Stand By for Yet More Poke — and More News

Eat Poke will open its first permanent City site

Following its pop-up success, Eat Poke finds itself rebranded as Polu Poke and backed by Dorian Waite (Honest Burgers) and Harald Samuelsson (formerly of Côte). MCA’s intel reports that the site on Worship Street will open early November, with bowls, pots, and pokeritos.

Market growth stalled in Q2 this year...

That “challenging period of market correction” is back, and it’s looming harder than ever before. According to MCA’s survey, the total value of the Eating Out Market fell 1% between this time last year and our ever-shakier present moment, and with high-profile chains feeling the pinch, times are worrisome.

... And Brexit is wreaking more havoc on the industry

The government announced new T-Level qualifications for the hospitality industry in March this year, with hopeful insiders looking at a 2019 rollout. With the news that the qualifications will be delayed until 2022 — a year and a half after free movement grinds to a catastrophic halt — there’s a very real fear that new positions will never be filled.

Gordon Ramsay guru has defected to trendier climes

As reported by MCA, Alex D’Aguiar, former Operations Director at The Gordon Ramsay Group, has swapped his starry galaxy for Paddington and rooftops, joining the Incipio Group at the helm of Pergola.

Hackney favourite pops up in aid of Mexico

Rita's Dining, formerly of Mare Street in Hackney, is popping back up at Store Studios on The Strand on Monday 16 October for a night of music, dancing, drinks and snacks, to raise money for the Mexican Red Cross's earthquake relief efforts. Bad Sports, the Hackney Road taqueria, is co-hosting the bar, and there will be food from Koya Bar's Edgar Wallace, Mark Dobbie and Andy Oliver of Som Saa, Tomos Parry, Lili Vanilli, and Mr Gabriel Pryce of Rita's Dining. Revellers will be asked for a donation of £15. Tickets from https://billetto.co.uk/e/rita-s-the-store-present-mexico-earthquake-fundraiser-in-aid-of-cruz-roja-tickets-221938

Ekachai moves in on the Granary...

Already holding four sites in the capital, it was only a matter a time before the south Asian success looked for a fifth. Word has it that owners Norman Musa and Thomas Tjong have the new King’s Cross development in their crosshairs, joining the likes of the Hart brothers, Tom Dixon and Padella.

... While Nusa returns to Old Street

After the area lost its popular Singaporean concept to a year’s hiatus, it will be lost no more: Nusa will be returning to its former site with renewed purpose. With Mission Sato nearby, lunchtime pilgrims will be spoiled for choice.