Loverings back new venture

Lovering left M&B in 2011, having been credited for efforts to revive its share price and brands. He has since become more heavily involved in Echelon, which was co-founded by his son Nick in 2009. Its investments so far have included tea and coffee brands English Garden and Blue Cap Coffee.

Now Echelon is backing Fireside Pubs and Restaurants, a new upmarket group set up by Leo Murphy and Alan Moore—the duo behind the Arizona Group of advisory and consultancy services. Fireside will soon open its first site in Chelmsford, the Admiral J McHardy, and has set a target of about 20 sites over the next five years, across the south of England.

Nick Lovering said: “We are delighted to have completed this investment with Leo and Alan. They are a well respected and high quality team with a very exciting model, which matches our understanding of customers’ requirements. We look forward to continuing to support the team as they develop the Fireside Pubs and Restaurants brand and think that this first unit represents an excellent springboard from which to establish the concept and develop the group.”

Launching the Admiral J McHardy, Fireside said: “We are proud to start our journey and believe we can spread the good word to other areas so watch this space—good dining, drinking and relaxation should be available to all.” It has also asked customers to alert it to other potential sites.