British parliament's dining rooms aiming to get a Michelin starJanuary 15, 2018 - 18:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Britain's House of Commons will open its dining rooms to the public and step up the number of wedding receptions it hosts as part of a plan to end the taxpayer-funded subsidy on bars and restaurants used by MPs, The Daily Mail says. Officials are aiming to get a Michelin star as they cash in on the exclusive catering venues that overlook the River Thames. Sir Paul Beresford, the Tory chair of the administration committee that oversees the running of the Commons, is hoping to end all taxpayer handouts. The catering department’s losses have been halved from £6million-a-year in 2011 to £3million last year. By increasing the amount of outside business, Sir Paul believes the venues can turn a profit. Later this month, members of the public will be able to enjoy a Churchill-themed dinner where for £80-a-head where they will be able dunk bread in beef dripping candles and enjoy chocolate cigars for pudding. Reservations can also been made for lunch and dinner in the Members’ Dining Room when Parliament is not sitting, with diners invited to have a drink in the Pugin Room before or after their meal. The Commons is also looking to increase the number of civil ceremonies and wedding receptions it holds in its banqueting rooms. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |