Ex-United stars are major food players
GARY Neville and Ryan Giggs have been named among the most influential food and drink players in the north.
The United legends are among 10 new entries in the Northern Restaurant and Bar (NRB) Top Fifty power list – which was revealed at the NRB show in Manchester.
The pair were recognised for their GG Hospitality empire, which includes Hotel and Cafe Football and their recently-opened Rabbit in the Moon with Michael O’Hare, as well as two more restaurants to come inside Manchester’s historic Stock Exchange.
GG hospitality operations director Stewart Davies was also recognised, while other new entries included Simon Potts, managing director of the Knutsford-based Alchemist cocktail bar group, and Tim Bird and Mary McLaughlin, owners of the Cheshire Cat pub and bar company.
Three special achievement awards were also presented at the ceremony, which was held as part of the biggest hospitality trade show in the north.
Living Ventures bosses Jeremy Roberts and Paul Moran were recognised for driving the business forward after the loss of Tim Bacon last year. “After losing the heart and soul of their team and their business, they have simply powered the company forward, building management teams, spinning off brands, delivering expansion,” the panel of industry experts who drew up the list said.
Gary Usher, who opened crowdfunded Didsbury bistro Hispi last year, and also runs Sticky Walnut in Chester and Burnt Truffle in Heswall, was also honoured for ‘living and breathing the model of what a contemporary restaurateur can be, with funding via crowd-sourcing, marketing via social media, and an emphasis on accessible, neighbourhood dining.’
Revolution Bars Group bosses Jimmy del Guidice and Mark McQuater were also singled out for praise for ‘taking on a brand which they knew required an overhaul, and overhaul it they did.’
The panel said: “They judged the market, changed the offer, and reaped the rewards. Progress has been relentless, and their new super-premium offering seems to have hit another customer sweet spot.”
Thom Hetherington, CEO of NRB organisers Holden Media, said: “Research demonstrates that the region’s ambitious, independent operators are thriving. “I think that in terms of volume, variety and sheer quality, northern food and drink-lovers have never had it so good.”