Welcome to the seventh NRB Top Fifty, the prestigious and much anticipated power list of the most important and influential individuals within the Northern hospitality industry. This year we have worked harder than ever on the rigour of the research and selection process, with CGA crunching the numbers to help ensure all judging decisions were suitably informed.
Enjoy the reception, with superb wine and beers from JW Lees and Willoughby’s and canapés from Manchester Hall, and take the time to explore Northern Restaurant & Bar. We hope to see you all again, after another successful year, in March 2019.
This year’s list has again shown steady churn with an influx of new entrants, with Yorkshire in particular continuing its resurgence. Despite tremors in the casual dining market the regional operators which make up this list have shown no shortage of ambition. I am sure that 2018/19 will see a “rise of the indies”, which will play to the strengths of our great Northern operators. Thom Hetherington CEO Northern Restaurant & Bar
To those included in this prestigious list I say congratulations, and to the judges and our generous sponsors I say a heartfelt thank you for your time and support. Photo: Eddie Garvey
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Kuits is a leading commercial law firm based in Manchester. Ranked “Elite” for licensing in the Legal 500 directory, we work closely with clients to understand their needs and objectives and provide tailored legal solutions. kuits.com
IN ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORED BY
CGA is the data and research consultancy of choice for the out-of-home food and drinks market, specialising in market measurement, consumer research and location planning. What sets CGA apart is its unique ability to access the three key types of data (supply, demand and consumer) and then triangulate this data to provide the most complete and accurate picture of anyone in the out-of-home sector. CGA’s mission is to use its phenomenal data and expert insight to give brands the competitive edge and get them where they want to be, faster. cga.co.uk
Jelf is one of Manchester's leading insurance brokers, and across the UK. Serving Manchester and the North West region for over 40 years (previously as Manson Insurance Brokers), we put customer care at the heart of what we do. We cater for a wide range of business insurance sectors and niches including restaurants and casual dining, indeed we have been insuring local restaurants and a number of national restaurant chains for over 15 years. jelfgroup.com
Metis Real Estate Advisors are an independent commercial real estate consultancy providing expert advice to occupiers, landlords, investors and developers across the UK. The Leisure team provides advice on some of the UK’s best known leisure schemes as well as providing acquisition strategy and advice to national, regional and local operators. metisrealestate.com
AWARDS RECEPTION SUPPORTERS JW Lees is a sixth-generation family brewery founded in 1828 in Middleton, Manchester. Managed by the Lees-Jones family, JW Lees run some of the North West’s most popular pubs, inns and hotels and own Willoughby’s wines and spirits merchants. JW Lees are famous for their award-winning cask ales including JW Lees Bitter and MPA. jwlees.co.uk
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RSM is a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services to businesses regionally, nationally and globally. A key focus for us is helping hospitality entrepreneurs to drive and build successful businesses. rsmuk.com
The Russell Partnership is a consultancy specialising within the catering, conference and leisure markets, recognised for delivering results and solutions - from strategy to concept origination and implementation. Established in 1989, the Partnership is now, 29 years later, supported by a 30 strong team of experienced partners and practitioners selected for their diverse and complementary industry experience. The Partnership's experience as well as their innovative and agile approach have earned them global recognition and an impressive client portfolio. russellpartnership.com
Manchester's Best Kept Secret, Manchester Hall, Opened it’s doors to the public and is a conference and event spaces featuring a variety of rooms that can seat between 6 and 200 people. Available for events including conferences, product launches, award ceremonies, private functions, parties and weddings. Manchesterhall.co.uk
JUDGING NOTES The NRB Top Fifty exists to recognise the most significant hospitality operators in the North of England. We look for ambitious individuals who are driving their businesses to sector-leading levels of commercial and critical success; who show consistency as well as innovation, and who make a contribution to the industry and the region in terms of skills, training, ambassadorial work, and CSR. Those in the NRB Top Fifty can be chef patrons running worldclass kitchens, or captains of industry building extensive multibrand portfolios, but they must be inspirational standard bearers for the Northern hospitality industry. The awards are judged by a Northern-based panel of leading hospitality experts spanning the fields of law, finance, property,
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insurance, marketing, data, insight, and consultancy. After the initial round of applications and nominations there is a rigorous paper-based research process collating hundreds of pages of information. Next there is an in-depth judging discussion and, where necessary, additional peer/industry interviews or research. We are grateful to The Russell Partnership and CGA for their additional insight at this point. Following this exhaustive process, a definitive fifty is selected and balanced to ensure there is no bias in terms of industry sector or geography. A final round of discussion then takes place to select the three Special Achievement Award winners, who the judges feel have achieved something truly exceptional within the preceding twelve months.
If you or someone you know would like to be considered for the NRB Top Fifty 2019 then please look out for the nomination process which will start in November 2018. For more information visit nrbtopfifty.co.uk or follow on Twitter @nrbtopfifty or email clare.tams@holdenmedia.co.uk
HAZ ARSHAD SAX ARSHAD ZANNA GROUP Brands: The Daisy, Evelyn’s Café Bar, Mughli & Queenswood Sites: 5 Number of Employees: 180+ Key Locations: Manchester, Cheshire & London
Biography: As well as managing one of Manchester’s favourite curry restaurants Mughli, located on Rusholme’s curry mile, the Zanna Group offer further variety with their restaurants in Manchester, Cheshire and London. In January 2018 they opened private members lounge The Daisy, in the basement of Evelyn’s. Opening shortly in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is Brothers Yakitori Bar + Grill, a casual Japanese pub like offer, and they are working with a new hotel group to launch a Californian style Brasserie as well as a Parisian style bar set in a disused swimming pool.
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ADELE ASHLEY FILMORE & UNION Brands: Filmore & Union Sites: 16 Number of Employees: 200+ Key Locations: Batley, Beverley, Harrogate, Ilkley, Jesmond, Moortown, Newcastle, York
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Recent Awards: - Only Yorkshire-based company to be named in Sunday Times Fast Track 100 ‘Ones to Watch’ December 2017 - Shortlisted in the Casual Dining Awards 2018 Biography: The idea for Filmore & Union began in February 2011 with a casual chat around a kitchen table, airing frustrations at the lack of healthy restaurants to eat in and even fewer take out options. Following a trip to San Francisco, the land of healthy eating and great service, Filmore & Union the first restaurant was opened in 2012 in the centre of York. Following recent investment from the Business Growth Fund, and with a strong John Lewis partnership, the company now operates 16 sites across Yorkshire and the North East.
