Caterer & Hotelkeeper articles from December 2008

Caterer & Hotelkeeper archives from December 2008

Events caterers hit by run of Christmas party cancellations.(News)
December 4, 2008... Credit crunch triggers slew of cancellations as firms fight shy of celebrations after having to make staff redundant By Chris Druce Events caterers have been hit by a glut of Christmas party cancellations as corporate clients attempt...

Book Review.(Side Orders)(Curry: Classic and Contemporary)(Book review)
December 4, 2008... Taking the mystery out of modern curry Curry: Classic and Contemporary Vivek Singh Absolute Press, [pounds sterling]20 ISBN 978-1-904573-88-3 It's an old joke that Britain's favourite dish is curry. But, as Vivek Singh...

Roux Scholarship entries open.(Side Orders)
December 4, 2008... The Roux Scholarship - the competition that recognises chefs' raw talent and helps them on their way to critical success - returns for 2009. Entries are now being accepted for next year's 26th annual scholarship, with a stage for as long...

The Bingham.(Features)
December 4, 2008... Converted from a bed and breakfast to a chic hotel two years ago, the Bingham's restaurant completes the transformation of this Thames-side property. Tom Vaughan reports Sitting beside the river at the Bingham, the Thames's slow crawl to...

Picture of the Week.(Side Orders)
December 4, 2008... she's in fashion Guoman Hotels has commissioned London fashion designer Aimee McWilliams to create a "capsule haute couture" clothing collection to represent the hotels within its portfolio. The designs will reflect the style,...

Review of Reviews.(Side Orders)
December 4, 2008... The Guardian 29 November Matthew Norman finds an ambitious restaurant of decidedly mixed success at Belle House, Pershore, Worcestershiree_SClBConfusion abounds in every direction. A predominantly yellow, unevenly lit dining room...

Vacherin deal means first public outlet.(News)(contract with Whitechapel Gallery)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... London contract caterer Vacherin has revealed details of its first public restaurant project as part of a new [pounds sterling]5m contract with the East End's Whitechapel Gallery. The gallery, favoured by artists Damien Hirst and Tracey...

Going places.(Infozone)
December 4, 2008... Bruce Smith has joined the Crowne Plaza London as its new executive chef, bringing 20 years of experience from a career spent in London hotel kitchens. Smith, 48, was previously at the Jurys Clifton Ford hotel. In his new role he will oversee...

All.(Features)
December 4, 2008... With the collapse of the financial system no one really feels like throwing a Christmas party this year, and nor can they afford one. Tom Vaughan looks at the knock-on effect this will have on the country's events caterers, many of whose bottom...

Side Orders.
December 4, 2008... good week Cancer Research UK Contract caterer Compass Group enters a two-year partnership with the charity and hopes to donate [pounds sterling]250,000 in the first year. Celebrities They can get cheap rates at London's top hotels in...

Chalet RoyAlp, Switzerland.(Side Orders)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... Located in a private estate one hour from Geneva airport, this ski resort hotel combines modern facilities with traditional alpine interiors and includes two bars and three restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines. Opened 1...

Mango Tree Macau, China.(Side Orders)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... Thai fine-dining concept Mango Tree has launched its seventh international outlet in the Shoppes luxury retail mall at Macau's Four Seasons hotel. The restaurant serves traditional and contemporary Thai dishes, including signature curries and...

Mardan Palace Antalya, Turkey.(Side Orders)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... This resort on the Turkish Riviera comprises 560 bedrooms as well as two royal suites with private pools. Opulent interiors are inspired by the Ottoman Empire and include a 900-seat amphitheatre for entertainment. Opened November ...

Crowne Plaza Paris, France.(Side Orders)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... Situated on Avenue Marceau, a stone's throw from Paris's popular Champs Elysees, this hotel is spread over four floors and includes an indoor garden as well as a lobby featuring contemporary art pieces. Opened November Owner Groupe...

