable, which is 76% owned by Fuller’s, in Whitechapel before finishing at Dinerama in Great Eastern Street, the street food craft beer concept run by Henry Dimbleby and Jonathan Downey. The tour will again be led by Thinking Drinkers, award-winning beer writers Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham, who will provide the latest craft beer facts and figures, market segmentation and analysis, and spot up-and-coming trends. The day includes travel between venues by coach. Tickets are £345 plus VAT for Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) members and £395 plus VAT for non-ALMR members. Email anne.steele@propelinfo.com to book or for more details.

Host of companies sign up for Advanced Marketing and Insights Masterclass: A host of companies have signed up for the Advanced Marketing and Insights Masterclass. They include Whitbread, PizzaExpress, Bourne Leisure, Frederic Robinson, ASK Italian, Dirty Martini, FrogPubs, Eclectic Bars, Enterprise Inns, Star Pubs and Bars, Le Bistrot Pierre, Thai Leisure Group, My Lahore, Living Ventures, Beds and Bars, Black and White Hospitality, City Pub Company, The New World Trading Company, Greene King, Marston’s, Be At One, PizzaExpress, Mitchells & Butlers, Oakman Inns, Young’s, Coaching Inn Group, TRG Concessions, Cambscuisine, Electric Star Pubs, Coal Grill & Bar, Signature Pub Company, Epic Pub Company, Parkdean Resorts, Namco UK and True North Brew Company. The line-up for the Advanced Marketing and Insights Masterclass, in which Propel is partnering with leading sector public relations and marketing expert James Hacon, has been previously revealed. Hacon will share industry-leading marketing campaigns and activity from some of the biggest and best brands across the globe and share tips on how to capture ideas and apply this innovation to a brand. He will also share his strategy and direction for marketing at Thai Leisure Group and will reveal how the company has refined and defined the Chaophraya and Thaikhun brands, developed the proposition, and delivered a research-based, award-winning marketing campaign. Charles Banks, of The Food People, will dive into the hot new concepts, foods and products in the international market to see what eating trends are shaping the industry, how the traditional business model is evolving, and how millennials are changing the models and concepts of the future. There will be a guided group session sharing best practice, seeking advice and sharing stories. Oliver Taylor, senior insight manager at Elliotts, will share the latest insight on how consumers are making decisions on where to go to drink or dine out, what inspires them, how they plan their evening and how they prefer to book. Cote marketing director Andrew Gallagher will reveal what’s at the top of his marketing agenda and what he thinks will have an impact on this during 2017. Helen Baptist, senior vice-president of Fishbowl USA, will show how data can be leveraged to understand and better target customers to drive revenue, and share top tips on data-driven wins. She will also share real-life case studies from leading-edge, fast-growing US concepts, including Blaze Pizza, Average Joe’s and Jamba Juice. There will be also be a panel discussion led by Hacon with Maxwell’s marketing manager Anthony Knight, G1 Group marketing director Lyn MacDonald, and Drake & Morgan marketing and sales director Pooja Sharma Jones about where they see success, their plans for the future, and other topics discussed throughout the day. The event takes place on Thursday, 12 January at One Moorgate Place in London. Tickets are priced at £295 plus VAT for Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) members and £345 plus VAT for non-ALMR members and are available by emailing Anne Steele on anne.steele@propelinfo.com

UK hospitality sector to thrive in 2017 despite ‘looming uncertainties’: Despite a “perfect storm” of conflicting economic factors and looming uncertainties, the UK hospitality sector will continue to grow in 2017, according to hospitality recruiter The Change Group. The company forecasts that although factors such as a talent shortage in key roles caused by Brexit and inflation are likely to affect companies in the sector, “several positive factors will enable the industry to thrive”. Savvy businesses that grasp emerging opportunities and adapt to fast-changing economic conditions with innovation and a focus on quality and sustainability will do best, the company said, with the sector emerging stronger and more attuned to changing lifestyle and consumer spending habits. The Change Group said plus factors for the year ahead include a weak pound balanced by a strong dollar bringing an influx of US tourists; more “staycations”; a 2.1% increase in GDP during 2017; a 5% rise in unemployment creating a talent pool; the London restaurant scene remaining vibrant with more options and quality brands; a renaissance in British food and ingredients driven by Brexit; and more emerging food trends and menu diversity, in particular healthy eating, gourmet menus adapted to food intolerances, and fine-dining home deliveries. Minus factors flagged by Change Group include the ratio of openings to closures (currently 2.6:1) edging closer to 2:1; high-street independents hit by higher rents and rates; tourists attracted away from the UK by a weaker eurozone; political brinkmanship in Europe as Brexit nears; a rise in unemployment hitting out-of-home spend; rising wine prices due to exchange rate fluctuations; and food inflation of between 2% and 4%. The Change Group founder and director Craig Allen said: “From a recruitment perspective, we anticipate the market will remain positive but difficult, with a shortage of talent in many key roles. While this would become much harder if there was a hard Brexit, our prediction is the government will steer a more moderate course and we will continue to see a strong influx of employees from the EU. While 2017 will be governed by uncertainty, and there are many economic factors working against the hospitality sector, there are also several positive factors which will enable the industry overall to thrive.”