PAUL ASKEW THE ART SCHOOL Brands: The Art School, The Art School Cellars, The Moriarty Private Dining Room Sites: 2 Number of Employees: 30 Key Locations: Liverpool
Recent Awards: - The Art School was named in the Sunday Times Top 100 restaurants for 2017 - The Art School was named in the Harden's Guide Top 100 Restaurants - The Art School is listed in the Good Food Guide 2018 - The Art School is listed in the Michelin Guide 2018 - The Art School is the 2017 Taste of England, Visit England Winner - Daniela Tucci, National Finalist 2 consecutive years Young Chef of the Year
Biography: A fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and joint Chair for the North of England, Paul Askew opened The Art School Restaurant where he is Chef Patron in 2014. The Art School won the 2017 Taste Category at the Visit England Awards and has featured in 4 Top 100 UK Restaurant Guides, including the Sunday Times and Harden's Guides. Paul made his Saturday Kitchen and Great British Menu television debuts in 2017 and has recently launched his debut book, "Onwards and Upwards". Paul has recently completed a ÂŁ380,000 expansion of The Art School family, creating a Champagne and Cocktail bar with a private tutored tasting room and a 24 cover private dining room. Paul continues to champion young talent in the industry and is working with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and The City of Liverpool College on the Chef Apprenticeship scheme.
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JAMES BAER GARY ROBERTS AMBER TAVERNS Brands: Amber Taverns Sites: 138 Number of Employees: c1100 Key Locations: Midlands, North East & North West
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Biography: Founded in 2005 with the backing of 3 V.C.Ts Amber Taverns owns and operates 138 wet led pubs and bars in South Wales, the Midlands and the North of England including 13 Hogarths Gin Palaces. Amber has provided successful exits for both its original shareholders, L.G.V. and is now in its third phase of development. Amber seeks to open 10 sites per year at an average investment of £750 - £1M delivering returns approaching 20%.
CRAIG BANCROFT, NIGEL HAWORTH NORTHCOTE LEISURE GROUP Brands: Northcote, Ribble Valley Inns, Café Northcote & Northcote at the Rovers Sites: 8 Number of Employees: 170+ Key Locations: Lancashire, Cheshire, Yorkshire
Recent Awards: - Northcote Restaurant: TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2017 - Northcote Hotel: VisitEngland Awards for Excellence Hotel of the Year 2017, AA Hotel of the year 2016/17 Biography: Northcote is a renowned small luxury hotel with a Michelin star restaurant situated on the edge of the Ribble Valley, in the heart of Lancashire. The Northcote Leisure Group also includes Northcote at the Rovers and Ribble Valley Inns, a portfolio of award winning food led pubs. In 2017, Head Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen took the reins as Northcote’s Executive Chef as Nigel changed his role to Chef Ambassador.
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TIM BIRD MARY MCLAUGHLIN CHESHIRE CAT PUBS & BARS Brands: The Bulls Head, The Cholmondeley Arms, The Church Inn, The Fitzherbert Arms, The Red Lion, The Roebuck Inn, The Three Greyhounds Inn Sites: 7 Number of Employees: 140 Key Locations: Cheshire, Dorset, Staffordshire
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Recent Awards: - Winners of the ‘Best Food Act in the UK’ Publican Awards 2017/18. Also finalists in the same award for 2018/19 - Finalists in the Casual Dining Best Pub Brand in the UK 2018 - The Roebuck Inn: 1 of 10 North West inclusions in the 2017 Sunday Times Travel ‘Best Places to Stay: 100 great British hotels’ - The Fitzherbert Arms: Best Pub in Staffordshire, The National Pub & Bar Magazine Awards 2017 - The Cholmondeley Arms: Best Pub in Cheshire and Best Pub in the Northwest, The National Pub & Bar Magazine Awards 2017 - Tim Bird chosen as ‘Pub Personality of the Year 2018’ by Imbibe Magazine
Biography: Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars was founded in 2008 by Tim Bird and Mary McLaughlin. Tim had been MD of Brunning and Price and the Freehouse Pub Company in the Restaurant Group while Mary had been MD of La Tasca and grew the Spanish restaurant chain from three to over seventy restaurants nationwide. They currently operate seven famous pubs, all of which originally were either closed or on the verge of closure and enjoy the challenge of restoring beautiful pubs that many would consider to be lost causes.
KEN BUCKLEY PHILIP DEARDEN BRAVO INNS Brands: Bravo Inns
Biography: With 40 sites across the North West, and employing over 50 people, Bravo Inns is at the vanguard of breathing life back into community pubs in the area, putting real focus on the importance of the community in their offerings.
Sites: 40 Number of Employees: 50+ Key Locations: Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire
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MARIE CARTER BEAU MYERS BEAUTIFUL DRINKS Brands: Almost Famous, Home Sweet Home, Convenience Store, Luck Lust Liquor and Burn Sites: 8 Number of Employees: 300 Key Locations: Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester
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Biography: Directors of Beautiful Drinks, Marie Carter and Beau Myers have cemented their status throughout the North, with flagship ‘burgers and booze’ brand Almost Famous operating successfully across Liverpool, Leeds, and two Manchester sites. Their other operations include Luck Lust Liquor and Burn, which contributes to Manchester’s growing appetite for Mexican food, Convenience Store on the former site of Keko Moku, and Northern Quarter favourite Home Sweet Home.
PAUL COGAN, RACHEL FELLOW, PHILIP HANSON CLARE MORROW, BERENICE SMITH, LESLEY WILD BETTYS & TAYLORS GROUP Brands: Bettys Tea Rooms, Bettys Cookery School, Taylors of Harrogate, Yorkshire Tea Sites: 6 Number of employees: 1500
Biography: The business started in 1919 when Frederick Belmont, a talented and ambitious Swiss confectioner, arrived in Yorkshire, married a local girl and opened his first Bettys Café Tea Rooms in Harrogate. Nearly 100 years later Bettys & Taylors is a vibrant and thriving family business with six Bettys Café Tea Rooms, a Craft Bakery, a Cookery School, online shop and one of the country’s most respected tea and coffee merchants, Taylors of Harrogate. Taylors blends Yorkshire Tea, the third best selling tea in the UK, as well as Taylors market leading roast and ground coffees, and a range of speciality teas.
