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  Unexpected Stability: UK Inflation Remains Unchanged as Food Prices Decrease for First Time in Nearly Two Years

  Wednesday, February 14, 2024

  A surprise development in the UK's inflation rate occurred in January, as the consumer prices index (CPI) remained unchanged at 4%, despite food prices decreasing for the first time since September 2021.
  
  The ONS revealed that a decrease of 0.4% occurred in food prices last month primarily because of reduced costs for bread, cereals, cream crackers, and chocolate biscuits.
  
  Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices have risen by 7% since last year, but their increase has noticeably moderated since April 2022.

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  2024 Kicks Off Strongly for M&S Food Business in the UK - NIQ Report

  Wednesday, February 7, 2024

  M&S food retail business saw strong sales growth at the start of the year, according to NIQ data
  In the 12-week period ending January 27, M&S reported a substantial year-on-year sales growth of 11.6%, trailing only German-owned Lidl (which saw a sales increase of 13.2%).

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  Highland Coast Hotels Expands Presence in Inverness with New Acquisition

  Tuesday, February 6, 2024

  Highland Coast Hotels has announced its latest acquisition, Lochardil House in Inverness, marking the company's first property within city limits
  
  The Victorian mansion boasts 28 guest rooms, catering to various preferences from classic singles to luxurious suites.
  
  Lochardil House also offers a dedicated event space capable of hosting up to 200 individuals, making it an ideal venue for weddings and meetings.

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  Scotland has a new Two Michelin Star restaurant

  Tuesday, February 6, 2024

  The Michelin Guide UK revealed the Scottish restaurants awarded Michelin stars in 2024, featuring a new two-star recipient.
  
  Mark Donald, formerly of Number One at the Balmoral, now heads this distinguished dining spot.
  
  The restaurant joins Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, which has held a Two Michelin Star rating for years.
  
  I2t's with great pride we can say that 2024 marks our 19th year of attaining two Michelin stars, but each year feels like the first."General Manager - Andrew Farlie, Dale Dewsbury
  
  Timberyard, an Edinburgh restaurant known for its ingredient-led cooking sourced from local suppliers, retained its Michelin Star for the second year.

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  1958 René Magritte Masterpiece "L'ami intime" to be Auctioned for Up to $64 Million

  Monday, February 5, 2024

  In March, a significant painting by the renowned Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte named "L'ami intime" (The Intimate Friend) will go up for sale at Christie's auction house in London
  
  The 1958 masterpiece, which has not been publicly exhibited since 1998, is expected to fetch between $38 million and $64 million.
  
  Magritte's work is known for its dreamlike imagery, poetic themes, and use of symbolism, as evidenced in "L'ami intime."

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  10 New Restaurants on the Horizon: Wagamama's Expansion Plans in the UK

  Monday, February 5, 2024

  Following a successful first quarter of the year, Wagamama, the popular pan-Asian restaurant chain, is set to open ten new sites across the UK
  
  "Our teams have done an excellent job in continuing to elevate our guest experience and we very much look forward to welcoming more guests to our benches as we head into 2024." - Thomas Heier
  
  Known for its casual dining experience with bench seating, Wagamama has over 170 restaurants in the country and traces its roots back to London's Bloomsbury neighborhood, established 32 years ago.

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  Decade-Old Michelin-Starred Scottish Restaurant for Sale

  Thursday, February 1, 2024

  In a heartfelt message shared on social media this evening, renowned Scottish chef Billy Boyter announced his decision to sell The Cellar in Anstruther
  
  Boyter expressed gratitude for the past decade spent leading The Cellar and acknowledged that it was time for him to move on.
  
  "Something of an icon in these parts, this restaurant is tucked away through an arch on a narrow side street." - The Michelin Guide

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  20 New Bib Gourmands in Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2024: The Scottish Addition

  Thursday, February 1, 2024

  The Michelin Guide for Great Britain & Ireland in 2024 is set to debut on 5 January. Michelin has disclosed the restaurants that will be bestowed with the Bib Gourmand Award
  
  Understanding the Bib Gourmand Award
  
  The Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants providing "excellent quality" meals at "affordable prices".

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  A New Icon for London's Skyline "The Trellis" at Height Par with The Shard

  Thursday, February 1, 2024

  Plans for a groundbreaking new London skyscraper named "The Trellis" have been revealed, aiming to stand tall alongside The Shard as one of Europe's most prominent structures
  Officially called 1 Undershaft, this 73-storey behemoth will reach a height of 309.6 meters and demolish St Helen's Tower in the City to make way for it.
  Neighbouring famous landmarks such as the Gherkin and Cheesegrater, The Trellis will boast multiple roof gardens, retail spaces, and restaurants, including a public viewing gallery.

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  Critical Concerns for Scotland’s Hospitality Industry: SLTA Reveals 96% Consensus on Government Disconnect

  Wednesday, January 31, 2024

  The SLTA (Scottish Licensed Trade Association) today releases a snapshot survey of the challenges facing Scotland’s pubs, bars and hospitality venues as they go forward in 2024, with over 500 businesses responding.