Casual Dining

Pub protection planning laws: Cambridge set to launch consultation

11-Jun-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Cambridge City Council is set to become the latest local authority to consult on introducing planning laws to protect local pubs and save them from becoming victim to changes of use after a report on pub closures in the city is discussed by councillors...

Whitbread considers London living wage; urges hospitality industry to join jobs conversation

08-Jun-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants managing director Patrick Dempsey has revealed the Premier Inn operator is considering introducing a London living wage and urged fellow hospitality employers to join The Big Conversation to talk about jobs and apprentices...

Mobile restaurant ordering app using customer's own smartphone launched in UK

07-Jun-2012 By Peter Ruddick

QikServe, an app that allows diners to view a restaurant menu, order food and drinks for their specific table and pay the bill using their own iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone, has been launched in the UK.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee brings trade boost to pubs, restaurants and hotels

07-Jun-2012 By Emma Eversham

The majority of pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK experienced a welcomed boost in trade over the course of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee bank holiday weekend with businesses located close to organised events, or holding their own, benefiting the...

Carluccio's and Corney & Barrow confirmed for London Waterloo

07-Jun-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Carluccio's and Corney & Barrow have been confirmed as the first food and beverage operators to become future tenants at London Waterloo train station when a £10m project to build a new balcony there is completed.

Amber Taverns hails wet-led community pubs as sales rise

07-Jun-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Amber Taverns, the North West based pub operator which specialises in community pubs, has reported a rise in like-for-like sales across its estate claiming the rise shows wet-led pubs can be good businesses for hospitality operators.

Jus-Rol Professional launches reduced fat pastry range

07-Jun-2012 By Emma Eversham

Jus-Rol Professional is making it easier for chefs to serve healthier pies, quiches and desserts to diners by launching a reduced fat pastry range. 

BHA Hospitality & Tourism Summit: Industry should work with Government, not just complain

07-Jun-2012 By Peter Ruddick

The first British Hospitality Association (BHA) Hospitality & Tourism Summit has been held with the gathered audience of industry experts encouraged to lobby and work with Government instead of simply complaining about issues such as tourist visas...

Welsh chef returns home to open restaurant championing regional produce

06-Jun-2012 By Emma Eversham

Welsh chef Adam Gaunt-Evans has returned to his homeland after years working in kitchens across the globe to open a restaurant that champions Welsh seasonal produce.

Monin adds Black Forest gateau syrup to range

06-Jun-2012 By Emma Eversham

Monin, producer of syrups and flavourings for coffees, cocktails and smoothies, has added a Black Forest gateau-inspired syrup to its range. 

Hospitality & Tourism Summit: Britain ‘deterring’ tourists, UK hotels ‘losing out’

01-Jun-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Complications and difficulties obtaining a tourist visa are a ‘major deterrent’ for potential visitors to the UK, reducing the impact of tourism as an engine for growth in the UK economy.

Dark Conspiracy beer pump clips breach alcohol marketing rules

01-Jun-2012 By Luke Nicholls

A beer named Dark Conspiracy, brewed by Ramsgate Brewery, has breached alcohol responsibility rules by featuring East End gangsters the Kray twins on its pump clips.

Hospitality set to benefit from Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

31-May-2012 By Emma Eversham

The UK’s hospitality industry is set to benefit from the double bank holiday weekend afforded by the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as the majority of Brits plan to remain on home soil to celebrate. 

Absolute Pubs to open fourth site in four years

31-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Absolute Pubs, the independent pub chain founded in Surrey in 2008, has announced it has signed contracts on a venue in Sunbury-on-Thames taking the business up to four pubs in as many years.

Fuller’s reports profit growth despite ‘most volatile’ start to a year ever

31-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

London-based brewer and pub operator Fuller’s has announced it experienced a ‘very positive’ last year of trading with growth across its business but revealed the beginning of 2012 had been the ‘most volatile’ start to a year ever for the company.

Wharfebank Brewery takes on second pub saving Yorkshire local from closure

30-May-2012 By Emma Eversham

Independent Yorkshire-based brewery Wharfebank has taken over its second pub after its managing director Martin Kellaway refused to watch another community pub disappear. 

