UKHospitality urges government to adopt Welsh model of limited household mixing as survey reveals Brits feel safest in industry venues: UKHospitality has urged the government to throw the sector a lifeline and adopt the Welsh model of limited household mixing as it warned the new, tighter tier system will “kill Christmas and beyond” for many businesses. The trade body said the measures, which will see businesses in tier three permitted to provide takeaway and delivery only, and those in tier two having to serve substantial meals to stay open, will lead to permanent closures and job losses. It comes as fresh Europe-wide research from YouGov suggested the UK population feels most able to adhere to social distancing and other covid-safety requirements in hospitality venues versus other out-of-home settings. The survey of 2,269 adults in the UK found 14% of the public found it difficult to distance in restaurants, bars and cafes versus 51% in retail settings, 29% in shopping centres and 27% on public transport. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The government is making a point of saying these measures are needed in order to save Christmas. In reality, they are killing Christmas and beyond for many businesses, and their customers who look forward to, and rely on, venues being open at this time of year. Sadly, for many staff, it will be a Christmas out of work. If there needs to be a tightening of restrictions, it should not come at the expense of hospitality. Only a small fraction of cases have been linked to our businesses, and venues have shown they can provide safe environments for customers and staff. If the government pursues this course of action, it is going to mean permanent closures and job losses. Tier three will be lockdown in everything but name for hospitality and will leave businesses almost no room for manoeuvre. With household mixing still not permitted, businesses in tier two are going to find revenues severely slashed at a crucial time for the sector. Immediate financial support must now be rapidly increased as many businesses will be forced to close, in some cases, permanently. Our member survey has shown the current tier three restrictions, which will now effectively apply to tier two areas, will see 94% of hospitality businesses operate at a loss or simply become unviable. The new tier three simply means no chance of trading out of this. The big stumbling block for businesses is the lack of household mixing. This will be a huge hit that will be felt all the harder because it is almost Christmas. The government could throw the sector a lifeline if it adopted the Welsh model of limited household mixing to let people socialise safely without jeopardising public or business health.” Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of brewer and retailer Greene King, added: “Yet again, the UK pubs sector must pick itself up off the floor after another crushing blow. We’ve invested millions of pounds to make our pubs safe throughout this pandemic but it feels like pubs have been unfairly singled out once again with increased restrictions that will make pubs across the country unviable through the most important month of the year. We ask the government to reconsider disproportionate measures, such as banning the sale of alcohol in tier two unless it’s with a substantial meal, and work constructively with the hospitality sector to find solutions that not only protect lives but also protect livelihoods through to next spring.” Stuart Procter, chief operating officer of The Stafford Collection, said: “Personally I'm dismayed by the new tiering system. You can now go out shopping on busy Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street – or in any city centre – however you may not be able to go to a hotel, a restaurant which have shown that they are not the cause or spread of this pandemic and offer a safe environment. However if you're in tier one you can go to a sporting event with up to 4,000 people, in tier two a sporting event with up to 2,000 people, and yet you are only allowed a table of six in a restaurant. There is zero logic being applied here.”

Sponsored message – Cardiff-based Coffi Co grows sales during both lockdowns with Pepper’s click and collect technology: Coffi Co, the seven-strong coffee chain kept trading for takeaway during the extended summer lockdown and the Welsh “firebreak”, by offering click and collect via its Pepper app. Coffi Co founder Justin Carty said: “Coffi Co is operationally more efficient than before, with more than 90% of orders via the app.” He added staff are freed up from taking orders and can focus on customers – and with more than 60,000 active users, the brand is plenty busy. Coffi Co is also using Pepper’s loyalty features and driving repeat visits with its digital stamp card. These rewards, combined with the reordering functionality and the ability to customise drinks and orders, has meant Coffi Co customers continue to choose the app experience. Over a very difficult summer, Coffi Co proved how resilient its brand was, due to fantastic staff, supported by the right technology. For more information about Pepper’s app and web-based ordering, payment and loyalty solutions click here. If you have information you would like to feature in a sponsored message, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com

People and Training Conference goes virtual with daily video, Loungers to feature today: This year’s People and Training Conference has gone virtual with a video sent out each day at 9am this week. The event, which showcases outstanding people culture among companies in the sector, is organised by the British Institute of Innkeeping in association with Propel and sponsored by CPL Learning. The next video, which be sent on Tuesday (24 November), features Caryn Savazzi, people director at Loungers. She talks to Abi Dunn about the challenges her people team has faced this year and how it has overcome them with great communications being more important now than ever. Savazzi shares her belief the spotlight that has been shone on the industry in 2020 could help people see the sector as a more meaningful place to work.

