Italian-American Chain Takes Michelin-Starred Approach to Mobile Phones

Frankie and Benny’s has something in common with Eleven Madison Park

Frankie and Benny’s is encouraging diners to lock their phones in a box during their meal. The move is usually reserved for high-end palaces of finery — the most notable, perhaps, New York’s three Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park — but this initiative will run at the high street Italian-American chain until 7 December. And, possibly, for longer. The deal: parents that turn in their phones at the door will get free meals for their kids. Of course, if Instagram posts decline... [Big Hospitality]

London’s favourite Indian café announces Manchester opening date

Dishoom’s Manchester Hall restaurant will open 6 December. This restaurant will be the London queue-masters’ second venture outside the capital, joining the Edinburgh location that opened in December 2016. [Richard Vines/Twitter]

Borough Yards will be the next London restaurant yard

Distrkt will lead the search for restaurants at Borough Yards, London’s next American-named restaurant development; the trend for large-scale dining estates shows no sign of waning. [MCA Insight/Paywall]

London’s leading pizzeria crowdsources fourth location

Santa Maria Pizzeria has asked Instagram where it should open a fourth pizza restaurant to join Ealing, Fulham, and Fitzrovia. Richmond, Walthamstow, and Islington look to be front-runners among the willing consultants.