Senior hires at Island Quarter revealed
New Nottingham food, drink and entertainment venue, 1 The Island Quarter, has hired Arpita Anstey and Emelye Wood as directors of marketing and HR respectively.
1 The Island Quarter features bar, grill and entertainment venue Binks Yard, which opened mid-September and finer dining restaurant Cleaver & Wake which opened its doors last month.
Anstey joins the team from well-known restaurant chain Bistrot Pierre, where she led the marketing team for over nine years, first as head of marketing and latterly as marketing director.
She has also worked at Whitbread and Mitchells & Butlers, as well as at Boots.
Anstey said: “A development of the scale and ambition of The Island Quarter has been needed in Nottingham for many years. I live in the city and knowing how special the whole site will be and seeing Binks Yard as the first business open, with Cleaver & Wake following soon, is incredibly exciting.
“The food and drinks at Binks Yard is amazing, but it’s about so much more than that. What sets it apart from anything else in Nottingham is our ‘Live at Binks Yard’ offering, with a fantastic calendar of events and entertainment all year round. These include our weekly Vinyl Only Soul & Motown evenings every Thursday, which are already attracting a regular following and the varied programme of entertainment we have planned for the large outdoor stage will have something for everyone.”
HR director Wood comes to The Island Quarter with years of experience in senior roles, including Poundstretcher, LA Fitness and Burberry.
She said: “I am thrilled to be working with an innovative and adaptable team on such an impactful redevelopment for Nottingham and the East Midlands and I am excited to be setting up brand new HR systems to support all aspects of The Island Quarter. Learning and development is high on our agenda and The Island Quarter will provide a wealth of opportunities in hospitality and several other sectors across the whole site, with provision for people to grow, develop and learn a diverse range of skills.
“Our aim is for our employees to feel valued in the provision of an exceptional guest experience in Binks Yard and Cleaver & Wake and enjoy working at The Island Quarter as much as our guests enjoy experiencing the versatility these brands and the subsequent plans for the site will offer – in new, fun and inclusive environments.”
John Whitehead, food, beverage and events project director, said: “The Island Quarter is going to make a hugely positive impact on Nottingham, so we need the best people on board to help maximise that impact. Both Arpita and Emelye bring a wealth of knowledge to their roles. Following the successful launch of Binks Yard and with Cleaver & Wake opening soon, we look forward to drawing on their knowledge to make 1 The Island Quarter the very best it can be.”
