Welcome to Rise & Shine
If you have any news about your business you’d like to see here, including trading updates and appointments please contact our News Editor, Carolyn Moss, at news@breadandbutter.media or call her on 01305 897172. Follow us on Twitter @BreadButterNews for updates.
Robin Alway
Group Editor
INDUSTRY NEWS
Burger & Lobster close in Bath
Only 16 months after it opened, Burger & Lobster have announced the closure of their Bath restaurant.
The company said on Twitter: “It’s with deep regret that we’ve taken the decision to shut the restaurant down for the foreseeable future, cheers for all the good times!”.
The 10,000 square foot, 240-capacity venue in The Octagon, Milsom Place opened in September 2015, offering split-level seating, island bar centrepiece and an open plan kitchen,
The closure follows Burger & Lobster reporting a pre-tax loss of £7m. In July last year, Propel reports, the company admitted that some of its regional sites were too large and it was looking to scale down the size of its restaurants. Burger & Lobster also closed their Cardiff site last year. They operate 11 restaurants in London, although the Old Bailey and Farringdon venues are on the market, six international sites and a restaurant in Manchester. The Bath Chronicle reports that the Confessional Bar, located underneath Burger & Lobster in Bath is also closing.
The Hive open third café
The Hive Beach group are planning to open a third restaurant at West Brexington on Dorset’s Jurassic coast, after securing a new funding package from Barclays.
Owners the Attrill family currently run the Hive Beach Café at Burton Bradstock and the Watch House Café, at West Bay, Bridport. The new venue will see The Clubhouse, previously known as the Blue Anchor Café, to be fully refurbished and offer a more-upmarket range of food and wine.
Chris Pocock, business manager at Barclays, said: “It’s great to be able to support a local business that is thriving and expanding for the future. The family have big plans and are building on their excellent reputation, which in turn is creating jobs and supporting the local economy.”
Thatchers’ new ranges keep it in the family
The Somerset cider makers have launched a new range of cans named Stan’s after the managing director’s grandfather plus its 75cl Family Reserve which it describes as “Sparkling Apple Wine”.
Stan’s is a rebranding of Thatcher’s Traditional Range and includes three ciders from the current selection plus two new products – Leaf Twister and Barrel Roller, both made with local bittersweet apples.
Thatchers Family Reserve is a sparkling cider inspired by an ancient family recipe and made from the Katy apple.
MD Martin Thatcher told Imbibe: “It is cider, but we are trying to open up another market for cider… Cider is often referred to as Somerset Champagne. This could be served on the same occasions as Prosecco. It spreads the demographic.”
Thatchers can boast 10% growth in 2016 despite the cider industry as a whole showing decline. They are on target to reach a turnover of £100m by 2021, according to Thatcher.
New home for free range egg producers
The Traditional Free Range Egg Company have moved into a new purpose built headquarters in North Cadbury, Somerset which they say “will enable the business to grow and reach out to even more independent family-run farms.”
The 12,500 square feet of production and office space provides an improved hub for the grading, packing and distribution of free range eggs from the expanding network of farmers who also employ the traditional flat deck method which the company campaign for. The Egg Shed will be able to process 50% more eggs than the company’s previous packing station in North Cheriton.
Dan Wood, managing director of The Traditional Free Range Egg Company, explains; “We’ve done everything we can to support traditional free range egg producers over the past few years and raise consumer awareness of the difference between flat deck free range egg farming and other more modernised methods, but our new home will give us the space and facilities we need to take this to the next level.Now our move to The Egg Shed is complete, we’ll be looking to build upon our recent educational campaigns and unparalleled success in Great Taste, to reach out to more independent retailers, chefs and home cooks than ever before and shine a light on those farmers going the extra mile to produce truly outstanding eggs.”
Firm and Fare: Paris Smith LLP and Hampshire food group
Hampshire law firm Paris Smith LLP have formed a new partnership agreement with local food group Hampshire Fare.
Paris Smith will assist members of Hampshire Fare with legal advice, drawing on their expertise in employment law, immigration law, brand and data protection as well as a range of other commercial, property, planning and personal law advice.
Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager, commented: “We are really looking forward to working with Paris Smith LLP and discovering the mutual benefits we can bring to our members. Their experience and knowledge will be of advantage to so many of the different local businesses we support. We were drawn to their core values and their genuine eagerness to be hands on and do what they can to help our members.”
Taste of the West to offer insurance services
Launching at the Source trade show, Taste of the West Insurance Services is the result of a partnership with WPS Insurance Brokers.
