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Robin Alway
Editorial Director
INDUSTRY NEWS
VisitBritian reports tourism growth as Brexit looms
Visitors spent more than £1 billion in Britain last year as a result of activity by national tourism agency VisitBritain/VisitEngland, their latest figures show.
The agency’s Annual Review announced that for every pound invested in VisitBritain/VisitEngland, visitors spent £25 in Britain. The agency attracted £13 million of investment in cash and in-kind from commercial partners, in addition to government investment. They also delivered £2 million from their online shop.
VisitBritain forecasts that it will beat its ambition of 40 million inbound visits by 2020 this year. They said Brits have also been taking more holidays at home with visits and spend up by 6% in 2017.
UK Minister for Tourism Michael Ellis said: “Britain’s tourism industry is booming. Last year was a very strong year for domestic and inbound tourism, with tens of billions of pounds going into our economy. The government, alongside VisitBritain/VisitEngland, are working with the sector to build on this success with an emphasis on attracting major business events and investing in local tourism projects through the Discover England Fund.
“Tourism shows the world the best of our nation. As we approach the UK’s exit from the European Union, we are absolutely committed to helping the industry continue to grow, promoting the country as a must-visit destination, and ensuring that local communities benefit.”
British Tourist Authority Chairman Steve Ridgway CBE, said: “We face a number of significant challenges, the most important the UK’s departure from the European Union. Whilst we address the initial fluctuations in currency and EU worker concerns, we soon will need to deal with the longer-term realities. We want to ensure that the future relationship keeps our borders as frictionless as possible for visitors, our aviation as connected as ever, and our economic stability on track – because tourism depends on this.”
Bristol brewer crowdfunds £1m for new brewpub
Independent brewer Left Handed Giant have announced plans to open a brewpub at Bristol’s new leisure quarter, Finzel’s Reach, after crowdfunding over £1 million.
Finzel’s Reach will be located at the Compressor Building overlooking Castle Park and the waterfront. The ground floor, which has housed several breweries in the past, will be used by Left Handed Giant to brew their beer alongside a modern, urban-style brewpub where they can be enjoyed. It is scheduled to open in June 2019.
The new leisure quarter is being created by South West developer Cubex funded by the Palmer Capital Development Fund IV, a programmatic venture managed exclusively on behalf of clients of CBRE Global Investment Partners.
Gavin Bridge, director of Cubex, said: “We are thrilled to have Left Handed Giant officially on board, and we look forward to seeing the rich heritage of the striking Compressor Building brought to life by their exciting plans.
“It is fantastic to have been able to open up this historic part of the city, bringing to fruition state-of-the-art offices, high-quality homes, a hotel and plenty of public space, with around 2,500 people soon to be living or working in the area. Our ambition has always been to create a vibrant community here and our weekly street food market shows how this area is already becoming a magnet for people in the area.
“We have already had strong interest in the leisure space that sits at the heart of the neighbourhood, but we are still keen to hear from independent businesses, whether a shop, be that a florist or clothing brand, a restaurant, café or service-led business such as a gym or hairdresser’s who would like to be a part of this buzzing new part of the city.”
Luscombe Drinks get new look for 21st anniversary
Drink producer Luscombe are unveiling a new look for their 21st birthday.
Their new creative campaign – Days of Luscombe – shows the occasions where Luscombe drinks are enjoyed including family picnics and days at the beach. The visuals are black and white with a shaft of light running through the image which echoes Luscombe’s stripe on the labels of their bottles.
Emma Cotton, communications and marketing director at Luscombe, said: “The imagery has an elegant and stylish feel, which reflects the super-premium quality of Luscombe’s drinks. We source exceptional fruit from around the world and produce our innovative drinks in Devon. Working on this project with the London agency Alpha Century, we just love how the visuals demonstrate that sense of Luscombe quality, attention to detail and identity.”
Gabriel David, chairman and founder of Luscombe Drinks says: “The family and I are overjoyed to be celebrating 21 years of success as Luscombe Drinks. It has been bumpy at times but at the heart of the business lies the same ethos as when we started all those years ago, the team is committed to creating great tasting drinks from the best varieties of fruit which are minimally processed. Over the years many things have changed in life but this unwavering passion of ours has not, something that makes me very proud.”
