Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 18804
peel quits thistle
Robert Peel has quit as chief executive of Thistle Hotels, the company announced as Caterer went to press. The move follows a review of the company by Brierley Investments, which holds a 46% stake in the group.
Thistle chairman Rodney Price said that the decision was made after "a number of profit downgrades". Peel held the position for 20 years.
airport second
Teesside Airport looks set to get its second new hotel in less than a year. If approved, the 128-bedroom Mirage hotel and leisure complex would create 120 jobs.
fire complaint
Alnwick restaurateurs Carlo and Laura Biagioni plan to lodge an official complaint against Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service after their 52-seat restaurant was destroyed by fire. It took 20 minutes for the fire crew to arrive.
little chef fine
Granada has been fined £6,500 for keeping food beyond its use-by date. North Yorkshire environmental health officers discovered milk, sauces and vegetables with expired dates in two Little Chef outlets, magistrates heard.
scots ratings fair
Claims that Scottish hoteliers were unfairly treated in 1995 ratings valuations compared with their English colleagues are unfounded, the Scottish Office said last week. It has no plans for an investigation.
chinese suit
Happy Gardens Chinese restaurant in London's Charing Cross Road has pleaded not guilty to having dirty conditions and mouse and cockroach infestations. The case was adjourned until 1998.
