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The food and beverage industry is as susceptible to the whims of fashion and change as any other. Here's a look at five rising trends sweeping the UK and European F&B sectors. Counter couture Brexit is having a major impact on business models across numerous industries, and the food and beverage sectors are no exceptions. The imminent changes are likely to see a switch to the more American 'diner' models that embrace counter couture and downplay full table service. This is an effective model from an economic perspective, and it generally requires fewer members of staff to serve more customers. Continue reading →

Whether you're running a boutique restaurant or string of successful eateries, relevant and effective marketing is vital for keeping your existing customers engaged, attracting new customers, and growing your business. There are many elements involved in successful marketing, here are six essential marketing tips that every restaurant needs to guarantee success...   1. Customer awareness Get to know your customers and the type of people you want to attract to your restaurant. Build a bespoke database of clientele and people interested in your food. Continue reading →

There has been endless speculation on how Brexit will affect the UK economy as a whole – so much so, that despite the fact that the UK has not yet left the EU, high uncertainty has left the pound weak and businesses unwilling to invest. Yet for every type of business suffering, another type of business is reaping the rewards associated with a weakened pound. It isn’t quite clear as to whether the hotel and tourism industry will flounder or flourish, but the early signs are not positive. Continue reading →

We’d like to take a moment to pop the champagne corks and offer a huge congratulations to our client Flemings Mayfair, after the stunning boutique hotel in the heart of London was among the winners at the prestigious 10th World Luxury Hotel Awards.   The beautiful city hotel, which can be found on the capital's Half Moon Street and was originally founded all the way back in 1851, was named Best Luxury City Hotel at the glittering ceremony held in the St Regis Doha in Qatar at the end of October.   An annual event, the World Luxury Hotel Awards is a highly regarded ceremony celebrating the finest in Continue reading →

The hotel industry has always been highly competitive, especially in recent years, but new research shows how establishments are refurbishing their premises in order to up their game and secure profitable custom. Funding Options, the online business finance firm, found that the British hotel industry had increased its refurbishment spend to £1.6 billion in the past year (a rise of 57%) in order to compete with the new wave of home-letting offers such as Airbnb. These new online competitors are proving to be a tough new form of competition for traditional hotels - who are fighting back Continue reading →

The Brexit vote in June was not just a major political event; it sent shockwaves through every sector of the economy. But what does the decision to leave the EU and the slow process of withdrawing mean for the hotel trade? One trend is already becoming obvious. A report carried out by auditing giants Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) after the Brexit vote revealed that, while London hoteliers are facing short-falls in the business customer sector, regional hotels are experiencing a corresponding rise. In fact, PwC forecasted that occupancy rates in regional UK hotels would be the highest ever recorded. Continue reading →

It’s no surprise that, in a world increasingly aware of the environment, people want their holiday accommodation to be as respectful of the world as they are, if not more so, opting for sustainable bedding options to further reduce their ecological footprint. The findings, confirmed by a poll from energy supplier E.ON, show that of 2,000 people surveyed, a hotel showing good ecological credentials would be more attractive to someone looking to book a holiday. Features which were particularly appealing were renewable energy sources like solar panels, or low energy lighting, with almost 20% of respondents saying that they would actively look for these when choosing their accommodation. Continue reading →

During the cold winter days, or even in early spring when warm days contrast sharply with cooler nights, maintaining a comfortable temperature while sleeping can be difficult. At home, if you prefer to keep central heating costs to a minimum, the air temperature in your bedroom can drop suddenly, while in hotels achieving a consistent climate can be downright difficult. Both hot and cold temperatures have the effect of stimulating your body’s natural alarm clock, meaning that without the optimum temperature, you’re more likely to suffer a restless night. Fortunately some simple remedies can help to give you a warmer, more comfortable night’s sleep: Continue reading →

Some people just aren't themselves when they're not at home, and when they're on the road and travelling, they can be downright bizarre and have all sorts of crazy expectations. Possibly nowhere else is strange human behaviour consistently exhibited than in hotels, places of rest for the weary where people demand the oddest of things. One of Britain's largest hotel chains, the budget-conscious and big-roomed Travelodge is certainly no stranger to receiving decidedly offbeat requests from guests, odd questions that often leave front-desk staff entirely perplexed. Continue reading →

In a nutshell, Airbnb is a new kind of accommodation available to travellers, and a great way to make money if you have spare space in your home. The website itself is home to an online community that connects hosts with users seeking short-term accommodation; whether it’s an apartment, room, or even just a spare bed. Airbnb manages the transactions and takes a small cut on both sides. Continue reading →