MAGAZINE

We are soon to close the book on another long, cold winter. I can’t help but feel optimistic and excited for the prospects this spring holds. Perhaps it’s the recent announcement that all omicron restrictions across the UK will be lifted by the end of the month, or maybe it’s my subconscious recognition of the sun setting a few minutes later every day, but it really does feel different to this time last year.

For hospitality, spring brings the promise of both school and public holidays, Easter traditions and of course, much-needed bouts of warmer weather. For operators – who’ve had a rough couple of years, to put it lightly – it’s a valuable time to drum up some cash. Prep to cater for guests’ outdoor eats will soon be underway, menus will be realigned to accommodate the season’s most sought-after ingredients, and large-scale events – including food festivals – will soon be in full swing.

For this month’s lead interview, I had the pleasure of chatting with Josh Eggleton, of the southwest-based Pony Restaurant Group, about his work in hospitality – including his incredible contribution in helping to establish some of Bristol’s most popular food festivals. Eggleton has been fundamental to the creation of the city’s thriving outdoor culinary celebrations, on top of being one of the most prominent restaurateurs in the region today. It was a real treat to meet the local Bristolian on home turf (both his and my own) and chat about his many and varied antics across the industry – read all about him from page 14.

Also in this issue, we shed light on how the last 12 months have impacted the sector in our extensive Industry 100 report, starting on page 18; talk all things morning trading from page 40; gear up to dine alfresco-style on page 46; and delve into a whole heap more as we get set for springtime.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy!

Genna Ash-Brown