- Michael Caines’ Lympstone Manor will join the Stafford Collection as an associate member with the chef to also oversee the relaunch of The Stafford London’s restaurant. The Game Bird restaurant within the hotel will be relaunched under a new name and identity that will ‘reflect Caines’ cuisine, personality and embody the spirit of the Stafford’, marking his first venture into London.
- The Government is to launch a new emissions cutting trial that will see pubs, cafés, restaurants and hotels receive free energy and carbon cutting advice to help slash their bills. The initiative will offer more than 600 small and medium sized hospitality businesses free energy and carbon reduction assessments, delivered by Zero Carbon Services, to ‘cut energy costs, support productivity and boost growth’.
- Chef Alex Payne is set to take the reins at Sorrel in Dorking this June, marking a new era for the acclaimed Surrey restaurant. He takes over from Sorrel owner Steve Drake, who is stepping back from day-to-day operations, transitioning from chef-patron to restaurant owner. Drake plans to focus on other ventures, including his consultancy brand Steve Drake Food.
- Ashley Saxton has left his role as director for restaurants and kitchens at Harrods in London’s Knightsbridge after nearly seven years, describing it as the ‘end of an era’. During his time at Harrods, Saxton opened more than 36 restaurants in store and around the world.
- Will Stratton-Morris has stepped down as CEO of Caffè Nero in the UK after more than seven years in the role. Stratton-Morris, who joined Caffè Nero as its first externally appointed CEO in October 2017, also stepped down from the UK board as of 31 May.