The Magazine @ One Warwick Park - Issue 1

THE

M AG A Z I N E @ O N E WARWICK PARK

T H E M AG A Z I N E @ O N E WA RW I C K PA R K ISSUE 1 2016

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WELCOME

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Eleganza Contemporanea Welcome to our very special launch issue of The Magazine @ One Warwick Park. The publication celebrates our wonderful team of staff, our partners and, of course, our hotel, which is set against the delightful backdrop of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

‘Contemporary elegance’ and ‘function over design’ was our brief to designers and architects over four years ago, when we were granted permission to rebuild the hotel. At every turn and with every decision, these two phrases have informed our choices and are as valid now as they were then. Setting our standards high and refusing to compromise has ensured that we have delivered not only beautiful spaces, but ones that work and promise an experience with every visit.

As you are introduced to our senior team, you will discover a wealth of experience and passion for hospitality, which allows us to deliver a level of service rarely seen outside the best hotels in the world. Surrounding ourselves with colleagues who genuinely care about what they do and about being the best makes One Warwick Park a unique destination in the Home Counties.

Partnering with innovative and exclusive businesses gives the hotel its edge – from glittering cabinets containing very ‘royal’ jewellery, to bespoke and beautiful artwork; from cutting-edge interiors, to unique architectural solutions; and from the freshest food suppliers, to the connoisseurs bringing you wines from around the globe.

To all of you, we thank you!

Whether you read the inaugural edition from cover to cover, or simply flick through the pages and admire the images, we welcome you to One Warwick Park and invite you to join us on our magical journey.

Best wishes,

Louise Clark MANAGING DIRECTOR MARKERSTUDY LEISURE

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CONTENTS 49

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THE HISTORY Find out the fascinating story behind the hotel THE TIMELINE How OWP came to be after six years in the making THE DEVELOPMENT We reveal how the building went from render to reality THE ROOMS Sleep in supreme style in one of these living spaces

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THE SUITE There’s plenty of room in the stunning Townhouse THE DINING Whet your appetite at our tantalising bars and eateries THE MENUS Here’s a selection of delicious dishes that aren’t to be missed THE EVENTS Experience a day in the life of a wedding co-ordinator

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THE TALES Hotel industry stories and memories from OWP staff THE TEAM Get to know some friendly faces during your stay here THE PRODUCTS Stylish finishing touches from top brands and labels THE STYLE Designer Nicole Manier makes our uniforms shine

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EDITOR Frederick Latty flatty@markerstudy.com HEAD OF DESIGN Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@markerstudy.com PUBLISHING DESIGN MANAGER Xela Ruy xruy@markerstudy.com DESIGN Amelia Giddings agiddings@markerstudy.com PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Natalia Bedwell nbedwell@markerstudy.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Anna Hawkins ahawkins@markerstudy.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com

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THE SERVICE Just what goes into the perfect guest experience?

THE SETTING Head out and about and explore Tunbridge Wells THE SUPPLIERS From sparkling Champagne to award-winning ice cream THE INTERVIEW We chat with Temple Spa founder Liz Warom

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COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Nick Moore nmoore@markerstudy.com

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CONTRIBUTORS Craig Matthews, Eileen Leahy, Richard Gooding, Agatha O’Neill THE DESIGN Interior designer Melanie Ellis discusses the OWP look THE ART Melanie Berman brings our walls imaginatively to life THE CONTACTS All the names, numbers and details you’ll need to know

one media and creative uk ltd

ONE MEDIA AND CREATIVE UK LTD 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU +44 (0)1892 779 650 • www.one-media.co The Magazine @ One Warwick Park is owned and published/distributed by One Media and Creative UK Ltd. All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher. All prices are correct at the time of going to print. Neither the publisher nor the owner can accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher or owner. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

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 H I S TO RY

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Dating back to 1606 with the discovery of the Chalybeate Spring, Tunbridge Wells is awash with history and has its fair share of stories to tell. Before it became One Warwick Park, the site on which you now stand had many different incarnations – read on to find out how it’s changed

Photography by Craig Matthews

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ith its beautiful façade, One Warwick Park hints at a fascinating history. The hotel was built in 1900 for wine merchants Pugh and Company, evidenced by the relief of Bacchus, the god of wine, on the front of the building.

The site fell vacant in 1967, but by 1969 had been occupied by toy manufacturers Subbuteo, before its next inhabitants, the South East England Tourist Board, named it The Old Brew House, in reference to its past.

