Counties' restaurants celebrate Michelin star awards
Two restaurants in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are celebrating after winning top culinary awards.Native, near Tenbury Wells, has been awarded a green star for sustainable gastronomy.And 33 The Homend in Ledbury, which has been given its first Michelin star, is a tiny restaurant that can seat only 14 people at a time.It was one of just 26 restaurants across the whole of the UK to be awarded a Michelin Star this year.
Executive chef and creative director at Native, Ivan Tisdall-Downes, said the restaurant had extensive on-site gardens, which gave it an "even more focused ultra-seasonal approach".He said: "Sustainability in all areas of the restaurant's operation has been at the heart of all we do."Green stars are awarded by Michelin to restaurants at the forefront of the industry with their sustainability practices.The Ledbury restaurant, 33 The Homend, is described on the business's website as a tiny 18th Century Grade II-listed building set in the heart of the town.The Michelin website said: "33 The Homend is another success for James and Elizabeth Winter, who previously held a star at The Butchers Arms in Eldersfield. James' experience shines through."
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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Award-winning bar & restaurant in UK seaside town to close after 10 years as owner teases ‘it's just the beginning'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUCH-LOVED bar and restaurant is set to close its doors after almost a decade in the heart of the seaside town. Ojo Rojo, located in the Bournemouth Triangle, has announced it will be leaving the area after ten years of serving up tacos, cocktails, and a lively Mexican atmosphere. 4 Ojo Rojo, earned a spot in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars for three years running Credit: Facebook / Ojo Rojo 4 Locals have responded with an outpouring of emotion, sharing memories and messages of support on social media Credit: Facebook / Ojo Rojo 4 From its diverse cocktail menu featuring house-made syrups and infusions, to its proud selection of agave spirits Credit: Facebook / Ojo Rojo Founded in Bournemouth, Dorset, by Trevor Hill and JJ Adams, Ojo Rojo made a name for itself with its bold flavours, mezcal-based drinks, and vibrant setting. It even earned a spot in the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars for three years running. The news was first reported by the Bournemouth Echo, who spoke with co-founders Trevor Hill and JJ Adams, confirming the closure is a 'strategic move' shaped by 'national industry pressure and local challenges.' But they've made it clear – this isn't the end. 'After nearly ten years of tacos, mezcal, music and magic, it's time for a new chapter,' they said. 'Ojo Rojo is moving on. Not because we've lost what makes us special but because we're ready to take everything that we've learnt and shape it into something stronger.' Locals have responded with an outpouring of emotion, sharing memories and messages of support on social media. Rachel Grant posted: 'Our first date venue, where will we go for our anniversary now.' Kelly Marie Young added: 'Such a shame! We love this restaurant.' Restaurant chain owned by Michelin-starred chef is on brink of collapse 16 years after it first opened Others praised the team's effort. There's also been frustration about the wider town centre. Ojo Rojo is well known for its dedication to authentic Mexican culture. From its diverse cocktail menu featuring house-made syrups and infusions, to its proud selection of agave spirits, the bar has drawn fans from across the South Coast. 'Our ambition is to revolutionise the well-known taco, while educating people about the deep-rooted Mexican culture,' reads a statement on their website. 'We are passionate that everyone who comes into contact with us feels refreshed.' The venue, which includes a downstairs bar, upstairs dining, and an outdoor hacienda, will continue to operate for a short while longer. Its sister site, Hacienda Harden, is also set to close. The owners remain hopeful and committed to the future. 'You reminded us what this place means to people and why this next chapter matters so much, from me, Jayjay and the whole office thank you so much for all the love,' they said. 'We're here for a little bit longer. Remember we are not done yet… This is just the beginning. "We want to build what comes next with you. Because whatever that next version looks like, it's going to have the same soul – yours.' Ojo Rojo's closure adds to a growing list of businesses shutting their doors in Bournemouth and across the UK. In Bournemouth, the Winton branch of WHSmith closed earlier this year, and the town has seen other high street names disappear amid rising costs and shifting shopping habits. Nationally, the retail and hospitality sectors are facing significant challenges. Department store Beales, which first opened in Bournemouth in 1881, closed its last remaining store in Poole in May 2025, citing increased operational costs and tax burdens. Other notable closures include Karen's Diner in Islington, which shut its final UK branch in June 2025 after its parent company went into liquidation with £400,000 in debt. Fashion retailer River Island is reportedly developing a radical rescue plan amid financial struggles, with store closures and job losses being potential outcomes. The Original Factory Shop is undergoing significant restructuring, with several stores across regions such as Worcestershire, Durham, and Cumbria slated to shut down this month. These closures highlight the broader economic pressures facing UK businesses, including rising operational costs, changing consumer behaviours, and increased competition from online retailers. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
