AA guides hit by third resignation since July

The editor of the AA Hotel Guide has resigned just weeks after her counterpart on the organisation's restaurant guide left.

Karen Brazier is the third senior member of staff to resign from the AA's hotel and restaurant guides in the past two months. She said her departure date had not been confirmed.

Brazier would not comment on why she was leaving but said: "It is purely a career development. I have been offered an excellent opportunity."

An AA spokesman added: "Karen has not resigned because of anything to do with her job. She is going for a good career move outside the AA."

In July, Simon Wright handed in his notice as editor of the AA Restaurant Guide after AA managing director Roger Wood overruled the guide's professional inspectors and refused to allow London restaurant Pétrus to be upgraded to five rosettes. It is understood it has since reversed its decision. A week later it emerged that senior food inspector Sarah Peart had also resigned.

The AA guides cover a range of industries from restaurants to hotels, B&Bs and pubs.

by Louise Bozec

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 5-11 September 2002