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3 Welcome Welcome Published by: H2O Publishing, Media House, 3 Topley Dr, Rochester, ME3 8PZ Tel: 0345 500 6008 www.oohmagazine.co.uk @OOHmagazine The Collins Dictionary named its official word of Managing Director Jamie Robbins the year recently – and I don’t think anyone would Divisional Director have been surprised to see ‘lockdown’ going Rob Molinari 07850 797 252 rob@h2opublishing.co.uk straight in at number one. Just 12 months ago, Twitter: @RobMolinari when we were setting out our 2020 visions, I’m Director Daniel Hillman pretty sure few of us would have foreseen a year 07833 248 788 dan@h2opublishing.co.uk Twitter: @hillmandan when ‘coronavirus’ and ‘furlough’ also made the Director Marc Sumner top 10 – largely because I, for one, wasn’t even 07730 217 747 marc@h2opublishing.co.uk aware that they were actual words until a good Twitter: @sumner_marc Classified Sales few months later. Sue Stunt 01474 520 243 sue@h2opublishing.co.uk Indeed, Covid-19’s spread has been so pervasive that it even managed to largely knock Brexit Editor from the top of the news agenda. Our exit from the European Union really is imminent now, though, Henry Norman 01474 520 248 but the hope remains that the recent (apparent) removal of certain controversial political figures henry@h2opublishing.co.uk Twitter: @HenryHNorman on both sides of the pond may make our transition a little less ‘Australian’ in nature than it may have otherwise been (see page 16 for more on this). Editorial Director Tristan O’Hana The best news of all, though, has been that several effective vaccines appear to have been Features Editor developed. Combined with the fact that the out of home industry has arguably already been the Gemma Bradish sector that is best suited to surviving and thriving throughout the pandemic, hopefully we will see Contributors Jennifer Campbell, Sarah Welsh, a return something approaching normality not too long into the new year. It just remains for me to Kate Hindmarch, Mini Setty and Peter Backman wish you all a very merry (and, hopefully, as ‘normal’ as possible) Christmas on behalf of everyone Design here at H2O Publishing – see you on the other side! Marc Ayres Matt Bailey Production Hannah Broad Printed by Buxton Press Henry Norman Editor very Have a nd, (a merry ly, l hopefu l’ rma as ‘no le) sib The paper used within this publication has as pos as been sourced from Chain-of-Custody certified manufacturers, operating within international m Christ environmental standards to ensure sustainable sourcing of the raw materials, sustainable production and to minimise our carbon footprint. Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
5 Contents Contents Dec 2020 12 The big interview Steven Whibley, Le Pain Quotidien 16 The big issue Brexit 23 Grab and go Market sift 06 News All the latest 40 Pies and pasties The pies have it 51 Bites High street trends 55 Reader offers Win Monin syrups! 11 Street food focus Four Hundred Rabbits 42 Morning goods Top of the morning! 52 Market insight 2020 trends 56 What’s new Products and services 21 A coffee break with… Lynsey Harley, Modern Standard Coffee 47 Vegan and vegetarian To me tofu 53 Recipe Christmas chocolate puddings 58 Opinion Peter Backman 38 Operator profile – Street food Wander and Graze 50 Legal Lockdown 54 Dates for your diary All the upcoming events @OOHmagazine Oohmagazine.co.uk
6 n-Oohs News The National Burger Awards 2021 now open for entries Entries for the 2021 National Burger Awards are now open, with chefs across the UK called on to put their best burger forward for the seventh year of the competition. Once again, chefs from street food, quick-service restaurant, pub, hotel and restaurant operations will battle it out to see if their burger has what it takes to see off competition and be crowned National Burger of the Year. Chefs will also face technical challenges using specific products for the chance to win other coveted titles including National Burger Chef of the Year. “It’s about time chefs around the UK had something to look forward to,” said Rosanna Spence, editor of Dine Out, which organises the awards. “We’re determined to celebrate the best burgers out there next year and invite entries from all kinds of menus – from low-and-slow cooked meat to plant-based creations and everything in between. This prestigious cook-off is all about the burgers and we cannot wait to start reading through the first wave of entries.” Last year’s competition saw the Double Cheeseburger from Bleecker named as the best burger in the UK. When the London-based business stormed the 2020 National Burger Awards, chef Celine Raeburn, who manages Bleecker’s Spitalfields site, said: “This will reinforce our burgers in people’s minds as one of the best, if not the best. “Hopefully we’ll see a lot of footfall after the win and people will keep coming down to see us at efs around e ch ing to all our sites. I’m super-happy and really excited. I was very nervous, but I’m just happy that the burger ou t tim It’s ab K had sometho came through and tasted as good as it does in the shop.” The latest instalment of the UK-wide search for the best burgers on British menus is sponsored the U ok forward t by Americana, Danish Crown, Farm Frites, Hellmann’s, Kühne and Meatless Farm. For more information and to enter your burger, head to www.nationalburgerawards.co.uk. lo Entries close 12th February 2021 (the cook-off is currently scheduled to take place in April 2021, but more information will be provided to finalists nearer the time). German Do ner Kebab Paul adapts for lockdown to open 12 stores German Doner Kebab (GDK) has announced that it will have opened 12 new restaurants by the end of the year. The fast-casual brand currently has 47 restaurants throughout the country as it continues its mission of bringing the GDK experience to more cities throughout the UK. The ambitious growth plans will bring in the region of 480 new jobs to the country. Key new locations in the expansion will include Liverpool, Nottingham, Bradford, Plymouth and additional sites in London and Edinburgh. Further international growth in 2020 includes two new sites in Canada, two in Sweden and one in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. CEO Imran Sayeed said: “Our game-changing recipes are revolutionising the kebab and we are excited to be announcing these latest growth plans. We have found ourselves in very challenging times, however there continues to be a huge demand for the German Doner Kebab experience throughout the UK and our international growth regions. “We are excited to build further momentum in our plans for growth and to be creating hundreds of new jobs throughout the country as we maintain our mission of building the fast-casual brand of the future.” Some 28 Paul shops across London have remained open for takeaway, click-and-collect and delivery through Ubereats and Deliveroo. They are all offering freshly baked loaves, pastries and tarts, as well as hot drinks and now yeast and flour. In the lead up to the festive season, custom- ers can also get their hands on a new range of Christmas sandwiches, as well as the famous mince pie croissant, yule logs and Christmas cakes. Paul has also reopened The Bread Market at its central bakery in Acton, West London, selling freshly baked loaves straight from the oven. This initiative was originally put in place during the first lockdown to help support the widespread demand for fresh bread and opens again with the same intentions. Customers can enjoy buy one get one free on all 400g and 800g loaves, includ- ing the pain de campagne, multigrain, two olives and, for something sweet, the cramique brioche. Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
