Rise and Shine

Your morning slice of hospitality news in the South West

Bristol

Great British Menu star Simmie Vedi joins team at hospitality tech firm

A high-profile chef has taken up a new role in the hospitality industry, joining the team at the Leafe food hygiene and compliance management app.

The Real Olive Company launches its first high-polyphenol, unfiltered EVOO

The Real Olive Company has added a new edition to its oil range, an organic, unfiltered, polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil in 750ml cans. This oil is made from single-varietal Koroneiki olives grown on one organic grove within the P.G.I. Lakonia region of Greece.

RAVE Coffee lands Great Taste 2-star award with best-selling Signature Blend

Cirencester-based independent roastery, RAVE Coffee has won a Great Taste 2-star for its Signature Blend Nº 1, placing its flagship product in the top 12% of entries at the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink awards.

Bristol Waiter’s Race to become an annual event

Ten teams recently took part in the inaugural Bristol Waiters’ Race which is now set to become a regular feature of the city’s popular annual Harbour Festival. This year they also raised £300 for The Grand Appeal, the official Bristol Children’s Hospital charity.

Bristol hoteliers hope business rate cut is just for starters

Bristol hoteliers hope the announcement of a business rate cut for some hospitality businesses is just for starters – because it only ‘scratches the surface’ of what is needed.

Smoked breakfasts are back at BANK Bristol

From this month onwards, breakfast will return to BANK Bristol every Saturday, with bacon, eggs, sirloin and scallops all on the menu.

RAVE and Yumello launch UK’s first Espresso Salted Date Peanut Butter

Taking two of life’s great joys and merging them into one, Cirencester-based independent roastery RAVE Coffee and Bristol’s Yumello have joined forces to create the UK’s first Espresso Salted Date Peanut Butter.

Loungers launch Little Loungers Summer Passports nationwide

Loungers is rolling out a new family‑focused loyalty mechanic across its Lounge estate this summer, as Little Loungers Summer Passports launch nationwide from 10th July, running until 7th September.

New West Country Produces podcast launched

A new podcast celebrating the people, products and stories behind the South West’s food and drink sector has been launched by Devon-based media company Evo-media.

Visit West launches new branding and identity

Visit West, the official Local Visitor Economy Partnership for the West of England, has announced a bold new identity to bring together its brands.

New national programme opens doors for South West food and drink producers

A new national initiative is aiming to break down barriers and open up major supply chain opportunities for small and micro businesses — including those across the South West’s thriving food and drink sector.

Hoteliers serve up some fun and fund-raising at Harbour Festival

Hoteliers are helping to serve up some fun – and fund-raising – at the forthcoming Bristol Harbour Festival thanks to a new event which is now inviting teams to enter.

Wraxall Vineyard to celebrate wines of the West Country for English wine week

Wraxall Vineyard is bringing together some of the South West’s most exciting wines this June as part of a week-long celebration of English Wine Week.

Still In Cask launches world’s first open exchange for whisky cask shares

Still In Cask has launched what the founders believe is the world’s first open, transparent peer-to-peer exchange for whisky cask shares.

The Whitmore Tap wins Best Pub in Bristol

The Whitmore Tap in Clifton, managed by Butcombe Pubs & Inns, is raising a glass after securing a major win at the 2026 National Pub & Bar Awards.

Michael Caines launches South West Chef of the Year competition for 2026

The search has begun for the region’s best chefs. Entries are now open for the South West Chef of the Year.