Jonathan Raggett UK Hotelier of the Year

We were sent to photograph Jonathan Raggett, managing director of Red Carnation Hotels. This was in advance of the announcement of him being voted UK Hotelier of the Year 2009, needless to say we were sworn to secrecy! A wonderful opportunity to meet with him at the Milestone, London and be able to use the sumptuous surroundings as a “backdrop”. Clearly well deserved and highly revered by industry critics.

http://www.redcarnationhotels.com/press-room/awards–accolades

Gary Rhodes W1

Last week we went over to Rhodes W1 for Adhoc PR, to photograph Gary's new bar (Patron Bar) and the new private dining room all located at the Cumberland Hotel Mable Arch. These are all managed and operated by Restaurant Associates, the exclusive fine dining arm of Compass.

The funky "backlit" Rhodes Patron Bar is a major feature at W1 and not only did we enjoy photographing the "Patron W1" signature cocktail but can honestly comment that it tasted amazing! It is a combination of Patron Silver, Patron Citonge Orange Liqueur and Gran Marnier - Cuvee Centenaire and Pomegranate juice, plus additions of fruit and herbs!

The Private Dining Room, seats up to 40 has a real sumptuous feel with rich coloured decor and bold wallpaper. Dishes such as "Spotted Dick", Beetroot Tart" were on the menu. I can definitely recommend the "club sandwich" which had a modern 21st century "twist"!

25ml Tasting Sips At Last

Caterer Article

Great news for Dawn Davies, great news for restaurants and staff, great news for wine suppliers and last but not least great news for the customer! Dawn who’s the sommelier and wine buyer at Selfridges spear headed this campaign of being able to sell 25ml “tasting sips” as from April 2010, under new legislation.

This can only be positive for the hospitality industry and will open up opportunities. One such being is the ability to sell more premium wine as tasting samples and “by the glass”. It means that there will be increased flexibility with “wine flights”. In addition wines can be tailored to special menus and dishes rather than quite possibly incorrect matching resulting in a lower quality meal experience!

Naturally, an effective wine preservation system has to be in place to maintain quality and avoid wastage. Such systems are the Enomatic wine system http://www.enomatic.com or Le Verre de Vin http://www.bermar.co.uk