Key locations: Yorkshire
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SARAH COOK HARRY VAULKHARD OLIVER VAULKHARD VAULKHARD GROUP Brands: Blake’s, Central Bean, Pacific House, Blackie Boy, Bealim House, Barluga, All Seeing Eye, The Mushroom, Quilted Camel, MSA, Perdu Sites: 15 Key locations: Morpeth, Newcastle & Sheffield
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Biography: Vaulkhard Group was formed in 2015 when four businesses run by different members of the Vaulkhard family were merged. A three-year plan to rejuvenate its portfolio began, which involved spending more than £600,000 on transforming Fluid bar in Gallowgate into gin bar and restaurant Bealim House, complete with its own gin distillery and laying down plans to remodel The Quilted Camel, Perdu and Blake’s Coffee House. Now accounts for Vaulkhard Group have shown how investments have paid off, with turnover growing to over £10m in the year ended March 2017.
MORGAN DAVIES BARBURRITO Brands: Barburrito Sites: 21 Number of Employees: 200+ Key Locations: Aberdeen, Cardiff, Derby, Edinburgh, Gateshead, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham
Biography: Under the leadership of Founder & CEO Morgan Davies, Barburrito has become one of the leading Mexican food brands in the UK. May 2017 saw the company open its 21st outlet in the UK, and a partnership with The Restaurant Group will see the burrito chain expand into airports. Backed by growth provider BGF, Barburrito is the largest burrito bar brand outside of London and last year had a turnover of ÂŁ15m.
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STEWART DAVIES, RYAN GIGGS, GARY NEVILLE GG HOSPITALITY MICHAEL O’HARE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN Brands: Café Football London, Café Football Manchester, Hotel Football Old Trafford, Mahiki, The Rabbit In The Moon, NFM, Man Behind The Curtain Sites: 7 Number of Employees: 410 Key Locations: London, Manchester, Leeds
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Biography: Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs came up with the idea of starting a hospitality company after travelling the world during their football careers. With group operations director Stewart Davies and creative director Michael O’Hare, GG Hospitality now consists of Hotel Football in Trafford, Mahiki Manchester and the National Football Museum in Urbis, including Cafe Football and fusion restaurant Rabbit In The Moon, plus a stake in Michael’s Michelin starred restaurant Man Behind the Curtain in Leeds. They are currently working on boutique hotel Stock Exchange with its restaurant, The Man Who Fell To Earth and the St Michaels Development.
CARLO DISTEFANO, MARCELLO DISTEFANO SAN CARLO GROUP Brands: Bottega, Cicchetti, Fiorentina, Flying Pizza, Fumo, Gran Café, Pizza Madre, San Carlo, Signor Sassi
Recent Awards: - Best Brand and Best Multi-Site Operator – Eat Drink Sleep Awards 2017
Sites: 17
Biography: Beginning in 1992 with one 20 cover restaurant in Birmingham, the family owned San Carlo restaurant group has grown to become one of the UK’s leading, independently owned Italian restaurant groups, with several different brands located throughout the UK & internationally. In 2017 the company reported turnover increased to over £46m. A £1m Fumo launched for second Birmingham site at Selfridges, and in January 2018 the company announced a ban on plastic drinking straws at all restaurants.
Number of Employees: 1000 Key Locations: Bahrain, Bangkok, Birmingham, Bristol, Cheshire, Dubai, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Qatar
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JAMES DOUGLAS SCOTT MUNRO RED’S TRUE BARBECUE Brands: Red’s True Barbecue Sites: 7 Number of Employees: 300+ Key Locations: Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield
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Biography: Leeds-based American smokehouse Red’s True Barbecue has experienced rapid growth since opening its first site in 2012. The brand has grown rapidly with sites across the North and the Midlands as well as a cookbook and a range of sauces listed in national supermarkets.
ROY ELLIS, NEIL MACLEOD, DAN MULLEN JOEL WILKINSON, ADELAIDE WINTER MISSION MARS Brands: Albert Hall, Albert’s Schloss, Deaf Institute, The Elephant Pub & Bakehouse, Gorilla, Liberty Tavern, Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza, Trof, The Viking Pub & Bakehouse Sites: 9 Number of Employees: 500+ Key Locations: Manchester
Recent Awards: - Albert’s Schloss: The National Pub & Bar Awards 2017 County Winner – Greater Manchester Biography: Founded in August 2015 when Roy Ellis and Neil Macleod purchased a 50% stake in Joel Wilkinson and Adelaide Winter’s Trof Group, Mission Mars fully launched with the opening of Albert’s Schloss in October 2015. In October 2016, Ellis reported that Mission Mars has hit annual turnover of £23m, three years after launch. Its other concept, Albert’s Schloss, the £3.5m bar, restaurant and live entertainment concept has averaged £250,000 a week since launch in October 2015. In 2017 the group acquired a stake in Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza, which was listed among the best pizzerias in the world.
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JOHN ENNIS MATTHEW FARRELL NICK THOMAS GRAFFITI SPIRITS GROUP Brands: 81, 83, El Bandito, Salt Dog Slims, Santa Chupitos, Santa Maluco, Slim’s BBQ Express, Slim’s Pork Chop Express, Duke Street Food & Drink Market Sites: 9 Number of Employees: 75+ Key Locations: Birmingham, Liverpool, London
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Recent Awards: - Matt Farrell won Young Entrepreneur of the Year at Downtown in Business Awards, December 2017 Biography: Graffiti Spirits are an independently owned cocktail bar and restaurant company based in Liverpool and the brain child of owners Matt Farrell and John Ennis. They are joined by Nick Thomas as director on Salt Dog Slims and Slim’s Pork Chop Express. Over the last several years, they have been integral to Liverpool’s transforming nightlife, creating some of the city’s most unique and award-winning venues. Matt & John are currently working on their latest project, Duke Street Food & Drink Market, which opens later this year specialising in artisanal products, the finest street food and drink, independent brands and young start-ups.
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
JOBE FERGUSON, ROSS MACKENZIE BLACK DOG BALLROOM & THE LIAR’S CLUB LYNDON HIGGINSON THE LIAR’S CLUB Brands: The Bay Horse Tavern, Black Dog Ballroom, Cane & Grain, Crazy Pedros, Dog Bowl, The Liar’s Club, Science & Industry Sites: 9 Number of Employees: 250+ Key Locations: Manchester, Liverpool
Biography: From bars, to bowling, to dining, Jobe Ferguson, Ross Mackenzie and Lyndon Higginson provide a significant contribution to the North’s nightlife with their various operations, and many of their sites have become “industry favourites”. In 2017 Crazy Pedros opened a second site in Manchester with a £700,000 loan from Barclays, followed by a third site in Liverpool. In October 2017, the team bought the Bay Horse Tavern, taking an opportunity to bring a proper food-focused pub back to Manchester city centre.
