News in brief


plans for mandatory labelling of meat and dairy products for consumption within the UK and not the EU is expected to impact exports and affect domestic manufacturers, putting further pressure on prices.


PAPA JOHN’S TO CLOSE 50 UNDERPERFORMING UK RESTAURANTS


LE GAVROCHE SITE GOES ON THE MARKET High-profile chefs and international operators are understood to be among the interested parties looking to take over the former Le Gavroche site in Mayfair. Davis Coffer Lyons is marketing


the 4,000 sq ft venue on London’s Upper Brook Street following its closure in January. Grand Residence Club by


Marriott, which runs luxury residences above the restaurant site, has appointed the property firm to find a new tenant for the space. The two-Michelin-starred


Le Gavroche ran its final public service on 13 January after more than 50 years of trading. The restaurant was founded


by Albert and Michel Roux Sr in 1967 and had been run by Michel Roux Jr since 1991. Davis Coffer Lyons said in a


statement: “Its compelling history and sought-after Mayfair location mean it is attracting a great deal of interest from a range of operators, including high-profile chefs as well as new international entrants.”


FOODSERVICE INFLATION CONTINUES TO FALL BUT PRICE PRESSURE REMAINS Foodservice price inflation fell for the seventh successive month in January, though year-on-year inflation remained in double digits for most categories. The CGA Prestige Foodservice


Price Index recorded year-on-year inflation of 12.6% in January, which was down 1.2 percentage points on December. Further falls are expected in the


coming months, though the rate of inflation remains high, with only dairy and oil and fats products dropping below double digit inflation. There are also concerns the


farmers protests in mainland Europe and border checks in the UK will add to costs. Meanwhile, the government’s


8 | The Caterer | 8 March 2024


HEARTWOOD COLLECTION LAUNCHES DEBUT PUB WITH ROOMS The Heartwood Collection has opened the White Horse in Dorking as its first pub with rooms following a multimillion-pound refurbishment. It marks the start of a


major expansion into the overnight accommodation sector for the group, which rebranded from Brasserie Bar Co last year. A further four pubs are


Papa John’s will close approximately 50 underperforming company- owned UK restaurants in a bid to stem losses. The pizza chain, which operates


more than 450 UK stores as well as number of locations in service stations, holiday parks and attractions, said the sites signposted for closure in Q2 of 2024 had accounted for two-thirds of its operating losses in the UK in the fourth quarter of 2023. Papa John’s has been evaluating its UK portfolio and last year transitioned 61 underperforming franchised sites to “more proven franchisees”, while also bringing 118 franchised restaurants into company ownership. Rob Lynch, chief executive of


Papa John’s International, said the changes had resulted in improvements.


SODEXO LIVE! APPOINTS CLAIRE MORRIS AS CEO OF UK AND IRELAND


marketing lead. Morris will continue to lead the global marketing, sales and digital department in her new role. Nathalie Bellon-Szabo, Sodexo


Claire Morris


Sodexo Live! has appointed Claire Morris as its new chief executive for the UK and Ireland. Morris will lead Sodexo’s


event, retail and leisure arm, which has clients including Ascot Racecourse, ACC Liverpool and St James’ Park stadium. She has been with the business


for 17 years and joined the global executive team in 2015 as its


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Live! global chief executive, said: “Claire’s dedication, leadership, and client-centric focus make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the UK and Ireland. We are confident that under her guidance, Sodexo Live! will continue to thrive and deliver outstanding value to our client partners and their guests.”


CRAFT GUILD OF CHEFS APPOINTS MATT ABÉ AND RUSSELL BATEMAN AS CHAIRS OF JUDGES


set to open this year and Heartwood has plans to grow to over 60 sites and more than 500 bedrooms by 2027. The Grade II-listed White


Horse, which was acquired by Heartwood at the end of last year, has been reconfigured to include a pub at the front of the building, a dining room for over 100 covers, and a sheltered courtyard with extra seating. Upstairs, 56 renovated


bedrooms range from smaller ‘Snug’ rooms to ‘Really Fancy’ suites, with rates from £100 a night.


Russell Bateman and Matt Abè


WILLIAM BARTON/SHUTTERSTOCK


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