Friday Wrap: A round-up of the week's hospitality news

A muted reaction to the temporary reprieve for the hospitality industry on business tax, and the news this week that the Government is not planning to introduce minimum alcohol pricing into the market.

A new force was introduced into Scotland's contract catering sector to give the likes of Sodexo, Aramark and Compass a run for their money with the official launch of Cordia. They say all competition is healthy, but whether that's so in a recession we'll see.

Celebrity chef Paul Rankin admitted that nearly going bankrupt had been "a steep learning curve" in a bout of rather wonderful understatement, and Petersham Nurseries Café's future remains very much in the balance.

Hoteliers are looking to the international events calendar to bring some relief during the recession, and Carluccio's managed to keep punters coming in through its caffe doors with promotions.

To discount or not to discount is still the question.

Former Greenhouse and La Noisette chef Bjorn van der Horst's first solo venture is taking shape, while the Marco Pierre White-branded Criterion in London changed hands.

And Antony Worrall Thompson's former pub the Lamb at Satwell in Oxfordshire reopened under new ownership.

Editor's Pick
 
Jason Atherton to host multi-Michelin-starred meal for charity
Paul Rankin video from London Hospitality Centre launch
G20 summit: "Feast or Famine" for hospitality sector?
Fatso's Filling Station's Rocky drops out of Sir Alan's Apprentice after catering task
 
 
Quote of the Week
 
"Good, solid, proper cooking might not hit all the healthy attitudes, but it's what patients need"
Simon Cox, managing director of ISS Mediclean, explains the best cure for hospital catering.
 
 
By Chris Druce