Welcome to Rise & Shine
If you have any news about your business you’d like to see here, including trading updates and appointments, please contact our News Editor, Carolyn Moss, at [email protected] or call her on 01305 575155. Follow us on Twitter @BreadButterNews for updates.
Robin Alway
Group Editor
INDUSTRY NEWS
South West hotel investment £205m in six months
Investment in hotels in the South West of the UK reached £205 million in the first half of 2017. According to real estate service provider Savills, the figure was reached across 22 deals as a beneficial exchange rate and the development potential at many assets attracted investors.
The company predicts a strong second half of the year as they note there is a further £209 million of stock on the open market. Demand had been driven by the favourable exchange rate attracting overseas investors and boosting spending activity. The firm suggests there’s been an increase in demand for hotels with development potential as the South West remains popular with visitors, particularly as the staycations market grows.
James Greenslade, an associate in the hotels team at Savills, said: “The South West is a popular holiday destination for visitors from home and abroad and as such the hotel market has been robust in the first half of the year. As well as strong domestic demand we have experienced a particularly diverse range of overseas capital from locations including South Africa, Singapore and India.”
Martin Rogers, head of UK hotel transactions at Savills, adds: “The UK hotel market has had a strong start to the year as the sector remains resilient to the headwinds of the last six months. The anticipation of a softer Brexit will provide further comfort, encouraging development and relieving pressure on staffing.”
65-year-old Hotel, Catering & Retail Show postponed
Organisers Hale Events have announced they are postponing the 2018 Hotel, Catering & Retail Show. Due to take place on 13th–14th March 2018 in Bournemouth, the event is now under review with Hale citing “financial constraints as the main reason that stand sales are not at the levels needed to present a show to market.” In their statement, they go on to say the event “may take place again if more realistic costs for clients can be achieved. The show has taken place for 65 years, so it was not an easy decision”.
Managing Director of Hale Events, Mike Anderson said: “We have been organising successful trade shows for 25 years, and our customers’ needs are at the heart of all the decisions we make. We have not taken this decision lightly, but rising costs for many essential associated client services make this show very expensive compared to our other trade shows in similar markets, which has led to falling stand sales. It is important to us that the products we offer our customers give them value for money and a return on their investment. At this time, we do not feel able to do this in Bournemouth, and therefore we would prefer to postpone now and allow our clients to plan their trade show year with confidence, rather than leaving such a critical decision until the last minute”.
Hale Events organise The Source trade show in Exeter, Expowest Cornwall in Wadebridge, and The Food & Drink Trade Show in Worcestershire. Visit www.hale-events.com/our-trade-shows for more details.
Longleat hotel and water park get go-ahead
Wiltshire Council has given the green light to proposals for a new hotel, water park and conference facilities at the Longleat estate in Wiltshire.
The plans include a 240-bedroom hotel and conference facilities for up to 200 delegates. A water park and multi-purpose entertainment buildings with also be developed. It’s estimated some 300 full-time jobs will be created.
Longleat Enterprises, the commercial arm of the 465-year-old estate, proposed the plans with the aim of extending stays at the park and reducing the seasonality of its appeal.
Planning permission was granted on the 19th July and is subject to conditions, including submission of an operational noise management plan, approval of a reserved matters application and that no “special events” are held at the site.
Longleat Enterprises have committed to spending £30m over a ten-year period to support the park.
Liberation buys historic Bristol pub
Owner of Butcombe Brewery, The Liberation Group, has acquired The Hatchet Inn in the city centre for an undisclosed sum. The grade II listed pub will join the company’s 27 strong Butcombe estate in the region.
The Hatchet is famous for being Bristol’s oldest pub. First licenced in 1606, it was known for its cock-fighting ring and bare-knuckle boxing fights in the 18th Century and is believed to be haunted. It’s reputed pirates including Blackbeard drank there, and the door of the inn has human flesh below the tar.
