Welcome to Rise & Shine
If you have any news about your business you’d like to see here please contact our News Editor, Carolyn Moss, at [email protected] or call her on 01305 575155. Follow us on Twitter @BreadButterNews for updates.
Robin Alway
Editorial Director
INDUSTRY NEWS
January hangover for pub and restaurant sales
After a strong Christmas, managed pubs and restaurant groups saw a January sales slump with collective like-for-like sales down 1.8% against the same month last year, according to the Coffer Peach Business Tracker.
Both pub and restaurant operators saw negative sales during the month, although pubs did marginally better with collective like-for-likes down 1.4% against 2.5% for restaurant chains.
“After strong trading over the festive season, which saw sector like-for-like sales 4.1% up on 2017, operators will be disappointed that there has been no follow-through into January – even though the weather, and in particular the lack of snow early in the month, was better than last year,” said Karl Chessell, director of CGA, the business insight consultancy that produces the Tracker, in partnership with Coffer Group and RSM.
“However, it is worth remembering that January is always a relatively quiet month. The first big test of the year for the market is the February half-term holidays, then Easter – although this year Brexit is bringing more anxiety for the industry,” Chessell added.
“Branded restaurant operators continue to have a tougher time than pubs, despite many closing underperforming sites in the last year, and that is most marked inside the M25 where competition is more intense and consumers are more likely to look for and find somewhere new to try out,” Chessell added.
“The figures are indicative of the malaise affecting consumers in the post-Christmas period. Trading prospects are likely to remain weak, which mirrors statistics for the wider UK economy where there is a clear indication of a slowdown,” said Trevor Watson, executive director, Valuations at Davis Coffer Lyons. “The strongest innovative operators who continue to exceed customer expectations in terms of service and value are trading well as indicated in Christmas trading statements.”
“Despite Dry January, drink sales in pubs held up better than food sales, down 0.7% compared to minus 2.0%, suggesting underlying food growth in pubs appears to be peaking, as competition and choice in food out-of-home increases generally, and premiumisation of the drinks sector is stimulating alcohol sales,” added Chessell.
RSM’s head of leisure and hospitality, Paul Newman said: “Even if consumers went out to eat and drink in similar numbers, the increased uptake of Veganuary compared to last year reduced spend per head as diners opted for cheaper vegetable/plant-based dishes over meat options. Wet led operators were also hit by the growing influence of Dry January with much of December’s uplift being undone by these disappointing results. We expect discretionary spending on eating and drinking out to remain constrained as Brexit uncertainty continues to weigh on consumer sentiment.”
Hampshire community pub is CAMRA winner
The Wonston Arms, a small community pub in a Hampshire village, has been named as CAMRA’s Pub of the Year.
The pub was derelict when owner and landlord Matt Todd bought it four years ago. He reopened it with a focus on benefitting the local community. As well as serving cask ales and over 180 varieties of gin, the Wonston Arms hosts a range of pop-up foodie nights, darts matches, folk music, quizzes and a photography club. It has raised in excess of £25,000 for local charitable causes from the pub community, including by hosting a pop-up café every month.
Owner and landlord Matt Todd said: “I’m overwhelmed that our little pub – which had been handed a death sentence four years ago – has now been named the very best in the country. I have strived to recreate the kind of wet pub I went to in the 1970s with my dad when I was a young boy in the north of England. The support from the local community and beyond has been overwhelming, helping to propel us forward despite these testing times.
“Ultimately I’d like to see our pub play a vital role in supporting and employing local residents and recirculating the local pounds that are spent in our pub. To do this, we need to ensure our continued survival with the likes of small business rate relief, which has been absolutely vital to getting us through our fledgeling years, helping us to realise our potential. Now we’re in a position where continuing to build our business may end up ensuring that we’re penalised for growth through the rates system, and we need all the help we can get!”
Ben Wilkinson, National Pub of the Year Coordinator said: “Matt and his team have created a fantastic rural village pub with a great atmosphere by shaping it around the community and its needs. They have realised that it takes something special to create a sense of real belonging so that people want to come out of their homes and back in the pub.
“Pubs like the Wonston Arms highlight what communities stand to lose if their local pub closes – something being experienced in all too many places. These types of pubs are more than just businesses, they are the heart of our local communities and part of what makes the UK the country it is. The Wonston Arms serves excellent cask ales and is a great social environment for all. It fully deserves its title as the best in the country.”
