M&S hospitality chief Jason Danciger has joined The Garden Centre Group as food and beverage director. He starts on 16 December, in the middle of the Christmas rush.

He has been Head of Hospitality at Marks & Spencer for the past five years, most recently adding Fresh Counters to his portfolio. Whilst there he had overall responsibility for more than 300 cafes and 80 casual dining eateries in the UK as well as 40 international eateries.

He had previously been an advisory board member of the London International Wine Fair, director of food for Spirit Group, and commercial director for Chez Gerard. In his early career he worked as general manager of the National Gallery restaurant and as a chef de cuisine for nine years under the Roux Brothers.

Kevin Bradshaw, CEO of The Garden Centre Group, said: “Jason has a strong pedigree in food and beverage management. I am delighted to welcome him and very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in making our restaurant offering the best it can be.”