As Spring rolls into Summer the hospitality industry across the UK is in the grip of its worst economic downturn in living memory. To avert matters getting worse, Prime Minister Johnson has assembled a small team of his closest Cabinet allies. Boris’ ‘hospitality task force’ have one objective, to get the UK hospitality industry open and working to rescue what’s left … [Read more...]
NH Hotel Group’s global reopening strategy
NH Hotel Group has launched a plan to gradually reopen its hotels around the world, in line with the easing of restrictions in most countries and with a view to reactivating activity as demand increases. The Company plans to have 55% of its portfolio open during the month of June, around 200 hotels out of the 361 it operates worldwide. Up until now, only 12 properties have … [Read more...]
Three more casual dining chains go to market
KPMG is advising Azzuri Group on the sale of casual dining chains, ASK Italian, Coco di Mama and Zizzi. This is the latest in a spree of casual dining chain restaurant sales that has seen brands like Carluccio’s sell at bargain basement prices. KPMG have been actively contacting potential buyers on behalf of Azzurri Group, owned by the private equity firm Bridgepoint, with a … [Read more...]
Northern Ireland looks for hospitality parity with Dublin
Hospitality businesses across Northern Ireland are urgently asking the Northern Ireland Executive to follow Dublin’s lead in setting a clear timetable for reopening. The Irish Government is moving to phase two of its plan to reopen the hospitality and the wider economy from tomorrow. Phase two of Dublin’s plans will see pubs that serve food, restaurants, cafes and hotels … [Read more...]
Dining with the future
For me, a truly great, truly memorable dining experience is just that, an experience. Part food, part company, part atmosphere, a sum greater than its parts and something that will stay in my memory for a long time to come. Last December with a log fire crackling beside a well-dressed tree, in the Drawing Room of a Grade 2 listed hotel, I sat down to a delicious breakfast … [Read more...]