Yearly Archives: 2014

Hostel sector set to thrive as demand grows for low-cost beds

The hostel and limited service hotel sector is becoming one of the most dynamic hospitality investment sectors, with its adaptability and cost effectiveness along with intense competition from both group and independent operators contributing to rapid expansion. A new report published this week by global hotel consultancy HVS, outlines how the cost of hotel accommodation […]

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Staycity rolls out bookable extras across its estate

Late checkouts, taxi transfers, luggage lockers and extra towels and toiletries are just some of the bookable extras now being offered to guests by leading serviced apartment operator Staycity, as part of a customer-driven initiative to enhance guest experience. Secure car parking, extra cleaning and tickets to local tourist attractions can also be booked across […]

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Café Rouge’s Alper Zan becomes 2014 UK Restaurant Manager of the Year

Alper Zan of Café Rouge, Cheshire Oaks, was last night announced as the Academy of Food & Wine Service’s (AFWS) UK Restaurant Manager of the Year 2014 at a glittering gala dinner held at London’s Roof Gardens. “I feel very proud, responsible and relieved – I’m so pleased to have won,” he said on receiving […]

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Entrepreneurial brands getting smaller and more niche, says Horizons

Fuel Juice Bars takes the top spot in Horizons’ latest survey of fastest-growing fledgling brands, having grown from eight units in 2011 to 24 this year. Fuel heads a league table of emerging foodservice brands in the latest Ones To Watch* survey, many of which occupy niche markets in less than typical locations. Other top […]

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Adapt to changing needs of customers, hears Horizons’ Thought Leadership Forum

Improving profitability by responding to changing customer needs and spotting the next consumer trend that’s relevant to your business were some of the key themes tackled by speakers at Horizons’ latest Thought Leadership Forum*, held last week at London’s Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Emma Read, Horizons’ director of marketing & business development, kicked off […]

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Foodservice operators enjoy confident outlook with less cost cutting as food sales rise

Business confidence continues to grow in the UK’s foodservice sector as over two-thirds of operator’s report an increase in food sales year-on-year, with 26% reporting a large increase and around half saying they are serving more meals at the weekend than they did this time last year. According to the latest Eating Out-Look*, undertaken by […]

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Service becomes top priority for Staycity

A renewed focus on customer service is paying dividends for serviced apartment operator Staycity with a 10% rise in guest satisfaction scores in the third quarter of 2014. “Guest satisfaction is something we take very seriously at Staycity. It’s a huge focus for us,” commented COO Keith Freeman. “Customer service has become one of the […]

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AFWS announces Restaurant Manager of the Year finalists

Following the semi-final held in London, six restaurant managers are through to the final of this year’s UK Restaurant Manager of the Year competition, organised by The Academy of Food & Wine Service. The six restaurant managers are: Amie Duncan, The Butchershop Bar & Grill, Glasgow Dace Lace, Bat Globe House, London WC2 Karen Lee, […]

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2014 Sake Sommelier of the Year: semi-finalists revealed

THE Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) and Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS) have today announced the names of the six Sake Sommeliers who have made it through to the semi-final of this year’s Sake Sommelier of the Year competition based on an initial written questionnaire. The Sake Sommeliers are: Jean-Paul Choi, Origami Restaurant, Belvaux, […]

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Israel’s hotel economy shows good growth despite the country’s instability, says HVS

Hotels in Israel have shown encouraging growth in performance over the past year, albeit that the recent tension and conflict the region has been experiencing will have a profound effect on this year’s performance. A new report from global hotel consultancy HVS highlights the fact that Israel’s hotels held up relatively well last year with […]

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