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Rise & Shine - Monday Hospitality News Drop
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Rise&Shine - Your morning slice of hospitality news in the South West
Monday 20th July 2020 | Not on our mailing list? Subscribe here! 

Welcome to Rise & Shine
This issue sees the triumphant return of a type of news story we haven’t seen much this year - the opening of some new restaurants, cafés and pubs in the South West! From a beachside shack in Cornwall to authentic African cuisine in Bournemouth to St Austell Brewery’s first Dorset pub with a few rounds of Cornish adventure golf in between, it really feels like things are opening up again. Tell us your plans for new sites, expansions and product launches and we will spread the word to over 15,000 professionals in the hospitality trade who read Rise & Shine. Please contact our News Editor, Carolyn Moss, at news@breadandbutter.media or call her on 01305 575155. Follow us on Twitter @BreadButterNews for updates.
Robin Alway
Editorial Director

INDUSTRY NEWS

South West Food Hub to help local sourcing
The ingredients in many thousands of meals served across the South West in places like school kitchens could be sourced from local businesses thanks to a major high-tech procurement platform being developed by the Government’s Crown Commercial Service.
The South West Food Hub is a Community Interest Company (CIC) being trialled in the region early next year. It is hoped that the initiative will make it easier for chefs and catering and procurement managers in places like schools, colleges, hospitals and prisons, military bases to purchase fresh supplies sourced across counties like Cornwall or Devon, Somerset or Dorset.
“It will allow the region’s food network to buy local and establish sustainable, shorter supply chains across the South West’s food sector, focusing primarily on public procurement,” said Ellen Bright, project coordinator for the South West Food Hub.
The launch comes in the wake of a specially commissioned report which found that more than a third of South West food and drink businesses have experienced a 70% drop in revenue caused by the lockdown.
The hub initiative is supported by local organisations including the Heart of the South West LEP, the University of Exeter, Exeter City Futures, POM Support and the National Farmers' Union (NFU).
“The pilot, a new dynamic online purchasing platform, will open up public sector food procurement to local producers and suppliers,” explained Greg Parsons, co-founder of the South West Food Hub.
“The hub will work with anchor institutions such as schools and hospitals to mobilise the pilot, whilst supporting food and drink SMEs to meet entry criteria and prepare to supply through the new platform,” added Mr Parsons, who has experience in large scale procurement though his company POM Support.
Commenting on the initiative, Alex Stevens, regional policy manager at the NFU said: “This is a region united by food - and a strong food and drink sector will be crucial to getting the economy back on track when life returns to normality. This initiative seeks to link the region’s food producers and farmers with outlets for their fantastic produce.
To find out more about the pilot and get involved visit www.thesouthwestfoodhub.co.uk or email info@thesouthwestfoodhub.co.uk.

Cornish country club to open adventure golf and café bar
China Fleet Country Club in Saltash, Cornwall plans to open an outdoor adventure golf course alongside The Cabin, a new café bar in August 2020.
The course will feature 18 holes comprising “amazing wooden carved features and exciting challenges” with the new dining area offering indoor and outdoor seating and a play park.
“Adventure golf has massively grown in popularity as an attraction on the UK leisure scene and there is currently nothing like this available in Saltash, Cornwall so we are excited to bring this to the local area,” said managing director Dean Bennett.
“Our adventure golf offers an exciting and affordable day out for all ages, family and friends. It is also perfect for those team building, corporate events. We will also be offering fantastic birthday parties for the children and are updating our existing nature trail to include an exciting Woodland Fairy Trail, where the children can solve clues, whilst on a family walk by the beautiful Tamar Estuary with the chance of winning a prize at the end.”
Opened in 1991, China Fleet Country Club is an award-winning hotel, golf and health club set in 180 acres of countryside on the banks of the River Tamar in Saltash. 

Granny Gothards secures export contract in Dubai
Artisan ice cream producer Granny Gothards has secured a “massive” contract in Dubai that runs to 40 pallets of ice cream, sorbets and frozen yoghurt.
The client made the order after a tasting session with airfreighted samples last week. According to director Amanda Stansfield, they were “blown away by the quality, the clean ingredient deck and the innovative new wooden packaging that Granny Gothards launched early this year.”
This order is part of Granny Gothards' export plans which also include opening an Alibaba store by the end of 2020 supplying a range of non-cows milk ice cream. In the UK, they have been named ice cream supplier of choice for the Liberation group for the third year running.

