2013 was a momentous year for Welcome Break with a total of 15 new openings including six Waitrose, two Starbucks and three Starbucks Drive-Thrus, as well as the first KFC Drive-Thru at a motorway service station. It also saw the introduction of the Ramada hotel brand in two locations and new partnerships with two of the country’s most recognised brands, Harry Ramsden’s and … [Read more...]
AFWS launches membership category for young recruits
The Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS), the UK’s professional body for front of house food and beverage service, has revised its membership structure, introducing a membership category specifically for young people in the profession. UK Guild of Restaurant Service As from next month, under 24-year-olds with one year’s full employment in the sector can join the UK … [Read more...]
National Minimum Wage: significant increase in penalties in force this week
ISSUE: The Government has announced that the substantially increased financial penalties for breaches of the NMW will come into force on 7 March 2014. In addition, the Government has now started its tougher ‘naming and shaming’ scheme and has already publicised the names of five employers under this new regime. IMPACT: The financial penalty percentage will increase from … [Read more...]
Langdon triumphs in Pork Pie Off
Monday 3 March saw high profile chefs and foodie faces alike joined forces at West London gastropub Princess Victoria to kick off British Pie Week 2014, with the inaugural ‘Princess Victoria Pork Pie Off’ for charity, Action Against Hunger. Chefs from restaurants and pubs across Britain demonstrated their cooking prowess by competing with their interpretation of the … [Read more...]
‘Poshtel’ bookings rise by up to 600%
It seems that Britain's love of a bargain isn't waning, particularly when it comes to travel plans. According to figures from LateRooms.com, the rise in popularity of upmarket hostels, or 'Poshtels' has been huge, with bookings for some of these unique properties rising by over 600% year-on-year. Turning the no-frills image of budget boarding on its head, Poshtels offer … [Read more...]