French ministers ‘are among guests risking jail to go to Paris dinners’ despite lockdown rules

French ministers ‘are among guests risking jail to attend £400 champagne and caviar dinners at private club in Paris’ in defiance of lockdown rules Astonishing claim is made in a film shot in Paris by undercover investigators   A waiter says: ‘Once you pass through the door there’s no more Covid’   Comes as France is struck … Read more

Iron Age ‘seafood buffet’ that fed wedding or funeral guests is discovered in Scotland

Archaeologists in Scotland have dug up the remains of a rather impressive seafood feast that fed an entire Iron Age community. More than 18,000 snail shells were found in a pit at The Cairns, an ancient settlement in Orkney that was established between 400 AD and 500 AD. Scientists determined the shellfish, mostly limpets and … Read more

Academy Awards scaled back with only presenters, nominees and guests to attend live show in person

Like every other awards show this year, the Oscars are being scaled back due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And on Monday, the president of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts & Sciences, spelled out just how different the event will be. In a letter emailed to the Academy’s nearly 10,000 members, David Rubin confirmed that … Read more

From succulent roasts to wood-fired pizza, how to wow guests in your garden

On hearing the good news that outdoor gatherings will be allowed from the end of the month, my first reaction was to head to the shed to locate the barbecue. But when it comes to this year’s grand al-fresco Rawstorne ‘restaurant’ re-opening, the pressure is on to produce something a bit more, well, sophisticated. (Or, … Read more

From succulent roasts to wood-fired pizza, how to wow guests in your garden

On hearing the good news that outdoor gatherings will be allowed from the end of the month, my first reaction was to head to the shed to locate the barbecue. But when it comes to this year’s grand al-fresco Rawstorne ‘restaurant’ re-opening, the pressure is on to produce something a bit more, well, sophisticated. (Or, … Read more

Review: Askham Hall hotel in Cumbria transports guests back through time with a dash of Harry Potter

So grand, even the loo is listed! Inside historic Askham Hall in Cumbria, which transports guests back through time – with a dash of Harry Potter Askham Hall is located on the ancient Lowther Estate in Cumbria – it dates back to the turbulent 1200s  The stately Lonsdale is the pick of the 19 rooms, which … Read more

Pontins banned customers using a secret blacklist titled ‘undesirable guests’

Pontins BANNED customers with 40 common Irish surnames including Boyle, Doherty and Gallagher using a secret blacklist titled ‘undesirable guests’ in bid to stop Traveller families booking holidays at its parks No10 led condemnation today, describing policy as ‘completely unacceptable’  EHRC launched an investigation last year after an employee blew the whistle  A legally binding … Read more

Pontins banned customers using a secret blacklist titled ‘undesirable guests’

Pontins BANNED customers with 40 common Irish surnames including Boyle, Doherty and Gallagher using a secret blacklist titled ‘undesirable guests’ in bid to stop Traveller families booking holidays at its parks No10 led condemnation today, describing policy as ‘completely unacceptable’  EHRC launched an investigation last year after an employee blew the whistle  A legally binding … Read more

Allora: AI hotel booking system says it helps guests find their perfect stay

A hotel booking engine, powered by Artificial Intelligence, says it is transforming the way travellers find their perfect stay online as well as enabling hoteliers to upsell.   Allora, created by hotel data firm, Avvio, is a system used exclusively by hotels on its websites, not travellers, to find out exactly what they want when booking stays. … Read more

Quarantine hotel ‘inmates’ told to stop smoking and buy nicotine patches – to keep guests in rooms 

Quarantine hotel ‘inmates’ are told to stop smoking and buy nicotine patches – to keep guests in their rooms after party in the car park Up to 15 guests gathered in a smoking area outside hotel last Wednesday night  Guests spotted drinking and sharing cigarettes, with several not wearing masks Said to be members of a … Read more