“Earlier this year we unveiled a selection of new drinks to our portfolio including a range of mixers to add to our Tonics range and Sparkling fruit waters, where we simply press great varieties of fruit and add sparkling water – not sugars. The result is a very clean tasting drink.”
Rick Stein Academy revamps to offer more mentoring
The Rick Stein Academy at Truro and Penwith College is revamping its programme to provide tailored mentoring and work experience by local head chefs.
The professional cookery academy had been running since 2015 and will revamp for the new year so students get “a more personalised experience that will really help them to hone in on their interests.”
Rosie Wing, Rick Stein Academy Coordinator at the College said: “Twelve students between Truro and Penwith campuses are chosen and given the opportunity to experience elite masterclasses while being mentored by one of the head chefs at Stein’s where they will complete their work experience.
“We’ve done the academy before but this is a great new version and the students are really looking forward to it. It’s tailored to individual needs and each student has really earned their place, it’s been great to see a variety of students being selected.”
St Austell makes Top Track 250 for second year
St Austell Brewery has been ranked among Britain’s leading private mid-market growth companies with the biggest sales, for the second year running.
It was ranked at 173 on the Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 league table, moving up two positions from last year. With annual sales of £169 million, it was one of nine companies from the South West to make the list.
James Staughton, chief executive, said: “The business has enjoyed a period of unprecedented growth over recent years and our strategic acquisition of Bath Ales has given us the extra resource to continue to secure our presence across the South West and further develop the reach of the business in the coming years.”
Tim Lincoln, Partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “If we are to continue turning innovative ideas into businesses with international scale, we all need to play our part in shaping a vibrant economy that thrives. In this, the role of the mid-market is crucial. Resilient despite the headwinds, the Top Track 250 are innovating, winning business and adapting to generate value. There is much to learn from them.”
Organic producer opens farm shop in Tavistock
Devon-based food producer Eversfield Organic are opening their first farm shop and deli in the centre of Tavistock, Devon on Tuesday 16th October.
The shop will include a butchery counter, coffee bar, a wine cave, fresh fish, wild game and fresh fruit and vegetables often sourced from (owners) the Bury family’s farm, just outside Tavistock.
Mark Bury said: “Our arrival in Tavistock is a natural development for Eversfield but it doesn’t stop there. We see the shop as a springboard for our business, and the Eversfield team has all sorts of ideas in development, including one-off events and a series of pop-up dinners. Christmas is a really important time for us – our organic hams and turkeys are incredibly popular – and we are looking forward to the chance of meeting our customers in person, and making new friends to add to our flourishing online community.”
Rugby star opens sports bar in Exeter
Exeter rugby player Gareth Steenson is launching a new sports bar and restaurant in the city. The Stand-Off will open on the site of the former Bookcover in Portland House after an extensive refurbishment.
Steeno is teaming up with old playing colleague Carl Rimmer and has recruited former Woodbury Park manager Joe Hammond to oversee the new venture.
The Stand-Off will have an Irish theme and serve quality local food, including evening meals from Wednesday to Saturday and Sunday roasts. All major sporting events will be screened live, including the Exeter Chief’s matches.
Steeno said: “This is a completely different departure for me but I am really excited about it. We wanted to bring the best of Irish hospitality to Exeter with a Devon twist! It’s been a steep learning curve but I’ve surrounded myself with some brilliant people and I can’t believe how quickly things are coming together.”
South West Wine School launches
Opening its doors at the Dartmouth Food Festival on Saturday 20th October, the South West Wine School has been founded by Jonathan and Hayley Reynolds. The co-founders have been involved with the food and drink industry for the last 20 years and their school is being supported by wine experts including Susy Atkins, Liam Steevenson MW and Rebecca Mitchell DipWSET.
Jonathan Reynolds said: “South West Wine School will offer an exciting range of events and courses, whether you’d like to learn about wine one-to-one, as part of a group, to gain a professional WSET qualification or as an innovative corporate activity.”