Stroud Brewery opens new site
Organic beer producer, Stroud Brewery, have officially opened their new purpose-built brewery. Costing £1.9 million, it will provide additional brewing capacity, improved efficiencies, storage facilities, larger offices, a new taproom with canal-side views and event spaces.
Managing Director, Greg Pilley commented “This is a significant development for Stroud Brewery which provides us with the platform to further grow our business. There is a growing respect for our ethos and our range of organic beers that are now recognised nationally. When we first started talking about this project, sustainability was at the core of the brief, allowing long term investment in improving our efficiencies and providing a brewery with a strong identity, that would be a vibrant community space and a visitor destination.”
The brewery launcher a crowdfunding campaign to help fund the expansion plans in 2018 with Triodos Bank. The public could buy bonds in the business for a minimum of £1000 and become Stroud Brewery Beer Club members for the period of the bond. The £300,000 campaign became one of the fastest crowdfunding efforts that Triodos Bank had been involved with.
The new building also features a taproom, known locally at The Stroud Brewery Bar. Customers can sample the full range of beers, enjoy live music and pizzas from the wood-fired oven.
Bar supervisor, Nathan Moulden commented “We are really pleased we are going to be able to continue this tradition at the new brewery with our brand new taproom. We hope to capture the unique, laid back atmosphere we have always had but this time with a scenic view and more space”.
Andrew Brownsword property to open as standalone hotel
Andrew Brownsword’s Minster Mill is set to reopen as a standalone hotel on March 11th, following a £4.5 million refurbishment.
The property based in Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire, will relaunch as a separate operation to neighbouring sister business the Old Swan. Previously they were run together as the Old Swan and Minster Mill.
Minster Mill will feature a new restaurant at the front of the building, also open to non-residents. It will serve seasonal British food and be run by Tom Moody, previously of the Slaughters Manor House and a Masterchef: the Professionals finalist in 2017.
St Austell’s lager listed on sleeper train
St Austell Brewery’s lager, Korev, has been selected by Great Western Railway (GWR) for the modernised Night Riviera Sleeper service between Penzance and London Paddington.
Julian Richards, customer propositions manager, GWR said: “We’re enormously proud to stock locally-sourced refreshments from west country food and drink producers on our trains. We’re delighted to be adding Korev – a quality Cornish beer – to our range.”
Jeremy Mitchell, marketing and communications director, St Austell Brewery said: “Korev has proven itself to be a popular addition to our permanent beer portfolio since we first launched it eight years ago – it’s a premium quality, expertly brewed lager that has a strong Cornish provenance story.
“We’re delighted Korev lager has been selected by GWR for its train passengers – whether they’re travelling from London or enjoying a taste of Cornwall on the way back to the capital.”
FOOD AND DRINK NEWS
Quicke’s launch Elderflower Cheese
Devon-based cheesemaker, Quicke’s, are introducing an Elderflower Clothbound Cheese which has been handcrafted during “the first burst of summer”.
Made by combining early summer’s grass-fed cow’s milk with the elder tree’s botanical bloom, the cheese is matured for six months and is described by the producers as a “joyous celebration of the land at this special time of year, from the lush pastures to the hedgerows that weave their way around Home Farm.”
The cheese was developed to make the most of the elderflowers growing on the Quicke family farm which are picked by local foragers and used in the cheesemaking process to achieve a fresh, buttery cheese with delicate floral notes.
Quicke’s Elderflower Clothbound Cheese is available from some independent retailers or from www.quickes.co.uk (200g £5.30, 500g £12.00).
St Peters launch four new draught beers and rebrands
St Peter’s Brewery is introducing fresh branding and a range of draught beers for the On-Trade, under new MD John Hadingham
The new on-trade beers include White Raven, Stateside Pale Ale and Revival Pilsner as well as a brand new fruit beer for the 0.0% category: Without Elderberry & Raspberry.
The rebrand aims to make a greater impact on the bar with the “aim to create power brands that fit with the St Peter’s history of producing great, traditional, craft beer.”
John Hadingham said: “We’ve been working hard to develop a new look for St Peter’s that is quirky and innovative, but retains the true ethos of the brewery Brand and positioning that John Murphy set out to provide when he launched St. Peters 20 years ago. We’re very proud of our brand and these new beers and we can’t wait to see what visitors to the show think of them.”
Granny Gothards now available to take away
Somerset-based artisan ice cream maker Granny Gothards have announced their Rich Dark Dairy Free Chocolate Ice Cream is now available in take-home packs.
