Tortilla CEO – business now perfectly placed to own the cuisine across Europe, we’ve bucked the trading trend: Andy Naylor, chief executive of fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand Tortilla, has told Propel that the business is in a “unique position to own the growing European Mexican food segment”. The company, which currently operates 89 sites – 20 of which are franchised – said current trading was in line with management expectations for 2024, with in-store sales continuing to improve on the back of its investment in food, brand awareness and technology (up 4% like-for-like in September month to date, up from minus 6% in March). Naylor said: “As a board, we’re unanimous in our view that there is a massive opportunity in Europe. There’s lots more space in the UK, and as our home market, we’ll always be focused on that, whether its own stores or franchise. But the opportunity in Europe is massive, and that’s obviously the reason we bought Fresh Burritos in France – not just because we wanted that business, but because we thought it had good locations, and there was obviously lots of synergies. But in all European countries, there are lots of individual privately-owned burrito businesses doing what we do, and of what we’ve tried of them, our food is stronger, particularly with the changes that we’ve made. I think if we can unlock the potential of having our central kitchen in Lille, then when you talk to new franchise partners, it feels more tangible than a pipe dream. I think that will be true once we’ve got some working P&Ls in our French business that we can share. We’re really optimistic about that. We attended the European Foodservice Summit last week to hear from what’s going on in Europe, and lots of people were talking very positively with us around the opportunity for burritos and that kind of space – not just with fast food, but fast food that’s slightly better for you, and fresher. That’s the opportunity that exists at the moment. If you look at the French team we’ve built, the experience and calibre of those individuals goes beyond the needs of having a 32-site business in France. We’ve set ourselves up in a way to go on to bigger things.” Naylor said the company was “feeling very optimistic” about the rest of the year. He added: “Our trend bucks the trend of the sector. Our like for likes obviously started the year worse and have been improving, whereas obviously the sector has had the opposite. We feel excited by the fact that we’ve changed our product, and we haven’t really marketed it heavily yet – it’s just a word-of-mouth thing so far.”

Five days to go until Propel’s Talent & Training Conference with focus on how companies can build a culture to attract, develop and retain talent: There are five days to go until Propel’s Talent & Training Conference. The all-day conference takes place on Tuesday, 1 October at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. The conference will showcase examples of outstanding people culture among companies within the sector and how the industry is attracting talent. Attendees will hear how businesses are developing their teams, dealing with talent shortages and keeping their staff energised. Also new for this year are “parallel sessions”, which offer the chance to deep dive into specialist subjects. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £345 plus VAT for operators and £395 plus VAT for suppliers. Premium Club members get a 20% discount. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.

Restaurant Marketer & Innovator Awards and Rising Stars open for entries: The Restaurant Marketer & Innovator (RMI) Awards are back for their seventh year, celebrating outstanding achievements in marketing and innovation across the food and beverage sector. Finalists will be honoured at a grand awards ceremony in London on Wednesday, 22 January, the finale of the three-day Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. The awards are open to any eating or drinking-out brand across Europe, with 14 categories including best communications, best new product development, best use of technology and innovator of the year. The closing date for entries is Friday, 1 November. In addition to the main awards, the Rising Stars programme is also returning, recognising talented future leaders under 30 in marketing, innovation and strategy roles. This programme is open to young professionals from anywhere in Europe, offering a platform for emerging talent in the sector. James Hacon, co-founder of the awards, said: “The Restaurant Marketer & Innovator Awards celebrate the extraordinary creativity and forward-thinking that drives our sector. It’s a chance to stand out and be recognised among the industry’s best, whether you’re a start-up with bold ambitions or an established brand evolving to meet the demands of tomorrow’s market.” For more information and to enter the RMI awards, click here, and to nominate for the Rising Stars programme, click here.

 

National rail dispute comes to an end as staff accept deal: Rail workers have voted to accept pay offers by train companies and Network Rail, reducing the prospect of a repeat of the national strikes that have caused misery both for passengers and sector businesses over the last two years. Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) voted overwhelmingly to support the pay offers that will result in increases of more than 4% over the next two years. The RMT said the ballot result meant the long-running national dispute was now over.

