SoftBank Ups Stake In Symbotic in Joint Venture Deal
SoftBank Group Corp. is setting up an artificial intelligence-oriented warehousing joint venture with Symbotic Inc. and buying more
2023-07-24 19:29
China Holds Off on Major Stimulus as It Signals Property Easing
China’s top leaders signaled more support for the troubled real estate sector alongside pledges to boost consumption and
2023-07-24 19:29
Election leaves Spain in political disarray with no party having an easy path to form a government
Spain is in political disarray after elections left no party with a clear path to forming a government
2023-07-24 19:28
Bird has flown as Musk, Twitter CEO Yaccarino say 'X' logo is here
By Supantha Mukherjee and Martin Coulter STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Elon Musk and Twitter Chief Executive Officer Linda Yaccarino unveiled a logo
2023-07-24 18:47
China to step up policy adjustments, focus on demand: Politburo
BEIJING China will step up macroeconomic policy adjustments and focus on expanding domestic demand, the Politburo, a top
2023-07-24 18:24
Thai PM Vote Faces Delay Amid Challenge to Pita’s Exclusion
Thailand’s wait for a new prime minister after the May general election may get longer as the nation’s
2023-07-24 17:56
China urges Japan not to disrupt chip industry after technology curbs take effect
China’s government has appealed to Japan not to disrupt the semiconductor industry after Japanese curbs on exports of chip-making technology took effect, adding to technology restrictions Washington and its allies on security grounds have imposed on Beijing on security grounds
2023-07-24 17:50
Elon Musk reveals new black and white X logo to replace Twitter's blue bird
Elon Musk has unveiled a new black and white “X” logo to replace Twitter’s famous blue bird as he follows through with a major rebranding of the the social media platform he bought for $44 billion last year
2023-07-24 17:48
Israel Prepares for Fateful Vote as Netanyahu Leaves Hospital
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left hospital Monday after having a pacemaker installed and is expected to attend
2023-07-24 17:24
Russia says Moscow and Crimea hit by Ukrainian drones while Russian forces bombard Ukraine's south
Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow during which one of the drones fell near the Defense Ministry’s main headquarters
2023-07-24 16:21
Restaurant introduces ‘minimum spend’ that will see solo diners pay double to eat alone
A restaurant in London has sparked criticism over its decision to introduce a minimum spend next month that will see solo diners charged double for their meals. In August, Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, which boasts two Michelin stars, will increase the prices of its tasting menus. Currently, a five-course tasting menu costs £125 per person, while it’s £175 for seven courses. However, from 17 August, the restaurant will increase its prices by 11 per cent, bringing five courses to £165 and seven courses to £195. This is due to an increase in supplier costs and rising staff shortages in London, due to Brexit, that has put pressure on the business. For those dining alone, though, the new minimum spend means solo visitors could be charged a minimum of £330 to visit the restaurant due to the volume of requests they receive. However, the restaurant confirmed that they keep one to two tables for solo diners for every service without the minimum spend. So solo diners who book within 24 to 48 hours of their required booking time could be able to swerve the minimum spend depending on whether those tables are available at the time. Nonetheless, the initiative sparked outrage on Twitter, with commenters quick to point out the joys of dining alone, and how solo diners are often stigmatised. “F*** the Hotel Café Royal then… Solo dining is one of life’s great pleasures,” tweeted one person. “Oh great news. Yet another penalty for being single,” another added. Hugh Smithson-Write, who works in restaurant PR, tweeted: “A classic example of making the customer the problem, rather than finding a solution. “If you get ‘many solo diner requests’ how about you reconfigure your dining room to accommodate that and maximise the revenue? This is the very opposite of hospitality!” Victoria Sheppard, chief executive at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, told The Independent: “Since achieving our two Michelin stars the demand for solo dining has increased dramatically and whilst we make every effort to accommodate solo diners, we also have to be considerate to the running costs of our business. “That said, we are increasing our opening hours from 17 August and will be able to accommodate more solo diners (without any discretionary minimum spend). 95 per cent of our solo diners requesting tables since we implemented a discretionary minimum spend when we are at capacity for solo diners have been more that happy to proceed with their booking, enjoying wine pairings or champagne of wine alongside their meal. “Nightclubs in our local vicinity have minimum spends for tables or hotels you pay the same price whether one guest or two which is never under dispute.” Read More Michelin star chef Marcus Wareing gives controversial answer to the best pizza in London Tom Kerridge addresses backlash to his £35 fish and chips at Harrods: ‘They shout at me’ Chef defends viral chicken recipe after TikTok backlash: ‘PSA to the seasoning police’ Restaurant with ‘tips are a privilege’ policy sparks intense backlash on social media Cher is launching a gelato brand called ‘Cherlato’ Popeyes widely mocked for attempt to join ‘girl dinner’ trend
2023-07-24 16:20
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba says it will not sell shares in Ant's buyback program
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has said it will not sell any shares in its one-third shareholding in financial technology company Ant Group Co_ because it wants to retain its stake in an “important strategic partner.”
2023-07-24 14:49