Draft House and Bennett’s appointments

Charlie McVeigh’s Draft House has appointed a new operations director to oversee its three existing venues in London and future openings.

Suga Gunam joins the company following a ten-year employment by Capricorn Ventures, where she worked as development manager for Wahaca, operations manager for Baker & Spice, and skills training manager for Nando’s UK.

McVeigh, who currently operates Draft House venues in Westbridge, Northcote and Tower Bridge, said: “I am pleased and proud that Suga has joined us. Although we are small, it is a great vote of faith in Draft House that such a talented industry figure has chosen to join us in our mission to spread great beer, food and hospitality across London.”

Bennett’s Oyster bar

Meanwhile, Bennett Oyster Bar & Brasserie in Battersea Square, which is expected to open on 9 March, has appointed a head chef to lead the kitchen.

Andrew Evans joins the restaurant with experience gained from Petrus, Odette’s Gordon Ramsay Royal Hospital Road, and The Ivy.

He will join sous chefs Patrick George and Benjamin Lindsay, and executive chef Sebastian Ryder to develop Bennett’s seafood-led offer.

Ray Duhaney, founder and director of Bennett’s and former operations director of Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, said: “We are delighted to have Andy on board. He will be the creative force behind the kitchen at Bennett's, creating and interpreting British and French classic dishes, using only the best seasonal produce from around the British Isles.”