http://www.caterersearch.comLatest hospitality news from CatererSearch. CatererSearch has all the latest hospitality news from the hotel, restaurant, pub, bar and contract catering sectors.en-gb2011 Reed Business InformationThu, 23 Feb 2012 00:05:00 GMT60http://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/23/342456/pwc-predicts-record-year-for-both-london-and-regional-hotels-in-2012.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/23/342456/pwc-predicts-record-year-for-both-london-and-regional-hotels-in-2012.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comA new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) has predicted that 2012 will see record occupancy levels for hotels in both London and the regions. PWC said it also expected the regions to enjoy a "brighter" time in 2013, although London could suffer a mild post-Olympic hangover...Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342459/northumberland-pub-supplies-local-school-meals.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342459/northumberland-pub-supplies-local-school-meals.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comBattlesteads pub in Northumberland has started providing meals for children at a nearby school after the school was forced to close its kitchen due to funding cuts. Wark First School in Wark near Hexham had to make its part-time cook redundant after budget cuts imposed...Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:07:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342442/organisers-will-book-smaller-and-more-frequent-events-in-2012-according-to-venue-reservations.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342442/organisers-will-book-smaller-and-more-frequent-events-in-2012-according-to-venue-reservations.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comTwo-thirds of event organisers will be booking smaller and more frequent events in 2012, according to a survey by Venue Reservations, part of Crown Group. The research also found that more events are expected to be held outside of London this yearWed, 22 Feb 2012 15:26:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342438/daniel-stevens-joins-lexington-catering-as-development-chef.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342438/daniel-stevens-joins-lexington-catering-as-development-chef.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comFormer River Cottage chef Daniel Stevens has joined Lexington Catering as its new development chef. Working closely with chef director Rob Kirby and group development chef David Steel, Stevens joins Lexington...Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:46:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342437/bbpa-sends-mps-message-in-a-bottle-to-highlight-high-tax-on-beer.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342437/bbpa-sends-mps-message-in-a-bottle-to-highlight-high-tax-on-beer.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comThe British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has highlighted the high tax on beer ahead of next month's Budget by sending a message in a bottle to MPs. The message warns of the dangers of another huge hike in the tax on beer this year.Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:53:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342436/catermasters-and-olympic-hopeful-sara-mcgreavy-launch-exercise-videos.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342436/catermasters-and-olympic-hopeful-sara-mcgreavy-launch-exercise-videos.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comCatermasters has produced a series of exercise videos in conjunction with Team GB hopeful Sara McGreavy as part of its London 2012-themed wellbeing campaign. Aimed at encouraging customers and staff in each of 120 workplace restaurant sites across the UK to improve their... Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:03:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342430/millennium-copthorne-enjoys-50-rise-in-pre-tax-profits.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342430/millennium-copthorne-enjoys-50-rise-in-pre-tax-profits.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comMillennium & Copthorne Hotels posted a record year of results in 2011, with profits before tax rising by 50.3% to £193.3m. Highlights of the year included overall revenue per available room (revpar) increasing globally by 5.8% - primarily driven by an increase in room rate - with London revpar increasing 8.8% to £97.92 (2010: £90.02).Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:55:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342428/restaurant-chain-byron-launches-its-own-beer.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342428/restaurant-chain-byron-launches-its-own-beer.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comHamburger restaurant chain Byron has created its own pale ale to head its new craft beer list. Byron Pale Ale, brewed exclusively for Byron by the Camden Town Brewery, will cost £4.25 for a 330ml bottle and will launch on 6 March...Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:31:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342427/miller-launches-six-month-aged-st-stefanus-beer.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342427/miller-launches-six-month-aged-st-stefanus-beer.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comMiller Brands has launched a new six month aged 750ml format of its Belgian craft beer St Stefanus, which it first started importing to the UK last October. Previously only available in a 330ml bottle, St Stefanus is part of Miller Brands' portfolio of authentic beers...Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:25:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342423/john-burton-race-spearheads-interactive-restaurant.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342423/john-burton-race-spearheads-interactive-restaurant.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comFormer two-Michelin-starred chef John Burton Race is spearheading what is claimed to be the world's first interactive restaurant. Burton-Race has joined forces with Jonathon Davies who won ITV's Britain's Best Dish in 2010...Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342422/six-of-the-worlds-top-female-chefs-team-up-for-girls-night-out.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342422/six-of-the-worlds-top-female-chefs-team-up-for-girls-night-out.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comSix of the world's most celebrated female chefs are coming together for a three-night special event next month during which they will cook together at London's 1 Lombard Street restaurant. Girls Night Out will take place from 11 to 13 March as a unique one-off collaboration seeing three pairings of top British and international female chefs. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:50:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342421/three-industry-heavyweights-to-debate-future-of-pub-industry-at-almr-conference.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342421/three-industry-heavyweights-to-debate-future-of-pub-industry-at-almr-conference.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comThree pub industry heavyweights are expected to debate the future of their industry at the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers' (ALMR) conference. The ALMR will host JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin, Mitchells & Butlers executive chairman Bob Ivell and Stonegate Pub Company chairman Ian Payne at an event on 3 May.Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:11:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342420/hydes-to-launch-spring-craft-ale.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342420/hydes-to-launch-spring-craft-ale.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comHydes Brewery is set to launch the second of its craft ales for 2012 - Berry Good Ale. Berry Good Ale, designed for early spring, is a copper-toned ale, brewed using Goldings and Fuggle hops...Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:10:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342419/marstons-to-produce-12-single-hop-guest-ales-for-2012.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342419/marstons-to-produce-12-single-hop-guest-ales-for-2012.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comBurton brewer and pub company Marston's has unveiled its plans to produce 12 single-hop guest ales for 2012 using exotic hops from around the world. The company has already featured two of the beers...Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:04:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342418/wellocks-open-day-to-bring-together-more-than-60-european-suppliers.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342418/wellocks-open-day-to-bring-together-more-than-60-european-suppliers.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comFresh and dried goods supplier Wellocks is holding an open day at its warehouse in Nelson, Lancashire, next month. Run in association with Caterer and Hotelkeeper, the open day, entitled "The Perfect Ingredient Show 2012", will take place on Tuesday 20 March and will showcase the produce and products of more than 60 suppliers from all over Europe.Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342417/ihg-to-launch-training-academy-and-create-3000-jobs.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342417/ihg-to-launch-training-academy-and-create-3000-jobs.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comInterContinental Hotels Groups (IHG) is to launch a hospitality training academy in London and create nearly 3,000 news jobs across the UK over the next three years. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who attended the launch of the IHG Academy programme...Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:49:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342416/uk-tourism-businesses-target-6.5b-indian-market.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/22/342416/uk-tourism-businesses-target-6.5b-indian-market.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comUK tourist businesses have flown to India to target the £6.5b Indian tourist market. The 2012 India Mission, in partnership with VisitBritain, hopes to capitalise on the fast-growing market and improve Britain’s standing as the 11th most-visited country Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342414/harrods-to-launch-two-asian-restaurants-in-april.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342414/harrods-to-launch-two-asian-restaurants-in-april.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comLondon department store Harrods will open two new Asian restaurants this spring in collaboration with restaurateur Eddie Lim and Gilgamesh chef Ian Pengelley. Housed in the Knightsbridge store's famous food hall, South East Asian restaurant Pan Chai and Thai eatery Mango Tree will...Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:51:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342412/radisson-edwardian-hotels-founder-in-court-battle-with-father.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342412/radisson-edwardian-hotels-founder-in-court-battle-with-father.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comMulti millionaire hotel tycoon, Jasminder Singh, the founder of Radisson Edwardian Hotels, is locked in legal conflict with his father who accuses him of shaming his family by turning his back on a Hindu property sharing tradition. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342413/me-london-appoint-fabio-gallo-as-gm.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342413/me-london-appoint-fabio-gallo-as-gm.htmfeedback@caterersearch.com ME London - set to launch in June 2012 - has appointed Fabio Gallo as general manager. Gallo has arrived at the 175-bedroom hotel from the Cadogan...Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342411/hotelympia-visitors-urged-to-sign-energy-efficiency-pledge.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342411/hotelympia-visitors-urged-to-sign-energy-efficiency-pledge.