Caterer & Hotelkeeper articles from June 2006

Caterer & Hotelkeeper archives from June 2006

Events.(catering services)(Calendar)
June 1, 2006... Some of London's leading chefs and restaurateurs will be sharing their practical knowledge of the Slow Food movement when they step in to the spotlight at Slow Food's first major London event on 12-13 June. The Slow Food movement was...

The Wight stuff.(interview with Frederic Sol)(Hambrough boutique hotel)(Interview)
June 1, 2006... A younger, trendier breed of visitor than before is descending on the Isle of Wight these days, with many buying properties there. Fiona Sims examines the reasons for this renewal of interest, and checks out the Hambrough boutique hotel in...

A minute on the clock Gabrielle Tuscher.(interview on hotel management)(Interview)
June 1, 2006... Peninsula Hotels has just engaged a nutritionist to redesign the group's menus as part of its new Wellbeing concept, an initiative to provide a healthier all-round lifestyle for guests. Emily Manson spoke to Gabrielle Tuscher about her plans...

All fired up.(management and awards of restaurant chain La Tasca)
June 1, 2006... What does it take to win a Caterer and Hotelkeeper Best Places to Work in Hospitality Award? Nic Paton found out what restaurant chain La Tasca, joint overall winner for 2006, had done to impress our judges so much The Caterer and...

Crisis communications guide.(crisis management of media industry)
June 1, 2006... Robert Wright, managing director of hospitality PR and marketing agency Davies Tanner, advises on how to deal with the media in the event of a crisis The Problem A Premiership football team staying at your hotel fall ill with...

These are a few of their favourite things.(favourite cookwares of chefs)
June 1, 2006... There are some items of small kitchen equipment which are so useful that chef couldn't imagine life without them. We speak to a few chefs to find out which bits of kit they couldn't bear to part with Terry's Hold-o-Mat It's about four...

Aussie gold.(Semillon Australian white-wine )
June 1, 2006... Semillon - the Australian white-wine grape of choice before Chardonnay took over - can produce some dullards, but our experts were surprised at how many of the tasting line-up earned high marks. Fiona Sims kept the scores The lowdown ...

wildebeest arms.(Wildebeest Arms encourage about 40% of customers to trade up due to low mark-ups )
June 1, 2006... Low mark-ups at the Wildebeest Arms encourage about 40% of customers to trade up. Fiona Sims checks out the 126-bin list The promise of low mark-ups on wine is enough reason for me to visit any restaurant. Add to that a Bib Gourmand from...

Here's a tip - please don't ask for one.(analysis of customers and tipping)
June 1, 2006... Putting the customer under pressure to pay extra for service is simply unacceptable, says restaurateur and consultant Simon Wright It's a measure of the controversy that the subject of gratuities can generate, that I recently stumbled into...

Letters.(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... Do we want to lose our independents? After 25 years of running a small hotel, we feel that there must be others like us who feel that they are constantly swimming against the tide. If the red tape continues to come our way, we...

White Lion is still roaring.(management and services of The white lion)
June 1, 2006... It's far, so good, as Ben Walker takes a final look at the White Lion, whose owner Rob Gamble has survived financial worries, staff problems and self-doubt By his own admission, some think Rob Gamble is "as mad as a box of frogs". Over the...

The water margin.(water has become a precious commodity, recycling is one way out)
June 1, 2006... As experts warn that we face the worst drought for a century, water has become a precious commodity for businesses as well as ordinary citizens. Emma Allen looks at what the hospitality industry can do to ease the pressure Even if you're...

Is McDonald's still lovin' it?
June 1, 2006... McDonald's is struggling to satisfy its UK market - but can it now rekindle the love affair by returning to its core product? Rosalind Mullen reports Despite the recent hype over low-fat menus, salads and fresh fruit, McDonald's has...

Book Review.(Fusion Chocolate)(Brief article)(Book review)
June 1, 2006... A second helping of chocolate Fusion Chocolate Frederic Bau CHIPS, $229.95 ISBN 8472121178 The man from Valrhona is back with more excitement and mind-provoking material. Already the author of one of the most respected and brilliant...

