David Mulcahy to leave Sodexo after 20 years
David Mulcahy is set to depart from his role at contract caterer Sodexo after nearly two decades with the company.
David Mulcahy, who joined Sodexo from Compass in 2006 as craft and food development director, will be leaving the company after nearly 20 years. Most recently serving as food innovation and sustainability director, Mulcahy played a key role in supporting chef development, advancing food procurement strategies, and fostering strategic partnerships across the business.
David Mulcahy's departure follows that of Sean Hayley.
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David Mulcahy, who joined Sodexo from Compass in 2006 as craft and food development director, will be leaving the company after nearly 20 years. Most recently serving as food innovation and sustainability director, Mulcahy played a key role in supporting chef development, advancing food procurement strategies, and fostering strategic partnerships across the business.
David Mulcahy's departure follows that of Sean Hayley.
more »
20/Dec/2024 16:25
Tesco customers donate 1.9 million meals through Winter Food Collection
Tesco stores across the UK experienced an outpouring of generosity during the Winter Food Collection, with customers donating an impressive 1.9 million meals’ worth of long-life food items. The collection took place between 25th and 30th November in both large and Express stores nationwide.
Each item donated plays a crucial role in supporting the charities FareShare and Trussell, helping to address the heightened need for assistance during the holiday season. Contributions to Trussell enable food banks to supply emergency food parcels to individuals and families struggling to afford essentials.
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Each item donated plays a crucial role in supporting the charities FareShare and Trussell, helping to address the heightened need for assistance during the holiday season. Contributions to Trussell enable food banks to supply emergency food parcels to individuals and families struggling to afford essentials.
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20/Dec/2024 15:45
INTERNORGA 2025 announces first speakers for the 43rd International Foodservice Forum
The International Foodservice Forum, Europe’s leading conference for foodservice professionals, returns on March 13, 2025, at the Congress Center Hamburg (CCH). As part of INTERNORGA, Europe’s premier trade show for foodservice and hospitality, the forum will bring together almost 2.000 global industry leaders to explore the latest trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of foodservice.
With this year’s INTERNORGA theme, 'Where trends take off', the 43rd largest industry convention provides actionable insights into topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, and evolving consumer behaviours.
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With this year’s INTERNORGA theme, 'Where trends take off', the 43rd largest industry convention provides actionable insights into topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, and evolving consumer behaviours.
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19/Dec/2024 13:02
Wyboston Lakes Resort directors share their trends and wishes for 2025
2025 will be a year when technology will play a central role in every area of conferences and meetings from operations to marketing. Demand will polarise with luxury growth continuing while at the other end, automation, efficiency and productivity will be critical to success.
These will be the key trends in the sector according to Wyboston Lakes Resort.
Steve Jones, CEO, believes “we will see further polarisation of offerings in sectors that are labour heavy.
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19/Dec/2024 13:00
JOE & THE JUICE announces exclusive partnership with Deliveroo
Fans of the viral JOE & THE JUICE sandwiches, or its freshly prepared juices, shakes and coffees, must soon head to Deliveroo for on demand deliveries as the company announces an exclusive partnership with Deliveroo, commencing in January 2025. The collaboration reinforces the brands’ commitment to delivering high-quality, fresh, and convenient options to customers across the UK.
JOE & THE JUICE, the popular urban juice bar and coffee concept, began its partnership with Deliveroo in 2019. Initially operating with just five sites on the platform in the UK, this has since expanded to its 65 current UK locations.
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JOE & THE JUICE, the popular urban juice bar and coffee concept, began its partnership with Deliveroo in 2019. Initially operating with just five sites on the platform in the UK, this has since expanded to its 65 current UK locations.
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19/Dec/2024 12:58
Sodexo offers guaranteed job interviews for ex-offenders
As part of its Starting Fresh programme, Sodexo has introduced guaranteed job interviews for individuals with disclosed criminal convictions to support ex-offenders in their transition back into the workforce.
The catering firm, which employs over 30,000 people across the UK and Ireland, is offering guaranteed job interviews to applicants with disclosed criminal convictions who meet the job criteria and pass the necessary screening. This initiative aims to provide ex-offenders with an opportunity to re-enter the workforce.
Several Sodexo sites have already adopted this initiative.
