Mitchell & Cooper applauds latest Defra legislation
Mitchell & Cooper, an established UK manufacturer of foodservice equipment since 1879, has welcomed the Government’s latest Animal Welfare Strategy announcement that legislates against the inhumane act of boiling lobsters and crabs alive, in recognition of crustacean sentience.
Kat Cooper, Project Director at Mitchell & Cooper, believes that the new legislation is long overdue: “We commend Defra’s leadership in advancing animal welfare and applaud its readiness to acknowledge crustacean sentience. Mitchell & Cooper highlighted the issues around boiling crustaceans over 7 years ago and committed to pioneering a superior option that renders lobsters and crabs insensible in under 0.
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Kat Cooper, Project Director at Mitchell & Cooper, believes that the new legislation is long overdue: “We commend Defra’s leadership in advancing animal welfare and applaud its readiness to acknowledge crustacean sentience. Mitchell & Cooper highlighted the issues around boiling crustaceans over 7 years ago and committed to pioneering a superior option that renders lobsters and crabs insensible in under 0.
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20/Jan/2026 14:02
Malone Lodge Hotel in Belfast set to reopen after multi-million-pound renovation
The Malone Lodge Hotel in South Belfast is set to reopen early next month after an 18-month, multi-million-pound refurbishment.
The 103-bedroom Victorian townhouse will relaunch under its new name, The Malone.
The Macklin family, who have owned and operated the hotel for two generations, said The Malone will feature redesigned guest rooms along with enhancements to the Greyhound Bar, Gallery Restaurant, lounge, and reception area.
The refurbishment will also create 20 new jobs.
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The 103-bedroom Victorian townhouse will relaunch under its new name, The Malone.
The Macklin family, who have owned and operated the hotel for two generations, said The Malone will feature redesigned guest rooms along with enhancements to the Greyhound Bar, Gallery Restaurant, lounge, and reception area.
The refurbishment will also create 20 new jobs.
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20/Jan/2026 08:03
Valor Hospitality doubles UK presence in five years ahead of 2026 hotel openings
Valor Hospitality Partners has more than doubled its UK portfolio over the past five years, growing from 17 hotels in 2021 to 40 in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued expansion across the UK market.
This sustained growth reflects Valor’s long-term commitment to the UK.
The US-headquartered global company entered the European market in 2014, launching with the management of 11 IHG-branded hotels and quickly establishing a reputation as a trusted partner for hotel owners and investors.
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This sustained growth reflects Valor’s long-term commitment to the UK.
The US-headquartered global company entered the European market in 2014, launching with the management of 11 IHG-branded hotels and quickly establishing a reputation as a trusted partner for hotel owners and investors.
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20/Jan/2026 07:59
Parfetts Launches First Shop & Go in the South of England
Parfetts brings its first Shop & Go convenience store to the south of England with a brand-new forecourt site in Gosport, Hampshire.
The site, featuring a petrol filling station, received a £250,000 upgrade, overseen by retailer Muresh Seevaratnam.
This new outlet is a significant milestone, becoming the first Shop & Go store supplied via the Southampton depot.
The Shop & Go store features a range of products.
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The site, featuring a petrol filling station, received a £250,000 upgrade, overseen by retailer Muresh Seevaratnam.
This new outlet is a significant milestone, becoming the first Shop & Go store supplied via the Southampton depot.
The Shop & Go store features a range of products.
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19/Jan/2026 16:17
Co-op launches its first new store of the year
Co-op marked the opening of its first store of 2026 on Friday (16 January) in the Willowbrook Park area of Didcot.
The new convenience store has created 11 local jobs and will be open daily from 6am to 10pm.
It will be offering a Costa Coffee Express, a bakery and hot food section, fresh produce, meat and dairy, food-to-go and meal deals, wines and beers, and everyday essentials.
Customers can enjoy the convenience of grocery delivery through partners including Deliveroo.
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The new convenience store has created 11 local jobs and will be open daily from 6am to 10pm.
It will be offering a Costa Coffee Express, a bakery and hot food section, fresh produce, meat and dairy, food-to-go and meal deals, wines and beers, and everyday essentials.
