Rare Restaurants has appointed Baton Berisha as its new CEO
Baton Berisha has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Rare Restaurants, the parent company of Gaucho and M Restaurants.
Berisha, who assumes his role immediately, previously spent seven years at the Ivy Collection and had a brief tenure as managing director at D&D London.
He was recruited by the Wolseley Hospitality Group in 2022, shortly after its owners, Minor International, took control from founder Jeremy King. However, he resigned last summer to explore new opportunities.
Berisha takes over from former Rare Restaurants CEO Martin Williams.
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Berisha, who assumes his role immediately, previously spent seven years at the Ivy Collection and had a brief tenure as managing director at D&D London.
He was recruited by the Wolseley Hospitality Group in 2022, shortly after its owners, Minor International, took control from founder Jeremy King. However, he resigned last summer to explore new opportunities.
Berisha takes over from former Rare Restaurants CEO Martin Williams.
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14/Mar/2025 17:13
Freemans Event Partners appointed Matt Luscombe as new CEO, with plans to target a £200 million turnover
Matt Luscombe has been named CEO of Freemans Event Partners, as the family-owned business sets its sights on reaching a £200 million turnover in the next few years.
Before joining Freemans Event Partners, Luscombe served as chief commercial officer at InterContinental Hotels Group, general manager at Coles Group, and CEO at Cycas Hospitality.
He will collaborate closely with the current CEO, Stephen Freeman, who will transition to the role of executive chairman, as the company works towards tripling its annual turnover under its new five-year strategy.
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Before joining Freemans Event Partners, Luscombe served as chief commercial officer at InterContinental Hotels Group, general manager at Coles Group, and CEO at Cycas Hospitality.
He will collaborate closely with the current CEO, Stephen Freeman, who will transition to the role of executive chairman, as the company works towards tripling its annual turnover under its new five-year strategy.
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13/Mar/2025 17:32
Fuller's secured a £185m banking facility and announces new acquisition
Fullers has secured a new £185m banking facility, which the company states will provide the necessary financial flexibility to pursue potential acquisitions.
The announcement comes after Fullers successfully acquired the White Swan in Twickenham, with the deal set to complete on 19 March 2025. Located along the River Thames in southwest London, the pub will become part of Fuller's managed pubs and hotels portfolio.
Fuller's has also launched a share buyback program to repurchase up to one million 'A' shares.
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The announcement comes after Fullers successfully acquired the White Swan in Twickenham, with the deal set to complete on 19 March 2025. Located along the River Thames in southwest London, the pub will become part of Fuller's managed pubs and hotels portfolio.
Fuller's has also launched a share buyback program to repurchase up to one million 'A' shares.
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13/Mar/2025 17:09
The Great British Food Festival Knebworth House 2025
The Great British Food Festival returns to Knebworth House Park & Gardens in Hertfordshire between 19th and 20th July 2025.
The event will showcase top local and artisan producers, Cake offs, craft & vintage stalls, and the popular Men V's Food challenge.
There will also be chef demonstrations from top Chefs and Bake-Off Stars.
For further information please visit https://greatbritishfoodfestival.
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The event will showcase top local and artisan producers, Cake offs, craft & vintage stalls, and the popular Men V's Food challenge.
There will also be chef demonstrations from top Chefs and Bake-Off Stars.
For further information please visit https://greatbritishfoodfestival.
more »
13/Mar/2025 11:49
Foodies Festival Chelmsfood 2025
The UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink, the Foodies Festival is set to take place at Hylands Park in Chelmsford between 20th and 22nd June 2025.
The event will host a line up of top Chefs and Michelin-starred chefs will also cook live including MasterChef The Professionals 2024 Ritchie Stainsby.
There will a local Artisan Market, street food, a Cake & Bake Theatre, Eating Competitions, pop-up bars, cook school and live music including Symphonic Ibiza, Pixie Lott and The Wanted 2.0.
