Casual Dining

Street food group Chuck Burgers to launch second permanent site

11-May-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Chuck Burgers, the American-inspired group best known for its street food van at east London's Hawker House, is to launch its third location and second permanent site.

Cutting tourism VAT could end UK's £13bn trade deficit

11-May-2016 By Sophie Witts

The British Hospitality Associtaion (BHA) has ramped up calls for the Government to cut the rate of tourism VAT to fix the UK’s increasingly dire trade deficit.

Dish Deconstructed: Robin Gill’s Galician octopus

10-May-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Watch Robin Gill, chef-owner of newly-opened Counter Culture in London’s Clapham, demonstrate how to cook the restaurant's Galician octopus dish. 

West Berkshire Brewery on track to open pub and expand brewery capacity

10-May-2016 By Emma Eversham

West Berkshire Brewery, the David Bruce-led brewer, is on track to open its first pub and extend its brewery after over-reaching a £4m funding target. 

Business Profile: New Moon Co

10-May-2016 By Emma Eversham

With four gastropubs and four different restaurant brands, New Moon Co is building a diverse portfolio across the north. 

Dirty Martini begins national expansion

09-May-2016 By Sophie Witts

CG Restaurants & Bars is to roll-out its Dirty Martini brand nationwide following the launch of its first £1m Cardiff site.

Government spends £700k to bring back British seaside holiday

09-May-2016 By Sophie Witts

Hotels, pubs and restaurants in coastal towns are set to benefit from a £700,000 Government fund to boost seaside tourism.

Henry Harris takes reins at The Dog & Badger

09-May-2016 By Emma Eversham

Former Racine chef-patron Henry Harris is to take up the reins as chef-patron of Buckinghamshire bar and restaurant The Dog & Badger. 

ASK THE EXPERTS

How to cater for customers following gluten-free diets

09-May-2016 By Kathryn Miller

On the first day of Coeliac UK Awareness Week, Coeliac UK's head of food policy Kathryn Miller, outlines the practical steps hospitality operators can take to cater for customers following a gluten-free diet. 

Legs restaurant and wine bar from Magnus Reid to open in London's Hackney

06-May-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Legs, a new wine-focused bar and restaurant from Australian chef Magnus Reid, is to open in London’s Hackney this 19 May.

Brexit 'good for business' says third of independent foodservice operators

06-May-2016 By Emma Eversham

More than two thirds of independent foodservice operators believe that Britain leaving the EU would have a positive impact on their business with 56 per cent predicting that it would help cut red tape.

The top 5 stories in hospitality this week 02/05 - 06/05

06-May-2016 By Sophie Witts

What were some of the top stories in hospitality this week? Here's our pick.

SMALL TALK

Barry Hirst on Open House and improving the pub industry

06-May-2016 By Joe Lutrario

The property developer turned restaurateur sold his four-strong pub business last year to concentrate on ambitious new-build projects in iconic London locations, of which the latest is the newly opened The Lighterman in King’s Cross.

Xavier Rousset to open first solo restaurant Blandford Comptoir

05-May-2016 By Emma Eversham

Sommelier and restaurateur Xavier Rousset is set to open his first solo venture this month, a relaxed Mediterranean restaurant with a 250-strong wine list. 

The Wesley Hotel to open eco-friendly bar and restaurant Savannah

05-May-2016 By Emma Eversham

The Wesley Hotel in London's Euston will re-open its food and beverage space as an eco-friendly bar and restaurant The Savannah next week. 

Tate Modern opening new restaurants in £260m extension

05-May-2016 By Sophie Witts

The Tate Modern is seeking 120 staff to work in five bars and restaurants as part of its new £260m extension.

The Dairy’s Robin Gill to kick off London rooftop pop-up The Gardening Society

05-May-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Chef Robin Gill of London restaurant The Dairy and Brad McDonald of London’s barbecue outlet Shotgun, are among those set to appear at new Oxford Street rooftop pop-up, The Gardening Society.

