As we cruise into July (hopefully with a bit more sunshine on the menu), the hospitality world keeps serving up inspiration by the bucketload, with news from the last couple of weeks, and plenty to look forward to; from two-wheeled triumphs to three-star talent, here’s what’s been making us smile recently.
🚴♀️ Hospitality Action’s Summer Cycle Challenge: Heroes on Wheels
First up — huge kudos to everyone who took part in Hospitality Action’s Summer Cycle Challenge on 23rd June! Whether you cycled 10 miles or 100, you pedalled with purpose. This annual fundraiser not only gets people moving but also raises vital funds for those in our industry facing hardship, and this year raised over £37,000.
The initiative has grown year on year — and in true HA fashion, it’s not just about fitness, but about community. That warm, fuzzy feeling you got at the finish line? Not just the lactic acid. We tip our helmets to you all.
Summer Cycle Challenge 2025
🍽️ Mark Poynton Goes Tasting-Only
Next, over to Mark Poynton, who’s making waves in Cambridge with his bold decision to go tasting menu only at MJP @ The Shepherds, and honestly? We’re here for it!
Poynton’s tasting menu only gastro pub set to opening this month
Stripping back the à la carte and going all-in on carefully curated tasting experiences is no small step, but it reflects a growing trend in fine dining: chefs telling their story on the plate, one course at a time. Poynton’s commitment to “cooking what we love” shows, and the early reviews suggest guests are lapping it up. Small plates, big flavours — and even bigger respect from us.
🏆 Cateys 2025: A Triple-Starred Year for Mark Birchall
And finally, we’re keeping our eyes peeled for the Cateys 2025, taking place on 7th July, where the great and the good of hospitality will gather once again to celebrate the very best in the biz.
One name we fully expect to see in the spotlight once more? Mark Birchall. The Moor Hall maestro has had a phenomenal 2025 — not least because he earned his third Michelin star back in February, placing him firmly among the UK’s most elite culinary talents. With accolades flowing in and the Cateys fast approaching, this could be the cherry on top of an already dazzling year.
Mark Birchall at the 2025 Michelin Awards
Whether you’re cheering on charity cyclists, reworking your menu, or polishing your shoes for the big awards night, there’s so much to celebrate in hospitality right now. And here at Taste, we’re loving every second of it.
Read more stories here.
Looking for something different? Find all of our jobs here!
You can find more of our roles on Caterer.com and Indeed.
