Macdonald Hotels, the UK’s largest independent hotel group, achieved a profit of £55m in the last financial year and announced it had now reduced its bank debts by over half a billion pounds since 2003. The profits, which follow the sale of land at the Macdonald Botley Park, Southampton, are supported by a continued strong trading performance. The group, which has 55 … [Read more...]
Archives for 2016
Young persons’ ID – don’t use passports, use PASS!
BBPA Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds has welcomed a new campaign launched today by Her Majesty’s Passport Office to encourage students and any young person who uses a passport for age verification to use alternative identification methods. These include PASS, the UK national proof-of-age accreditation scheme which issues a photo identification card, and is funded by trade … [Read more...]
Year ends on a high for Cedar Court Hotels
Yorkshire group Cedar Court Hotels ends 2016 on a high as December has seen a record number of partygoers celebrating Christmas at its hotels. Just under 20,000 Christmas party meals have been served across four hotels, an increase of nearly 20% on 2015. At the same time the group has also achieved national awards for the Green Tourism Scheme. Hotels at Leeds Bradford, … [Read more...]
Get High-Street Hot Drinks in Your Lobby
Breakfast is widely known as one of the most important meals of the day, but the hotel industry is finding more and more that guests decline the hotel’s breakfast offering. In light of this, hotels should be looking to bring their breakfast offering in line with current trends, aiming to accommodate everyone. Many hotel customers are increasingly visiting their favourite … [Read more...]
Bespoke UK holiday park operator Verdant Leisure invests £2.7 million for 2017
Verdant Leisure, a bespoke holiday park operator with six holiday parks in Scotland and the north of England is investing over £2.7 million in its portfolio for 2017. The company, established in 2010, has grown steadily and is now a key player in the industry. Verdant Leisure has invested over £600K in new hire fleet across its holiday parks and opened a new head office in … [Read more...]
Las Iguanas and The Entertainer raise over £30,000 for local kids charities
For every party booking of 10 or more this Christmas, Las Iguanas the Latin American Restaurant Group, donated £5 to their Community Present Project fund to bring joy to children in need, and they can now confirm that they will be donating a whopping total of over £30,000 to the fund this year. Their partners in this festive fundraising initiative are The Entertainer, the … [Read more...]
Pita pandemonium at Berber & Q Shawarma Bar
Throughout January, Berber & Q Shawarma Bar are beating back the post-festive blues with a guest chef collaboration series in celebration of the humble but mighty pita. Josh Katz and Mattia Bianchi are welcoming four of London’s hottest chefs to their Exmouth Market kitchen to create a pita that will run as a special on the Shawarma Bar menu for a week. The line-up sees Dan … [Read more...]
‘Boerie Pretzel Roll’ topped with Asian Chakalaka
Vegetarian Foodservice Recipe: ‘Boerie Pretzel Roll’ topped with Asian Chakalaka Recent research shows that more than 5% of the UK population are vegetarian, that’s 3 million diners. These diners need vegetarian menu options and frequent the venues that provide vegetarian menu options. Fry’s Family Foods help you to provide vegetarian menu options not just through … [Read more...]
Leon launches new ‘fast & free’ January menu
On 3rd January, Naturally Fast Food chain LEON will be unveiling a new selection of free-from dishes inspired by its upcoming cookbook Fast & Free, demonstrating that it is possible to steer clear of certain ingredients without denying yourself a positive and joyful relationship with food. Their additions to the menu will launch just in time for January’s health drive … [Read more...]
North-east children get into the Christmas spirit at Macdonald Pittodrie House
More than 30 youngsters received an early Christmas present when they were greeted by Santa Claus at a special event organised by Cash for Kids. Macdonald Pittodrie House, based at Chapel of Garioch, near Inverurie teamed up with Northsound Radio to give sick, disabled and disadvantaged children from across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire some festive cheer. Boys and girls, … [Read more...]
Five-year-old Isla gets her wish to become a chef
Five-year-old Isla Johnson from Grays, Essex has spent the last two Christmas’ in hospital. She was diagnosed with intestinal failure in infancy, which means she’s unable to eat or drink. Despite that, Isla adores cooking and has always wanted to be a chef. Thanks to Elior and its charity partner Starlight, Isla saw her wish come true in spectacular style this Christmas. To … [Read more...]
Piper exits Loungers to Lion Capital in a transaction valued at £137m
Lion Capital LLP (“Lion”), Piper LLP (“Piper”), and the founders of Loungers Limited (“Loungers”) are pleased to announce that Lion has acquired a majority stake in Loungers through the acquisition of Piper’s stake in the company and a portion of the founders’ stake, in a transaction which values the business at £137m. Loungers is a fast-growing UK chain of informal, … [Read more...]
Botanics staff collect raft of awards at Sodexo Star Awards
Sodexo employees at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are celebrating after picking up a raft of national accolades at the company’s annual Star Awards. The venue team, who work for Sodexo’s Sports & Leisure division, took home three trophies in recognition of their outstanding client relationship, strength of services and dedication to meeting environmental and … [Read more...]
Relais & Chateaux Tokyo Conference on food related challenges of tomorrow
Through this conference, Relais & Châteaux wished to provide an effective, committed contribution to understanding the planet's food challenges and the issues facing its members. Relais & Châteaux assembled experts, researchers, writers and chefs to offer a pertinent analysis of these questions. Relais & Châteaux members from all over the world congregated in … [Read more...]
The Black Cat Supper Club – launching January 2017
One of London’s most well-known purveyors of ground-breaking, high-end theatrical spectaculars, The Black Cat Cabaret, has announced a new series of supper club events taking place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from Thursday 26th January 2017. Taking place at a former vaudeville venue hidden below the bustling pavements of Piccadilly, The Black Cat Cabaret’s new … [Read more...]