Table Talk

All in a day's work for prison catering boss
A team-building workshop at last week's Catering Forum ended in ugly fashion when an irate chef burst into the room and began swearing at a colleague in the audience. The incensed cook squared up to the woman, asking where the f**k she had been for the last half an hour. Alan Tuckwood, head of UK prison catering services, immediately sprang into action. Facing the assailant, he put his hand in his face and escorted him out of the room. Alas for Tuckwood, the furious chef was an actor playing a role in the workshop. "My prison training just kicked in," he explained, "but I felt a dummy afterwards."

Looks like mutton's off the menu for a while, then
Shepherd's Bush in west London was used as a resting place for shepherds and their flocks on their way to market until 1900. To celebrate its history, design hotel K West has put the sheep back into Shepherd's Bush. Fluffy little lambs have made their way on to housekeepers' T-shirts, and "Do not disturb" signs. There are also squidgy massaging sheep with sunglasses in the minibars and sheepskin throws in the suites.
A spokeswoman said: "Guests obviously love the new concept as they are collecting the ‘Do not disturb' signs as souvenirs."

Stuck in a rut? Try a new llease of llife with a llama
Delegates using Raven Hall country house hotel near Scarborough, North Yorkshire, for team-building days have an exciting alternative to bonding with colleagues. The hotel is offering llama treks, described as "testing or relaxing, designed to suit any requirements". There's even a coaching session on llama husbandry - "especially suitable for desk-bound executives to provide them with better life perspectives." The llama-themed management training even stretches to "llama loving - how the attraction for llamas can be a soothing experience."