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The catering firm, which employs over 30,000 people across the UK and Ireland, is offering guaranteed job interviews to applicants with disclosed criminal convictions who meet the job criteria and pass the necessary screening. This initiative aims to provide ex-offenders with an opportunity to re-enter the workforce.
Several Sodexo sites have already adopted this initiative.
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19/Dec/2024 12:53
Chestnut Expands Norfolk Portfolio with Acquisition of The Gin Trap Inn
The Gin Trap Inn in the North Norfolk coastal village of Ringstead, has become the latest acquisition for Chestnut, East Anglia’s fastest-growing hospitality business.
The acquisition consolidates Chestnut’s foothold in the region, through the addition of a further 16 bedrooms. This is the Group’s fourth Norfolk acquisition in 2024. In addition, Chestnut has opened The Maltings - a 28 bedroomed hotel in Weybourne (near Blakeney) with The Grain Store, a barn style restaurant and bar overlooking the sea.
Founder and Managing Director.
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The acquisition consolidates Chestnut’s foothold in the region, through the addition of a further 16 bedrooms. This is the Group’s fourth Norfolk acquisition in 2024. In addition, Chestnut has opened The Maltings - a 28 bedroomed hotel in Weybourne (near Blakeney) with The Grain Store, a barn style restaurant and bar overlooking the sea.
Founder and Managing Director.
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19/Dec/2024 12:43
The Wesley Euston hotel announces refurbishment of reception area
The Wesley Euston, a sustainable hotel in the heart of London, is undergoing a refresh of its reception area to enhance both the hotel's aesthetic and the overall customer experience.
Scheduled for completion by December 20th, the newly designed reception area will showcase a sleek, modern look, enhancing the check-in and check-out experience for guests.
James Barr, General Manager at The Wesley, said, “We’re excited to reveal our new reception which will reflect our high standards of customer service whilst aligning with our environmental and sustainable ethos.
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Scheduled for completion by December 20th, the newly designed reception area will showcase a sleek, modern look, enhancing the check-in and check-out experience for guests.
James Barr, General Manager at The Wesley, said, “We’re excited to reveal our new reception which will reflect our high standards of customer service whilst aligning with our environmental and sustainable ethos.
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19/Dec/2024 12:37
Young’s unveils plans for new pub opening in Epsom Downs
In the new year, Young's & Co. Brewery P.L.C. will unveil the Tattenham Corner pub in Epsom Downs, following a comprehensive refurbishment.
Boasting views of Epsom racecourse and the surrounding Epsom Downs, the two-storey, 8,000 sq. ft. freehold pub was previously a Beefeater steakhouse. It has now been fully transformed into a premium destination pub and dining area.
Great attention is being paid to crafting a welcoming and warm environment that captures the essence of a traditional British pub.
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Boasting views of Epsom racecourse and the surrounding Epsom Downs, the two-storey, 8,000 sq. ft. freehold pub was previously a Beefeater steakhouse. It has now been fully transformed into a premium destination pub and dining area.
Great attention is being paid to crafting a welcoming and warm environment that captures the essence of a traditional British pub.
more »
19/Dec/2024 11:30
Six by Nico to launch its first Bristol restaurant
Nico Simeone’s Six by Nico restaurant group is set to launch its first Bristol location in early February.
Famed for its themed six-course tasting menus that rotate every six weeks, the group will open a new location at Quakers Friars.
Simeone launched his first restaurant in 2017, aiming to make tasting menus more accessible to a wider audience. Prices begin at £44 per person, with an optional wine pairing available for an additional £30.
Current menu themes feature “The Chippie.
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Famed for its themed six-course tasting menus that rotate every six weeks, the group will open a new location at Quakers Friars.
Simeone launched his first restaurant in 2017, aiming to make tasting menus more accessible to a wider audience. Prices begin at £44 per person, with an optional wine pairing available for an additional £30.
Current menu themes feature “The Chippie.
more »
19/Dec/2024 11:17
Radisson RED makes its debut in Ireland.
Radisson Hotel Group has launched its lifestyle RED brand in Ireland with the opening of a hotel in Galway.
The hotel was developed by the Rhatigan Group and designed by the Dublin-based architectural firm Henry J Lyons.
