Archives for December 10, 2012

Las Iguanas reports profit rise of 42% and double digit growth for festive bookings

Latin American restaurant group Las Iguanas has announced a strong year of trading for the year ending 31 March 2012 with sales up 13 per cent to £33.8m and operating profit up 42 per cent to £1.7m. 

The Rum Kitchen: Caribbean restaurant and bar launches in Notting Hill

The management team behind PING, Love Brunch and Bungalow 8 London have launched the Rum Kitchen - a 60-cover Caribbean restaurant and cellar bar in the heart of Notting Hill, which opens under a soft launch later today (10 December).

Accor acquires properties in Edinburgh and London for hotel expansion

European hotel group Accor has announced plans to open another three new hotels in Edinburgh and one in London after acquiring two freehold and two leasehold properties in the two cities.

Umi Digital develops web package to help independent hoteliers build direct bookings

Marketing agency Umi Digital has developed a special web package for independent hotel owners which is designed to help them increase their online presence and build more bookings through their own websites instead of through online travel agencies.

IDEAS FROM YOUR PEERS

The Jewel in the Crown: How to reward your staff

That age-old cliché of staff being your most important asset is as true now as it ever has been in the hospitality industry. In such a difficult economic environment, rewarding staff for above-average performance could be an effective way of your...

Business rates e-petition launched as Autumn Statement branded 'missed opportunity'

Hospitality businesses throughout the UK are being urged to sign a new online petition to stop the Government’s planned postponement of the 2015 business rates revaluation, after last week’s Autumn Statement failed to support those battling high rates...

Simon Rogan takes over two restaurants in Manchester's The Midland Hotel

Two-Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan has partnered with QHotels to take over the management of two restaurants in the group’s Manchester property, The Midland Hotel.

Russell Norman plans three new London restaurants and expresses 'urge' to develop pizza place

Polpo owner Russell Norman is planning to open three new large restaurants in London over the next 18 months and has also revealed a desire to open a pizza restaurant. 

ASK THE EXPERTS

How to get the best value from food and drink suppliers

With ingredients continuing to creep up in price there has never been a better time for restaurant, pub and hotel operators to seek out the best value from their suppliers to ensure profit margins don't get squeezed too much. Here, Pelican Buying Company...