Story of the week: Gordon Ramsay's annus horribilis continued as the fiery chef endured another bad week with four of his companies dragged through the courts by the Inland Revenue and threatened with receivership.
Better news for top chefs came in the form of the Michelin guide, with new editions published for Italy and the Netherlands, along with Spain and Portugal in Europe, and for Hong Kong in the Far East.
Personal achievements were also recognised this week as Michelin-starred David Everitt-Matthias was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by the University of Gloucestershire and outgoing BHA chief executive Bob Cotton was given an honorary life fellowship of the British Association of Hospitality Accountants
And from the world of contract catering, BaxterStorey was named as Thames Valley’s most dynamic business.
It was a good week for Compass too, which announced a boost in profits, despite a fall in sales, as well as a £200m-contract win for its Eurest brand.
Results for Mitchells & Butlers were also positive, with the pub company reporting a “robust” performance, despite the economic climate.
The prospects of a minimum price for alcohol in Scotland receded as the Labour party indicated it would block the move but the continuing flood of closures in the pub sector prompted the British Beer and Pub Association to launch a Back The Pub campaign.
Flooding also brought misery to hundreds of hospitality businesses in Cumbria, which was battered by unprecedented torrential downpours.
More positive hotel news saw London’s Connaught hotel become Relais & Chateaux’s only UK addition to the guide following its multi-million pound refurb last year.
Meanwhile, out of town, Richard Ball, owner of Calcot Manor and most recently the nearby Barnsley House and Village Pub, appointed top industry designer Fox Linton to revamp the property.
And, in the move of the week, Zoe Jenkins was named as the new general manager of the eagerly-awaited Coworth Park hotel, having been promoted from its pre-opening director of operations.
Further afield still, Premier Inn launched into the Indian market and revealed its plans for expansion in the country.
And finally, a sad week for the legacy of the Savoy as its former restaurant and private rooms manager, Luigi Zambon passed away, at the age of 79.
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