Table Talk.
June 1, 2006... Let's hope it wasn't a turbulent flight Top bods at Cafe Rouge owner Tragus have taken the development of its new Spanish Ortega brand very seriously. Ahead of its Essex launch this July, the executive team visited Barcelona to plunder local...

Caterer loves.(English Wine Week)
June 1, 2006... English wine It may surprise our neighbours across the Channel, but we've been producing wine in England for ever - well, since Doomsday anyway. The survey from 1085 recorded 46 vineyards in southern England alone. Despite this, locally...

Top 10...
June 1, 2006... Things not to say to a vegetarian: 1. Bet you'd love a bite of my sausage, love. 2. But where do you get your protein from? 3. You still eat bacon sarnies though, don't you? 4. I'm veggie, too - I just eat chicken and fish. 5. I'm veggie...

Over to you.(analysis of tips and service charges)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Should we ban tips and service charges? Valentina Harris, Amici Cafe, Wandsworth, south-west London "Absolutely not. If somebody has given particularly good service then they should be rewarded. It really is all about individual cases. I...

'Emotive branding is the future'.
June 1, 2006... Starwood Hotels & Resorts is moving away from priced-based competition and traditional segmentation to focus on "emotional branding". At a media summit held last week in New York, Starwood unveiled new looks for eight brands - including...

Sheraton Park Lane could be UK's first W.(United Kingdom)(launch of W branded hotel in London)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Starwood is poised to launch its first W-branded hotel in the UK at the Sheraton Park Lane in Piccadilly, London. The US-based hotel group said it had identified three possible sites in the capital for its boutique brand. However, it...

One Devonshire Gardens to join Hotel du Vin stable in [pounds sterling]9m deal.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Scotland is set to get its first Hotel du Vin, after owner Malmaison entered into exclusive talks to buy One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow for about [pounds sterling]9m. The deal is expected to take four to six weeks to complete. ...

Unions blast new tronc guidance.(wages of hospitality staff)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Unions have attacked the latest tronc guidance from HM Revenue & Customs, branding it unfair to hospitality staff. The "clarification" released last month by the Revenue appears to indicate that businesses can avoid paying national...

Give us a level playing field say casinos.
June 1, 2006... Traditional operators fear unfair competition with new UK venues by tom bill Traditional casinos won't be able to compete on a level playing field with the 17 new UK venues that are planned, according to the British Casino Association...

Distinguished Hotels faces new legal action.(legal claims on unpaid wages, expenses and commission fees)
June 1, 2006... Claims for unpaid wages, expenses and fees total [pounds sterling]300,000 By Tom Bill Luxury hotel marketing consortium Distinguished Hotels faces fresh legal claims for [pounds sterling]300,000 in unpaid wages, expenses and...

Restaurants must address health and weight concerns.
June 1, 2006... Report charts healthy-eating trend driven by baby-boomers By Angela Frewin Meeting the strong demand for healthy but exciting eating is the biggest challenge facing restaurateurs over the next decade, according to a new report. ...

win an england chef's jacket.
June 1, 2006... With the World Cup upon us, workwear company Tibard is marking the occasion by offering Caterer readers the chance to win one of 10 limited-edition England chef's jackets (left). To be in with a chance of winning one, call 0161-342 1000 and...

Lib Dems back our bed tax campaign.(Caterer and Hotelkeeper says no to bed tax campaign)
June 1, 2006... By Angela frewin The Liberal Democrat party has become the latest high-profile backer of Caterer's Say No to Bed Tax campaign, agreeing to oppose the measure as official party policy. Don Foster, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath and shadow...