7 News Only Food and Courses launches at Pop Brixton Only Food and Courses, a new restaurant and events business serving modern dishes inspired by as Goodwood. The Pop Brixton site is the first of a number of units expected to open, culinary trends of the 1980s and 1990s, recently opened its first site in Pop Brixton. The 28-seater with a London high-street site earmarked for summer 2021. venue is a repurposed shipping container, with interiors that are inspired by the same two decades It opens from 12pm to 5pm, serving walk-in guests light and brunch menus, and offers and modelled around a ‘greasy spoon’ café – though the menu will feature high-end dishes. a choice of two, four or six courses for dinner between 6pm and 10pm every Wednesday It’s the brainchild of Robbie Lorraine and Martyn Barrett, and the restaurant follows a series of to Sunday. Pop Brixton has already acted as an incubator for a number of restaurant brands, includ- pop-up events delivered in Kent where Lorraine (whose chef credentials include Roux Fine Dining, The ing Kricket and Smoke & Salt. Shard and Royal Ascot) and his team served guests his unique take on food inspired by his childhood. “I’ve always had a vision for something like this so I’m really excited to be bringing it to life now,” Dishes on the menu include crab scotch eggs, confit duck eclairs, pop tarts and lobster doughnuts. said Lorraine. “Food brings back so many memories for people and I really enjoy tapping into some Barrett, who has commercial and operations experience, has led and launched multiple of these with some modern twists on things we used to eat. businesses, including major food halls at Selfridges & Co in London and Birmingham; high-end “We live in strange times so I hope some of these warm memories of our childhood will give restaurants at London City Airport; as well as high-profile event catering operations at venues such people some comfort! I can’t wait to have a bit of fun with the menu.” Rashfo rd retweets HRC 2021 cancelled due free meal offers to Covid-19 After long discussions with industry stakeholders and key partners, Montgomery Group has taken the extremely difficult decision to postpone the 2021 Hotel, Restau- Marcus Rashford responded to the government voting down Labour’s motion to offer free rant & Catering (HRC) event until 28 th February 2022. school meals during holidays until Easter 2021 by retweeting businesses, many of them out of Ronda Annesley, event manager for HRC, said: “Even though we had introduced home operators, that have offered to feed children for free during half-term using the hashtag All Secure Standard, a risk assessment-based framework for Covid-19, and planned #EndChildPoverty. The Manchester United player said he was “blown away” by the offers, for the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ultimately the lack of guidance which come from an industry that is already facing unprecedented difficulties due to Covid-19. and clarity from government on when business events can restart has meant that One business to step up was Kingfisher Fish and Chips in Kingston upon Hull, which mes- we have had to take the painful decision to postpone HRC until 2022. saged: “No child should ever go hungry. The current government might not care but we do. “Although HRC has a large international attendance of both exhibitors and visitors, “If you are struggling, all next week you will be able to inbox this page with no questions and we felt extremely confident that we could deliver a safe and secure live event for the no judgements and we will happily sort out a child’s hot meal. All we ask is you message the tens of thousands of hospitality industry professionals that look forward to the show page first in total confidence.” each year. We are devastated that we will not be able to play our part next year in Rashford tweeted: “Blown away by news of local businesses stepping up to fill the voucher helping the hospitality industry recover from the catastrophic consequences of the scheme deficit during the October half-term. Selflessness, kindness, togetherness, this is the pandemic in a face to face format. England I know. “However, we are currently investigating numerous ways in which we can continue “Add #EndChildPoverty to your tweets so I can track them. I will share as many as I can.” to support and connect with the hospitality industry throughout 2021 and beyond, and Responding to the tweet, the Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “If the government won’t do hope to make an announcement around this in the near future. We would like to thank the right thing, the great people of this country will. Incredible examples of local businesses and our loyal exhibitors and visitors for their ongoing support and look forward to seeing communities coming together to provide free meals to children over the holidays. But it should them again face to face in 2022.” never have come to this.” HRC was due to run from 22 nd to 24 th March 2021 at ExCeL, London, alongside Rashford spent the previous day visiting and helping out at a new foodbank. FareShare the International Food & Drink Event, IFE Manufacturing Solutions, PUB21, the Euro- Greater Manchester named a new warehouse in honour of his mother Melanie, who accom- pean Tea, Coffee and Soft Drinks Expo, the London Produce Show and the Festival panied him on the trip. of Enterprise. Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
8 n-Oohs News The Wing Shack Co opens new delivery kitchen Wing Shack Co has announced the opening of its new delivery kitchen in Canary Wharf. Despite the hospitality industry facing tougher restrictions, founders Joshua Jarvis and Larry Shiro have decided to press on with the expansion, opening a state-of-the-art kitchen serving a delivery radius of 2.5 miles around Canary Wharf. Available on Deliveroo and Uber Eats, the menu features the small chain’s classic signatures including Changs Honey and Sesame and Jarvis Tangy Buffalo wings. Meanwhile, for those hankering after vegetarian options, the Edgy Veggie burger with charred halloumi, soy marinated mushroom and tomato relish is also available. Jarvis said: “It’s only an uncertain time if you believe it is. We think it’s a time of opportunity. With the likelihood of more restrictions and people being at home, it’s a great opportunity to expand our delivery radius so we can cater to our customers and attract new customers as well.” t i m e of ’s a e t hi nk it W o r tu n ity opp Follow us @OOHmagazine Dine Out @DineOutMagazine Have you seen our big news yet? In a matter of days @CasualDiningMag will become Dine Out – a new magazine and website covering the whole restaurant industry. Fill your boots with all the info, here – www.casualdiningmagazine.co.uk Arena Events @Arenanetworking Brilliant session on mental health and well-being. Some key takeaways: – Better communication – Instilling a real sense of purpose – Look after yourself so you can look after others – Consistent Sugoi JPN collaborates with programme to look after each other – Removing stigma – Keep checking in The Chelsea Lodge Marcus Rashford MBE @MarcusRashford Blown