The early-'80s recession was good for good restaurants, not least because it put bad ones out of business.

Hospitality is central to the restaurant business, yet it's a hard idea to define precisely. Mostly, it involves being nice to people and making them feel welcome. You notice it when it's there, and you particularly notice it when it isn't. A single significant lapse in this area can be your dominant impression of an entire meal.

Is it OK to admit to being slightly obsessed with the TV programme 'Great British Menu?'

John Lanchester Quotes