The Chestnut Group launches training academy as business grows

04-May-2016 By Emma Eversham

The Chestnut Group, the owner of the Packhorse Inn in Moulton and The Rupert Brooke in Grantchester, has launched an in-house training academy to help equip staff with the skills they need to help the business grow.  

Kenny Atkinson in the line-up at Adam Byatt's guest chef nights

04-May-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Chef Adam Byatt has launched a guest chef series, along with Sunday lunch clubs and wine masterclasses, at his Upstairs at Trinity restaurant in Clapham, with Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson among the chefs taking part. 

Starboard Hotels acquires 10th site with Holiday Inn Express Leeds

04-May-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Starboard Hotels has acquired the 130-bedroom Holiday Inn Express, Leeds Armouries, which was on the market for offers over £8m.

Hospitality industry urged to be 'decent' over tipping report

03-May-2016 By Sophie Witts

Trade Union Unite has urged the hospitality industry to ‘do the decent thing’ and accept that staff should take home 100 per cent of their tips.

The Olive Tree Brasserie launches £100,000 crowdfund in new third site bid

03-May-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Greek-style restaurant group the Olive Tree Brasserie has launched a crowdfunding campaign for £100,000 in a renewed bid to open its third site in Chester.

Michelin restaurants face exposure over poor food hygiene

03-May-2016 By Sophie Witts

Michelin-starred restaurants in England should be forced to display food hygiene ratings or face a fine, councils have warned.

Industry pays tribute to Tim Bacon

03-May-2016 By Emma Eversham

Members of the industry have made tributes to 'vibrant, honourable and generous' Tim Bacon, chairman of Living Ventures Group, who died on Friday (29 April).

Government tipping report cautiously welcomed by hospitality groups

03-May-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Hospitality groups have welcomed the Government recommendations that restaurants and bars should not take deductions from staff tips, and that all tips left by customers should be collected directly by staff.

Qatar-Singapore fund Ascott acquires London Islington serviced apartment scheme for £52m

29-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

A new luxury apartment scheme under the Citadines Islington London brand has been acquired for £52m by Ascott, the Singapore-Qatar based CapitaLand serviced-resi business and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA).

Star Pubs & Bars to invest over £2m in 100 pubs’ outdoor areas

29-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Pub company Star Pubs & Bars is to invest £2.4m in external areas at 100 pubs this year, in a bid to allow licensees to satisfy demand for outside dining.

The top 5 stories in hospitality this week 25/04 - 29/04

29-Apr-2016 By Sophie Witts

What were some of the top stories in hospitality this week? Here's our pick.

Life-changing story of Alex Lewis, of Greyhound on the Test pub, to air on Channel 4

28-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

A documentary featuring the story of Alex Lewis, the fiancé of Lucy Townsend ‒ owner of Michelin-recommended pub the Greyhound on the Test in Stockbridge ‒ who suffered a quadruple amputation following a Strep A infection, is to air on Channel 4 this...

Ceviche’s Martin Morales creates new British Airways menu to be served at 35,000ft

28-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Martin Morales (pictured), executive chef and founder at London restaurants Ceviche and Andina, has teamed up with British Airways to create a Peruvian-style menu for its new London Gatwick to Lima (Peru) route.

Luke Johnson invests in Lussmanns Fish & Grill ahead of imminent expansion

28-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Hospitality entrepreneur Luke Johnson has invested in Lussmanns Fish & Grill, becoming a major shareholder ahead of the group’s fourth and fifth site openings this year.

Report: Restaurant staff not taking allergy requests seriously enough

28-Apr-2016 By Emma Eversham

Restaurant owners are being urged to do more to educate their staff on the subject of food allergens after a survey of diners with allergies found that a quarter had suffered a reaction when eating out since allergen legislation was introduced in 2014. 

Coaching Inn Group acquires Golden Lion St Ives for £2m in £20m expansion plan

27-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

The Coaching Inn Group has acquired the 25-bedroom Golden Lion in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, in a £2m deal as part of its £20m expansion programme.

Flagship Cottons Caribbean to open in Notting Hill with over 300 rums on the bar

27-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

A new flagship Cottons Caribbean Restaurant and Salon de Rhum offering the UK’s largest selection of rum is set to open in London’s Notting Hill on Friday 29 April.