In recent times The Hatchet has been one Bristol’s leading rock and alternative venues. It will continue to be run by general manager of 11 years, Drew Short.
The Hatchet Inn is The Liberation Group’s seventh pub acquisition in the South West in 2017 as they move towards their long-term target of doubling the size of their whole portfolio to 200 pubs across the Channel Islands and Southern England.
Mark Crowther, CEO of the Liberation Group, said: “This historic pub is a fantastic addition to our Butcombe portfolio. The heritage and charm the pub offers has allowed it to draw in thirsty drinkers for centuries. We are delighted to have such a beautiful pub in our estate. The Hatchet Inn is an iconic pub in Bristol with an incredible and unusual legacy. We look forward to taking the reins and building on its impressive reputation.”
Seaside Boarding House to open ice cream bar
Restaurant-with-rooms The Seaside Boarding House in Burton Bradstock, Dorset is planning to open a new cliff top ice cream bar this summer.
Overlooking Chesil Beach and Lyme Bay, the new bar will provide a “rugged setting” for guests and visitors to enjoy handmade ice cream from the restaurant’s daily-changing menu, as well as a sea salted caramel sauce “made to a secret recipe… that keeps the ramblers, swimmers and sand castle builders coming back for more.”
The Seaside Boarding House features a restaurant, bar and eight fully serviced bedrooms with sea views. The interiors created by managing director Mary-Lou Sturridge include “lovingly renovated furniture and fittings from the early 1900s to the present day, with a playful nod to marine life and coastal heritage.”
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Powderkeg’s summer special
Devon-based craft beer microbrewery Powderkeg are launching a new summer special ale. Mandarina Kölsch is a 4.4% ABV ultra pale ale that “has a lager backbone cold-fermented with ale yeast, dry-hopped with Mandarina Bavaria and mandarin zest to give a juicy citrus aroma and a clean, fresh finish”. It’s available now in keg and cask. Go to www.powderkegbeer.co.uk for more details.
Sharp’s launch California-style seasonal beer
Dawn Patrol is the latest limited release beer from Cornwall-based Sharp’s Brewery. It’s a California Common Style beer (4% ABV) and follows Two Tides and Rye Rock as their third limited release in 2017. The beer has “a firm bitterness that is balanced with malty, toasted caramel flavours. The combination of the Northern Brewer hops and higher fermentation temperature offers an aroma with mint and wood overtones.”
As with previous limited releases from Sharp’s Brewery, five pence from every pint sold will be donated to the Blue Flag charity, which works to keep beaches safer and cleaner. The brewery have donated £28,000 to the Blue Flag charity over the past two years.
James Nicholls, Senior Brand Manager at Sharp’s Brewery comments: “This latest limited release is our first California Common Style ale in our portfolio, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to experimenting with new tastes and styles. Our limited releases prove very popular with our on-trade stockists and consumers alike, and we look forward to introducing this latest brew.
INNOVATION & EQUIPMENT NEWS
FEM’s blender mixes 2-litre summer cocktails
The Hamilton Beach Commercial blender, the HBH755-UK Eclipse, from FEM is ideally suited for operators who want to keep up with demand for pitchers of summer cocktails. It features a 2-litre container and is designed to blend cocktails like daiquiris and margaritas, ensuring no chunks of fruit or ice due to a patented Wave-Action system which gives “super-creamy” results.
The Eclipse also benefits from Hamilton Beach Commercial’s QuietBlend technology to make it the company’s quietest commercial blender. Additionally, it is fully programmable, has a touchscreen and an advanced airflow design to “virtually eliminate” the risk of overheating.
The Hamilton Beach Commercial HBH755-UK Eclipse blender is available from FEM distributors with a 3-year warranty and lifetime warranty on the blade and motor drive coupling. The list price is £1,310 plus VAT.
For more information visit www.fem.co.uk
Nisbets add ‘Flowerpots of fun’ to APS tableware range
Catering equipment supplier, Nisbets, has added four new ranges to their popular APS tableware offering. The new selections are Flowerpots, Stone Art, Crocker and Lagoon and include a selection of melamine plates, bowls, platters and serving dishes.
