Business & Legislation

The sector's growing potential could be hampered by legislative costs

Red tape could ‘derail’ pub sector potential

By Melodie Michel

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has warned that despite growing economic potential, the pub and bar industry could suffer from the continued hike in legislation costs.

Cocktails present 'a terrific opportunity' for bars and pubs to drive footfall

Cocktail sales on the rise

By Melodie Michel

Cocktail sales have grown by 10.8 per cent over the last two years, according to CGA Strategy’s Mixed Drinks Report 2014.

M is the first solo venture by Martin Williams

Details released for ‘M’ by ex-Gaucho MD

By Lauren Houghton

Details have been released for new steak restaurant M by former Gaucho managing director Martin Williams, which will open next month in the City of London.

BigHospitality interviewed Clare Smyth at the Restaurant Show 2014

Clare Smyth: 'You can never lose focus'

By Melodie Michel

Clare Smyth talked to BigHospitality at the Restaurant Show 2014, telling us why she doesn't dwell on accolades and who she admires most in the industry.

Pho just opened its biggest restaurant so far in London's St Paul's

Pho unveils expansion plans

By Melodie Michel

Vietnamese restaurant group Pho has opened its biggest London venue in St Paul’s and secured two more sites in the capital.

The competition was held on 7 October at The Restaurant Show

Russell Bateman named National Chef of the Year 2014

By Melodie Michel

Colette’s at The Grove head chef Russell Bateman won the Craft guild of Chefs’ National Chef of the Year award last night (7 October) after a heated competition held during the Restaurant Show.

The Restaurant Show is at Earl's Court London on 6-8 October

Restaurant Show 2014: Day one highlights

By Carina Perkins

The Restaurant Show kicked off at Earl's Court yesterday (6 October). Here is a glimpse of some of the highlights for those who missed it.

TripAdvisor launched the awards to recognise ‘remarkable hospitality professionals’

TripAdvisor launches Exceptional Service Awards

By Carina Perkins

TripAdvisor has launched the inaugural Exceptional Service Awards to recognise ‘remarkable hospitality professionals’ at hotels, restaurants and attractions in the UK and worldwide.

Hache is exploring the idea of private equity involvement to fund its expansion plans

Hache reveals UK and overseas expansion aims

By John Harrington

Hache Burger, the family-run gourmet burger concept, is targeting up to five openings per year and possibly a launch in France or even the US, according to BigHospitality's sister publication M&C report.

BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim (left) and Travelodge chief executive Peter Gowers were among the speakers on the panel

Government urged to 'commit' to tourism

By Carina Perkins

Industry leaders urged the government to commit to tourism and do more to promote employment in the sector during debate held at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham last week.

Andre Blais, founder of barbecue brand Bodean's

Business Profile: Bodean's

By Stefan Chomka

After a five-year hiatus and a shrinking estate, barbecue brand Bodean’s is back on the expansion trail. Founder Andre Blais discusses why he won’t be getting his fingers burnt this time round.

Raising the tax-free personal allowance on income tax would put more money in the pockets of hospitality employees and boost spending on food and drink

ALMR welcomes income tax pledge

By Carina Perkins

The Association for Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has welcomed the Prime Minister’s pledge that a future Conservative government would cut income tax for low paid workers.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Leader of Oldham Council and Guy Barlow outside Bar 62

The Grapes Hotel returns to Oldham

By Carina Perkins

Businessman Guy Barlow has acquired Bar 62 in Oldham's Independent Quarter with plans to return the building to its previous form as The Grapes Hotel.

Hotels in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen achieved record average room rates in August

Sun shines on UK hotels in August

By Carina Perkins

Hotels across the UK performed strongly in August, with Scottish properties achieving record room rates and London bouncing back to positive growth.

Tragus will now focus on Cafe Rouge and Bella Italia

Light at the end of the tunnel for Tragus

By Melodie Michel

Tragus has announced the completion of its financial restructuring and the appointment of Martin Robinson as non-executive chairman as part of a ‘transformational reorganisation’.

Barbecue restaurant HotBox will open its first permanent site in Spitalfields this November

HotBox pop-up to open permanent site in London

By Lauren Houghton

Barbecue restaurant HotBox will open its first permanent site in Spitalfields this November, having tested the concept out as a series of pop-ups across the capital.

Guests can now book seven days in advance with HotelTonight

HotelTonight extends booking window to seven days

By Carina Perkins

Last minute booking app HotelTonight is now offering guests the chance to book seven days in advance, which it claims will boost conversion rates for its partner hotels.

HOSPA has appointed a new chairman after Paul Dukes was forced to step down due to ill health

HOSPA appoints new chairman

By Carina Perkins

Chris Upton is to take over as chairman of The Hospitality Professionals Association for Finance, Revenue Management and IT (HOSPA).

The AHC 2014 will take place at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on 15 and 16 October

The Annual Hotel Conference 2014: a look at tomorrow's world

By Carina Perkins

The Annual Hotel Conference will return to Manchester next month, bringing independent, boutique and consortium hotel owners and operators together to discuss the future of the industry. BigHospitality caught up with co-founder Jonathan Langston to find...