away by news of local businesses stepping The creators of multi award-winning street food concept Sugoi JPN have a firm grasp on the future of the indus- up to fill the voucher scheme deficit during try with the launch of Under One Kitchen, a project that aims to help and support fellow hospitality brands during the October half term. Selflessness, kindness, the global pandemic. By opening multiple dark kitchens across London, Sugoi JPN enables both start-ups and togetherness, this is the England I know. Add established brands to work alongside each other but as distinct businesses, to maximise their current structure #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY to your tweets while cutting down on peripheral costs. The brand ambitiously plans to launch 50 dark kitchens across London so I can track them. I will share as many as I can as part of its franchise expansion initiative, in a bid to establish a more resilient hospitality industry. In three months, Sugoi JPN has already opened three sites in South Wimbledon, Palmers Green and Tooting Yellowbicyclecafe @yellowbicycle1 Broadway, and it plans to launch its fourth along with sister brand Arepita Sliders on 4th November in the heart In the midst of the crazy world we are in at the of Chelsea, working alongside The Chelsea Lodge. The popular dining, bar and nightclub spot on King’s Road will moment, receiving this amazing email from continue to run its successful in-house Italian restaurant, while also offering a new takeaway and delivery service. TripAdvisor today helps make it all worthwhile. Customers are able to choose from three different menu concepts: Japanese-Latin fusion street food from Our little cafe in the top ten percent of restaurants Sugoi JPN, authentic Italian cuisine from The Chelsea Lodge and Venezuelan-inspired fill-it-yourself arepas in the world? Wow!!!!!!! Steve, Rhe, Cara and Meg from Arepita Sliders. The Chelsea Lodge accepts walk-ins for those who wish to enjoy their takeaway but in #Dorset #local #Blandford the comfort of the restaurant. Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
9 COMMERCIAL PRESENTATION News Heinz Food Heroes winners announced Don’t take the risk! How many times have we heard people saying ‘It was an accident waiting to happen’, after an event has occurred? The lead up to the event might sound something like this: “Oh, I’ll mop up that spill in a second”, “I can balance an extra plate of food to save me a trip” or “I’ll get someone out to fix that fridge tomorrow.” And the result? A customer or a member of staff is injured, you waste stock, you lose customers and in the worst case scenario you could even lose your business. The question you have to ask yourself is, is it really worth the risk? Especially if something could have been TRACEY HARRIOTT done to avoid it. At The Retail Mutual we know all about risks and the devastating impact they can have on catering businesses. p o s s ible Dealing with risks every day, we’ve been protecting inde- ’t be pendent businesses for over 20 years. Our business cover wo u l d n p e o p le offers not only financial protection but also peace of mind, It l l t h e help security and support. ta With two decades of experience and knowledge of withou happy to give claims and risks within the catering industry, we have created an in-depth health and safety guide and risk- are assessment template to help our customers and other independent catering businesses to manage and minimise their risks. Heinz Food Heroes, the new awards programme from Heinz and Arena seeking to recognise and celebrate those The Retail Mutual’s Risk Assessment Guide highlights within the food industry who have gone above and beyond in their community, has announced its inaugural winners. some of the most common risks that could occur in a Tracey Harriott, supervisor for Starbucks for the contract caterer Amadeus at the NEC, was named Most Heroic catering business together with practical solutions that Individual, while Most Heroic Team went to Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove. you can implement to help reduce those risks. Carrying out Harriott’s story began five years ago when she noticed lots of food was thrown away at the end of each day at regular risk assessments in your establishment can help the NEC, due to expiry dates. Having just started volunteering for local charities in her community, she saw this as an reduce injuries, minimise claims and avoid loss of earnings, opportunity to collect the food at the end of each day and deliver it to the community projects she was volunteering keeping your staff and customers safe in the process. for. Since then, Harriott has built a network of colleagues and local businesses to gather clothes, bedding, toiletries and furniture, in addition to food. Donations are split between a number of beneficiaries, including hostels, the home- Download our free risk assessment now by visiting – there- less and community sport groups designed to empower children. tailmutual.com/risk-assessment-guide-catering “I’m in shock!” said Harriott. “I’d like to thank the team at the NEC for their continued support in both collecting and supplying donations, my colleagues and friends and family. I may co-ordinate it, but it wouldn’t be possible without all the help people are prepared and happy to give.” Lorraine Wood, director of Arena, added: “Huge congratulations go to the winners! We’d also like to thank everyone who took part in Heinz Food Heroes. It was both inspiring and humbling to read through all the entries; we were over- whelmed by the kindness and selflessness that both individuals and teams have shown.” Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
11 Street food focus F o u r H u nd r e d R a bbi t s Henry Nor on the highman checks out the just a flash street – are they mdishes that are being in the pan? ore than hyped What? flavor explosion”: Restaurant Guru; “the choice their focus on sourdough pizza and craft beer – The Chorizo One. of pizza was amazing and they were absolutely though it’s the former I’m here for. Having naturally delicious”: TripAdvisor; “some of the best pizza in gravitated towards ‘The Chorizo One’, I can draw Where? South East London”: my colleague. one of two conclusions: either I’m a genius and I Four Hundred Rabbits serves up sourdough pizza absolutely nailed it first time, or their menu is to an and craft beer from four restaurants across South We say: extremely high standard. East London. With London in lockdown and options at a premium, Building from the base, which is as moist and after some thought I am able to pull a rabbit from chewy as it’s possible to get while ostensibly still How much? the hat in the form of an old recommendation doing its job, the chorizo, which is bought in from £11. from an extremely reliable source. Not only does Brindisa, gives as tantalising a taste of foreign my colleague who previously told me that Four adventure as may be possible for some time. The menu says: Hundred Rabbits serves up “some of the best The red chillies somehow elevate things further, “Tomato, mozzarella, soft and semi cured Iberico pizza in South East London” work on our sister- providing the sort of kick that Del Piero would be chorizo, pickled red chillies, basil.” publication Dine Out (do check it out), but he also proud of. eats (and I cannot stress this enough) a truly The hype says: grande amount of Italian food. Should you believe the hype? “The sourdough pizza was a glamorous and glorious These guys are fermentation fanatics – hence Si – this is Rabbit food at its finest. Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
