This month we were proud to unveil our brand-new dedicated training centre, The Learning Loft, to the business.

Set within the cool and iconic railway arches of Bermondsey, this vibrant hub will be the place where new colleagues begin their journey and where our people can continue to develop their skills through hands-on training and masterclasses. Training will cover every part of the guest journey. From coffee craft and barista workshops to culinary innovation and guest service excellence. Teams will also take part in programmes focused on sustainability, nutrition, health and safety, and leadership development.

The two-floor space has been designed for collaboration and hands on learning. It includes a twenty-person classroom, flexible workshop areas and a dedicated Barista Academy. The Academy will also host future Barista Championships. The Learning Loft will also become a destination for our suppliers and partners.

It was fantastic to welcome our senior team into the space for a first look last week, and to hear from CEO Matt Thomas, Director of Business Excellence, Sue Thompson and People Director, Victoria Marshall, who shared what this project represents. "This has been a long time in the making and reflects the intentional change happening at Restaurant Associates. This is truly the year of learning and development, and I’m excited to see what comes next.”

Open five days a week, the hub will host training sessions, innovation workshops and development programmes delivered through the SHINE training programme and in partnership with leading guest service specialists Rapport.