As desperate for cash as many hotels are, the decision by Hyatt to host the US Conservative Political Action Conference 2021, is not only morally questionable, but economically flawed. The millions of dollars paid for the event is already but a pittance compared to the brand damage suffered worldwide. The Hyatt Regency Orlando is currently hosting a three day ‘Conservative … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2021
The avoidance of hospitality’s tipping point now wholly reliant on next week’s Budget
The chancellor will trigger unemployment at levels worse than those seen in the early 1980’s if he does not announce continued and increased support for the businesses impacted throughout the pandemic in his budget next week. The budget equation the chancellor needs to formulate has to be bridged by the equals sign pointing to the avoidance of a surge in business … [Read more...]
QSR giants McDonald’s and Yum! agree global deals with Beyond Meat
Beyond Meat this week announced a global strategic partnership with Yum! Brands to co-create and offer plant-based protein menu items at KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell over the next several years. The same day a three-year global strategic agreement with McDonald’s was simultaneously announced seeing Beyond Meat become the preferred supplier for the patty in the McPlant … [Read more...]
Loyalty to serve Soho House $3 Billion
Since opening at 40 Greek Street in 1995, Soho House successfully expanded into 27 Houses across 10 countries. A members club that includes restaurants, bars, hotels and night clubs. From its roots in West London, Soho House has selectively grown its footprint across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. The group is now eyeing up an IPO valued at between $2 - $3 Billion, … [Read more...]
Pivoting from surplus to esoteric in aid of The Clink Charity
The Clink Charity Hospitality Golf Day 2021, in association with Meiko UK is all about raising the profile of, and funds for, the work done by The Clink Charity. Vital work in rehabilitating and training prisoners that enables trainees post release to enter into a meaningful career in hospitality. The centrepiece of the day is an auction in the evening during dinner, where … [Read more...]
Catching up on all things catering with Ian Thomas
Last May, a few months into the Covid pandemic we sat down with Ian Thomas, CEO, Bartlett Mitchell to get his view on all things Covid and catering. Since then the world of catering has continued to adapt within a previously unseen business landscape, and Bartlett Mitchell was acquired by WSH. So, we arranged to sit down with Ian again to get an update. Firstly, … [Read more...]
Improved second half performance required from Rishi, aided by heeding doves
Boris Johnson’s roadmap on Monday was an exercise in trying to keep most of the people happy most of the time. With doves urging greater caution, alongside hawks including the ERG, whoops CRG, demanding Covid be let rip through society. The roadmap is only the first half if we use a football analogy, and the second half is now wholly dependent upon a sterling performance from … [Read more...]
Call on Chancellor to set hospitality VAT rate permanently at 5% in budget
An exchange of views on twitter earlier this week relating to the Chancellor's upcoming budget next Wednesday, led us to invite Nicholas Russell, MD Balbirnie House in Fife, Scotland to air his view's with our readership. We hope you find Nicholas Russell's view of how VAT could be applied to hospitality as compelling as we have. Nicholas Russell: So here we are, spring 2021. … [Read more...]
An Invitation to accompany your KP to play golf at The Belfry this summer
Meiko UK have always been champions of Kitchen Porters by manufacturing the warewashers KP’s like to use most. Also, through running The Kitchen Porters Club, the twitter page dedicated to KP’s. The Kitchen Porters Club highlights jobs for Kitchen Porters across the UK, alongside news and just about anything related to KP’ing, as well as some fun stuff too. Meiko UK and The … [Read more...]
Roux Scholarship 2021 set to resume this autumn
After the 2020 Roux Scholarship was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Roux Family have set new dates for the competition to take place in autumn 2021: the regional finals will take place in London and Birmingham on 9th September and the national final will take place on 25th October. The 18 regional finalists, as well as the first reserve, selected at the … [Read more...]
Accor reports global revenues down 62% in 2020
Against the backdrop of the global Covid-19 pandemic Accor in 2020 reports RevPAR down 62%. The 2020 report is attributed by Accor to a decline in revenues reflecting the business downturn in the global hospitality industry linked to the spread of the Covid-19 virus. In positive tone, Accor is seeing signs of ‘significant recovery’ in all regions in the third quarter, … [Read more...]
£2 Billion loss at Heathrow prompts CEO to call on the chancellor for budget support
Heathrow Airport’s latest financial report shows the travel hub suffering a £2 Billion loss in 2020 as a direct consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Heathrow reported 2020 as its worst year in 75 years of trading, seeing passenger numbers decline by circa 72%. The reduction in passenger numbers led to a reduction in revenue of 62%. Despite ongoing travel restrictions … [Read more...]
Chefs and Restaurateurs’ react to roadmap
Boris Johnson’s roadmap on Monday may not have contained many surprises, but the timelines are not what many had hoped for. Restaurateurs have told us, it does at least provide a framework around their planning to reopen, but the concern for many is cash flow. All are now eagerly waiting on the chancellor next Wednesday, to deliver further extended and increased fiscal and … [Read more...]
Two new Trustees appointed by the Gold Service Scholarship
The Gold Service Scholarship has announced that it has strengthened its group of Trustees with two prestigious new appointments this month. Knut Wylde, General Manager of The Berkeley in London, and Alessandro Fasoli, Director of The Woodspeen in Berkshire and The Clockspire in Somerset, will join the Trustee roster of other senior industry figures. Both have impressive … [Read more...]
The House of Commons honours caterer Julia Clifford
The Members’ Tea Room at the House of Commons will be renamed ‘Julie’s Tea Room' in honour of a popular member of the parliamentary catering team, Julia Clifford, who passed away recently after contracting Covid-19. Earlier this week in a statement made prior to parliamentary questions, Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle led a tribute to “friend and colleague” Julia … [Read more...]
