Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 6601

CHURCHILL TAKES TEA

AFTERNOON tea is the focus of the new Terrace Lounge at the Churchill Inter-Continental, London, one of the latest chunks in a ú9.5m piecemeal refurbishment due for completion this July.

Designed by Malcolm Brunton, the lounge is fitted out in elegant stripes, with squashy chairs and sofas and potted palms. The centrepiece, in keeping with the tea theme, is a large, silver Russian samovar, and a silver sandclock is provided with every pot of tea to count out the required three minutes for perfect brewing.

Brunton has designed the hotel's public areas and penthouse suites. The 448 guest rooms have been designed by Billericay-based Lindy Austin Partnership.

DESIGNERS' BIBLE BARGAIN

THE newly reformatted 1994 edition of the Interior Designer's Handbook is now available, with a special introductory price of ú45 for anyone ordering before the end of April - a saving of ú14 on the usual price.

DONGHIA DEBUTS GIGLI

GROUND-breaking US contract furnishing company Donghia has launched a fabric line designed by Italian fashion supremo Romeo Gigli, promising designs that are a "visual as well as tactile treat", pictured left and below.