The hotel boasts 177 guest rooms and suites, all equipped with Chrome Cast technology. It also features the Claddagh Bar & Grill on the ground floor, Lena’s Rooftop Bar & Restaurant with seating for up to 140 guests, and several meeting and event spaces spread across two floors.
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The hotel was developed by the Rhatigan Group and designed by the Dublin-based architectural firm Henry J Lyons.
The hotel boasts 177 guest rooms and suites, all equipped with Chrome Cast technology. It also features the Claddagh Bar & Grill on the ground floor, Lena’s Rooftop Bar & Restaurant with seating for up to 140 guests, and several meeting and event spaces spread across two floors.
more »
17/Dec/2024 15:56
Liberation Group rebrands amid plans for 700 rooms
Liberation Group Rebrands as Butcombe Group to Focus on Pubs with Rooms Business.
The Butcombe Group will continue to encompass Butcombe Pubs & Inns, Butcombe Brewing Co, Butcombe Boutique Inns, Liberation Pubs & Bars, and Liberation Brewing Co. However, the company has announced that the Butcombe arm of the business will now be regarded as its “main driver of growth.”
Over the past seven years, the Butcombe Group has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions from Brains, Wadworth, and Cirrus Inns across the south of England.
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The Butcombe Group will continue to encompass Butcombe Pubs & Inns, Butcombe Brewing Co, Butcombe Boutique Inns, Liberation Pubs & Bars, and Liberation Brewing Co. However, the company has announced that the Butcombe arm of the business will now be regarded as its “main driver of growth.”
Over the past seven years, the Butcombe Group has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions from Brains, Wadworth, and Cirrus Inns across the south of England.
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17/Dec/2024 12:01
Greene King’s 1,400 community tables open to ease loneliness this Christmas
This December, over 1,400 Greene King-managed pubs will host a ‘Community Table’ day as part of the company’s ‘Closer Communities’ year-round programme. The initiative aims to support individuals who may be more vulnerable to loneliness, offering extra companionship and support during the festive season.
The programme aims to bring together up to 11,000 people with a free two-course festive meal, offering much-needed companionship to individuals within their local communities during the holiday season.
The initiative follows new research from the Eden Project.
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The programme aims to bring together up to 11,000 people with a free two-course festive meal, offering much-needed companionship to individuals within their local communities during the holiday season.
The initiative follows new research from the Eden Project.
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17/Dec/2024 11:21
BM tests AI-powered self-checkout system
BM Caterers is trialing artificial intelligence (AI) self-checkout systems at two client sites, with the potential for a wider rollout in 2025 if successful.
The business is testing the new technology at the headquarters of a logistics company in Crewe and at a law firm in London.
The Deligo AI self-checkout system automatically recognises items without the need to scan barcodes. This innovation aims to automate routine cashier tasks, enabling staff to focus on higher-value customer interactions.
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The business is testing the new technology at the headquarters of a logistics company in Crewe and at a law firm in London.
The Deligo AI self-checkout system automatically recognises items without the need to scan barcodes. This innovation aims to automate routine cashier tasks, enabling staff to focus on higher-value customer interactions.
more »
17/Dec/2024 08:48
Levy secures new multimillion-pound contract with Excel London
Levy UK and Ireland has secured a new multimillion-pound contract with Excel London, coinciding with the events centre's planned 25,000 sq m expansion.
Levy, the sports, entertainment, and events division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has been Excel’s food and beverage partner since its opening in 2000, serving over 400 events and four million visitors annually.
In 2023, both companies extended their catering contract for an additional 22 years.
As part of the new agreement.
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Levy, the sports, entertainment, and events division of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has been Excel’s food and beverage partner since its opening in 2000, serving over 400 events and four million visitors annually.
In 2023, both companies extended their catering contract for an additional 22 years.
As part of the new agreement.
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17/Dec/2024 08:40
Auntie Annes UK marks record growth in 2024 with the opening of its 8th Store
Auntie Anne's UK, the iconic soft pretzel brand, accelerates its rapid growth with the launch of its 8th new store this year at The Square in Camberley, bringing the total number of UK locations to 41.
This achievement marks a record-breaking year of expansion, innovation, and celebration, with notable openings in Basingstoke, Guildford, and its first railway travel hub at Brighton Station. These milestones reinforce Auntie Anne's commitment to meeting customers where they need them most.
