Back in the real world: how the rest of the country is coping a year on September 14, 2009 LET ME tell you about two pieces of writing. The first, a sign in an independent wine shop in an expensive part of London which I regularly cycle past on my way to work. It reads: “Just because we’re in recession doesn’t mean we have to drink bad wine.” The second is a piece of [...]
Premier Inn’s sales tumble June 16, 2009 WHITBREAD, Britain’s biggest hotel operator, yesterday blamed the worst hotel recession in three decades for a sharp fall in first quarter revenues at budget hotel chain Premier Inn. The group said Premier Inn’s like-for-like sales fell by 7.9 per cent, after revenue per available room (Revpar) slumped by 9.6 per cent. Chief executive Alan Parker [...]
BEST OF THE BROKERS May 27, 2009 MARSTON’SKBC Peel Hunt highlights Marston’s as the only pub company that has maintained its dividend, but also not chosen to raises new equity. The analysts argue that management has demonstrated its commitment to moving cash in the right direction, and argue the shares current level offers a buying opportunity. Ups target price to 200p. AVEVAInvestec [...]
BEST OF THE BROKERS May 27, 2009 MARSTON’SKBC Peel Hunt highlights Marston’s as the only pub company that has maintained its dividend, but also not chosen to raises new equity. The analysts argue that management has demonstrated its commitment to moving cash in the right direction, and argue the shares current level offers a buying opportunity. Ups target price to 200p. AVEVAInvestec [...]
DOCKLANDS HIGHLIGHTS WHERE TO EAT OUT May 28, 2009 DOCKMASTER’S HOUSEBrand new Indian restaurant that combines a glossy contemporary style with a lovely Georgian house. It’s one of Canary Wharf’s new glamorous dining spots. Hertsmere Road, E14 8JJ, 020 7345 0345 WAPPING FOODPeople trek far for a meal in this extraordinarily renovated hydraulic power station. It’s chic, low-key and a serious treat for the [...]
DOCKLANDS HIGHLIGHTS WHERE TO EAT OUT May 28, 2009 DOCKMASTER’S HOUSEBrand new Indian restaurant that combines a glossy contemporary style with a lovely Georgian house. It’s one of Canary Wharf’s new glamorous dining spots. Hertsmere Road, E14 8JJ, 020 7345 0345 WAPPING FOODPeople trek far for a meal in this extraordinarily renovated hydraulic power station. It’s chic, low-key and a serious treat for the [...]
Hop & glory May 27, 2009 MOST people, when they think of a thirst-quenching beer for summer, probably go no further than lager. Now, there is nothing wrong with a good lager, the problem is simply that there are plenty of sub-standard ones about. The pints of fizz flowing from the beer-taps of many pubs are second-rate and suffer from mass-production. [...]
Hop & glory May 27, 2009 MOST people, when they think of a thirst-quenching beer for summer, probably go no further than lager. Now, there is nothing wrong with a good lager, the problem is simply that there are plenty of sub-standard ones about. The pints of fizz flowing from the beer-taps of many pubs are second-rate and suffer from mass-production. [...]
Carluccio’s bidder outed May 17, 2009 THE mystery bidder for the Italian restaurant and retail chain Carluccio’s is believed to be investment firm Hutton Collins. At the beginning of May, the group founded by chef Antonio Carluccio confirmed that it had received a preliminary approach but did not provide any details on the possible bidder. The group’s shares have recently jumped 25 [...]
Carluccio’s bidder outed May 17, 2009 THE mystery bidder for the Italian restaurant and retail chain Carluccio’s is believed to be investment firm Hutton Collins. At the beginning of May, the group founded by chef Antonio Carluccio confirmed that it had received a preliminary approach but did not provide any details on the possible bidder. The group’s shares have recently jumped 25 [...]