Keep your chin up - and your prices.(News)
December 4, 2008... There's a nice cartoon from the 1980s by that favourite of the Independent's City pages, Morris, in which an eagle-eyed stockbroker sits across from a vicar, clad in Church of England robes. Explaining away some recent losses on his account,...

My new kitchen.(Inside)
December 4, 2008... The decision to bring the catering in house at London venue One It was five years in the planning and cost a whopping [pounds sterling]1m, but all the time and money invested in the new kitchen at One Great George Street in Westminster is...

Rising fromtheashes.(Features)
December 4, 2008... There was soot covering saucepans and Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers are hopping and jumping over each other's sentences, perched in their new open-plan River Cafe kitchen. Behind them a chef lobs a flaming paper napkin into the kitchen's large...

It's runragged.(Features)(Rough Luxe)
December 4, 2008... The wallpaper's peeling Far left The valuable portrait of Gilbert and George sits on bare stone walls, with plaster removed, and a carefully painted coving and cornice by way of contrast. Dark wood furniture makes up the rest of the...

Latest video releases - and 24 chances to win a prize.(News)
December 4, 2008... Three new pieces of video were uploaded on Caterersearch.com this week, as well as our online advent calendar, which features 24 days and 24 amazing prizes. Amanda Afiya reports NEW VIDEO CONTENT The Caterersearch.com team has been...

Staying power.(Infozone)
December 4, 2008... What makes First Choice Coffee one of this year's Best Places to Work in Hospitality? It's a balance of innovative training, staff benefits and good job prospects. Rosie Birkett reports First Choice isn't just about quality coffee - it's...

How to: manage redundancies.(Infozone)
December 4, 2008... As the looming recession begins to bite, redundancies will become a fact of life. While sympathy is obviously due to those destined to lose their jobs, it is also a tough time for those who have to break the bad news while maintaining morale...

News.(Infozone)
December 4, 2008... * Boost for Scottish students Universities and colleges offering hospitality and catering courses in Scotland received a bursary worth nearly [pounds sterling]100,000 from Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland last week. The money is...

Ask CESA.(Inside)
December 4, 2008... CESA, the Catering Equipment Suppliers' Association, Q I've read about new regulations on batteries. Do they apply to caterers? A Batteries are now pretty much everywhere in catering - in the kitchen, in the customer area, in back...

Theye_SSRqre backRuth Rogers and Rose Gray reopen the River Cafe - and go after more stars.(Side Orders)
December 4, 2008... Inside Kitchens - a refit for the civil engineers at One Great George Street How events caterers are coping with the credit crunch infozone: could A dress code lead to a charge of religious discrimination? Rough Luxe The...

Foodfile ingredients in season.(Features)(Recipe)
December 4, 2008... Fresh The cold weather has had a sweetening effect on English veg. Not only are parsnips and Brussels sprouts more delicious than they have been for years, but Scottish and Devon swedes and Suffolk turnips have also built up higher levels...

Invest in the talent we have.(Side Orders)
December 4, 2008... Continuing professional development can no longer be ignored, as the industry faces up to recession, warns Laurence Beere, proprietor of the Queensbury hotel in Bath and Master Innholder Early in my career I experienced the last major...

Over to you.(Side Orders)(Simon Hulstone)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... What was your biggest mistake and what did you learn? Simon Hulstone, chef-patron, the Elephant, Torquay "Becoming a head chef so young - 21 years old - was my biggest mistake. I haven't looked back, but I do believe that I could have...

Restaurants must adapt to survive the downturn.(News)
December 4, 2008... In the latest in our series on how hospitality operators are preparing for the 2009 recession, Kerstin Kuhn focuses on the restaurant sector It may have been easy to miss, what with the "other" Gordon Ramsay story dominating the tabloid...

A minute on the clockNicola Liddiard.(News)(Interview)
December 4, 2008... Nicola Liddiard is director for the UK and Ireland of Relais & ChateAcentsux, based at the consortium's London centre, Maison des Relais & ChAcentsteaux in Knightsbridge. She spoke to Kerstin Kuhn about the centre's first anniversary and the...