Two centuries earlier, the location had been established as King Charles’ School in 1698. Children were taught in the ante gallery of the Chapel of Ease, the first permanent building in Tunbridge Wells, which later became the Church of King Charles the Martyr.

The charity schools movement of the time created a number of establishments across the country to remedy the failure of the state to offer education for children of the poor.

These schools provided learning for the offspring of artisans and shopkeepers, and when the need for clerks rose with the world of commerce expanding, many former pupils took up the posts.

The Rev WL Pope and others, aided by voluntary contributions and a £40 grant, bought the present spot and, in 1848, built what became known as the Old School House for boys.

When the school closed, the building was sold and converted

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H I S TO RY

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into a dance club. In order to create a dark and intimate atmosphere, the windows were bricked up and dim, artificial lighting was used to replace the natural light that had so delighted masters and pupils over the years.

The property, in Cumberland Walk, later housed Graceland Chinese restaurant, which closed in winter 2007.

Fast-forward to 2013, when the former Brew House hotel closed its doors to begin a multi-million pound rebuild, restoration and refurbishment programme. The hotel underwent a significant extension, helping revitalise Chapel Place and Cumberland Walk; by increasing from 15 bedrooms to 39, Tunbridge Wells was to be given some much-needed accommodation, reflecting the area as one of Kent’s most popular destinations.

Between 2013 and 2016, time has been spent completing an engineering and design challenge.

Working closely with planners and Conservative officers at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, we ensured the exterior of One Warwick Park reflected the traditional architecture of this important area of the town.

Now, more than three centuries after its original construction, the historic landmark has been given a new lease of life. We’re honoured to introduce you to the contemporary elegance and functional design of One Warwick Park Hotel – the town’s latest architectural and style triumph, and a luxury experience like no other that’s not to be missed. 

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 TIMELINE

TIMELINE OF EVENTS JUNE 2013 The Brew House Hotel closes its doors

NOVEMBER 2013 Excavation starts to the rear of the site, where more than two Olympic swimming pools’ worth of hard-core and rubble are removed

MARCH 2014 The test bedroom is complete and fully tested over five nights

2013 Planning permission granted

JULY 2013 Building work commences, former offices are pulled down and the site is cleared

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JANUARY 2014 The new hotel name, One Warwick Park Hotel, is born

JUNE 2014 The bedroom design is rolled out to the remaining 38 bedrooms

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TIMELINE

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As a project that’s been more than three years in the making, One Warwick Park has undoubtedly been a long time coming. With the wait finally at an end, we open our doors to guests and reveal some of the key dates, landmarks and events that have marked this extraordinary development’s journey, from conception to completion

DECEMBER 2014 The tunnel link connects under Cumberland Walk

OCTOBER 2015 The hotel recovers from flash floods

NOVEMBER 2015 The official topping out ceremony takes place

JANUARY 2016 The One Warwick Park recruitment drive begins

FEBRUARY 2016 The glass Atrium roof is fitted, completing the new build development

JULY 2016 One Warwick Park welcomes its first guests

MAY 2016 The staff induction training begins

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DEVELOPMENT

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RENDER TO REALITY

The design and build of One Warwick Park has been a labour of love for all involved. We hear from contractors BJ Babb and architects HMY and KTB about the early design concepts, construction work and finishing touches that went into creating the hotel’s stunning new look, style, tone and feel

Brian Babb Managing Director, BJ Babb www.bjbabb.co.uk

TELL US HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED WITH ONE WARWICK PARK I was introduced to the group when they were looking to convert The Old School House from where the Chinese Elvis performed to a proper function room.

From those modest beginnings six years ago, we’ve taken on many varied projects.

IN WHAT WAYS DID YOU HELP BRING THE HOTEL TO LIFE? We were acting as the main contractor, bringing our directly employed staff to work with many specialist sub-contractors. However, appeasing the neighbours, planners, local council and highways forms part of a complicated project like One Warwick Park.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME ANY OBSTACLES DURING CONSTRUCTION? The main challenge was that the site was landlocked and you couldn’t get a decent-sized vehicle near it.

We had to demolish the old buildings and remove the debris gradually. We needed to plant a crane in the middle of the site to get all the materials in and all the excavated soil out.

DID YOU WORK CLOSELY WITH THE OTHER ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS? BJ Babb has always enjoyed a positive and close working relationship with them. We all know that there’s no such thing as problems, only opportunities.

