Four restaurants named among happiest places to work in the country

Four of Bristol’s best restaurants have been named in CODE’s latest list of happiest places to work.

The list of CODE’s Happiest Places to Work 2025, published on Monday, features Ragù, COR, Lapin and BANK.

With 14 happy staff members between both their sites, Lapin and BANK were awarded an advocacy score of 9.73, with the CODE team applauding co-owner Dan O’Regan’s openness about struggles within the hospitality industry and intention to “put your people first”.

Mark and Karen Chapman’s independent business, COR and Ragù, received an advocacy score of 8.51, with 38 elated staff members between the two locations. A major highlight for the husband and wife team’s businesses is their personalised rotas for staff who are parents and carers.

Vyck Colsell, Tallulah Small and Mark Chapman attended an event in London on Monday to celebrate CODE’s Happiest Places to Work 2025 – photo: COR/ Ragù

Mark from COR and Ragù was joined by colleagues Tallulah Small and Vyck Colsell for an event in London on Monday night, where the full list was unveiled.

“Hospitality is hard work”, the team said on an Instagram post after the recognition. “It’s late nights, early prep, and the relentless invisible effort that makes guests feel at ease. To be recognised for the joy we build together, gently, consistently, and with real passion, is something we’ll carry with us in our everyday culture.”

COR, which was the only Bristol restaurant to be named for the accolade in 2024, goes well and beyond to ensure their staff’s physical and mental wellbeing. 50 per cent cost for gym memberships of all employees at COR and Ragù is covered by the business, and an additional 20 per cent is offered to support them with therapy or any other form of mental health aid of their own choice.

Dan, who owns BANK in Totterdown and Lapin, also in Wapping Wharf, alongside Jack Briggs-Horan, will be part of a panel discussion hosted by CODE hospitality on September 22 in London.

Sharing what this feat means to himself and the team, Dan said: “We believe that when you look after your team, everything else follows. We’re huge fans of CODE’s Happiest Places to Work list, as it represents and celebrates the changing face of the UK hospitality industry – showcasing those businesses that prioritise well-being and provide meaningful opportunities for their people.

“A happy workplace isn’t about big gestures. It’s about everyday respect, good communication, and creating space for people to grow. When our team feels good, our guests do too.”

The full list of CODE’s Happiest Places to Work 2025 includes businesses from across the country, with Bubala emerging as the overall winner.

Launched in 2024, the list is CODE’s way of recognising businesses that choose to invest in their people despite battling long hours, staffing challenges and high pressure. Upon registration, all restaurants are sent a survey and questionnaire to complete. The anonymous survey is filled in by team members, after which entries are shortlisted by a panel of expert judges.

Main photo: Lapin

Read next:

• RAGÙ, Wapping Wharf: ‘Choose your superlative’ – restaurant review
• COR, North Street: ‘The best new Bristol restaurant of 2022’ – restaurant review
• Bank: ‘Creative flavours and beautifully curated plates’ – restaurant review
• Duo behind BANK to open modern French restaurant