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Latest Meldrum House Hotel Transitions to Apex Hotels, Preserving Wedding Plans and Rich History

Meldrum House Hotel Transitions to Apex Hotels, Preserving Wedding Plans and Rich History

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Meldrum House, a hotel and golf course with a staff of 150, was purchased by Edinburgh-based Apex Hotels from its previous owners: Bob Edwards, David Buchan, and Terry Buchan.

Apex Hotels, a UK chain with over 1,000 employees and 10 properties, plans to expand by acquiring Meldrum House for its fine dining and luxury accommodations.

Jordan Charles, managing director of Meldrum House, will stay on to lead his team while supported by Apex Hotels' resources and expertise.

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  • 5.2% Sales Growth for Hospitality Groups in March

    5.2% Sales Growth for Hospitality Groups in March

    Monday, April 22, 2024

    According to the most recent CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker report, sales for Britain's leading hospitality groups increased by 5.2% in March 2024, signifying a noteworthy upturn following a slow beginning to the year.

    This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the impact of early Easter celebrations and holidays falling into March this year, as opposed to April in 2023.

    The managed pub sector was particularly successful during this period, with like-for-like sales increasing by a robust 7.2%.

    However, growth for restaurants remained softer at 3.4%, and the on-the-go segment faced a decline of 5.2%.

  • EU Proposes Youth Mobility Agreement with UK to Boost Cultural Exchange

    EU Proposes Youth Mobility Agreement with UK to Boost Cultural Exchange

    Friday, April 19, 2024

    The European Commission has proposed a significant step towards fostering cultural exchange between the EU and the UK by opening negotiations on a youth mobility agreement.

    This agreement, if approved, would allow young people from both sides to move freely for work, study, or travel opportunities within each other's territories.

    The proposal comes as part of an effort to mitigate the effects of Brexit on youth mobility and to strengthen ties between European and British young generations.

    The EU Commission sees this agreement as a means to restore some of the pre-Brexit freedoms that have been lost, while ensuring compliance with necessary conditions.

  • 100 Princes Street: Red Carnation Hotels' New Scottish Gem Unveiled

    100 Princes Street: Red Carnation Hotels' New Scottish Gem Unveiled

    Wednesday, April 17, 2024

    At Edinburgh's 100 Princes Street lies Red Carnation Hotels' inaugural Scottish property, boasting both historical charm and contemporary elegance.

    this charming getaway, influenced by Scottish adventurers, delivers an exclusive and genuine taste of Scotland.

    With its 30 luxurious ensuite rooms and suites, The Wallace offers a refined accommodation experience for discerning travelers and culture lovers in Edinburgh. (The Wallace = this establishment)

    A hand-painted mural stretching along the five-story staircase tells the story of Scottish explorers and their botanical discoveries.

  • Scotland's Tied Pub Tenants to Receive Long-Awaited Protection with New Code

    Scotland's Tied Pub Tenants to Receive Long-Awaited Protection with New Code

    Monday, April 15, 2024

    In a significant move for the hospitality sector in Scotland, ministers have confirmed that secondary legislation for a Scottish Pubs Code will be laid in Parliament this week.

    Many tied pub tenants in Scotland have faced challenges due to their business arrangements, often purchasing alcohol and other essential supplies from their landlords.

    We need to do all we can to protect pubs, bars, and licensed clubs in Scotland, which in 2022 supported 34,000 jobs throughout the country and play an important role in our communities.

    Richard Lochhead

  • Post-Brexit Visa Rules Push Away Italian Waiters from London's Hospitality Industry

    Post-Brexit Visa Rules Push Away Italian Waiters from London's Hospitality Industry

    Thursday, April 11, 2024

    Due to an upward adjustment in the minimum wage requirement for skilled labor visas from £26,000 to £38,700, London experiences a scarcity of Italian waiters.

    For decades, London welcomed ambitious Italians seeking employment opportunities and English language education, primarily in the hospitality sector.

    However, this trend may come to an end due to the new visa requirements that have become increasingly difficult for many Italians to meet.A young Italian with initiative, the will to work and curiosity could once say "I'll go to London"

    London has a rich history with Italy, dating back to Roman times when Italian merchants settled there.

  • 56% of Brits Find Mental Health the Toughest Topic to Discuss: Beavertown Brewery Study Reveals

    56% of Brits Find Mental Health the Toughest Topic to Discuss: Beavertown Brewery Study Reveals

    Wednesday, April 10, 2024

    According to a recent study commissioned by Beavertown Brewery and conducted by OnePoll, over half (56%) of British adults find discussing their mental health the hardest topic to tackle.

    The research also indicated that one in four (24%) individuals who have dealt with mental health issues haven't shared their experiences with anyone.

    Among 18-44-year-olds, nearly half (46%) acknowledged they would be unsure of how to initiate a conversation regarding friends' mental wellbeing.

  • US Fast Food Chain Wendy's Expands in the UK: Fans Claim It's 'Better Than McDonald's'

    US Fast Food Chain Wendy's Expands in the UK: Fans Claim It's 'Better Than McDonald's'

    Tuesday, April 9, 2024

    When making a choice for burgers, people often frequent the same places. However, it is worth exploring other options, such as a US fast food chain that some fans assert is superior to competitors like McDonald's and Burger King.

    This brings us to Wendy's, an iconic American fast food establishment founded in November 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio.

    Wendy's stands out due to its distinctive square-shaped beef patties and the iconic Frosty dessert, which is a unique blend of ice cream and milkshake.

    Over the past few years, Wendy's has been expanding its presence in the UK following a triumphant return in 2021.

  • 70 Three-Michelin-Star Dining Connoisseur Raves About Cumbria's L'Enclume: 'A Gastronomic Masterpiece'

    70 Three-Michelin-Star Dining Connoisseur Raves About Cumbria's L'Enclume: 'A Gastronomic Masterpiece'

    Monday, April 1, 2024

    Alexander Varga, co-owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hungary and a globetrotter with a passion for three-Michelin-starred establishments, extols the virtues of Cumbria's L'Enclume.

    Founded by head chef Simon Rogan in Cartmel's medieval village on the Lake District border, this three-Michelin-star eatery has won Varga's praise amongst an impressive roster of dining experiences.

    He's dined at 70 such establishments worldwide, including Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck – and L'Enclume ranks among the best.

    In his enchanting video documenting the meal (with over 200,000 views), Varga offers thoughtful insights into each dish's intricacies.

  • 120-Year-Old Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh Undergoes £35M Transformation

    120-Year-Old Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh Undergoes £35M Transformation

    Friday, March 29, 2024

    The iconic Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh, affectionately known as "The Caley," is set for a major overhaul this summer.

    The hotel, which has recently secured a £35M investment from Henderson Park and Klarent Hospitality, will soon be under the Curio Collection by Hilton umbrella.

    This move comes after Henderson Park's acquisition of the 120-year-old property in July 2023 for £85M.

    The transformation includes upgrades to infrastructure, refurbishment of bedrooms, and restoration of public areas.

    With this expansion, the hotel capacity will increase from its current 241 rooms to over 300 rooms by early 2026.

  • 17th Century Scottish Hotel Reopens after Extensive Makeover

    17th Century Scottish Hotel Reopens after Extensive Makeover

    Wednesday, March 20, 2024

    The Knipoch House Hotel, a historical gem situated near Oban in Scotland, has recently been revitalized by the Sonas Collection.

    After investing £1m into refurbishments, the 26-bedroom hotel now offers guests an elegant and tranquil retreat.

    The wood-panelled reception hall, firelit lounge, three atmospheric dining rooms, and richly furnished bedrooms have all been carefully redesigned.