Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 25981

the cat's whiskers at the distillery

There are plenty of legends surrounding that mystical spirit, whisky, but the most surprising comes from Glenturret in Crieff. It involves a feline friend that gained a place in the Guinness Book of Records for her achievements.

Towser was mouse-catcher at the distillery for more than 20 years until she died in 1987, having caught 28,899 mice. Her legend will now live on in the form of a bronze statue that was unveiled last week to honour her. No doubt a purrrfect malt…

british fare seduces french palate

Table Talk has already revealed the changing tastes of that great culinary nation, France. Having succumbed to the fluffy, warm taste of sliced white bread, we hear Minton Spring Water is to put fizz into their glasses.

When it comes to cheese, two-thirds of French consumers at a series of tastings said they enjoyed Quickes extra mature Cheddar made by the traditional method, and would buy it.

Could it be that they'll be making it into sarnies with their white sliced bread and drinking a glass of British spring water to accompany it?

germans throwin the towel

Stefan Drechsler, the Bavarian-born general manager of Newcastle's Copthorne Hotel, is doing his bit for Anglo-German relations by trying to stop the sunbed wars. He says it's a myth that the Germans strive to be first to the sun loungers. He explained their body clocks are an hour ahead of us Brits, meaning they get up earlier.

To encourage warmer relations, he adds: "The first 100 people who write to me with a note signed by a German family who were kind and friendly, can stay for an autumn break at half-price." It's almost worth giving up your spot by the pool.

a touch of frost about thatcher

Last week Table Talk reported that the chair on which Baroness Thatcher sat during her recent interview with David Frost at the elegant Dukes Hotel in St James's Place, London, is up for auction.

Now, news reaches us that the private dining room in which the interview took place has been rechristened by staff. It is known as the "No, no, no room". I can't think why…

korany honoured at grand finale

There was scarcely a dry eye in the house recently as the final curtain came down on Stephen Korany's 40 years at the Basil Street Hotel in Knightsbridge, London.

On the Thursday, the owners - with new general manager David Brockett - hosted a party for 130 neighbours, colleagues and guests past and present, including two regulars who flew in from the USA especially.

The following day it was the turn of the staff - many of whom have served almost as long as Mr Korany - to celebrate his retirement with a glass of Champagne and strawberries.

In an age when loyalty seems to have taken a back seat in favour of the pursuit of a career and money, it was nice to be reminded that traditional values do still exist in this industry.

hugh and cry over chance remark

Events between a journalist tapping out the words and the printed magazine falling on the doormat can sometimes turn the innocent throwaway remark into red-faced embarrassment.

Such was the fate for Caterer Viewpoint columnist Ian Guthrie who, in his column about the different ways of kissing (29 June), referred to a restaurateur as "the Gallic equivalent of Hugh Grant".

C'est la vie!