Today’s news in brief – 05/01/24

The latest round of strikes from RMT members on the London Underground could cost hospitality businesses up to £50m, according to UKHospitality. Staff on the tube will go on strike between 7 January and 11 January and disruption will last from the evening of 6 January until midday on the 12 January. UKH called this news “frustrating for Londoners, workers and the thousands of hospitality businesses that operate in the Capital”.

Revolution Bars Group has announced the closure of eight sites despite a 9% like-for-like sales increase for the four weeks from 4 to 31 December. Whilst the group delivered a strong festive trading period, the macroeconomic trading environment continued to be challenging, and the prospect of the statutory 10.8% increase in NLW in April 2024 increases the challenge.

Two-Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux will bring his London restaurant, Le Gavroche, to Cunard’s cruise ships Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2. Roux, who will close the Mayfair venue this month, will oversee four Le Gavroche residencies across four Fjords voyages in 2024. The restaurant is known for its French-haute cuisine and was the first UK restaurant to be awarded one, two, and then three Michelin Stars. Guests will be treated to a five-course tasting menu with all the flavours of the sea.

The Culinary Association of Wales has launched the Green Chef Challenge. Open to all UK-based chefs, the competition is for teams of two, comprising a senior chef and a commis chef under the age of 25. They will be challenged to create a three course, predominantly vegetable-based menu for six guests in three hours. The final will be held on the third day of the WICC, 24 January, and finalists will be chosen from the menus they submit with their application form.