 

NTIA welcomes health minister’s call for national debate on banning smoking outside pubs: The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has welcomed health minister Wes Streeting’s call for a national debate on banning smoking outside pubs. Streeting has called for a “national debate” about the prospect of banning smoking outside pubs. A restriction is being considered by the government as part of a range of measures which will be set out shortly, Streeting said. Ministers are examining what can be done to help smokers quit and to “deal with the scourge of second-hand smoke and passive smoke”, he said. Streeting added that a ban on smoking outside pubs is “one of the measures that I'm considering, and I'm up for a national debate on this issue”. Many in the hospitality industry have voiced concerns over potential plans to ban outdoor smoking, including in beer gardens and outside stadiums. Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill said: “We welcome the national debate suggested by the health secretary regarding the phased withdrawal of smoking in public spaces. As an industry that plays a pivotal role in the UK’s cultural and economic landscape, we recognise the importance of promoting public health and understand the government’s commitment to creating a healthier generation. However, it is essential that any measures proposed are developed in full consultation with the sectors most affected, including night-time and hospitality businesses. We urge the government to conduct thorough consultations with the night-time economy and hospitality sectors, and to carry out robust impact assessments before any legislation is introduced. It is crucial that the phased withdrawal of smoking areas, if considered, is accompanied by appropriate support for businesses to adapt, ensuring a balanced approach between improving public health and sustaining the vitality of our industry.”

 

FSB unveils blueprint to revive high street and help hospitality and tourism thrive: A plan to shore up tourism in the UK through reviving high streets and town centres by better supporting small businesses on them to start up and flourish has been unveiled by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Ahead of World Tourism Day tomorrow (Friday, 27 September), the FSB said the move will advance economic, social and cultural enrichment to local areas across the UK. With almost half (44%) of all small tourism and hospitality businesses being on, or next to, the high street in the UK, reviving high streets for the future is fundamental to a thriving tourism industry, the body said. More than half (57%) of small hospitality businesses said the establishment of new tourist attractions or cultural events in the area would be one of the biggest opportunities for the high street, according to a large-scale survey by the FSB. It said the blueprint, The Future of the High Street, sets out achievable recommendations to make high streets more accessible and attractive, offering a wider range of experiences to bolster tourism. Recommendations include availability of affordable commercial space, which the FSB said will not only fill vacant sites but also provide opportunities for small firms eager to launch on the high street. It also calls for local authorities to create specialised funds to support pop-ups, markets and temporary use initiatives for first-time businesses. FSB policy chair Tina McKenzie said: “Attracting tourism to more high streets throughout the country by having modern and well-planned infrastructure, such as transport and parking, and a unique variety of tourist attractions such as independent retailers, eateries and experience, would fuel economic growth.” In 2023, 38 million international tourists visited Britain, spending £31.1bn, with an average spend per visit of £819. Visits were below pre-pandemic levels by 7%.

 

Business Growth Fund – raising capital gains tax in budget would kill investment: Sector businesses backed by the Business Growth Fund (BGF), which includes the likes of Mission Mars, Arc Inspirations and Bob & Berts, have warned they will cut their investment in the UK if chancellor Rachel Reeves raises capital gains tax (CGT) in the Budget. The message came in a survey of 58 of the 348 companies in which BGF has a stake, the majority based outside of London and the south east of England. Bosses said any increase in CGT on 30 October would be “anti-entrepreneurial” adding that: “investment will go elsewhere.” Some 88% of the chief executives and company founders surveyed equated increasing CGT with a lack of support for entrepreneurs, with 74% expecting a direct, negative impact on their businesses. More than three quarters (78%) said that a higher rate of CGT would influence their thinking on investment, which BGF said would limit “job creation and economic growth”. Andy Gregory, BGF’s chief executive, told The Times: “What we’re hearing of is an uncertain environment that business leaders are having to navigate while facing some very specific concerns and could significantly impact growth prospects for [small and medium-sized enterprises].” The BGF survey also saw businesses criticise the government’s “make work pay” agenda, which will see employment rights made more “pro-worker”, including day one rights for unfair dismissal and the right to switch off out of hours. More than two thirds (71%) said the government had not struck the right balance between the needs of employees and employers, with smaller companies in particular likely to be affected.

