Daily news update: our selection of food and chef news from the world's press

Motorway Pub To Open Despite Opposition

A new £1m pub opens at a motorway service station today, in the face of fierce criticism from road safety and alcohol campaigners.  Pub chain JD Wetherspoon says The Hope & Champion will be open from 4am to 1am, seven days a week.  The venue is located in the Extra Motorway Service Area at junction 2 of the M40 in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.  It is the first pub ever to be opened at a motorway service area, and will sell real ale from local and regional brewers.

Read more from Sky News

 

Italian restaurateur to open Assunta Madre in London

Italian fish restaurant Assunta Madre is to open its first new site outside of Rome.  The new restaurant will open on London's Blenheim Street in February, and is inspired by the original Roman restaurant, founded by former fisherman Johnny Micalusi where produce is caught daily from the restaurant's fishing boat, Assunta Madre, and purchased daily from the Terracina auction.  Assunta Madre on 8-10 Blenheim Street, just off New Bond Street, will seat 90 covers on the ground floor, with a private dining room in the basement capable of seating up to 30 diners.

Read more from Caterer & Hotelkeeper

 

What is bunny chow?

In Britain street food is no longer just about pies and fish and chips but a huge variety of cuisines, from Middle Eastern falafel to Argentinean empanadas. South African bunny chow is one of the latest dishes to join the rich variety on offer - but what is it?  Many people will not have heard of bunny chow. But after years on the other side of the world, it is now in Britain, found at a small number of restaurants and street food vendors.

Read more from BBC Food