River Capital Backs The Hospitality Collective’s Expansion with Six-Figure Investment Package

River Capital has announced a £275,000 investment package from the North West Business Growth Loan fund to support The Hospitality Collective’s expansion   including the recently opened Glossop Market Hall.

The Hospitality Collective brings together over 30 years of hospitality expertise under the leadership of directors Richard Walker and Matthew Mooney operating three complementary businesses that have established a strong reputation across Cheshire and the wider North West region.

Each of its entities; Larkspur Lodge Ltd, Fork and Field Catering Ltd and MHV Glossop have received funding to drive growth across the group’s wedding venues, premium catering operations, and the new market hall development.

Larkspur Lodge, based in the heart of Knutsford’s ‘golden triangle’, is a beautifully restored 200-year-old vintage barn offering exclusive wedding packages for up to 180 guests and is established as one of Cheshire’s premier wedding destinations, consistently delivering over 100 weddings annually.

Fork and Field Catering has grown rapidly since launching in 2020 to become a premium wedding and event catering provider, serving more than 300 events in 2025 across 12 venues in the North West. Operating from a purpose-built 5-star rated production kitchen, the business works with prestigious venues including Manchester Cathedral and Knowsley Hall, whilst catering for global brands such as Rolex, Adidas, Aston Martin, and The Hut Group. A partnership with Bruntwood to run an events and conference centre in Alderley Park has also been established in the region.

MHV Glossop represents the group’s latest venture. A multi-purpose market hall featuring 18 retail units, seven independent food concessions, a 150-capacity wedding and events space, and a 200-seat outdoor bar area. Following a government assisted-funded regeneration by High Peak Borough Council, the venue opened in November 2025 with 90% pre-launch occupancy.

The River Capital investment will fund strategic improvements across all three businesses. At Larkspur Lodge, funding will enhance outdoor areas with improved gardens, additional seating, and outdoor catering facilities, alongside increased marketing to achieve 150 weddings annually. Fork and Field will expand its production kitchen and purchase equipment to handle larger contracts. At MHV Glossop, the investment will complete fixtures and fittings, support recruitment and training, and has provided working capital for the launch phase.

The investment is expected to create 50 new jobs across the three businesses, adding to the 25 full-time positions currently employed across the group.

Jim Moore, Investment Manager at River Capital, said: “We’re delighted to support The Hospitality Collective’s impressive growth trajectory. Richard, Matthew, and their team have demonstrated exceptional resilience and entrepreneurship in building three complementary businesses that serve the thriving North West hospitality sector. Their track record with Larkspur Lodge and Fork and Field gives us confidence in their ability to make the Glossop Market Hall venture a success.”

Richard Walker, Director of The Hospitality Collective, commented: “River Capital’s support has been invaluable. We knew they understood our business and sector and this investment enables us to enhance our existing venues whilst launching an exciting venture in Glossop that will regenerate the town centre and create significant employment opportunities. The market hall brings together exceptional independent operators, creating a destination that will draw visitors from across Manchester, Cheshire, Sheffield, and Liverpool.”