France
Coverage explores food, drink, and hospitality developments across key French markets, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Bordeaux, with a focus on culinary trends, casual dining formats, sustainability initiatives, and the movement of brands between France and the UK. Reporting offers insight for operators tracking international influence, chef-led innovation, and sourcing practices, as well as UK businesses exploring franchising or cross-border growth opportunities.
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Nov- 2022 -1 NovemberFeatures
Operations behind Lusin, Mayfair’s first Armenian restaurant
Can you tell me about your career and how you came to be director of operations at Lusin Mayfair? I started hospitality management back in Lebanon, my home country, and I continued my master’s degree in the same field. At the same time I was working in restaurants, starting from…
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Oct- 2022 -6 OctoberRestaurants
Chipotle to open new Hampstead restaurant
Chipotle has announced it is opening a new restaurant in West Hampstead on 11 October. Earlier this year, Chipotle opened its first location outside the greater London area in Watford. The company currently has 12 locations in the UK. Chipotle had over 3,000 restaurants as of June 30, 2022, in…
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Sep- 2022 -20 SeptemberFeatures
The chef behind Canary Wharf’s own French Riviera superyacht
Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to become a chef? I remember when I was about 19 during my second year of uni I got my first cheffing job to help pay my way through university, but as soon as I walked into the kitchen,…
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14 SeptemberRestaurants
Restaurant Terre to open at Castlemartyr Resort this September
Chef Vincent Crepel will reportedly open his first solo restaurant outside of France within the 17th-Century, 5-star Castlemartyr estate in Ireland this September. It is reported that chef Crepel will serve French cuisine at this venue with the “bright flavours” of Asia, while using fresh Irish produce. The experience is…
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6 SeptemberBusiness
Peckwater Brands acquires Honest Food operations in four countries
Restaurant operator, Peckwater Brands, has announced its acquisition of the operations of Honest Food Company (HFC) in four European countries, operating from over 500 “unique” locations. The news comes as the brand aims to become the “continent’s largest” operator of virtual food brands. Peckwater, which already has operations in five…
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Jul- 2022 -6 JulyFood and Drink
Island Poké appoints new head of property
Island Poké has announced the appointment of Hux Norman as the company’s new head of property ahead of its plans to embark on a period of “huge” growth. Norman reportedly joins from the UK café, bar, and restaurant operator, Loungers, where he was property manager. It is reported that he…
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4 JulyCafes and Coffee Shops
Pret H1 revenues surge 230% to £357.8m
Pret A Manger has reported that its half year (H1) revenues in 2022 has grown by 230% year-on-year to £357.8m, up from £155.4m in H1 2021, and up by 160% from £223.4m in 2020. May saw revenues across the UK surpass 2019 levels for the first time, with “particularly strong”…
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Jun- 2022 -20 JuneRestaurants
OXBO at Hilton London Bankside reopens with a new menu
OXBO Bankside, a local neighbourhood eatery at the Hilton London Bankside, has reopened its doors with a brand new menu. Created by executive head chef Ollie Couillaud and featuring produce from The Hilton London Bankside’s own roof garden, the new menu showcases sustainably sourced British ingredients. Dishes feature European, Middle…
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7 JuneFood and Drink
Island Poké opens first venue outside of London
The UK’s “leading poké operator” has launched a new site in Bicester Village, its first location outside of London. Island Poké brings “fresh pacific flavours” to the luxury shopping destination in Oxfordshire. The brand has opened a kiosk unit along the main thoroughfare with enough seating for up to 40…
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May- 2022 -27 MayRestaurants
Gees Restaurant & Bar reopens after £1.5m refurb
Gees Restaurant and Bar in Oxford has officially reopened this week following an investment of more than £1.5m. Diners are now able to return to the venue following a 13-week closure while the site underwent a full refurbishment. It now reopens with a renewed glasshouse and two new dining spaces,…
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