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a catering provider that is on the hunt for a retail and commercial services manager for a business and industry-style contract in London. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “Overseeing a team of 80-plus with four direct reports across three buildings, the role would be ideal for an established general manager or deputy general manager that comes from a high-volume contract catering background in business and industry, events or stadia. This role is largely Monday to Friday with some occasional evenings and weekends.” The salary is up to £55,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email dan@corecruitment.com.

 

Greene King hires Jonathan Fearn as new CFO: Brewer and retailer Greene King has hired Jonathan Fearn, formerly of Coles Supermarkets, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, as its new chief financial officer, Propel has learned. Following the recent announcement that Richard Smothers, Greene King’s chief financial officer, will retire in April 2025, Greene King has confirmed the appointment of Fearn to replace him. He will join Greene King from Abcam, a Cambridge-based global life science company which provides products for scientists worldwide. Prior to this, he was general manager for the £800m bakery division of Coles Supermarkets in Australia. Fearn started his career at Sainsbury’s, holding a number of senior finance roles before working at Tesco in the UK. Fearn will join Greene King in January. Following his retirement, Smothers will continue to support the business in an advisory role. Nick Mackenzie, chief executive at Greene King, said: “Jonathan brings extensive finance experience to the company, and having worked in the grocery retail sector for 20 years, as well as his broad experience in general management from his time at Coles, I am looking forward to welcoming him to our new executive board, and I know his energy and experience will support our goal to be the Pride of British Hospitality. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Richard Smothers, who has played an instrumental part in our journey over the last seven years, including supporting me to steer the ship during covid and landing our cultural transformation. Richard will leave us in a strong position next year, and we will work together on the transition after Jonathan’s arrival.” At the same time, Propel understands that Kevin Hydes, who stepped down as chief commercial officer of Tim Hortons UK & Ireland after seven years, earlier this summer, is to join Greene King as its new group marketing director. He previously spent 11 years with Costa Coffee in various roles, including UK retail marketing director and international brand and development director.

 

Raymond Blanc’s flagship Oxfordshire restaurant with rooms sees turnover and profit dip: Raymond Blanc’s flagship Oxfordshire restaurant with rooms, Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, has reported turnover fell to £19,853,000 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £20,620,000 the year before. Of the 2023 figure, £10,282,700 came from restaurant operations (2022: £9,810,600), £8,482,000 from rooms (2022: £9,522,000), £629,000 from the cookery school (2022: £733,000) and £459,000 from other sources (2022: £555,000). Pre-tax profit was down to £2,215,000 from £2,925,000 the previous year. The number of rooms sold fell to 8,120 from 8,537 in 2022. Occupancy was down to 71.1% from 73.1%, revpar dropped to £742 from £815 and average room rate decreased from £1,115 to £1,045. No dividend was paid (2022: nil). The venue employs around 250 staff.

 

Young’s confirms opening of new pub with rooms in Farnham: Young’s has confirmed it will open a new pub with rooms this autumn in Farnham, Surrey. The Teller’s Arms will open in the former Lloyd’s Bank building, in the town’s Castle Street. The 168-cover pub will open in October complete with nine boutique rooms and a rooftop terrace. Come spring 2025, a retractable roof will also be added to the rooftop terrace for alfresco dining. Simon Dodd, chief executive of Young’s, said: “In keeping with our ongoing strategy to celebrate venues with heritage, the pub will offer a premium experience that blends the history of the site with the charm of a country pub.” Spanning across London and the south of England, Young’s now operates 42 premium pubs with rooms under its Young’s Room arm, which runs alongside the wider pub portfolio. Talking to Propel last month, Dodd said the business will not exclude acquiring pubs without rooms, or the ability to have them, but admits there has been resurgence in the pub space around accommodation, which Young’s wants to tap into “as much as possible”.