They must get fed up with hearing that, but we all embrace it.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE GUESTS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THE OVERALL LOOK OF THE BUILDING? I know the guests will appreciate how the high level of design meets an equally high level of workmanship, and like to think we’ve all achieved our goal and will continue to do so.

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 DEVELOPMENT

Darren Furniss Architect Associate, KTB Architecture www.ktbarchitecture.com

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THIS PROJECT? We were approached by Envy London to assist in looking at some of the more architectural internal finishes. What started as an initial discussion on interior palettes led to a series of design workshops, and ultimately us looking at the full interior concept with the project team.

TALK US THROUGH YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES We initially worked to create a brief for the interior – words and images – focusing on the public areas through the scheme. From this, we developed a series of sketches and concept drawings for all the key spaces, which, through a series of discussions with the team, we developed into a full sketch concept.

DID YOU COME UP AGAINST MANY CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY? From the onset, a big challenge for the design was how to draw together a series of buildings and spaces that previously weren’t connected, and to some degree still stand alone. This was overcome

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through a rigorous set of sketch ideas and trying to get a clear concept and set of materials that tie everything together.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH THE OTHER DESIGNERS? HMY has been incredibly accommodating and a pleasure to work with – I think the design is far better because of our collaboration. Likewise, Envy London has been open to another designer’s involvement and suggestions. Working together on the look and feel of the spaces at an early stage was invaluable.

NOW THAT THE HOTEL IS OPEN, WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU THINK IT WILL MAKE? I think we’ve created some great spaces, and hopefully some that really surprise and delight visitors. This project is about maximising the potential of each and every area. My other hope is that the client is equally surprised and delighted by the build, and that we’ve managed to accommodate the demands of a modern hotel within the look and feel we developed together.

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DEVELOPMENT

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Belinda Tonelli Project Architect, HazleMcCormackYoung LLP Chartered Architects www.hmy.uk.com

WHAT WAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH ONE WARWICK PARK? We were initially appointed to convert the Grade II-listed School House into a Function Room for the existing hotel in February 2009. This conversion exposed the magnificent timber roof trusses into a spectacular dining and wedding venue.

HOW DID YOU CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE OVERALL LOOK? HMY has been involved in this project from the original design proposals in 2010, the subsequent planning/listed building and conditions applications and the construction drawings. We’ve worked closely with the construction team prior to commencement onsite and throughout the construction period. Our principal role was to fully co-ordinate, manage, detail and issue all the construction drawings to the main contractor for implementation.

TELL US ABOUT WORKING WITH THE OTHER DESIGNERS INVOLVED We worked closely with these consultants and the client to provide a detailed package for the hotel. The external design palette of materials complements the internal finishes. The external brickwork, selected to match the listed School House, is used internally in the new Function Room bar. The copper cladding and dark grey window frames work well with the internal ash panelling, and

the limestone flooring, which runs through the public areas of the hotel, is continued externally onto the terrace and steps along Cumberland Walk.

GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF HOW YOU OVERCAME A CHALLENGE DURING PRODUCTION The design for the building was very complex, with the split levels across the centre of the site and no area of the building being the same or repetitive, due to the site boundaries with existing listed buildings, neighbouring garden retaining walls and the multiple basements. This meant that all the bedrooms had to be bespoke. Six separate lifts have been installed for service access and guests, and the guest lifts have nine stopping stations.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK OWP WILL MAKE ITS MARK ON TUNBRIDGE WELLS? This project represents a significant investment within this part of the town, providing a much needed quality hotel and wedding venue within the most historical part of the area. It enhances the streetscape and brings life to the area, while respecting the neighbouring residential properties.

It’s hoped that guests and visitors will recognise that contemporary design and historical buildings can work together to produce spaces and structures that are interesting, attractive and practical, and that their visit will be memorable.

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BEDROOMS

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SUMPTUOUS SUITES

A good night’s rest in a calming, comfortable and cosy room or suite is of the utmost importance for any visit to One Warwick Park. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be in the lap of luxury and want for nothing – join us as we take you on a guided tour of the breath-taking spaces around the hotel, and reveal your new home away from home 

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 BEDROOMS

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icture yourself waking up in the historic heart of Tunbridge Wells, following a blissful night’s sleep in your very own luxury room or suite. Housed in the main hotel building and neighbouring Townhouse, our 39-bedroom offering brings contemporary elegance together with functional design, pairing supreme tranquillity with lavish surroundings. When you stay at One Warwick Park, you can be certain of a beautiful,

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individually-styled room. Our bedrooms have been developed with luxury in mind, with comprehensive thought given to the requirements of our guests.