The Young ones.(Features)
December 4, 2008... After 23 years of recognising "30 under-30", the Acorn Awards return for 2009, with a stunning location secured for the awards weekend. Tom Vaughan reports The awards that spotted Marco Pierre White, Gary Rhodes, Marcus Wareing and...

Contents.(News)
December 4, 2008... The brigade at One Great George Street gets lots of shiny new kit to play with 36 7 Guidebooks Former AA hotel inspector celebrates unfair dismissal victory 9 Contract catering Events operators hit by Christmas cancellations ...

King's College Hospital puts Sodexo's [pounds sterling]17m deal to tender.(News)
December 4, 2008... The [pounds sterling]17m-a-year catering and soft services contract at one of London's largest teaching hospitals is to be retendered, Caterer has learnt. King's College Hospital in Camberwell, Southwark, currently has patient and public...

Hospitality protests at timing of VAT cut.(News)
December 4, 2008... Operators say 2.5-point cut will cost millions to implement By Daniel Thomas Figures from across the hospitality industry have hit out at the Government for giving operators less than a week to change their systems and menus to reflect...

London on Tap reveals best carafe design.(News)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... London On Tap, the campaign promoting the capital's tap water, has unveiled the winning design for a carafe that is to be rolled out across London's bars, hotels and restaurants next year. The campaign, which was launched by Thames Water and...

Former AA hotel inspector enjoys her day in court.(News)
December 4, 2008... Jayne Wyatt now plans legal action against manager EXCLUSIVE By Daniel Thomas The AA hotel inspector who was sacked by the organisation after 30 years' service in 2007 has spoken of her relief after winning her claim for unfair...

The week in brief.(News)(new liquor law in United Kingdom)(Giorgio Armani wants to invest in hotel)(Acorn Scholar 2009 award to Compass Group PLC's Simone Sylvestre)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... Bad news for binge-drinkers The Government was yesterday (Wednesday) expected to introduce mandatory restrictions on the sale and promotion of alcohol, including a ban on happy hours and all-you-can-drink offers. The mandatory code - which...

Von Essen gets ready to welcome the acorns.(News)
December 4, 2008... Entries are now being sought for the 2009 Acorn Awards, which take place next June at luxury hotel operator Von Essen's Lower Slaughter Manor (right) and Washbourne Court properties. The awards, which recognise the top 30 hospitality figures...

Royal push for local food sourcing drive.(News)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... Prince Charles urges group action to reduce food miles By Janet Harmer The Prince of Wales this week urged schools and hospitals to group together to buy locally sourced food from hubs of local farmers. Speaking on Monday at a...

Le Relais readies new City venue for rollout of salad-and-steak concept.(News)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... French restaurant Le Relais de Venise l'EntrecA[acute accent]te in London's Marylebone is to launch a sister venue in the City next year. The restaurant, which opened on Marylebone High Street in 2005 and is based on a 50-year-old French...

Premier Inn seals sweet hotel deal with*Sugar.(News)
December 4, 2008... Sugar: head office will become a hotel Budget hotel operator Premier Inn has unveiled plans to turn Sir Alan Sugar's Essex headquarters into its latest hotel venture. The Amstrad office building in Brentwood - the base for Sugar's BBC...

Long range forecast.(Inside)
December 4, 2008... When it comes to choosing a new range and oven Just about everybody would love to drive a Ferrari, but it's not always practical. It's the same when it comes to picking a cooking range, so you need to be sure about what you want it to do....

Table Talk.(Side Orders)(Vineyard at Stockcross)(Gordon Ramsay's extramarital affair)
December 4, 2008... Undressing for dinner Charlton House chief executive Robyn Jones has been in touch with Table Talk to share an amusing tale of customer service that went a bit too far. Jones recalls: "On arriving at the Vineyard at Stockcross [the...