 

K1 Speed to launch UK flagship indoor karting venue in Glasgow: US group K1 Speed, which earlier this year acquired Capital Karts, is to invest £5.5m in opening what it has said will be world’s longest indoor karting track, at the Braehead shopping scheme in Glasgow. The venue will feature a one of a kind, three deck track spanning more than 1,000 metres. The project is set to create more than 80 jobs. Scheduled to open in autumn 2025, K1 Speed will transform the former Snowfactor site at the XSite scheme, with a facility designed to accommodate up to 35 high-performance electric karts racing simultaneously. The company said the karts, priced at £15,000 each, are the most advanced in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40mph and accelerating to top speed in seconds. In addition to the karting track, the venue will feature a state-of-the-art e-sports lounge equipped with premium racing simulators. K1 Speed currently operates 100 sites worldwide, including 70 sites in the USA and locations in countries such as Canada, Mexico, France and Italy. In May, the business acquired indoor go-karting concept Capital Karts, which has one venue in central London (Canary Wharf) and two additional venues under development across Central London (Vauxhall) and Birmingham. Matthew Holyfield, managing director at K1 Speed UK, said: “Our goal is to provide a top-tier entertainment experience that appeals to both casual racers and serious competitors. The new K1 Speed Braehead will embody our commitment to innovation, safety, and fun, and we’re excited to bring this to the region.” A new report has been produced by Propel on the fast-growing experiential leisure sector. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes more than 180 companies, 3,500 sites and a 35,000-word report. The report was made available this month to Premium Club members. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Trio of Wagamama sites close in Dublin: Three Wagamama restaurants in Dublin have closed after joint receivers appointed to part of the Press Up Hospitality Group failed to reach an agreement with Wagamama UK for the continued operation of the franchise in Ireland. The Irish Times reports that trading has ceased with immediate effect at Wagamama Dundrum Town Centre, Wagamama Blanchardstown Centre and Wagamama South King Street in Dublin city centre. Portalon, the business within Press Up that operates the three restaurants, has 106 employees, and the joint receivers will enter a consultation period with all staff. Agreements have been reached with the respective landlords of Wagamama South King Street and Wagamama Blanchardstown Centre for these locations to remain as operating venues within Press Up, and the company is hoping to have new offerings ready at these sites in the next four to eight weeks. Press Up will not continue to trade at the Dundrum Town Centre location. Last week, London-based investment firm Cheyne Capital took control of Press Up and appointed KPMG’s Shane McCarthy and Cormac O’Connor as receivers to four businesses that control 12 venues under the Elephant & Castle, Wagamama and Wowburger brands. It came after Cheyne Capital agreed to take control of Press Up, which has been owned and operated by Paddy McKillen Jr and Matt Ryan. Cheyne has been a partner of Press Up for several years and the two began talks last year about the London asset management house taking an equity stake in the Irish company.

 

Redemption Roasters to make north London debut: The world’s first prison-based coffee company, Redemption Roasters, is to make its debut in north London with an opening in Muswell Hill. The business – which this week opened its 12th site, at 56 St Giles High Street, near Tottenham Court Road – will open in the ex-Planet Organic site in Muswell Hill Road this autumn. Earlier this year, Redemption Roasters said it planned to treble revenue over the next three years after completing a £2.7m investment round. In April, the company said it planned to launch four new retail premises over the coming months in London and expand its wholesale network. The Macquarie Group Foundation, R&Co4Generations (the Rothschild & Co Group Foundation) and Barrow Cadbury Trust were among those companies that invested in Redemption Roasters’ latest fundraising round. The company is planning to open a further 17 shops in the capital by 2026.

 

Electric Star Pubs heading for a record year of trading in 2024, adds four more karaoke rooms: Electric Star Pubs, the eight-strong London business led by owner and founder Rob Star, has said the company is heading for a record year of trading in 2024. It comes as the company opens four new themed karaoke rooms at The Star of Bethnal Green, bringing the karaoke offering at the pub up to five rooms, with the largest catering for 16 people. The Star of Bethnal Green was the first Electric Star pub to be opened, in April 2008, and its first karaoke room was built in 2010. Food is provided by a rotating selection of street food traders, with Patty and Pickle currently offering its smashed burgers. Owner Rob Star said: “We are excited to open another four state-of-the-art karaoke rooms in our pub in Bethnal Green, meaning we now have 17 rooms across all of our Electric Star pubs. Star of Bethnal Green was the first pub I opened, so it has a special place in my heart. It’s continually evolving, and we’re confident that the addition of these rooms will see it remain as one of the go-to places in E2.”

