Casual Dining

The Jam Tree extends food-led pub estate to Clapham

17-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Privately-owned gastropub group The Jam Tree has continued its expansion plans by opening its third venue in as many years last week with a new site in Clapham; it joins two existing sites in Chelsea and Kensington.

Olympic shrines, medal count boards and Going for Gold cocktails: Making the most of national events

17-Sep-2012 By Luke Nicholls

With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games now over, hospitality businesses in the capital have had time to reflect on event's financial repercussions. BigHospitality has spoken to three of these businesses to find out how successful their...

Pub market stabilising with trading confidence on the up

14-Sep-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Trading performance within the public house sector appears to be stabilising, with a survey of pub investors and owners revealing that future expectations for trading performance in the short and medium term are strongly positive.

The British Larder named Best Food Pub at the Great British Pub Awards 2012

14-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

The British Larder in Bromeswell, Suffolk has been named Best Food Pub in the Great British Pub Awards 2012 and co-founder Ross Pike has revealed the award has helped drive interest from potential investors in the business.

J D Wetherspoon predicts post-summer 2012 sales drop

14-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Pub operator J D Wetherspoon has become the latest hospitality business to warn of the possible sales growth 'hangover' following a summer of sport, the Olympics and headline events.

Devon villagers seek pub tenant after grouping together to buy their local

13-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

A group of 57 residents in the Devon village of Cadeleigh have become the latest community group to save their local by clubbing together to buy the Cadelieigh Arms pub and are now searching for a tenant to take on the business.

Camra’s Good Beer Guide 2013 hails Britain's brewery boom

13-Sep-2012 By Luke Nicholls

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) is today raising a glass to the 40th anniversary of its flagship publication the Good Beer Guide which reports that there are now just over 1,000 breweries operational across the UK - the highest number for over 70 years.

Restaurant and pub groups see London sales boost in August

12-Sep-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Combined like-for-like sales for pub and restaurant groups inside the M25 increased by 5 per cent in August, but businesses outside of London saw a much more modest uplift of just 1 per cent compared with the same month last year. 

Tackling obesity: Should restaurants be doing more?

12-Sep-2012 By Luke Nicholls

The majority of UK adults believe that obesity has become a ‘major problem’ in Britain and that restaurant and pub chains should be doing more to promote healthy eating. 

The BHA's Ufi Ibrahim: What the Government must do for hospitality businesses

12-Sep-2012 By Luke Nicholls

With Hugh Robertson promoted to the role of Minister for Sport and Tourism in last week’s Cabinet reshuffle, the British Hospitality Association’s chief executive Ufi Ibrahim insists there are still ‘critical barriers to growth’ which must be removed...

Hospitality operators fear 'Empty 2013' as business confidence plummets to lowest level for 20 years

11-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

A number of restaurant, bar and hotel operators are warning of difficult trading conditions ahead as the focus moves away from Britain and the packed 2012 events calendar.

Pubs, restaurants and hotels to be made exempt from health and safety inspections

11-Sep-2012 By Emma Eversham

Pubs and clubs were among the firms listed as those who could be exempt from health and safety inspections in the future as part of plans by the Government to ease the burden of red tape on small businesses. 

PEL launches Baby Jaws under-counter glass crusher

11-Sep-2012 By Emma Eversham

Recycling specialist PEL has launched an under-counter glass crusher for pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels that claims to cut glass waste by 80 per cent. 

Hoxton Gin created by mixologist to attract non-gin drinkers

10-Sep-2012 By Emma Eversham

A mixologist has created a gin with a smoother than average taste for the category that he says could entice more drinkers into the gin market. 

M&B appoints Marston's chief operating officer as new chief executive

10-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Mitchells & Butlers has announced it has completed its long-running search for a chief executive by appointing Marston's chief operating officer Alistair Darby to the role.

Simon Rogan set to open pub in same Cumbrian village as L'Enclume and Rogan & Company

07-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Simon Rogan has revealed he is to take over the running of his local pub - The Pig & Whistle in Cartmel - which is located within walking distance of his flagship restaurant L'Enclume and sister venue Rogan & Company.

Hugh Robertson promoted to take on Government tourism role

06-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Hugh Robertson has been promoted to the role of Minister for Sport and Tourism within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and will now be the main contact in Government for the hospitality and tourism industries following the departure...

Hospitality business owners urged to make use of bank loan appeals process

06-Sep-2012 By Emma Eversham

Small business owners in the hospitality industry refused lending by the banks are being urged to make use of the appeals process after it was revealed that almost half of all small businesses have had loan applications rejected in the last two years.

