Table talk
Americans like to eat to the beat…
Restaurants in the USA often lead the way with new ideas, but let's hope the music policy of some of them stays firmly on the other side of the Atlantic. Research from Fairfield University, Connecticut, confirms what many have long suspected: loud music drives people out of restaurants - not necessarily bad for establishments that want a quick turnover of customers. The research found that people chew 4.4 bites per minute to loud, speedy music, but only 3.83 bites per minute to slower, more soothing tunes.
…barristers prefer the sound of silence
The Ritz's failed bid for a gaming licence featured at least one triumph for the hotel's legal champion, George Carman QC. During his closing address Carman was just getting into his stride when a mobile phone rang out, stopping him immediately.
"There is a mobile phone going off," he complained as the tones continued. "Well, I am going to stop until it goes." A minute later, after an embarrassed female spectator shuffled out of the packed public gallery, Carman quipped amid laughter: "I don't even like them in restaurants, let alone in court!"
Brits see in 2000 over a swift half
As New Year 1998 quickly fades, hoteliers and restaurateurs might be interested to know that politicians' enthusiasm for the new millennium celebrations is not shared by the British people. Research by Champagne house Mumm suggests that 28% of the country will be staying in and watching television, while the preferred option for those that are going out is the pub. Still, hoteliers and restaurateurs need not despair. With two years to go, 6% of punters have already made their plans for more ambitious celebrations with some venues already booked up.
Free handbags with large orders?
Tandoori crocodile is a New Year newcomer to one curry house in Mansfield. Other dishes now offered at the Mughal Palace include tandoori kangaroo, ostrich, lobster and quail. Manager Foysal Choundhury says that the crocodile is £12.75 - more than your average tandoori - but worth it. "It isn't tough, green or scaly," he adds, "it's white meat, surprisingly tender."
They like their greens nice and crisp
Meanwhile a pub at Brough, near Hull, has found customers allegedly "going barmy" for the unlikely delicacy of fried cabbage. It started when Jon Wilson, who runs theBuccaneer, started putting the cabbage on the bar as a complimentary snack. But many satisfied customers and substantial local press coverage later, Jon fears that the cabbage rush is getting out of control. "I can't deny the publicity was great for business, lots of new people coming in, but they were all looking for fried cabbage," he said.
Durham tipplers have to go private
One of the last council-owned pubs and restaurants is being sold. Derwentside Council is selling the Harperley Hotel, on the edge of the Harperley Country Park, County Durham, to tenant Peter Morris, who plans a £100,000 refurbishment, including improving the 60-cover restaurant.
If only we could all forget him as easily
The end-of-year lost property audit at Dukes Hotel in London has revealed some odd items: one signed photograph of Michael Portillo, with lipstick; one riding crop; one complete set of the Encyclopaedia Britannica; one pair of crutches; one whoopee cushion; and assorted Spice Girl products.