In addition, Jobe also operates TNQ and Lyndon Higginson operates Junkyard Golf, The Golden Pineapple and dive bar Bunny Jackson’s. Such a complex portfolio has done nothing to dent the trio’s focus though, and despite their unique impact on the region’s food and drink landscape it feels that they are only just beginning to click through the gears.
CHARLES GRAVES KIT GRAVES DANI HOPE LAKE DISTRICT HOTELS Brands: Lake District Hotels Sites: 7 Number of Employees: 300+ Key Locations: Lake District
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Biography: Lake District Hotels is a family owned collection of seven hotels, restaurants and bars, established in 1984 by Kit and Charles Graves when they bought the Kings Arms Hotel in Keswick. Their daughter Daniella joined the business in 2011. The Lodore Falls Hotel is the latest hotel in the group to undergo a complete ground oor renovation in 2017 which included a new-adjoining conservatory. Following on from this a brand-new dining experience, luxury spa and 18 new bedrooms will be revealed in Summer 2018.
JOHN GYNGELL CHRISTIAN TOWNSLEY NORTH BAR NORTH BREWING Brands: Alfred, The Cross Keys, Further North, North Bar, North Bar Social, North Brewing Co, Preston Sites: 8 Number of Employees: 75 Key Locations: Harrogate, Leeds
Recent Awards: - Best UK IPA – Imbibe Awards 2017 – Transmission IPA 6.9% - Critically Acclaimed Runner Up – Beer & Cider Marketing Awards 2017 - Best Brewery & Pub Company – The Publican Awards 2017 - Shortlisted for NatWest GB Entrepreneur Awards 2017 Biography: John Gyngell and Christian Townsley opened North Bar in 1997 in Leeds and has since expanded with seven sites across Leeds and Harrogate. John & Christian also operate Publican Award winning North Brewing Co, which teamed up with Leeds Indie Food in 2017 to create a weekly food fair, EatNorth. This year they are celebrating their 20th anniversary with the launch of a limited edition pale ale, raising money for local charity St Gemma’s Hospice.
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JAMIE HAWKSWORTH JONATHON HOLDSWORTH PIVOVAR TAPPED BREW CO Brands: Pavement Vaults, Pivni, Tap Bars, Tapped Leeds & Newcastle, Thornbridge & Co. Sites: 9 Number of Employees: 225 Key Locations: York, Sheffield, London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Leeds, Harrogate.
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Recent Awards: 2017 SIBA UK Craft Beer Bar for Tapped Leeds Publican Awards - UK Finalist, Best Drink Operator 2017 - Publican Award, UK Finalist Best Brewing Pub Company 2018 Biography: After a trip to Prague, Jamie Hawksworth and Jonathon Holdsworth partnered with Czech brewery Bernard, setting up contracts with supermarket giant Tesco as well as getting the beers listed within 600 national stores. Getting the beers listed in pubs was another matter, however, triggering the creation of the pub portfolio, starting with Pivni in York in 2007and followed by Sheffield Tap in December 2009. They now have 9 sites and in December 2017 announced plans to team up with Thornbridge Brewery to open ten new sites over the next five years. They already have the first site secured in Birmingham and plans for further sites in Manchester, Hull, Bristol & London.
CHRIS HILL NEW WORLD TRADING CO Brands: The Botanist, The Canal House, The Club House, The Florist, The Oast House, The Smugglers Cove, The Trading House Sites: 21 Number of Employees: 1000+ Key Locations: Alderley Edge, Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Farnham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Marlow, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading, Salford (Media City), Sheffield, York
Recent Awards: - The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2018 - 7th position and highest placing company in the hospitality industry. - The Caterer Cateys 2017 - Chris Hill, winner of the Pub and Bar Award - The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 2017 - Exposed Awards 2017 - Best New Bar, and Best New Restaurant for The Botanist Sheffield - Eat Drink Sleep Awards 2017 - Best All Day Venue for The Botanist Alderley Edge - Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2017 Bar of the Year for The Club House - The National Pub & Bar Awards 2017 – Regional Winners for The Trading House & The Botanist Sheffield
- Retailers’ Retailer Awards 2017, Best Use of Technology - The Publican Awards 2017 - Best Managed Pub Company, Best Drinks Offer, Best Brand/Concept for The Botanist and Best New Pub for The Club House Biography: In June 2016, New World Trading Co was acquired by Graphite Capital for £50m from Living Ventures. Since then under the management of Chris Hill, the company has grown steadily with a £23m investment from NatWest to help deliver plans to open 6-7 sites a year. The company continued expansion in 2017 with new openings for The Canal House and The Botanist brands, as well as the launch of a mobile cocktail bar The Wanderer. New World Trading Co continues to build a strong collection of accolades.
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JAMES HITCHEN GUY HITCHEN EAST COAST CONCEPTS Brands: Neighbourhood, Victor’s Sites: 4 Number of Employees: 300 Key Locations: Hale, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester
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Biography: East Coast Concepts was founded by entrepreneur James Hitchen and his brother Guy. The group currently operates the all day eatery and late bar Neighbourhood in Spinningfields, Leeds & Liverpool, and the Hampton inspired Victor’s, based in Hale. Both brands have developed strong followings in the region due to their unique atmosphere and innovative menus, based around premium steaks, fresh seafood and sushi. The company secured a multimillion-pound cash injection from private equity firm NorthEdge Capital to expand both brands with Neighbourhood opening in Liverpool and Leeds and a site in Oxford lined up for Victors.
CHRIS HOPKINS HYDES BREWERY Brands: Hydes Sites: 57 Number of Employees: 560 Key Locations: North West and North Wales
Recent Awards: - ‘Highly Commended’ in the Best Managed Pub Company category at the 2017 Publican Awards, - The Coach and Four, Wilmslow recognised as the Best Managed Pub in UK at the Great British Pub Awards 2017
Biography: With over 150 years of history, Hydes is one of Manchester’s most significant brewers and pub operators. Their portfolio of 57 sites comprises 36 managed houses and 21 tenancies. Turnover in 2016/17 exceeded £30m for the first time and record levels of operating profit and EBITDA were achieved.
