A round-up of the weekend's news affecting the hospitality industry...
Cannon in Eldridge Pope bid rumour
Michael Cannon, the pub entrepreneur who has built a stake of 22% in pub operator Eldridge Pope, has been tipped as a potential bidder for the company, which operates 151 pubs in the South and South-west. – The Times, 29 May
Spirit Group offers share scheme to employees
Spirit Group, the managed pub operator that recently acquired Scottish & Newcastle Retail, has launched a so-called “phantom” share scheme for its 45,000 staff ahead of a possible stock market flotation within the next 18 months. – The Times, 29 May
Edinburgh in drive for more festival tourists
A new drive to promote Edinburgh’s festivals abroad has begun, with the aim of bringing millions of pounds of extra spending into the capital. A full-time tourism official has been appointed to encourage more visitors to spend money while staying in the city during the summer months. – The Scotsman, 29 May
Article continues below
Glasgow hotels unite to combat staff shortages
Nine hotels have united in Glasgow in an attempt to end a recruitment crisis in the hospitality industry. They have been struggling to attract good quality staff, and have been dogged by a lack of interest among the unemployed. The hotels have launched Hospitality Glasgow, a training programme designed to attract the out-of-work and ensure they have necessary skills. – Glasgow Herald, 31 May
Restaurants bid to save dolphins
Restaurants and hotels are banning the use of sea bass caught by pair trawling, which has been linked to the killing of dolphins off the South-west coast. Dozens of restaurants and hotels across Devon and Cornwall have promised to serve only hand-line-caught sea bass. The boycott is spreading and the House of Commons catering committee has promised to also serve only hand-line-caught sea bass. – The Independent, 31 May
Buy this week's Caterer magazine for more industry news and analysis