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comHotelympia visitors are being urged to sign a pledge to use more energy-efficient equipment. The Responsible Hospitality Partnership wants companies heading to the ExCeL event, which starts 26 February, to substitute an existing technology for one that is more environmentally friendly.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342409/accors-global-hotel-estate-consumes-same-energy-as-mid-sized-city.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342409/accors-global-hotel-estate-consumes-same-energy-as-mid-sized-city.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comThe entire Accor hotel chain across the world consumes the same energy as a mid-sized city, an environmental footprint report has revealed. The report, the first of its kind for an international hotel chain, comes ahead of Accor's new sustainable development strategy.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342410/luxury-golf-hotel-and-resort-to-be-developed-near-giants-causeway.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342410/luxury-golf-hotel-and-resort-to-be-developed-near-giants-causeway.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comThe go-ahead has been given for the development of a five-star, 120-bedroom hotel with 70 golf lodges, close to the Giant's Causeway on North Ireland's north coast. By announcing the green light for the £100m Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa, environment minister for Northern Ireland...Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:38:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342408/alastair-campbells-panorama-programme-on-britains-hidden-alcoholics-splits-trade-opinion.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342408/alastair-campbells-panorama-programme-on-britains-hidden-alcoholics-splits-trade-opinion.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comA Panorama programme hosted by former Government spin doctor and self-confessed former alcoholic Alastair Campbell has received a mixed reaction from the pub trade. Campbell's programme, Britain's Hidden Alcoholics, which aired last night on BBC1...Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:18:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342407/olympic-torch-to-feature-at-arena-lecture.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342407/olympic-torch-to-feature-at-arena-lecture.htmfeedback@caterersearch.com A London 2012 Olympic torch will feature at the forthcoming Arena Lecture by LOCOG's catering chief Jan Matthews, it has been announced. The Arena Lecture on 20 March at the Savoy, London will see the head of catering...Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:10:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342405/council-refuses-6.2m-restaurant-development-in-bromley-town-centre.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342405/council-refuses-6.2m-restaurant-development-in-bromley-town-centre.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comProposals for a £6.2m restaurant development in the town centre of Bromley in Kent have been refused but a variation on the plans has not been ruled out. Capital Shopping Centres, which owns the Glades mall in Bromley, had wanted to build five restaurants on the terrace next to the shopping centre.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:15:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342404/devonshire-arms-in-chiswick-closes-less-than-a-year-after-opening.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342404/devonshire-arms-in-chiswick-closes-less-than-a-year-after-opening.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comThe Devonshire Arms pub in Chiswick, west London, has shut less than a year after opening. Owner Nick Gibson, who also runs the Drapers Arms pub in Islington, north London, said the pub had closed with immediate effect. He took over the site, formerly called the Devonshire last June and reopened it after a mild refurbishment in July.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:14:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342402/pesto-restaurant-chain-plans-three-more-pub-sites.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342402/pesto-restaurant-chain-plans-three-more-pub-sites.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comThe Pesto restaurant chain is planning to open three more pub sites in the next six months - after opening its first restaurant on a pub site just six months ago. Pesto, which already had two sites in Manchester, one in Liverpool, and one in Glasgow, opened Pesto at the Cabbage Hall in a Punch Taverns site in Tarporley, Cheshire, in November last year.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:55:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342401/cte-to-open-charlotte-street-site-in-london.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342401/cte-to-open-charlotte-street-site-in-london.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comFrench bistro chain Côte is to open another London site, taking it to a total of 31 restaurants around the country. The business is taking on the lease of Indian restaurant Rasa at 5 Charlotte Street. Rasa had a lease expiring in 2030 at a rent of £100,000 per year. An undisclosed premium was paid.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:31:00 GMThttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342400/benitos-hat-to-open-fourth-site-at-kings-cross-station.htmhttp://www.caterersearch.com/Articles/2012/02/21/342400/benitos-hat-to-open-fourth-site-at-kings-cross-station.htmfeedback@caterersearch.comMexican casual-dining chain Benito's Hat is to open its fourth site, at London's King's Cross station. The company has taken a six-year lease for the 900sq ft unit, entering a base rent plus turnover arrangement for an undisclosed sum. It has three other sites in central London - at Goodge Street, Covent Garden and Oxford Circus.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:03:00 GMT