The number of pub operators advertising for chefs has risen by more than a third since the English smoking ban was officially announced in December last year, according to new figures from jobs board Gumtree.com.

The website, which posts 500,000 new adverts for jobs, flatshares and goods for sale every month, said the number of job adverts for chefs has risen 37% in the first quarter of 2007 – a jump of 114% on the same period last year.

The figures reflect the increasing focus being placed on food by pub operators ahead of the English smoking ban, which comes into force on July 1.

Tom Crown, owner of The Landseer in Upper Holloway, North London said: "The findings are in keeping with my views on the industry. With the smoking ban approaching, some smokers may stay away from their usual haunts.

"Pubs are going to need to differentiate themselves from the competition and a wide varied food menu is a great way to do this. I believe there will be fewer ‘themed’ pubs as pubs return to their traditional function – a place to meet friends, have a meal and drink."

Smoking ban round-up>>

Scotland smoking ban leads to 25 closures in first quarter of year>>

Pubs in England to take a £109m hit in revenues post smoking ban>>

By Daniel Thomas

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