Ramsay's top ten
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay says he plans to open 10 new pubs in 2008.
Ramsay is due to open two more pubs this year, the Devonshire, in Chiswick, west London, and the Warrington Hotel in Maida Vale.
Ramsay, who paid an estimated £5.2m for the Warrington freehold, was speaking at a meeting promoting Gordon's Gin, after teaming up with Diageo. Gordon Ramsay Holdings operates nine London restaurants.
Positive partnership
The Orchid Group has become the first pubco to become a Red Tractor licensee.
The certification is across the contemporary carvery estate which will use Red Tractor chicken, lamb, beef and turkey.
Red Tractor food is produced by an alliance of farmers, processors, retailers and distributors who aim to maintain and raise production standards.
Orchid chief executive Rufus Hall said: "We believe Red Tractor has a major role to play in the future of British food and farming by promoting recognition of professionally-produced, assured food, and boosting the reputation of UK food production."
Road to success
The Durham Ox in Crayke, North Yorks, has been named the AA's English Pub of the Year 2007/8.
The pub has been owned by the Ibbotson family for eight years. The award for Welsh Pub of the Year went to the Glasfryn, in Mold. Judges praised the pub's unique location, and its imaginative, yet traditional, menu and wine list.
The inaugural AA Regional Food Award went to Nigel Haworth's Three Fishes in Mitton, Lancs, and the AA Wine Award was won by the Bell at Skenfrith, Wales, for its superb value, well-written tasting notes and outstanding Cognac selection.
Chef Michael Caines, of Gidleigh Park and Adbode Taverns, received the Chefs' Chef Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Albert and Michel Roux. The AA Pub Guide 2008 is out on 1 October.
Good foodies
Nigel Haworth's the Highwayman in Burrow, Lancs, has been named Pub Newcomer of the Year in the Which? Good Food Guide 2008.
Best Family Restaurant award went to the Inkin brothers' Felin Fach Griffin in Brecon, Wales. Chris Lee at the Crown in Bildeston, Suffolk, was the Up-and-Coming Chef of the Year.
The guide features more than 1,200 entries, with 150 new inclusions and 150 reader recommendations.
Meat and greet
Greene King is trialling several carvery concepts in its managed division.
One trial is being undertaken at a pub in Dunstable, Beds. The Highwayman's food offer is now branded Giant Carvery, with price points rivalling Mitchells & Butlers' blue-collar carvery offer Pub & Carvery.
The pub is selling a carvery meal for £3.50 before 5pm from Monday to Saturday. After 5pm, the price goes up to £4.50, and on Sundays the pub charges £6.50.
Perfect match
Camra has launched a beer and food cookbook. An Appetite for Ale is written by food and drink writer Fiona Beckett and her son Will, co-owner of London pubco the Underdog Group.
The book, retailing at £19.99, contains 101 recipes that include beer as an ingredient and beer-matching suggestions. Also featured are tips on choosing the best beers to complement your own dishes. Visit www.camra.org.uk for details.