All Opinion articles – Page 41
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OpinionTim Martin: Time for real debate on EU
JD Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin argues that laws and key decisions should be made by national parliaments and not by the “non-democratic EU”
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OpinionBig boys have craft credentials
Heineken UK managing director David Forde was appointed the new chairman of the British Beer & Pub Association at the end of last year. He tells James Wallin why the sector deserves the Government’s support and explains why he thinks the great British pub is well-placed to see off competition from any corner
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Opinion
No middle ground for Myers
When Busaba Eathai came knocking on Jason Myers’ Dubai door, it had to be pretty special to convince him to up sticks and move back to the UK. Mark Wingett discovers why he did just that
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OpinionPutting spotlight back on brands
Casual Dining Group is gearing up for substantial growth over the next few years, fuelled by seemingly unstoppable growth from the Bella Italia brand. CDG property director Phil Derbyshire talks to James Wallin about the evolution of brands, cannibalisation and how landlords are continually raising the bar for operators
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Opinion
Pitt the elder
This month Pitt Cue relocates to a new City site, transforming itself from a tiny, rough ’n’ ready barbecue bolt hole to a bigger and more grown up meat restaurant (spoiler: it won’t serve pulled pork or picklebacks)
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OpinionThe Neapolitan don
After an underwhelming start in the UK, in the hands of Handley Amos, Neapolitan pizza chain Rossopomodoro has begun to expand steadily thanks to a menu overhaul and link-up with John Lewis. Joe Lutrario reports
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OpinionJonathan Downey: Streets ahead
His street food markets will attractmore than one million visitors this year and his latest business, London Union, is backed by Jamie and Nigella. Now, as Stefan Chomka discovers, Jonathan Downey has his sightson creating the world’sbest food and drink market.
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Opinion
Evolution of the operations role
This year marks 20 years since the creation of the ALMR’s Ops Awards. James Wallin speaks to its creator Nick Bish and the inaugural winner – Stonegate chief executive Simon Longbottom – about the evolving role of both the awards and of the operations manager
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OpinionClub classic is a class act
The Breakfast Club has been one of London’s best-kept secrets, but two significant openings in the past 12 months, including its first outside the capital, has edged the licensed all-day café concept into the spotlight. Mark Wingett chats to co-founder Jonathan Arana-Morton about expansion, growing pains, an aborted burrito concept and 1980s nostalgia
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Opinion
Ivell on an evolving ALMR
M&C speaks to Mitchells & Butlers chairman Bob Ivell about his new role as president of the ALMR and how the organisation has never been in a better position to be the key voice for the industry when it comes to lobbying the Government
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OpinionThe sipping forecast for pubs
With the pubs code finally set to become a confirmed statute, the largest pubcos overhauling their models and some of the country’s most familiar brands set to be reinvented or perhaps even disappear, there are plenty of headwinds for the pub sector in 2016. James Wallin examines the landscape the pub industry is likely to face during the next 12 months.
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OpinionNew year’s business honours
In a busy year, Dominic Walsh has reported on many aspects of the business world. Now he takes stock of what’s happened within the past 12 months and gives his awards accordingly
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Opinion
Seminal moment for UK dining
London Union co-founder Jonathan Downey immediately took to Twitter to say that the “British are coming” on the news that Hawksmoor was to launch in New York, and although this may be over egging the pudding slightly, news that the Will Beckett and Huw Gott-led concept is to open Stateside does feel like a seminal moment for the UK dining scene
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Opinion
Rebuilding Strada
A year on from acquiring the 44-strong Strada business, owner Hugh Osmond and new operations director Tom James talk about going back to basics, putting the foundations in for future growth, new concepts, property and acquisitions. Mark Wingett reports
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OpinionHard work helps strike it Rich
In a rare interview, Caprice Holdings owner Richard Caring tells Dominic Walsh, from The Times, a little of the background to his restaurant, and hospitality interests and what he plans to do with them
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Opinion
1847 sets meat-free model
Every market could benefit from more choice and the food sector is no different. Ruth Williams takes a look at 1847 – a vegetarian outfit that has expansion on its mind and a timing that could be spot on.
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OpinionA good fit for the king
In a busy year for M&A activity in the sector, Greene King’s acquisition of Spirit Pub Company was one of the standout deals – creating the country’s largest managed estate and third biggest collection of tenanted and leased pubs. Publican’s Morning Advertiser editor Ed Bedington talks to chief executive Rooney Anand about the challenge of assessing which of the combined brands have a future, his philosophy on recruitment and the challenges of coping with an increasingly disloyal customer base.
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Opinion
For the love of a tenanted estate
Wickwar Wessex is 25-years-old, and in celebration has undergone a complete rebranding as it seeks to kick start a growth strategy for both its brewery and managed pub estate. But, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, that new direction also includes establishing a tenanted arm. Ruth Williams reports
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Opinion
L.A. Prep offers fair share to all
Bringing together the very best growing and artisanal food producers under one roof has proved revolutionary. Kerstin Kühn finds out how L.A. Prep has made this possible and profitable
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OpinionFunding growth
Santander’s Andrew Tully reflects on his experiences working with casual dining restaurant chains before, during and after the recession – how and why some strategies worked – and looks at financing options