Rhubarb Hospitality Collection hired as catering partner at London Bridge student accommodation

Rental housing company Greystar has contracted restaurant and catering company Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC) to launch two new quick-service restaurant concepts at student accommodation in London Bridge.

The caterer will be overseeing Journal, a contemporary coffee shop, and the Chop, a chopped salad and sandwich outlet, at Chapter London Bridge, a new 950-bed purpose-built development beside the Shard in central London.

Journal will launch later this month and will open daily from 6:30am until 5pm. The 74 sq m site offers 30 indoor covers plus pavement seating and will serve modern standard specialty coffee alongside pastries, cakes and breads from partner Lockdown Bakehouse.

The Chop salad bar will then open next door, offering made-to-order, grab-and-go chopped salads served in bowls or layered into bread as deli sandwiches. Combinations include the Prawn Star (harissa shrimp, mixed quinoa, edamame, broccoli, peas, cucumber, sunflower seeds and green goddess dressing) and the Fennel-icous (fennel salami, romaine lettuce, chickpeas, red onion, mozzarella and balsamic). The 11am until 4pm operation will also offer a range of sides and sweet treats.

Both brands will offer seasonal sourcing and partnerships with the Felix Project and Too Good To Go to reduce food waste.

RHC will also deliver the resident-only Sky Bar on the 37th floor of Chapter London Bridge.

Tom Crocker, vice-president, business development, Rhubarb, said: “The launch of Journal and the Chop marks an important step in RHC’s strategy to develop scalable, standalone concepts alongside our established catering partnerships. These formats allow us to bring our expertise in quality food and operational delivery into the everyday quick-service restaurant space, starting here at London Bridge.

“In Greystar, we have found a truly collaborative partner, and we’re looking forward to creating a distinctive experience that stands out and serves the community well.”

Tom Starling, senior director – UK student operations, Greystar, added: “Partnering with Rhubarb Hospitality reflects our commitment to offering students at Chapter London Bridge a well-rounded living experience, while also giving our neighbours a great new dining option. We’re delighted to bring Rhubarb’s expertise into our amenity spaces and create something that feels world-class yet welcoming.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

RHC’s owner, US-based entertainment group Oak View Group, bought out Philadelphian foodservice business Brûlée Catering earlier this year.

The North American stadium operator reportedly acquired RHC for more than £100m in 2023.

London-based RHC has been trading for nearly 30 years and operates restaurants, bars and event spaces across London, New York and Berlin.

Its listed venues include the Historic Royal Palaces, the Royal Albert Hall and the Hamptons in the US.