Superbowl UK secures Basingstoke site: Superbowl UK has secured a site within the Festival Place destination in Basingstoke, Hampshire. The 16,750 square-foot unit will launch in the summer 2025, and will be joined by Hans Buffet, which will open a buffet concept next door. The bowling centre will offer around ten lanes of bowling along with interactive darts, shuffleboard and a SEGA Prize Zone, alongside a food and beverage offer. Hans Buffet, meanwhile, will offer more than 100 dishes from across the globe in a 10,000 square-foot space, and is from the team behind Tang’s, in Bracknell. Kate Quaintance, acquisitions director at Superbowl UK, said: “We are family-friendly, but everyone will be able to find something here to enjoy, and it’s that appeal to a broad demographic that made our decision to open at Festival Place. Our visitor demographics align, which gives us the confidence of being successful here.” The 13-strong Superbowl UK is also due to open a site in nearby Aldershot. Lunson Mitchenall and GCW represent Festival Place. 

Staycity targets up to three new acquisitions per year via new development platform as it looks to double in size, secures three London sites: Aparthotel operator Staycity Group has targeted up to three new acquisitions per year via its new development platform as it looks to double in size, and has secured three London sites. The new platform, Carnsór, will source and manage the development of sites focusing on expanding the group’s Staycity and Wilde brands. Its initial target of acquiring “two or three developments per annum” will be funded by group equity and external investment. Through the new platform, the group has acquired new assets in Stratford, Blackfriars and Vauxhall, as well as two further development deals in exclusivity. Stratford will be a Staycity location with 249 rooms, while Vauxhall and Blackfriars will be part of its Wilde brand, with 175 and 220 rooms. These have been funded by a combination of Staycity equity and debt provided by OakNorth Bank. Heading up the new platform as its chief executive and co-founder is Andrew Fowler, who returns to the group as its chief development officer. Fowler was previously Staycity’s acquisitions director, from 2007 to 2012, and was most recently co-founder and group acquisitions director at Locke and Edyn, the fully integrated extended stay platform. “I am thrilled to return to Staycity Group in a new capacity, with the overall goal to double the current growth rate,” he said. “Staycity has become the fastest growing aparthotel company in Europe, and with this new development platform, we’ll look to drive further growth in the group across development and leasing.” Staycity has ambitious plans to grow from its current estate of 10,000 rooms to 20,000 in the next five years. Group chief executive and co-founder Tom Walsh added: “I am delighted to welcome Andrew back, who I know will be a key part of our growth strategy. The Carnsór platform will be an additional growth channel, and with the group delivering just over €50m in Ebitda in both 2023 and 2024, we are well positioned financially to achieve our goal of a further 10,000 keys in the next five years.”   

 

Trading Post Coffee Roasters signs three-site partnership with University of Brighton: Sussex coffee house company Trading Post Coffee Roasters has signed a deal with the University of Brighton to sell its coffee at three sites across its campuses. From the start of the new academic term, it will trade from The Venue, The Hive and Basement Central, at the university’s Moulsecoomb and Falmer campuses. It further extends the reach of the company in the south east, adding to its nine stores across West Sussex and East Sussex, with another due to open soon in Horsham. “We are thrilled to partner with the University of Brighton Students’ Union, aligning with its commitment to quality, sustainability and student satisfaction,” said Ryan Deol, head of wholesale at Trading Post Coffee Roasters. “We believe this collaboration will create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere across the campus cafes, enhancing the overall university experience.”

 

Zazu’s Pubs opens sixth site: Bristol independent operator Zazu’s Pubs has opened its sixth site. It has reopened former JD Wetherspoon pub The Jolly Sailor in Hanham, which was put up for sale in 2022 and closed in June. Zazu’s Pubs, run by James Savage, also operates Alma Tavern & Theatre in Clifton, The Eastfield in Henleaze, The Greenbank in Easton, The Knowle in Knowle and Westbury Park in Henleaze. “Zazu’s Pubs has set sail at the Jolly Sailor and we’re excited to be able to bring our brand of neighbourhood pub to Hanham High Street,” a company spokesman said. “The new Jolly free house has a fabulous selection of local breweries and old favourites, highlighting the best Bristol has to offer! As well as a great range of draught, spirits and wine, we’ve got the kettle on for all your favourite brews.” The pub also offers an upstairs events space and has just launched breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.