12 The French The big interview confection After near bankruptcy and six months of closure, a slimmed-down version of Le Pain Quotidien’s UK operation is back under the new leadership of managing director Steven Whibley, discovers Jane Renton Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
13 The big interview It’s an understatement to say that Le Pain Quotidien has had something of an annus horribilis, and one only partially due to Covid. The Belgian bakery chain, started by self-confessed ‘accidental entrepreneur’ Alain Coumont, had expanded internationally over the past three decades, fuelled by a growing appetite for its sourdough, its reassuringly solid communal wooden tables and coffee served in traditional bowls. But with success came hubris and 2020. Even before the year of the great scourge, the chain’s clientele of affluent urbanites who once loved Le Pain’s authentic simplicity had moved on to the next big thing in a rapidly evolving market, especially in the UK and US. In the UK, the company had 26 branches, predominantly in London, at the beginning of the year, but only a handful were making money. The company had grown too fast, moving into London suburbs like Highgate in North London, where I lived for close on 20 years. I could have warned Le Pain that the place was a graveyard for hospitality businesses, both good and bad, that had steadily arrived and then departed during that time. The residents are tight with their money, way h a d l ost its Le Pai n Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
14 The big interview n g t o deal evol v i ng We are tantly chan gi ns with co umstances circ obsessively saving it for school fees and crippling mortgages. The company had also moved into the killing fields of casual dining, coming up against brands such as Carluccio’s and, like its Italian competitor, which was sold earlier this year for just £2.5m, not doing it particularly well, yet often charging more than competitors. “Le Pain had lost its way,” acknowledges Steven Whibley, who formerly ran Gail’s Bakery and before that was an original franchisee of Le Pain. “It had moved into casual dining and away from its traditional bakery roots.” He was invited by the board to join the company in January, initially as a consultant and later in the summer as its new UK managing director. His immediate task was to determine what the troubled operation could do to turn its failing business around. After a couple of months surveying the wider bakery scenes in Brussels, Paris and London, he determined that Le Pain should get back to its bakery roots. The clue after all was in the chain’s very name: Le Pain Quotidien, translated from French as ‘the daily bread’ – the very staple that put the company on the map in the first place. The industry veteran did not mince his words. He told Le Pain’s bosses that the chain had strayed too far from its heritage, that the dining side of the business had become too dominant at the expense of retail, which had been steadily shrinking. “We had lost something more than just retail sales,” he says. “I think there’s something lovely about walking into a shop like Le Pain Quotidien and seeing freshly-made breads and patisserie out on display by the entrance – sometimes people just want to linger there rather than feeling pressurised into immediately taking a table.” As for the breads, the range had not changed much over 10 years in either range or size. The sandwich fillings were essentially the same as they had been when the chain first opened and there were insufficient savoury items in the bakery offer. Skill and craftsmanship had evaporated from Le Pain’s premises, with ovens, prep benches and food mixers steadily being removed from kitchens. “We used to make tarts and scones in virtually every bakery, but all that had been taken out and replaced with frozen stuff,” explains Steven, something he describes as “a short-term gain leading to long-term loss”. The coffee also needed to be better and reflect what Steven refers to as “a proper barista culture”. “When you are in a business like Le Pain with high London rents, you need strong profitability running through your menu, which coffee helps provide,” he asserts. Steven’s initial idea was to address all these perceived problems in one or two selected branches of the chain. However, a torrent of events overtook his plans for any gentle test-driving of his new strategy. Le Pain Quotidien had been in trouble since 2018 when a rights issue and new global management had failed to steady the ship. Tim Cocker, who had formerly been UK global officer at Le Pain, was brought back into the business in October 2019 and he in return asked Steven to come in and help. But by the first lockdown in March, a full-scale cashflow crisis was underway. “The UK business basically went into administrative measures,” says Steven. “There was a cashflow crunch immediately. We were in trouble. We needed to find a way out of this with a buyer rather than anything else.” Steven, who had eight weeks left of his contract with Le Pain still to run, stayed on to help rescue the company. A plan was put together, one that aimed to keep the business solvent by re-opening the bakeries identified by Steven as being capable of making money. “We could still run a retail operation out of those bakeries,” he says. “We had product, we had people. We could start generating sales… [while] various buyers were sought for the business.” But the work of business rescue was proving tough in the pandemic. Plans to sell the UK business to franchisees or any willing buyer was proving difficult. In the US, Le Pain Quotidien’s business had been acquired by master franchisee Aurify Inc of New York, something that Le Pain’s Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
15 The big interview ry and Belgian owner had similarly hoped would happen with its British interests. But no buyer emerged. The company found itself in a dire position by t b a ke April: “We basically entered administration because we couldn’t keep o t j u s t abou ly they are It’s n ential e plan the business out of it,” recalls Steven. Essentially, M80 and Cobepa, the investors behind the Belgian b u t e s s and French Le Pain Quotidien businesses, were forced to step in retail, r s t o n e of th ne the cor and acquire the UK operations in June, forming a new company, BrunchCo. It was done through a partial but nevertheless controversial pre-pack deal. “In the end we formed a group and took [Le Pain] on ourselves,” says Steven. “It was all very touch and go, but we managed to strike a deal with the administrators.” Steven had been pressing for a solvent purchase throughout the of 21 days in September. With a second Covid lockdown now in place negotiation. “I thought it would have been a better way out,” he says, until early December, 14 stores, including one in Oxford, continue to adding that a collateralised debt agreement would have provided far run, fulfilling their original conception as neighbourhood bakeries. more certainty for teams and suppliers. As he readily acknowledges, pre- Covent Garden, which is one of the more successful branches, but packs do not provide much return for smaller creditors and suppliers who is largely dependent on