Liverpool, renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, this week played host to an extraordinary culinary adventure organised by Essential Cuisine, part of the Solina Group and Lumina. This exclusive trip brought together the top three from the 2023 National Chef of the Year competition, for an unforgettable exploration of Liverpool’s gastronomic delights. The agenda was meticulously crafted to showcase the best of Liverpool’s food scene while providing ample opportunities for learning, networking, and of course, indulging in exquisite cuisine. The journey began with a special lunch at ..read more

Can you tell us about your journey from growing up in Church Fenton to becoming the chef-owner of Pignut restaurant in Helmsley? My first food memory is picking damsons and blackberries down the road from where we lived. We used to bring them back and make blackberry and damson pies. I started working in the local pub when I was 14, just doing pot washing. I had no idea what I wanted to do after school, so that was a bit of pocket money and something to do while I was trying to think of what I wanted to do. My dad’s a chef and I used to go into the restaurant which was in Leeds, when I was r ..read more

BUBBLEDOGS WILL RETURN TO LONDON THIS SUMMER TAKING OVER 45 PARK LANE’S ALFRESCO TERRACE This summer, 45 Park Lane will welcome the return of famed Champagne and hotdog concept Bubbledogs for a special alfresco pop-up at the Mayfair hotel’s exclusive terrace: CUT Out. In collaboration with 45 Park Lane’s executive chef Elliott Grover and the founders of Bubbledogs and two Michelin starred Kitchen Table, Sandia Chang and James Knappett, the bespoke menu of gourmet hotdogs and grower Champagne pairings will be available exclusively at ‘Bubbledogs at 45’. The much-loved Bubbledogs restaurant ..read more

An emotional Jessica Thompson MIH from Mingary Castle, Scotland, won the coveted Restaurant Manager of the Year 2024 title, sponsored by The Hari Hotel, on Friday night (26 April 2024), at a glittering Winner’s Reception at the Hotel Café Royal, London. Ingrid Maend, Restaurant Manager at The Stratford Hotel, London was runner-up. General Manager and co-owner of Mingary Castle, in Kilchoan, Scotland, Jessica fought off tough competition from 21 other finalists during a rigorous day of competition, to scoop the title and claim her position as the Institute’s 14th winner of the Restaurant Manage ..read more

The team at 1 Warwick welcomed guests to enjoy panoramic views over Soho, from lunch al fresco, to late-night dinner and cocktails Situated on the sixth floor of 1 Warwick in the heart of London’s Soho, Yasmin – an intimate rooftop restaurant and bar with a stunning wrap-around terrace – will open on Tuesday 9th April. From next month, Yasmin will welcome guests for seasonal small plates and elegant cocktails with a vibrant new menu from Executive Chef Tom Cenci, who also oversees the kitchen at 1 Warwick’s ground floor restaurant, Nessa. By day, the secluded 64-cover terrace will offer a uniq ..read more

American Express-supported grant programme aims to highlight the important role independent restaurants play in their communities and provide valuable support.   Small independent restaurants in London and Manchester can now apply for a share of £220,000 to help grow their business as an American Express-supported grant programme returns for a third year to the UK.    Run by the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation in partnership with the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM) in the UK, the global Backing International Small Restaurantsprogramme&nb ..read more

Twenty winners of the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2024 have been announced at a prestigious ceremony hosted by comedian Simon Brodkin at the InterContinental Park Lane. Delivered in partnership with headline sponsor IHG, the awards celebrated those that have gone above and beyond to grow their organisations, look after their people and champion the industry. The evening began with the Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award, sponsored by Savoy Educational Trust. Winner Sophie Pace-Balzan was recognised for showing tenacity and passion to overcome challenges which had previously prevented ..read more

Popeyes® UK, the UK’s fastest-growing chicken QSR brand, has appointed Peter Gibson as Director of Acquisitions and Estates. The appointment comes after Popeyes® announced plans to double its estate in 2024, opening over 30 new locations by the end of year, to firmly cement its presence in all four corners of the UK. Tom Byng, Chief Development Officer at Popeyes®, said:  “We are delighted to welcome Peter to Popeyes® to lead our property acquisition strategy. His experience in the hospitality industry and proven track record of helping some of the biggest restaurant groups across the U ..read more

This March, The Conduit London is set to open its doors to Rucola – a Brooklyn-founded restaurant, located on the rooftop of the Covent Garden members club. The vibrant dining destination will offer member and non-member guests a space to soak in panoramic views of London’s skyline, whilst enjoying plant-forward dishes made with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients, alongside ethically sourced meat, fish and dairy, natural wines and sustainable cocktails. The relaxed rooftop retreat will take diners on a culinary journey with its open kitchen, which offers a selection of dishes influenced by North ..read more

The two Michelin-star restaurant is situated in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Le Jardinier is French for ‘The Garden’, with a plant themed décor, complimenting it’s name. Within the restaurant there is a contemporary classic feel with plants used to divide the booth seating areas and delicate mood lighting to set the tone. The culinary experience was enhanced by the décor as it creates a relaxing atmosphere, with calmative music and fresh floral aromas.  The fine dining French cuisine had a modern classic feel with the chefs demonstrating a creative presentation for an exceptional culi ..read more