News & Updates

Marston’s opens ‘Hope & Anchor’, the UK’s first hospitality academy in women’s prison

Marston’s has launched a pioneering hospitality training academy inside HMP Styal, a women’s prison in Cheshire, providing offenders with a pathway to employment following their release from custody.

The new academy, named the Hope & Anchor, is the first commercially-led hospitality academy inside a women’s prison in the UK and will train up to 32 women each year for Line Chef roles, gaining hands-on experience in a purpose-built kitchen and restaurant.

Developed in partnership with Novus Education and the New Futures Network, the Hope & Anchor builds on the success of Marston’s Excel programme, which supports prison leavers into meaningful jobs. The programme already includes the Lock Inn at HMP Liverpool and the Crown & Key at HMP Stoke Heath.

Since 2022, nearly 80 prison leavers have secured jobs through Excel, with retention rates well above the industry average. Marston’s now aims to increase the number of ex-offender graduates employed across its pubs by 25% over the next year.

Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, added:

“Getting former offenders into stable work is a sure way of cutting crime and making our streets safer. Hospitality partners like Marston's are leading the way – helping prisoners gain the skills and confidence they need to turn their lives around and break the cycle of reoffending.”

The launch event at HMP Styal will include a tour of the facility, food prepared by the first cohort of trainees, and the presentation of Marston’s chef uniforms. Guests will also hear directly from participants about how the programme is helping them prepare for life after prison.

Todd Lockley, Senior Inclusion & Communities Manager at Marston’s, said:

“The launch of The Hope and Anchor marks a significant milestone for Marston’s, as we expand our commitment to inclusive training and employment opportunities for all. Establishing the first hospitality academy within a women’s prison is not just about equipping individuals with practical skills and job opportunities. We’re also supporting rehabilitation through meaningful careers, reducing reoffending and empowering participants to build brighter futures within our industry.”

Cameron Fisher, an Excel graduate now employed by Marston’s, said:

“Getting a second chance with Marston’s changed everything for me. The support, training, and belief in my potential gave me the confidence to rebuild my life and aim higher. Seeing this opportunity now extended to women at HMP Styal is inspiring and The Hope & Anchor will give others the same chance to prove themselves and start again. I know first-hand how much that means.”

The Hope & Anchor is part of Marston’s wider commitment to inclusive recruitment, supporting prison leavers, care leavers, people with disabilities, and veterans into meaningful, sustainable employment across the UK.