News

Bewleys profit despite café loss

Irish coffee group Bewley’s returned to profit last year despite recording a loss of about €1.5 million at its flagship cafe in Grafton Street, Dublin. bewleys

Latest accounts for Bewley’s Ltd show it made a profit of €389,000 last year compared with a loss of €18.6 million in 2017, which was largely due to Brexit-related expenses and costs associated with the lease of its Grafton Street cafe.

Group turnover fell by 2 per cent to €147.6 million while its cost of sales declined to €74.2 million from €76.6 million previously. Other operating costs were flat at €71.9 million.

The company, which has operations in Ireland, the United States and Britain, posted an operating profit of €1.4 million, down from €2.2 million a year earlier.

Hotel manager dispute resolved

The general manager of a Sligo hotel has resolved a High Court action against his employer over an alleged flawed internal disciplinary hearing.

Earlier this month Fergal Ryan, who is the General Manager of the Clayton Hotel in Sligo, secured a temporary injunction preventing Dalata Hotel Group Plc from proceeding with the investigation into alleged misconduct.

The matter came back to court on Friday when Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds was informed that following talks the parties had come to an agreement.

As part of the settlement, it was agreed that fresh internal disciplinary proceedings in front of a new chairperson and in to the allegations against Mr Ryan will start next month.

It was further agreed that the ex-parte injunction could be vacated, that Mr Ryan was entitled to his costs of the injunction application, and the action could be struck out.

'Gems of West Cork'

The history of some of the most iconic places in West Cork are explored through the pages of a new illustrated book. mizenhead1119

'50 Gems of West Cork' by Kieran McCarthy, a local historian, author, and Cork City councillor, takes the reader through the heritage of the landscapes and seascapes of the south-western corner of Ireland.

From Bandon to Dursey Island, and from Gougane Barra to the Healy Pass, Mr McCarthy seeks out the unique heritage of each of the 50 places mapped out, providing insights into how it gives them their personality.

'Spider' for Cork Airport

Cork Airport has won the Best B2C (business-to-consumer) Campaign at last night’s 2019 Spider Awards.

The award comes for its most recent drive to increase brand awareness and maximise bookings through its digital marketing campaign Love Taking Off.

The campaign focused on a selection of the over 50 routes on offer from Cork Airport across the UK and continental Europe along with an emphasis on the key European hub airports that connect its passengers to further destinations around the globe.

Shelbourne's Inspirational Agnes Retires

Agnes Keogh will give the Shelbourne a final inspection this week as she prepares for retirement after 38 years association with Ireland’s most famous hotel. anes21119

In that time, as Director of Accommodation, she has managed two total refurbishments of the five-star property as well as setting and maintaining world-class standards in guest accommodation and public areas.

‘It is about attention to detail, sourcing only the best materials from linen, to carpets and training staff to deliver a world-class service to our guests’, she says.