The Ritz London’s transformation from a family affair to a Netflix drama. Following 133 years opening every day, including throughout the first and second world wars, Covid-19 forced The Ritz London to close its doors for the first time on March 27, 2020. They have remained closed ever since. The same day The Ritz London announced it had been acquired by a Qatari … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2020
Chinese lockdown jigsaw lessons
China delivered Covid-19 to the world, and the world watched live as the pandemic unfolded, and was 'quelled'. The lockdown in China was more diligent than most, enabled by a Government that can impose restrictions most would struggle to. Chinese lockdown jigsaw lessons - Beijing The Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control was reported on Sunday saying that … [Read more...]
Accor reinforces liquidity above €4 Billion, signalling journey
Accor has announced today signing a new €560m Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) with five banks. This new injection of liquidity complements an undrawn €1.2bn RCF signed in July 2018. This new financing reinforces Accor’s liquidity position which today exceeds €4 Billion, enabling it to weather more than 40 months in current market conditions. The liquidity bank is made … [Read more...]
Foodservice: The New Normal
This article is written by Foodservices Consultant Tracey Fairclough, who advises corporate clients on the appointment of workplace catering facilities and management. It is written to provide guidance to those managing UK foodservice restaurants in the workplace beyond Covid-19. Ten key considerations to review when designing future staff restaurants to create the … [Read more...]
Covid-19 enables greater sustainability
In October 2019, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group pledged to eliminate all single-use plastic, across its portfolio of luxury hotels, by the end of March 2021. While the original timing for completion is likely to be impacted by the global effects of Covid-19, the Group has highlighted both the achievements made to date and some of the challenges encountered. Covid-19 … [Read more...]
Choreographed Michelin Starred Wonderment
Having travelled to many parts of the world and enjoying the privilege of dining in many acclaimed restaurants, one experience transcends all others. Back in 2017 I booked an Easter family holiday on the Algarve, Portugal. From habit I searched for locally accessible Michelin Star restaurants, satisfyingly I found one in the resort next to ours, with two. We often take … [Read more...]
Key Worker experience readies reopening
Following the Government’s recent announcements on relaxing the Covid-19 lockdown, businesses across hospitality are planning to reopen. Amongst them is London’s Victory Services Club, the event venue has announced extensive measures around social distancing. The measures ensure that the venue is prepared to open again for social distanced meetings. The Club has … [Read more...]
Greene King to roll out delivery and takeaway services
Greene King has announced introduction of delivery and takeaway services from its Metropolitan Pub Company division in London. Twenty-nine pubs will offer delivery, ten of which will also provide a click and collect takeaway service, from Friday 22 May. The London based Metropolitan pubs will operate a combination of food delivery, via Deliveroo, as well as a click and … [Read more...]
Measure twice cut once
Media scrutiny in time to come will undoubtedly unravel much about what could have been done to lessen the impact from Covid-19. The hospitality industry across the UK has paid, and will continue to pay, a high price for the outcomes from the Covid-19 pandemic. Now questions are starting to be asked about the measures taken to date, and those questions centre on the date of … [Read more...]
Talking new hospitality – with Ian Thomas, CEO, Bartlett Mitchell
What will the new world of hospitality and catering look like, and how are you planning to adapt to those changes. Big questions we put to Ian Thomas, CEO, Bartlett Mitchell earlier today. H&C News: You’ve held some workshops with stakeholders from across the sector, why did you feel it was important to bring people together? Ian Thomas: “We are not alone in … [Read more...]
Care Homes assured of Meiko UK support
MEIKO UK has assured all users of its equipment in hospitals and care homes of continued breakdown support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The NHS and the care sector are facing the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The kitchen, food production and warewashing facilities are crucial to the morale and welfare of the staff, as well as to the efficient running of these … [Read more...]
Price speculation continues as Uber set sights on Grubhub acquisition
Food delivery giants Uber have announced they are set to acquire competitor Grubhub to accelerate their already significant slice of this growing sector. US market analyst’s and regulators have immediately given the thumbs down to the idea with some being quite vocal on consumer interests. The potential acquisition has even seen some accuse Uber of ‘pandemic … [Read more...]
Burger King and McDonalds opening in June
Following Government guidance encouraging people to return to work, if safe, leading fast food operators act quickly to meet the opportunity. McDonald's has announced plans to reopen all of its UK and Ireland restaurants in early June offering fast food for drive through collection. Delivery and drive through services are also being planned by Burger King UK opening … [Read more...]
Niall Keating secures his course for BBC Two’s Great British Menu banquet
Niall Keating, Executive Chef of Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds, has secured a coveted place at the BBC Two’s Great British Menu banquet in honour of 150 years of children’s literature in the UK. Impressing judges, his successful dish for the fish course - the striking and dramatic ‘Witches of the Northern Lights’, inspired by author Philip Pullman, features black tortellini … [Read more...]
Hospitality insurance claim reaches first base
Hospitality insurance claim - A crowdfund campaign launched to challenge insurance companies that are refusing to honour business interruption policies specifically for the hospitality sector has surpassed its initial target. With the latest contribution coming in from UKHospitality now means the next stage of the campaign can get underway and will see a review of … [Read more...]