Latest News

CVS chief executive Mark Rigby explains how to claim a reduction in business rates if you feel your trading circumstances have changed

Keep an eye out for unwelcome guests

They're the night-time companions that nobody in the business wants to recognise. And when guests wake after a night with them they are usually less than impressed. I'm talking, of course, about the parasitic elephant in the room - bedbugs.

Restaurant chain Zizzi and celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine pick young chef to create menu for Prince´s Trust

Casual-dining chain Zizzi has teamed up with food writer and celebrity chef Gizzi Erskine to work with a talented young chef to create a special menu that will be sold nationwide to raise money for the Prince's Trust. The youth charity helped Zizzi and Erskine find an up-and-coming talent in food.

St Ermin´s hotel up for sale for £165.5m

The St Ermin's hotel in Westminster has been put on the market for £165.5m. Commercial property specialist Jones Lang LaSalle has been appointed to exclusively market the hotel on behalf of holding firm St Ermin's Operating. Jones Lang LaSalle said it was advertising it with a guide price of £500,000 per room.

Bad weather slows sales at Mitchells & Butlers

Pub and casual-dining giant Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) has reported a slowdown in sales, saying the recent run of bad weather has hit trade. In a trading update this morning, the company behind the Harvester, Toby Carvery, Vintage Inns, and Nicholson's brands said like-for-like sales growth nearly ground to a halt.

Brasserie Blanc launches flagship restaurant in London´s Covent Garden

Brasserie Blanc, led by the values of chef-patron Raymond Blanc, launched its flagship restaurant in London's Covent Garden on Wednesday. The iconic 95-cover Brasserie Blanc Opera Terrace occupies a landmark site in Covent Garden, previously occupied by a former Chez Gerard restaurant.

Jamie Oliver´s Fabulous Feasts to run pop-up for Leeds Metropolitan University´s graduation

Jamie Oliver's event catering business, Fabulous Feasts, will create a pop-up venue at Leeds Metropolitan University for this year's graduation ceremonies. As many as 7,500 students and their families will have the opportunity to dine at the venue, which will be located on the Acre of Leeds Met's Headingley campus.

Anthony Worrall appointed GM at Crowne Plaza London - The City

Anthony Worrall has joined InterContinental Hotels Group as the new general manager at Crowne Plaza London - The City, after spending 19 years with Hilton Worldwide. The property he joins has recently undergone extensive improvements, including a new entrance to nearby Blackfriars Station.

Strong results for London and regional hotels in April

Hotels across the country defied the economic gloom and unfavourable weather to post an exceptionally strong set of results in April, according to preliminary figures released by PKF Hotel Consultancy Services. London recorded a 9.7% year-on-year increase in rooms yield, from £94.86 to £104.06.

Nestlé Toque d´Or grand final gets under way at Worthy Down Camp

The grand final of the Nestlé Toque d'Or, organised by Nestlé Professional, is under way today with student teams from eight of the UK's catering colleges battling it out for the crown. The teams will encounter a range of exciting catering scenarios, including a task with the British Army.