Greg Lawson, the creative, ambitious and entrepreneurial CEO and founder of Smart Group, will provide the fantastic finale to an incredible year of successful Arena events at The Arena Christmas Event 2014 on Monday 1 December at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. Smart Group is the dynamic collection of hospitality, catering and event management businesses with over … [Read more...]
A new look for Brasserie Blanc
Brasserie Blanc, the 20-strong French restaurant group led by CEO Mark Derry and acclaimed chef Raymond Blanc is to undergo a transformation as it rebrands and begins an extensive refurbishment programme. Working with award-wining branding and interior design agency, Blacksheep, the restaurant group is looking to build upon its success with a new understated and stripped-back … [Read more...]
Hawthorn acquires 25 pubs from Nectar Taverns
Hawthorn Leisure has acquired a portfolio of 25 public houses in the Northwest of England from Nectar Taverns, a privately owned managed pub company with an estate of 28 freehold outlets predominantly in the North West of England.. The Nectar pubs, which include 24 freeholds and 1 long leasehold, will continue to operate under their current centrally managed business … [Read more...]
IHS crowns Independent Hotelier and Outstanding New Hotel of the Year
The cream of the hospitality industry joined together on 21 October to celebrate the achievements of two of the most accomplished hoteliers and one of the most successful new hotels within the independent hotel sector, at a presentation ceremony at the Independent Hotel Show. Independent Hotelier of the Year Acclaimed hoteliers Kit and Tim Kemp have been named Independent … [Read more...]
Restaurants face the need for speed
Restaurant guests hate waiting when ordering, paying and in particular for their food to arrive, new joint research by CGA Peach and Zonal Retail Data Systems reveals. But the use of mobile devices is seen as a good way to overcome these frustrations. The study of 5,000 people reveals that time-poor customers value swift service and convenience – and it outlines the … [Read more...]