Jill Stein and Red Hot World Buffet founder named on Women 1st Shine Awards shortlist

30-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Women 1st, the programme founded by People 1st to encourage women in the hospitality industry, has revealed the shortlist for its 2012 Shine Awards with Jill Stein and Red Hot World Buffet co-founder Helen Dhaliwal both recognised.

Young British Foodie Awards vote Douglas McMaster Best Irreverent Chef

30-May-2012 By Emma Eversham

A new awards scheme designed to celebrate innovation and forward-thinking within the food and drink world has voted former St John chef Douglas McMaster Best Irreverent Chef. 

The Zetter to take part in Twitter chat to help businesses Get Ahead of the Games

29-May-2012 By Emma Eversham

The Zetter hotel’s group HR director Lindsey Venter is to take part in a live Twitter chat with officials from Transport for London (TfL) and O2 tomorrow to help businesses in the capital plan around The Olympics.

Evans & Peel Detective Agency: Bar & restaurant concept launches in South Kensington

29-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Evans & Peel Detective Agency - a new Prohibition-style bar and restaurant featuring bespoke interior, 1920’s-themed food and drink and a unique members club - is set to open its doors in the heart of South Kensington in June.

Jamie Barber plans Hush expansion and Cabana rollout

29-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Jamie Barber has revealed he plans to expand both of his current restaurant ventures with the opening of a brasserie under the Hush name and a rollout to at least two more sites in the short-term of the Brasilian BBQ concept Cabana.

Pubs to become mini tourist information centres in new pilot scheme

28-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Eight pubs in the Peak District & Derbyshire are to offer tourist information centre services as a pilot scheme is launched which will see visitor information points installed in bars across the area.

ASK THE EXPERTS

What to consider when writing a menu for your restaurant, hotel or pub

28-May-2012 By Charli Matthews

Charli Matthews of writing and brand language consultancy The Writer, gives her top tips on how restaurants, hotels and pubs should approach menu-writing. 

Beer Tax Fraud Inquiry: BBPA issues '10 point plan' to tackle fraud

25-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has issued a 10 point plan to tackle beer duty fraud as the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group continues an inquiry into the issue.

Footprint Awards for The Clink, Spirit Pub Company and Raymond Blanc

25-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Prison restaurant charity The Clink, Spirit Pub Company and Michelin-starred celebrity chef Raymond Blanc have all been recognised for contributing to sustainable and environmental excellence in the Footprint Awards 2012.

Mark Derry: Pearls of Wisdom

25-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Industry veteran Mark Derry has built a reputation running and advising premium casual dining restaurant brands. In 2007 his Loch Fyne Restaurants company was sold to Greene King; now as chief executive of Brasserie Blanc Derry is leading the group in...

Banks hold the key to growth for hospitality businesses

24-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Nearly half of hospitality and leisure businesses are hoping to obtain additional sources of finance to assist with their expansion over the coming months as many look to return to growth in 2012.

London’s restaurants, pubs and hotels urged to put Olympics delivery plans in place as TfL launches road changes tool

24-May-2012 By Emma Eversham

London’s restaurants, pubs and hotels are being urged to make last minute plans to ensure deliveries reach them and that staff can get to work during the Olympics as Transport for London (TfL) demonstrates the chaos that temporary road changes could cause...

Young's hails landmark, transformational year of business as profits surge

24-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

London-based pub operator Young's has declared the last financial year was a landmark and transformational twelve months for the business with pre-tax profits for the company surging nearly 18 per cent as it ceased brewing and fully integrated the...

Sharp's Brewery launches range of bottled beers to match food

24-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Cornwall-based Sharp's Brewery has launched Connoisseurs Choice, a range of bottled beers designed to be matched with different ingredients and food.

Jan Konetzki of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay wins UK Sommelier of the Year competition

24-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Jan Konetzki from Restaurant Gordon Ramsay was last night crowned winner of the Moët UK Sommelier of the Year 2012 competition in a closely contested final at the London International Wine Fair at ExCel.

Maxxium UK launches Bols Natural Yoghurt Liqueur

22-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Maxxium UK, the global drinks giant behind Highland Park, Jim Beam and Courvoisier, has launched the first ever natural yoghurt liqueur to the UK market, developed by cocktail liqueur and spirits producer Lucas Bols.

North West bar chain Baa Bar to open three more sites in 2012

22-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Baa Bar, the North West bar chain which has just opened its 10th venue, has announced it is planning to expand the brand and open more sites in three new cities in 2012.

