At the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) Gala Dinner, the winner of the Catering Product of the Year for 2014 was awarded to The Authentic Food Company Ltd. for its Butternut Squash Pakoras. Over the last 27 years, BFFF have run the ultimate new product awards event, which has become known as the ‘Oscars of the Frozen Food Industry’. The rationale for this highly … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2014
Phil Howard to create bespoke menu for Ascot’s King George Weekend
Twice Michelin Starred Chef Philip Howard will be creating an exclusive menu for one of Ascot’s most important race meetings this year, the King George Weekend (25-27 July). The menu will showcase modern British classics reflecting the spirit of the King George Meeting, and feature Howard’s famous Cornish mackerel dish that was awarded first place in the starter category in the … [Read more...]
Shipping containers for restaurant spaces: food for thought
Mobile Mini has partnered with the University of Huddersfield to explore creative uses for shipping containers as restaurant spaces. For prospective restaurateurs – also food and drink service operators - this looks like an approach worth checking out. Zoe Brookes of Mobile Mini comments: "Shipping containers are really versatile; not only can they be used for storage, but … [Read more...]
Launch of Avenue9 IT solutions delivery company
A highly experienced IT solutions delivery company – specially designed to take the fear out of IT systems management in the hospitality and leisure industry through a clearly defined, seamless and independent bespoke approach to solving client IT challenges – has been officially launched across the UK and overseas to all sizes of operation. Newcastle-upon-Tyne-based Avenue9 … [Read more...]
Compass in Scotland champions healthy eating
Compass in Scotland, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has committed to working with the Scottish Government to support the voluntary commitments set out for caterers in its Supporting Healthy Choices industry-wide framework. Innovative steps towards healthier lifestyles Health and wellbeing is at the very heart of Compass Group UK & Ireland and the business has … [Read more...]
Chef Stagiaire Award won by Emily Greenough
In a final separated by just a few points, young chef Emily Greenough won The Chef Stagiaire Award final at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. She will now travel to San Francisco and Oman to stage with two acclaimed restaurants. The Chef Stagiaire Award aims to celebrate technical ability, attitude and cooking techniques of young chefs from across the country, and offers chefs … [Read more...]
Punch Taverns updates on restructuring
Punch has issued a brief Interim Management Statement for the 16 weeks to 21 June 2014 as well as a Restructuring Update. It states that profits are in line with management expectations and on track to meet full year profit expectations. Operational highlights: Core estate like-for-like net income up 1.4% in the third quarter (+1.4% 44 weeks to 21 June 2014) The disposal … [Read more...]
Starbucks introduces Fizzio cold drinks range – in the USA
Starbucks has unveiled a selection of new drinks, expanding its cold beverage portfolio with the addition of Fizzio™ Handcrafted Sodas and Teavana® Shaken Iced Teas in some parts of the USA. We await news of when (or if) Fizzio will reach the UK – and with what flavour choices! Fizzio™ Handcrafted Sodas are carbonated fresh and launch in three classic flavours with a … [Read more...]
EasyHotel IPO raises £30 million
easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou announced plans to float the budget hotel chain easyHotel on Aim next week but it has raised just half of the £60m it had hoped to gain. The company is owned by easyGroup Holdings and has priced its initial public offering (IPO) at 80p, but has raised £30 million instead of the £50+ million anticipated. Market conditions following … [Read more...]
Plan ahead to maximise success
People 1st, the skills and workforce development charity, has released new research which shows that just 58% of hospitality companies have a business plan, despite there being a clear link between business planning and increased profit. More revenue with a business plan The research, which is based on a telephone survey with industry employers commissioned by People 1st, … [Read more...]
Coles Restaurant for sale in Marlborough
Since launching in the historic Wiltshire market town of Marlborough in 1997, Coles Restaurant has established a reputation for excellence far and wide. Now, the owners are keen to pursue other interests and have placed the restaurant up for sale with Christie + Co. Over 17 years, Coles has served classic English and Mediterranean cuisine to an ever-expanding and … [Read more...]
Carnaby Street Eat – free Food Festival on 20 July
Carnaby Street Eat, an international, free Food Festival will run from 11am to 6pm on Sunday 20 July and will feature: 30 of the area’s best restaurants, bars and cafés bringing their dishes and concepts out onto the streets of Carnaby £5 taster dishes and on-the-day offers Over 15 global cuisines A series of expert cooking demos, led by presenter and foodie Hardeep … [Read more...]
La Tasca partners with Odeon Cinemas for Chef blockbuster
With highly anticipated film ‘Chef’ set to be released on 25th June, leading Spanish bar and restaurant, La Tasca, has teamed up with Odeon cinemas nationwide and launched an exclusive ‘Chef’ menu for cinema lovers across the country. Starring some of the most well known faces in Hollywood including Dustin Hoffman, Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey JR, the film sees an … [Read more...]
HotStats UK Chain Hotels Market Review – May 2014
Outside London, in May South East hoteliers achieved a growth of 4.9% in gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR), according to the latest data from HotStats. The UK provinces in general also saw growth for the 5th consecutive month. South East surges: London loses Despite a drop in demand in May with occupancy going down by 0.3 percentage points (77.4%), hotels … [Read more...]
Travelodge appoints Karen Broughton to Sales & Marketing Director
Travelodge has announced the appointment of Karen Broughton as Sales and Marketing Director. Karen joins Britain’s value hotel brand from the Money Advice Service (MAS) where she is presently Executive Director, Marketing and Service Delivery. While at MAS, Karen introduced the highly successful ‘Ask Ma’ television advertising campaign and drove substantial growth in online … [Read more...]