tourists, and Aveda Holborn, dependent on do not stand to gain much from such deals. In the event, the deal enabled office workers, have temporarily closed. them to salvage some 200 of its 500 jobs. The intention was to rescue Meanwhile, top sites such as St Pancras, Marylebone, Exhibition 18 of its existing 26 branches. “The only deal we could get done was to Road and Royal Festival Hall remain open, along with branches take the actual assets and teams,” says Steven. “We didn’t even take the such as Tottenham Court Road, which Steven hopes to turn around leases on, we took licences to occupy and took the risk that we could with his reforms. “It’s not just about bakery and retail,” he says, “but negotiate new leases with our landlords.” essentially they are the cornerstone of the plan.” As previously mentioned, Steven and his new management had The plan is about getting back to basics, but also premium values, identified 18 of its 26 original UK sites that the rescued chain could make with a menu built upon bakery and oven. As Steven says, the effects money on. Of that 18, only half were profitable. “There were eight sites in of Covid will be felt for some time, but Le Pain now has the headroom London that we felt were not viable and had been losing money pre-Covid, it needs to recover from the pain of the past, unlike some of its as well as one in Leeds that was not trading well.” competitors. It has done its forecasts conservatively. It had already While there may have been a business case to just trade off the most come up with four different scenarios to deal with the vagaries of the profitable five or six stores, the plan was to proceed with 18, which Steven current pandemic. “We are evolving to deal with constantly changing felt with the right management could trade profitably. In the event, the circumstances,” he says, adding that while times change, values do company has secured 16 site leases, dropping two branches – South not. It’s about authenticity and sustainability: organic farming and Hampstead and King’s Road, London – where it could not agree terms provenance, food and bakery can seem like an indulgence but it also with respective landlords. has to have health in mind. All these things remain more relevant than The company’s remaining 16 sites were re-opened over a period ever and are the key to Le Pain Quotidien’s long-term survival. Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
16 The big issue Deja v-EU Henry Norman speaks to the FDF and Bidfood to find out how our apparently imminent exit from the EU will affect the food and drink industry With the coronavirus crisis (understandably) dominating the social and There are, however, those who argue that the Brexit dream has somewhat political landscape, it can sometimes be forgotten that we voted to leave the diluted since then, that the original ‘movement’ comprised different, disunited European Union (EU) some four years, five months, three prime ministers and interests – disaster capitalists to deniers of climate change, idealists to countless deadline extensions ago. Though we, of course, officially left at the opportunists – unable to agree on an actual exit strategy. There has also beginning of the year, the can has been kicked down the road that many times been the seismic shift Stateside, with the removal of Donald Trump, himself – and some have suggested that the sensible response would be to extend a great believer in Brexit, and his replacement by Joe Biden, who has been again beyond the impending 31st December deadline – that many passionate far more sceptical (as was his predecessor Barack Obama) and has said be-Leavers could be forgiven for thinking that the terrain has become one that he will not sign up to any trade deal that will threaten the Good Friday elongated cul-de-sac. Agreement. But, most significantly of all, Johnson and co received an Things have moved on, however, since the days of Theresa May, who, overwhelming mandate less than a year ago from the public to ‘Get Brexit perhaps unfairly, was treated with suspicion by some due to having voted Done’, transforming May’s minority into an impressive 80-seat majority remain herself; despite the fact that her deal would have taken us out of both that even managed to turn Labour’s historic northern red wall blue. the single market and the customs union (hardly the softly, softly approach As I type this, at the last moment possible before our print deadline, – or, as others would doubtless complain, what was promised by the Leave the negotiations are still apparently deadlocked over the issues of the campaigns). The present government is made of (even) more determined level playing field for competition going forwards, fishing rights and the stuff, though; indeed, the requisite for entry was a commitment to back the aforementioned Irish border. Meanwhile, businesses are still being urged to prime minister on a no-deal Brexit (the only prominent remainer among them ‘Get Ready for Brexit’, as the slogan goes – though the news broke recently being health secretary Matt Hancock). And, at the top, you have the very that a ‘haulier handbook’ designed to help avoid border delays from 1st architects of our exit: Boris Johnson, the passionate advocate who fronted January onwards, which was originally due in early September, will now the Leave campaign; Michael Gove, who in a previous incarnation as a not be available until 7th December. journalist wrote articles pretty much inventing the concept; and, until recently, There will clearly be repercussions for the foodservice industry Dominic Cummings, who ran the whole movement to ‘Take Back Control’. and Dominic Goudie, head of international trade for the Food and Drink Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
17 The big issue s a re fully w b u s inesse tage Very fe red at this s prepa Federation (FDF), feels that the government could have done a better job preparing for the end of the transition period.” of preparing the country in advance. “Industry has prepared itself as well Goudie goes on to flag other issues, ones that he describes as being as it can ahead of the end of the transition period,” he tells me. “However, “vitally important”, that remain unresolved in the negotiations – such as the large gaps remain in the information that has been provided by government, future of the organics trade, with British organic producers potentially being not least on labelling and organic products. This means that very few shut out of trading with Northern Ireland and the EU. “While we are working businesses are fully prepared at this stage, and the latest FDF Business closely with the UK government to highlight the issues at stake for food Readiness Survey shows around 50% of businesses do not expect to be and drink, we are deeply concerned that even a thin Brexit deal will mean fully prepared ahead of the end of the transition period.” impossible deadlines for UK manufacturers that depend on highly The FDF has actually shared a list of some 175 questions with the integrated UK-EU just-in-time supply chains,” he says. government, many of which it has been asking since May agreed the Northern Keen to get the opinion on the ground from one of the suppliers, the Ireland Protocol, but Goudie says that it has only recently started to receive wholesaler Bidfood strikes a slightly more optimistic tone. “While no trade responses. “In many cases, these answers are too late for