Hayley Reynolds said: “We are living through what has been described as the ‘West Country Renaissance’, as entrepreneurs, start-ups and tech companies flock to Devon, Somerset and Cornwall, attracted by the space, accessibility and enviable lifestyle on offer. Food and drink have always been an important draw to the region, but now producers and restaurateurs find themselves at the very heart of what’s happening.”
Visit www.southwestwineschool.co.uk for details of their events and courses.
EQUIPMENT NEWS
Bartender’s punch bowl is a winner
The Tulip Punch Bowl from Artis is the inaugural winner of the Glassology design competition by Libbey, where bar personnel are invited to enter their own glassware designs.
Created by Robert Schinkel, it was inspired by the flower which was highly prized and very expensive when punch first came to prominence in the 1600s.
It has a capacity of four litres and comes with a metal spoon with a list price of £65. Matching tulip shaped tumblers are £2.99 each.
For more details, call 020 8391 5544 or go online at www.artis-uk.com/download
PROPERTY NEWS
Iconic Devon Inn looking for new tenants
The 16th Century Trout Inn in Bickleigh, in the Exe Valley closed at the end of 2017 and is now available to lease.
The Trout retains many period features including open fireplaces, slate doors and exposed beams. The ground floor caters for 100 covers with a trade kitchen and temperature-controlled cellar. The beer garden includes a children’s play area and there is parking for 60 vehicles.
Situated on a main road near to tourist attraction Bickleigh Mill, the Inn also includes two-bedroom owner accommodation and five letting bedrooms.
The rent is set at £40,000 per annum and offers a new free-of-tie lease. Director of agents Charles Darrow, Jon Clyne, said: “Our clients are looking for an operator to take this exceptional opportunity forward. Landlord incentives are available, including a rent-free period and investment in the property, so if you are looking for your first pub, or have experience in the trade we would be delighted to hear from you”.
Brewery Showcase
Find out more about some of the best beer in the South West with Rise & Shine’s Brewery Showcase, coming to your inbox this Wednesday 17th October.
Breweries featured include:
St Austell Brewery
Bath Ales
Wickwar Wessex Brewing and Pub Company
Dartmoor Brewery
Electric Bear Brewing Co
Severn Brewery
Salcombe Brewery Co.
Barnaby’s Brewhouse
Goddards Brewery
Gyle 59
The Flying Monk Brewery
We’ll tell you more about their beer and how they make it. Don’t miss out, subscribe to Rise and Shine at
http://riseandshine.breadandbutter.media/subscribe/
INDUSTRY EVENTS
October
Caffè Culture Show 2018
16th – 17th October 2018
Business Design Centre, London
“Now in its 12th year, Caffè Culture 2018 has established itself as the leading trade-only event for the UK’s café and coffee bar industry.”
https://www.caffecultureshow.com/
Independent Hotel Show
16th – 17th October 2018
Olympia, London
“The show presents a collection of over 300 innovative product and service providers from across the hotel supply chain.”
https://www.independenthotelshow.co.uk/
SALSA HACCP Level 2 Training Course for Breweries
23rd October 2018
Hanlon’s Brewery, Newton St Cyres, Exeter EX5 5AE
“Understanding HACCP is essential for producing safe products and becoming SALSA Approved. Developed especially for and dedicated to micro-breweries, this full day, practical and interactive course is aimed at those responsible for the development and application of HACCP.”
To book, please visit https://www.salsafood.co.uk/shared/index.php?p=17
Food & Drink Business Workshop – Strategies for a Successful Food Business
30th October, 2018 9:30am – 1:30pm
Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EL
This workshop is tailored to food & drink producers; practical ways to manage the balance between sales, marketing and finance to ensure profitable growth. The event will include presentations from Dartington’s own Barbara King who has a wealth of experience as a retailer and Victoria Townsend, Head of Retail Innovation at Bidfresh.
To book, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/food-for-thought-a-workshop-for-food-drink-businesses-tickets-46400444980