London’s Ritz Hotel, one of the best known hospitality ‘names’ in the world, was acquired last night by an unnamed buyer. The deal was announced shortly after it closed its doors on Friday, for the first time in 113 years in reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak.The deal with an unnamed Qatari investment fund was revealed with almost no further details by the acquirers legal … [Read more...]
Public outrage looks to have set an about turn in motion at JD Wetherspoon
JD Wetherspoon looks to have taken an about turn in its intentions to pay their 43,000 workers prior to receipt of financial support from the government’s wage reimbursement scheme. The move follows immense public pressure across UK media and a letter to Chairman Tim Martin from circa 100 MPs. The U turn is still however using Mr Martin’s words, “subject to government … [Read more...]
Gordon Ramsay retreats to Cornwall holiday home following termination of 500 restaurant staff
Gordon Ramsay has always courted publicity and sometimes even basks in it when it’s bad, this week is no different, and we understand he is currently basking in it at one of his holiday homes in Cornwall with his family.A furore started earlier this week within the press when reporting of Ramsay’s reactions to, like every other restaurateur in the UK, being forced by … [Read more...]
Cairn Group redeploy hotel teams to help care homes
We are delighted to report the following news from Cairn Group showing how our great industry is reacting in times of crisis helping to combat the spread of COVID-19.Catering, laundry and domestic cleaning staff from Cairn Group’s hotels around the UK will be giving a helping hand to the stretched care home sector.The Group has 32 hotels across the UK but also seven … [Read more...]
Ed Sheeran to pay all his restaurant team throughout COVID-19 crisis
Singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran has ensured the wellbeing of all his London restaurant staff by agreeing to pay the salaries of all the restaurant team throughout the COVID-19 crisis. His generosity is irrespective of the length of time the crisis continues.Not only has Sheeran covered his team financially to see them through the crisis, he has additionally encouraged them … [Read more...]
Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivers much needed message to hospitality’s self-employed
Rishi Sunak has once again stood up and given a statesmanlike performance in delivering his much needed message to those who are self-employed. The overall message was clear, and that message was ‘we will look after you if you are self-employed’. In many ways the help soon available is on par with the help already provided for people who are ‘traditionally’ employed, covering … [Read more...]
JD Wetherspoon adds fuel to hospitality cash flow fires
There are many business adages that stand the test of time, ‘Cash is King’ being possibly the most relevant to businesses currently. In the boardrooms of many big businesses across the country board members sit, at a safe distance we hope, and take decisions to protect their businesses.This is human nature and as such is understandable, but it also sets in motion a domino … [Read more...]
JD Wetherspoon serve notice of not paying suppliers, indefinitely
Yesterday Tim Martin and JD Weatherspoon announced they were not paying their 43,000 workers until the company was first reimbursed for their wages by the government. JD Wetherspoon’s decision leaves 43,000 people without their next pay date, many with little or no means of paying for rent, bills or food.Adding insult to injury today an email was sent by JD Weatherspoon to … [Read more...]
Celebrated restauranteur and chef Floyd Cardoz, passes away from COVID-19
We are sad to report that Mumbai born restaurateur Floyd Cardoz has passed away today from COVID-19. Floyd Cardoz was born and grew up in Mumbai, he trained as a biochemist before discovering his real passion, restaurants.Educated in culinary schools in India and Switzerland, he travelled to New York where he worked in Gray Kunz's legendary kitchen at Lespinasse, rising to … [Read more...]
BiteBack, the online toolkit for hospitality businesses looking at transition to takeaway
The distressing impact of the global health and economic crisis from COVID-19 is being felt by all businesses, especially hospitality businesses.Now forced to close, restaurants will no takings while these measures are still in place. For small or independent businesses, this revenue loss could prove particularly damaging unless they find alternative ways to generate … [Read more...]
US $2 Trillion COVID-19 package approved, and includes help for self-employed
The White House and Senate leaders in the very early hours of this morning approved a $2-trillion (that’s $2,000,000,000,000) package to provide immediate stimulus to their economy. Following intense negotiations the package produced is one of the most expensive and potentially impactful measures in the history of the US Congress.White House legislative affairs director … [Read more...]
Chancellor tells the Airlines that feed UK tourism and hospitality no help from Government
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has told UK airlines not to look to the government for help getting through the COVID-19 crisis and to find other forms of funding.In a letter to the UK airline industry yesterday Sunak said the government would only step in as "a last resort". He instead urged airlines to seek to raise money from shareholders. He went on to set out that the … [Read more...]
Hospitality Hero emerges on Facebook, meet the amazing Kevin Foley
The Cambridge Dictionary defines hospitality as... the act of being friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors. And to balance all things Oxbridge, the Oxford dictionary defines hospitality as ... friendly and generous behaviour towards guests.We all have our own definitions and to a greater or lesser extend live them out every day being part of the hospitality … [Read more...]
World financial markets rise today, and FTSE rewards Wetherspoons treatment of workers
It was a relief to see financial markets across the world bounce back today, making significant gains across the board. In London the FTSE 100 closed at 5,460, up 466 points or 9.35%. After yesterday’s fall being the biggest since 2011, today’s rise is the biggest since 2008.We are delighted to report that the FTSE 350 Travel & Leisure Index, which contains many of the … [Read more...]