Peter Backman – huge loss of jobs means reduction in eating-out spending power: Sector analyst Peter Backman has said corporate failures and huge loss of jobs means eating-out spending power will dramatically reduce next year. He said: “As I have pointed out many times since the start of covid-19, the real pain for the sector, in the form of corporate failures and lost jobs, would speed up in the last few months of the year. And so it is coming to pass. That means the real answer to the question ‘how many jobs will be lost?’ is ‘a lot of jobs’. No doubt there will be plenty of discussion and disagreement over the precise number – both now and when the effects of covid-19 are long past. But the real outcome is personal and financial loss. And the legacy, at least over the next couple of years, will be a large pool of unemployed people possessing skills that will be lost to the foodservice sector. When added to those who lose their jobs in other sectors, the unemployed – who are likely to number in the millions – will have much less money to spend both individually and in aggregate, and won’t be spending so much of what they have on eating out. So, tragic as job losses due to covid-19 are, another loss is the long-term effect they are going to have on the future size, growth and overall health of the foodservice sector.”

 

Pub and restaurant closures drive downturn as UK heads for double-dip recession: The UK’s private sector went into reverse in November as the national lockdown in England ended four months of expansion, according to new data. The IHS Markit/CIPS Flash UK Composite PMI data showed a reading of 47.4 so far this month. Anything below 50 is seen as a decline in activity. October’s reading at the same point was 52.9 and 56.5 in September. The downturn was driven by the fastest fall since May in leisure and hospitality businesses as pubs, restaurants and bars closed under new lockdown measures. However, the plunges were offset by a boost in manufacturing as suppliers stockpile products ahead of the Brexit transition period ending this year. Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, said: “A double dip is indicated by the November survey data, with lockdown measures once again causing business activity to collapse across large swathes of the economy. As expected, hospitality businesses have been the hardest hit, with hotels, bars, restaurants and other consumer-facing service providers reporting the steepest downturns. Some comfort comes from the data suggesting that the impact of the lockdown has not been as severe as in the spring, and manufacturing has also received a significant boost from inventory building and a surge in exports ahead of the UK’s departure from the EU at the end of the year, providing a fillip for many companies. However, while the lockdown will be temporary, so too will this pre-Brexit boost.” Business optimism was higher for November, with companies hopeful on the positive vaccine news to have emerged. But fears remain the huge swathe of expected redundancies in the services sector will have a knock-on impact on the entire economy.

 

European hotel market reports performance dip in October amid new lockdowns: The European hotel market has reported a dip in performance in October from September amid new coronavirus lockdowns across the continent with occupancy at its lowest level since June, according to the latest data from STR. Occupancy was down 57.8 percentage points year-on-year, to 32.3%. Average daily rate fell 26.4 percentage points compared with the year before to €84.91 while revpar dropped 69 percentage points to €27.39.

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is currently working with a luxury resort, based in Seychelles, which is looking for an experienced and dynamic director of food and beverage (F&B). As F&B director, the candidate will be responsible for the successful management and profitability of all food and beverage operations in the hotel, including restaurants, bars, catering and banquet operations. The individual will lead, develop and inspire the F&B team to consistently provide exceptional guest experiences and to maintain the highest standards of health, safety and hygiene. The successful applicant will partner with the culinary and commercial teams to develop attractive F&B concepts, menus, promotions and services, in line with brand guidelines. The F&B director is a key role in the hotel leadership team and we are looking for an accomplished leader who is passionate about food and beverage, with at least two years’ experience in a similar role and an internationally recognised degree or diploma. Experience in small luxury resorts or boutique hotels would be an advantage. This position requires relocating to Seychelles, with full expat benefits and a salary of up to $6,500 a month. Please email your CV to michelle@corecruitment.com

 