businesses to deal has been agreed as yet, we’re confident that we are well-versed in make required changes in time for 1st January 2021,” he says. preparations for Brexit,” supply chain and technical services director Jim When it comes to supply chains, Goudie fears that ending frictionless Gouldie (not to be confused with Goudie of the FDF) tells me. “We have a trade with the EU may not be compatible with a nation that has only recently strong and experienced Brexit team in place, led by key members of our been hit by a pandemic of panic-buying. “Businesses will face a new system of board, who have reconvened in recent months to revisit our plans and to controls and checks that will inevitably slow down movements of goods and reassess and mitigate any risks as we approach the end of the transition add new costs,” he says. “While our industry has demonstrated remarkable period. Our plans have to-date been based on the scenario of a no-deal resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses have used up exit from the EU. While we hope negotiations do not result in no trade deal, stockpiles that had been built for a no-deal Brexit to cope with increased it remains a possibility as things stand and, in the meantime, we believe it is demand. Staff have also been redeployed to respond to the Covid crisis and, essential to protect our customers by having robust and comprehensive as a result, many businesses have fewer available resources to dedicate to plans in place.” Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
18 The big interview e a re well- d e n t that w r Brexit on fi s fo We’re c preparation in versed Gouldie explains that Bidfood has been in close consultation with added costs facing our industry would have to be passed on government teams, suppliers, industry bodies, and EU and UK customs to consumers.” for some time now in order to ascertain the risks, particularly in relation Bidfood’s Gouldie agrees that there will be challenges for the to availability and the impact of tariffs. “We have done this to get a industry either way, saying: “Whether or not a deal is negotiated full picture of supply chain readiness, in order to prepare for different between the UK and the EU, we can expect changes at the end of scenarios, which we have built into our contingency planning,” he says. the transition period that will affect the hospitality sector. These The company has written to suppliers again; revisited its red/ may include changes on the immigration front [see next page], but amber/green risk assessments across its core range; and put in potentially changes to food legislation in the future, some currency place mitigation plans for products where it believes there is some fluctuation, and there will still be new processes and procedures risk to availability (and even products deemed to be ‘low risk’ where involved in importing categories like fresh meat, dairy and produce. the product is of a critical nature). “These plans include increasing “Whatever shape our exit might take, it will be a new and challenging contingency stock and identifying alternative products or routes to phase of change for the UK, and we’ll be putting every ounce of effort market,” Gouldie says. “We have also assessed the impact of World into ensuring as little disruption as possible, and keeping customers Trade Organization [WTO] tariffs on customers, should the UK exit informed and advised as we approach 31st December.” with no trade agreement in place.” The FDF’s Goudie, however, thinks that despite the amount of There has, of course, been much speculation that leaving on WTO time that the government has had to prepare us for this once-in-a- terms, or without a deal, would lead to an increase in prices, as new generation change, Brexit will remain a huge issue well beyond the tariffs are applied. “A no-deal outcome would be catastrophic for UK 31st. “We believe periods of adjustment and even an amnesty will be supply chains, with added costs averaging 23% for UK food and drink required after the formal transition period ends, and clarity is finally exports to the EU and 18% to our essential imports,” says the FDF’s available on our new terms of trade to allow businesses the time Goudie. “In practice, the added costs would be even higher because they will urgently need to make required changes; whether that is of further added costs facing imports of essential non-food raw adapting food labelling, or putting new processes and procedures materials, as well as inputs used in UK agriculture that would drive in place to cope with multiple new border requirements for trade in further cost into the food chain.” both directions with the EU and Northern Ireland. Failure to do this will On the effect of leaving with a deal, he adds: “Consumer prices undermine choice and value for UK shoppers.” are set by retailers rather than manufacturers, so we are one step We have been told for some time now that ‘no deal is better than a removed, but given grocery retail and manufacturing operates bad deal’. The suspicion remains, however, that, even at this late stage, on typically low margins, it is highly likely that most if not all of the no-one seems to know quite what a ‘good deal’ looks like either. Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
19 The big issue HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES MUST APPLY FOR SPONSOR LICENCES NOW The end of freedom of movement for skilled workers from the EEA could lead to recruitment shortages in the hospitality sector, which businesses must act quickly to avoid says Mini Setty, a partner at Langleys Solicitors The coronavirus pandemic has already put a huge amount of pressure on soon as possible to avoid skills shortages, limiting business growth. the hospitality sector and, with Brexit on the horizon, businesses are likely “To apply for a sponsor licence, organisations will have to undergo checks to face further challenges. Given the industry’s reliance on foreign workers, to ensure they are genuine, solvent and hiring for roles that meet the required particularly chefs and catering professionals, employment law specialist, skill and salary thresholds and checks on senior personnel and key users Mini Setty, urges hospitality businesses to apply for sponsor licences now of the licence. There is a licence fee that applicants must pay and a £624 to avoid future skills shortages. immigration health surcharge to cover the employee’s medical insurance. Speaking to us on the topic, Setty says: “The hospitality industry provides There is an immigration skills charge, which is used to address skills gaps jobs for thousands of workers from the EU and beyond, and as free movement in the UK workforce, and there are additional fees when applying for comes to an end on 1st January 2021, it is vital employers are prepared for certificates of sponsorship and visas for each migrant worker. the new laws. From the new year, employers must hold a sponsor licence to “To reiterate, from 1st January 2021, it will be illegal for businesses to employ talent from outside of the UK and can no longer assume that hires hire workers from outside the UK if they do not have a sponsor licence. from the European Economic Area [EEA] will automatically be able to take Considering the sector’s reliance on foreign workers, it is important that up employment in the country. businesses start planning budgets and applying for sponsor licences now. “A study