The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal has announced the appointment of Mithun Payankool as its new Resident Manager, strengthening the resort's leadership team as it continues to enhance its luxury hospitality and wellness offerings.

With over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Payankool brings extensive expertise in luxury hotel operations, guest experience, revenue management, and team leadership. In his new role, he will oversee the resort's day-to-day operations while focusing on elevating guest satisfaction, driving operational excellence, and strengthening team performance.

Prior to joining The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal, Payankool served as Director of Catering Sales at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace. Over the course of his career, he has held leadership positions with leading hospitality brands including Marriott Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, ITC Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Blu, and The LaLiT Hotels. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Management and an MBA in International Business & Marketing from Dublin Business School, Ireland.

Speaking on his appointment, Payankool said he is excited to return to The LaLiT family and looks forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional guest experiences while strengthening the resort's reputation for hospitality, service excellence, and wellness. He added that he aims to further enhance the Swasthya Retreat experience by offering guests a harmonious blend of holistic well-being, rejuvenation, and authentic hospitality in the tranquil surroundings of Bekal.

Commenting on the appointment, Vivek Shukla, CEO of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, said the company is delighted to welcome Payankool back to The LaLiT family. He noted that his extensive experience in luxury hospitality, operational expertise, people-centric leadership, and commitment to guest satisfaction will help strengthen the resort's position as a premier wellness destination while upholding the group's legacy of warm Indian hospitality.

The management of The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal also welcomed Payankool and expressed confidence that his strategic vision, leadership capabilities, and guest-centric approach will contribute significantly to the resort's continued growth and success.

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group operates a portfolio of luxury hotels, palaces, and resorts across major business and leisure destinations in India, offering experiential hospitality rooted in wellness, sustainability, and authentic Indian experiences

Chinese Wok, the flagship Desi Chinese quick service restaurant (QSR) brand from Lenexis Foodworks, has expanded its presence in Kerala with the launch of its first outlet in Calicut. Located at Lulu Mall, the new restaurant marks the brand's entry into one of Kerala's fastest-growing food markets while taking its Kerala footprint to 10 outlets and its South India network to 90 stores.

The expansion forms part of Chinese Wok's strategy to strengthen its presence across high-potential Tier-II cities. Calicut's growing base of local consumers, students, working professionals, and GCC travellers, coupled with rising disposable incomes and an increasing appetite for organised dining, makes the city a strategic market for the brand.

Situated within Lulu Mall, one of Calicut's leading retail destinations, the outlet has been designed to serve shoppers, families, students, and young professionals through a convenient dine-in and takeaway format. Customers can enjoy the brand's signature menu featuring Hakka Noodles, Schezwan Noodles, Momos, Fries, and value-driven combo meals.

Commenting on the launch, Arvind R P, Chief Executive Officer, Lenexis Foodworks, said Calicut represents an important milestone in the company's South India growth strategy. He noted that the city's vibrant food culture and demand for quality, affordable meals make it an ideal market for Chinese Wok, adding that the brand remains committed to democratising Desi Chinese cuisine through a disciplined and scalable expansion approach.

The new outlet will offer dine-in, takeaway, and home delivery services, extending Chinese Wok's signature combination of flavour, affordability, and convenience to consumers in Calicut.

Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok has grown into India's largest Desi Chinese QSR brand with a network of more than 270 outlets across over 50 cities. Operated by Lenexis Foodworks, the company also manages The Momo Co. and Big Bowl as part of its expanding portfolio of quick-service restaurant brands

Ahead of World Rum Day on 11 July, Farzi Café Cyberhub is celebrating the occasion with the launch of 'Dear Delhi', a signature cocktail that pays tribute to the capital through locally inspired flavours and contemporary mixology.

Part of the restaurant's Heritage Greens cocktail collection, Dear Delhi draws inspiration from the lush landscapes of Delhi's historic Sunder Nursery, reimagining the city's green spaces through an innovative rum-based creation.

Moving beyond conventional tropical rum cocktails, the drink features a distinctive cream cheese-infused rum base layered with sweet strawberry, almond, fresh basil and a touch of citrus. The cocktail is then clarified using a coconut milk wash, resulting in a crystal-clear, silky-smooth punch that balances richness with freshness.

Designed to reflect both nostalgia and innovation, Dear Delhi showcases Farzi Café's approach to modern Indian mixology by combining unconventional techniques with flavours rooted in local identity.

Priced at ₹650, the cocktail is available exclusively at Farzi Café, Cyberhub, offering guests a unique way to celebrate World Rum Day through a drink inspired by one of Delhi's most iconic landmarks