The ordinary-looking home with an unexpected treat in the tiny back garden
The ordinary-looking home with an unexpected treat in the tiny back garden 'If you've got a small space you can still do amazing things with it' Definitely not your standard back garden extension (Image: J B Construction & Carpentry Wales Limited ) If someone says they are getting an extension in their rear garden surely most people instantly envisage a large, single-storey kitchen diner or a two-storey extra wing. But if your garden is a cute courtyard what then? The answer could be an extension inspired by this truly unique extra room that is a very unexpected find within the tiny back garden of a home in Penarth where every square centimetre of space has been carefully thought out. The extension has been constructed within a small space but that makes a huge impact and, thanks to clever design and high-end craftsmanship, offers the lucky owners two extra and enticing spaces that fully utilise the compact garden area available. For more home and property content sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: We spent £1.2m turning this unremarkable bungalow into a dream home YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: This is the best kitchen in Wales James Beaton from JB Construction & Carpentry Limited (Image: JB Construction & Carpentry Limited ) Article continues below Builder and master carpenter James Beaton from company JB Construction & Carpentry Wales Limited said this most quirky of extensions had created a workshop on the ground floor and a roof terrace on the first floor overlooking the park and described it as "a funky one" – and surely once you get to grips with what has been created here you are in total agreement. While many building companies might have walked away James and his team were left excited rather than daunted after that initial site visit. It was a compact space that had a unique set of challenges (Image: J B Construction & Carpentry Wales Limited ) James said it was a quirky build – one that saw it through to the final of the Federation of Master Builders Cymru Awards – but one that he thoroughly enjoyed. "When I stepped out into the garden it was obviously a small space but I could see it, visualise it in my head, and thought: 'Right, we can make this work'. "It was about maximising the garden area – making the most of the little space and making the architect drawings by Richard Andrews become a reality – and it was a challenge. "It was never going to be the biggest workshop, especially with all the homeowner's tools and everything in there, but he was very much aware of that and we were all very realistic of what was going on in there. Building the space for the spiral staircase had to be millimetre perfect (Image: J B Construction & Carpentry Wales Limited ) " The shapes, the angles, the space to work in, doing all the curves, but making the spiral stairs fit in order to maximise the space for the workshop next to it was the biggest challenge – i t was literally to the millimetre so we really took our time on it, went over it with the client, moved a few things around, added on a few things. It was a tricky one." The homeowners were living on site while this workshop and roof terrace masterpiece was being born and for some companies that might have been a negative but for James he was very happy householder Harold was right there and involved. The curved wall is a feature but was also a challenge (Image: J B Construction & Carpentry Wales Limited ) James said: "I t was going to be his workshop – it's his passion as well, creating and craftsmanship, and so he loved getting involved. "We would chat every day especially regarding the circular cladding around the spiral staircase, talking through making sure that would work." As well as the tight space for the spiral staircase up to the roof terrace the interior look of the workshop, with the curved wall adjacent to the external spiral staircase, was another aspect of the build that was quirky but has made this space very special. Light from the bifold doors is joined by clever hidden windows between the wall and the ceiling (Image: J B Construction & Carpentry Wales Limited ) James said: " I've done a few curves before but as this was internally the homeowners didn't want any plasterboard – he wanted a workshop to have an industrial look to it so we added layers of six-millimetre ply, because it's a flexible ply, to wrap around and make the curved wall. "It was probably one of the trickier parts especially as I had to notch it all in between all the ceiling joists using measurements of a curve to make sure it could bend around. "It was a challenge but it's those little finishes and attention to detail are what sets this project off." The roof terrace starts to take shape (Image: J B Construction & Carpentry Wales Limited ) Access to the small site was also a hurdle to overcome. The team couldn't go through the house and instead had to go through the public park and use the garden's small back gate which meant it was sometimes "a bit of a headache" but nothing James couldn't work