No two rooms are identical, but patrons can be assured of attention to detail in each space, irrespective of size or location.

Every room encompasses a full suite of bespoke furniture, including a wardrobe, hospitality unit, dressing table/desk, dining table, two comfortable chairs and bedside tables. Clients will also enjoy luxurious Temple Spa toiletries,

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BEDROOMS

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A CLASSIC COMBINATION OF NEUTRAL TONES, LUXURIOUS, HEAVY, HANDMADE CURTAINS, BESPOKE WALNUT FURNITURE AND CUSTOM-MADE FURNISHINGS ADD A SENSE OF EXTRAVAGANCE complimentary refreshments on arrival, and a king or super-king Hypnos bed, in addition to locally hand-finished furnishings, a large flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Elsewhere, traditional period features can be found in our suites, while The Townhouse rooms deliver opulence in a modish and modern manner.

The hotel’s sleeping quarters and suites focus on comfort, with no detail of the customer experience overlooked, whether it’s lighting, linen, or intuitive power-point positioning. Each area is individually styled, and a variety of room types will appeal to

a wide range of clientele, from business travellers, to honeymooners and families.

Our Club, Executive and Deluxe rooms are decorated with a classic combination of neutral tones, luxurious, heavy handmade curtains, bespoke walnut furniture and custom-made furnishings, adding a sense of extravagance to each of our bespoke lodgings.

Club rooms may be smaller in size, but each boasts the same well-appointed fixtures and fittings as our Executive and Deluxe spaces. Deluxe rooms provide 

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BEDROOMS

extra floor space, along with exceptional design features, such as a private balcony terrace, traditional sash windows or double aspect windows.

Two Junior Suites come with a private corridor entrance overlooking the striking, modern glass Atrium, alongside traditional period architecture in the cornicing, coving and ceiling rose in the main bedroom areas.

Visitors can enjoy ample amounts of floor space, which includes a comfortable seating area in front of a reinstated fireplace, luxury bar, study

and dressing room area. Each of the immaculately finished bathrooms comprises a large walk-in shower with monsoon rain shower, bath and double vanity unit, plus generous Temple Spa amenities.

You might be staying with us for a week-long getaway, indulging in a weekend break, or simply joining us for a one-off evening or special occasion – however long you’re here, you can rest assured you’ll sleep in comfort, class and style in the hub of our royal spa town. 

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 SUITE

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SUITES

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THE SUITE LIFE Only a stone’s throw from the main hotel, our unique Townhouse offers five stylish, contemporary bedrooms.

With your own secure front door, the space is ideal for short or long stays, and perfect for small groups and parties wanting rooms located close together. Three Club rooms and two Executive rooms help create luxury for every guest, plus you can even enjoy a luxury ‘picnic basket’ breakfast and will have access to all of the services from the main hotel.

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DINING

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DINE IN STYLE Whether you’re joining us for an after-work cocktail, indulgent afternoon tea or extravagant three-course meal, One Warwick Park has plenty of dining options and spaces to whet your appetite. Read on to find out where you can enjoy the finest food and drink in stylish, contemporary settings 

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 DINING

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n exquisite dining experience is an integral part of any hotel stay, and One Warwick Park is no exception; with a choice of eateries to suit all tastes and palates, it’s a real food lover’s paradise. Under the guidance of executive head chef Marco Goldin, who uses the freshest produce and ingredients, our modern dishes will delight and surprise with each and every mouthful.

Wherever you choose to pull up a chair, you’ll find delicious delicacies in abundance during your stay. Attention to detail is paramount at L’Amore, where an imaginative Italian menu is available from morning until night. Alternatively, why not relax in The Terrace with a refreshing glass of wine, or a selection of lighter dishes and afternoon treats?

Elsewhere, the light and elegant surroundings of The Atrium and The Lounge Bar are perfect for afternoon tea. Whatever you fancy, there’s sure to be something to tantalise your taste buds and take you on an unforgettable gourmet journey. To help you make the right choice, here’s our guide to the hotel’s restaurants and bars, where you can savour flavours that will tempt and charm…

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ROOMS

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L’AMORE With a sophisticated interior incorporating a visually stunning double-height Atrium, the creative concept at the 75-cover L’Amore is driven by executive head chef Marco Goldin’s Italian flair and penchant for excellence.

