All news articles for September 2012

Now in its sixth year, The Cask Report is backed by Camra, the Society of Independent Brewers and the Independent Family Brewers of Britain

Cask ale sales back in growth for first time in 20 years

By Luke Nicholls

Around 2.2 million barrels of cask, equating to some 633 million pints, were sold in the UK last year, marking a 1.6 per cent uplift in volume on 2010 - the first increase in sales of the drink since 1991.

with price-sensitive diners booking later than ever, everyone can benefit from a few tips and ideas on how to boost spend through their food and drink offerings

Planning for Christmas 2012: Creating the perfect menu

By Luke Nicholls

It doesn't matter how much you've prepared,what events you’re running,or even if you’re thinking of doing something completely differentthis year, if you want to have yourself a profitable Christmas, the quality and variety of the food and drink...

3663 has released details of its Christmas range of products including new luxury red and gold script crackers

3663 adds new crackers to its Christmas range

By Peter Ruddick

Foodservice wholesale distributor and supplier 3663 has released details of its Christmas range of products including new luxury crackers and the return of Woodland Kraft sustainable crackers.

(Top-left to bottom-right): Cyrus Todiwala, Sarah Hartnett, Philip Howard and David Malcahey will be among the judges for this year's National Chef of the Year final

National Chef of the Year 2012: Last-minute advice for the final eight

By Luke Nicholls & Peter Ruddick

With less than two weeks to go before the final of The Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef of the Year competition, BigHospitality spoke to the competition’s judges to find out exactly what they’re looking for from the eight remaining candidates.

Business Secretary Vince Cable announced details of the new business bank at the Lib Dem conference in Brighton on Sunday

Business bank: is the Government missing the point again?

By Luke Nicholls

The new ‘business bank’, which will be handed £1bn of taxpayers’ money in a bid to kick-start lending to small and medium-sized British firms, is ‘missing the point’ and will have to overcome the same barriers as high street lenders.

Kenza Restaurant & Late Night Lounge in London’s Devonshire Square is offering seven Christmas menus and a range of unusual entertainment

Planning for Christmas 2012: Something a bit different...

By Luke Nicholls

What do Elvis Presley, The Mad Hatter and a nautical sailor all have in common? Aside from all being popular choices at a fancy dress party, all three have formed the inspirations for some of the quirkier themes and events that hospitality businesses...

Rumble in the Kitchen picture gallery

Rumble in the Kitchen: in pictures

By Emma Eversham

Rumble in the Kitchen, the charity event designed to raise money for into-work programme Galvin's Chance, took place at the Royal Automobile Club on 20 September, raising more than £55k for the cause. Here are just some of the scenes from the night. 

The Menzies Welcombe hotel, spa & golf club in Stratford-upon-Avon is undergoing a £2.2m refurbishment

Menzies Hotels undergoes major brand revamp

By Luke Nicholls

Independent hotel group Menzies Hotels has unveiled a new look and vision across its portfolio, investing around £7m into a variety of redevelopment projects for some of its 13 four-star properties.

Ashley Palmer-Watts's African Diary will detail his trip to Kenya representing the hospitality industry as the chef attempts to help the Farm Africa charity which supports fish farmers in their aim of becoming self-sufficient

Chef Africa: Ashley Palmer-Watts's African Diary

By Peter Ruddick and Ashley Palmer-Watts

While Ashley Palmer-Watts travels to Kenya to represent the hospitality industry on a Farm Africa challenge you can follow his progress here as he updates this blog with thoughts, reactions, photos and video.

With the Jubilee and the Olympics becoming distant memories, hospitality operator's thoughts are now turning to Christmas and the benefits of planning for a festive, seasonal boost in trade

Planning for Christmas 2012: Why preparation is key to success

By Peter Ruddick

The end of the Jubilee and Olympic summer can mean just one thing – Christmas is coming! As festive thinking caps are donned to work out how to unwrap seasonal profits, what should hospitality operators be doing to plan for the change from gold medals...

Simon Flint, executive chef at the National Theatre

Simon Flint: Career Profile

By Peter Ruddick

Simon Flint celebrated his six year anniversary as executive chef at the National Theatre in June, but with 28 years of experience in the industry, from Center Parcs to The Groucho Club and Caprice Holdings, he has approached the varied role with an experienced...

Justin Llewellyn, head ched, Laguna Kitchen & Bar

People on the Move in Hospitality: September 2012

By Luke Nicholls

In our People on the Move gallery, BigHospitality rounds up some of the latest movers and shakers of the hospitality industry. The past month has seen a number of new appointments at hotels, restaurants and pubs including The Clarendon, Travelodge and...