with. The new spaces have a lot of features to find and admire including a living roof on the first-floor deck that softens the harder materials of brick, glass, metal, and plastic as well as framing the view out over the adjacent park from a lounger or bistro dining set. James was not on the roof with a packet of seeds encouraging the foliage to grow and add an instant strip of garden though. He said: " The living roof is a tray system so you buy the trays, put them, in position and click them in. "It was designed so it would grow up and over the gutter a bit just to give that extra outdoor feeling on the roof terrace." The living roof was an added visual bonus (Image: J B Construction & Carpentry Wales Limited ) If you have a small outdoor space and think it has no potential James has some advice – rummage around online to find inspiration on how other people have transformed tiny areas and pinch the best bits. He also advised thinking about going up, even if it's not an enclosed storey, to keep costs down and said a roof terrace is the perfect option to make use of the space without adding much more to the build. Finally, if required, find an architect who shares – and can add to – your vision and understands your requirements. Now the project is done, dusted, and loved by the owner James looked back at the experience and said: "I enjoyed it because I do a lot of extensions, renovations, and loft conversions but this was completely unique and I thrived on it. When it was completed everyone was thrilled (Image: J B Construction & Carpentry Wales Limited ) "I was over the moon with the finish, had a great rapport with the client, and although it went on slightly longer than planned it was worth those extra few weeks – to make it around 12 – to get it done to the highest of standards. Now no-one will ever have a workshop quite like that – it's totally unique to that space. Article continues below "When it was finished I was really happy with it and so were the owners. "They have the best of both worlds – husband Harold can relax in his workshop and then the wife can relax in the sun on the roof terrace. Two different forms of relaxation and a great result." You can follow James on Instagram @jbconstructionandcarpentryltd and for more home content, including products, join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
Press and Journal
4 days ago
- Press and Journal
Founder retires as Moray engineering firm with 125 staff acquired
One of Moray's most prominent business figures has retired following the sale of his company in a major acquisition deal. Alan James, 71, has stepped down from AJ Engineering (AJE), the Forres-based firm he founded in 1999. The business, which employs 125 people across sites in Forres, Fort William and Carlisle, has been acquired by global environmental and engineering leader RSK Group. The deal includes AJE's sister company NEWCo, based in Fort William. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, brings AJE into a group of over 200 companies worldwide. Graham Alexander, who has worked with AJE for 11 years, will take over as group managing director. Neil Worsdall will remain general manager of NEWCo. Mr James said the deal secures the future of the companies and positions them well for further growth. He will remain for a short handover before fully retiring. He expressed confidence in the next phase of the business. 'By joining a larger organisation, AJE and NEWCo will benefit from increased new business opportunities, a broad range of knowledge sharing, and working in partnership and collaboration with the other RSK Group businesses on a wide range of varied and inclusive projects,' he said. 'This truly marks the start of exciting times for all at AJ's and NEWCo.' Mr James began his career in 1971 as an apprentice fabricator welder at William Reid Engineering in Forres. He progressed into project management and later earned an MSc from Aberdeen University. It was when he was made redundant at 45 following the closure of William Reid in 1999, that he took the leap to set up his own firm. He launched AJ Engineering with just one employee in a rented workshop at Greshop Industrial Estate in Forres. 'Starting out I remember working eight straight weeks – all hours, Saturdays and Sundays too,' he recalls. 'It's been a lot of hard work building up the company, but very satisfying.' Over the past 26 years, AJE has taken on major projects across the UK and beyond. Highlights include infrastructure support at SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland and ongoing work at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica. Mr James says he has always placed a strong emphasis on training and development: 'I started as an apprentice myself,' he said. 'Investing in young people has always been important to me. 'The intention is that for our staff here in Forres, Fort William and Carlisle, it's very much business as usual. 'I am well over retirement age, and making sure that the company that I have built, with lots of support along the way, continues to grow from strength to strength has been very important to me.' Outside his role at AJE, Mr James has been active in the Moray community. He is Depute Lieutenant of Moray and a director of Forres Events Limited. He helped organise the Piping at Forres festival and last year's Grant Park 100 celebration. RSK Group said acquiring AJE and NEWCo will strengthen its UK engineering base, particularly in water, energy and infrastructure.