Customers can enjoy the convenience of grocery delivery through partners including Deliveroo.
more »
19/Jan/2026 16:09
Thomas Franks secures catering contract with Durham Cricket
Thomas Franks has been named the new catering partner for Durham Cricket’s Banks Homes Riverside Stadium.
The company will now handle all food, beverage, and hospitality services at the 15,000-seat Chester-Le-Street venue, taking over operations that were previously managed in-house by Durham Cricket Events.
Thomas Franks launched its Sport and Leisure division in 2023 and currently manages stadium contracts at Somerset County Cricket Club and Dunfermline AFC.
Durham Cricket finance director Ian Dawson said: “We were impressed by Thomas Franks’ personal approach.
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The company will now handle all food, beverage, and hospitality services at the 15,000-seat Chester-Le-Street venue, taking over operations that were previously managed in-house by Durham Cricket Events.
Thomas Franks launched its Sport and Leisure division in 2023 and currently manages stadium contracts at Somerset County Cricket Club and Dunfermline AFC.
Durham Cricket finance director Ian Dawson said: “We were impressed by Thomas Franks’ personal approach.
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19/Jan/2026 08:52
Asda Express expands beyond 500 stores
Asda has opened new Express stores in Bradford and Salford, marking a major milestone for the retailer as its convenience estate surpasses 500 locations.
The Bradford Express store is located in the former Hare and Hounds pub on Toller Lane, while the Salford site sits on Norton Street, close to Salford Central train station.
The retailer has rapidly expanded its convenience channel since launching it in 2022, opening 17 Express stores in 2025 alone.
Joseph Sutton.
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The Bradford Express store is located in the former Hare and Hounds pub on Toller Lane, while the Salford site sits on Norton Street, close to Salford Central train station.
The retailer has rapidly expanded its convenience channel since launching it in 2022, opening 17 Express stores in 2025 alone.
Joseph Sutton.
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19/Jan/2026 08:38
Harlech Foodservice reports a 20% rise in sales performance
Welsh food wholesaler Harlech Foodservice has reported a near 20% rise in sales, reaching £30 million within a six-month period.
Headquartered in Criccieth, Harlech Foodservice operates sites in Chester, Carmarthen, Aberbargoed and Telford, and says five years of rapid growth have transformed it into a major force in the UK market.
Since April 2025, Harlech has grown business by 68% in South Wales and the West Midlands, adding 117 new customers. In the North West, 390 new accounts have been opened.
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Headquartered in Criccieth, Harlech Foodservice operates sites in Chester, Carmarthen, Aberbargoed and Telford, and says five years of rapid growth have transformed it into a major force in the UK market.
Since April 2025, Harlech has grown business by 68% in South Wales and the West Midlands, adding 117 new customers. In the North West, 390 new accounts have been opened.
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16/Jan/2026 09:45
Caffè Nero appoints former Hotel Chocolat CEO as UK chief executive officer
Lysa Hardy, who stepped down as chief executive of Hotel Chocolat in August, has been named UK CEO of Caffè Nero.
In her new role, Hardy will report to Caffè Nero group chief executive Gerry Ford and work alongside managing director Glyn House.
She previously spent seven years at Hotel Chocolat, including a seven-month tenure as CEO.
With over 20 years of experience in UK high street brands.
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In her new role, Hardy will report to Caffè Nero group chief executive Gerry Ford and work alongside managing director Glyn House.
She previously spent seven years at Hotel Chocolat, including a seven-month tenure as CEO.
With over 20 years of experience in UK high street brands.
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15/Jan/2026 10:06
LondonMetric completes £89m acquisition of nine Premier Inn hotels
LondonMetric Property Plc has expanded its portfolio with the £89 million acquisition of nine Premier Inn hotels from Whitbread.
The portfolio includes 955 bedrooms across hotels in Southampton Airport, Kings Langley, Milton Keynes, Poole, Colchester, Fareham, Waltham Abbey, Chipping Norton and Warwick.
