Intu is marking the first step in the transformation of its 1.4 million sq ft Lakeside shopping centre with a £9 million redevelopment of the centre’s food court into a vibrant new dining zone. Intu Lakeside, which attracts a 25 million annual footfall, has received outline planning consent for a 325,000 sq ft retail extension that will house 40 new stores, and is also … [Read more...]
Gordon Ramsay Holdings in second HMRC probe?
Mail Online has reported that Gordon Ramsay Holdings is the subject of an investigation by HMRC, after suggestions that HMRC officials were misled during a previous probe. Apparently, a ‘whistleblower’ leaked an internal document to the taxman that alleges that an unpaid tax bill – a seven-figure sum – was covered up during a previous investigation in 2010. The leaked … [Read more...]
British consumers push spending up 4.8% in July – 10.8% in pubs, 9.5% in restaurants
Consumer spending in the UK continued to grow strongly in July, according to Barclaycard’s monthly analysis of UK spending. Barclaycard reports that consumers have begun parting with their money more readily, pushing spending above inflation for the fourth month in a row: Prolonged heatwave encourages consumers back out onto the high street, pushing up spending in stores to … [Read more...]
John Lewis to launch restaurant concept
CITYA.M. reports that John Lewis has also recognised the opportunity offered by catering within shopping, and is about to launch a new restaurant concept. Chief executive Andy Street is reported to have said that, whilst John Lewis’ restaurants and cafeterias were profitable and provided good quality “middle of the road” food, they were not “cutting edge” brands: “There is … [Read more...]
Stars of restaurant industry to shine on The Restaurant Show’s Centre Stage
For three days in October (7-9 October), The Centre Stage at The Restaurant Show 2013 will be home to some of the best known and respected chefs in the restaurant industry. Inspirational names, including James ‘Jocky’ Petrie, experiential ‘punk’ chef Carl Clarke, Gizzi Ekskine, Mark Sargeant, Alyn Williams, Angela Hartnett, Luke Holder, Jason Atherton and Claude Bosi, will … [Read more...]