Taste of the West say the new service from the independent broker with “Chartered” accreditation will “offer comprehensive policies that are appropriate to the specific needs of the food and drink community while still offering value for money.” Taste of the West Insurance Services will focus on “providing members in the the South West region with a tailored insurance service, which offers competitive premiums, personal advice and a full support service with any claims.”
John Sheaves, CEO of Taste of the West says “I am delighted that we can provide such a service to our members through one of our strongest affiliate members – WPS. We have worked with them for a number of years in an informal way, and this has given us the confidence to formalise the service and provide a better offer to our members. The dedication and passion and detailed knowledge with which the WPS team approach their work enables them to provide members with the confidence they need to protect their businesses. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”
Colin Watts, Director of WPS Insurance Brokers commented: “Working with Taste of the West is a great opportunity to expand our insurance services to food and drink businesses in the wider South West region and for Taste of the West to provide another tailored service to their loyal member base. Our combined expertise and focus on the customer will make us a strong player in this market.”
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Award-winning product bounces back after Brexit
A chai syrup judged to make the “Best Hot Drink in the South West 2016” is back in stock after Brexit doubled the price of the chocolate used to make it.
Henny & Joe’s Chocolate Chai won the Taste of the West award around the same time as the European referendum.
The syrup is a blend of the Bath-based company’s award winning masala chai with the added chocolate ingredient that raised the price due to the weakness of the pound.
Founder and director of Henny & Joe’s, Ash Bailey, said: “We had spent a year and a half experimenting with different chocolates from around the world so you can imagine how annoyed we were. We have now managed to get the same chocolate through a different importer which means that after several months we’re now back on!”
Henny & Joe’s two chai syrups are made using traditional methods from a blend of aromatic whole spices. The company now supplies over 130 cafés around the UK with their products that can be used to make chai lattes and chai teas and also in baking, milkshakes and cocktails. Get more details at https://hennyandjoes.co.uk
Cosy Tea gets the right match
Beyond the Bean’s Cosy Tea range is getting a new, on-trend addition. Cosy Organic Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea.
Like the rest of the range it’s organic and goes well in “juices, smoothies and frappés as well as being served more traditionally as a tea, latte or a shot.”
Cosy Organic Matcha is available in cases of 12, 100g packs. Each pack contains approximately 40 servings. For more information go to www.cosy-tea.com.
EQUIPMENT NEWS
Fairmont & Main unveil Raw collection
Raw is a new collection inspired by “studio potters around the world, who refuse to accept the ordinary and strive to craft new and distinctive styles in ceramic.”
It comprises three sizes of plate in three colourways – slate, earth, and granite. The manufacturers say “A subtle textured finish and an element of exposed stoneware add to the natural, raw feel of the range”. The range is dishwasher, microwave, oven and freezer safe.
More details from www.fairmont.co.uk
APPOINTMENTS
New general manager for Christchurch Harbour Hotel
John Willcock has been appointed as the new general manager of Christchurch Harbour Hotel. Born in Poole and brought up in his father’s hotel, Stanwell House in Lymington, Hampshire in the 1980s, he returns to Dorset after a stint as general manager of the Castle Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel in Windsor. He has also been general manager of the Hotel Du Vin in Poole and the Francis Hotel in Bath.
Christchurch Harbour Hotel and Spa boasts two waterfront restaurants; the Upper Deck Bar & Restaurant and the award winning The Jetty.
South West four-star gets new general manager
DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in Congresbury, North Somerset has appointed Mehmet Kandemir as their new general manager.
Previously general manager at Mercure Holland House in Bristol, he worked at the venue as operations manger over 13 years ago. Kandemir will oversee the day-to-day running of the hotel which includes a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill.
SHOW SPOTLIGHT
Meet the chefs in the Source’s Demonstration Kitchen
It’s aways a popular highlight of the Source trade show. The In-toto Demonstration Kitchen is your opportunity to see leading chefs showing off their skills and sharing their latest ideas. The line up this year is potentially the best ever.
For starters, there are three award winners; South West Chef of the Year 2016 and South West Professional Chef of the Year 2016, Jamie Coleman; South West Young Professional Chef of the Year 2016, Timothy Kendall and South West Student/Apprentice Chef of the Year 2016, Harrison Brockington.