Beachside restaurant to open in Hayle
Lula, a beachside shack, is set to open at North Quay Hayle in west Cornwall on 22nd July.
It’s the new venture of restaurateur Sam Sheffield-Dunstan and will be the sister brand of Amélie, the harbourside restaurant in Porthleven which recently reopened after a full refurbishment following a kitchen fire.
Located on the edge of the beach overlooking Hayle Harbour, Lula will serve a takeaway menu with a focus on locally-sourced seafood and ribs.
Sam said: “I couldn’t think of anywhere better to open my second venture. The renaissance of Hayle means there is significant investment and development taking place around the harbour at the moment, and there is a real buzz about the town. I’m excited to be one of the first places to open within the North Quay development, and I can’t wait to start welcoming customers.
“Opening a new restaurant at the time of Covid-19 is challenging, but it has encouraged us to be innovative with how things are going to work from day one. We have thought about everything from social distancing measures to our environmental aspirations in order to keep both our staff and customers safe.”
The menu features dishes such as lobster tail mac and cheese, buckets of crab claws, rack of ribs with slaw and fries, and the shack’s signature crab boil. Daily specials on whole crab and lobster will also be available, depending on what is brought in on the local fishing boats each day. Other dishes on the menu include fresh mussels, and a surf and turf platter of crab, calamari, ribs, and a selection of sides.
Sam continued: “Lula will be a fun and informal space to come and eat. The east coast American-style menu is very accessible and works well in this seaside setting. It really showcases the beautiful fresh flavours of our locally-sourced Cornish produce.
Lula will be open seven days a week from 9am to 9.30pm. For further information, visit lulashack.co.uk.

Menu updating app made free
Cotswold taste in partnership with Not Just Code Ltd has made the FreeMyMenu app free of charge for businesses in the hospitality sector. The app enables restaurants to update their website and printed menus seamlessly.
Jered Bolton of Not Just Code Ltd said: “I’m very happy to announce that we are providing the FreeMyApp service to businesses in the Cotswolds free of completely free for the foreseeable future. Even before lockdown, the ways people searched for restaurants were changing. When consumers search for a restaurant on their phones, the number one thing they want to see is an up-to-date menu. As the lockdown eases, it's never been more important to have up-to-date menus on your website.
“Lockdowns are beginning to ease and many customers are venturing back out to support local businesses and enjoy a good meal. By using our app, businesses can save paper and remove a point of contact between customers and front of house staff by letting customers know they can view exactly the same menu on their phones.”
Not Just Code is a long-standing member of Cotswold Taste, the region’s leading food and drink quality marque.
To learn more about FreeMyMenu, visit www.freemymenu.com. For more information about Cotswold Taste, go to www.cotswoldtaste.co.uk.

Rockfish reels in HSBC funding to safeguard group
The Rockfish Group of sustainable South West seafood restaurants has secured a seven-figure finance facility from HSBC UK to safeguard the future of the business in the coronavirus crisis.
The funding will be used as working capital, enabling the restaurants to adhere to government guidelines, employ additional members of staff for dedicated Covid-19 roles and support the business during a time of lower revenue. Part of the sum will be used to introduce a new social distancing system which is being trialled in its Plymouth restaurant. The system will include separate doors for entry and exit, a dedicated Covid monitor who will look after all customer questions and ensure the restaurant is regularly sanitised and keeping tables up to two metres apart.
Mitch Tonks, Owner of The Rockfish Group, said: “The last three months have been a challenging time for the food and drinks sector but HSBC UK has done a fantastic job of understanding and accommodating our finance requirements and putting a package in place that has helped safeguard the future of our business. Our relationship director, Steven Crouch, acted with speed and professionalism and I couldn’t have asked for any more from him and his team. We look forward to opening again very soon.”
The Rockfish Group is planning to stagger the re-opening of its restaurants, with its Plymouth site due to open on 4th July and its Seahorse restaurant in Dartmouth on 10th July. Other restaurants, including those in Exeter, Exmouth and Poole, will open soon “once all feedback and processes are considered”. Its flagship site in Brixham will open after the refurbishment project has completed.
HSBC UK say they are “working closely with the Government and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and businesses have the advice and support they need.” For their tips and advice for businesses planning for any possible disruption, visit www.business.hsbc.com/novel-coronavirus

African restaurant opens second Bournemouth site
Award-winning African restaurant group, Zim Braai has opened the doors of its second site in Bournemouth, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Owner and MD, Andy Lennox and team held a socially distanced launch at Zim Braai II on Poole Hill, Bournemouth on 7th July. Established in August 2018, the groups’ first site in Ashley Cross reopened on 4th July in line with the easing of government restrictions. The new location in the city’s The Triangle was originally due to open in March and boasts a sun terrace, coverable with an awning and will house over 120 covers.
Andy Lennox said: “Despite what has been the most difficult time in modern history in our industry we believe that our brand can flourish in the post Covid world and are so happy that despite literally everything going wrong we have managed to pull together and deliver a beautiful restaurant. We might just be the very first new restaurant post Covid. Our eyes are set firmly on the safeguard of the team and returning to profitability in the coming months whilst we also actively look to expand the group further.”

