News in brief

10th December 2009, 12:34pm

Keeping you updated with the latest news in the industry…

Boxwood Café to relocate in 2010

Gordon Ramsay Holdings is close to signing a deal to secure new premises for the relocation of its Boxwood Café. Head chef Stuart Gillies said: "We have been looking for some time for the perfect site for Boxwood after the expiry of its present lease and have hopefully found somewhere that combines to perfection the two essential ingredients of location and space. I am hugely excited for the future of Boxwood Café and the opportunity to evolve the restaurant and reach new heights of excellence."

Scotch whisky exports increase despite recession

New figures have revealed that more than 807 million bottles of Scotch whisky were exported during the first nine months of 2009. Global shipments grew by 1.5% compared to 2008, according to figures published by The Scotch Whisky Association. Chief executive Gavin Hewitt said: "After a tough first quarter, Scotch Whisky exports have performed well so far in 2009. We look forward to a good last quarter with the important Christmas and New Year period now in full swing."

Café customers in Wales swap vouchers for local dishes

Five cafes are taking part in a scheme to promote products produced in Gwynedd, according to The BBC. A total of 1,000 vouchers, worth £5, will be exchanged for dishes featuring local foods. The initiative requires the cafes to serve Welsh dishes or at least a version of a local recipe. Mirain Gwyn, Gwynedd's offer co-ordinator, said: "We decided to build on this success by developing and strengthening the link between the producers and the cafes to begin with and between producers and shops in the near future."

The Ebury brasserie will be open on Christmas Day

The Ebury brasserie in London will be open on Christmas Day. Guests can choose from four options per course and the four course dinner including a glass of Champagne on arrival will be priced at £45 per person. Starters will include crab cakes with corn risotto with oregano oil or cep & leek tart with a side salad of roasted hazelnuts & William pears. Mains will feature traditional turkey, roast breast, confit leg, stuffing, chipolatas, roast potatoes with cranberry sauce and seasonal vegetables. And treats on the dessert menu will include Christmas pudding with a jug of brandy sauce & winter warmer ice cream and chocolate truffle cake.

New communications manager at Institute of Masters of Wine

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has announced the appointment of a communications manager to its executive team based in London. Nathaniel Anderson is a former journalist and worked in a variety of senior in-house and agency PR roles in Scotland for the past eight years. Anderson said: "This is a unique role and one that I look forward to fulfilling in terms of communicating with the MWs, students and supporters of the Institute as well as the wider community of stakeholders in the international wine trade and media."

TRI nominated in Adviser of the Year Category

TRI Hospitality Consulting has been nominated yet again in the Adviser of the Year category in the 2010 Hotel Report Awards. TRI won the award back in 2008 and 2009. Now in its third year, the awards celebrate the best in the hotel market and are the only awards that are investor-related and are aimed at senior executives from operators and the finance and adviser community.

Marston's reports drop in profits

Pub company Marston's has reported a drop in profits but said trading was improving. The brewing group made a pre-tax profit of £21.4m in the year 3 October, down from £76.2m in 2008. The group has also revealed plans to open 60 pubs over the next three years, with 15 due to open next year. Group chief executive Ralph Findlay said: "Although we are cautious about predicting recovery, we have good pubs and popular regional ales which are performing well. We have a strong progress over the coming year."

Belfast store fined £400 for food safety offences

A Belfast food store has been fined £400 at Belfast Magistrates Court for food safety offences. Belfast City Council brought the prosecution against Iceland Foods Ltd following the investigation of a complaint from a customer who alleged they has seen a mice in the Park Centre store. An inspection of the premises revealed a number of serious breaches of food hygiene legislation. Poor standards of cleaning were also observed.

Illegal restaurant staff arrested

Eight people were recently arrested when immigration chiefs carried out a series of raids at restaurants in Berkshire, according to reports. The UK Border Agency arrested three Brazilian men in Frankie and Benny's restaurant, Shepherds Hill, Reading. Police were then led to Liverpool Road where they found two Brazilians women with expired visas.

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