The growth story extends beyond new store openings—year-on-year like-for-like (YOY LFL) sales have consistently increased by over 10%.
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This achievement marks a record-breaking year of expansion, innovation, and celebration, with notable openings in Basingstoke, Guildford, and its first railway travel hub at Brighton Station. These milestones reinforce Auntie Anne's commitment to meeting customers where they need them most.
The growth story extends beyond new store openings—year-on-year like-for-like (YOY LFL) sales have consistently increased by over 10%.
more »
16/Dec/2024 10:35
Dine Contract Catering lands contract with maritime technology company
Compass-owned Dine Contract Catering has signed a long-term agreement to provide catering services for maritime technology company Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) at its headquarters in Dorset.
The Warrington-based business and industry specialist, Dine Contract Catering, will oversee operations at AEUK’s new restaurant, the Galley, which serves both employees and visitors.
Dine Contract Catering will also focus on providing healthier meal options, complemented by a salad bar, daily specials, and a hot beverage service.
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The Warrington-based business and industry specialist, Dine Contract Catering, will oversee operations at AEUK’s new restaurant, the Galley, which serves both employees and visitors.
Dine Contract Catering will also focus on providing healthier meal options, complemented by a salad bar, daily specials, and a hot beverage service.
more »
16/Dec/2024 08:46
KE Hotels expands portfolio with acquisition of three Hilton properties under management agreements
KE Hotels has entered into new management agreements to acquire three Hampton by Hilton properties, marking a significant step in its plans for expansion across the UK.
The KE Hotels portfolio has now expanded with the addition of Hampton by Hilton Newcastle, Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Broad Street, and Hampton by Hilton Sheffield. These properties join an impressive line up that includes Moxy Manchester, Linton Lodge Oxford, and Hotel Indigo Newcastle.
These three acquisitions strengthen the company’s strategy to target 'various market segments' through collaborations with leading hospitality brands.
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The KE Hotels portfolio has now expanded with the addition of Hampton by Hilton Newcastle, Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Broad Street, and Hampton by Hilton Sheffield. These properties join an impressive line up that includes Moxy Manchester, Linton Lodge Oxford, and Hotel Indigo Newcastle.
These three acquisitions strengthen the company’s strategy to target 'various market segments' through collaborations with leading hospitality brands.
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16/Dec/2024 08:35
Chris Emery to Lead New Restaurant Concept at Crazy Bear Stadhampton
Crazy Bear Hotel in Stadhampton will launch OAK by Chris Emery in January 2025, marking the hotel group's first new restaurant concept in over a decade.
The brainchild of Managing Director Tom Etridge and Chef Chris Emery, OAK will feature 42 covers and offer 'innovative, ingredient-led' dishes inspired by Emery’s extensive culinary career.
The menu at OAK will showcase seasonal and locally sourced British produce, featuring dishes such as steamed brill with scallop, fennel, celeriac, and green curry sauce.
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The brainchild of Managing Director Tom Etridge and Chef Chris Emery, OAK will feature 42 covers and offer 'innovative, ingredient-led' dishes inspired by Emery’s extensive culinary career.
The menu at OAK will showcase seasonal and locally sourced British produce, featuring dishes such as steamed brill with scallop, fennel, celeriac, and green curry sauce.
more »
12/Dec/2024 13:45
Mondelez exploring acquisition of Hershey
Mondelez, the owner of Cadbury, is reportedly exploring the potential acquisition of US confectionery giant Hershey.
Bloomberg reports that Mondelez has made a preliminary approach regarding a potential merger, but talks are still in the early stages, and there is no guarantee that a deal will be reached.
Last month, Hershey reported a decline in quarterly sales to nearly $3 billion (£2.3 billion) due to weaker demand. In contrast, Mondelez saw a nearly 2% increase in sales, reaching $9.2 billion (£7.
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Bloomberg reports that Mondelez has made a preliminary approach regarding a potential merger, but talks are still in the early stages, and there is no guarantee that a deal will be reached.
Last month, Hershey reported a decline in quarterly sales to nearly $3 billion (£2.3 billion) due to weaker demand. In contrast, Mondelez saw a nearly 2% increase in sales, reaching $9.2 billion (£7.
more »
12/Dec/2024 09:35