Ickworth hotel on the market for [pounds sterling]7.5m-plus.(acquisition of Ickworth hotel)(Von Essen Hotels)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Former Luxury Family Hotels property, Ickworth hotel in Suffolk, has been put up for sale. Property agent Humberts is seeking offers in excess of [pounds sterling]7.5m for the 27-bedroom hotel and 11 nearby self-catering lodges in Bury St...

good week/bad week.
June 1, 2006... Heston Blumenthal The chef picks up an OBE for services to shaved fennel and almond fluid gel Pig farmers Bacon butties are proved to boost attendance at East Yorkshire school Captain Birds Eye Private equity players circle Unilever's...

Blumenthal collects OBE.(Heston Blumenthal collects Competency based education and was awarded for services to the hospitality industry)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Heston Blumenthal, chef-proprietor of the Fat Duck, in Bray, Berkshire, is pictured last week at Buckingham Palace collecting his OBE, which was awarded for services to the hospitality industry. Blumenthal, 39, said: "The Queen asked about...

Radisson to open in Coventry.(Radisson Edwardian Hotels)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Coventry is to get its first luxury hotel after a deal between Radisson Edwardian and developer Oakmoor Deeley. The [pounds sterling]40m, 184-bedroom property in Belgrade Plaza will have 12,000sq ft of conference and banqueting facilities...

Debbie Smale, general manager Bristol, Morethanhotels.
June 1, 2006... Debbie Smale, general manager at the Gloucester South Express by Holiday Inn hotel, has been promoted to area manager Bristol. Maria Robinson is promoted from general manager of the Wandsworth-Battersea Express by Holiday Inn to area manager...

Duomo Hotel, Rimini, Italy.(facilities of Duomo Hotel)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Architect Ron Arad has used alternative materials, bright colours and unusual shapes to create a futuristic experience in this hotel. Giant pinball flipper doors greet guests at the entrance and the original faade has been wrapped in a bronze...

Graze, Singapore.
June 1, 2006... Graze (as in "eating at a leisurely pace") and its upstairs bar, Mint, offer relaxed eating and drinking in a pre-war colonial building. The gourmet shop sells home-made delights including cheeses, jams and chocolates. Opened 6 April Owner...

How I got here.
June 1, 2006... Gillian Stevens Manager, Elephant & Castle pub, West Moors, Dorset Gillian Stevens is the manager of Eldridge Pope's Elephant & Castle pub in West Moors, Dorset. Despite returning to the industry only in April last year, she...

InterContinental Mar Menor Golf Resort and Spa, Spain.(facilities of Nomad restaurant)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... This hotel exploits its Spanish roots to create a haven for guests. The Nomad restaurant, with an open terrace and a visible kitchen, serves a Mediterranean e la carte menu. There is also an 18-hole golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus's...

Lars Christiaanse, director of groups, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
June 1, 2006... Lars Christiaanse has joined Fairmont Hotels & Resorts as director of groups. Christiaanse has joined from Le Meridien, where he was director of the UK in the company's regional sales office.

Luigi Lanzotti, restaurant manager, Shaws bistro and tapas bar, Edinburgh.(appointments of Luigi Lanzotti and Colin Smith)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Shaws bistro and tapas bar in Old Fishmarket Close, Edinburgh, has recruited Luigi Lanzotti as restaurant manager and Colin Smith as head chef. Lanzotti was general manager at Edinburgh's branch of Italian restaurant chain Est Est Est. Smith...

Next move in preparing a CV.(curricula vitae)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Each week our panel of recruitment experts provide answers to an employment question posed by a reader The Question I have an honours degree in culinary arts. I work as a sous chef but gained lots of industry-specific experience while...

Practical advice on the water front.(lack of water can be saved by water audits or recycling it or by water management)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Gardeners across South-east England are agonising over the effect of the current hosepipe ban on their flower beds and hanging baskets. But for hospitality operators the water shortage brings a financial headache. It is an economic fact of life...

Review of Reviews.(Fifteen Cornwall)(Ragam)(Konstam)(Galvin at Windows)(Restaurant review)
June 1, 2006... London Evening Standard 24 May Fay Maschler heads off to the West Country to see if Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall - a franchise of the pukka one's original London project - lives up to the hype Star dishes of our lunch were risotto...

