Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines
* Angelina Jolie and her son Pax were spotted arriving at OR Thambo airport yesterday, but the reason for the visit is not known, speculations including attending the meeting of the African Union. She was rumored to be celebrating her 40th birthday at Singita Lemombo, reports The Daily Mail. Subsequent reports have confirmed her attendance at the Africa Union meeting.
* The new Silo Hotel, being built in the grain elevators above the new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in the V & A Waterfront, is to be operated by The Royal Portfolio late next year, which also owns La Residence, Birkenhead House, and more. It has been designed by Thomas Heatherwick Studio in London. It is to have a restaurant, roof top pool, Champagne bar, a spa, and a gym. (received via media release from The Royal Portfolio).
* French members of Parliament have voted to lessen the strict controls over wine marketing in their country, to allow wine ‘informationals’, reports The Drinks Business. The focus will be on wine pairing with gastronomy!
* Heathrow has experienced its busiest month ever, with 6,3 million passengers in May, of which 131000 arrived on 31 May alone, and 130000 departed on 22 May, both record figures. Passenger numbers to China increased by 19%, by 16% to Mexico, and by 11% to Brazil.
* Brand ambassadors have been appointed for the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year competition, for which the finals will be held in Cape Town later this year. The ambassadors for our country are Alex Harnell from Gauteng, Haroon Haffajee from KwaZulu-Natal, and Bradley Jacobs from Bascule Bar in the Cape Grace. (Received via media release via Communication Services Africa)