Cake Box maintains positive sales growth: Cake Box, the specialist retailer of fresh cream cakes, has reported it has maintained its positive sales growth into the second half of its financial year. Franchisee like-for-like sales were up 12.7% in October and 2% for the first two weeks of November following the imposition of a second national lockdown. Following the launch of its Cake Box home delivery service to complement its existing partner offer, online sales have continued to increase in the second half, up circa 56.5% in the six weeks since the end of September versus last year. Five new stores have also opened since the end of September, with encouraging initial trading, including a new first-week sales record, in Staines. Cake Box provided the update as it reported revenue jumped 30% to £8.6m for the 20 weeks to 30 September, compared with £6.6m the previous year. Ebitda was up 0.5% to £1.98m over the six-month period from £1.97m the year before, with pre-tax profit down 4% to £1.66m from £1.74m the previous year. Gross margin improved to 48.4% over the half-year, up from 45% in March. Like-for-like sales in franchise stores grew 12.1% in the 20 weeks to 30 September, with total franchisee turnover up 23% to £17.1m. All 139 of its franchise stores were shut for six weeks during the six-month period due to lockdown restrictions. Cake Box said much of its success was down to a 51% jump in online sales during the pandemic, after the group debuted on delivery apps. Chief executive Sukh Chamdal said: “We have shown considerable resilience during an unprecedented half-year period and have emerged a stronger business for it. This is demonstrated by the strength of our trading momentum since reopening the business. This gives us confidence the momentum in our national rollout will return to pre-covid levels.”

 

Cineworld secures £560m to weather covid-19 so long as it can reopen by May: Cinema operator Cineworld, which shut all 660 of movie theatres across the UK and US in October, has secured financial support worth $750m (£560m) to weather the pandemic. The group said the financial agreements mean it has enough liquidity to make it through next year – as long as cinemas are allowed to reopen by May. The company has agreed financial measures with lenders including a new $450m debt facility. Other agreements include a waiver on all covenants on payments on its debt – which stand at $4.9bn – until June 2022 and an extension on its $111m revolving credit facility to 2024, according to The Guardian. In addition, Cineworld has accelerated the closure of its US tax year, which will generate a $200m tax refund early next year. Cineworld chief executive Mooky Greidinger said: “The measures we are announcing deliver more than $750m of extra liquidity to support our business. Over the long term, the operational improvements we have put in place since the start of the pandemic will further enhance Cineworld’s profitability and resilience.” Cineworld operates 127 sites across the UK.

 

Leon partners with green energy supplier in bid to become carbon negative: Natural fast food brand Leon has partnered with green electricity supplier Ecotricity in its bid to become carbon negative. Leon sites will be powered by Ecotricity, which is dedicated to tackling climate change through energy, food and transport, and will help the brand reduce its energy use as the business works to be carbon neutral by 2030. Every customer who signs up to Ecotricity will receive a £25 Leon voucher while Ecotricity will donate £25 to its regional Wildlife Trust. Leon sustainability and values director Kirsty Saddler said: “Being kind to the planet is an important part of our mission so we’re excited to take a step forward towards a greener Leon and partner with Ecotricity, the world’s leading green energy provider.” Ecotricity founder Dale Vince added: “It’s fantastic to be working with Leon. Switching from fossil fuels is one of the biggest and easiest steps anyone can take to reduce their carbon footprint.”

 

North east pub operator adds site to portfolio: Pub operator David Whitehead has added north east site The Woodmans Arms, in Whickham, to his portfolio. Whitehead also owns The Jolly Fisherman in Craster and Rosie’s Bar in central Newcastle. He said: “The Woodmans Arms has a long track record of success and it’s a great venue, so I’m really pleased to have been able to complete the purchase. These are very uncertain times and I must confess to thinking long and hard about whether to proceed, but it remains a strong investment so I decided to take the plunge.” Whitehead plans to turn the site into a wedding venue and adds letting rooms. He added: “This is a very tough year but it isn’t going to last forever. People will always want to go out to eat and drink, people will always get married and there’s no way weddings are always going to be restricted to 15 guests. We are preparing and investing now for when that business comes back.” Law firm Sintons acted on behalf of Whitehead.