ALMR has been a ‘united voice’ during uncertain 2016, association launches new work-based initiatives: The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has provided a “united voice for the out-of-home sector during a year of uncertainty”, guests were told at the trade body’s annual Christmas lunch in London yesterday (15 December). Chief executive Kate Nicholls and chairman Steve Richards highlighted the ALMR’s successful lobbying for the sector, continued membership growth, and the delivery of more than £380m in cost savings to members during a year dominated by the surprise EU referendum result and spectre of major legislation changes. They also announced the launch of two work-based initiatives – one allowing employers to check people’s right to work as a post-Brexit migration policy is developed, and a new training diploma. Nicholls said: “2016 has been a turbulent year in which we have had to navigate an unexpected and challenging landscape – a time when it has never been more important to speak with one clear, loud, united voice. The ALMR has been working for a Brexit deal that best serves our sector and our members, putting food and drink front and centre of a new industrial strategy. The ALMR has ensured hospitality has a seat at the table and a strong input into the most important issues – at ministerial round tables following the referendum, Select Committees shaping the regulatory environment, and the mayor of London’s Night Time Commission – we have been right in the thick of it.” Nicholls then announced two new ALMR initiatives, an online tool developed with CPL Training – ALMR People Search – to help businesses check people’s right to work as a post-Brexit migration policy is developed, and an ALMR diploma developed with HIT Training, CPL and BIIAB that combines existing work-based qualifications and in-house training in one fully integrated learning platform. Richards added: “Our vital campaigning work has delivered more than £380m in cost savings to members this year – on business rate reform, tipping policies, living wage, late-night levies, restaurant inspection charges, EU menu labelling, and employer NICs. These are real bottom-line benefits to our growing number of members. Membership grew 22% this year – our fifth year of double-digit growth – and we now have 245 hospitality companies as members and collectively employ one million people. We are truly the voice of out-of-home hospitality.” This year’s ALMR Christmas lunch, the tenth, was held at Old Billingsgate in the City of London, with 1,400 guests.

Davis Coffer Lyons issues 2017 predictions: Agent Davis Coffer Lyons has issued its predictions for 2017, which include a fall in investment yields in prime positions, a rise in food markets and smaller restaurant trading formats, and an in-fill of A3 sites in fringe London locations. The agent said investment yields in prime positions could get even lower as demand for prime property increased, especially from overseas funds, adding that 2017 might be a record year for transactions as “political uncertainty” gives buyers and vendors a “reason to sell”. The agent highlighted an explosion in food markets such as London Union, headed by Henry Dimbleby and Jonathan Downey, adding: “We see this to be a big growth market with more concepts to come. The best will be those at the cutting edge, having access to the latest up-and-coming operators.” Davis Coffer Lyons also forecast further growth in the delivery market but said restaurants needed to “manage this relationship carefully to ensure customer experience and brand identity weren’t comprised”. It added: “We might see a number of the larger chains setting up delivery options of their own – taking back quality control.” Tracey Mills, executive director of development leasing at Davis Coffer Lyons, added that as the fight for sites continued in central London, “we expect to see an in-fill of A3 sites in fringe locations with Vauxhall, Waterloo, Southwark and Aldgate as new central areas to watch out for”. She also predicted further investment in Camden, Elephant and Castle, and Earls Court. Executive director for pubs and bars Paul Tallentyre said premiums would start to come down in many cases for tied-lease assignments but rents would stay robust. He said: “Tied leaseholds with short terms left will be difficult to sell but prices will remain for leaseholds with longer durations of ten to 20 years. Free-of-tie lease values will continue to increase and freehold pubs will remain in high demand.”

