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A new investment fund targetting fine dining restaurants and other hospitality businesses has raised a £50 million war chest from wealthy individuals and family offices.

The vehicle, called Hestia Hospitality, is led by restaurant and leisure sector consultant Andrew Fishwick and has former Sainsbury’s Justin King as one of its special advisers.

Other directors include Paul Helmsley, former finance chief at The Innovation Group who serves as CFO; Simon Esner, co-founder of WSH, which owned brands including Benugo, Searcy’s, and BaxterStorey – who is non-executive chair; and Morgan Stanley deal maker Steve Smith, who will be a non-executive director.