Amuse-bouches: The latest restaurant news bites 22nd January, 2021 by Phoebe French
In restaurant news this week: the UK government plans to discuss further restrictions with hospitality leaders, a new meal kit platform prepares to launch, and chef Jack Stein renews his partnership with St Austell.
Government plans to discuss Covid restrictions with hospitality industry:
The Catererreports that government ministers are planning to discuss the impact of future coronavirus restrictions with hospitality leaders in coming weeks as rumours circulate about when outlets can expect to reopen.
JD Wetherspoon and the former boss of Greene King eye Covid opportunities: Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has raised a total of £93.7 million through a share placing to help fund expansion in London. In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, it said it was looking to acquire the freehold in some prope
2020 saw the emergence of ‘makeaway’ meal kits as restaurants battled for survival during the pandemic. With the end of lockdown now in sight, what will 2021 hold for businesses thinking out of the box?
If, a few years back, you’d proposed to a restaurant business that it makes their dishes available for people to cook in their home kitchens you would have been met with incredulity and no doubt laughter: why would they choose to offer something that would take a lot of time and effort to achieve and, moreover, why would anyone feel the need to buy something they could get for a similar price in the comfort of a restaurant environment?
At best they can come as a distraction from the tedium of a long flight – while at worst they can be a stomach-churning pile of gloop.
So food lovers will be delighted to discover that British Airways has teamed up with celebrity chef Tom Kerridge to put some zest into its in-flight economy meals, which will be available on a buy before you fly basis from a new Speedbird Café service.
The gourmet menu will include a posh Warm Steak & Ale Pie; Ham Hock & Smoked Cheddar Sandwich; Chicken, Bacon & Celery Brioche Baguette; Soft Brie & Apple Chutney Ploughman s sandwich, and vegetarian Spiced Cauliflower & Chickpea Tortilla Wrap, all costing between £4.10 and £4.50.
Food from Tom Kerridge s menu will be available on a buy before you fly basis from a new Speedbird Café service. The gourmet menu will include a posh Warm Steak & Ale Pie and a Soft Brie Ploughman s.
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They may be lashed to the kitchen over Christmas, but where do top chefs such as Marcus Wareing, Raymond Blanc and Thomasina Miers go to recharge their batteries and be sure of an excellent meal?
We asked the stars to reveal their secret getaways to add to your list of must-visit places in 2021.
The Peacock at Rowsley, Derbyshire. Recommended by Raymond Blanc (Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, Oxfordshire)
Raymond Blanc is a fan of The Peacock in the Peak District. The 15-room hotel mixes ancestral portraits and antiques with modern furnishings
One of the dishes on offer at The Peacock. It has a fine-dining menu as well as a relaxed bar menu