Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 24634

Francois Touzin (pictured far left), the general manager of Claridge's, Ram¢n Pajares (centre), managing director of the Savoy Group, and Claridge's receptionist Nicholas Underwood, last week opened the new staff areas at the hotel.

The refurbishment of the London property's staff quarters, which represented a £500,000 investment, included the building of a new entrance, locker rooms, shower rooms, personnel offices and premises for the occupational health nurse. Later this month a staff recreational centre will also open.

These improvements will be followed over the next couple of years by a refurbishment of the entire hotel, the bill for which is expected to run into tens of millions of pounds. All the work should be completed by the Claridge's centenary in 1998.