In pictures: The world’s tallest tower has just been unveiled – and it’s going to be in Dubai again April 28, 2016 If you thought the Burj Khalifa was big, prepare yourselves for a new tower that will leave the Dubai landmark in its shadow. Developer Emaar Properties has just unveiled a rival to snatch the title as the world's tallest tower. No final decision has been taken on how tall the Tower will be, but it will be [...]
Profit at Spanish banking giant Santander drops five per cent in the first quarter on currency headwinds April 27, 2016 The eurozone's largest bank and the UK challenger Banco Santander, has posted a 4.9 per cent fall in first-quarter net profit from a year earlier. Santander reported net profit of €1.63bn (£1.84bn), beating a Reuters analyst poll of a 12.5 per cent decline. The drop was put down to currency headwinds as a fall in the value of the Brazilian [...]
Hilton checks in double profits in the first quarter thanks to tax benefits and higher rooms rates April 27, 2016 US hotel group Hilton has reported a sharp increase of 42 per cent in like-for-like earnings per share compared to 2015 in its first quarter. Profit rose to $309m (£212m) – up from $150m in the same period in previous year – thanks to tax benefits and higher rooms rates. Hilton earned 17 cents per [...]
Kojawan restaurant at the Hilton Metropole is like a retro-futuristic art gallery in the sky April 26, 2016 Andrew Baggs overcomes a fear of high restaurants to thoroughly enjoy this Asian fusion izakaya Food | ★★★★☆ | Value ★★★★☆ | Vibe ★★★★☆ | Hilton Metropole, 225 Edgware Rd, W2 1JU Tel: 020 8088 0111 | Cost for two with wine: £140 I have, over the years, learnt to read the restaurant warning signs. There is an inverse relationship between [...]
Whitbread’s expansion drive continues as Costa Coffee and Premier Inn sales jump April 26, 2016 Costa Coffee and Premier Inn owner Whitbread has promised more expansion is on the way for the food, beverage and hotel chain as it posted improved profits in its full year results out this morning. Investors had clearly had their morning dose of caffeine as they bought up Whitbread with vigour on Tuesday morning, sending it up 2.97 per [...]
Pizza chain Zizzi to cut staff perks in wake of the National Living Wage April 25, 2016 Zizzi's staff have had their perks cut as the National Living Wage puts a strain on the business. The private-equity owned restaurant chain has become the latest business to respond to changes in the minimum wage. Waiting staff have had their free meal choices limited while a cap has been imposed on how much they can earn from [...]
This exceptional house has come up for sale by The Solent with its own jetty and waterside cabin April 25, 2016 Calling all sailors to one of the most exceptional contemporary homes on the market, on one of the most sought after roads overlooking The Solent. River House is a remarkably modern home with lots of flexible space and promising outbuildings in the popular harbour village of Itchenor. And it’s only an hour and half away [...]
The uniquely spectacular Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg: “An outstanding project the likes of which will never happen again in the city” April 25, 2016 It’s hard to describe the appeal of Hamburg. It isn’t as picturesque as Munich, nor as cool as Berlin. Instead it’s quietly confident, relaxed, comfortable with its role as Germany’s second largest city, a hub for commerce and industry. One of Europe’s most important ports, Hamburg is located on the River Elbe and the city [...]
Entrepreneur Luke Johnson and Casual Dining Group said to be bidding for Tesco-owned restaurant chain Giraffe April 24, 2016 Friendly-dining restaurant chain Giraffe has piqued the interest of serial entrepreneur Luke Johnson and the hospitality giant behind Bella Italia and Las Iguanas. Casual Dining Group, which also owns Cafe Rouge, could be set to lock horns with Johnson in the race to buy the Tesco-owned restaurant chain, reported the Sunday Times. Tesco announced it was [...]
Brewers: Restaurant owners will be richer, more handsome and more successful if they sell you more craft beer April 21, 2016 Well, knock us down with a feather. A beer industry body has suggested one in three people would visit restaurants more regularly – if more craft beer was available there. According to independent research for the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), conducted by M&C Allegra Foodservice, more than 33 per cent of 1,000 people would be enticed [...]