Back in early July, the latest Taste of the Nation report from business advisory firm Deloitte and BDRC Continental was released, attracting a certain amount of attention from the hospitality press. Here, H&C News takes a slightly deeper look at what the report has to tell the hospitality sector – and the significant implications. And we recommend that you take a look … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2012
Cask Ale Week (28 September – 7 October): the opportunity
If you’re not involved as a brewer or licensee in Cask Ale Week already (?), make sure you take a careful look at how your local competition is getting involved – and winning sales. The 2012 Cask Ale Week is shaping up to be the best ever in introducing new drinkers to the joys of cask-conditioned ale, generating additional traffic and sales. Cask ale is a fresh, natural, … [Read more...]
Charity work raises money AND increases sales for Orchid Group
Orchid is a big fan of the annual Movember campaign: it finds that growing facial hair helps grow sales for its businesses as well as raise money for charity. A ‘win, win’ that others could follow... The fundraising effort is embraced across all divisions and levels and is the perfect way to generate much-needed attention in the run-up to Christmas. It helps fight male … [Read more...]
Scots employ ‘super-service’ to defend their local, community pubs
In an independent report commissioned by Carling brewer, Molson Coors, the importance of ‘local’ pubs in Scottish communities highlighted: almost a third (32%) of Scots visit their local at least twice a month, with close to half of Scottish men (41%) believing it is important to have a pub within walking distance of their home. Overall, Scots are more likely to visit the pub … [Read more...]
Munich’s Oktoberfest app takes ‘help’ to a new level! A model for UK beer festivals?
The famous Oktoberfest attracts 6 million visitors, many of whom need ‘help’ during the course of their stay. So the new Oktoberfest app gives the answers to almost any question they can ask – and more! Is the beer tent still open? How full will it be next Saturday? How drunk am I after two of those litre beers...? A map of the Oktoberfest beer tents not only helps you to … [Read more...]
America’s favourite burger chain, and why
A recent study by Market Force has identified America’s favourite burger chain and, more importantly, why it is favourite. Whilst price is a factor, it clearly identifies that high quality food, customer service, and cleanliness are the most important – priorities that are just as important in the UK. Five Guys Burgers and Fries (Five Guys) is continuing to gain fans across … [Read more...]
Starbucks Rewards: changes in the USA, developments in the UK?
Over the past two years, Starbucks has served more than 4.8 million active members in its My Starbucks Rewards™ program in the United States and Canada – a very impressive number, and their continued loyalty must have a considerable commercial value. Will the changes influence Starbucks in the UK? After feedback from MyStarbucksIdea, Twitter, Facebook and direct … [Read more...]
European hotel rates bounce in August
The European hotel industry posted mixed results in year-over-year metrics when reported in U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds for August 2012, according to data compiled by STR Global. Elizabeth Randall Winkle, managing director of STR Global: "European hotels reported a bounce in average room rates this August as the Olympics took full effect in London and the U.K., … [Read more...]
U.S. consumer spending on Online Deals to grow 87% in 2012
The latest figures from BIA/Kelsey outlined below indicate substantial growth still to come in online deals – where Groupon is probably the operator best known to the UK market. However, BIA/Kelsey also see signs of ‘maturity’ and even ‘near saturation’ – again, Groupon may be leading the way here, with sales growing just 1.6% in the 3 months July. The UK does not always … [Read more...]
Chester Boyd gets it ‘write’!
Chester Boyd, which supplies City dining for many of London’s world-famous Livery Halls, has been awarded a five year contract to supply a full range of catering services to Stationers’ Hall, starting in September 2012. It is the tenth London Livery Hall to join the Chester Boyd portfolio, joining Brewers’, Butchers’ Coopers’ and Goldsmiths’ Halls, among others, in choosing … [Read more...]
Winners of the Beverage Standards Awards 2012 – the Michelin stars of the coffee industry
The winning cafes, restaurants, mobiles, hotels, bars and clubs, which had entered the Beverage Standards Awards, the Michelin stars of the coffee industry, were announced at a glittering Awards ceremony on 20 September. As with the famous Michelin Guides, judging for these Awards was undertaken by anonymous BSA member trained experts providing accurate and impartial … [Read more...]
London baker triumphs as National Cupcake Champion 2012
London bakery owner Emily Johnson has been crowned National Cupcake Champion 2012 in the annual search to find Britain’s best cupcake baker. Emily, (30), who owns the Upsy Daisy bakery and tea room in Hammersmith, West London, beat off stiff competition from 55 other professional bakers to take the prestigious title at the championships, which are staged by British Baker … [Read more...]
Clapham’s Pepper Tree acquired by Wasif – expansion possible
Sami Wasif, co-founder of Michelin-starred Hakkasan, Franco Manca, and creator of Eco Restaurants, has acquired shares in the renowned local Thai restaurant, Pepper Tree, in Clapham in a deal brokered by Davis Coffer Lyons. The Pepper Tree, which is famously Rick Stein’s favourite spot for Pad Thai, was sold after the founder Martin Burrell decided to retire after running … [Read more...]
London Restaurant Festival 2012 – open for bookings!
The Festival (1 – 15 October) has announced that festival menus are open for bookings. Hundreds of restaurants are already signed up to offer Festival Menus across the capital during the two-week citywide celebration of food and drink. The Gourmet Odyssey Festival favourite The Gourmet Odyssey returns with a fresh new spin for 2012. Themed to the style of restaurants this … [Read more...]
The London Restaurant Festival, 1-15 October 2012: what’s in it for your restaurant?
The Festival is designed to raise the profile of the establishments involved and acknowledge the pleasure and sustenance given to all by London’s extraordinarily diverse range of restaurants. The festival will comprise two main elements: Events and Festival Menus. There will also be a section of Side Orders – where individual restaurants will be encouraged and supported in … [Read more...]