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MARKO HUSAK MAYUR PATEL BUNDOBUST Brands: Bundobust Sites: 2 Number of Employees: 50 Key Locations: Leeds, Manchester
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Recent Awards: - The Sunday Times Dish Magazine – Top 25 Vegetarian Restaurants - Men’s Health – The 20 burgers you need to eat before you die - The Week – The Best Casual Indian Restaurants In The UK - Time Out – Top 10 UK Indian Restaurants - The Observer Food Monthly Awards – Best Cheap Eats, Runner Up - Siba – Best Independent Restaurant for Craft Beer - Manchester Food & Drink Awards 2017 – Winner, Restaurant of the Year
Biography: After a host of pop-ups and kitchen takeovers, Bundobust found bricks and mortar in July 2014 on one side of (then derelict) Mill Hill. Bundobust is inspired by the vibrant and varied street foods of India, especially from their spiritual home of Gujurat. Opening in December 2016 in a basement on Piccadilly, Bundobust is a stone’s throw from the city’s independent Northern Quarter. Jay Rayner, the Observer’s food critic, reviewed the restaurant just months after opening: “vibrant Indian street food served with craft beer in a friendly communal space…Why has no one done this before?”
BEN JONES MATTHEW JONES JONES BAR GROUP AND ROXY LEISURE
Brands: Bar 166 & Bistro, Granville’s Beer & Gin House, Parkside Tavern, Roxy Ball Room, Roxy Golf, Roxy Lanes, The Shed Bar Sites: 10 Number of Employees: 210
Biography: Operating out of Leeds, Jones Bar Group is managed by brothers Matthew and Ben Jones, who oversee a range of bars and restaurants. The Roxy Ballroom brand recently expanded into Manchester and Nottingham, with plans for a £100,000 crazy golf development to be implemented in the Manchester site.
Key Locations: Huddersfield, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham
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KIM KAEWKRAIKHOT MARTIN STEAD THAI LEISURE GROUP Brands: Chaobaby, Chaophraya, Thaikhun, Yeerah, Palm Sugar Lounge Sites: 21 Number of Employees: 1000+ Key Locations: Aberdeen, Bath, Birmingham, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Gateshead, Guildford, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Sheffield, Southampton.
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Recent Awards: - Restaurant & Innovator Awards – Best Use of Technology - AA rosette for Chaophraya, Edinburgh - 1000 companies to inspire Britain - Ranked in Top 25 Best Workplace Biography: Thai Leisure Group continues with plans to cement its place as the leading Thai restaurant operator in the UK. Nine of their restaurants across the three brands have received the “Thai Select” premium seal by the Royal Thai government aimed at increasing the recognition of Thai restaurants and authentic Thai cuisine around the world. Thai Leisure Group has been recognised as one of the top 120 places to work in the UK by The Best Workplace Awards 2017, ranking 23rd in the large business category and the second-highest foodservice company on the list. In January 2018, the group launched a dedicated apprenticeship programme aimed at formalising training for its business managers.
BAN KAEWKRAIKHOT SUKHOTHAI Brands: Sukhothai, Zaap Sites: 6 Number of employees: 300 Key locations: Leeds, Harrogate, Newcastle & Nottingham
Biography: Ban ran a successful restaurant in Bangkok for eight years before relocating to the UK to head up a well-known Yorkshire restaurant for a further four years. She opened the ďŹ rst Sukhothai restaurant in the heart of Chapel Allerton closely followed by a site in Harrogate and two more in Leeds. In 2015, Ban launched the Zaap brand ďŹ rst in Leeds and Nottingham and a third opened in Newcastle in October 2016.
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NISHA KATONA MOWGLI STREET FOOD Brands: Mowgli Street Food Sites: 5 Number of Employees: 200 Key Locations: Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford (Leeds opening Autumn 2018)
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Recent Awards: - AA Rosette for Mowgli Liverpool in 2018 Biography: In 2014, Nisha Katona had a nagging obsession to build an eatery serving the kind of food Indians eat at home and on their streets. The simple dishes of a Mowgli menu are a million miles away from the curry stereotype. She gave up her 20 year career as a full time barrister to build Mowgli Liverpool and opened Manchester Mowgli less than a year later. All of Mowgli’s
current restaurants are outperforming expectations. The Birmingham restaurant is already trading above initial projections having opened in late 2017. The next opening at Mowgli, which specialises in fresh, healthy food, will be at Westgate in Oxford and is planned for early Spring 2018. On the back of its strong trading and continued growth in run rate EBITDA, Mowgli, which is backed by leading investment company Foresight Group, could open as many as ďŹ ve new restaurants in 2018.
ASHLEY KOLLAKOWSKI SIMON STEVENS ROSE FOUR GROUP Brands: Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, Headrow House, Ox Club, Water Lane Boathouse, Dough Boys Pizza, Patty Smith's Burgers Sites: 5 Number of Employees: 90+
Recent Awards: - Ox Club listed in both The Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide for 2017 Biography: Although Rose Four Group remain relatively low key, their various operations underpin Leeds’ independent food scene. Belgrave Music Hall is a veritable institution, Headrow House and Ox Club have brought something new to the city, and Patty Smith’s Burgers and Dough Boys are much-loved local concepts.
Key Locations: Leeds
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BARRY LADHAR MICHAEL LADHAR CRAFTED PROJECTS Brands: Lady Greys, The Redhouse, Pleased To Meet You, Hop & Cleaver, The Globe Tavern, Central Oven & Shaker Sites: 6 Number of Employees: 180 Key Locations: Newcastle, Morpeth & London Bridge
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Recent Awards: Lady Greys - Good Beer Guide 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Hop & Cleaver - Good Beer Guide 2015, 2016, 2017 Central Oven & Shaker - Publican Awards – New Bar / Restaurant finalist 2018 Pleased To Meet You - Good Beer Guide - 2016, 2017 - Great British Pub Awards – Best Spirit Bar Winner 2017 - Living North Magazine – Bar of the Year 2017 - The Best 20 places in the world to enjoy gin 2017
Biography: Crafted Projects is a leading bar, restaurant and leisure operator based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne owned by Barry Ladhar & Michael Ladhar with a range of casual dining brands. In September 2017 work began on White Hart Yard, a major development in Newcastle, combining a coffee roastery, pop up food offers, entertainment, roof terraces and a fabulous mix of heritage buildings connecting Grey Street and the Cloth Market. White Hart Yard phase 1 will open Easter 2019. The group are also on site with a boutique hotel in Morpeth, Northumberland which will also feature their award winning Gin Bar - Pleased To Meet You.