Northern Ireland-produced Moyallon guanciale named Supreme Champion in Great Taste 2012 awards

06-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Moyallon guanciale, an un-smoked, dry-cured pig's cheek popular in Italian cooking, produced by Northern Ireland-based butcher Hannan Meats has been named Supreme Champion in the Great Taste 2012 awards.

John Penrose stands down as Tourism Minister as DCMS is reduced in size

05-Sep-2012 By Emma Eversham and Peter Ruddick

John Penrose has stood down from his position as Tourism and Heritage Minister following David Cameron's decision to reduce the size of the Culture, Media and Sports department (DCMS) after the London 2012 Olympics.

Rumble in the Kitchen: Chefs and restaurateurs to enter the boxing ring for charity

05-Sep-2012 By Emma Eversham

Chefs and restaurant managers, including Marcus Wareing, Will Holland, Fred Sirieix and Michele Caggianese are among those who will be entering the boxing ring later this month in a bid to raise money for industry charitable programme Galvin's Chance.

Ruth Hinks becomes first woman to win UK Chocolate Masters

05-Sep-2012 By Emma Eversham

Ruth Hinks, owner of Edinburgh chocolate shop and patisserie school Cocoa Blacks, has been named UK Chocolate Master 2012 following a gruelling three-day final in London. 

Hospitality industry veteran launches second Heritage Inns venue - Baroque Café Bar & Grill

05-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Andrew Marler, the businessman behind the refurb and launch of the Shepherd's Bush Empire and several pub businesses, has opened Baroque Café Bar & Grill; the second venue in his Hertfordshire-based Heritage Inns company.

Greene King and Spirit overcome Olympics drag and wet summer

04-Sep-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Pub groups Greene King and Spirit Pub Company have admitted that the London 2012 Olympics disrupted summer trade, but the poor weather has not been a dampener on business as both firms have reported an increase in sales. 

Pubs congratulated for improving service by The Good Pub Guide as it names 2013 award winners

04-Sep-2012 By Emma Eversham

The 2013 edition of The Good Pub Guide has named The Cock in Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire its Pub of the Year in a year that has seen less complaints made about service than ever before and a more positive outlook from publicans.

Dr Oetker taps into The Great British Bake Off trend with refreshed range of icing, marzipan and coverings

04-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Dr Oetker Foodservice has refreshed its range of icings, marzipan and coverings for caterers and hospitality buyers looking to take advantage of the growing popularity of cakes and baking as a result of the Royal Wedding and The Great British Bake Off...

Oakman Inns announces expansion plans, acquires Abingdon-on-Thames venue for £1.6m

03-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Oakman Inns & Restaurants has announced it plans to sell its stake in The British Larder business and return to the acquisition trail following the purchase of former Berni Inn venue the Crown & Thistle in Abingdon-on-Thames.

Cotswold House chef Dave Watts named Chef to Watch by Good Food Guide 2013

03-Sep-2012 By Emma Eversham

Dave Watts, head chef at Gloucestershire hotel and spa Cotswold House has been named the 'chef to watch' by the 2013 Good Food Guide. 

Huhtamaki launches new range of 'modern presentation' paper food containers

03-Sep-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Premium disposables manufacturer Huhtamaki has launched a new range of 'contemporary' paper food containers for caterers looking to improve the presentation of their food to go ranges.

Training for consistency: pubs

31-Aug-2012 By Emma Eversham

As is the case with restaurants and hotels, the pub sector is made up of a range of varying sizes of business, from the individually-owned freehold pub employing a handful of staff members, to the multi-site operator with thousands of recruits. 

UKinbound tells Government 'act now to deliver on Olympic legacy promises'

30-Aug-2012 By Emma Eversham

The Government needs to act now if it intends to deliver on its promises of an Olympic legacy for the UK’s tourism and hospitality industries, the chief executive of trade association UKinbound has claimed.

Peach to restore Greene King pub to 'former glory' following acquisition

30-Aug-2012 By Emma Eversham

Peach Pubs says it plans to restore The Star & Garter in Leamington Spa, to its 'former glory' after striking a deal with Greene King to acquire the lease on what will become its sixteenth pub. 

Good Food Guide editor: 'We're in a golden age of eating out'

30-Aug-2012 By Emma Eversham

Good Food Guide consultant editor Elizabeth Carter has praised the hospitality industry, claiming that consumers are currently enjoying a 'golden age of eating out'.

