Who will be the next Ed's Easy Diner?
Property firm Christie & Co has warned that more than one established chain restaurant group could fail in 2017 due to the rising cost of sites. According to a company report restaurant prices rose by 14 per cent in 2016, while the cost of pub sites was up 4 per cent.
Bed tax nightmare
Proposals to introduce a 'bed tax' on hotels in Bath to counter £37m of local council cuts have been heavily criticised by industry. The British Hospitality Association (BHA) warned that such a levy would be 'hugely detrimental' to businesses and damage the tourist economy of the area.
Bluebird spreads its wings
D&D London is to open a second site of its Chelsea restaurant Bluebird at the former BBC Television Centre building in London. The group, which said it had been approached 'countless' times to expand, will launch a 5,000 sq.ft cafe, bar and deli later this year.
Accor goes for Gen Y
AccorHotels has reaffirmed its aim to develop its millennial-targeted brands by appointing former Club Med North America CEO Cedric Gobillard to head up a new lifestyle division. He will oversee Accor's upcoming Jo&Joe brand and the company's stakes in Germany's 25hours Hotels and French firm Mama Shelter.
Exciting new opening
Former Burnt Truffle chef James Allcock is to launch his first solo restaurant The Pig & Whistle in Beverley, Yorkshire, later this year. Allcock - who helped put 1884 Dock Street Kitchen in the Michelin Guide - said the restaurant would be a 'pint-sized' neighbourhood bistro serving small plates, cheese boards and British charcuterie.
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