Sarah Williams, food and beverage services manager, Athenaeum hotel.
June 1, 2006... Sarah Williams, assistant food and beverage manager at London's Dorchester hotel, has become food and beverage services manager at the Athenaeum hotel, also in the capital. She will be running day-to-day operations on the newly refurbished...

Strategy clinic.
June 1, 2006... I want to turn a drink-led pub into a food-led pub. What are the warning signs to look for when taking on the lease of an existing pub? How flexible are breweries in letting me add a fresh style to an old-fashioned pub? Hugh Caven,...

Swissotel Ankara, Turkey.(services and facilities)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Situated in Cankaya, an exclusive area just 45 minutes from Esenboga airport, this hotel is within easy reach of Ankara city centre, the presidential palace and the embassies. The Amrita spa offers traditional bath and spa treatments, a gym and...

What's new.
June 1, 2006... Diane Lane rounds up some of the latest food products for hospitality professionals 1. in the clear A variety of Clear Bouillons have been added to Knorr's existing paste range. Suitable for use in applications such as clear soups and...

the week in brief.(Thomas Keller runs a new restaurant)(Tragus Holdings raises [pounds sterling]138m in a refinancing deal with Barclays)(Dominic Teague joins Great Eastern hotel's flagship restaurant Aurora)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Keller's Ad Hoc arrangement French Laundry chef Thomas Keller is to run a new restaurant in Yountville, California, as a temporary venue called Ad Hoc while he decides whether it will be a sushi, burger or steak house. Ad Hoc, in...

Rethinking recruitment.(hospitality industry)
June 8, 2006... Better recruitment and interviewing techniques could reduce staff turnover rates. Stephanie Sparrow reports More than two-thirds of employers in the food and hospitality industry have recruited staff in the past year. And they are paying...

Events.
June 8, 2006... Billed as a stomach-defying chance to eat at 40 restaurants in a day, Taste of London is a four-day food and wine extravaganza (15-18 June) featuring some of the best restaurants and chefs from the capital. Tom Aikens, Giorgio Locatelli,...

Challenging a rateable value.(hotel business management)
June 8, 2006... Martin Willis, a director with chartered surveyor Fleurets, looks at the action you can take after seeing a material change in your trading circumstances The problem You are the operator of the Alpha hotel. You have been working hard...

A minute on the clock Susan Scott.(interview)(Interview)
June 8, 2006... London's Savoy is the only hotel to employ a dedicated archivist. Susan Scott has just compiled a walking tour of the Savoy and Simpson's-in-the-Strand for guests to learn about the hotel's history and heritage. She talks to Emily Manson ...

Government ignores School Meals Review Panel.
June 8, 2006... New Government standards for school food have ignored key recommendations from the School Meals Review Panel, according to industry figures. They claim politicians have watered down proposals on food preparation, free school meal...

good week/bad week.(facilities of hotels)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Peter Crouch Scores a hat trick, does a crazy dance and Premier Travel Inn launches an elongated bed just for him. German landlords Rubbing their hands as thirsty footie fans arrive. Coffee drinkers Study finds the tipple's persuasive...

Playing a different tune.(Cube and Star, steering high)
June 8, 2006... Mark Turner has climbed a steep learning curve at the Cube & Star, and has realised that the music industry has much to offer. Diane Lane reports It has now been a year since Mark Turner opened the doors of his restaurant and bar operation...

Senderens.
June 8, 2006... The craving for a simpler life afflicts even top-flight chefs. Alain Senderens closed his three-Michelin-starred Paris restaurant Lucas Carton to reopen as the more traditional and eponymous Senderens. Matthew Spencer reports Was it one...

lessons in lunch.
June 8, 2006... The publication of the Government's new food and nutritional guidelines has set the schools meals service its biggest challenge for decades. Janet Harmer talks to Judy Hargadon, chief executive of the School Food Trust With just three...

News.(restaurant industry)
June 8, 2006... This contemporary luxury hotel in South Kensington is aimed at the design-conscious traveller, with original details including a restored Victorian mosaic floor in reception. Opened 1 June Owners private investors including Michael...

