Bar and restaurant operator Ignite Group, owner of neighbourhood restaurant Bumpkin in London's Notting Hill, has appointed Charlie Luxton as operations director.

Luxton, who joins the group from Soho House, where he was head of operations for eight years, has been appointed to help oversee Ignite’s expansions plans for the Bumpkin brand.

Managing director Matthew Hermer told Caterer he was looking to extend the concept by launching five further eateries in London as well as a number of restaurants outside the capital.

"We're hoping to have added two London restaurants and one or two outside the capital by the end of the year. The plan is a slow but continual rollout. We're in no rush," he said.

Ignite Group currently runs six establishments in London including Eclipse, Boujis, Cocoon, Volstead and Bumpkin, whose expansion is likely to include restaurants in the City, Chelsea and Maida Vale.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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