BANK Bristol in Totterdown and Lapin in Wapping Wharf have been included in CODE Hospitality’s Happiest Places to Work 2025, announced last night following a rigorous judging process. Both owned and run by restaurateur, Dan O’Regan, and executive chef, Jack Briggs-Horan, the two restaurants have been recognised as some of the most people-focused and progressive in the UK hospitality sector.
Following more than 420 entries from across the country, only 25 businesses made the list, with BANK and Lapin achieving one the highest Advocacy Scores with 9.73 out of 10. Among key benefits to staff working at Dan and Jack’s live fire cooking and contemporary French restaurants, the judges noted opportunities to earn equity in the business, WSET qualifications for all front of house staff, and an uncapped bonus structure for employees who come up with a good idea for the business.
Judges’ comments included: “This business scores very highly on the question ‘how likely are you to recommend your workplace to a friend?’. That says a lot about it. Dan O’Regan is very open about the challenges faced by hospitality businesses and why it matters to put your people first.”
Launched last year as an evolution of CODE Hospitality’s ‘Happiness in Hospitality’ survey, the Happiest Places to Work list was created to celebrate the businesses that are setting new standards in employee welfare and well-being, and making their values and practices as integral to their identity as their food and drink. To be considered, restaurants had to share a survey with their entire team, as well as filling in a detailed questionnaire, which were then reviewed by a panel of industry experts.
Dan O’Regan, owner and founder of BANK and Lapin, commented: “We believe that when you look after your team, everything else follows. We’re huge fans of CODE’s Happiest Places to Work list, as it represents and celebrates the changing face of the UK hospitality industry – showcasing those businesses that prioritise well-being and provide meaningful opportunities for their people. A happy workplace isn’t about big gestures. It’s about everyday respect, good communication, and creating space for people to grow. When our team feels good, our guests do too.”
Dan O’Regan will also now be taking part in CODE Hospitality’s panel discussion event ‘Hospitality at its happiest: How these companies got it right’ at Fair Shot Cafe in Covent Garden on Monday 22 September at 6.45pm, alongside other leaders represented on the Happiest Places to Work 2025 list.
BANK Bristol is open from Tuesday to Thursday 6pm – 10pm, Friday & Saturday from 12pm to 10pm and Sunday from 12pm – 7pm. Diners can book via www.bankbristol.com.
Lapin is open Tuesday & Wednesday from 5.30pm to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday from 12pm to 3.30pm and 5.30pm to 10pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 8pm. Diners can book via www.lapinbristol.co.uk.
