BEFORE

Monday, 19 October 2026

Career

Career story, 19 October

Olive Garden's owner wants a UK franchise partner, and Manchester is on the shortlist

Darden is looking for partners to bring Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille to the UK, starting outside London, with launches expected within two years of a deal.

Career

Career story, 19 October

Byron's loss widens to £1.5m as the six-site group works on its turnaround

Turnover fell to £10.6m from £14.4m in 2025, and owner Tristar Foods has put in further shareholder funding while it focuses on restoring profitability.

Career

Career story, 19 October

Planning a Christmas party night? Here's how a TEN works, and when it's due

If your festive plans go beyond what your premises licence allows, you may need a Temporary Event Notice. The council needs it ten clear working days ahead, and that deadline comes round faster than you'd think.

Casual

Casual story, 19 October

A West Road favourite is the North East's best place for a curry

Jaipur Exclusive Indian Restaurant in Denton Burn took more than half of over 14,000 reader votes.

Casual

Casual story, 19 October

The North East's best Sunday dinner comes with gravy that takes a week

Porky's in Bebside topped more than 11,000 votes. Its roasts come in an aluminium tray, or inside a giant Yorkshire pudding if you ask.

Casual

Casual story, 19 October

West African kitchen IBILE lands at Freight Island for three months

Prawn akara, beef suya and jollof rice from 24 October, plus supper clubs through October and November.

Casual

Casual story, 19 October

Georgian restaurant Aba-Ra is coming to Soho, with a wine cellar downstairs

The Brick Lane favourite opens a second site on Wardour Street in November, with khachapuri, khinkali and clay-pot wines.