 

Football agent Kia Joorabchian behind new neighbourhood Italian restaurant concept to open in north west London: Football agent Kia Joorabchian is behind a new neighbourhood Italian restaurant concept opening in north west London. Babbo will launch in St John’s Wood in December, offering an all-day dining experience focusing on authentic Italian cuisine. The venue in St John’s Wood High Street is set to be split between a main restaurant space, intimate lounge and bar area. Seating up to 84 inside, there is also set to be a fully heated outside terrace, seating up to 24 guests. Babbo’s menu, curated by executive chef Nicola Cariglia, will feature signature dishes such as the Babbo Parmagiana, grilled baby chicken and Spaghetoni Gragnano with chilli mussels and baby squid. The main bar and lounge area will offer a curated selection of fine wine and handcrafted cocktails. Cariglia said: “Our vision is to create a space where guests can gather to enjoy delicious food, great wine, and the company of friends and family. We believe in the power of good food to bring people together and look forward to welcoming our neighbours to Babbo.”

 

Freemans Event Partners hires new CCO: Freemans Event Partners, the UK-based global multi-service event partner, has hired a new chief commercial officer. Natasha Thiebaut will sit on the executive board and be tasked with delivering the businesses’ ambitious five-year strategic plan – with a focus on growing the brand and client base, expanding its premium experiences and hospitality delivery, and developing and introducing all-inclusive ticket packages in the UK event industry. She has previously worked with Everton FC, FC Porto and Leinster Rugby, and at national stadiums including the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow and the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. She was also vice-president of IMG’s stadium division, playing a leading role in the opening of Wembley Stadium and developing Club Wembley, and led IMG’s advisory work on stadium development for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

 

Former fashion journalist who retrained at Le Cordon Bleu to open second site for bakery concept: Former fashion journalist Charlotte O’Kelly, who retrained at Le Cordon Bleu after starting a family, is to open a second site for her bakery concept. O’Kelly launched Astrid Bakery in London’s Muswell Hill earlier this year. The second outlet is set to open further along Alexandra Park Road. “The new place is just along from the tiny bakery, and we will still sell everything through the croissant hatch,” she told Hot Dinners. “The new space will allow us more room to spread out, to produce more pastries, bread and lunch options.” The new building will also allow O’Kelly to restart her breakfast box deliveries, which she begun selling from her kitchen during covid and had to stop when demand outstripped capacity at the existing shop.

 

London hotel operator reports record turnover of £14.4m: Countess Holdings, which operates two London hotels – the Blakemore Hyde Park hotel and the Norfolk Towers in Paddington under the Starcrown Hotels brand – has reported turnover increased 34.2% to a record £14,398,342 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £10,727,936 the year before. The company, headed by Bhagwant Singh Gurtata, saw pre-tax profit fall to £1,567,568 from £2,114,155 the previous year. In his report accompanying the accounts, Gurtata stated: “Due to the Bank of England’s interest rate increases during 2023, interest costs increased significantly compared with the previous year [from £1.3m to £2.2m]. The impact of the ongoing wars in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hammas along with the macroeconomic challenges we face means our financial outlook for 2024 is certainly sceptical.” The company, which employs around 50 staff, did not receive any government grants (2022: 12,875). A dividend of £300,000 was paid (2022: nil).

 

Former Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay alumni set to open new restaurant in old Mark Hix space at Damien Hirst’s London gallery: Former Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay alumni Alyn Williams is set to open a new restaurant in Mark Hix’s old space at Damien Hirst's London gallery. Williams – who worked for Ramsay at his Claridge’s and Royal Hospital Road locations, and for Wareing at Petrus – will open Pario at Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery on Wednesday, 9 October, in the space formerly occupied by Hix’s Pharmacy 2. Williams will run the concept restaurant in partnership with Charlie Bryant, formerly of Grill at The Dorchester, and private chef George Brown, whose dad, Simon Browne, opened the White Hart in Ilfracombe with Hirst two decades ago. “George and I have decided to bring a huge British produce focus into Pario,” Bryant told Hot Dinners. “We have huge passion for the beautiful produce we have here in the UK, showcasing the finest of ingredients. It’s super tasty food that isn’t messed with, just straight up amazing produce cooked simply but perfectly, with a sauce or a small garnish.” Dishes will include wild mushroom croustade with beetroot and ricotta; and barbecued Cornish native lobster tail with tempura claws, crispy hash browns, shell reduction and a fennel seed mayo.