in brief

Inquest adjourned

St Pancras Coroner's Court, London, has adjourned an inquest into the death of 23-year-old Robert Gerald Barnacoat, believed to have choked to death on food at a Christmas party held on 17 December at Belgo, the Belgian restaurant in Covent Garden. The new date has yet to be fixed.

Rank conversion

Rank is seeking planning permission to convert Grade I-listed Thoresby Hall near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, into a luxury hotel and leisure complex.

Millennium bookings

About 20% of hotels and restaurants are already fully booked for Millennium Eve, according to a survey of British Hospitality Association members. About 46% will be open as usual on the day, 12% will take only private parties, 25% will close and 17% are still undecided.

Visitor increase

The number of overseas visitors to the UK is forecast by the British Tourist Authority to rise by 4% this year to 26.4m. They are expected to spend £13.7b (a 7% increase on 1998).

On-line for promotion

The Scarborough Hotels Association has launched a Web site (www.s-h-a.dircon.co.uk) to promote worldwide its 212 hotel, guesthouse and holiday cottage members.

Stakis Dunkeld refit

The Stakis Dunkeld hotel near Perth is to undergo a £2.5m refurbishment programme that will add 11 bedrooms to the existing 86 and upgrade restaurant and health club facilities by April.