Welcome to this week’s News Bites, where we’re counting down the minutes until Monday April 12th, and sampling Afternoon Tea at the Queen’s House… in an igloo?
A taste of regency life for Bridgerton fans
Luxury dining igloos are set to open on the lawns of the Queen’s House in Greenwich from May 7th, offering up to 6 guests a seasonal lunch or dinner menu or Royal Afternoon Tea. Diners will be able to enjoy views of the London skyline and the River Thames at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was famously the location used in the period drama, Bridgerton, the most-watched series on Netflix ever.
Live music permitted but it’s strictly no dancing
“Keeeep dancing” wasn’t quite the message this week as it was explained that live music will be allowed when pub gardens reopen on Monday, as long as performances are complementary to customers drinking or dining. As part of Stage 2 of the Government’s roadmap, pub owners can host singers and bands as long as customers remain seated and pubs don’t charge for admission, as this would be considered a live music event.
A pint and a Papa John’s please!
To coincide with the reopening of outdoor hospitality on Monday April 12th pizza pioneers Papa John’s will be launching their very first pub franchise, partnering with the Saracen’s Head in Staffordshire. “It’s a great example of how we can help drive profitable growth for selected establishments right at the heart of the community,” says Justin Gilbert, Director of Business Development for Papa John’s UK.
Meal kits set to stay on the menu
Chef-patron Aktar Islam of Birmingham’s Opheem restaurant made headlines this week after announcing that he’ll be launching a new kitchen for his successful Aktar At Home meal kit delivery service. The news comes after Hawksmoor announced last month that Jo Fleet, former managing director of Food Alert client, Flat Iron, will head up its nationwide meal kit distribution as it looks to grow that side of the business post lockdown.