BigHospitality's Top 5 videos of 2011
Interviews with chefs Heston Blumenthal, Marco Pierre White and Mark Sargeant, payment technology and dining trends all feature as we count down the Top 5 of 2011.
1. Leading restaurateurs predict 2011 dining trends
At Number 1 and the most popular video on BigHospitality of 2011 is one of our first of the year – a collection of leading restaurateurs’ predictions on the expected dining trends in the coming twelve months. At the R200 conference we spoke to a number of restaurant operators on what they thought the main challenges and opportunities of 2011 might be.
2. Mark Sargeant reveals plans to roll out The Smokehouse
At Number 2 is a May interview with the former Claridge’s chef Mark Sargeant. He revealed to BigHospitality his plans to roll out his fish and chip concept, The Smokehouse, across Kent and Sussex. Speaking to us at Folkestone Harbour, Sargeant explained that after the first Smokehouse opened in the town he had further ideas to regenerate the area.
3. Blumenthal: The World’s 50 Best helped save The Fat Duck
Heston Blumenthal, the three Michelin-starred celebrity chef, is at Number 3 after he spoke to BigHospitality about his relationship with the S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards. The Fat Duck in Bray won the 2005 title which along with his TV work and third Michelin star helped him gain control of his business which was struggling, he told BigHospitality in April.
4. How iPhones are changing the way we pay restaurant bills
An investigation into how iPhone apps are revolutionising payment technology in bars and restaurants is at Number 4. In August BigHospitality explored how smartphone applications, QR codes and eGift vouchers are fast replacing credit cards or cash when it comes to pay the bill.
5. Marco Pierre White: I’ve had to evolve
Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White is at Number 5 of the most watched videos on BigHospitality of 2011. In July Pierre White told us he has had to evolve in his career and explained why he doesn’t regret his decision to move on from Michelin fine dining. Britain’s first three Michelin-starred chef also revealed his love of gardening.
You can catch up with all the videos from 2011 online and there will be more to come on issues affecting the hospitality industry in 2012 here on BigHospitality.
