Marston’s, the leading local pub group, has opened The Hope & Anchor, the UK’s first commercially-led hospitality academy inside a women’s prison, providing offenders with a pathway to employment following their release from custody.
The industry-first training initiative, based at HMP Styal in Cheshire, marks a significant milestone in Marston’s’ commitment to creating life-changing opportunities for marginalised groups and sets a new standard for inclusive recruitment within the UK hospitality sector.
As the first hospitality academy of its kind for women in custody, The Hope and Anchor will provide up to 32 women every year with culinary training in a purpose-built kitchen and restaurant environment, preparing them for line chef roles and a fresh start in the hospitality sector upon release.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Novus Education and the New Futures Network, ensuring that trainees gain hands-on kitchen experience, professional qualifications, and a direct route into work at Marston’s pubs.
The academy joins the growing network of training sites for Marston’s Excel prison leavers employment programme, including The Lock Inn at HMP Liverpool and The Crown & Key at HMP Stoke Heath.
Marston’s Excel programme has already helped nearly 80 prison leavers into jobs since 2022, achieving retention rates well above the industry average. Marston’s is aiming to increase the number of ex-offender graduates employed across its pubs by 25% over the next 12 months.
Lord Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, said: “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.”
Todd Lockley, Senior Inclusion & Communities Manager at Marston’s, added: “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.”
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.