by KPMG estimated that the hospitality sector requires 62,000 EU Failure to do so may lead to organisations becoming short-staffed and migrants per annum to be able to maintain current activities and to grow. Of unable to offer a good service, which could be fatal in the sector’s recovery course, this is likely to be lower now given the pandemic, but recruitment gaps from the pandemic.” are a guaranteed way to stunt the industry’s recovery, so employers must be ponsor aware of how to avoid them. “The new immigration system will be points-based and the most common l d a s work entry route will be via a visa for skilled workers. To qualify for a skilled e rs m ust ho ent from Emplo to employ tal y worker visa, prospective employees must speak English to the required level and be accepting a job from a sponsor licence holder that meets the required K skills level – roughly equivalent to A Levels – and salary threshold – £25,600 or licence side of the U the industry average if it is lower. In the context of hospitality this will mainly apply for chefs, who are already in incredibly high demand. out “Sponsor licence applications should be made directly to the Home Office via the UK Visas and Immigration service [UKVI]. The UKVI are expecting an influx in sponsor licence applications in the coming weeks as businesses prepare Langleys Solicitors has a dedicated and experienced employment team for more employees in need of sponsorship, so administrative delays are likely. on hand who can assist you and your business with any issues related to Businesses who are looking to employ foreign talent must apply for a licence as Brexit and employment. For more information, visit www.langleys.com Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
21 A coffee break with... Lynsey Harley Founder, Modern Standard Coffee What does your job typically entail? And your least favourite? It’s a mix of sales, marketing, finance and firefighting. I’m Doing the boring but necessary stuff – but I won’t bore not someone content with just doing one thing – if I don’t you with the details! have four things on the go, I feel out of sorts. I got into the coffee industry because I loved the social aspect of What’s your favourite food and beverage? coffee, and for me as a young 20-something, I was able to travel and that was exciting. Ramen and coffee, of course. I have a slight Now, I’m doing basically no travel which was a large obsession with good ramen, my favourite place is like part of my job before; visiting producers at origin and Slurp in Copenhagen and Momofuku in New York. s a b it It’ customers in the UK and Europe. I spend that time now Slurp, in particular, has one of the most flavourful lness, with my staff doing a lot of education and passing on broths I’ve ever had, it’s utterly delicious. I usually my knowledge and experience, which is going to pay m i nd f u spent a few days in Copenhagen a month, pre- ou when y to dividends for Modern Standard. Covid-19, of course, and I had a little routine. I would purposely go to Slurp on my own, as it was on a first ing are try s on How did you get into the industry? come basis, and there was usually a seat for one, so I could jump the queue on those cold evenings and cu just fo ee warm up with a bowl of ramen. When I was at university, I had a part-time job as a the coff barista. When I moved to London after university, I wasn’t still quite sure what I wanted to do. I ended And your least favourite? up taking a job at Fernandez & Wells in Beak Street, Soho. It was voted Time Out’s best café in London, I like most foods, but if I had to choose it would be tofu. so working there was pretty cool. However, after a And my least favourite beverage would be bad coffee. few months living on minimum wage in London, I realised I needed to earn more, so I e-mailed a bunch What one piece of advice would you offer someone of coffee roasters asking if they had any positions working in the industry? open and I received a response within an hour. Take your time and do your stints in different businesses – What’s your favourite part of your working day? large, small, commercially focused and disrupters. It gives you a broad appreciation of all the things you need to Cupping coffees first thing in the morning. I enjoy the have experienced to add value to wherever you work next. process of quality control as it’s quite a good way to I see a lot of people I used to work with just moving on start the day. It’s a bit like mindfulness, when you are after a few years, like a merry-go-round, and I often think trying to just focus on the coffee and note it’s character it’s because they’ve not stayed long enough somewhere and flavour profile. to truly understand what made that business. Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
23 Grab and go Quick Fix Grab-and-go options are in high demand, so foodservice outlets need to do all they can to maximise the sales opportunities this presents With the pace of life ever-quickening, grab-and-go love the convenience of being able to eat what they options have become an important segment in the want, when they want it, wherever they are, while cafés, out of home sector, netting operators some serious restaurants and even pubs have added takeaway options profit. Naturally, the pandemic has had an impact to compensate for seating numbers being reduced on the whole foodservice industry, with year-on- through the need for social distancing,” points out Nick ll grow year declines nationwide. In fact, according to data Burton, managing director of Celebration Packaging. compiled by MealTrak, food-to-go sales dropped by When it comes to grab-and-go options, the key to l e s w i Sa 22% between August 2019 and August 2020. “One success is tapping into consumer trends. With the market mers thing that comes over from the research is that when set to reach the value of £23.4bn by 2024, according to if custo nt fide are con lity consumers were asked what they were missing IGD Research, out of home operators need to offer a during lockdown and other restrictions, it is hot range of options to suit a wide demographic. “Lifestyles qua in the drinks and hot food-to-go items that they craved,” have changed so much over the past 10 to 15 years and points out Gordon Lauder, MD of Central Foods. consumers want to be able to grab breakfast, lunch food According to a recent report by Lumina Intelligence – or tea from a café, bakery or takeaway and eat it at a of your g and offerin Food-To-Go After Lockdown Report 2020 – the food-to-go place of their choice,” says Cristiana Ballarini, activation ety of sector contracted by £6bn during lockdown. However, director – west, south and international for CSM Bakery despite the drop in sales throughout this period, the Solutions. “Grab-and-go has become even more the saf report forecasted that the market will recover close prevalent during the Covid-19 pandemic.” u r p re mises to its 2019 level by the end of 2022. The Covid-19 pandemic has driven demand for grab- From sandwiches, sausage rolls and hand-held global dishes to sweet treats, the grab-and-go options yo and-go options among consumers still keen to retain available in the UK today are vast. This gives out of some semblance of normal life. Subsequently, more home operators plenty of scope to increase sales outlets are now offering takeaway options. “Consumers with the help of a well-balanced menu. Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
