Friday five: the week's most read new stories
- Stephen Terry’s Abergavenny restaurant The Hardwick has closed suddenly after nearly two decades in business. In an Instagram message posted over the weekend the chef wrote: The final ‘Family’ last breakfast supper. Thank you to all our staff and customers from the last 18yrs. It’s been emotional. Onwards & upwards.” Earlier this year it was revealed that Terry had been victim to a fraud that cost him £150,000.
- Richard Caring's The Ivy Collection, has reported ‘strong growth’ across both sales and profits, driven by the expansion of The Ivy Asia brand. Turnover grew by more than £100m in the year ended 1 January 2023, rising to £302m from £200m the year before. Profit before tax increased from £20.4m to £29m, while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose from £37.9m to £54.8m.
- The Michelin Guide is branching out into hotels with a new set of awards launching next year. Known for its recognition of restaurants, as of next year the red book will also hand out awards - as keys rather than stars - to hotels based on five criteria.
- Cornerstone chef Tom Brown is opening an oyster bar in Shoreditch this winter. Called Pearly Queen, it will open on Commercial Street in November.
- Quick service Indian restaurant brand Chaiiwala has outlined plans for international growth following a partnership with investment company Lote Global. The collaboration is part of the UK-headquartered group’s long-term plan to strengthen and accelerate its domestic and international expansion to 500 sites with a focus on the US, Canada, and the Middle East. It currently has a portfolio of 90 sites across the world with plans to hit 100 by the end of the year, including new openings in the UAE and Canada.