The sale-and-leaseback portfolio is secured on new 30-year leases and produces annual rental income of £5 million.
Following this acquisition.
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The portfolio includes 955 bedrooms across hotels in Southampton Airport, Kings Langley, Milton Keynes, Poole, Colchester, Fareham, Waltham Abbey, Chipping Norton and Warwick.
The sale-and-leaseback portfolio is secured on new 30-year leases and produces annual rental income of £5 million.
Following this acquisition.
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15/Jan/2026 09:56
The Great British Food Festival Trentham Gardens 2026
The Great British Food Festival will be coming to Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire for a fifth time between 2nd and 4th May 2026.
The event will feature chef demonstrations, ale and wine bars, artisan market offering local and specialist produce and tastings, with a fantastic range of food, drink and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Visitors are invited to explore flavours, learn new culinary skills and meet chefs from the local area.
For more information please visit https://greatbritishfoodfestival.
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The event will feature chef demonstrations, ale and wine bars, artisan market offering local and specialist produce and tastings, with a fantastic range of food, drink and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Visitors are invited to explore flavours, learn new culinary skills and meet chefs from the local area.
For more information please visit https://greatbritishfoodfestival.
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15/Jan/2026 08:37
BBC Good Food Show Summer 2026
The BBC Good Food Show Summer is set to return between the 18th and 21st June 2026 to the NEC, Birmingham.
The show will feature produce from local producers to shop and sample, the BBC Good Food stage with live interviews and demonstrations and live cooking from some of your favourite Chefs.
The show will feature alongside BBC Gardeners’ World Live.
For more information please visit https://www.
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The show will feature produce from local producers to shop and sample, the BBC Good Food stage with live interviews and demonstrations and live cooking from some of your favourite Chefs.
The show will feature alongside BBC Gardeners’ World Live.
For more information please visit https://www.
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15/Jan/2026 08:34
Lidl names new Chief Customer Officer
Lidl GB has appointed customer director Louise Weise as its new chief customer officer.
In her new role, Weise will join the company’s board of directors and lead its customer function.
In the role, she will be responsible for the discounter’s brand and marketing, loyalty and customer insight, in-store customer experience and customer care.
Weise joined Lidl through its graduate programme in 2010 and has since held a number of senior positions.
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In her new role, Weise will join the company’s board of directors and lead its customer function.
In the role, she will be responsible for the discounter’s brand and marketing, loyalty and customer insight, in-store customer experience and customer care.
Weise joined Lidl through its graduate programme in 2010 and has since held a number of senior positions.
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15/Jan/2026 08:04
Company of Cooks wins catering contract at No. 4 Hamilton Place
Company of Cooks has been appointed as the hospitality and catering partner for No. 4 Hamilton Place, the headquarters of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS).
Under a £2.5 million, three-year agreement, the Company of Cooks team will manage all hospitality and catering services at the iconic Edwardian townhouse in Mayfair, London.
In addition to serving as a workplace for RAeS staff, No. 4 Hamilton Place offers event spaces for society functions, private gatherings, and corporate clients.
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Under a £2.5 million, three-year agreement, the Company of Cooks team will manage all hospitality and catering services at the iconic Edwardian townhouse in Mayfair, London.
In addition to serving as a workplace for RAeS staff, No. 4 Hamilton Place offers event spaces for society functions, private gatherings, and corporate clients.
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15/Jan/2026 08:00
Compleat Food Group appoints former Mars executive as general manager
Nick Reade has been appointed as the first UK managing director at Compleat Food Group in a newly created role.
Reade previously spent 11 years at FMCG giant Mars, where he served as general manager for the UK and Ireland.
In his new role, Reade will handle commercial strategy, bring together customer, product, marketing, and other functions, and report straight to CEO Nick Field.
“The growth of The Compleat Food Group since its inception in 2021 has been fantastic to observe.
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Reade previously spent 11 years at FMCG giant Mars, where he served as general manager for the UK and Ireland.
In his new role, Reade will handle commercial strategy, bring together customer, product, marketing, and other functions, and report straight to CEO Nick Field.
