No sooner has the unsolicited approach for AstraZeneca by Pfizer quietened down than...IHG is rumoured to be the next major target for a foreign takeover! Although IHG appears a giant in the international hotel industry, there’s always someone bigger or with access to the necessary finance. Shares in IHG have jumped about 6% on rumours that a £6 billion bid may have been … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2014
Punch responds to wine trends
Punch Taverns have launched a new wine brochure in response to the growth of sales in the category and Punch Partner demand. The annual wine brochure, launched on 26 May, responds to a change in growth areas and now features an expanded range of champagne and sparkling wines as well as many new on-trade exclusives. Popularity of Wine of the Month scheme To further the … [Read more...]
Harry Ramsden’s invests in Seaside Restaurants
As summer approaches, Harry Ramsden’s is set to invest close to £2m to completely transform a number of its seaside restaurants. Major refurbishment works are being undertaken at properties in Blackpool, Eastbourne and Great Yarmouth. This will bring them into line with the award winning new look unveiled last year in Bournemouth (pictured above and below), which has resulted … [Read more...]
Eating out frequency increases for pubs and supermarket-to-go
Allegra Foodservice’s UK EatingOut Panel™ reports that eating out frequency has increased at both pubs and supermarket-to-go channels in Q1 2014 trading, and that consumer spending levels have also increased across all day-parts in these channels. Overall eating out spend is up The Panel data reveals that overall eating out participation and frequency is down but spend is … [Read more...]
Bartlett Mitchell: organic growth, rising revenues and profits
Boutique caterer bartlett mitchell achieved a 7.3% increase in turnover from £17.9m in 2012 to £19.2m in 2013 and an 18% rise in pre-tax profits for the 12 months to 25 October 2013. The improvement was credited to new business wins, sales building activity in existing units, tight controls with new IT initiatives, and high client satisfaction resulting in contract … [Read more...]
Women 1st – dates for your diary
Women 1st , the initiative that aims to increase the number of women working in senior positions in the tourism and visitor economy sector, has announced a number of important events for the months ahead: 18 June – Liverpool Marriott - Women inspiring the Economy powered by Women 1st Women 1st is delivering this high profile conference as part of the International … [Read more...]
Footfall Menu for Summer of Sport
If you are looking at maximising your hospitality venue’s footfall and revenue during this summer’s amazing sports event schedule, this is a must attend event. Watch demonstrations by chefs on how to develop menus for sports fans When: 2pm – 7pm Tues 24th June Where: Open Kitchen Live Demonstration Kitchen Uxbridge Watch a recent Open Kitchen Live event … [Read more...]
World applauds as Domino’s delivers #pizzaonatrain to comedian Chris Ramsay!
Yesterday evening (27 May), British comedian Chris Ramsey caused an internet sensation, when he challenged Domino’s Pizza UK to deliver him a pizza on his East Coast train travelling from London Kings Cross to Newcastle. Around 8.30pm and creating the Twitter hashtag #pizzaonatrain, Ramsey, username @IAmChrisRamsay with 290,000 followers, sent a tweet to Domino’s requesting … [Read more...]
The Busaba Eathai loyalty app: generous rewards for regulars
Thai restaurant group, Busaba Eathai, has collaborated with the team behind the innovative smartphone app MyCheck UK, to create the Busaba loyalty app, launching in its Covent Garden and Store Street branches in May. Busaba ‘Path to Enlightenment’ The new app will offer guests an incentivised programme called the Busaba ‘Path to Enlightenment’ which allows them to receive … [Read more...]
Durham welcomes new look pub for students
A choice of the latest in craft beers, super-fast broadband and interactive digital entertainment amid a host of student friendly offers are set to transform the former Varsity on Saddler Street, Durham as it emerges from a £260,000 refurbishment. The historic pub, situated on the World Heritage route close to Durham Castle and Cathedral, is geared for eating, drinking, … [Read more...]
Philadelphia Recipe, Grilled Mackerel with Horseradish
Ingredients for 4 4 mackerel fillets 2 tsp plain flour 60 g Philadelphia Light 2 tsp horseradish sauce Instructions Preheat the grill and dust the mackerel with flour on both sides. Grill the fish for 3-4 minutes each side until the skin is crisp and golden. Mix the Philadelphia with the horseradish sauce and serve on the side. Serve with wilted … [Read more...]
Chefs Recipe of the Week by Matthew Tomkinson
This week's Chefs Recipe of the Week is Assiette of apples, with apple sorbet and panna cotta - by Matthew Tomkinson and courtesy of Great British Chefs Matthew Tomkinson presents a sweet apple dessert recipe using contrasts in temperature and texture to highlight many different preparations of this classic ingredient. This recipe is an assembly of quite a few components, but … [Read more...]
Free School Meals Plan – Catering Thermometers
Schools looking for new kitchen equipment to respond to the increased demand for hot meals must include catering thermometers on their check list. To comply with UK Health & Safety standards and European HACCP legislation, all meals should be cooked, served and stored at food-safe temperatures. This requires equipment which is accurate, fast, easy to use and … [Read more...]
Urban Leisure Group opens Ask For Janice
Urban Leisure Group has opened its seventh site: the two-floor all day restaurant and bar Ask For Janice (formerly Kench and Bibsey), which is located on 50-52 Long Lane overlooking London’s Smithfield Market. The 2100 square ft site comprises a basement bar for 40 covers and a double-fronted ground floor for 75 covers with a mix of classroom and industrial décor, reclaimed … [Read more...]
Maggie’s to serve for Queen’s Club Members
This summer season’s clear winner looks set to be the Maggie’s Enclosure at the internationally renowned Aegon Championships at The Queen’s Club. The team behind the 1980s-inspired Chelsea nightclub will create the ultimate retro player’s lounge complete with ping pong table, 80s arcade games, oversized wooden rackets and ball shaped bean bags and bespoke Tanqueray No. TEN … [Read more...]