Smoke and Grills, the new gastro-pub concept serving an American inspired barbecue menu, has secured its first site after Davis Coffer Lyons completed the off-market sale of the Duke of Wellington in East Horsley, Surrey on behalf of a private individual for an undisclosed sum. The chain plans to open another five Smokes and Grills pubs over the next three years in similar … [Read more...]
FPB warns food businesses to prepare for allergy labelling changes
National small business group, the Forum of Private Business, is using Allergy Awareness Week (28th April–4th May) to remind small food businesses of the need to prepare for the changes to food labelling that will be extended to restaurants, delis and other unpackaged food sellers the UK from the end of this year. Dangers of not being up to speed Jo Eccles, business … [Read more...]
Are you making productive use of social media?
Are you making the most of social media? 7 in 10 UK adults log into their social media accounts every day, according to Ofcom. According to eMarketer, by next year (2015), more than half of those using a mobile phone will access social networks on their mobile devices. Whereas in the past hospitality and leisure companies would advertise in (local) newspapers or through … [Read more...]
StreetSmart raises £610,000 as homelessness increases
StreetSmart have announced their latest fundraising total of £610,000 collected from 580 participating restaurants and hotels in November and December 2013. Meanwhile, a new report states homelessness has increased for three consecutive years, due in part to housing shortages and changes to the benefit system. Research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Crisis also found … [Read more...]
Palcohol: liquor arrives in powder form
The US Government apparently took the makers of Palcohol – a powder version of vodka, rum and four cocktails – by susprise when it announced that it had approved the products for sale. By this autumn, therefore, it will be legal to sell seven flavours of Palcohol in the USA. It’s not yet known when or if Palcohol will be available in the UK or Europe, though it’s a fair bet … [Read more...]