Gas Street Social makes key appointments

GAS Street Social, which opens in Birmingham’s Mailbox next month, hasappointed Scott Walker as general manager and Florian Mainzger as head chef.

Described as an “up-market restaurant and cocktail bar inspired by the cultural and industrial context of Birmingham’s rich history. It will specialise in simple, seasonal and shareable modern European cuisine,” Gas Street Social will boast a drinks menu consisting of regional and international craft beers, fine wines and cocktails created by the Shaker Group team.

General manager Scott Walker will be responsible for overseeing the operations, ensuring the efficient running of the restaurant and maintaining high standards of food, service and health and safety.

He will also work closely with management to provide consultancy on the cocktail menu and general business development.

He brings with him 19 years of experience within the hospitality sector and has worked in a number of locations including Hong Kong, Birmingham and London, where he helped to open up the bar Shaker&Company.

Prior to his appointment at Gas Street Social, Scott was working as bar manager at Bank in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace.

With 15 years of experience under his belt, new head chef Florian Mainzger has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and hotels around the world, including Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Dubai and the UK.

He also spent time working as chef de cuisine at Hyatt Regency Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Coast to Coast heads inland to Stoke

COAST to Coast American Restaurant & Bar is joining the line-up of names at the £20m restaurant and leisure extension at intu Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent.

Diners at its new restaurant will enjoy premium burgers, made daily from British beef, traditional deep pan, Chicago-style pizzas and seafood dishes, wraps and South Western American specials.

Jonny Buckle, head of acquisitions, leisure of The Restaurant Group plc, said: “We’re excited about bringing authentic Coast to Coast American dishes and original US memorabilia showcased on the walls of our new restaurant.

“intu Potteries is a well-established centre for the region with impressive visitor numbers giving a great opportunity for us to delight more customers.”

This is the sixth restaurant at the 60,000 sq ft extension to the intu Potteries following Nando’s, PizzaExpress, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Chiquito and Frankie & Benny’s.