Infozone.
December 4, 2008... * Help with parental legislation The Department for Business has announced new support to help businesses deal with parental legislation. The free online service helps employers establish their employees' entitlement to maternity,...

Cutting rates doesn't work for everyone.(Side Orders)(Letter to the editor)
December 4, 2008... letter of the week Gemma Sharkey's article ("UK hoteliers must look for creative ways to cut costs", 20 November, page 10) quite rightly highlights the need for hotels to offer competitive rates in order to attract custom. However, from a...

VAT cut won't offset our rising costs.(Side Orders)
December 4, 2008... The Times online on 25*November stated: "Mr Darling offset the VAT cut by raising duties on petrol, alcohol and tobacco by an amount that kept the overall cost about the same The Times online on 25*November stated: "Mr Darling offset the...

School cooks are brilliant.(Side Orders)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... I can imagine the post room of Caterer has been deluged with responses to Peter Kay's call for professional chefs to take over our school kitchens (Letters, 30*October, page 14) I can imagine the post room of Caterer has been deluged with...

Share rewards more widely.(Side Orders)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... Chief executives should be strengthening their company's ability to survive, grow and compete Chief executives should be strengthening their company's ability to survive, grow and compete. They must work with their shareholders and...

My life in hospitality Warrick Dodds.(Infozone)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... Head chef and shareholder, the Sparling at Barton and the Sparling at Lytham, Lancashire Highs... Winning Young Chef of the Year in 1999 was a really good part of my life, as I'd always wanted to win it and it was the culmination of a lot...

Strategy clinic.(Infozone)(Brief article)
December 4, 2008... "How can I make sure new staff are aware of and accept company procedures?" With many catering businesses taking on extra staff over the festive season, it is important that they are familiar with company procedures from the start. ...

Our back pages: stories from the Caterer vaults.(Side Orders)
December 4, 2008... The Caterer and Hotel-keepers' Gazette, 15 March 1927 Do many of our town and country British hotels pay little or no attention to the provision of fresh fruit on their dinner tables? According to some critics of hotels the answer is "yes"....

Religion and discrimination.(Infozone)
December 4, 2008... If your workplace dress code conflicts with the religious beliefs of an employee, you could be entering the dangerous legal waters of discrimination. Lawyer Julian Yew charts a safe course for your business The problem We recently...

Mitie wins [pounds sterling]30m Standard Life deal.(News)
December 4, 2008... Facilities management company Mitie has landed its biggest catering contract, picking up an estimated [pounds sterling]30m-turnover deal with insurance firm Standard Life. Ingredients, the food service division of Mitie, will run staff...

We can count past 5, but only need 2.(News)
December 18, 2008... Wikipedia helpfully defines the number five as "between 4 and 6... the third prime number, after 2 and 3, and before 7... the 4th Fibonacci number, being 2 plus 3. Five is also a Pell number and a Markov number, appearing in solutions to the...

Good weekBook ReviewCaterer lovesTable Talk.(Side Orders)
December 18, 2008... Time is Wright for the perfect stocking filler "It would be a real tragedy if people lost their jobs and their houses" Former Savoy chief executive Ramon Pajares warns that hotel staff should not be the first casualties of the looming...

The briefing.(Infozone)
December 18, 2008... * Watch out for Christmas stress The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has warned that employers should be on the lookout for signs of stress in their employees this Christmas. It said that the anxieties surrounding...

Going places.(Infozone)
December 18, 2008... Kate Halewood has become the general manager of the Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf and Spa in Whitchurch, Cardiff. The 34-year-old moves over from the hotel group's New Blossoms hotel in Chester. Halewood started her career with Marriott...

NewsMy worst job.(Infozone)
December 18, 2008... Please e-mail your moves to caterernews@rbi.co.uk * Second school for Ramsay Gordon Ramsay plans to open a second chef academy after buying a [pounds sterling]5m stately home in Surrey. The celebrity chef, who earlier this year bought...