Using the freshest, simplest and best ingredients, L’Amore reinterprets Mediterranean small plate dining, reaching its full epicurean potential and offering a new culinary experience in Tunbridge Wells.

THE TERRACE Relax and unwind in the light and atmospheric Terrace.

Here, you can sample the juice of the day, or let us recommend a wonderful wine to accompany your meal. On warmer days, guests can even dine al fresco and watch the world go by. Lighter bites, snacks and treats are available from morning until late, and The Terrace can also be booked exclusively for private parties and chef’s table events.

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THE ATRIUM At One Warwick Park, this traditional favourite takes place in the heart of the hotel, beneath the beautiful double-height glass Atrium, a space filled with light and vitality. Delight in a glass of fizz or a cup of English tea, while our highly skilled pastry chefs deliver a sumptuous and visually stunning afternoon treat – perfect for two, or larger parties and groups.

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 DINING

THE LOUNGE BAR Located in the original part of the building, The Lounge Bar forms part of the hub of the hotel. Relax over a drink with friends, an after-work glass of Louis Roederer Champagne, or a pre-dinner cocktail. Our choice of tipples has been selected with our guests in mind, complementing the chic sophistication of this fashionable space. 

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FOOD

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ON THE MENU Whether you’re in the mood for some imaginative Italian in L’Amore, or fancy treating yourself to afternoon tea in The Atrium or The Lounge Bar, our extensive and varied menus offer something for everyone. Here’s just a taste of what you can expect when you dine with us at One Warwick Park

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 FOOD

Here’s a selection of dishes from our menus…

Large ribbon pasta with rabbit and olive white sauce Potato dumpling, butter, Parmesan and summer black truffle Risotto with nettles, prawns and brown Dorset crab meat Lobster tagliolini (lobster off the shell) Veal rib eye Milanese style (pan-fried veal) Beef T-bone Fiorentina style Beef tagliata, Parmesan, caramelised datterino tomatoes and balsamic dressing salad Hake in crepinet ‘cartoccio’ sea and land salad Monkfish tail ‘gin and lemon’, black and silver risotto Lemon sole, lemon butter sauce and baby capers

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 EVENTS

THE PERFECT SETTING If you and your partner are looking for the ideal place to tie the knot, or you want to plan an unforgettable event, One Warwick Park has the space and requirements to suit your needs. To give you an idea of what to expect, we hear about an average day in the life of an OWP wedding planner

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ne Warwick Park offers not only an outstanding backdrop for both a wedding ceremony and reception, but also a team of highly skilled events professionals, who are able to create a truly bespoke experience for our brides and grooms-to-be.

Accustomed to working in high-pressure

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environments, your very own dedicated wedding co-ordinator will offer professional advice, as well as share trusted suppliers and insider information. With wedding season fast approaching, One Warwick Park wedding co-ordinator Christie Timmins talks about how guests’ expectations will be exceeded and the day itself utterly seamless...

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EVENTS

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A WEDDING PLANNER Arriving at the hotel four hours before the wedding ceremony is due to take place ensures a successful day ahead. On arrival, I always greet the bride, who’s usually at the hotel early with our highly recommended hair and makeup suppliers. My presence usually reassures them; however, very recently, one bride burst into tears, which wasn’t the reaction I was expecting!

The food and beverage team is also on hand to offer our house Champagne, Louis Roederer, and calm any pre-ceremony nerves. Often acting as a go-between for the bride and groom, I make sure flowers, buttonholes and gifts are distributed to the right people, offering a helping hand where possible.

Communication with colleagues is imperative to ensure a smooth, slick service, so the staff are briefed in the morning to make sure all bride and groom expectations are exceeded. Keeping excellent relationships with our suppliers is very important to us too, so I always endeavour to check in with them while they visit during the day.

My favourite part of the wedding itself is the ceremony. I usually find the groom is the more nervous one, often frequenting the bar beforehand! Collecting the bride and her father before walking down the aisle really captures the essence of what being a wedding

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planner is all about, and is a really lovely moment.

With the guests enjoying the drinks reception and the bride and groom spending time with their photographer, I use this time to make sure the wedding breakfast is set up perfectly – lighting every candle and making sure all decorations, post boxes and place names are set up.

Once the wedding breakfast begins and most of the formalities are over, I hand over to the food and beverage team, who provide an outstanding service to our wedding guests. With a bespoke menu created by our executive head chef Marco Goldin, accompanied by our hand-selected wines, we aspire to create an unforgettable day for our new happy couple.