The Kitchin, Leith, Edinburgh.(Tom Kitchin)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Chef Tom Kitchin has opened this new restaurant on the waterfront to showcase the skills he's picked up from a decade working alongside top-notch chefs including Pierre Koffman, Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy. Opened 3 June Owners Tom...

A royal refit.(Sodexho UK & Ireland)
June 8, 2006... The redevelopment of Ascot Racecourse has given catering contractor Sodexho Prestige the room and the means to present a hospitality offering equal to the expectations of the clientele who attend. Benjamin Walker got an early look If...

Caterers are confident as 'healthy' deadline looms.
June 8, 2006... After the Government's new nutritional standards hit caterers' desks last month, Ross Bentley asks if they are ready for the September start date Following the publication of the Government's new nutritional standards for school meals last...

Lyttelton wins Homage Award.(Humphrey Lyttelton)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Veteran jazz musician and radio presenter Humphrey Lyttelton (second from left) is the winner of this year's Homage Award, launched last year by restaurant entrepreneur Roy Ackerman and the Homage cafe at the Waldorf Hilton hotel in London. ...

Caterer loves.(cater for the millions of footie fans)
June 8, 2006... The World Cup Metatarsals, Theo Walcott and St George's flags can mean only one thing: the 2006 World Cup. Starting with host nation Germany's game against Costa Rica tomorrow (9 June), the eagerly awaited month-long tournament finally...

Caterer loves.(World Cup Fever)
June 8, 2006... The World Cup Metatarsals, Theo Walcott and St George's flags can mean only one thing: the 2006 World Cup. Starting with host nation Germany's game against Costa Rica tomorrow (9 June), the eagerly awaited month-long tournament finally...

WTTC head warns UK of complacency.(World Travel & Tourism Council)(United Kingdom)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Tourism expert urges PM to take a lead By Chris Druce The Government must recognise the value of travel and tourism or lose out in the intensifying global battle for visitors, according to the head of the World Travel & Tourism Council...

Est Est Est sites to become Bar & Grills.(Living Ventures to expand its Bar & Grill brand and launch a new restaurant concept )(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Restaurant and bar chain Living Ventures is expanding its Bar & Grill brand across the country and launching a new restaurant concept. Managing director Tim Bacon revealed the group would be converting Est Est Est sites in Manchester and...

New row erupts over Distinguished brand.
June 8, 2006... Rival claimants dispute ownership of name and website By Tom Bill A new row has erupted over the demise of hotel marketing association Distinguished Hotels, this time over the sale of its brand name and website. The dispute arose...

Teaching hotel to open in London.(Edge plans to launch commercial teaching hotel)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Project will provide students with industry-wide skills by angela frewin Vocational training foundation the Edge is planning to launch London's first fully commercial teaching hotel. The 30- to 40-bedroom boutique property in...

Here's why Crouch needs a bigger bed.(Premier Travel Inn)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Budget hotel chain Premier Travel Inn (PTI) tapped into World Cup fever last week by carting a 7ft bed, made especially for giant England striker Peter Crouch, to the team's hotel in Manchester. Although the Crouch bed (pictured with...

VisitBritain to set out standards for spas.(standards set by VisitBritain)
June 8, 2006... By Angela Frewin Spas are to be included in the UK's common standards - the new quality grading system covering all overnight accommodation in the UK. Tourist body VisitBritain has embarked on a programme of trial assessments that will...

Parkin plans [pounds sterling]4m Lake District hotel venture.(Nigel Parkin leaves Tom's Companies)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Nigel Parkin, general manager of Tom's Companies' the Samling hotel for four years, has left to set up a rival [pounds sterling]4m venture in the Lake District, Caterer can reveal. Parkin plans to open an eight-to 12-suite luxury hotel in a...

