What the papers say - May 23, 2007

Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), the pub and restaurant operator behind All Bar One and Harvester, has blamed rising mortgage rates and taxes for a slowdown in its sales growth. The company, which is in talks over a property joint venture with Robert Tchenguiz, said yesterday that although its outlets aimed at professionals and managers were prospering, those targeting a midmarket audience were faring less well - The Times​

Smokers in Brussels are trying to kick the habit more often than any other Europeans but many blame the pressures of modern life for failing, a survey of 27 countries showed yesterday - The Times​

Mitchells & Butlers, the pub and restaurant group, could return at least £1bn to shareholders from a refinancing of its property portfolio. The group, which owns All Bar One pubs, Harvester restaurants and Hollywood Bowl bowling alleys, confirmed it was exploring setting up a 50-50 joint venture on the majority of its property assets with Robert Tchenguiz, the activist shareholder, as the likely partner - The Financial Times​

A bun fight has erupted between catering supplier Inter Link Foods and McCambridge, the family-owned Irish baker that is interested in buying the troubled cakemaker. McCambridge, which emerged as a potential bidder three weeks ago, complained yesterday of the "unreasonable stance" taken by Inter Link towards its attempts to gain access to the company's bankers. Considering the high level of debt, McCambridge said it found Inter Link's position surprising and therefore it was pondering withdrawing its approach - The Financial​ Times​

Boris Johnson was accused of being insensitive and thoughtless for criticising a university anti-drinking campaign launched after a student died. Exeter University's student-run Athletic Union has banned events which encourage drinking since Gavin Britton, 18, collapsed after a pub crawl organised by a college golf society in November - Daily Mail​

Having a glass of wine could do more than enhance your food - it may preserve your memory for longer, say doctors. New research shows just one drink a day may delay dementia in those at risk from the disease because they are already having memory problems - Daily Mail​

Drinking tea is even better for you than drinking water, researchers have found. There is clear evidence that three or more cuppas a day can cut the risk of heart attacks - The Mirror​

England grabbed its highest number of awards in the International Wine Challenge yesterday. And a white sparkling wine called Greenfields 2003, made at Denbies estate in Dorking, Surrey, won gold - The Daily Express​