Owner Amanda Stansfield said the product, which was originally developed for the foodservice market, had proved so popular that it was decided to make it available to the retail market.
For more information on becoming a stockist, call 01823 491591.
Equipment
Carpigiani launches small gelato machine
The Labo 6/9 XPL P is a new machine from Carpigiani that is capable of producing small servings of artisan gelato and sorbet in minutes.
Taking its place in Carpigiani’s ‘Restaurant Range’, the Labo 6/9 sits just above the Freeze&Go, launched in 2018, and below the Labo 8/12, which has been Carpigiani’s most popular countertop batch freezer.
The air-cooled design requires no plumbing or drainage and it takes up minimal countertop space. A digital display lets the operator select from four freezing programmes – Gelato, Sorbet, Slush or Crystal. Carpigiani’s Hard-O-Tronic® technology is included which allows the machine to detect when the product has reached optimum consistency and maintain it until extraction.
For more information, go to www.carpigiani.co.uk or call 01432 346018.
Rotating pizza oven from Valoriani
Pizza oven specialist, Valoriani UK, have launched their first rotating wood/gas-fired pizza oven since their foundation in 1890.
The Rotativo features a revolving floor that means pizzas don’t need to be moved across the oven manually. The oven’s patented RHS heat system recovers and circulates heat under the baking floor, making it ready to cook more quickly. By using suction and the best available insulation, energy costs can be up to 30% lower.
The oven delivers baking times of 70-90 seconds, holds eight or nine pizzas and is certified by the AVPN in Naples as being capable of baking ‘real Neapolitan pizza’. The oven’s bespoke 10-burner Spitfire gas device has also been approved by the AVPN, for those opting to cook with gas.
The oven is made from Valoriani’s unique cotto clay from the family’s quarry. Its unique properties mean it comes up to temperature quickly and retains heat.
Visit www.valorianiuk.com or call 01772 250000 for more information.
APPOINTMENTS
General manager for new Southampton hotel announced
Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels have appointed Barry Watson as general manager at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour.
He joins the newly opened property, formerly known as The Grand Harbour Hotel, from the role of general manager at The Ivy in the Lanes, Brighton. His 25-year career takes in senior management positions at hotels including Swire Hotels, The Big Sleep Hotels and Queens Moat House Hotels.
The city centre four-star hotel was opened in 1994 by De Vere and features around 173 rooms and a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill.
Jason Carruthers, Managing Director of Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland said: “We are so pleased to welcome Barry to the Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels family. With a wealth of experience, we’re confident he’ll excel as General Manager at our newest hotel and wish him the best of luck in this exciting new role.”
New chair for Bristol Hotelier’s Association
Nadine Rees, general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North, has taken over the position of chairperson for the Bristol Hoteliers Association from Imran Ali, former general manager of Radisson Blu, Bristol.
Nadine has worked for Hilton Worldwide for 11 years and has five years’ experience as a general manager, three of them working in the Bristol.
Nadine said “I am a passionate hotelier and I am delighted to have the opportunity to build upon the great work of the previous Chairman, Imran and to platform the association to support our fantastic vibrant city. I am also pleased and honoured to be the first female chair of the association as this is a sign of changing times within the hospitality industry”.
The Bristol Hoteliers Association represents 34 hotels in the city.
TRADE SHOW SPOTLIGHT
Expowest Cornwall opens this week!
This year’s Expowest Cornwall trade show takes place this week, at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge, from Tuesday 5th – Thursday 7th March.
Taking place well before the all-important summer season kicks off, the show is regarded as a cornerstone of the Cornish business calendar – an absolute must for those eager to see, touch and taste the latest products and innovations, and to compare and contrast a range of competing offerings all under one roof.
If you have an interest in Cornwall’s vibrant hospitality and catering industry then it’s your chance to connect with a huge range of different companies from foodservice to fresh produce, bakery to business services, ice cream to catering equipment, drinks to dairy, tableware to toiletries, and speciality foods to sundry supplies, plus much more besides – it really is the show that has Cornwall covered!
If you’ve registered already, we hope you’re looking forward to it as much as we are. If you haven’t, then entry is free for trade buyers, so why not register now at expowestcornwall.co.uk/visitor-registration?
