Today’s news in brief – 2/8/24
Downham Hall hotel has been awarded a 5-star accommodation rating and two Rosettes for its North Wing restaurant by AA Awards. This recognition comes alongside the approval of planning permission for a new events space to enhance the hotel’s wedding and events services. The new venue, accommodating 150 guests, will replace the current marquee structure, with construction starting later this year. Additionally, to meet growing guest demand, the Metcalfes, owners of Downham Hall, have appointed new team members for the North Wing restaurant. Ben Hyde, joining from Elvedon Estates, will oversee operations as the restaurant extends its hours to open seven days a week, offering British cuisine with local produce. Christina Metcalfe commended the team’s dedication, emphasising the awards as a testament to their hard work and the hotel’s potential for future growth. Andrew Metcalfe expressed optimism about the hotel’s future, highlighting their investment in staff and the new events space as key steps in their development plans.
Welcome Break, operator of 35 motorway service stations, reported a 7% increase in operating profits to £72.7m for the year ending 31 December 2023. The company attributed its success to strong performance during peak holiday periods, despite overall motorway traffic remaining below pre-pandemic levels due to continued homeworking. High inflation impacted the non-fuel business, but this was offset by higher selling prices. The group’s turnover decreased by 2.2% year-on-year to £476.4m, primarily due to lower fuel prices, and its net asset position fell by 8.2% to £175.2m, reflecting capital expenditures on new and remodelled sites and maintenance. Despite these challenges, Welcome Break remains optimistic, noting stabilising energy costs and reduced inflation as positive factors moving forward.
Swansea Council announced the development of a new 150-bedroom hotel with a rooftop bar in the Copr Bay area. The council selected a preferred developer and operator, working with leading global hotel brands, and approved the land sale for the hotel. The hotel aims to accommodate around 40,000 visitors annually, funded by a mix of developer investment and grants, including Welsh government support. Construction is expected to begin next year, pending final agreements and planning consent. Council leaders highlighted the growing need for high-quality hotel rooms due to increasing tourism and the positive impact of Swansea Arena. The project is part of broader efforts to boost local employment, support city traders, and transform Swansea’s city centre.
IHG Hotels and Resorts has partnered with global NGO Action Against Hunger to combat food insecurity. With one in three people globally unsure of their next meal due to various factors, IHG will support Action Against Hunger’s nutrition programs, focusing on early malnutrition screening and treatment for children. IHG aims to raise awareness among its guests, allowing them to donate IHG One Rewards points to support these efforts. The partnership aligns with IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan, which pledges to improve the lives of 30 million people. Both IHG CEO Elie Maalouf and Action Against Hunger International Network Chair Ashwini Kakkar emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to address global hunger and create lasting change.
