This week we celebrate the best of British hospitality at the Publican Awards, consider how technology can help fix the staff shortage problem, shine the spotlight on another fundraising initiative to support the Ukrainian humanitarian appeal and give a nod to this year’s winner of the Great British Menu…
Publican Awards Winners Celebrated
The great and good from the pub industry gathered for the sector’s biggest awards event at a sold-out Evolution London on March 30. A record 1,500 people attended the annual Publican Awards hosted this year by Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness. It was a brilliant night and also the first time that Food Alert sponsored the ‘Best Brewing Pub Company’ category. Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards, said: “The breadth and quality of our winners goes to show just how resilient and amazing the pub and bar sector is.”
Staff shortages cited as biggest challenge facing hospitality employees
Nearly half (45%) of hospitality workers are finding their employment less appealing than it was previously because of staff shortages, a survey has revealed. The Transforming The Employee Experience In Hospitality study, was conducted among a select group of frontline pub, restaurant and hotel workers by employee experience platform Harri and data consultancy CGA. As well as pointing out the problems, 90% of survey respondents thought better use of technology could help to improve the workplace. A great example of this is Food Alert’s safety management software, Alert65, which frees up staff time spent on complex compliance to focus on delivering a great customer experience.
Hospitality launches auction for Ukraine crisis
The terrible war in Ukraine continues with no end in sight, so we continue to highlight opportunities to support the humanitarian effort. This week, we shine the spotlight on the Hospitality Auction4Ukraine online auction. More than 50 incredible prizes have been donated by hotels and hospitality organisations. Items include a suite and cocktails at The Savoy, a private dining experience for 12 guests at Corrigan’s of Mayfair, and a stay at Claridge’s. You can also bid on a Vintage Steam Boat Experience at Henley Regatta, two tickets to the Hurlingham Club Grand Prix Ball, a South of France Classic Car Road Rally as well as a collection of four Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Whiskies and more. Proceeds will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which is operating in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to help meet the needs of refugees and displaced people. The auction will close at 9pm on 14 April.
Ritz head chef crowned Great British Menu champion
Congratulations to The Ritz head chef, Spencer Metzger, who has been crowned the Great British Menu champion of 2022. Spencer, 29, floored the judges of the BBC2 show with his TV-themed dishes including Be Careful What You Fish For, based on Sherlock Holmes, and his main course, First Impressions, based on Pride and Prejudice. EastEnders star Anita Dobson – one member of a prestigious judging panel that included award-winning chef Tom Kerridge, restaurateur Nisha Katona, and comedian and host of foodie podcast Off Menu, Ed Gamble – described the fish course as “heaven”. The judges were even more impressed by his main course, which Mr Kerridge labelled “magic and amazing” with Ms Katona adding that the “flavour is phenomenal”.
New calorie labelling rules come into force to improve nation’s health
New rules requiring calorie information to be displayed on menus and food labels came into force in England this week (Wednesday April 6 2022). The legislation, which forms part of the government’s strategy to tackle obesity, aims to ensure people can make more informed, healthier choices when it comes to eating food out or ordering takeaways. Public Health Minister Maggie Throup said: “As part of our efforts to tackle disparities and level up the nation’s health, these measures are an important building block to making it as easy as possible for people to make healthier food choices.” The changes mean it is now a legal requirement for large businesses with more than 250 employees, including cafes, restaurants, and takeaways to display calorie information of non-prepacked food and soft drinks. If you want help with Calorie Labelling then please give one of our experts a call on 020 7244 1900 or email enquiries@foodalert.com