TERRY LAYBOURNE 21 HOSPITALITY GROUP Brands: 21, The Broad Chare, Café 21 at Fenwick, Caffé Vivo, Porterhouse Butcher & Grill, Saltwater Fish Company Sites: 6 Number of Employees: 200 Key Locations: Newcastle
Recent Awards: - The Broad Chare listed as No.18 in the 2017 Top 50 Gastro Pubs - Caffé Vivo, 21 and The Broad Chare listed in The Good Food Guide 2018 Biography: Starting in 1988 with his 21 Queen Street restaurant, chef Terry Laybourne has since overseen the development of the 21 Hospitality Group, now consisting of six different restaurants located throughout Newcastle upon Tyne. Laybourne was also instrumental in the multimillion-pound redevelopment of Fenwick Food Hall. In August 2017, Terry reopened the former Ko Sai space as Porterhouse Butcher & Grill as part of the latest development of the food hall. Caffé Vivo, The Broad Chare and 21 all feature in The Good Food Guide 2018 by Waitrose, making it the tenth time Caffé Vivo has been featured on the list.
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WILLIAM LEES JONES JW LEES Brands: The Alderley Edge Hotel, JW Lees Brewery, JW Lees Pubs, the Trearddur Hotel, Willoughby’s Wine Merchants, The Stanneyland’s Hotel, The Boddington Arms Sites: 153 Number of Employees: 1300 Key Locations: North Wales, North West
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Biography: Founded in 1828, family-owned brewery JW Lees reported record turnover in 2017, achieving 5.6% growth to £67.7m. The end of 2017 saw a brand overhaul for the historic brewer with several new brands added to the core range as well as a seasonal 2018 range. The Alderley Edge hotel has also recently relaunched its three-AA-rosette restaurant as part of a £2.5m revamp of the site to be completed by Easter 2018. In Feb 2018, they acquired two new hotels, The Stanneyland’s Hotel in Wilmslow Cheshire and The Boddington Arms in Samlesbury Lancashire following a strategy of investing in quality pub and hotel businesses in the North West. JW Lees has taken this opportunity to reorganise the business to build capacity for anticipated future acquisitions with three trading divisions – Hotels & Inns, Pubs and Sales.
TOMAS MAUNIER ROBERT MELMAN CITY DISTRICT GROUP Brands: Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill, Picanha by Fazenda, TAST Cuina Catalana Sites: 6 Number of Employees: 300+ Key Locations: Chester, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester
Biography: City District Group recently opened Fazenda in Edinburgh, their fourth Fazenda site and first in Scotland, with the other sites in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. They also operate sister brand Picanha in Chester. The group has now partnered with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Michelin-starred chef Paco Pérez to launch TAST Cuina Catalana in King Street, bringing a casual dining and bar area, first-floor dining room and private rooms together in one Catalan concept.
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NEIL MCDONNELL, JOHN WELSH, JASON BLIGH & ROB BACON HICKORY’S SMOKEHOUSE Brands: Hickory’s Smokehouse, BarLounge & Upstairs At The Grill Sites: 9 Number of Employees: 650 Key Locations: Cheshire, Merseyside, Wales, Warwickshire, West Midlands
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Biography: In 2000 Neil McDonnell founded BarLounge in Chester, which quickly established itself as an innovative cocktail bar. The next venture Upstairs At The Grill, a Manhattan-style steak house opened in 2004 and Hickory’s followed in March 2010. Born out of several research trips to the Southern States, Hickory’s authentic mix of barbecue classics and Southern style hospitality has seen the brand grow to 9 sites across the North West and Midlands. This year the company are forecasting turnover of over £22m.
With plans for further expansion their continued commitment to authenticity and team development helps position Hickory’s as a key influencer in the UK barbecue scene, whilst BarLounge and Upstairs At the Grill continue to win plaudits from both guests and industry commentators alike.
PAUL MORAN JEREMY ROBERTS LIVING VENTURES Brands: The Alchemist, Artisan, Australasia, Blackhouse, Grand Pacific, Gusto, Manchester House, Red Door Sites: 45 Number of Employees: 1800 Key Locations: Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Midlands, North East, North West
Recent Awards: Casual Dining Awards - New casual dining concept Grand Pacific - Best new site - The Alchemist Media City - Casual Dining Group of the Year Living Ventures Restaurant R200 - Best Restaurant Drinks Offer The Alchemist - Unsung Hero - Paul Moran CGA Peach Heroes and Icons - Industry Leader - Jeremy Roberts - Best Drinks Offer - The Alchemist
Eat Sleep Drink Awards - Manchester House: Best Fine Dining Central Manchester - Australasia: Best Premium Restaurant Central Manchester, - Artisan: Best Casual Dining Central Manchester - The Alchemist Alderley Edge: Best Newcomer South Manchester, Dusk till Dawn Awards - Living Ventures: Best Late Night Food Offering
Biography: With an extensive portfolio of bars, pubs and restaurants throughout the UK, Living Ventures are one of the country’s leading hospitality providers. In 2017 the group launched colonial-style bar and restaurant Grand Pacific in King Street, Manchester, as well as the third Red Door site, this time in Leeds. Another private equity deal could be on the cards as the company looks to expand steakhouse business Blackhouse.
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LUCY NELSON ANDREW NELSON NELSON HOTELS Brands: The Bear’s Paw, The Fishpool Inn, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, The Pheasant Inn Sites: 4 Number of Employees: 240 Key Locations: Cheshire
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Recent Awards: - The Fishpool Inn: Family Dining of the Year, Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2017 - The Fishpool Inn: Best Pub in Cheshire, Taste Cheshire Awards 2017
Biography: Nelson Hotels is a family-owned collection of individual venues offering the highest of standards in food, drink and accommodation. All based within Cheshire the Nelson Hotels family includes the luxury 4 star Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa in Chester as well as their three exceptional gastro inns. In 2017 The Fishpool Inn was crowned ‘Best Pub’ by the annual Taste Cheshire Awards, as well as ‘Family Dining of the Year’ in the 2017 Cheshire Life Food & Drink Awards.
JOYCELYN NEVE THE SEAFOOD PUB COMPANY Brands: Seafood Pub Company Sites: 11 Number of Employees: 450 Key Locations: Lancashire, Yorkshire
Recent Awards: - Regional Large Employer, National Apprenticeship Awards Biography: Joycelyn Neve set up the Seafood Pub Company in 2010, combining her family’s heritage in the fishing industry with her passion for highest quality food and relaxed service. Today, the Seafood Pub Company operates eleven sites across Lancashire and Yorkshire, with accommodation added to a number of the sites in order to diversify the customer base. It is set to grow over the next 3-5 years after announcing an £18m majority stake deal from Penta Capital in July 2016, with 20 sites targeted for development within the next few years.
