Jerk Junction to Open First Shopping Centre Location at Trafford Centre

Jerk Junction to Open First Shopping Centre Location at Trafford Centre

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 7, 2024

Trafford Centre is thrilled to announce the opening of Jerk Junction, Manchester's beloved Caribbean street food brand, this September. Renowned for its authentic and flavourful Caribbean cuisine, Jerk Junction will occupy a 917 sq ft space in The Orient, located next to HOP Vietnamese.

Born in Chorlton, the new eatery marks Jerk Junction’s first venture into a shopping centre setting, bringing a vibrant taste of the Caribbean to Trafford Centre’s diverse culinary landscape. The menu will feature signature dishes such as jerk chicken, curried goat, and vegetarian options like Ital stew, all served with rice and peas and prepared with traditional spices and ingredients that have made Jerk Junction so popular.

Jerk Junction’s expansion into Trafford Centre underscores the growing demand for diverse and high-quality dining options within the retail sector. As consumer preferences evolve, shopping centres like Trafford Centre are transforming into vibrant lifestyle destinations, offering more than just retail experiences.

Russell Loveland, Managing Director, Pradera Lateral – Trafford Centre’s Asset Managers, commented: “Jerk Junction’s arrival not only enhances our food offering but also highlights our commitment to supporting local businesses. Their unique and authentic Caribbean flavours will undoubtedly be a major draw for both our existing visitors and new customers.”

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Jerk Junction Founder Jake Shaffi added: “The Trafford Centre is iconic, especially its food court, but there’s a huge gap for authentic Jamaican food, so we are super proud to be a homegrown brand that can really bring that heat and represent the island! Opening at the Trafford Centre is a huge achievement for us, the fact that we will be positioned next to so many global brands, it really sets the tone for the levels we are taking Jerk Junction to. We cannot wait to reach new customers and continue our mission to make authentic Jamaican food more accessible in the UK.”

Trafford Centre continues to enhance its portfolio of dining options, providing visitors with a variety of cuisines that cater to all tastes and preferences. Jerk Junction’s presence is expected to attract a diverse clientele, further solidifying the centre’s reputation as a premier destination for both shopping and dining.


Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road appoint Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta as Director of Operations

Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road appoint Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta as Director of Operations

By Hariharan U

Published on January 5, 2026

Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road have announced the appointment of Bhavani Mani Shankar Dutta as Director of Operations. A seasoned hospitality professional with close to two decades of experience, Dutta brings strong operational expertise, people-focused leadership, and a deep understanding of Accor’s brand culture.

In his new role, Dutta will oversee overall operations across both Novotel and ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road. His responsibilities include driving operational efficiency, enhancing guest experience, strengthening financial performance, and building high levels of team engagement. His leadership is expected to further reinforce the hotels’ positioning as preferred destinations for both business and leisure travellers in Bengaluru.

Dutta has been associated with Accor India for over 15 years and has held several key leadership roles across the group’s portfolio. Most recently, he was part of Accor’s prestigious MEA–APAC Master’s Program, a fast-track General Manager development initiative, where he gained extensive cross-functional exposure at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre.

Earlier in his career, he served as Director – Talent & Culture at leading Accor properties including Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre; Novotel & ibis Chennai OMR; Novotel & ibis Chennai SIPCOT; and Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, playing a key role in strengthening people practices and organisational culture.

Commenting on the appointment, Sandeep Johri, general manager, Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, said, “We are delighted to welcome Bhavani in his new role. His strong operational grounding, people-centric leadership style, and deep understanding of Accor’s culture make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident he will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and elevating guest experiences across both hotels.”


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Sushil Kumar as Director of Engineering

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Appoints Sushil Kumar as Director of Engineering

By Hariharan U

Published on January 3, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport has announced the appointment of Sushil Kumar as its new director of engineering. In his role, Kumar will be responsible for overall property maintenance, ensuring that the hotel’s infrastructure, utilities, and critical systems operate smoothly and efficiently at all times.

With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Kumar brings strong technical knowledge, project management expertise, and a hands-on approach to operational excellence. He will lead the engineering team with a focus on strengthening preventive maintenance, improving safety standards, and supporting the hotel’s sustainability goals through better energy management and efficient use of resources.

His responsibilities will also include coordinating renovation and upgrade projects, ensuring statutory compliance, and maintaining a safe and well-functioning environment that enhances overall guest experience.

Kumar has previously held key engineering roles with leading hospitality brands, including Hilton and IHCL (Taj Hotels). During his career, he has successfully managed large-scale renovation programmes, major utility upgrades, and sustainability initiatives, while building expertise across HVAC and electrical systems, fire and life safety, CAPEX planning, energy management, and complex project execution.

Commenting on his appointment, Kumar said, “I am excited to join Novotel Hyderabad Airport and contribute to a property that is known for its high operational standards and commitment to guest experience. My focus will be on strengthening engineering systems, driving safety and sustainability, and supporting the hotel’s growth through efficient and future-forward infrastructure management.”

Welcoming him to the team, Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, stated, “We are pleased to have Sushil join the NHA family. He brings a depth of experience that will significantly bolster our engineering function. His proven ability to manage complex projects and build high-performing teams will be a strong asset as we continue to enhance the hotel’s infrastructure and overall operational capabilities.”


Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West Appoints Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as Engineering Manager

Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West Appoints Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as Engineering Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 3, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West has announced the appointment of Abhimanyu Singh Yadav as its Engineering Manager. In his new role, Yadav will lead the hotel’s engineering, facilities and sustainability operations, ensuring that all technical systems function seamlessly to support guest comfort and smooth hotel operations.

With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Yadav brings strong expertise in engineering leadership and infrastructure management. He has previously worked with reputed hotel brands including Fairmont Udaipur Palace, The Westin Goa and Della Adventure & Resorts Pvt Ltd. His professional journey reflects a solid understanding of hotel engineering systems, preventive maintenance practices and energy-efficient operations.

At Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West, Yadav will be responsible for overseeing advanced energy management, preventive maintenance programmes and the adoption of next-generation building technologies. His appointment comes at a time when reliable, intelligent and sustainable infrastructure plays a critical role in delivering consistent guest experiences and long-term operational resilience.

Commenting on the appointment, Imran Khan, Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West, highlighted the importance of strong engineering leadership in hospitality operations. “Great engineering is often invisible, until it isn’t. With Abhimanyu leading our team, we are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring our guests' comfort, safety, and seamless experience is never compromised. His focus on proactive care and sustainable innovation reflects our commitment to both our guests and our community,” he said.

With this appointment, Fairfield by Marriott Andheri West continues to strengthen its leadership team, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and guest-centric hospitality.

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