Latest news with #TheViewCafe
BBC News
17-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Hiccups helps save 20 people from Rhossili Worm's Head Hotel fire
A man woken by hiccups in the night described it as a "surreal" experience to help save 20 guests from a major fire at a landmark hotel. Chef Morgan Matthews spotted the flames, woke his colleague Joe Clayfield, and the pair ran through the car park in their underwear, desperately searching for phone signal to call the fire Worm's Head Hotel, overlooking the Gower Peninsula in Rhossili, was badly damaged in the early hours on Monday. Both men said they were "just so happy" that everyone escaped safely and proud of the community's support. Mr Matthews said he had been plagued by hiccups for three days and was "being driven mad", which kept him awake and scrolling on his phone. Although he did not see any smoke or hear any noise, he spotted the fire. After waking a "frightened" Mr Clayfield, Mr Matthews said they ran out immediately to try and call the fire pair were "running around the carpark trying to find service" - they eventually got hold of them after three attempts. "Buildings can be rebuilt, you know, but human life is worth so much, so much more," Mr Matthews said."I'm sure the gravity will sink in soon enough. "I think we're staying pretty humble with it for now." Mr Clayfield, who works alongside Mr Matthews at The View Cafe in Rhossili, said he doesn't see himself as a "hero" but rather someone who was "in the right place at the right time". He called Mr Matthews "the real hero" and added: "If he hadn't been awake, I don't want to know what could have happened."When they learned everyone had escaped without injury, the pair shared a moment they'll "remember forever". Mr Clayfield said: "I was so happy. "It was just pure relief. "We just hugged each other standing there."Although grateful there were no casualties, Mr Clayfield said he "can't imagine what the family of the Wormshead are going through at the minute" and wished them the "best of luck" as they work to rebuild.
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Portland cafe says Bella robot will not replace staff
Bella carries multiple trays packed with food and drinks, deftly swerving any obstacles and delivering orders day in and day out to her is the latest recruit at The View Cafe and Bar at Portland's Heights hotel in Bella is no normal member of the waiting staff - she is a state-of-the art robot programmed to serve and even interact with the eatery's costing a little under £9,000, it is hoped it can be an economical idea, as well as a novel assistant manager Mike Deadman insists Bella - built by Chinese technology company Pudu - will not result in any job told the BBC the robot was brought in to help at busier times and to carry items others might find a struggle. "I think [Bella] will complement existing services but I certainly don't think it'll replace the human touch," he said."Our recruitment process is as active as ever and it's simply supplemented." Bella is capable of singing Happy Birthday and can respond with phrases such as "wow your hands really are warm" when 55kg (121lb) robot is also equipped with obstacle avoidance technology, meaning it can glide through the cafe speedily and Deadman was inspired to bring the technology - also trialled by Bella Italia in 2022 - to Portland after seeing it used in cafes and restaurants in other parts of the only time will tell if it will prove the future of customer service. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