Visitors can then enjoy – and learn from – demos by these top chefs…
Brett Sutton – The White Post
Brett Sutton, Chef Proprietor of The White Post, which is Michelin recommended and listed in the top 50 gastropubs in the UK. The multi-Taste of the West gold award winning restaurant enjoys far reaching views across beautiful Dorset and Somerset countryside, which are the source for their fantastic ingredients.
thewhitepost.com
Jim Fisher – Exeter Cookery School
In 2000, Jim and Lucy Fisher and their then eight year old daughter, Jenny, moved to the Dordogne, SW France, to set up a cookery school. Despite the locals’ bemusement at the idea of an Englishman teaching anyone to cook, CookinFrance became a huge success taking students from all over the world – including France!
Sixteen years later, Jim and Lucy are back in the UK, offering cooking lessons in Devon at Exeter Cookery School.
www.exetercookeryschool.co.uk
Richard Hunt of the Devon Scone Company
Richard is a professional hospitality consultant, and shares his knowledge and expertise with fledgling and experienced chefs, and restaurant owners. Richard Hunt conducts food development for local companies as well as training and food innovation for various hospitality businesses as well as creating hand made Devon scones and preserves perfect for the quintessential cream tea.
www.devonsconecompany.co.uk
Robin Rea
Rusty Pig in Ottery St Mary was opened in 2011 by Robin Rea, who began his career in Italian restaurants in Melbourne, Australia, and later became a senior chef at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall ‘s River Cottage in Axminster.
Robin and his team are experts in all things pig including traditional methods of curing and air-drying, their own continental-style sausages, cured bacons, hams and terrines using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients.
www.rustypig.co.uk
Anglo Indian Chef – Ken Mathers
See Ken produce authentic Indian Curries in just a few minutes! 18 varieties of gourmet quality, award-winning, authentic, Indian restaurant style curry products.
Ideal for hospitality businesses, pubs and retailers or anyone who want to produce quality curries quickly and easily.
www.angloindianchef.co.uk
For more information about the show, or to register to attend, please call 01934 733433, visit http://thesourcetradeshow.co.uk/ or follow @SourceFoodDrink.
EVENTS
February
Winchester Cocktail Week
6th – 12th February 2017
Winchester, Hampshire
“The city of Winchester will light up with a dazzling array of workshops, master-classes and parties in over two dozen of the city’s top retailers and hospitality businesses. Throughout the week, wristband holders will be able to access exclusive discounts as they imbibe and dine their way around Winchester.”
www.winchestercocktailweek.co.uk
The Food to Go Conference
7th February 2017
Ham Yard Hotel, Soho, London
“MCA’s successful Food To Go Conference returns in 2017, with a further focus on THE most dynamic and fast moving sector in the UK’s eating out industry. Leading operators and specialist will shine a light on growth plans as well as operational, marketing and supply challenges and opportunities, which will define the sector’s future landscape.”
https://www.foodtogoconference.co.uk/
Pub17
7th – 8th February 2017
Olympia, London
The only UK trade show dedicated to the UK pub industry. 200 innovative suppliers, 20 talks/workshops and multiple networking opportunities.
www.thepubshow.co.uk
The Source Trade Show
8th – 9th February 2017
Westpoint, Exeter
“The Source is the South West’s biggest and best trade show for anyone with a serious interest in speciality foods, quality drinks, profitable catering and inspired hospitality. A complete one-stop shop for everything a food business needs – covering not just speciality food and drink but everything from raw ingredients to high quality food service products, furniture to EPoS, kitchen design to business services.”
http://thesourcetradeshow.co.uk/
2017 West Country Tourism Conference
8th – 9th February 2017
Westpoint, Exeter
“Running alongside the ‘Source Trade Show’ – the 8th February will focus on tourism ideas, news and excellence in customer service and the 9th February will be ‘Marketing and Digital day’ including ‘working with Tripadvisor’ by Justin Reid of Tripadvisor.”
http://www.westcountrytourismconference.org.uk/
Why consumers choose the food they choose: A Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) event for Food & Drink Producers
21st February 2017
Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6LD
“This CIM event will answer the question – when you are shopping, why do you choose the products that you choose? For food and drink companies in a highly competitive market this is a fundamental question. Peter Burgess, who has over 18 years’ research experience in consumer and sensory sciences, will draw on a range of examples to illustrate the techniques and approaches his team use each day to help food and drink companies answer that question in pursuit of the perfect product.”