“The growth of The Compleat Food Group since its inception in 2021 has been fantastic to observe.
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14/Jan/2026 12:39
TGI Fridays plans to close 16 restaurants as part of a pre-pack deal
Sugarloaf TGIF Operations has acquired the business and assets of Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group, the operator of TGI Fridays UK restaurants, via a pre-packaged transaction.
The deal allows 33 restaurants across the UK to continue operating under new ownership.
However, 16 sites were not included in the transaction and have ceased trading with immediate effect, leading to 456 job losses.
The pre-pack deal preserves the jobs of 1.
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The deal allows 33 restaurants across the UK to continue operating under new ownership.
However, 16 sites were not included in the transaction and have ceased trading with immediate effect, leading to 456 job losses.
The pre-pack deal preserves the jobs of 1.
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14/Jan/2026 11:51
Portico appoints Matt Bowers as managing director
Portico Guest Services has appointed Matt Bowers as its new Managing Director.
He previously served as managing director of Livv, a boutique workplace experience business within ISS Facility Services UK.
His appointment comes as Portico pursues tech-driven strategies to boost client growth.
Chief executive of Portico and Genuine Dining, Chris Mitchell, said: “Matt’s leadership at Livv and his track record of building high-performing teams and leveraging technology in people-centric services make him the ideal leader to take Portico into the next era.
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He previously served as managing director of Livv, a boutique workplace experience business within ISS Facility Services UK.
His appointment comes as Portico pursues tech-driven strategies to boost client growth.
Chief executive of Portico and Genuine Dining, Chris Mitchell, said: “Matt’s leadership at Livv and his track record of building high-performing teams and leveraging technology in people-centric services make him the ideal leader to take Portico into the next era.
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13/Jan/2026 13:19
Edinburgh Zoo appoints Sodexo Live! to deliver catering and hospitality services
Sodexo Live! has been appointed as Edinburgh Zoo’s catering and hospitality partner following a competitive tender process.
Its specialist events catering brand, Heritage Portfolio, will enhance the visitor experience with a dedicated core team based in Edinburgh.
This partnership marks the start of a new chapter in Edinburgh Zoo’s food and beverage offering, with a strong emphasis on quality, consistency, and alignment with the values and mission of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
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Its specialist events catering brand, Heritage Portfolio, will enhance the visitor experience with a dedicated core team based in Edinburgh.
This partnership marks the start of a new chapter in Edinburgh Zoo’s food and beverage offering, with a strong emphasis on quality, consistency, and alignment with the values and mission of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
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13/Jan/2026 08:03
The Salad Project receives funding to support its expansion into Europe
The Salad Project has secured £9 million in funding from investors, including Deliveroo founder Will Shu, to support its expansion into Europe.
The premium salad bar will open its first overseas location in Paris’ Le Sentier district in spring/summer 2026, led by co-founder Florian de Chezelles.
The expansion is being hailed as ’the brand’s first step towards building a broader European footprint’.
The investment will also enable the London-based business to launch six to seven further branches across the capital to meet high demand.
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The premium salad bar will open its first overseas location in Paris’ Le Sentier district in spring/summer 2026, led by co-founder Florian de Chezelles.
The expansion is being hailed as ’the brand’s first step towards building a broader European footprint’.
The investment will also enable the London-based business to launch six to seven further branches across the capital to meet high demand.
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13/Jan/2026 07:59
Heineken CEO to step down in Spring
Dutch drinks brand Heineken has announced that Dolf van den Brink will step down as CEO and chairman of the board on 31 May.
He steps down after six years leading the company, overseeing the beer maker through the Covid-19 pandemic and the rollout of the Evergreen Strategy 2030.
The supervisory board will look for a successor, and Van den Brink will remain in an advisory role for eight months from 1 June 2026.
According to Heineken.
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He steps down after six years leading the company, overseeing the beer maker through the Covid-19 pandemic and the rollout of the Evergreen Strategy 2030.
The supervisory board will look for a successor, and Van den Brink will remain in an advisory role for eight months from 1 June 2026.
According to Heineken.
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12/Jan/2026 13:26