The Ledbury retains top spot in OpenTable’s annual list of top 100 UK restaurants: Two Michelin-starred The Ledbury has retained top spot in OpenTable’s annual list of the top 100 UK restaurants. The restaurant in Notting Hill, which is headed by Australian chef Brett Graham, again ranked the highest on the website based on diner reviews. The Five Fields in nearby Chelsea, which received its first Michelin star this year, was second while two Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in Knightsbridge was third. British, European and French cuisine continued to dominate the top 100. More than a quarter (29%) of the featured restaurants serve British cuisine, followed by 16 European and 14 French. London upheld its position as the home of the UK’s top culinary pioneers, with nine out of ten top restaurants found in the city. The top ten list also featured established London favourites such as Typing Room (seventh) and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay (eighth). OpenTable Europe vice-president Adrian Valeriano said: “Once again, London lives up to its reputation as the foodie capital and we continue to see stellar restaurants from regions across the nation such as Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and Edinburgh appearing on the list.”

MPs partner with the BII: The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has partnered with the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group so its member MPs can be kept abreast of the key challenges and issues UK licensees face. The Beer Group’s new chairman, Graham Evans MP, received honorary membership of the BII alongside Will Conway, the long-serving senior bar attendant at Strangers’ Bar in the House of Commons. All Beer Group MPs will receive the BII’s weekly online newsletter and quarterly magazine and be able to attend BII regional events. BII chief executive Mike Clist said: “I hope by including these MPs in our network they gain a greater understanding of the challenges and issues small licensed retail businesses face every day and they can also get in touch with licensees in their area to fully understand the local issues within their own constituencies.” Evans added: “Pubs play a vital role within their communities and, as small businesses, deserve the full support of the Beer Group and its members.”

D&D London to start roll-out of Italian restaurant concept: Restaurant operator D&D London is set to roll-out its Italian restaurant concept in partnership with chef Francesco Mazzei by transforming a second venue, this time the Almeida in Islington. In December 2015, D&D London reopened its Sartoria site in Savile Row, with Mazzei at the helm as chef patron. The refurbishment saw the addition of a new bar and cicchetti counter, two private dining rooms, and a wine cellar boasting 250 bins for private wine-tasting events. Modern British restaurant Almeida opened 15 years ago but will close following its last night on New Year’s Eve. The restaurant will be refurbished for a relaunch in March, with a menu inspired not only by Mazzei’s southern Italian roots but by Islington itself, where the chef and his family have made their home. Mazzei will continue as chef patron of Sartoria. D&D London owns and operates restaurants in London, Leeds, Paris, New York and Tokyo and the 80-bedroom South Place Hotel in London.

Jason Atherton’s The Social Company to launch its first Italian restaurant: Jason Atherton’s The Social Company will launch its first Italian Restaurant – Hai Cenato – in the Nova development in Victoria. Hai Cenato, which means “have you had dinner?” in Italian, will open in February and is the second collaboration between The Social Company and Paul Hood, who is also chef patron of Michelin-starred Social Eating House. James Brown, senior sous chef at Social Eating House, will become Hai Cenato head chef. Inspired by New York-Italian cuisine, the menu will span small plates, pasta and risotto dishes, and pizzas made in custom-built ovens. The restaurant’s bar – The Drunken Oyster – will be overseen by Social Company bar executive Jamie Jones and offer classic Italian cocktails. Restaurant interior specialists Russell Sage Studio will oversee design of the site. Last month, The Social Company launched Temple & Sons, a grill restaurant and all-day deli and cocktail bar in the City of London. It is Atherton’s second partnership with Restaurant Associates and offers a more casual approach than its neighbouring sister site City Social.

TRG Concessions reopens Heathrow pub with new proposition: TRG Concessions, part of The Restaurant Group, has opened The Prince of Wales at Heathrow’s Terminal 4. The site, previously known as Bridge Bar and operated by The Restaurant Group, has reopened with a new name, look and customer proposition to reflect the terminal’s passenger demographic and changing trends in the UK pub market. Located airside, it spans 2,442 square feet and has 141 covers, offering food and drink from first flight until late in the evening. TRG Concessions managing director Nick Ayerst said: “While the former Bridge Bar traded well, we understood we needed to change the pub’s proposition to reflect guests’ increased expectations of what a classic pub should deliver in terms of atmosphere and food and beverage. The Prince of Wales has allowed us to refocus on what makes a great classic pub and distil that into the airport environment so we can continue to offer Heathrow’s passengers a truly great pub experience for many more years.”

