Despite the distractions of the (still) possible merger with Irn-Bru, Britvic has been pressing ahead with its own business: in announcing its interim results for the 28 weeks ended 14 April 2013 it points both to strong profit growth (up 27.6%), and to a new strategy. The new strategy is designed to deliver £30 million annual savings (chiefly through factory closures), as well … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2013
Women 1st Conference to Host Q&A with Margaret Hodge MP and Lynne Franks
Margaret Hodge MP will appear in a lunchtime Q&A hosted by PR guru Lynne Franks at the second annual Women 1st Conference. The conference will be held on 19 June at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. Delegates will be offered an exciting programme of motivational speakers including Susan Gambardella (vice president of the global account team for Coca-Cola … [Read more...]
Consumers keen to Buy British
Research published by rapeseed oil manufacturer Mr Hugh’s, reveals almost 9 out of 10 shoppers (87%) say they want to buy British wherever possible – with 41% saying they’d be willing to pay more to achieve this. After decades of apathy about Buying British it seems there’s now a clamour, with consumers saying they want to know where their food is coming from and that it’s … [Read more...]
Watford FC and Lindley seal £18 million deal
Following a hugely successful season both on and off-the pitch Watford FC and Lindley Venue Catering - the specialist sports stadia catering division of the Lindley Group – have forged a new £18 million deal extending the caterer’s original five-year contract at Vicarage Road to a new 10-year partnership agreement which will see Lindley providing catering, hospitality, sales, … [Read more...]
UK football clubs celebrate: The Official Football Hospitality Awards 2013
Over 300 guests from football stadia across the country have celebrated their ‘off the pitch’ successes at The Official Football Hospitality Awards 2013. The awards recognise the efforts and dedication shown by the catering, conference and events teams at every football stadium across the UK, from the Premier League to League Division 2. Organised by Stadium Experience, the … [Read more...]
Olive oil: sanity returns
On Thursday last week, sanity returned – for now – to the furore over the European Commission ban on serving customers olive oil in a dipping bowl when the EU’s Agricultural Minister Dacian Ciolos backed down and announced that the proposal has been withdrawn since “It can’t attract, at the moment, broad consumer support”. Lack of political support was as important as … [Read more...]
Red Carnation Hotels acquires Ashford Castle, Ireland
Red Carnation Hotels, has acquired the five-star luxury hotel Ashford Castle in the west of Ireland. Mrs Beatrice Tollman, the South African born President and Founder of Red Carnation Hotels commented: "We are thrilled to have Ashford Castle as part of our collection and welcome the whole team to the Red Carnation family. Like the rest of our hotels, Ashford Castle is an … [Read more...]
Olive oil and dipping bowls: sanity returns with a pinch of salt!
The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) has introduced a note of sanity to the furore about the European Commission ban on serving customers olive oil in a dipping bowl: restaurants can continue to serve customers olive oil in dipping bowls after the ban is introduced, provided they mix it with another product. An EU official has confirmed to the SRA that the new … [Read more...]
London hotels see first month of profit increase in 2013
After three months of consecutive profit decreases, London saw the first month of Gross Operating Profit (GOP) growth in April, according to the latest HotStats survey of approximately 625 full-service hotels across the UK. Despite a slight decrease in occupancy by 0.2% at a stable average room rate (ARR) of £135.29 bringing revenue per available room (RevPar) down by 0.2%, … [Read more...]
Global Hotel Guest Survey reveals significant changes in UK market
The 2013 Global Hotel Guest Survey conducted by specialist hotel research consultancy, BDRC Continental, reveals significant changes to the structure of the market, hotel guest behaviour and the hierarchy of hotel brands operating in Britain. Commenting on the British Hotel Guest Survey results, Matt Costin, Director at BDRC Continental, says: “This year’s report … [Read more...]
Caffè Culture 2013: boosting business for visitors and exhibitors
This year’s Caffè Culture Show was a success for both visitors and exhibitors with a total attendance of 4,894 (audit pending) and a vibrant and friendly atmosphere in which networking and business opportunities thrived. The Caffè Culture Show has become the focal point for the industry attended by buyers from big chains to independent operators, plus those wishing to enter … [Read more...]
Asparagus and Philly Toast with Poached Egg
Philadelphia is an extremely versatile ingredient that lends itself to hundreds of different savoury and sweet dishes, from cheesecakes to canapés or terrines. The recipes section found at the Philadelphia Professional website is full of ideas that can be used by professionals easily and quickly providing dishes that customers will appreciate. One such example is … [Read more...]
Lightly smoked plate of lamb carpaccio with shallot mousse by Robert Thompson
Robert Thompson has won nearly every accolade imaginable since starting his career in 1997 - and he’s only 30. Inspired to cook by brother Patrick, he acquired a love of cooking at 10 years old. After sojourns at The Falcon and Chimney’s Restaurant, he settled as commis chef in 2001 at the hallowed Winteringham Fields, and was named head chef two years later, at 23. After … [Read more...]
David Cameron and Dutch prime minister ridicule EU olive oil jug ban
The Telegraph reports that David Cameron has attacked a proposed Brussels ban on the use of unmarked olive oil jugs in restaurants as "exactly the sort of area that the European Union needs to get right out of". Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister was even more forthright saying "I think it is too bizarre for words and incomprehensible to come with this sort of proposal at … [Read more...]
Our Essential Recipe of the Week, Lancashire tea smoked quail breast
Lancashire Tea Smoked Quail Breast, confit quail leg, Formby asparagus, broad beans and peas, tea consommé. A starter cooked by Arran Pratt from Red Cat Restaurant during the Lancashire Heat of the North West Young Chef Competition 2013. The full recipe can be seen here at Essential Cuisine. A full range of stocks, jus, gravy, demi-glace & glaces which taste and … [Read more...]