A south London favourite has been named the happiest place to work in hospitality in the UK, following a survey of anonymous feedback from staff at restaurants up and down the country.
Industry insiders CODE have been running the survey annually since 2018, but this year marks the first time they’ve publicly released the list of the winners.
In the number one spot on CODE’s list is the Forza group, who have three restaurants south of the river: the Insta-ready Forza Wine rooftop in Peckham; the self-described “proper” Italian restaurant Forza Win in Camberwell; and Forza Wine at the National Theatre.
Its founders, Michael Lavery and Bash Redford, and other senior figures analyse data from anonymous staff polls and routine one-on-one assessments to monitor what’s working and what isn’t, CODE said.
Additionally, Forza’s outreach programme has established entry-level jobs and work experience for vulnerable or at-risk 16 to 18-year-olds to facilitate their transition into the workforce. The group has also incorporated diversity champions into the team, resulting in internal enhancements, heightened diversity and a quantifiable rise in job satisfaction among BAME and LGBTQ+ employees.
“At the risk of sounding too ‘bowled over’ by this award, to have come from a back garden, through rooftops of pubs, warehouses, and about every other space you can imagine to being the ‘happiest place in hospitality to work’ with three great sites full of great people, feels surreal,” said Redford. “We’ve always put people at the forefront of what we do and as a result, have met (and worked with) some exceptional human beings. This could not have come at a better time for us as a business, and on behalf of everyone who’s ever been, or continues to be part of our team, thank you.”
Below are a number of the other London restaurants to have made it onto the list.
Mriya Neo Bistro, Earl’s Court
In 2022, chef Yurii Kovryzhenko and Olga Tsybytovska opened Mriya Neo Bistro, a contemporary Ukrainian bistro in London, after they became stuck in the city as a result of the conflict in Ukraine.
Its name derives from the word “dream” in Ukrainian. The workforce is made up of refugees who are treated like family and for whom Mriya is “a piece of home”.
The founders say: “The unity of our spirit and the significance of our mission provide us with the strength to continue our work with purpose and dedication.”
Joe Okpako
There are 50 staff members at Carousel. Fresh recruits are frequently referred, and they have paid referral bonuses for nine of the last 12 months.
An additional benefit is that everyone works no more than 45 hours-a-week to minimise burnout, and well-being is tracked (holiday days and illness rates give indications).
The London-based Middle Eastern restaurant Bubala currently employs 80 people between its two locations and launched five years ago.
It employs a data-driven approach to policymaking, tracking the use of and evaluating the applicability of benefits – which include two annual “no questions asked” mental health days, subsidised gym memberships, access to counselling via an employee assistance programme, and funding for both personal and professional development.
Crystal Palace Wine Club, Crystal Palace
In its short three-year existence, Crystal Palace Wine Club has already expanded into a wine bar, subscription service, retailer, event company and wine school.
Employees rotate jobs to keep up their level of interest, and help one another out. With seven employees, the company has high expectations for itself.
To that end, it provides formal training, including Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) credentials, which it hopes will help employees both now and in the future.
The fluffy bao buns from the Taiwanese restaurant Mr Bao (and its offshoots, Daddy Bao and Master Bao) are sold at locations all throughout the city.
With 95 employees, the restaurant group receives great marks for being inclusive of all backgrounds. Communication is a strong point; clear, tailored career growth paths, transparent pay structures, concentrated daily feedback, and quarterly reviews all contribute to a high retention rate.
Noble Rot, Bloomsbury and Soho
With three restaurants and 120 staff members, Noble Rot draws applicants from all around the world. Noble Rot is a recognised WSET provider that offers in-house training up to WSET level 3 and sponsors individuals pursuing their MW or diploma.
Part of the pleasure includes regular tastings, visits to wineries, harvest work and cooking staging. Important touch points include twice-yearly performance reviews, staff forums held three times a year, and meetings with Noble Rot’s founders.
Harvey’s black sesame and white chocolate buns, Harry’s hobnobs, and Lydia’s kimchi claw are just a few of the unique creations made by Camberwell’s Toad Bakery team this past year.
Other benefits offered by Toad include improved sick pay, monthly rotas and two days off in a row, all of which contribute to extremely low staff turnover. Twelve employees responded positively to the poll.
Urban Leisure Group, several locations
The eight local pubs and restaurants that make up Urban Leisure Group are located around London. The 144-person company received particular praise for its friendly policies towards individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Customers notice the “bubble of nice energy” among teams, and colleagues are “respectful”. ULG bases its well-being on four pillars: meaningful work, financial security, physical health and mental health.
An employee assistance programme offers eight free counselling sessions, reduced cost gym membership, access to Wagestream and involvement in charitable endeavours.