M&B opens 50th Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery site: Mitchells & Butlers has opened its 50th Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery site – The Crown in Kings Heath, Birmingham – little more than a year after launching the concept. As with the company’s Miller & Carter steakhouse brand, Stonehouse venues are largely existing site conversions and are generating “strong returns on investment”. The Stonehouse offering ranges from breakfasts and traditional carvery to 100% fresh-dough stonebaked pizzas. There is also a self-serve salad bar alongside pub favourites and an extensive children’s menu. Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery operations director Helen McGregor said: “The brand focuses on delivering excellent value but with greater emphasis on product quality that includes making our pizza dough fresh on-site every morning. We hope to build on the early success as we continue our opening programme.” Mitchells & Butlers said it aimed to grow Stonehouse to about 80 sites by summer 2017.

Hippo Inns to open seventh site in spring, in Barons Court: Hippo Inns, the joint venture between Enterprise Inns and Geronimo Inns founder Rupert Clevely, will open its seventh site in the spring. The company will relaunch The Colton Arms in Barons Court, west London, having acquired the site that had been run by the same family for 52 years. Based in the shadow of Queen’s Tennis Club, it will offer all-day dining serving a mixture of British classics and modern European plates. The venue will feature a bar, outdoor terrace and indoor “Potting Shed” glass conservatory. The period features have been retained in the design of the pub, such as the copper bar, original tongue-and-groove panelling, log fire and carved antique wooden furniture. Muted tones of grey, green and grey will offset the polished brass and copper used throughout the space and the contemporary tiles and quirky light fittings will bring the new-look venue up to date. There will be a regularly rotating series of craft beers as well as wine and cocktails. Hippo Inns was formed last year. Its other sites include The Duke of Sussex in Waterloo and The Black Horse in Kingston.

Yard Sale Pizza to open third London site: Yard Sale Pizza, winner of Time Out’s “most-loved restaurant” in the 2016 Love London Awards, will open its third London site early next year, this time in Walthamstow. The restaurant will open in Hoe Street in February with an exclusive brunch offering that includes garlic, rosemary and sea salt pizza bread with a dippy egg. Yard Sale Pizza has built a loyal following during the past two years from its sites in Clapton and Finsbury Park, which offer hand-made, stone-baked pizzas made from double-fermented dough. Pizzas come in 12-inch and 18-inch sizes and include The Holy Pepperoni (Cobble Lane pepperoni, Napoli piccante and crumbled Nduja sausage), and TSB (broccoli, parmesan, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil). Homemade dips, salads, sides such as cheese and marmite garlic bread, Nonna’s gelato, local London beers, Borough Wines, and soft drinks complete the line-up. The venue features a dining room with comfy booths, an informal takeaway counter, and an outdoor yard with tables.

Daniel Thwaites invests more than £1m in Lancaster pub refurbishment: North west brewer and retailer Daniel Thwaites has invested more than £1m in the refurbishment of a pub in Lancaster. The company has transformed The Boot and Shoe, creating 18 additional jobs. It has a new-look bar and extended dining area, while outside there is a new beer garden, play area and outside bar. The focal point of the pub is a wood-fired pizza oven, capable of cooking pizzas in two minutes. Director of pub operations and brewing Andrew Buchanan said: “The Boot and Shoe has been a popular, local pub for many years. We bought it last year and knew it had great potential so we have worked hard to come up with a plan that retains its character but makes best use of its space, transforming its look and menu. Now that work is complete it looks fantastic – the pizza oven is very much a centrepiece and we think that’s going to be a great addition. Of course we’ll still have all the great things people already associate with The Boot and Shoe but we’ve added a few features for old and new customers to enjoy.”

Enterprise Inns signs deal for local community to take over Warwickshire village pub: Enterprise Inns has reached an agreement with the community of Norton Lindsey in Warwickshire that will see The New Inn pass into local ownership. A deal has been completed following a campaign that saw £340,750 raised through the sale of shares and a £50,000 grant from the Plunkett Foundation – an initiative set up to help rural communities take control of local assets through community ownership. The pub will open under new ownership for a few days over Christmas before undergoing a refurbishment that will pave the way for additional services such as a village shop and coffee house. The pub will reopen in February. Enterprise Inns chief executive Simon Townsend said: “We regularly review our pubs and, inevitably, must reluctantly accept sometimes there are pubs that no longer fit the criteria to remain under our ownership. We are pleased the local community has been able to step in and take it on, guaranteeing its future. We wish them the best of luck and have offered to support them over the coming months should they need it.” Lucy Boyes, part of the Salvation Squad that led the campaign, added: “Enterprise Inns has been extremely accommodating throughout the sale of the pub to the community and we’re really looking forward to thanking everyone for their efforts when we open this Christmas.”