Diamond Jubilee boost to hospitality businesses but hotels face a challenge

21-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

The upcoming Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations may provide a boost to hospitality businesses of a similar scale to the one enjoyed during the Royal Wedding last year but hotels may face a challenge to fill rooms, according to Priceaterhouse Coopers...

Boris Johnson gets behind new BII Apprenticeship scheme

21-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

London’s re-elected Mayor Boris Johnson is challenging the licensed hospitality sector to get 5,000 apprentices working in the pub industry within the next 12 months, as part of a joint initiative with the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII).

Smeg Foodservice Solutions launches commercial warewashing range in UK

21-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Experienced commercial appliance manufacture Smeg Food Service solutions has launched its range of warewashers in the UK adding to its trade portfolio of products that includes cooking equipment.

ASK THE EXPERTS

How hotels can comply with fire safety laws

21-May-2012 By Geoff Wilkinson

Geoff Wilkinson, a building inspector, fire engineer and managing director of Wilkinson Construction Consultants, explains what hotels and other hospitality businesses need to do to stay within fire safey laws following recent prosecutions.

Martin Grant replaced by Bernard Brindley as BII chairman

18-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Martin Grant has stepped down as chairman of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) after 10 years of service and is to be replaced by long-standing BII Council member Bernard Brindley.

Mitchells and Butlers sales rise but profit dips as brand rollout continues

18-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), which operates the Harvester and All Bar One brands, has reported positive sales growth in its half year results driven by food although profit for the business has dipped and poor weather has hit recent sales. 

Classic Cuisine launches Jubilee-inspired fish, chip and pea pie

18-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Foodservice ready meal supplier Classic Cuisine has launched a fish, chip and pea pie 'inspired by everything British', available to restaurants, pubs and bars in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

IDEAS FROM YOUR PEERS

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Special: What's your business doing?

18-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

To celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee next month, BigHospitality has spoken to restaurants, hotels, pubs and bars from across the UK to find out about the Jubilee-themed special offers and promotions they're running to capitalise on the increased...

Lucy Haines: Career Profile

18-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

Lucy Haines joined London wine tasting venue Vinopolis as managing director earlier this year, following senior commercial roles at Compass, Mint Hotels and TUI Travel. Haines is now responsible for all Vinopolis enterprises, including the restaurants,...

Cold and wet April hits pub and restaurant sales

17-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

April proved to be a washout for the eating and drinking-out market as unusually cold and wet weather hit like-for-like sales, according to this month’s Coffer Peach Business Tracker.

Food and family focus drives pub sales up for Marston's

17-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Marston's has reported strong half year sales with an increased focus on food, families and female customers helping to drive pre-tax profits up by nearly 15 per cent.

Glass crusher to be rolled out to more pubs, restaurants and hotels following trial success

17-May-2012 By Emma Eversham

An engineering firm has partnered with recycling company Ekko to roll-out a glass crusher to more pubs, restaurants and hotels following a successful trial in 100 companies, including pub-restaurant chain Mitchells & Butlers.

The Coach and Horses & The Smithfield Tavern become London's first vegetarian pubs

16-May-2012 By Luke Nicholls

The Coach and Horses in Soho and The Smithfield Tavern in Smithfields market have become London’s first ever vegetarian and vegan pubs, following a successful trial period of the new concept from the owner.

King's Cross restaurants and bars help new concourse post record sales figures

16-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Network Rail has revealed it expects to post record retail figures from its newly-launched Western concourse at King's Cross station driven in part by the restaurants and bars on site including Leon and the Fuller's pub The Parcel Yard.

Hall & Woodhouse grows pub estate with four acquisitions

16-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Dorset-based brewer and pub operator Hall & Woodhouse has revealed it has acquired four new sites to add to its pub portfolio including two new builds and an established operation in Bristol.

National Chef of the Year 2012 semi-finalists announced

15-May-2012 By Emma Eversham

The 40 chefs who have made it to the semi-finals of the 2012 National Chef of the Year (NCOTY) competition have been revealed by the Craft Guild of Chefs. 

Enterprise Inns slows pub disposal as profits drop

15-May-2012 By Peter Ruddick

Enterprise Inns has reported a drop in profits but revealed it was slowing its pub disposal programme and was looking to refinance after cutting its levels of debt.