Table Talk
Keep it short - and keep it clean Corus Hotels surveyed conference and banqueting staff about speeches heard at wedding receptions and found that many best men ramble on far too long. One-fifth of Corus staff had heard a speech lasting more than an hour. Tedious subject matter, unfunny jokes, upsetting anecdotes, failure to speak loudly enough, and bad language were also heard. The research revealed a growing use of fancy dress - for example, the best man who leapt from a balcony dressed as Ali G and delivered his speech in character. Corus recommends that speech makers keep it short and upbeat, with a few carefully chosen (and tasteful) jokes.
Only served in large silver cups Good news for north London football fans: a beer called Arsenal is being launched by an offshoot of Scottish & Newcastle. The bad news is that the offshoot in question is Baltic Beverages, and fans will have to move to the Ukraine to enjoy it. Confusingly, there is a local football team called Arsenal Kyiev (as in Kiev). "The name is purely coincidental," said an S&N spokesman.
Hotel bed is heaven-scent Guests arriving jet-lagged and sweaty at the Shangri-La Singapore hotel can now revive themselves in bed linen lightly scented with a fragrance of their choice. The essences menu provides a choice of sandalwood, green tea, lavender or eucalyptus. It is the latest addition to the hotel's lavish services list, which offers a pillow catalogue including one filled with herbs.
Have a curry breakfast - for charity A Newcastle restaurateur is serving curry for breakfast to raise money for Bangladeshi flood victims. Abdul Latif, owner of the Rupali restaurant and Britain's first Bangladeshi lord of the manor, is urging people to donate cash or a cheque payable to A Latif. He said: "My relatives are calling from home, asking me to help them. Last night, I couldn't even sleep, thinking about the millions who have had to leave their homes to escape the floods. I have done similar fundraising before and I always find people in this country are very caring." Those requiring a curry breakfast from 6am are asked to book in advance.
