In brief

Doune Braes hotel, the only hotel on the Scottish island of Lewis with permission to open on a Sunday afternoon to sell alcohol, is fighting a decision not to renew the licence extension. Following an appeal to the Scottish Court of Session, the Western Isles Licensing Board have been told to reconsider their decision.

The European Catering Association (GB) hopes to set up a branch in the South-west, with an inaugural meeting due to be held on 26 March in Bristol. Details from Dorothy Wright, on 01823 672971 or at Web site www.ecagb.co.uk.

Le Méridien Waldorf in Aldwych, London, has invested £1.3m in a dedicated meetings floor. It features 11 meeting rooms that will take between 10 to 26 delegates, a Le Royal Club business lounge, and private dining rooms.

Ultimate Leisure Group, the North-eastern-based bar operator, boosted pre-tax profits by 40% to £2.1m in the six months to 31 December 2000, on turnover 67% ahead at £8.3m. It opened the 995-capacity Sea nightclub in Newcastle, and has planning permission for a 1,300-capacity bar in Sunderland, which will open in the autumn.

Selective Restaurants is looking for a site in the City of London to open its third restaurant, Chapter Three. The company already owns the one-Michelin-starred Chapter One, in Locksbottom, Kent, and Chapter Two in Blackheath, London.