Taco Bell opens 49th UK site, in Leicester: Mexican restaurant brand Taco Bell has opened a site in Leicester city centre – its 49th in the UK. The company has opened the venue in Gallowtree Gate, in the former home of Game, which closed in April this year. The restaurant is open for takeaway, click and collect, and delivery, but when dine-in is once again allowed, it will have capacity for 57 diners, reports Leicestershire Live. There are more than 7,500 restaurants across the globe with Glen Bell having opened the first Taco Bell in Downey, California, in 1962.

 

Launch date and menu revealed for Gordon Ramsay Burger at Harrods: Gordon Ramsay has revealed his eponymous burger restaurant will open in Harrods on Friday, 4 December and what diners can expect to eat when the only site outside Las Vegas is open. On the menu is Wagyu Burger (£80) – beef patty, seared wagyu sirloin, truffle pecorino cheese, cep mayonnaise and fresh black truffle; Lobster and Shrimp Burger (£42) – pan-seared lobster and rock shrimp patty, pickled vegetables, herb aioli and frisee; Hell’s Kitchen Burger (£25) – mozzarella cheese, roasted jalapenos, avocado, roasted tomatoes and jalapeno aioli; Forest Burger (£25) – beef patty, gruyere cheese, saute mushrooms, fried Arlington white egg, rocket and cep mayonnaise; and Blue Cheeseburger (£24) – beef patty, cashel blue cheese, balsamic-glazed onions, rocket, blue cheese dressing and crispy onion ring. There will also be extras such as truffle mac and cheese croquettes and hot dogs.

 

Team behind Portsmouth-based hotdogs and beer concept eyes Chichester for fourth site: The team behind hotdogs and beer concept Bangerz ’n’ Brewz in Portsmouth is eyeing Chichester for its fourth site. It has lodged licensing and planning applications with Chichester District Council for the former Game premises in South Street. In a post on Facebook, the team wrote: “Positive vibes from Chichester District Council so far for our South Street project. We continue to push forward and, all being well, we may begin some shop-fit and artworks within the next few weeks. If it’s safe enough, we’re aiming for an opening date the week before Christmas. Not sure if that’ll be dining in or just delivery yet but we are excited for Chichester. We’ve got some really fun ideas for the menus and shop design.” The company has two sites in Portsmouth – Bangerz ’n’ Brewz and Burgerz ’n’ Brewz – as well as Bangerz ’n’ Burgerz in Brighton.

 

‘First Dates’ TV show restaurant owned by D&D London announces relocated site opening date: D&D London will open its relocated Paternoster Chophouse – which is used by Channel 4 for its “First Dates” show – at 35 Old Bailey on Thursday, 3 December. The chophouse is currently located in Warwick Court in Paternoster Square and will move to its new home no more than 250 metres to the west. The site will feature British produce, a vibrant bar, an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining all year round, and plans for December include weekend brunches, festive food and drink menus, plus a New Year’s Eve dinner menu. It is also running a competition to give away five “first date” meals at the new site to five couples who recount the tale of their successful first date and share their experiences to the restaurant’s Instagram page. Under the guidance of general manager Hannah Naughton, the food menu at the new site, curated by head chef El-Shazly El Shazly, includes meat cuts cooked on open charcoal grills, in Josper ovens or on spit roasts; a 900g whole grilled turbot; and a 1kg 12-day aged Gloucester Old Spot Pork “tomahawk”. The bar, situated at the back of the restaurant, will serve signature cocktails such as the Sloe Bramble and Pretty In Pink. The current site is closing because the building in which it is located is being renovated.

 

Pepe’s Piri Piri Grill opens Wellington site: Flame-grilled chicken chain Pepe’s Piri Piri Grill has opened a site in Wellington, Shropshire. The company has opened the outlet in Bridge Road and is currently offering click and collect and delivery due to lockdown restrictions, reports the Shropshire Star. Pepe’s specialises in piri-piri chicken, serving wings, chicken strips, fried chicken and lamb burgers, wraps, pitta and vegetarian options. Pepe’s opened its debut site in Watford in 2007 and there are now more than 100 outlets in the UK.