The Four Sisters to double up

27-Apr-2016 By Emma Eversham

Simon Bastable and Andrew Green, owners of The Four Sisters Bar in Islington, are to double the size of their portfolio with the opening of a new bar in the City. 

Hospitality & Tourism Summit 2016: Low Pay Commission chair to discuss National Living Wage impact

27-Apr-2016 By Emma Eversham

Sir David Norgrove, chair of the Low Pay Commission, will talk about the impact the National Living Wage is having on the hospitality industry at this year's Hospitality & Tourism Summit. 

Ashley Palmer-Watts, Tom Kerridge and John Freeman dinner raises £135k for Farm Africa

27-Apr-2016 By Emma Eversham

A gala event which saw chefs Ashley Palmer-Watts, Tom Kerridge and John Freeman cook dinner for 200 guests has raised £135k for international development charity Farm Africa. 

Cyrus Todiwala shares competition success tips as Zest Quest Asia 2017 opens

26-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Chef Cyrus Todiwala's annual industry competition Zest Quest Asia has opened for entries giving students the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime culinary trip to Asia and hone their cooking skills.

BrewDog to open beer-themed hotel after crowdfunding £19m

25-Apr-2016 By Sophie Witts

BrewDog is set to move forward with its plans to open a craft beer-themed hotel despite falling £6m short of its crowdfunding target.

Traditional British seaside holiday back in fashion finds Travelodge survey

25-Apr-2016 By Emma Eversham

Hotels, restaurants and pubs in the UK's coastal locations are set to cash-in this summer as more Brits than ever are planning to spend their summer holiday or take a mini-break at a seaside resort.

Bosi brothers to open Esher pub

25-Apr-2016 By Emma Eversham

Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi and his brother Cedric have bought The Swan Inn pub in Esher, Surrey, which they plan to open next month. 

Prince's Trust launches hospitality training scheme

25-Apr-2016 By Sophie Witts

Pub chain Greene King has partnered with The Prince’s Trust to launch a scheme helping unemployed young people in to jobs in hospitality.

Nathan Outlaw and Will Torrent create birthday tea for Queen’s official 90th

22-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw and pastry consultant Will Torrent have teamed up at Outlaw’s at The Capital to create a new afternoon tea in honour of the Queen.

The top 5 stories in hospitality this week 18/04 - 22/04

22-Apr-2016 By Sophie Witts

What were some of the top stories in hospitality this week? Here's our pick.

Tourist visits to the UK reach all-time high

22-Apr-2016 By Sophie Witts

Britain could be set for another bumper year of tourism after visitor numbers in February broke all previous records.

Are you ready for new EU data changes? Lawyers warn hospitality risks penalties

22-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

The hospitality sector risks heavy penalties for non-compliance when rules surrounding the EU General Data Protection Regulation change, a law firm has said.

Tapas Revolution to open biggest site yet in Newcastle amid wider expansion plan

22-Apr-2016 By Hannah Thompson

Spanish-style group Tapas Revolution is to open its biggest site yet in Newcastle as part of a wider expansion plan throughout the UK, founder Omar Allibhoy has said.

VIEWPOINT

Harry Cragoe of The Gallivant on why banning tips is good for business

22-Apr-2016 By Sophie Witts

Harry Cragoe, owner of The Gallivant restaurant with rooms in Camber, pays all his staff a minimum of £9 per hour and has launched the #toohiptotip campaign to ban service charges in restaurants. He believes more hospitality businesses need to use a similar...

Geoff Booth to leave Westminster Kingsway College

21-Apr-2016 By Emma Eversham

Geoff Booth, centre director for the School of Hospitality at Westminster Kingsway College in London, is to leave his role at the end of the academic year to focus on his chairmanship with the Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE).

Restaurant and pub groups report ‘tougher year’ than last

21-Apr-2016 By Emma Eversham

A number of restaurant and pub groups believe that 2016 is going to be a tougher year than 2015 as they deal with a slowdown in sales growth and uncertainty around the forthcoming EU referendum.