The APS range is, according to Nisbets: “attractive yet practical, and available in a range of styles, sizes and finishes, perfect for serving individual portions or creating sharing platters.” All the tableware is dishwasher and freezer safe, and heat resistant up to 100˚C.
For more details go to www.nisbets.co.uk
Hospitality insurance team launch cyber-attack policy
Hospitality insurance specialist, Sector Associates, has launched a dedicated cyber-attack policy to meet the demands of pubs, bars and restaurants.
Managing director of Sector Associates, Jamie Jenkinson commented: “Nowadays so many hospitality businesses rely on online bookings, enquiries from websites or even from social media pages and it is these bookings and leads which are the revenue drivers for them and of course enable each business to plan rosters and food/drink requirements.
“Cyber-attacks remove the ability to see this information. They more often than not will seek to deny you access to your system and your files. It is easy to appreciate the damage this can do to a business when online bookings and online reputation is key.
“We wanted to create a policy that would enable any business affected to be able to replace PCs, pay out necessary compensation for missed bookings, use PR to manage any online or offline negative comments and pay any ransomware demand; safe in the knowledge that the business is covered for this risk.”
The Sector Associates policy is underwritten by a leading Lloyd’s underwriter and is aimed at all types of business within hospitality.
Sector’s Cyber-Attack policy can be taken as a stand-alone policy, with prices starting at £150 per annum or added to a policy at the renewal stage.
Go to www.sectoria.co.uk. for more details.
EVENTS
August
Bristol Sausage & Cider Festival
4th – 5th August
Old Passenger Shed, Temple Meads Station, Bristol
“Music, real cider, and great sausages from artisan producers.”
http://www.sausageandciderfestival.co.uk/festivals/BRISTOL
Dorset Food & Arts Festival
5th August 2017
Poundbury, Dorset
“Dorset Food and Arts Festival 2017 is back again to champion the best of Dorset and this year promises to showcase a bumper crop of produce and culinary talent.”
https://dorsetfestival.org/
Great Dorset Chilli Festival
5th – 6th August
St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, Dorset
“A great day out for chilli enthusiasts, food lovers and families. A glorious weekend of “chilli fiesta”, with stalls selling all things chilli, plus cooking demonstrations; talks on growing chillies; artisan food producers and spicy street food.”
http://www.greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk/
Hambledon Vineyard Wine Festival
6th August, 11am – 4pm
Hambledon, Hampshire PO7 4RY
“The perfect opportunity to enjoy wines from all over the world at England’s oldest commercial vineyard! Take part in a wine tour, feast on local Hampshire produce or just kick back and relax with a glass of something delicious.”
Tickets are £10 per person (children under 16 are free) which includes entry, a glass and 2 tokens for you to get started on your wine tasting adventure.
https://www.hambledonvineyard.co.uk/product/016hambledon-wine-festival
CAMRA Great British Beer Festival 2017
8th – 12th August
Olympia, London
“Celebrating its 40th Anniversary – Real Ale and other Craft Beer, Cider and Perry plus English Wine, Street Food and Entertainment.” Includes the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain competition.
https://www.gbbf.org.uk/
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
19th – 20th August
Newchurch, Sandown, Isle of Wight
“There are huge garlic and food marquees and cooking demonstrations from top Island chefs in the all new theatre kitchen”
http://www.garlicfestival.co.uk/
The Melplash Show
24th August
The West Bay Showground, Bridport, Dorset
“One of the South West’s premier agricultural exhibitions, the show is packed full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture. There are over 350 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors….and plenty in between!”
http://www.melplashshow.co.uk/
River Cottage Summer Festival
26th – 27th August
River Cottage HQ, Axminster Devon
“There’ll be demonstrations from well-known chefs, inspirational speakers, masterclasses to take part in, tasty street food to sample, not forgetting our very own River Cottage chefs preparing the best seasonal food for you to enjoy.”