 

Escape to Freight Island project expands with £2m investment: Escape to Freight Island has invested £2m in the second phase of its food, drink and entertainment project. The scheme, which brings together individual restaurant, bar and music businesses, is part of the regeneration of Broadwick Live-operated Depot Mayfield in Manchester. Its second chapter – Ticket Hall – focused on expanding the space into the building’s interior. Ticket Hall has given the inside and outside venue a joint capacity of 1,200. The development has created more than 1,000 jobs, including full-time hospitality staff, on-site builders, event crew, artists, DJs and performers, and has seen more than 80,000 visitors since its launch in July. Freight Island creator and owner Gareth Cooper said: “We are really proud and excited to have taken on this ambitious project in the middle of a pandemic. Part of the adventure was to create something unique but also it was very important to me that we always had an eye on helping out Manchester and its people.” Depot Mayfield is part of a £1.4bn transformation of Manchester’s Mayfield District.

 

Whitbread submits plans to convert police station into Hub by Premier Inn hotel: Whitbread, the owner of the Premier Inn and Hub by Premier Inn hotel brands, has submitted plans to convert grade II-listed Snow Hill Police Station in Farringdon into a 220-bedroom Hub by Premier Inn hotel. The station was decommissioned by the City of London Police earlier this year ahead of a move to a state-of-the-art facility on Fleet Street. It will be the third Hub by Premier Inn hotel in the City if planning consent is granted. Proposals involve retaining the historic police station building fronting with the hotel’s bedrooms designed around a new atrium and remodelled building to the rear. It will create circa 50 new jobs on opening. If planning permission is granted by the City of London Corporation, Whitbread will be on-site in 2021 with the hotel targeted to complete in the 2023-24 financial year. The Hub hotels feature “compact” bedrooms with smart TVs, and light “Lounge” dining and a bar offer.

 

Independent Indian food operator opens site at Intu Merry Hill: Family-run restaurant The Indian Tavern Bar & Grill has joined the line-up of independent businesses on The Waterfront complex at Intu Merry Hill, in the West Midlands. Run by childhood friends Harmohan Sood and Gurjit Bains and their families, The Indian Tavern is serving takeaways and deliveries during lockdown and opened a day before the lockdown began. Intu Merry Hill general manager Rachael Jackson said: “We love bringing different cultures and cuisines to Intu Merry Hill and look forward to seeing Indian Tavern welcome customers to the restaurant when, of course, it is safe to do so.” The Indian Tavern chief executive Harmohan Sood said: “Although this is not the opening we had planned for, years of hard work and passion have gone into this, so we couldn’t wait any longer.” Other independent businesses at The Waterfont include The Garrison “Peaky Blinders” themed bar, Dr Eamers Gin Distillery and Ten Steps Coffee Lounge.

 

Mindful Chef launches Christmas menu recipe boxes for nationwide delivery: Healthy recipe box service Mindful Chef has introduced a Christmas menu available for free nationwide delivery. The “stress-free” food boxes include stand-out dishes such as Christmas turkey with sprouts and cranberry sauce; venison with roasted chestnuts, parsnip and carrots; and pecan stuffed mushrooms, potato gratin and red cabbage. All come with recipe cards and are nutritionally balanced, free-from refined carbs, gluten and dairy, with no additives. Mindful Chef co-founder Giles Humphries said: “It’s been an unprecedented year and we hope we can help spread some festive joy by offering a menu with a festive twist and deliveries running up to the big day.” Recipes are available to pre-order for delivery from Sunday, 13 December to Wednesday, 23 December. Mindful Chef is also donating one school meal to a child living in poverty through the One Feeds Two charity. It is also running its annual Reverse Advent Calendar initiative where customers are encouraged to donate one non-perishable food item each day from 1 December until 20 December. Empty boxes can then be returned free of charge to Mindful Chef, which will top up each box with four additional items. Customers’ donations will be distributed via The Felix Project charity. 

 

Qbic Manchester hotel to open in March: Qbic Hotels has announced it will open a site in Manchester in March 2021 that will create 62 jobs. Qbic Manchester will be situated in John Dalton House on Deansgate. The 261-bedroom site will be pet-friendly and boasts king-sized beds, high-speed Wi-Fi, water-efficient power showers, sustainable toiletries and complementary tea and coffee, at what it claims are affordable prices. Room rates will start from £72 per night for a small double. The hotel is recruiting for 42 roles but once in full operation, it will need 62 members of staff. Qbic operations director Jon Walters said: “Supporting local communities is at the core of the Qbic Hotels’ ethos and we are proud to be creating employment opportunities in the Manchester area. We are confident better times lie ahead and that Qbic Manchester will be at the heart and soul of those better times in this fantastic city.” Qbic’s restaurant brand Motley will operate a 180-cover all-day diner with a “waste not” section that uses leftovers. Qbic Manchester will be the business’ fourth site, joining Qbic London, Brussels, and Amsterdam. 