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The event will host a line up of top Chefs and Michelin-starred chefs will also cook live including MasterChef The Professionals 2024 Ritchie Stainsby.
There will a local Artisan Market, street food, a Cake & Bake Theatre, Eating Competitions, pop-up bars, cook school and live music including Symphonic Ibiza, Pixie Lott and The Wanted 2.0.
more »
13/Mar/2025 11:45
Sandwich Sandwich announces details for second London location
Bristol-based sandwich specialist Sandwich Sandwich has revealed more details about its second London location, set to open next week.
The 3,500 sq ft location was first announced in November last year.
The Mark Lane location, also situated in the City of London, comes six months after the brand’s London debut in a site previously occupied by salad chain Tossed.
The family-run business Sandwich Sandwich was founded in 2010 by self-taught chef Nick Kleiner on Cotham Road South in Bristol.
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The 3,500 sq ft location was first announced in November last year.
The Mark Lane location, also situated in the City of London, comes six months after the brand’s London debut in a site previously occupied by salad chain Tossed.
The family-run business Sandwich Sandwich was founded in 2010 by self-taught chef Nick Kleiner on Cotham Road South in Bristol.
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13/Mar/2025 08:42
Hollywood Bowl invests £4 Million in new Uxbridge location
Hollywood Bowl Group, one of the UK’s leading leisure operators, has begun work on its newest bowling and entertainment centre at The Chimes Shopping Centre in Uxbridge, following a £4.2 million investment.
The 22-lane centre is set to open in June and will also generate 45 new jobs across various front-of-house and hospitality positions.
Stephen Burns, CEO of Hollywood Bowl Group, said: “The launch of our Uxbridge centre marks another significant milestone in our ambitious growth strategy.
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The 22-lane centre is set to open in June and will also generate 45 new jobs across various front-of-house and hospitality positions.
Stephen Burns, CEO of Hollywood Bowl Group, said: “The launch of our Uxbridge centre marks another significant milestone in our ambitious growth strategy.
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13/Mar/2025 07:21
Levy UK + Ireland signs 10-Year extension with Aston Villa
Levy UK + Ireland, the sports division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has extended its partnership with Aston Villa Football Club through a new 10-year contract.
This follows the completion of a five-month refurbishment at Villa Park, which reimagined 14 existing hospitality areas into three new venues, featuring upgraded kitchen facilities and enhanced menus.
The renovation also introduced 1,300 new seats classified as General Admission Plus or Premium.
As part of the partnership.
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This follows the completion of a five-month refurbishment at Villa Park, which reimagined 14 existing hospitality areas into three new venues, featuring upgraded kitchen facilities and enhanced menus.
The renovation also introduced 1,300 new seats classified as General Admission Plus or Premium.
As part of the partnership.
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13/Mar/2025 07:12
Hyatt announces senior leadership changes as firm becomes more brand-focused
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a series of leadership changes align with Hyatt’s strategy to enhance its brand positioning, streamline operations, and drive global expansion.
Marc Jacheet’s appointment as Group President for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EAME) signals Hyatt’s commitment to strengthening its presence in these key regions. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in the company’s strategic growth and brand positioning.
With a background spanning luxury and premium consumer brands like De Beers.
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Marc Jacheet’s appointment as Group President for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EAME) signals Hyatt’s commitment to strengthening its presence in these key regions. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in the company’s strategic growth and brand positioning.
With a background spanning luxury and premium consumer brands like De Beers.
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12/Mar/2025 09:30
Grind to launch its first northern location in Gary Neville's Manchester development
London-based coffee brand Grind is preparing to open its first venue outside of the capital in Gary Neville's forthcoming Manchester development.
Grind's first northern venue is set to open this summer as part of the £400m St Michael's development.
The mixed-use development will also include a 162-bedroom W Hotel, along with Big Mamma’s first Manchester restaurant, known for its viral Italian cuisine.