BII issues warning to pubs to address 'critical' issue of door staff training

30-Aug-2012 By Peter Ruddick

The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has warned pubs, bars and hospitality businesses using door staff to ensure all their employees have the correct level of training or face 'crisis point' when new Security Industry Authority (SIA) conditions...

Weathering the storm: Rain has mixed impact on UK pub sector

29-Aug-2012 By Peter Ruddick

While a number of operators bemoan bad weather and the UK hospitality industry begins to assess the impact of yet another wet British Bank Holiday weekend, The Orchid Group has revealed the recent rain is actually helping to boost sales.

Training for consistency: why it’s so important

28-Aug-2012 By Emma Eversham

With one of the highest labour turnover rates in the UK (23 per cent), employers in the hospitality industry could be forgiven for thinking ‘why bother’ when it comes to investing in their staff.

Knightsbridge to Kenya: Ashley Palmer-Watts to represent hospitality industry on Farm Africa trip

28-Aug-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Ashley Palmer-Watts, The Fat Duck Group executive chef and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal head chef, will fly to Kenya next month to work with fish farmers and bring his restaurant industry expertise to a Farm Africa project in the country.

ASK THE EXPERTS

How to ask for ID without alienating young customers

28-Aug-2012 By Tim Ogle

Tim Ogle, European chief executive at customer intelligence company Market Force Information, outlines ways that pub, restaurant and hotel owners can educate their staff to best ask for ID when selling alcohol to young customers without alienating them.

UK restaurants regarded as 'most welcoming' by overseas visitors

28-Aug-2012 By Emma Eversham

Visitors from overseas regard the UK's restaurants as one of the 'most welcoming' types of businesses they can go to, according to new research by marketing agency VisitBritain. 

Project London nightclub founders to launch Soho pizzeria and cocktail bar

28-Aug-2012 By Peter Ruddick

The founders of the Project London nightclub have announced they are to make the move into the restaurant industry when they open B-SOHO, a pizza restaurant and cocktail bar, in the capital next month.

Former BII Licensee of the Year: 'Now is the perfect time to buy pubs'

24-Aug-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Darran Lingley, the 2011 winner of the BII Licensee of the Year competition, has acquired his second pub and revealed to BigHospitality he is hoping to make his third purchase before the end of the year.

St Austell buys five south west pubs from Enterprise Inns

24-Aug-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Cornwall-based brewer and pub operator St Austell Brewery has announced it has completed a deal to buy five south west pubs from Enterprise Inns.

London's Mayor praises international investment into capital's restaurant and hotel sectors

23-Aug-2012 By Emma Eversham

London Mayor Boris Johnson has praised recent investment by three overseas companies into the capital's restaurant and hotel sectors, claiming it proves that London is 'the best big city in which to start and grow a business.'

Industry bodies hit back at research into young people working in hospitality

23-Aug-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Following research earlier this week which revealed that nearly half of young people in the UK would not consider a job in hospitality, the Institute of Hospitality and Hospitality Guild have spoken out about the benefits that a career can bring, providing...

Adnams slams Government for denying hospitality jobs to younger generation

22-Aug-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Government policies such as the alcohol duty escalator and proposed beer bottle tax stamps are contributing to youth unemployment by indirectly denying young people jobs in the hospitality industry, brewer and pubco Adnams says.

The Hudson London bar & club set to open in Kilburn

22-Aug-2012 By Luke Nicholls

The Hudson, a new late-night, New York-inspired cocktail bar and club, is set to open in Kilburn next month on the site of The Westbury bar and pool lounge, which closed in June.

New owner of The Wicker Man hotel pledges to preserve the venue and the business

22-Aug-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Ellangowan Hotel, the Scottish venue made famous as The Green Man inn in the iconic horror film The Wicker Man, has been sold with the new owner pledging to keep the business open and preserve the site.

Hospitality careers not being considered by young people

22-Aug-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Despite hospitality being one of few industries offering opportnities at all qualification levels, nearly half of young people in the UK would not consider a job in a hotel, restaurant or pub.

Alcohol minimum pricing: Greene King calls for Government to increase planned price per unit

21-Aug-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Greene King has called on the Government to introduce a higher minimum price per unit of alcohol for England and Wales to ensure any alcohol minimum pricing policy is consistent with plans already passed by the Scottish Parliament.

Jamie Barber: Olympics helping change perceptions of Stratford

20-Aug-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Jamie Barber has revealed his Cabana restaurant in Westfield Stratford served more than 10,000 covers in the last week of the Olympics and he expects the Games to have a longer-lasting impact on businesses in the area.