Leelex appoints new managing director

Leading hospitality group, Leelex, has named Paul Lane as its new managing director. As the Leeds based company prepares to open another site in the capital later this year, Paul will be responsible for its bar and restaurant portfolio.

The bar and restaurant group includes popular Leeds venues Pintura Kitchen & Bar, Cielo Blanco, Jake’s Bar & Still Room, Neon Cactus and Oporto as well as the Portobello Star based on London’s Portobello Road. Following a string of successful openings, including the recent launch of Pintura Kitchen & Bar in Leeds earlier this year, Leelex currently employs 145 staff and has a reported turnover of £6.2 million and expects sales to reach £8.2 million this year.

Paul started his Leelex career 15 years ago working as manager of the company’s very first success story, Oporto, which saw a run-down, quiet bar turn into one of the busiest in the city. It instantly became an integral part of Leeds’ night scene and initiated the transformation of Call Lane into the iconic street it is today. Paul brings to his new role a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and an in-depth knowledge of Leelex. Before joining Leelex, he also worked at Leodis, JW Johnsons, Teatro Members Club and the Bingley Arms (the oldest pub in England). 

Current managing director and founder Ged Feltham will still play an active role in the running of Leelex focusing on new business development and as managing director of the company’s global gin brand Portobello Road Gin (of which Paul is also a director and shareholder). The company plans to open multiple new sites in various cities in the coming months, details of which are soon to be revealed.

Ged Feltham, founder of Leelex says: “I’m confident that Paul will be invaluable in his new role to continue the development of Leelex's bar and restaurant portfolio. His experience and passion for the job is second-to-none.”

Paul Lane added: “I’m excited to become managing director at what is a very exciting time for the company and it’s brands. My intention is to continue to drive sales growth and help the business to continue to deliver an outstanding experience to our customers”.

See also http://www.thedrinksreport.com/news/2015/16206-london-dry-gin-distilled-with-asparagus.html

5 October 2015 - Rebecca Sterritt Paragraph Publishing, content manager