Grind was founded in 2011 by David Abrahamovitch.
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Grind's first northern venue is set to open this summer as part of the £400m St Michael's development.
The mixed-use development will also include a 162-bedroom W Hotel, along with Big Mamma’s first Manchester restaurant, known for its viral Italian cuisine.
Grind was founded in 2011 by David Abrahamovitch.
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11/Mar/2025 08:15
BrewDog announces new leadership appointments as CEO steps down
BrewDog has unveiled a series of leadership changes following the departure of Chief Executive James Arrow.
Arrow, who took over as CEO from founder James Watt last year, is stepping down from his role due to personal reasons.
During his tenure, he led the restructuring of the brewer’s US division and secured a partnership making BrewDog the official beer provider at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
BrewDog stated that Arrow guided the company back to profitability in 2024 after reporting a pre-tax loss of £59.
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Arrow, who took over as CEO from founder James Watt last year, is stepping down from his role due to personal reasons.
During his tenure, he led the restructuring of the brewer’s US division and secured a partnership making BrewDog the official beer provider at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
BrewDog stated that Arrow guided the company back to profitability in 2024 after reporting a pre-tax loss of £59.
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11/Mar/2025 08:05
Côte Brasserie has appointed Emma Dinnis as its new CEO
Côte Brasserie has announced the appointment of Emma Dinnis as its new Chief Executive Officer. The French brasserie made the move to build on its strong momentum as it looks toward its next chapter.
Dinnis joins Côte after a successful tenure as Managing Director at Sofology, where she led the brand’s customer-first transformation.
With extensive experience in retail and hospitality, Dinnis has also held senior leadership roles at Topshop/Topman, M&Co, IKEA, and Marks & Spencer. She brings deep expertise in brand evolution.
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Dinnis joins Côte after a successful tenure as Managing Director at Sofology, where she led the brand’s customer-first transformation.
With extensive experience in retail and hospitality, Dinnis has also held senior leadership roles at Topshop/Topman, M&Co, IKEA, and Marks & Spencer. She brings deep expertise in brand evolution.
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10/Mar/2025 10:36
Bistrot Pierre sold through pre-pack administration deal, resulting in 158 job losses
French restaurant group Bistrot Pierre has been bought out of pre-pack administration, securing nearly 400 jobs.
Cherry Equity Partners, a new investment platform led by hospitality executive Ed Strandring, has acquired a portion of the business.
The deal ensures that ten Bistrot Pierre restaurants across the country will continue to operate, safeguarding 394 jobs.
However, eight restaurants will close immediately.
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Cherry Equity Partners, a new investment platform led by hospitality executive Ed Strandring, has acquired a portion of the business.
The deal ensures that ten Bistrot Pierre restaurants across the country will continue to operate, safeguarding 394 jobs.
However, eight restaurants will close immediately.
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10/Mar/2025 10:30
Radisson set to open 400-room hotel at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium
Radisson Hotel Group has revealed plans to open a 401-room hotel at Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad Stadium, set to launch in late 2026.
Radisson has announced that the hotel, named the Medlock, will cater to visitors attending events at the stadium as well as those at the nearby Co-op Live arena.
The hotel will feature suites, deluxe and standard rooms, along with a luxury penthouse, and will be managed by Valor Hospitality.
The hotel will offer a range of F&B options.
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Radisson has announced that the hotel, named the Medlock, will cater to visitors attending events at the stadium as well as those at the nearby Co-op Live arena.
The hotel will feature suites, deluxe and standard rooms, along with a luxury penthouse, and will be managed by Valor Hospitality.
The hotel will offer a range of F&B options.
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10/Mar/2025 09:10
Go-ahead given for new 128-bedroom hotel on Southampton’s waterfront
Plans to construct a new five-star hotel at Southampton Town Quay have received approval.