Admiral Taverns to reopen Cotswolds pub next week following £330,000 refurbishment: Admiral Taverns will reopen Cotswolds pub The Greyhound in Tetbury next week following a £330,000 refurbishment. The pub, which will reopen on Friday, 23 December, has been closed for the past 18 months to undergo a makeover under the guidance of new licensee Eliot Lewis and Admiral Taverns business development manager Alison Martinez. The pub features a new beer garden and open plan bar and lounge areas bathed in natural light thanks to an atrium. Diners can watch dishes being prepared on the charcoal oven through a new envelope window. Admiral Taverns chief executive Kevin Georgel said: “Our investment into The Greyhound is an example of our commitment to community pubs across the country.” Lewis added: “As soon as I laid eyes on The Greyhound I knew it had fantastic potential. Restoring the pub with Admiral has been a fantastic journey.”

Michelin-starred chef Josh Eggleton to open second Salt & Malt: Michelin-starred chef Josh Eggleton is to open his second Salt & Malt restaurant, at the new Cargo 2 scheme at Wapping Wharf, Bristol. Eggleton is one of a series of restaurant operators to confirm openings following delivery of the first shipping containers that will make up the scheme. Eggleton, who will offer his signature gluten-free fish and chips, will be joined by Gambas, a sister restaurant to tapas bar Bravas, street food firm The Athenian, and CUPP Bubble Tea, which specialises in Taiwanese bubble tea and noodles. Eggleton told Insider Media: “We’ve been thinking about a second Salt & Malt for a while but it was all about the right location. It is important Salt & Malts are by the water and Cargo 2 is the perfect spot.” Stuart Hatton, director at Umberslade, the developer behind Cargo 2, added: “We look forward to seeing this new, thriving community continue to grow and flourish.” Other operators already confirmed include salt beef bar The Pickled Brisket, Oliver’s Ice Cream, and 20-cover restaurant Tare. Cargo 1 is already open and home to companies such as Woky Ko, Chicken Shed, Bristol Cider Shop and Lovett Pies.

Novus Leisure launches ‘bubble’ Christmas cocktails range: Bar, nightclub and restaurant operator Novus Leisure has launched a “bubble” Christmas cocktails range. The company has partnered with drinks business Pernod Ricard and flavoured tea specialist Bubbleology for the four creations. They come in a choice of two Bubblelinis and two shots, which feature Bubbleology’s lychee and strawberry fruit-flavoured pearls – called Boba. The Bubblelinis are mixed with a choice of GH Mumm Champagne or GH Mumm Rose Champagne and the shots, Absolute Electrik Raspberri and vanilla flavoured vodka. They are available across the Novus Leisure estate until 31 December. Head of marketing Sorrel Ward said: “The demand for cocktails shows no signs of abating and we’ve used genuine innovation to create an on-trend, memorable drinks experience for our customers. We’re sure these bubble-icious drinks will generate a great deal of buzz.”

Clink Charity appoints Michelin-starred chef Daniel Galmiche as group sustainability ambassador: The Clink Charity has appointed Michelin-starred chef Daniel Galmiche as group sustainability ambassador. He will support the work of the charity in reducing reoffending rates and providing prisoners with educational workshops. Galmiche, who is also a sustainability ambassador for the Norwegian Seafood Council, has already held training sessions and fundraising dinners for The Clink and will dedicate time to teaching its trainee chefs about sustainable cooking. He said: “Working with The Clink provides the perfect opportunity to educate the next generation of chefs about the versatility of sustainable cooking. I’m honoured and can’t wait to get in the kitchen.”

Crieff Hydro relaunches website for flagship property: Scottish independent hospitality company Crieff Hydro has relaunched the website for its eponymous flagship property. The new site organises the Crieff Hydro resort offerings into five banners – Stay (accommodation), Play (leisure facilities), Eat (restaurants), Work (conference facilities), and Love (wedding facilities). The site was developed by branding agency Strut, video production company Heehaw, and hospitality software provider Maestro. Crieff Hydro chief executive Stephen Leckie said: “Our website accounts for up to 60% of our bookings weekly so getting it right is highly important.” Earlier this week, Crieff Hydro added three hotels to its portfolio, taking the total to ten. The company signed management contracts to operate the Green Hotel and Windlestrae Hotel, both in Kinross, and the Kings House Hotel in Glencoe. It also secured the lease to operate the Peel Café in Glentress.