Casual Dining Group takes over management of two Heathrow pubs

UK. Casual Dining Group (CDG) has taken over the management of two pubs at Heathrow Airport after winning a competitive tender process.

The restaurant company will convert the pubs into a new brand concept, the Ale & Coffee House. The concept has been designed by Geronimo Inns co-founder Joanna Clevely. Her husband Rupert advised CDG on the initial concept development.

The Three Bells, currently located in Terminal 3, will be renamed The Darwin while Terminal 5’s Five Tuns will become The George. The contract win marks CDG’s entry into pub operations.

CDG won the contract for all F&B outlets at Jersey airport earlier this year

CDG Managing Director Mark Nelson stated: “We’re delighted to have secured these sites and our new partnership gives us huge credibility as we enter the pub sector. It demonstrates our continued passion to be at the forefront of the hospitality sector, not just as an operator of casual dining restaurants but food-led pubs too.

“We look forward to growing this business and seeking further opportunities to build on this collaboration, such as in other airport locations and transport hubs, including major train stations.”

Both pubs will serve premium food and beverages all day. Refurbishment work will begin later this year, when they will convert fully to the new branding and updated operation.

CDG’s portfolio includes Bella Italia, Café Rouge and Las Iguanas, with five outlets already at Heathrow and a Rapide grab-and-go site at Inverness Airport, Scotland. CDG also took over the contract for all F&B outlets at Jersey Airport this year. A further Bella Italia and Oriel Grande Brasserie will open in 2018 at London Luton Airport.

NOTE: The Moodie Davitt Report also publishes The Foodie Report, the world’s only media focused on airport (and other travel-related) food & beverage. The Foodie Report e-Newsletter is published every two weeks and The Foodie Report e-Zine every month.

Please send all news of food & beverage outlet openings, together with images, menus, video etc to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com to ensure unrivalled global exposure.

The company also organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards.

FAB 2017 , hosted by Greater Toronto Airports Authority, will take place in Toronto on 21-23 June. For details, click here.

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