APPOINTMENTS

ASHLEY HANSEN has been appointed area director of sales and marketing for East China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and also director of sales and marketing for Le Royal Meridien Shanghai.

BRICE PEAN has been appointed general manager of Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel Beijing.

FRHI Hotels & Resorts has appointed FOUED EL MABROUK vice-president of operations in China.

CELEBRITY GUEST

Sarah Brightman is welcomed by Daniel Pauwaert, general manager of the Regal International East Asia Hotel, Shanghai.

GREEN CELEBRATION

Hyatt on the Bund staff and guests gathered for a lion dance performance to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Traditional red packets were distributed and lucky couplets helped spread the happiness and welcome a prosperous New Year of the Horse.

SHANGRI-LA GOES TO LONDON

Hong Kong based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has announced the planned opening of the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London on May 6. The 306-meter glass-clad hotel on the South Bank of the Thames will be the group's third in Europe, following openings in Paris in 2010 and Istanbul in 2013.

CULINARY TREATS

Spring themes

China World Hotel Beijing has appointed Phillip Taylor as chef de cuisine at its Aria restaurant. He will wow guests with a spring-themed promotion starting March 1. In addition to menus featuring bamboo shoots, there will also be special cocktails featuring Absolut Elyx vodka. 010-6505 2266

Saffron specials

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street, is launching a saffron-themed food festival throughout March where chef Davide Bacchi will dazzle guests with a wide array of colorful dishes. A six-course menu is available from 688 yuan per person. 010-6601-6666

Romantic afternoon tea

Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport, is inviting lovers to a romantic afternoon tea from Valentine's Day. Sweets, petite sandwiches and a wide selection of coffees and teas for two are available from 2 pm to 6 pm every day, at 188 yuan per person plus a 15 percent service charge. 010-6450-4247

(China Daily 02/15/2014 page13)