Mezze Restaurants is bucking the national trend of UK pub closures by further expanding its fast growing empire. The West Country group, which already has six restaurants under its belt, is ploughing ahead with its expansion with two new venues earmarked for 2014. Latest figures by the Campaign for Real Ale reveal that 28 pubs are closing every week, an increase of two a week … [Read more...]
Brewers say it with beer – industry thanks MPs for second duty cut
Brewers thanked the MPs who took a second penny off the pint in last month’s Budget in time-honoured tradition – by brewing a beer for them. ‘George’s Double Drop’, ‘Nicky Morgan’s Marvellous Mild’, ‘AG Bitter’ (for Andrew Griffiths) and ‘Brandon’s Brew’ (for Brandon Lewis), as well as ‘Humphreys’ Hurrah’ for Robert Humphreys the Honorary Secretary of the All Party … [Read more...]
The Old Ship: second to set sail under Realpubs
The Old Ship Inn in Hackney has been sold by Davis Coffer Lyons - the leisure specialists - to Urban Pubs & Bars Ltd - the new company set up by the founders of Realpubs, Malcolm Heap and Nick Pring, last year (2013). This purchase follows the opening of the company’s first site Whippet Inn in Kensal Rise last month. Urban Pubs & Bars is now looking to grow an estate … [Read more...]
Sodexo to sponsor new FreeFrom Eating Out Awards
Sodexo is to sponsor the new FreeFrom Eating Out Awards – launched to coincide with EU regulations coming into force in December 2014 requiring all food service outlets to provide accurate information about any of the 14 major allergens in the food that they serve. Wan Mak, head of nutrition and dietectics at Sodexo, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring these awards and … [Read more...]
BLUE BADGE STYLE – bringing the issue of ‘access’ to the forefront of hospitality
Blue Badge Style, the first app and website guide to a stylish lifestyle for the less-able, has been appointed a member of the British Hospitality Association in a bid to bring accessibility to the forefront of the industry’s attention. With her mobile app and Pictorial Access Description system the BBS Founder, Fiona Jarvis, hopes to help make British hospitality more … [Read more...]