Review of Reviews.(restaurant reviews)
June 8, 2006... The Times 3 June Giles Coren celebrates chef Anthony Demetre's brilliant tripe at Arbutus, London W1 Demetre was [Bruno] Loubet's sous chef here in the old days. And he's brilliant. Brilliant. He has reinvented pieds-et-paquets,...

campaign launched to promote local produce.(restaurants to advertise the provenance of their food)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... What's On Your Plate?, a campaign calling on restaurants to advertise the provenance of their food and use more local produce, launched outside the Houses of Parliament last week. Founders Mike Austen and Lyndon Gee were joined by Ian...

Starwood's long-stay brand.(services of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Inc.)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Starwood is launching a new extended-stay apartment brand under the working title Project ESW. The luxury hotel group is modelling the concept on its business-friendly Westin hotel brand and believes there is scope for 150 apartment blocks...

Vongerichten to develop new restaurant concept with Starwood.(Jean-Georges Vongerichten teams up with Starwood Hotels)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Internationally renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten has teamed up with Starwood Hotels to develop a series of new restaurant concepts. The chef, who has 15 restaurants around the world, will work with business partner Phil Suarez and...

HDV earmarks two new sites.( Hotel du Vin acquires new sites in Edinburgh and Newcastle)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Boutique hotel operator Hotel du Vin has acquired new sites in Edinburgh and Newcastle, Caterer can exclusively reveal. Continuing the group's tradition of transforming historic sites into hotels, the 47-bedroom Edinburgh property was...

the week in brief.(news in brief)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... A picture of hospitality Are you up at the crack of dawn buying produce for your business? Are you the last one to lock up after a 15-hour day? Are you the person who bakes the bread, feeds the workers on an oil rig or makes the bed in a...

Letters.
June 8, 2006... Employer that didn't keep its promises I have been working in the hotel industry for more than 25 years. I trained as a chef, then moved to front of house, and five years ago became a general manager. My career took me to a resort in...

A chance to see your photos in print.
June 8, 2006... Is your first task of the day to bake the bread? Are you the one who gets up ridiculously early to collect produce for the day ahead? Do you have the task of changing all the beds as soon as your guests check out? Do you feed the hungry workers...

Sam and Maxie's big-city site.(La Tasca to open its second UK Sam and Maxie's site)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... La Tasca is to open its second UK Sam and Maxie's site in Manchester's Trafford Centre next month. The group's grill and smokehouse brand, which launched in February at Stevenage Leisure Park in Hertfordshire, will replace Italian...

Caterer - still supporting the trade more than a century on.(Crown hotel in Harrogate)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Builders at the Crown hotel in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, have stumbled upon an amazing historical find - pages from a 113-year-old edition of Caterer and Hotelkeeper. While the builders were removing the sash windows during the...

Clapham House plans 35 more outlets within next few years.(Clapham House Group)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Clapham House Group (CHG) is pushing on with its ambitious growth strategy, despite already doubling the size of its estate with the [pounds sterling]25m purchase of Tootsies in April. The restaurant operator, which now has 61 restaurants...

Corrigan to open first Irish eaterie.(Richard Corrigan)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... By Angela Frewin Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan is to open his first restaurant in his native Ireland in conjunction with Ryanair founder and billionaire Tony Ryan. The 70-seat restaurant, the Mill at Lyons, will open in...

Publicans stock up as England expects for the World Cup.(pub industry take off)
June 8, 2006... By Emily manson Football supporters in the UK are expected to down a staggering nine million extra pints of beer during England's first three qualifying World Cup games. The pub industry is bracing itself for a footie-frenzy that will...

Arbutus, London.(Anthony Demetre)(Will Smith)(Brief article)
June 8, 2006... Anthony Demetre and Will Smith, formerly of the Michelin-starred Putney Bridge restaurant, have opened their own business in Soho, offering a range of both gutsy and lighter dishes. Interiors, designed by Linda Turner, are informal with...

Foodfile ingredients in season.(favourable catches on season)
June 8, 2006... Weather conditions are looking favourable, but catches are down and whitefish could be hard to source. Cod will be more expensive, despite there being more Faroese and Irish fish around. Haddock is also more expensive, though very good quality....