https://www.rivercottage.net/dining-and-events/river-cottage-festival-2017
Witcombe Cider Festival
26th – 27th August
Brockworth, Gloucester
UK’s largest Cider Festival. 50 Ciders and a strong line-up of national music artists.
http://witcombeciderfestival.co.uk/
September
Speciality & Fine Food Fair
3rd – 5th September
Olympia, London
“The UK’s leading showcase of fine food & drink – meet over 700 national and international producers and suppliers of artisan food and drink.”
http://www.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk/
Great Taste Golden Forks Dinner
4th September
https://gff.co.uk/awards/great-taste-awards/
Packaging Innovations 2017
13th – 14th September
Olympia, London
“See the latest innovative solutions being offered by the industry’s leading suppliers, and discover how they can revitalise packaging, increase brand awareness and boost sales.”
http://www.easyfairs.com/packaging-innovations-london-2017/packaging-innovations-london-2017/
Luxury Packaging 2017
13th – 14th September
Olympia, London
“Bringing together packaging buyers and decision-makers, with inspiring suppliers and an incredible range of bespoke and prestige solutions they provide.”
http://www.easyfairs.com/packaging-innovations-london-2017/luxury-packaging-london-2017/
Temperature Controlled Storage & Distribution Exhibition
13th – 14th September
Ricoh Arena, Coventry
“Showcasing the latest innovations for temperature controlled storage and distribution, the event focuses on solutions for the storage and transportation of chilled and frozen foods.”
http://www.tcsdshow.com/welcome
Toby Buckland’s Garden & Harvest Festival
16th – 17th September
Forde Abbey, Somerset
“Delicious food and entertainment; celebrate the fruits of the season and enjoy a free programme of garden demos in the Forde Abbey’s stunning kitchen garden.”
https://tobygardenfest.co.uk/
Lunch! The Contemporary Food-To-Go Show
21st – 22nd September
ExCel, London
“The UK’s leading trade show for food-to-go. Set to be the biggest and best yet, with over 350 exhibitors, 2 theatres of education, thousands of products, a new home and a new easy-to-navigate floorplan.”
https://www.lunchshow.co.uk/
Coffee Shop Innovation: Business Exhibition & Conference
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“The UK’s leading event for professionals working across the café, coffee shop, and catering industries! Packed with seminars, industry leaders, interactive workshops, and an unparalleled conference schedule, the event will draw over 3,000 decision makers from the coffee industry”
http://www.cafebusinessshow.co.uk/
Takeaway & Restaurant Innovation Expo 2017
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“The UK’s only exhibition for growing your takeaway or restaurant business. The event to help you boost profits, build your brand, grow your business, and much more!”
http://www.takeawayexpo.co.uk/
Restaurant Tech Live 17
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Restaurant Tech Live is Europe’s largest exhibition dedicated to the emerging technology and services that are forming the future of the restaurant business.”
http://www.restauranttechlive.co.uk/
Bar Tech Live 17
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Bar Tech Live is a brand new platform for the high-tech products, devices, gadgets, and services that will transform the look, feel, and future of bars.”
http://www.bartechlive.co.uk/
Hotel Tech Live 17
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Hotel Tech Live is the UK’s most exciting event for the technology, systems, products, and services that are breaking new ground in the hotel sector.”
http://www.hoteltechlive.co.uk/
Restaurant & Bar Design Show 2017
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“The Restaurant Design show is the UK’s largest and most comprehensive event specifically aimed at restaurant, bar and café interior designers. This show will deliver the foremost in ideas, inspiration and creativity to food and drink establishment owners, architects, designers, and other industry professionals from across the country.”
http://www.restaurantdesignshow.co.uk/
Street Food Live 2017
26th – 27th September
ExCel, London
“Street Food Live is Europe’s largest exhibition for street food vendors looking to start or grow their business.”
http://www.streetfoodlive.co.uk/