St Austell Brewery opens its first pub in Dorset
St Austell Brewery opened the Rock Point Inn in Lyme Regis on the 13th July, its first pub in Dorset.
Originally built in the 18th century, the historic, grade II listed pub on the waterfront was purchased by the Brewery in 2018 and has since undergone restoration work. Alongside a pub and outside decking area, the Rock Point also has nine new guest bedrooms – including dog-friendly, sea view and twin rooms.
Steve Worrall, managing director of St Austell Brewery’s pubs, inns and hotels said: “We’re delighted that the Rock Point Inn is now officially open. It’s been a tough few months, so the long-awaited opening of our first pub in Dorset feels like a very special moment.
“The Rock Point is in a great position, right in the heart of Lyme Regis with stunning waterside views, and just a few steps away from Front Beach. We can’t wait to welcome locals back to the pub as well as those looking to visit the West Country this summer.
“As we have in all our managed pubs, we have introduced extra measures to the Rock Point to keep our guests and pub teams safe – from our new Easy Order app and hand sanitising stations, to one-way systems. Our customers will notice some small differences but even in these unusual times we can guarantee a great experience – delicious food, fresh draught beers and our usual warm welcome.”
For more information on the Rock Point Inn visit www.rockpointinn.co.uk.

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

Spicy Dorset duo from Ajar Of
Dorset preserves producer Ajar Of is launching two products inspired by owner Tracey Collins’ travels in Australia and Goa, Spicy Tomato Kasundi Chutney and Carrot Mescut Pickle.
She says the Spicy Tomato Kasundi Chutney is “full of Indian spices I found in the spice souks with the sweetness of tomato and the fiery heat from chillies. A simple yet versatile chutney that matches wonderfully with many dishes from curries, samosas to straight out of the jar on paratha bread or with strong cheeses and crackers!”
The Carrot Mescut Pickle is “inspired by a Goan woman selling spices in Melbourne South Street market…” Tracey says it features “crisp sweet carrots with mustard and mustard seeds with an earthy, sweet warmth this pickle is fabulous as an accompaniment to cheese, burgers, curries.”
Ajar Of has also started a collaboration with The Dorset Dairy Company. They are supplying the cream and cultured butter for Ajar Of’s Dorset Sea Salted Caramel Sauce adding “depth to this award-winning sauce”.
For more information go to www.ajar-of.co.uk.

Limited-edition beer launched for Gloucester Rugby
Gloucester Brewery has revealed a new beer to celebrate the appointment of a new head coach at Gloucester Rugby.
By George has been created to mark the arrival of George Skivington at the Cherry and Whites.
Managing director Jared Brown said: “We created this exclusive limited-edition beer to celebrate the appointment of the new head coach. By George combines a blend of English malts and fruity hops to offer a perfectly balanced English Pale Ale.”
The 4% ABV vegan beer will be available from August 10th and costs £30 for 12 or £55 for 24 440ml cans from www.gloucesterbrewery.co.uk/product/by-george.

Artisan ice cream for dogs
Cool Dog is a new vegan lactose-free ice cream for dogs being produced in collaboration with Devon’s Granny Gothards.
Made with no artificial colours or flavours and without dairy products which can upset a dog’s digestion, it has, unusually, achieved Food Standards Agency Approval and Trading Standards agreement to be marketed as an ‘ice cream’, rather than a frozen treat.
The aptly-named Don Thaw is behind the brand. He said: “It has taken a great deal of time to find the right partner to make the high-quality product I was aiming to bring to market. The research paid off though when I found Amanda at her multiple award-winning company, Granny Gothards, based in Devon. She has been hand-making luxury ice creams, served in top restaurants, for many years and as importantly for me, she is also a dog lover. When I explained my vision, she had a clear idea of how she could make my product to the same extremely high standards and could connect with the passion I had to make a healthy ice cream brand for dogs.”
Cool Dog is available in a 120ml lidded pot or a 5-litre tub to sell in scoops with a choice of vanilla or banana and blueberry flavours. It is being sold at Granny Gothards ice cream parlours in the South West as well as the dog-friendly Best Western Plus, Manor Hotel at the NEC.
Cool Dog has an RRP of £2.85 for a 120 ml pot. More information is available at www.cooldogicecream.co.uk. The company is looking for a wholesale partner to distribute the ice cream across pet and garden trade and in dog-friendly tourism hot spots. For direct sales enquiries, call 07973 954015 or email info@cooldogicecream.co.uk.