Your nominations for 2009.(Supplements)
December 18, 2008... In 2008, the Caterer and Hotelkeeper Awards, or Cateys, came full circle. Twenty-five years after the Waterside Inn at Bray won the Menu of the Year award at the inaugural Cateys, Michel and Albert Roux received the one-off Silver Catey to a...

EventsTimely help for hard times aheadEventsXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.(Side Orders)(Calendar)
December 18, 2008... An event of note in every hotelier's calendar, the General Managers' Conference, returns in January with the theme "The competitive edge: inspiration for challenging times". Taking place on 19-20 January at the Landmark hotel in London, the...

Infozone Foodfile ingredients in season.(Infozone)
December 18, 2008... Fish Fresh produce Savoy cabbages, cavolo nero and late-crop Chantenay carrots are all in great condition. Red onions are relatively plentiful this year. White and red cabbages are sweet, crisp and reasonably priced and an...

Star of the Year.(News)
December 18, 2008... Throughout the year, Caterer has been recognising outstanding individuals with our Star of the Month award. Kerstin Kuhn went to meet the 2008 overall winner Ashley Palmer-Watts, head chef at the three-Michelin-starred Fat Duck in Bray,...

P&G Star of the Year named and prizes still to be won.(News)
December 18, 2008... This week on Caterersearch.com we have a video interview with Star of the Year winner Ashley Palmer-Watts, and a round-up of the year's top news, blogs and videos. Amanda Afiya reports Online www.caterersearch.com STAR OF THE YEAR...

Things can only get... worse.(News)
December 18, 2008... To say 2008 was an eventful year for hospitality would be an understatement. Operators faced the meltdown of the economy, plummeting consumer spending and rising food prices, a high-profile row over tips broke out, while the "Aldi effect" was...

Some seasonal screw-ups.(Master Innholders)(Conference news)
December 18, 2008... In the final opinion of 2008, members of general managers group of the Master Innholders recall some memorable Christmas experiences Beppo Buchanan-Smith, proprietor, Isle of Eriska Hotel "When my family opened the hotel for the first...

Fight the recession without staff cuts.(News)
December 18, 2008... Industry experts fear worst effects of looming recession By Amanda Afiya Cutting staff must be absolutely the last resort for hoteliers fighting the looming recession, industry experts warned last week. Speaking at Caterer's 2008...

Food and beverages.
December 18, 2008... This month's round-up of food and drink products features frozen and sous-vide dishes, fruit drinks, soups, organic teas, Greek yogurt and savoury fillings 1. Size matters Young's Gourmet Jumbo Wholetail scampi fall under the Young's...

Special offers.(Buy It)
December 18, 2008... A helicopter lesson could be the choice of one lucky Buy It! reader this month, while others could receive buffet products, a case of wholetail scampi or one of five luxury food hampers Ruby red treats Alveston Kitchens is giving away...

Good weekBook Review Picture of the WeekCaterer lovesTable Talk.(Side Orders)
December 18, 2008... Time is Wright for the perfect stocking filler "It would be a real tragedy if people lost their jobs and their houses" Former Savoy chief executive Ramon Pajares warns that hotel staff should not be the first casualties of the looming...

Basquein the sun.(Lemon tea with ginger ice-cream )(Recipe)
December 18, 2008... Martin Berasategui has been the quiet member of the new wave of three-Michelin-starred Spanish chefs, but a new deal with Ritz-Carlton will propel him into the limelight at Marbella. Fiona Sims reports on exactly why the chef has made the...

The Catey Academy 1984-2008.(Supplements)
December 18, 2008... Nominations Brochure 2009 Mark Lewis Group Editor Caterer and Hotelkeeper Catey Nominations 2009 Catey Nominations 2009 Best Group Marketing Campaign 2008 Best Western Hotels 2007 The Dorchester 2006...

