The latest data from independent foodservice research agency The NPD Group shows that out of home meal and snack visits in the UK have contracted by -6.0% since 2008, and are unlikely to recover to pre-recession levels in the next 18-24 months. As the UK’s foodservice brands fight to maintain market share, The NPD Group’s experts examine what brands must to do … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2012
British Pie Week celebrates with Champion First Lady of Pub Pies
Pub Chef, Carol Haime, has become the first woman to win the prestigious Pub Pie Champion title, the climax to Jus-Rol’s highly anticipated British Pie Week (5th to 11th March), which was supported by a high profile television and Facebook campaign. H&CNews congratulates Carol and all the finalists on their success in this prestigious and competitive event, and is … [Read more...]
Premier Inn secures eight new development sites
PREMIER INN SECURES EIGHT NEW SITES IN ONE WEEK IN ONGOING NATIONAL EXPANSION DRIVE From Bromley to Beverley, hotel chain adds more than 750 new bedrooms to secured development pipeline Premier Inn, the UK’s largest hotel chain, has secured eight new sites in a week as it continues to deliver on its national expansion programme. The deals, which are a mixture … [Read more...]
Set To Be a Smoking Hot Hit
Set To Be A Smoking Hot HitCatering establishments across the UK can now take advantage of a new slow temperature cook and hold oven with smoking capability - the latest addition to the range of ovens available from Imperial Catering Equipment. Launched at Hotelympia 2012, Imperial’s FWE Cook and Hold Oven enables caterers to bake, brown and roast, but in addition … [Read more...]
Marston’s up despite fears over Budget
PUB operator Marston’s reported solid trading recently despite a tough period for the leisure sector and said it was looking ahead to a strong 2012. Like for like sales over the last 23 weeks were up 3.5 per cent on last year at the British brewer – which has 2,150 outlets across the country – as food sales grew 3.9 per cent and drink sales rose 3.4 per cent. Although this … [Read more...]
HOSPA supports BHA’s VAT call to government
HOSPA supports British Hospitality Association (BHA) open letter to Government calling for VAT cut to 5% HOSPA (Hospitality Professionals Association for Finance, Revenue Management and IT) Chief Executive Carl Weldon said: “HOSPA wholeheartedly supports the open letter to Government, written by the British Hospitality Association (BHA) and industry leaders, … [Read more...]
Leading caterer announces two internal promotions
Elior UK has enhanced its senior team, naming Jane Bates as head of purchasing and David Carr as commercial director. Both Jane and David will report into managing director Catherine Roe, playing key roles in the future growth of Elior. Tim Hammond, chief executive, says: “At Elior it’s the whole experience that matters. We are committed to providing the very best … [Read more...]
Chipotle Mexican Grill announces it will open a fifth restaurant
Chipotle Mexican Grill is set to launch a fifth restaurant in London at 334 Upper Street, Islington. The new restaurant is planned to open during the second quarter of 2012 as part of Chipotle’s measured growth strategy. Chipotle has also planned to open restaurants at 92-93 St Martins Lane and at 185 Wardour Street in the second quarter of 2012. The company … [Read more...]
New Premium Truffle Oil Added To AAK Range
Discerning chefs are able to capture the powerful taste of the ‘fruit of the woods’ in their dishes with the launch of a new, luxury truffle oil from the market leader in cooking oils. The product, which is a blend of the finest Olive Oil and natural truffle flavouring, is the latest addition to AAK Foodservice’s PrepTM Premium Speciality Oils range and offers a new, … [Read more...]
Transforming Your Tabletop – With Villeroy & Boch
As consumers are dining out more and more frequently smart restaurateurs are quickly realising their regular customers’ will quickly tire of the “same old, same old” restaurant experience. A quick and easy way to makeover your restaurant offering and to really welcome your regular customers back is to introduce simple upgrades to your menus, service, or tableware. In … [Read more...]
Savills predicts 3.9% capital growth in London’s hotel sector in 2012
Savills predicts a 3.9% capital growth increase in London’s hotel sector this year with the Olympics boosting operational performance and the Queen’s diamond jubilee bolstering domestic tourist demand. It anticipates overseas investors will continue to focus on London’s four and five star market and be the major driver for this sustained growth in values. The firm, … [Read more...]
New ‘intelligent wholesale’ business set to revolutionise drinks brands distribution
The launch of a new ‘intelligent wholesale’ business next month is set to revolutionise the way drinks brands are distributed to the licensed hospitality sector. Greater transparency, lower prices, improved customer choice and more flexibility on drinks ranges and delivery times are just some of the benefits of Ooberstock Limited, a new name in the wholesale industry. The … [Read more...]
FoodCheck proves a hit at Hotelympia
Food safety compliance specialist Kelsius celebrated the launch of its innovative FoodCheck product at Hotelympia recently to a glowing response. Visitors to the Kelsius exhibition stand enjoyed a champagne reception as sales director Paddy Hearty explained and demonstrated FoodCheck, the web-based food safety compliance system which wirelessly monitors temperatures … [Read more...]
The Football Pie League Road Trip to Villa Park
Woke up Saturday morning thinking...are we really going to Aston Villa invited as guests to a premiership club to help them make a bid for the 2012 Football Pie League title, yes we are and we better get going. Got to the ground and into reception, we then meet Russell and Malcolm who immediately make us feel we are more than welcome. Russell takes us on a tour of the … [Read more...]
Hospitality shines in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies
The Sunday Times recently published its annual listings of ‘Best Companies in the UK’ – and the hospitality and catering sector fared particularly well. 100 Best Companies Top of the table for our sector was Inventive Leisure, the company which runs the trendy Revolution vodka bars and the new Revolucion de Cuba rum bars, coming in at 26. They were closely followed at … [Read more...]