April Fools: Five of hospitality's best spoof stories

A bit of practical joking never goes amiss come 1 April and the hospitality industry is no exception. We count down some of hospitality's best April amusements…

1) A helping hand

Restaurant chain Ed's Easy Diner claimed to have devised a hands-free milkshake holder. "Walking the dog? Reading the paper? Driving the bus? Ed's Easy Diner has got you covered and your hands free, with a practical device to ensure their tasty milkshakes can be enjoyed fully." Just don't walk into anyone while using it…

2) Bare ankle ban

Harden's claimed that in a move likely to enrage hipsters across east London, a new eaterie had banned diners who turn up wearing shoes but no socks. Apparently Olof Prail, owner of Fool Proof in an converted former haberdashery off Brick Lane, said he was sick of customers complaining about cold ankles, when they sat down at one of his disused school desks and upturned apple crates. There's a clue in there somewhere.

3) Hot air buffoonery

Bar operator Inception Group announced that it would open a bar within a hot air balloon under its Mr Fogg's brand this summer. Apparently Mr Fogg's Hot Air Balloon is due to open in London in August. Food served on board will include chicken satay and marshmallows, roasted in the crown of the balloon. Definitely hot air.

4) Tongue in cheek

OpenTable hailed the creation of "lickable" technology, which would allow diners to taste dishes from their favourite restaurants using an app before they book. The app uses "4D technology" OpenTable claimed, while also offering temperature control. We tried it and there is something fishy about it.

5) Fred Sirieix's phere-groan

In possibly the most disturbing April Fools prank of the day, Galvin at Windows general manager and star of TV show First Dates Fred Sirieix supposedly launched a new fragrance using his own pheremones and available "on prescription only", called L'eau Cupidon. Not sure what condition you'd have to have to require that prescription but whatever it is, we don't want it!