For more information about the show, to book a stand, or register to attend, please call 01934 733433, visit expowestcornwall.co.uk. or follow @Expowest_UK.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
March
Expowest Cornwall
5th – 7th March 2019
Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge PL27 7JE
“If you’re involved in hospitality and food and drink, this is the show for you. Attending gives you the vital advantage of tasting the latest innovations in food and drink.”
https://expowestcornwall.co.uk/
Instagram & Phone Photography Workshop
11th March 2019, 9am-3.00pm
Hosted by Barefoot Media & Matt Inwood
St Michaels Resort, Falmouth. TR11 4NB
“The workshop is suitable for anyone who wants to up their Instagram game, and is ideal for those working in the food & drink and hospitality industries.”
The workshop will include a talk and presentation, followed by a practical workshop and a 2-course working lunch.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/instagram-phone-photography-workshop-st-michaels-resort-mon-11th-march-2019-tickets-56624472321
‘Meet the Future: Smart Labelling for Your Business’ Workshop
13th March 2019, 9.30am-2.00pm
Hosted by the Three Counties Food & Drink Co Ltd
Tewkesbury Growth Hub, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
“Labels are a crucial and sometimes under-appreciated contributor to the success – or failure – of our small and medium-sized food and drink businesses. This workshop is aimed at decision-makers in small and medium-sized food and drink producers.”
For more details and to book, please contact: Nick Waloff,
[email protected]
Marketing, PR & Branding Training Course
13th March 2019
Hosted by McQueenie Mulholland & Taste of the West
Oddfellows, Exeter, Devon
“A Marketing, PR and branding training course aimed specifically at food, drink and hospitality businesses. The courses last for one day and will include: Introduction to Marketing and PR, Making your Marketing Plan, Digital Marketing and Branding.
Prices – £65 for Taste of the West members and £80 for non-members.
For more information and to book, please email Eleanor Yeo at McQueenie Mulholland – [email protected]
The International Food & Drink Event
17th – 20th March 2019
ExCeL, London
“The International Food & Drink Event (IFE) is a celebration of 1,350 innovative, global and cutting-edge food & drink manufacturers.”
https://www.ife.co.uk/
Pro2Pac – Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Event
18th – 20th March 2019
ExCeL, London
“Revealing the best of manufacturing innovation, packaging solutions and printing & labelling products”
https://www.pro2pac.co.uk/
Professional Development Courses for the Tourism & Hospitality Sector
18th – 22nd March 2019
Bournemouth University
“Practitioners can develop their skills through a series of half-day courses to develop operational and strategic thinking, delivered through interactive workshops and networking with leading academics.”
For more information, please visit https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/our-faculties/faculty-management/our-departments/department-tourism-hospitality/professional-development-courses
Food Allergy Prosecution – Mock Trial
20th March 2019
Hosted by Food Allergy Aware & Blake Morgan LLP Solicitors
8.30am to 2.30pm
Blake Morgan Offices, Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire
“Practising barristers and solicitors will role-play a fictional scenario involving the prosecution of a food business involved in the supply of produce containing allergens which had not been correctly identified.”
Tickets are priced at £25 per person and include a light lunch. For more information & to book, please visit – https://www.fatc.co.uk/events/food-allergy-prosecution-mock-trial/
Marketing, PR & Branding Training Course
21st March 2019
Hosted by McQueenie Mulholland & Taste of the West
Lifton Farm Shop, Lifton, Devon
“A Marketing, PR and branding training course aimed specifically at food, drink and hospitality businesses. The courses last for one day and will include: Introduction to Marketing and PR, Making your Marketing Plan, Digital Marketing and Branding.
Prices – £65 for Taste of the West members and £80 for non-members.
For more information and to book, please email Eleanor Yeo at McQueenie Mulholland – [email protected]
Food Drink Devon ‘Customers Are Key’ Workshop
22nd March 2019, 9:30 – 13:30
Exeter Golf and Country Club, Exeter, EX2 7AE
“This workshop will be an interactive session full of ideas and strategies to help you find the new customers you’re looking for and establish loyal fans who keep coming back for more.” The workshop will include talks from Barbara King (MD of The Shops at Dartington), Hayley Reynolds (RAW PR) and Susie Kevern (Industry Specialist).
Price: Members – £15 | Non-Members – £30 (Plus VAT)
To book, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/customers-are-key-workshop-tickets-54759041768
Gambero Rosso Wineteca 2019
26th March 2019
Royal Horticultural Halls, London
“UK trade and press professionals will have the opportunity to taste the finest wines featured in Vini d’Italia 2019, one of the most authoritative guides about the complex world of Italian wines.”
http://winetecalondon.co.uk/event/