Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 14863

Cotton to head BHA?

Bob Cotton has emerged as favourite to take over as chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) when Jeremy Logie leaves at the end of the year. Logie this week refused to confirm that Cotton had got the job, saying no final decision would be made until September. Cotton is tourism adviser to the Government.

Trencher's blaze

Almost 200 customers and staff had to be evacuated when a fire destroyed one of Yorkshire's most famous fish and chip shops last week. The fire happened at Trencher's in Whitby, North Yorkshire, on Friday night. It is believed it started in a kitchen flue and spread to the rafters. The restaurant will reopen next year.

Budget hotels beckon

More people would recommend budget hotels to their family and friends than higher-rated, more expensive hotels, according to hospitality consultancy Scher International. Its findings, supported by the British Hospitality Association (BHA), are detailed in the latest BHA/Scher Benchmark report. Regular survey information from Scher will be carried by Caterer from 9 September.

Horler on board

James Horler, operations director for Frankie & Benny's, has joined the board of City Centre Restaurants (CCR). Horler, who joined CCR in 1995, will continue as operations director.