- A survey of UK chefs found that 81% have experienced poor mental health during their careers, and nearly half believe that not enough is being done to support their wellbeing in the workplace. The Nestlé Professional study shows that the top factors contributing to stress include staff shortages (58%), limited budgets (42%) and lack of daylight in kitchens (41%).
- The findings come in the same week that chef Andrew Clarke has launched Pilot Light, a campaign to improve mental health awareness in hospitality. For more information see the Pilot Light website, or pick up the May issue of Restaurant magazine for a cut out poster for kitchens providing guiding questions and signposting information.
- Chef Ruth Hansom has confirmed her planned restaurant Epoch, which was backed by chef Atul Kochhar on the BBC's My Million Pound Menu series, is no longer going ahead. Hansom is instead focusing on her new role as head chef at Pomona's in Notting Hill, while Kochhar continues to pursue his own restaurant ventures.
- Alex and Saiphin Moore, the founders of Rosa's Thai Cafe, are to launch Chinese-inspired noodle shop concept Hoh Sek next month. It will open in London's St Katherine Docks with six main noodle dishes, which will be tweaked with the addition of more sides in the evening.
- A couple with extensive experience in branded restaurants are to launch all-day dining concept Jo&Co in Hove, East Sussex, with a view to rolling out the concept. Pete Morrision was most recently operations director at Giggling Squid while his wife Jo was managing director at Tasty PLC and launched Wildwood, growing the pizza and pasta brand from one to 60 sites.
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