Not one to cower in the corner, Wozza has hit back at claims by his banker Lloyds that he lied about why four of his six restaurants are now in administration.
Fellow celebrity chef Jamie Oliver seems a man possessed, as having no sooner launched Jamie’s Italians across the land and his first Recipease shop in Battersea, the busy bee is now revamping the food offering at Scandic hotels. Let’s hope he doesn’t get himself into a pickled-herring of a mess with all these projects to oversee.
With everyone, regardless of status, feeling the pinch at the moment it comes as little surprise that Gordon Ramsay Holdings (GRH) has handed back control of Maze Prague, with the owners of the Hilton Prague, which that houses it, taking over the day-to-day running. GRH is retained in a consultancy role, and although it won’t earn direct revenue from food and drink sales at the restaurant, its business exposure is reduced.
Although as one respected restaurant critic opined on Guide Girl, while Maze Prague is good it’s never shown even a glimmer of Maze chef Jason Atherton’s style of cooking regardless of who was running it.
The major hotel groups announced job losses at all levels as the recession continues to worsen, and cash flow problems hit the Maypole hotel group.
St Paul’s Cathedral caterer Harbour & Jones added to its management team, while BaxterStorey added to its top line with a wealth of new business.
The inaugural Soil Association-backed Food for Life Partnership Catering Mark winners were revealed, as Gourmet Burger Kitchen owner Clapham House went green.
Punch Taverns is considering selling more of its pubs to tenants due to strong demand and strong demand at Domino’s means the group remains confident of having 1,000 stores in the UK and Ireland within the next ten years.
And there's still time to enter our Acorn Awards, which recognise the brightest 30 stars under 30 in the industry, but don't delay, do it today!
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No sign of Jason Atherton at Maze Prague, claims critic
Quote of the Week
"If hospitality and catering industry businesses cannot afford the proper remuneration to their staff without the use of tips, they should not be in the business."
Nigel Henderson, partner at Henderson Hotels.
By Chris Druce