Chef Marcus McGuinness is to head up the team at Auberge du Lac from the end of October, marking a new direction for the Hertfordshire-based award-winning restaurant. Marcus has spent six years working alongside Claude Bosi at his two Michelin star Mayfair restaurant Hibiscus, where he was Head Chef and Bosi’s right-hand man. Before moving to London, Marcus spent two years as … [Read more...]
Seasonality is the key to Merry Christmas menus
Dishes which feature the best seasonal produce should be at the top of the Christmas list for catering businesses this year, advises buying specialist Lynx Purchasing. Make the most of British produce To maintain good profit margins, seasonal menus should make the most of good quality British produce rather than rely too heavily on imported produce. “The temptation to … [Read more...]
Touchwood secures Theobroma and Chimichanga in West Midlands
Lend Lease has announced that Theobroma, the Australian chocolate café brand, has chosen Touchwood for its first chocolate lounge in the UK. In addition, Chimichanga will also be opening its first restaurant in the West Midlands. Theobroma was founded in Australia and has franchises in Saudi Arabia, Singapore and China. The company is also expanding in Australia, New … [Read more...]
UK property owners to lose up to £785 million tax relief
Britain's property owners, many of whom are everyday businesses - including hospitality businesses - are set to lose more than three quarters of a billion pounds (£785m) in unused tax relief in the coming financial year, according to capital allowances tax specialists, and ICAEW partner, Catax Solutions. Could this apply to your business? Change will impact from 1 April … [Read more...]
itsu flourishes as it expands
As recent reports indicate, itsu is flourishing and has plans for continued rapid expansion to 50 outlets by the end of 2013. The sushi chain, which was founded by Julian Metcalf of Pret a Manger fame, has posted a 22% rise in turnover for 2012 to £45.2 million, with like for like sales growth of 8.3%. However, the impact of their menu overhaul was to reduce margins whilst … [Read more...]