 

Dishoom launches vegan sausage naan roll: Indian restaurant Dishoom has launched a vegan sausage naan roll for nationwide delivery. Symplicity Foods’ Neil Rankin has devised the £16 make-at-home kit, which contains “everything required to enjoy two naan rolls, plus an extra naan dough ball for experimentation”. The sausages feature fermented vegetables (beetroot, mushroom and onion), mixed with a blend of spices for deep, rich umami flavours. The kit also comes with Dishoom’s tomato-chilli jam, fresh coriander and vegan cream cheese, plus chai spices and loose-leaf darjeeling tea. For every kit bought, Dishoom donates a meal to charity Magic Breakfast.

 

Costa Coffee plans to move into former KFC drive-thru at retail park: Costa Coffee has submitted plans to move into a former KFC drive-thru in at Victoria Retail Park, Netherfield, Nottinghamshire. The KFC site closed when the UK went into lockdown in March and has not reopened. The plans were submitted to Gedling Borough Council last month. Work is also progressing on a new Nando’s restaurant and Starbucks drive-thru at the retail park.

 

Spanish deli and restaurant operator Ultracomida launches wine subscription service across UK: Spanish deli and restaurant operator Ultracomida has launched a wine subscription service that delivers nationwide. The Spanish Wine Club will work as a monthly subscription service. Customers will pay £35 a month to receive 12 bottles of handpicked Spanish wines, up to the value of £140, every three months. Wines will be delivered shortly after the third payment is made, with no delivery charges. A welcome bottle of wine will also be delivered at the beginning of the subscription. Ultracomida co-founder Paul Grimwood said: “We are really excited to launch our new wine subscription service, which is all about giving people a chance to try the variety of Spanish wines that we are so passionate about – the same wines we serve in our bars and restaurants. During the first lockdown, our online wine sales really picked up and we now have a lot of repeat customers looking for new styles to try. That’s what gave us the idea to create the Spanish Wine Club.” Each case of 12 bottles will include a variety of styles, and can be tailored to include reds, whites or a mix. Each quarterly box will also be available to buy online for a one-off cost of £105 plus a delivery charge. Ultracomida operates two deli-restaurants in the Welsh coastal towns of Narberth and Aberystwyth, as well as Curado Bar and Vermut bar in Cardiff city centre. 

 

North east restaurateur banned for tax abuse: North east-based restaurant boss Abdul Amin has been disqualified from running companies for seven years after owing tax authorities £130,000. Church View Restaurant was incorporated in July 2014 and traded as Ministers Restaurant in Church View, Sedgefield, in Stockton-on-Tees. Amin, 51, was the sole director of the company and was required to register Church View Restaurant for tax purposes. The restaurant boss, however, failed to register the company and, in 2016, was subject of enquiries by the authorities for unpaid taxes. Despite the scrutiny placed on Church View Restaurant, the company didn’t pay its tax liabilities, totalling more than £133,000, and this resulted in the tax authorities petitioning for Church View Restaurant’s liquidation. Church View Restaurant was liquidated in August 2019 before being referred to the Insolvency Service, which pursued disqualification proceedings against Amin for director misconduct. Amin is banned for seven years from directly or indirectly becoming involved, without the permission of the court, in the promotion, formation or management of a company. Rob Clarke, chief investigator for the Insolvency Service, said: “Directors have statutory requirements to ensure their companies pay taxes. But our investigations uncovered Abdul Amin’s behaviour was deliberate, putting Church View Restaurant at an unfair advantage over their competitors by not paying taxes.”

