Former Hart’s boss joins The Island Quarter

The Island Quarter has appointed an experienced hospitality expert to oversee its restaurant offering.

Former Hart’s boss and Nottingham native Sally Thornhill has been named general manager of the regeneration scheme’s two venues, Binks Yard and Cleaver and Wake.

A well-known figure on the city’s hospitality scene, Thornhill brings 23 years’ experience to the role.

Following a 20-year stint at Hart’s where she was general manager and events manager, Thornhill spent three years in charge of events and recruitment at Hambleton Hall.

Launching this summer with chef patron Laurence Henry at the helm, Binks Yard will serve craft beers, real ales and cocktails alongside a relaxed food offering. The more sophisticated Cleaver and Wake will showcase the best of British ingredients under Henry’s stewardship.

Up to 80 hospitality jobs are expected to be created at the two restaurants.

The opening of Binks Yard and Cleaver and Wake will mark the completion of the first phase of The Island Quarter, which – at £1.6bn – is one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.

Thornhill said: “Hailing from Nottingham myself, this city has always been a big part of who I am. I’ve worked in several hospitality venues across the city over the years and witnessed the many changes taking place here. However, The Island Quarter is a particularly special project as it marks a brilliant new chapter for Nottingham, something I’m really excited to be a part of.

“Recent years have seen me take a step back to focus on family commitments. However, now that my boys are a little older, I’m looking forward to drawing on my years of experience to build, train, lead and develop the teams at both Binks Yard and Cleaver and Wake.”

John Whitehead, Bistrot Pierre co-founder and food, beverage and events project director for The Island Quarter, added: “We’re really excited to welcome Sally to the growing Island Quarter team. She blew us away in her interviews with her extensive experience, knowledge of the industry, and passion for the role and project. I’ve been lucky enough over the years to experience her passion and expertise first hand.

“Ensuring we have the right people in place across both Binks Yard and Cleaver and Wake is really important to us, and Sally is certainly in good company. We are lucky to have uncovered so much talent through our recruitment strategy within both teams. With Binks Yard, our first launch, just round the corner I’m confident she’s perfectly placed to help us steer both brands to success.”