Southampton Council has approved plans for a development that includes a five-star hotel, 460 residential apartments, restaurants, commercial and retail units, as well as an upgraded Red Jet terminal.
The 10-storey, 128-room hotel will feature a spa, restaurants, bars, conferencing facilities, and 18 serviced apartments.
The development will be carried out by Nicolas James Construction.
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Southampton Council has approved plans for a development that includes a five-star hotel, 460 residential apartments, restaurants, commercial and retail units, as well as an upgraded Red Jet terminal.
The 10-storey, 128-room hotel will feature a spa, restaurants, bars, conferencing facilities, and 18 serviced apartments.
The development will be carried out by Nicolas James Construction.
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10/Mar/2025 08:58
Inception group to close Bunga Bunga for major refurbishment
Inception Group will temporarily close its Bunga Bunga bar and restaurant in Covent Garden for several months to undergo a significant refurbishment.
The immersive Italian venue will close on 5 April for a complete transformation, including a redesign, a new narrative, and revamped spaces, before reopening.
Since opening in 2016, Bunga Bunga has become known for its metre-long pizzas, karaoke brunches, and live shows.
Upon reopening.
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The immersive Italian venue will close on 5 April for a complete transformation, including a redesign, a new narrative, and revamped spaces, before reopening.
Since opening in 2016, Bunga Bunga has become known for its metre-long pizzas, karaoke brunches, and live shows.
Upon reopening.
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10/Mar/2025 08:40
Pladis appoints David Murray as Glocal CCO and names a new Managing Director for UK & Ireland
Pladis has promoted its UK & Ireland Managing Director, David Murray, to the newly established role of Global Chief Commercial Officer.
After leading Pladis UK & Ireland for five years, Murray will now oversee the company’s global platform, brand strategy, and commercial transformation in his new role.
Effective 6 April, Mete Buyurgan, a Pladis veteran, will succeed Murray as UK & Ireland Managing Director.
Buyurgan transitions to Pladis' UK & Ireland division from its Turkish.
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After leading Pladis UK & Ireland for five years, Murray will now oversee the company’s global platform, brand strategy, and commercial transformation in his new role.
Effective 6 April, Mete Buyurgan, a Pladis veteran, will succeed Murray as UK & Ireland Managing Director.
Buyurgan transitions to Pladis' UK & Ireland division from its Turkish.
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07/Mar/2025 16:53
Whisky Show 2025
The UK’s finest and largest whisky festival, the Whisky Show, presented by the Whisky Exchange is returning to Old Billingsgate, London for three days between 3rd and 5th October 2025.
The event features features whisky producers, demonstrations and masterclasses in the whisky world, offering opportunities to taste the finest whiskies available today.
For more information please visit https://whiskyshow.com/london/
The event features features whisky producers, demonstrations and masterclasses in the whisky world, offering opportunities to taste the finest whiskies available today.
For more information please visit https://whiskyshow.com/london/
06/Mar/2025 09:33
Foodies Festival Guildfood 2025
The UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink, the Foodies Festival is set to take place at Stoke Park, Guildford between 6th and 8th June 2025
The event will host a line up of top Chefs and Michelin-starred chefs will also cook live. The line up includes MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 chef Ritchie Stainsby.
There will a local Artisan Market, street food, a Cake & Bake Theatre, Eating Competitions, pop-up bars and Foodies Festival Workshops and live music including Blue and Boyzlife.
more »
The event will host a line up of top Chefs and Michelin-starred chefs will also cook live. The line up includes MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 chef Ritchie Stainsby.
There will a local Artisan Market, street food, a Cake & Bake Theatre, Eating Competitions, pop-up bars and Foodies Festival Workshops and live music including Blue and Boyzlife.
more »
06/Mar/2025 09:28
The Great British Food Festival Danson Park 2025
The Great British Food Festival will be coming to Danson Park in London between 5th and 6th July 2025.
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.
more »
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.
more »
06/Mar/2025 09:23