There is something decidedly different about this West Sussex restaurant. There are CCTV monitors at each table, a snaking dining room and a tasting menu full of intrigue. It is fair to say that The Pass has taken the recent trend for Chef’s Tables a little further than most. Here, guests are treated to a conceptual dining experience, with the open plan layout placing … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2013
Meliá Hotels focuses on globalisation in 2013
Meliá Hotels International (MHI), Spain’s leading hotel company, will continue to strengthen its international expansion and business model in 2013 and make progress in its adaptation to changing market conditions. This was announced on 30 January by CEO, Gabriel Escarrer, during a press conference at the FITUR Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid. “Thanks to a consistent … [Read more...]
Free training seminars for hospitality businesses
The People 1st Training Company is hosting an afternoon of free, interactive seminars at Vinopolis, London, on 28 February 2013 to help hospitality businesses find ways to improve performance by training and developing their people. Entitled ‘success through people in the service sector,’ the event will feature a series of expert speakers from companies including YO! Sushi, … [Read more...]
For a sector worth £777 million a year: Good Curry Guide and Awards 2013
The average Brit will splash out £20 a month cooking Indian food at home, according to new research. They will also fork out £31.44 eating the spicy dishes in restaurants over the same period, according to The 2013 Cobra Good Curry Guide. This means that over a 50-year period we will each spend £30,864 on curries. And, despite the recession, the guide claims curry houses are … [Read more...]
Novotel improves its offering for kids – even more
As winter draws into a wet spring, Novotel has introduced Rainy Day Toy Chests to its collection of UK hotels to help keep kids entertained, whatever the weather. Developed with Hasbro to come to the rescue on drizzly days and wet weekends, when all too often eagerly anticipated family outings can fall by the wayside, the Toy Chest will bring the excitement indoors and … [Read more...]
FORESIGHT: Who’s got the crystal ball for Mobile Commerce in hospitality?
Social media and mobile technology are now firmly established in the UK, though their use continues to grow exponentially, and the hospitality sector is working hard to employ them to best effect. Here, Peter Briffett, Managing Director, UK & Ireland of LivingSocial considers the implications and potential. Changing the way diners and guests select Social media and … [Read more...]
Win a Bocuse d’Or 2013 commemorative plate
French star chef Paul Bocuse created the prestigious “Bocuse d’Or” cooking competition more than 20 years ago. Every other year, the 24 of the best chefs worldwide who have already qualified in national and international qualifying rounds, meet to pit their culinary skills against one another. Villeroy & Boch is providing the event plate for the tenth time and the official … [Read more...]
hungryhouse expands online food ordering service
hungryhouse has now been fully acquired by the international online food ordering platform Delivery Hero, who they had initially merged with in 2012. With the recent purchase of EatitNow.co.uk, another UK online food ordering service, there will now be a greater number of restaurants in the hungryhouse network and therefore more choice for customers. hungryhouse was … [Read more...]
Hand and Flowers is Top Gastropub 2013
Tom and Beth Kerridge from the Hand and Flowers, Marlow were crowned for the second year as the Top Gastropub at the Budweiser Budvar Top 50 Gastropub Awards 2013. The pub made history in 2011 as the first to win two Michelin stars and has a seven-month wait for a Saturday night table The awards which are now in their fifth year, have established themselves as the … [Read more...]
Public opposition revealed to plans to hike up alcohol prices: campaign launched
The noise about minimum unit pricing continues to grow with yesterday’s campaign launch by the WSTA. This is an issue that affects both consumers and the hospitality industry, is clearly not going away, and on which those working in hospitality need to be informed: our customers will be asking questions... The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) launched on 29 January … [Read more...]
Lavazza joins UK coffee shop fray
In another vote of confidence in the booming UK coffee shop market, major Italian coffee brand Lavazza has announced its ambitious plans to take on Costa Coffee, Cafe Nero and Starbucks. Property agents Cushman and Wakefield have been appointed by Lavazza, with the intention of opening up to 400 coffee shops across the UK – branded as Lavazza Expression. The London area … [Read more...]
Twenty Pubs ‘n’ Bars sites on the market
Twenty sites from the Pubs ‘n’ Bars estate are being brought to market by specialist property adviser Christie + Co. The pubs, comprising a mixture of freeholds with vacant possession, long leaseholds, tenanted investment opportunities and managed houses, are predominantly situated in the south east of England — including four sites in London. However pubs are as far afield … [Read more...]
New Ops Director to grow Thwaites Inns of Character
Sorcha Drakeford has joined Thwaites Inns of Character as Operations Director Thwaites Inns of Character was launched in April 2011 and has quickly grown to a portfolio of six high-quality, traditional inns. There are now plans to develop that number to 25 in the next five years. Sorcha joins Thwaites Inns of Character with a strong track record of success having … [Read more...]
NACC and HCA introduce ‘nutrition advocates’
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) and the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) are promoting the introduction of Nutrition Advocates to help raise awareness of the importance of nutrition, including hydration, in all social and health care settings throughout the UK. The Nutrition Advocates programme will improve nutrition and hydration care and the eating and … [Read more...]
BSA launches 2013 Beverage Standards Awards – the Michelin stars of the hot drinks industry
The Beverage Standards Association is calling all ‘out of home’ cafes (fixed & mobile) and restaurants in England, Scotland and Wales to enter this year’s prestigious Beverage Standards Awards – the Michelin stars of the hot drinks industry, open to members and non-members. Only anonymous trained assessors will provide accurate and impartial assessments of an outlet’s … [Read more...]