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ANDREW PERN THE STAR AT HAROME STAR INN THE CITY Brands: The Star Inn At Harome, The Star Inn The City, The Star Inn The Harbour, Mr P’s Curious Tavern Sites: 4 Number of Employees: 180 Key Locations: Harome, Whitby, York
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Recent Awards: - The Star At Harome retained their Michelin star in 2018 - The Star Inn at Harome listed as No.3 in the 2017 Top 50 Gastro Pubs Biography: Andrew Pern’s name is synonymous with that of his pub The Star Inn at Harome, consistently appearing on a host of awards’ lists. The Star Inn at Harome was awarded a Michelin star from 2002 to 2010 inclusive and once again in 2015 to the present day. In August 2016, Andrew opened Mr P’s Curious Tavern in York and in 2017 opened the Star Inn The Harbour as his fourth site in Whitby.
STEVE PILLING SIMON STANLEY DAMSON GROUP Brands: The Moortop, La Cantina, Roost HM, Guilty By Association, Dockyard, Gas Works Brew Bar & Kitchen, Stonemasons Arms, The Dog & Partridge Didsbury, Lost In Toyko, Vesper Cocktail Bar / Liquorice & Kowloon. Sites: 15
Biography: As co-owners of the Damson Group, Steve Pilling and Simon Stanley have a range of restaurants and bars throughout Greater Manchester and Stockport, from the casual dining restaurants to underground Northern Quarter bars. In 2017 the company converted its eponymous restaurant in Heaton Moor to rotisserie concept Roost.
Steve recently revealed plans to develop Stockport’s Produce Hall and place about half a dozen permanent food and drink outlets inside the building, incorporating elements of his existing restaurants and bars, as well as rotating pop-ups in collaboration with other food and drink operators. He has recently been become an ofďŹ cial ambassador for Stockport. Steve also operates Lost In Toyko, Vesper/ Liqourice & Kowloon.
Number of Employees: 500 Key Locations: Greater Manchester, Stockport
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JONATHAN POOLE PADDY SMITH RED AND BLUE Brands: Hanover Street Social, Salt House Bacaro, Salt House Tapas
Recent Awards: - Hanover Street Social and Salt House Bacaro are included in Harden’s 2017 Best UK Restaurants
Sites: 3
Biography: As Directors of Red and Blue, Jonathan Poole and Paddy Smith oversee the management of three restaurants in Liverpool, including the brasserie and bar of Hanover Street Social, the Spanishinspired Salt House Tapas, and the Venetian small plates of Salt House Bacaro. Future plans include a further opening in Liverpool in the summer of 2018 and a new site in Manchester at the end of the year.
Number of Employees: 125 Key Locations: Liverpool
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SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
SIMON POTTS THE ALCHEMIST Brands: The Alchemist Sites: 13 Number of Employees: 500+ Key Locations: Alderley Edge, Birmingham, Chester, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford
Recent Awards: - North West regional winner of the growth management team category at The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association’s Management Team Awards - Included in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for 2017 Biography: Simon Potts has been with Living Ventures since 2004 and was part of the management buyout of The Alchemist brand with the company and Palatine Private Equity (PPE) in 2015, becoming its managing director later that same year. Recent openings include the £1.2m waterside Media City site in Salford, and the £1.65m Nottingham site, which is the first for the East Midlands. Simon has grown with the company to become a true leader, and this generated an unprecedented volume of positive feedback from his staff, suppliers and peers. Under his tutelage The Alchemist has come alive as a brand, with a pioneering approach to everything from marketing to CSR which has had other operators playing catch-up.
OLIVER ROBINSON FREDERIC ROBINSON Brands: Robinsons Brewery Sites: 280 Number of Employees: 600 Key Locations: North West
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Recent Awards: - Beers recognised & won at the 2017 World Beer Awards, 2017 BBI Awards, 2017 Global Beer Masters & the International Beer Challenge Biography: Frederic Robinson was founded in Stockport in 1838 and now has 280 sites across the North West, North Wales and the Midlands. In the year ending October 2016, the managed estate of 10 houses also grew sales by 52% to ÂŁ7.0m due to the addition
of The Mulberry in Conwy, Red Lion in Stockport, and The Oakwood in Glossop as well as an increased focus on food, premium drinks, and accommodation. Robinsons continues to invest heavily in the refurbishment of both its managed and tenanted estates having completed 73 refurbishments over the last 3 years.
SIMON ROGAN UMBEL RESTAURANT GROUP Brands: Aulis at L’Enclume, Aulis London, L’Enclume, Rogan & Co, Roganic Sites: 4 Number of Employees: 105 Key Locations: Cumbria, London
Recent Awards: - L’Enclume, listed second in Good Food Guide 2018 - L’Enclume retained its two Michelin stars in 2018 Biography: Simon Rogan’s Umbel Restaurant Group encompasses Aulis, L’Enclume, Roganic and Rogan & Company. Roganic recently opened in Central London having started as a pop-up in 2011. The team comprises of the original Roganic line up, amongst other past and present Rogan employees. Aulis London, development kitchen and eight seat chef’s table, opened in Soho in October 2017.
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DAVID SOLEY CHRIS SOLEY CAMERONS BREWERY Brands: The Head of Steam, Leeds Brewery, Blue Lounge Sites: 75 Number of Employees: 490 Key Locations: National
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Biography: Camerons Brewery Ltd is one of the largest private breweries in the UK, with the capacity to produce more than 1 million hectolitres of beer annually. Formed in 2002, following its purchase by businessman David Soley, the company’s origins date back to 1865 when John William Cameron was engaged to run the original brewery.
Camerons is headquartered in Hartlepool at the historic Lion Brewery site, which was built in 1892, and its Visitor Centre is located nearby on the site of the former Stranton pub – one of the town’s oldest pubs. In addition to its core brewing operation, Camerons possesses a growing retail pub estate of more than 70 venues – ranging from community pubs and city centre
venues, to restaurant and accommodation-based outlets. This includes the popular The Head of Steam brand, which the firm acquired in 2014 and seven new venues purchased from Leeds Brewery in July 2016.
FRANCO SOTGIU SOLITA Brands: El Taquero, Solita Sites: 5 Number of Employees: 125
Biography: Having started with Solita Bar & Grill in the Northern Quarter, Franco now has Solitas in Preston and Didsbury. Expansion has continued in 2017 with the transformation of its Czech beer hall in Manchester’s northern quarter into a new taqueria concept, El Taquero. An upcoming new site for Prestwich has also been confirmed.
