News in brief
Bigger Fishers
Fishers restaurant in Leith, Midlothian, is to open Fishers in the City in the commercial centre of Edinburgh in late April. It will cater for up to 100 covers in a bistro-style dining area and oyster bar.
Hilton having a ball
The Glasgow Hilton is holding an inaugural ball on 31 March for the Hilton Foundation in the Community, which was set up to raise £1m for causes including the British Olympic Foundation's youth camps, police community clubs and the Academy of Food and Wine Service.
Vat blockade
Hundreds of French restaurateurs blockaded border posts with Germany, Spain and Italy on Monday to pressure the government into lowering the 19.6% VAT on meals to match the 5.5% levied on fast-food outlets.
Smoking ban
The reopened Atlantic hotel in St Brelade, Jersey, has banned smoking in its 80-seat restaurant following a rise in requests for no-smoking tables. Smokers can still indulge in the bar and lounge.
Test site invitation
Industry charity Hospitality Action is seeking feedback from staff, supporters, beneficiaries and trustees about its new interim Web site, www.hospitalityaction.org.uk, in order to develop an enhanced, fully interactive version later this year.
BK's new base
Burger King has moved into new headquarters in Waterford Office Park, south of Miami International Airport. The new "Home of the Whoppers" includes the Burger King University, a test kitchen and a laboratory.