 

Mayfair Townhouse hotel appoints Adam Simmonds as head chef: Adam Simmonds has been appointed head chef of Mayfair Townhouse hotel, part of Iconic Luxury Hotels. The 172-bedroom hotel is set to open on Thursday, 3 December. Simmonds was previously executive chef at the Capital hotel and before that held the same position at Belmond Cadogan. He was executive chef of Danesfield House in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, for six years, where he won Chef of the Year (fewer than 250 covers) at the 2011 Hotel Cateys. His earlier career included three years at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Great Milton, Oxfordshire, where he worked his way up to sous chef. Iconic Luxury Hotels, which is owned by global private investment group L+R Hotels, also operates Cliveden House in Taplow, Berkshire; Chewton Glen, New Milton, Hampshire; the Lygon Arms, Broadway, Worcestershire; and 11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, London.

 

Diageo launches ten-year strategy to reach drink moderation, eco-friendly and diversity goals: Diageo has launched a ten-year plan to reduce carbon emissions to zero, reach one billion people with its message of moderation, increase ethnic diversity of its leaders and use 30% less water for each drink it makes. The “Society 2030: Spirit of Progress” initiative is designed to make a positive impact on the world by 2030, to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The three core areas it will focus on are promoting positive drinking, championing inclusion and diversity, and pioneering grain-to-glass sustainability. Diageo chief executive Ivan Menezes said: “As a global business, we are committed to playing our part to protect the future of our planet and to leading the way for others to follow. This ambitious action plan will challenge us even further to deliver more over the critical decade to 2030.” In promoting positive drinking, Diageo proposes reaching more than one billion people with messages of moderation from its brands, changing the attitudes of five million drivers towards drink-driving and educating more than ten million people on the dangers of under-age drinking. For championing inclusion and diversity, Diageo aims to have 45% representation of leaders from ethnically diverse backgrounds by 2030 and 50% of all leaders being female, and to provide skills and training to more than 1.7m people. For pioneering grain-to-glass sustainability, Diageo has committed to working towards a low-carbon future, harnessing 100% renewable energy to achieve net zero carbon emissions and working with suppliers to reduce indirect carbon emissions by 50% – with its Scottish distilleries of Oban and Royal Lochnagar both becoming carbon neutral by the end of 2020 and Diageo will aim to achieve net zero in India by 2025. It will also ensure every drink it produces will take 30% less water to make than it does today; deliver more than 150 community water projects; support smallholder farmers with farming techniques to regenerate the land and build biodiversity; and ensure it is using 100% recycled content in plastic packaging. Diageo has also launched its “Sustainable Solutions” campaign to provide non-equity funding to start-up and technology companies to help embed sustainability in its supply chain and brands. 

 

Guesthouse offering experiential stay to open in spring: A guesthouse, restaurant and 15-acre smallholding will open in March 2021 that offers an experiential stay for guests in east Devon. Inspired by summer holidays in Italy, Hugo Guest, partner Olivia and son Rufus will offer accommodation of five rooms plus an annexe, a 30-cover restaurant celebrating local produce and a farm with livestock and a polytunnel at Glebe House in Colyton. Guest, who retrained as a chef and has worked at London restaurants such as The Marksman and Robin Gill’s Sorella, has created a changing menu that celebrates seasonal produce and, for anything the area cannot supply, Glebe House’s polytunnel will be used to provide vegetables and edible flowers. There is also a selection of rare breed livestock, including chickens, cows and British Lop pigs, free to roam around the 1.5-acre woodland. A tennis court and swimming pool will be open in summer months while an on-site bakery and charcuterie room will host workshops and cookery classes. Room rates start at £129 per night up to £220 for use of the self-contained annexe. 

 

Heineken hires James Thompson as chief commercial officer: James Thompson has been hired as Heineken’s new chief commercial officer. He replaces Jan Derck van Karnebeek who leaves after 27 years at Heineken, including five years as chief commercial officer and almost nine years as an executive team member. Van Karnebeek has decided to leave Heineken to pursue other interests outside of the company as of 1 March 2021. Thompson is currently head of categories, brand, innovation and stores at Avon. He has extensive experience in the beverages sector from his prior 24-year career at Diageo. The company added: “At Avon, James was part of the leadership team charged with driving its purpose, commercial, marketing, digital and cultural transformation, including its new campaign ‘Watch Me Now’ and leading global and local collaboration across more than 50 markets. During his time at Diageo, he worked globally on three continents – including in North America as chief marketing and innovation officer, in Asia Pacific as chief marketing and innovation officer, and as managing director, Global Reserve. Prior to Diageo, James spent ten years at Unilever in various marketing positions.”