https://www.cim.co.uk/eventbooking/?crid=78009
Hampshire Fare’s Great Hampshire Sausage & Pie Competition
22nd February 2017
Holiday Inn, Winchester
“This well-established competition highlights the county’s hard-working butchers and producers. There are thirteen categories to enter and the entries are judged by a panel of specialist judges from across the country. One winner of each category is announced along with a Supreme Champion, Hampshire Fare Award and New Forest Marque Award sponsored by Eric Robinson Solicitors.”
www.hampshirefare.co.uk
Casual Dining Show
22nd – 23rd Feb 2017
Business Design Centre, London
“The award-winning trade show for restaurants, pubs, bars, hotels and contract caterers. Casual Dining will feature over 200 food, drink, equipment and tableware exhibitors as well as a world-class keynote programme featuring leading industry names.”
www.casualdiningshow.co.uk
The Bed & Breakfast, Retail and Self-Catering Show
22nd-23rd Feb 2017
Thornbury Leisure Centre, Bristol
“The third year of our flagship show will once again be bringing a greater range of exhibitors along with exclusive speakers and seminars to Bristol to help you build YOUR business.”
http://www.thebedandbreakfastshow.com/
March
Free Food Hygiene, Health and Safety & Employment Law Update
1st March 2017
9:30-12:30
Holiday Inn, Winchester
A free seminar hosted by Simply Safer and Kate Underwood HR & Training. Topics to include: Food Hygiene Rating Scores, Food Law Enforcement, Health & Safety and Employment Law.
Please register at – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-food-hygiene-health-and-safety-employment-law-update-march-2017-tickets-31415994084?aff=eivtefrnd
Expowest, Cornwall
7th – 9th March 2017
Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge
“Showcasing products that cover the whole of the hospitality and catering market; from tableware to furniture, catering equipment to business services, coffee to speciality food, this show really does have Cornwall covered!”
http://expowestcornwall.co.uk/
The Retailers’ Retailer Awards 7th March 2017
Guildhall, London
“Described as the UK’s eating and drinking-out sector’s “Oscars”, the Retailers’ Retailer of the Year Awards recognises the best companies, concepts and individuals in the restaurant, pub, coffee shop and late-night bar market.”
https://www.rroty.co.uk/
The Publican Awards
14th March 2017
Battersea Evolution, London
“The Publican Awards recognises the best in every aspect of the pub industry – from the best brewing pub companies to the best late-night operators. Iconic chat show presenter Jonathan Ross has been announced as the host of the biggest night of the year for the pub industry.”
https://www.publicanawards.co.uk/
The Hotel, Catering & Retail Show
14th – 15th March 2017
Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth
“The Hotel, Catering and Retail Show features new and innovative products, hundreds of delicious food and drink product tastings, the latest trends and exciting developments from industry, and a chance to network with current suppliers, peers and key industry players.”
http://www.hotelcateringretailshow.co.uk/
Food Allergy Awareness Workshop
14th March 2017, 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth
“Add value to your visit to the ‘Hotel, Catering & Retail Show 2017′, attend the food allergy awareness workshop and come away with a tool box that can benefit your business! Attend a discounted workshop on managing the FreeFrom customer, and get help and advice on creating your menu and processes.”
Delegates will receive a letter of attendance. To take advantage of the special pre-show rate of £35 (saving £5), book at http://www.fatc.co.uk/events/food-allergy-awareness-workshop-bournemouth/
The International Food & Drink Event (IFE)
(including – Pro2Pac & Waste-Works)
19th – 22nd March 2017
ExCel, London
“Together the three events cover the entire supply chain; from farm to fork to fertiliser to fuel.” IFE is “the UK’s biggest and most important food and drink trade event. The 2017 show will be bursting with food and drink inspiration.”
Pro2Pac is “the UK’s only packaging event designed exclusively for the food & drink sector.”
“Waste-Works, the only waste & sustainability event for the food & drink industry.”
http://www.ife.co.uk/
British Tourism & Travel Show
22nd – 23rd March 2017
NEC, Birmingham
“With the UK domestic tourism sector valued at £127 billion, this lucrative industry deserves a dedicated and focused exhibition. Bringing together over 3,000 top level travel buyers.”
http://www.tourismshow.co.uk/
Whiskies & Spirits Conference Europe
30th March 2017
The Waldorf Hilton, London
“The 2017 Whiskies & Spirits Conference Europe brings together the industry’s international leaders in a unique open forum to talk about the commercial opportunities and challenges that confront the global spirits industry.” Including, the ‘World Drink Awards 2017’ presentation and drinks reception.
http://www.whiskiesandspiritsconference.com/europe/london-2017/