Today’s news in brief – 11/02/25

Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Mélange, will open in Greater Manchester’s Bury in February. Inspired by the French word for “a varied mixture”, Mélange’s menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine while honouring the traditions of British dining. The restaurant will replace the Oscar’s restaurant at Red Hall Hotel and will seat up to 80 guests.

UKH has praised two key changes to apprenticeships announced by the Department for Education. Under the changes the minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to eight months, down from the current minimum of 12 months. UKH stated that introducing more flexibility into apprenticeships and giving businesses more control.

London-based pizzeria Santa Maria will open its sixth location in Paddington in celebration of its 15th anniversary. This milestone marks a new chapter for founders Angelo Ambrosio and Pasquale Chionchio, who first met in Napoli in the 1990s. The duo launched their first small 25-seat pizzeria in Ealing in 2010.

Craft Union Pub Company has raised over £1m in the last year for 650 different local causes, individuals and families in need, through fundraising initiatives. Standout examples of Craft Union’s biggest fundraising pubs included The Garden House in Norwich, which raised £33k, and The Lord Protector in Huntingdon, which raised £23,750.