Key Locations: Didsbury, Manchester, Preston, Prestwich
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SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CHRIS URE MARTIN WOLSTENCROFT ARC INSPIRATIONS Brands: Arc, Banyan, The Box, Kith & Kin, Manahatta, Napa, The Pit, Trio Sites: 17 Number of Employees: 600 Key Locations: Harrogate, Leeds, Manchester
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Biography: Owners Chris Ure and Martin Wolstencroft have seen ambitious multi-brand operator Arc Inspirations grow into a £25m turnover business, which now has 17 venues across the North of England. Arc Inspirations was established in 1999, and is grouped into four core brands: Banyan Bar & Kitchen, Manahatta, the Pit and its infamous student suburban bars – Arc and The Box. The last twelve months have been momentous for the brand which has seen; further expansion in the North West with two new Manchester
sites (Banyan Bar & Kitchen Spinningfields and Manahatta Deansgate), the appointment of new Managing Director Anni Opong, a successful opening in Ilkley, and recordbreaking 2017 financial results. The brand is set for further growth, with ambitious plans to open another five venues a year for the next five years. Their ability to build such a sizable and multi-faceted business steadily and organically, without the need for significant outside funding, is a rare feat worthy of recognition.
GARY USHER STICKY WALNUT Brands: Burnt Truffle, Hispi, Sticky Walnut, Wreckfish Sites: 4 Number of Employees: 60+ Key Locations: Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside
Biography: Gary Usher took over a rundown restaurant in Chester and turned it into a successful bistro, opening Sticky Walnut in 2011. Four years later Gary and his team opened restaurant number two, Burnt Truffle, after an innovative Kickstarter campaign exceeded expectations and made it possible.
Usher opened a third site, the 85 cover Hispi Bistro, Didsbury in 2016 after a huge crowdfunding campaign which generated over £60,000 in pledges. He followed this in 2017 with Wreckfish, which launched in Liverpool following a £200,000 crowdfunding campaign. Now confirmed are Pinion in Prescot and Kala in Manchester, both opening in 2018.
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STEVEN WALKER INDIVIDUAL RESTAURANTS Brands: Piccolino, The Restaurant Bar & Grill, Bank Restaurant & Bar, Opera Grill & Gino D’Acampo Sites: 43 and rising... Number of Employees: 1700 Key Locations: North West, Yorkshire & Humberside, Scotland, North East, Midlands, South East, South West & Central London
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Biography: Individual Restaurants is one of the UK’s leading restaurant companies. Individual Restaurants own and operate 43 restaurants across the UK including Piccolino, The Restaurant Bar & Grill, Bank Restaurant & Bar, Opera Grill, and Gino D’Acampo. It’s recent partnership with Gino D’Acampo will see turnover across the brands this year approach £100m.
HELEN WARBURTON JAMES WARBURTON MAURICE CAMM JAMES’ PLACES Brands: Bowland Brewery, Eaves Hall, The Emporium, Falcon Manor, Holmes Mill, Mitton Hall, Royal Hotel, Shireburn Arms, Waddington Arms Sites: 9 Number of Employees: 500+ Key Locations: Ribble Valley, Kirkby Lonsdale, Settle
Recent Awards: - Best Leisure and Tourism Business – Red Rose Awards 2017 Biography: James’ Places is a dynamic and vibrant Lancashirebased company with a developing portfolio. The group operates a number of exciting concepts across the Ribble Valley, Kirkby Lonsdale and Settle, including luxury wedding venues, country pubs, bistros, brasseries, and hotels. In 2017 the group celebrated being named Best Leisure and Tourism Business in the Red Rose Awards, as well as opening the £10m Holmes Mill development, a unique food, drink and leisure hub housed in a Grade II-listed site in Clitheroe.
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ANDREW WILDSMITH WILDSMITH HOTELS Brands: Forest Side, Hipping Hall, The Ryebeck Sites: 3 Number of Employees: 100 Key Locations: Cumbria, Lancashire
Recent Awards: Forest Side - Four AA rosettes for Culinary Excellence - Retained Michelin Star for 2nd year - Voted Britain’s Favourite Place to Eat by the readers of Landlove Magazine - Listed at 57 in Harden’s top 100 UK Restaurants - Good Hotel Guide’s Most Romantic Hotel - Listed at 28 in Squaremeal’s top 100 UK Restaurants - No 30 in The Good Food Guide Hipping Hall - Three AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence - UK’s Best Hotel Restaurant at the Food Awards England 2017 The Ryebeck - Expert’s Choice Award from TripExpert 2018 - 2 AA rosettes for Culinary Excellence
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Biography: Andrew Wildsmith turned his back on a career as a chemist to open three luxurious hotels in the rugged landscape of the Lake District. He came upon Hipping Hall while looking for somewhere to live in 2004 and decided to open a hotel. This was joined by The Ryebeck Hotel which he took over from his parents in 2013. Now Andrew has three well recognised and reputable brands all with a distinct look but sharing a connection to their location. In 2016 following the disastrous winter floods, they opened Forest Side in Grasmere following an 18-month, £4m renovation. Just seven months later they were in the Good Food Guide and then two months later celebrated a Michelin star which they have just held for a second year.
ONES TO WATCH Whittling the nominations down to a final fifty was an arduous process, with some exciting and worthwhile operators not quite making the final cut this year. For this reason the judges wanted to highlight some of the people they consider worthy of close attention over the next twelve months. Flat Cap Hotels is a Cheshire-based family run operator of aspirational independent hotels with restaurants and pubs. Their latest high profile development, The Courthouse, is a conversion of the prestigious former Knutsford crown court, and features Barristers Restaurant, a rooftop garden and major event spaces. Burning Night Group, whose brands include Around The World, Bierkeller, FIREPIT, The Potting Shed, Shooters Bar, and Smokin’ Bar & Kitchen, has continued to open spaces
across the North, with new launches in North Allerton and Beverley, and the acquisition of the Albert Hotel in Southport earlier this year. The group behind both Joseph Benjamin, the critically acclaimed Chester restaurant, and tapas brand Porta, have had a successful year with Porta opening a well received site in Altrincham opposite the market. Joseph Benjamin has also undergone a refurb, and a third “big city” Porta is rumoured to be on the cards. El Gato Negro opened on King St, Manchester, in 2016 with a bang, winning national awards and becoming a fixture on the city’s competitive dining scene. Following a pause to draw breath plans are now advanced for two new concepts in Manchester, as well as at least one new El Gato Negro in Yorkshire.
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