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UK – Leeds ‘large licence’ casino appoints Head of Food and Beverage

By - 25 January 2017

Victoria Gate Casino, the largest casino in the north of England and Scotland, has made its third major appointment, naming John Davies as Head of Food and Beverage.

Mr Davies, who has been in the food and drink industry for more than 25 years at venues across the UK and Europe, is leading the food and beverage elements at the multi-million pound entertainment and gaming destination.

Mr Davies is one of more than 200 staff to be employed at the new ‘large licence’ casino which will be the third-largest casino in the UK when it launches on Thursday, January 26.

Before joining Global Gaming Ventures – the operator of Victoria Gate Casino – Mr Davies worked for hotel groups such as InterContinental, Marriott and Principal Hayley, across the UK and Europe and also worked in Yorkshire as part of the Senior Catering Management team at York Racecourse.

Mr Davies said: “Food and drink is an integral part of the offering at Victoria Gate Casino – it’s not just about gaming but providing an exciting offering that will entice visitors to have a great casino experience. Visitors will be coming through the doors purely to enjoy a meal or a drink so we’ve come up with eye-catching options covering everything from snacks and nibbles to stand-out meals and signature cocktails. The emphasis is on quality, which is why we’re putting Yorkshire produce at the heart of the menu.”

Victoria Gate Casino includes three venues – Live Bar, Curve and V Restaurant.
Live Bar has a partnership with Molson Coors and acts as the hub of the casino, with wall-to-wall, state-of-the-art screens displaying the latest sports action.

Meanwhile, Curve is the venue’s cocktail, champagne and craft beer bar and is partnered with Moët and Chandon. It also offers a rotating menu featuring beers from local breweries.

V Restaurant will have an informal brasserie style setting, using locally-sourced ingredients to create top quality dishes from traditional home favourites to Pan-Asian cuisine.

Local suppliers include well-respected names such as Sykes House Farm near Wetherby, R. Bethell – a 4th generation fishmongers at Leeds Kirkgate Market – and Guiseley-based fruit and vegetable supplier Threshfield.

York Coffee Emporium has been chosen to supply a brand of quality roasted coffee beans, and a table staff valet service will be available to those playing at the casino tables and gaming machines.
Mr Davies added: “It has been a new challenge to create a diverse menu for all types of visitors – from gamers wanting a quick snack to sit-down diners looking to enjoy stand-out dishes – and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with different ideas and concepts. We’re excited for people to come and try it for themselves now.”

The Victoria Gate Casino will occupy 50,000 sq ft and sits alongside John Lewis at the top of the city’s new Victoria Gate development.

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