Located within HMP Styal in Cheshire, The Hope & Anchor provides up to 32 women every year with culinary training in a purpose-built kitchen and restaurant environment, preparing them for line chef roles and “a fresh start in the hospitality sector” upon release.
Marston’s says the initiative, which is delivered in partnership with Novus Education and the New Futures Network, marks a significant milestone in its commitment to creating life-changing opportunities for marginalised groups and sets a new standard for inclusive recruitment within the UK hospitality sector.
The academy joins the growing network of training sites for Marston’s Excel prison leavers employment programme, including The Lock Inn at HMP Liverpool and The Crown & Key at HMP Stoke Heath.
Marston’s Excel programme has already helped nearly 80 prison leavers into jobs since 2022, achieving retention rates well above the industry average.
Marston’s, which has 1,300 pubs nationally, comprising managed, partnership, and tenanted and leased pubs, is aiming to increase the number of ex-offender graduates employed across its pubs by 25% over the next 12 months.
Marston’s launch of prison training sites follows the success of other industry initiatives to get those serving time trained up and into the hospitality industry.
The best known of these is The Clink Charity, which launched in 2009 and now runs three public restaurants alongside a wider network of training kitchens and prison-based sites.
“Getting former offenders into stable work is a sure way of cutting crime and making our streets safer,” says Lord Timpson, minister for prisons, probation and reducing reoffending.
“Hospitality partners like Marston’s are leading the way – helping prisoners gain the skills and confidence they need to turn their lives around and break the cycle of reoffending.”
Todd Lockley, senior inclusion and communities manager at Marston’s, added: “The launch of The Hope & Anchor marks a significant milestone for Marston’s as we expand our commitment to inclusive training and employment opportunities for all.
“Establishing the first hospitality academy within a women’s prison is not just about equipping individuals with practical skills and job opportunities. We’re also supporting rehabilitation through meaningful careers, reducing reoffending, and empowering participants to build brighter futures within our industry.”