Luscombe Drinks launch new online shop
Artisan drinks producer Luscombe, based in Devon, has launched a new online shop to help customers buy their favourite soft drinks and mixers without having to leave the house.
Gabriel David, chairman and founder of Luscombe, said: “We’re incredibly passionate about making soft drinks using exceptional organic ingredients from our trusted growers around the world, produced with meticulous attention to detail using the same artisan techniques from 23 years ago.” He continues: “However, during the pandemic our customers were finding it difficult to get hold of our drinks from the usual routes to market; cafes, restaurants and independents, therefore we launched our new online shop for nationwide delivery.”
Currently producing more than 9.5 million bottles per year and supplying 12 countries, Luscombe will offer an edited list of their range online. The shop will stock classics including Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer, Cool Ginger Beer and Luscombe Sicilian Lemonade, juices like Luscombe Mostly Devon Apple Juice and Luscombe St Clements as well as mixer Luscombe Devon Tonic Water. A box of 12 soft drinks x 270ml bottles has an RRP of £20.28 and a box of 12 Devon Tonic Waters x 200ml bottles are RRP £14.28.
For further information visit www.luscombe.co.uk, email info@luscombe.co.uk or call 01364 64 30 36. 

APPOINTMENTS

Georgina Young made St Austell brewing director
St Austell Family Group has promoted Georgina Young to the role of brewing director. She will oversee brewing and operations at both St Austell Brewery and Bath Ales.
Georgina left her leading role at Fuller’s to join the company in May 2019 and become Bath Ales’ head brewer. She was recruited by her long-time friend, Roger Ryman - St Austell’s previous brewing director - who passed away in May.
In her new role, Georgina will continue to be based at Bath Ales’ headquarters - Hare Brewery - while overseeing operations in St Austell.
Kevin Georgel, chief executive says: “We’re delighted to have appointed Georgina as our new brewing director. As one of Roger’s oldest friends in the industry, he was thrilled when she joined the business last year. He held her in the highest regard, and we know he would be very proud to see her take the helm and steer us forward.”
Andrew Turner, managing director, Beer and Brands said: “Since welcoming Georgina to the business, she’s been instrumental in helping us to realise the full potential of Bath Ales’ beer brands. She’s respected throughout the industry and is the perfect guardian for St Austell Brewery’s portfolio of beers. We can’t think of a better person to lead us into our next chapter and inspire the next generation of brewers.”
Georgina Young, new brewing director said: “I’ve been a long-time admirer of St Austell Brewery’s beers and feel honoured to be taking up the reins from Roger.
She continues: “Overseeing production down in Cornwall, while continuing to head up Bath Ales, offers me a new challenge. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and working more closely with the brilliant team down in Cornwall.”

PROPERTY

Seafood restaurant in Taunton on sale for £95,000
Albatross Fish & Seafood is located on the riverside in the Somerset town of Taunton and underwent a full refurbishment in 2018.
According to the agents Stonesmith, the “business undoubtedly offers potential for incoming operators to continue to build upon the successful reputation of the existing business, or for new operators to develop their own style of trade.” The two-storey business has contemporary furnishings and decor. It comprises a ground floor restaurant and bar area comfortably seating 34 customers, a first-floor restaurant seating 40 customers with panoramic views of the river, a fully- equipped commercial catering kitchen, and an alfresco courtyard terrace seating area for 30 customers.
The menu “reflects the best quality seasonal seafood and local produce” and the restaurant is currently open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 5 days a week.
The leasehold business is on the market for an asking price of £95,000. Full property details are available on www.stonesmith.co.uk.

SPOTLIGHT

South Devon College offers Hospitality Manager Apprenticeship this September
For anyone with a passion for providing an excellent level of customer experience, this new Level 4 Hospitality Manager Apprenticeship is launching in September 2020 at South Devon College.
Hospitality managers work across a huge variety of organisations including bars, restaurants, cafés, conference centres, banqueting venues, hotels and contract caterers.
This hospitality manager apprenticeship is perfect for individuals to develop their knowledge and skills in the hospitality sector and as an employer, it’s great if you would like to upskill existing staff or train new employees.  The typical duration of this programme is 12-16 months.
Other benefits of the programme include: 

  • One day per month College training.
  • Work-based training and electronic learning platforms.
  • Enhancing your apprentice's skills and knowledge without disrupting their staff role.
  • For a non-levy paying organisation, the cost per apprentice will be £400-£500. 
  • Other qualifications are available to enhance the apprenticeship such as - Personal Licence Holder and Food Hygiene Certificates

Apprentices will learn:

  • How to manage the delivery of business standards in a range of settings.
  • Identify the management information available in own area and understand how to use, analyse and act on it to drive business change.
  • Understand the standard business operating procedures, the services and products and how they are managed and their potential consequences.
  • Identify peaks and troughs in business levels and understand the factors which influence them e.g. season, weather, cultural and special occasions.
  • Understand how technology supports the delivery of products and services in hospitality businesses.
  • Know and understand how to consistently communicate and engage with people and teams, and much more!

The study programme will be held at the University Centre next to South Devon College, employers/employees can enrol now for a September start. For more details go to www.southdevon.ac.uk/course/hospitality-manager.


 

 
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