Table talk

Bringing a touch of class to forte decor

The appointment of Mario Salsano as senior development director at Forte has prompted some wicked speculation in City circles.

Salsano joins Forte next month from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, renowned around the world for its extravagant spending.

The talk is that it won't be long before Forte's offices at 166 High Holborn are fitted out with the latest line in marble pillars.

Double trouble for New York boozers

Stepping into Manhattan's latest nightspot is likely to be a disconcerting experience for New York drinkers. For even without a single drop of drink passing their lips, they will be seeing double.

The reason is that the aptly-named Twins bar, run by identical twins Lisa and Debbie Ganz, is staffed by a further two-dozen sets of identical twins.

To make life even more confusing, the twins wear identical uniforms and work the same shift.

Dishes served include twin peaks nachos (two mounds of chips) and pâté duke platter (two kinds of pâté); while the decor includes a model of the World Trade Centre's twin towers and two door knobs for each lavatory.

Just imagine your view of the place after you have indulged in a few drinks.

Geography lesson for us media men

There was uproar in Wales when a recent advertising campaign for Marriott Hotels, aimed at London businessmen, omitted to include the principality on a stylised map of Britain.

Following more than 40 complaints, the advertisement has now been corrected with Wales restored to its rightful position.

The blame is being placed squarely on the shoulders of New York advertising agency, Foote Cone and Belding.

"The geography of Britain is clearly not their forte in America," says Sharon Knight, marketing assistant at Marriott.

The premier pub with no name

Along with Premier House's recent acquisition and subsequent £500,000 refurbishment of a Halifax pub, comes a change of name.

Originally named after the previous developer's wife, Jenny Dee, Premier is seeking a name that will reflect the new identity of a traditional pub with informal all-day dining.

But if you have got a favourite loved one, dog or parrot who could provide the appropriate name, then you have to get a move on. Closing date for the competition, which carries the prize of a Premier Lodge weekend for two, is tomorrow.

Crieff hydro comes a close second

Last week Table Talk received notice of a photo call involving the staff of Crieff Hydro Hotel creating a huge human "IIP" logo to celebrate the gaining of Investors in People status.

While warmly applauding the achievement of managing director John Leckie and his 250 staff, we beg to disagree with the press release's assertion: "IIP as you've never seen it before".

Last November we carried a picture of just such a human IIP - created by the staff of the St David's Park Hotel in Clwyd. Nice try, though!

Friendly greetings from Scotland

Glasgow's newly-opened budget hotel answers the telephone with "Hello, Charing Cross Tower Hotel, Glasgow, how are you today?" Well, it makes a pleasant change from "Hello, my name's Tracey, how can I help you?"