Features.
December 18, 2008... His regular prime-time TV slots may be gone but Gary Rhodes has been Cover story Rhodese_SFlb to the coast Gary Rhodes is looking tired, which isn't surprising, really. It's the morning after the launch of his new restaurant,...

Side Orders.(Brief article)
December 18, 2008... Venison Sales have soared by 56% in the past six months as celebrity chef-inspired home cooks become more adventurous. Creative self defence techniques A pizza delivery man in Florida, USA, escapes armed robbers by hurling a piping-hot...

Piazza by Anthony, Leeds.(Side Orders)
December 18, 2008... Located in Leeds' historic Corn Exchange, Piazza by Anthony occupies the entire ground floor and comprises a brasserie, cafe, lounge bar, private dining rooms and five food stores. Opened 24 November Owner Anthony's Restaurants ...

Lena, London.(Restaurant review)
December 18, 2008... This Italian restaurant in Shoreditch serves a menu of southern Italian favourites including salads, antipasti and pasta dishes. Proprietor Alex Foley, who also owns the Chapel Bar in Islington, has dedicated it to his mother. Opened 14...

The Almanack, Kenilworth.(Restaurant review)
December 18, 2008... Former Caterer Adopted Business Peach Pub Company has launched its first new-build gastropub in the heart of Warwickshire. The modern British menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner including a daily changing roast. Opened 13 November ...

Goodman, London.(Restaurant review)
December 18, 2008... The London outpost of Russian chain Goodman is a classic New York-style steakhouse where prime cuts of beef hang in the on-site drying room to mature before being grilled. Opened 18 November Owner RP Com Head chef John Cadieux ...

1901.(Supplements)
December 18, 2008... It was known for its Conran links and city-boy Champagne swilling, but how is the former Aurora restaurant's wine list faring in its new 1901 incarnation? Fiona Sims reports How do you follow JoA'lle Marti? The legendary sommelier built up...

Total recall?(Calendar)
December 18, 2008... Think you can remember the highs, the lows, the heroes and villains of 2008? January 1. Which chef told Caterer his New Year's resolution was to "teach the world to dance"? a) Sequin-suited spiky-haired chef Gary Rhodes b)...

Infozone.
December 18, 2008... Kate Halewood has become the general manager of the Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf and Spa in Whitchurch, Cardiff. The 34-year-old moves over from the hotel group's New Blossoms hotel in Chester. Halewood started her career with Marriott...

Win a Devon seafood bonanza worth [pounds sterling]1,500.
December 18, 2008... Expand your knowledge of seafood and sample the delights of Mitch Tonks's Seahorse, visit Brixham fishmarket and take home Young's seafood products As diners opt for a healthier lifestyle, fish and seafood is a winner across the board,...

Equipment.
December 18, 2008... This month's selection of the newest kit includes fryers and fridges, sweepers and cleaners, extra-big rice cookers and extra-safe vending 1. Cold gap-filler The TWIN U/KP 660 from Gram fills a gap in the market for a cabinet that can...

A look ahead to Hospitality 2009.(Buy It)
December 18, 2008... Hospitality 2009 comes to Birmingham on 19-21 January, when exhibitors will descend on the NEC to display their wares. Here's a taster of some new products to look out for Catering Equipment Charvet (stand 306) will be showcasing its...

Six tiers is just a sick jokeOur back pages: stories from the Caterer vaults.(Side Orders)(Letter to the editor)
December 18, 2008... Opinion Each week on the Caterer letters page, Bakehouse is offering a bottle of Champagne for the writer of the star letter.Market Leaders Through Innovation www.bakehouse.co.uk letter of the week Letters letter of the...

Ark welcome to the island.(Side Orders)(Letter to the editor)
December 18, 2008... Hospitality and catering students at Isle of Man College recently enjoyed a visit from Michael Quinn of the Ark Foundation Hospitality and catering students at Isle of Man College recently enjoyed a visit from Michael Quinn of the Ark...