The UK’s largest independent hotel group is marking its silver anniversary by rewarding guests with a special prize draw, offering a range of luxury extras worth over £2,000 to 25 winners, from an additional night’s stay to complimentary meals, spa treatments, and in-room champagne. With more than 60 hotels within its collection, Bespoke Hotels is looking to give back to … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2025
Outpost announces imminent Cardiff opening
From April 1st, Outpost on Llandaff Road, Cardiff will close its doors, and a bold transformation will take place. When it reopens, it will be known as SONDER, a new, neighbourhood bistro that seamlessly shifts from day to night, offering a laid-back yet refined dining experience, right on the border between Canton and Pontcanna. The transformation is the result … [Read more...]
Two new openings in London’s Chinatown
Shaftesbury Capital has announced that pastry concept Mrs Bakery, and quick service vendor Sushi Joy, have opened their doors in Chinatown London. The two brands have launched debut locations close to Leicester Square, one of London’s busiest tube stations, at 12/13 Little Newport Street and 15a Little Newport Street respectively. Mrs Bakery joins Chinatown London’s varied … [Read more...]
Taiwanese noodle bar, Kung Fu Mama, arriving at Long Acre in April
Ottolenghi co-founder, Noam Bar-Chang, and founder of Kung Fu Mama Retail, Chris Hsu, are thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Taiwanese noodle bar, Kung Fu Mama. Set to open in a prime position on Long Acre, Covent Garden, 8th April, the fun, fast-paced eatery will be dedicated to showcasing a contemporary take on authentic Taiwanese flavours via delicious, … [Read more...]
Robbie Laidlaw running the London marathon for his baby son and the British Heart Foundation
Robbie Laidlaw, business development director at Genuine Dining who last year rowed across the Atlantic for Hospitality Action is now set to compete in a more personal charitable challenge. Laidlaw will run the London marathon next month raising vital funds for the British Heart Foundation. His son Gray was born with Down Syndrome just before he set out on his … [Read more...]
Tick-Box Training and Virtue Signalling – NTIA Calls for a Cultural Shift in Safeguarding
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is urging the Safeguarding Minister and local authorities to move beyond outdated, performative approaches to safety and commit to real cultural change in safeguarding within the night-time economy. Regulatory strategies that rely on enforcement-led, box-ticking measures fail to address the root causes of harassment, spiking, and … [Read more...]
Widespread dismay follows spring statement folly
By Angela Green: Widespread dismay follows spring statement folly. As the dust settles following yesterday’s spring statement, dismay is palpable across a hospitality and catering industry forced to look at mitigating further added business costs handed down by Rachel Reeves. Robert Richardson FIH MI, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality, told us: "The UK government … [Read more...]
The aha Forum 2025 in Partnership with Thomas Franks announces inaugural event details
Hospitality and catering operators from across the UK are poised to collaborate and exchange best practices to enhance accessibility, amidst a challenging and evolving trading landscape. On June 11, 2025, the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, will host the inaugural aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks. The event takes place at The Urban Farmer Project, Shoe Lane in … [Read more...]
Tourism for All recognised by IoH
The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) has renewed its endorsement of Tourism for All's (TFA) online disability and accessibility awareness training courses. This renewal highlights the value of TFA’s efforts in promoting accessibility and inclusivity within the tourism sector. IoH’s continued support recognises the high quality of TFA’s training, which equips tourism … [Read more...]
BM’s Luis Henrique Pires De Avila wins ‘Hospitality’s Got Talent’ 2025
Luis Henrique Pires De Avila, a hospitality assistant at BM Caterers, was crowned the winner of ‘Hospitality’s Got Talent’ 2025 on Tuesday 18 March. The event, which took place at Piano Works in London’s Farringdon, saw him perform alongside a four-piece band, with a captivating rendition of INXS's 'Never Tear Us Apart'. De Avila said: “I feel super happy and … [Read more...]
Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars appoints new F&B Director
Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars has announced the appointment of Nicholas Durham as Director of Food & Beverage. Bringing a wealth of industry experience and a dynamic vision for growth, Durham will lead the hotel’s renowned dining outlets, including the celebrated Chinese Cricket Club, NYnLON, Leaf & Cane bar and City Lounge, into an exciting new chapter. In … [Read more...]
Falcon adds Embraer and Bombardier to growing fleet
Falcon has announced it is adding Embraer Legacy 650 and Bombardier Challenger 850 private jets to its growing fleet. Mr. Sultan Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene, Founder & Chairman of Alex Group Investments, the parent company of Falcon, said: "We are topping up our multi-million dollar investment in the Falcon private jet fleet with the aim to introduce cutting-edge … [Read more...]
Hospitality Action reports record-breaking year of support in 2024
As Hospitality Action marks the fifth anniversary of its first COVID grant - a pivotal moment that triggered a sharp and lasting rise in demand for support - the charity reports that this trend has continued, making 2024 its most challenging year yet. According to its latest Impact Report, a surge in grant applications last year was driven by mounting debt, soaring living … [Read more...]
Turas confirm acquisition of Cairngorm Hotel
Highland hospitality group Turas Hotels has confirmed the acquisition of the Cairngorm Hotel, which had been under the same family ownership for three decades. Turas Hotels have concluded the private purchase of the popular Cairngorm Hotel for an undisclosed sum, cementing the group’s footprint within the Cairngorms National Park. The new owners say they now want to build … [Read more...]
Gary Maclean and Hannah Catley join BaxterStorey as chef partners
Catering News is sponsored by Two Services Gary Maclean and Hannah Catley have joined hospitality business BaxterStorey as chef partners to the business. Maclean is Scotland’s first government-appointed national chef, a role in which he promotes locally sourced and locally produced food and drink, as well as healthy and sustainable eating and food education in Scotland. … [Read more...]
