VisitEngland this week launched its new ROSE awards: a new industry honour (in Recognition Of Service Excellence). Designed to showcase those establishments that provide the warmest of welcome, the 100 recipients include accommodation providers; places where the owners, managers and staff really know how to delight their customers, irrespective of their star rating, style … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2015
Bistrot Pierre introduces Family Activity Pack to ensure ‘quality time’
New research shows that more people than ever are choosing to eat out with their family to spend ‘quality time’ together. The study found almost 75 per cent of families questioned now visit restaurants more frequently in comparison to five years ago, and are choosing dining out as a way to find essential family time in an increasingly busy lifestyle. The majority (57 per … [Read more...]
Cafeology wins RSPCA Animal Hero Award
National coffee company Cafeology has been recognised at the 2015 Animal Hero Awards for its contribution to the protection of a Central American rainforest. The awards ceremony, held last night in London and hosted by actress Amanda Holden, is endorsed by the RSPCA. Outstanding Business of the Year Over 2,000 businesses, organisations and individuals were nominated … [Read more...]
Nutritional training to help hospitality and catering join the war on obesity
With obesity on the rise in the UK as a result of people exercising less and eating out more, Frank Post of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) makes the point that the catering and hospitality sectors are ideally placed and have a collective corporate social responsibility to fight the war on fat by providing nutritional training to staff working with … [Read more...]
APPG inquiry into apprenticeships and skills development
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Visitor Economy has launched an inquiry into apprenticeships and skills development in the hospitality and tourism industry. The APPG, co-chaired by Nigel Huddleston MP for Mid Worcestershire and Margaret Ritchie MP for South Down which met for the first time this week, has issued a call for written evidence around the key … [Read more...]
ALMR members favour flexibility and clarity on tipping
Businesses need to retain the flexibility to invest in their teams and recognise great service in any review of the rules on tips. Those rules need updating and strengthening, with the emphasis on clarity and transparency, but new legislation is not necessary to deliver best and fair practice. That's the conclusions from an ALMR survey of members on tipping practice and … [Read more...]
Events strong influence on Scotland’s September hotel performance
The monthly LJ Forecaster Scottish Intercity Report, from tourism market research specialists LJ Research, tracking city centre hotel performance showed that events in September had a significant influence on hotel performance in Scotland’s three largest cities: Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Aberdeen The 2015 SPE Offshore Europe Conference and Exhibition in Aberdeen … [Read more...]
OCS appoints UK head of standards and solutions for catering
OCS has appointed a new UK head of standards and solutions for catering. Paul Cowie has joined OCS to support the company’s catering offering, enhancing customer relationships and driving growth strategy. Cowie is responsible for leading the continued development of the OCS catering brand and for identifying and optimising delivery models across the group’s UK divisions. He … [Read more...]
Tortilla open 25th restaurant and make key appointments
Tortilla, the burgeoning Mexican restaurant group, has opened the doors to its 25th restaurant at Kings Cross St Pancras. Just a stone’s throw away from Kings Cross station, the restaurant will serve up its usual classic California Burritos, Tacos, Margaritas and Beers, as well as its new evening menu offering of Chicken Quesadillas and Nachos Queso, all inspired by the … [Read more...]
Scotch Egg Challenge 2015 – the Winners
20 chefs took to the kitchen at The Canonbury Tavern, Islington to do battle in the fifth annual Scotch Egg Challenge. The 2015 competition invited contestants, for the first year, to enter into one of two categories: Traditional and Unconventional, but it was Holborn Dining Room and Princess Victoria, (Shepherds Bush) who were named triumphant with their eggceptional … [Read more...]
Harry Ramsden’s awards new franchise for 28 outlets
Harry Ramsden’s, the British brand world famous for its fish and chips, has signed a new franchise agreement for a further territory in England. The brand has awarded the franchise for Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire to Bobby Khangura and Lacky Sohal of Larentia Limited who already have vast experience operating within the UK food and beverage franchise … [Read more...]
Aloft Hotels launches first Emoji Only Room Service Menu
Aloft Hotels, designed for the hyper-connected global traveller, has announced Aloft TiGi (Text it. Get it.) Emoji Room Service, the world’s first emoji-only room service menu. Starting now, guests at the newly opened Aloft Manhattan Downtown – Financial District in New York City can simply text an emoji of what they want to the hotel’s front desk and within minutes, the … [Read more...]
Benugo opens first department store café in John Lewis
Benugo, the award-winning deli café operators, has launched its first café in a department store – opening its doors on 21 October to customers at John Lewis in Oxford Street, London. The ‘Benugo Café at John Lewis’ will offer customers and guests a wide range of daily specials made up of fresh, seasonal produce ranging from salads, oven-baked dishes, to signature … [Read more...]
Olga Polizzi and The Gotham triumph in Independent Hotel Show Awards
The independent and boutique industry last night celebrated the achievements of two of the hottest names in the sector. Crowning the Independent Hotelier and the Outstanding New Hotel, the Independent Hotel Show Awards, presented by Rate Gain in association with Sky, were presented at a special ceremony taking place on the opening day of the show at Olympia West. The awards … [Read more...]
The Arch London appoints Eva Mount as GM
The Arch London, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has appointed Eva Mount as its new General Manager. Having worked with Firmdale Hotels for over ten years, Eva has vast experience in the boutique hotel market. Eva’s previous position was as General Manager at Firmdale Dorset Square where she managed the opening of the five-star boutique hotel and its … [Read more...]