Whitbread's Travel Inn hotel group and TGI Friday's restaurant chain were the only leisure operators to appear in a Sunday Times survey of the 100 best companies to work for.

TGI Friday's came in at number 52, while Travel Inn was ranked 91st.

Michelle Luxford, director of human resources for Travel Inn, said: 'This is a fantastic achievement for the brand and we are delighted. Travel Inn currently employs more than 7000 people and we are constantly growing'.

For TGI Friday's, human resources director, Jenny Large, said: 'Our people are the TGI Friday's brand and we are absolutely delighted. TGI Friday's is the only brand which employs people for their personality - and we encourage them to develop that as individuals - rather than their prior skills and knowledge, for which we provide support.'

Whitbread human resources director, Angie Risley, said: 'I'm delighted we were recognised by team members at two of our brands. Travel Inn and TGI Friday's work hard to build rewarding working environments for their people, a commitment that is now paying dividends.'

Contract caterer 3663 First for Foodservice was 97th and chief executive, Fred Barnes, said: 'I am delighted so much hard work by so many people has been recognised.'

Senior human resources manager Heather Angus added: The award identifies 3663 as a first choice employer and we are absolutely delighted. It tells us that our policies are right for our work force and popular with them.'

Drinks manufacturer Bacardi-Martini was eighth in the survey. Managing director, Stella David, said: 'We're absolutely delighted about our ranking. The survey has become a benchmark for employee satisfaction and it's a real accolade.' Details: www.bestcompanies.co.uk