This week we consider the latest on Covid passports, take a look at Fred Siriex’s latest venture, toast the best of British hotels and B&Bs and look forward to Puttin’ on The Ritz…
Government asks operators for feedback on Covid certification
Following in the footsteps of Scotland, Covid passports will be a requirement for entry into nightclubs and large events in Wales from Monday 11 October. Both nations have gone against England’s decision to put a pause on such a scheme, but the government has called for evidence towards a consultation on proposals for mandatory Covid certification in a ‘Plan B’ scenario. The call for evidence closes on 11 October, and the government said it would engage on the proposals with affected businesses and civil society to ensure measures were “proportionate and effective”.
Fred Sirieix helps prisoners find the right course
Everyone’s favourite maitre d’hotel and TV personality, Fred Siriex, is doing ‘time’ at HMP Wormwood Scrubs. His charity, The Right Course, has turned the staff canteen at the prison into a fully functioning, high street-style restaurant, where full English breakfasts, French omelettes, and beef bourguignon are served to staff. Inmates spend three months before their release working at the restaurant, called Escape, from Monday to Friday, and leave with industry-recognised City and Guilds qualifications. Sirieix told i: “It’s working so well. Trainees can get qualifications as they near the end of their sentence, and the idea is they are ready and waiting to work when they are released. It has taken us a long time to get here – about two to three years. Seeing the restaurant up and running is fantastic. We want to launch the scheme in other prisons.”
The best of British from this year’s winners of The Good Hotel Guide’s Cesar awards
This year’s winners of The Good Hotel Guide’s Cesar awards have been revealed. Considered the Oscars of the hotel industry, we reveal the hosts with the most. From Scandi-chic to an ancestral pile and a three-room Scottish guesthouse, this list reveals the best British hotels and B&Bs of the year.
The Ritz is set to razzle dazzle with £300m development
A favourite with Royals and international heads of state, London’s The Ritz Hotel is to get a £300m upgrade to retain its title as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The Grade II-listed hotel, which was founded in 1906, will create an additional 53 bedrooms, as well as build a five-storey basement extension including a two-storey pool, gym and spa. A spokesperson from the hotel said “Working with an exemplary team, we firmly believe this inspired project will continue to evolve the vision of our founder, legendary hotelier César Ritz, and will ensure that the unique essence of the hotel is retained, sympathetically restored and sensitively enhanced to reaffirm the Ritz London’s status, for generations to come, as one of the world’s most iconic hotels.”