24 CSM Grab and go CREATIVE FOODS CSM CSM Street food is in high demand on UK high streets, Mixes are a great option for outlets that want to with consumers craving authentic flavours and informal create products in-house with ease, as they can be used menus. In fact, according to CGA, 32% of consumers to make a whole range of products, all of which can be are seeking more street food and sharing-style menus, upgraded with additional ingredients. For example, a so there’s a great profit potential in serving dishes with plain or chocolate muffin mix can be used as a base for global flavours. “The current street food market is now breakfast muffins and operators can add muesli, fruit worth an estimated £1.2bn in the UK [MCA Insight 2018] and nuts for something a little different. and is not showing any signs of slowing down,” points Visual appeal is just as important, if not more so, for out Kim Hartley, business development chef for Mission grab-and-go items as any other in the out of home sector, nd go Foods. “For operators to really capitalise on these as customers are often short on time and need to make Grab a trends and react to consumer demand, they should be decisions fast. Therefore, they need to look good and come looking at offering a hand-held menu that is bursting taste good. One way to easily achieve this is to customise has be with bold flavours, is adventurous and leaves a lasting homemade and premade products with fillings and ore even m impression.” For inspiration, operators can check out toppings. Readymade icings and toppings are a quick Mission Foods’ vast library of online recipes to get the and simple way to elevate products to the next level, nt prevale most from their menus and to create stand-out meals, increasing appeal and justifying a higher price point. the suitable for any lifestyle. From doughnuts and muffins to cookies and biscuits, durin g every time of day is a good time of day to indulge, 9 Covid-1 TIMES ARE CHANGING particularly during these uncertain times. By offering Before the pandemic, mornings were the most a variety of classic and new flavours, operators will be ic pandem popular time of day for grab-and-go purchases, as people travelled to work. Not only did consumers able to appeal to creatures of habit and those looking for something exciting and to try something different. pick up something for breakfast, but often lunch and In response to the current lull in demand, many an afternoon snack too. “Products that work well for businesses have survived hard times by offering breakfast ranges vary from traditional toast and a hot delivery services throughout the day that fit in with beverage, bacon or sausage sandwiches, to pastries more flexible working patterns. and juices,” says Ballarini. “There are also opportunities As a lucrative market, estimated to reach £21.7bn to sell products throughout the morning and afternoon by the end of this year (MCA Food to Go Conference period including a range of cookies, muffins and cakes.” 2020), consumers are turning to indulgent and Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
26 Grab and go MISSION FOODS operations director for Creative Foods Europe. When it comes to dinner, beef burgers remain the runaway leader in food to go with a 13.5% share of the market, followed by fish and chips, with 6.3%, and pizza at 6.2%. Pizza is a great grab-and-go option because MISSION FOODS it can be sold whole or by the slice for even greater profits. Whether operators make their pizza from scratch, use a mix, use frozen dough pucks or purchase MISSION FOODS readymade products, they are ideal for those wanting a filling bite to eat while en route somewhere. They offer great profit margins and they are easy to eat on the go too, making them a popular option with consumers. “Caterers should not only look to add grab-and-go lunch options to the menu, but breakfast, dinner and snack options too,” says Steve Hemsil, sales director – UK and Ireland – for Welbilt. “From deep-filled breakfast burritos and pastries, right through to sandwiches, soups, pasta pots and more, caterers can create extensive and exciting grab-and-go menus.” For operators stuck for ideas, the Merrychef Ready Recipe tool, which is available via the Merrychef Culinary web page, boasts a library of over 600 downloadable recipes that can be filtered by course, providing out of home foodservice operators with a handy resource of grab-and-go menu inspiration. satisfying snacks more than ever, leading to a MEAT-FREE MOVEMENT growing demand for variety. Ferrero Foodservice’s The meat-free market has boomed in the UK over the independent research (Toluna / Ferrero November last few years, with the number of vegans quadrupling 2019), which focused on consumer grazing habits, between 2014 and 2019. Whether for ethical reasons found that 79% of people are buying sweet snacks or dietary requirements, interest in vegan food options on the go. “Classics such as pastries and muffins will has never been greater. In fact, according to the Vegan always be best sellers, but introducing something Society, vegans and vegetarians are set to make up different to on-the-go menus could drive profits even 25% of the population by 2025 and flexitarians just further and open caterers up to a wider customer under 50%. “OOH outlets should ensure that their hot base,” suggests Zareen Deboo, foodservice channel grab-and-go offer includes vegan options, as the trend s such operations manager for Ferrero UK and Ireland. for plant-based products continues to grow,” says Classic es At lunchtime, sandwiches are a popular option with Lauder. “Recent events may well have accelerated the tri as pas nearly 20% of consumers and baguettes with 7% (MCA trend. According to Mintel, a quarter of young British HIM – Food to Go market report 2019). However, many millennials say that the coronavirus pandemic has ffins and mu be consumers now prefer tortilla wraps or flatbreads made a vegan diet more appealing, while the June ays which are perceived to be healthier. These types of survey also revealed that a vegan diet was proving more will alw rs breads are also popular with operators too, as they attractive to around 12% of Brits, rising to more than lle best se are incredibly versatile and can be used to create 20% of Londoners, since the start of the pandemic.” a diverse range of hand-held dishes. Consumers’ Vegan products, such as plant-based sausage increased interest in health means breads with ancient rolls, are a great takeout option. There are plenty of grains and seeds offering benefits are popular, so it’s readymade vegan options on the market that make important to offer a range of quality bread and rolls catering for this demographic plain sailing. Just for sandwiches to suit all tastes. “Those foodservice remember to cook them separately so you don’t operators or retailers looking to add variety to their get them mixed up with their meaty counterparts. sandwich offer, especially when it comes to fillings Condiments also play an integral role for many grab- that are more difficult for consumers to make at home and-go options, so it’s important that outlets have in small quantities, should consider marinated meats a range of good vegan options, from ketchup and as sandwich fillings,” says Nigel Parkes, commercial mayonnaise to mustard and hot sauce. Oohmagazine.co.uk | @OOHmagazine
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