The speeches follow the wedding breakfast, which is a welcome injection of humour after the formalities.

The best man’s speech is another personal highlight – getting to know your clients even better than you did already! Following this, the evening guests arrive to watch the cake cutting, which is created in-house by our head pastry chef.

After the evening reception, when their special day is coming to a close, the bride and groom can relax and enjoy their One Warwick Park Honeymoon Suite for the evening, with their own private balcony overlooking the Tunbridge Wells Pantiles. At this point, I can relax after a day of hard work and toast to another successful wedding.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WEDDINGS AND EVENTS AT ONE WARWICK PARK, CALL 01892 520 587, EMAIL INFO@ONEWARWICKPARK.CO.UK OR VISIT WWW.ONEWARWICKPARK.CO.UK/EVENTS

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H OT E L S TO R I E S

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I F WA L L S C O U L D TA L K …

Over the years, our team has encountered a multitude of colourful characters and bared witness to more than its fair share of scandalous acts and hilarious incidents. For a taste of the stories we could tell, here are some of our favourite memories and encounters

Inexplicably, hotels inevitably lead guests to behave in a way that they wouldn’t dream of in their homes, or indeed their hometowns. If our walls could talk, they’d have some stories to tell! We couldn’t possibly comment on where and when incidents such as these have taken place, but suffice to say, we wish we’d written them all down at the time!

Throughout our time in the hotel trade, we’ve seen it all...

The 21st birthday guest who drank so much that the party was closed down by 10.30pm!

The groom who changed his rooming list every day in the lead-up to the wedding.

The bride who charged her guests more than the rate for the room to ‘make some money back on her wedding.

The randomly broken sinks, mirrors, beds and shower doors – best not to ask!

The bride who wanted radiators painted, as they didn’t match her colour scheme.

The over-amorous hen party that got a little too friendly with local lads – and was the bride involved? Remember that discretion!

The gentleman traveller booking a room for an afternoon to ‘rest’ between meetings.

The naked sleepwalker locked out of his bedroom –

we wonder who checked that CCTV footage? A note to sleepwalking hotel guests – wear PJs! The safe that was stolen from an office as it wasn’t bolted down – you almost couldn’t write it!

The gentleman guest trying to show off to his friends, ordering top-shelf whiskey at £350 for a single! His pale face and wobbly bottom lip when presented with his bill!

The ‘it must have been housekeeping’ who spilled that red wine ordered by a single business traveller.

The ‘do you know who I am?’ guest – of course we do, madam, and we won’t forget!

The guest arriving with a lady of the night and who was always gone within a couple of hours!

And of course, never forgetting our mystery shoppers and hotel inspectors – watch out for the random room service order, the dropped cutlery at dinner, the overzealous questioning and the magic white gloves checking for dust!

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 INTERIORS

MEET THE TEAM A hotel is only as good as the team behind it – luckily for us, our talented staff bring a standard of professionalism that ensures each and every guest enjoys an unforgettable stay. We introduce some key members of the One Warwick Park family to find out what makes them all tick and how they put their own unque stamps on our service

BRYONY ENGLAND FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

How did your career in hospitality begin?

I started at The Brew House Hotel back in 2012 as a receptionist and absolutely loved working in hospitality. I decided I wanted to make a career for myself in this industry and haven’t looked back!

What are your main front of house responsibilities?

To ensure all our guests are receiving five-star customer service and a smooth operation from a front of house perspective, that my staff are well-trained and prepared for upcoming events, and to generally make sure OWP is a success.

In what ways does your role at OWP differ from that of The Brew House and Salomons Estate?

As soon as I found out The Brew House Hotel would be closing for refurbishment and Salomons was to be my new home, I always hoped I would be able to come back to where it all started. This role differs from previous experiences because I’m now responsible for a

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much larger group of staff at a very prestigious, high-end, luxury hotel, and I’m very much looking forward to taking on this challenge.

You must need a keen eye for detail and impeccable standards to excel in your position…

I’ve always been a real stickler for detail, and I think the small, finite things are just as important as the larger, more obvious aspects of the hotel for a guest to have a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable stay.

Finally, what’s your favourite part of your job?

I know it’s very cliché to say that every day is different, but it really is! I love getting to meet new guests and be a part of their lives for a brief while – I think that’s fantastic. My hope for OWP is for us to be the best hotel outside of London. I want it to bring people from all over the world, because the quality of service you receive, from the warm welcome on reception, to the waiter taking your order, to even passing housekeeping in the corridor, will all be second to none and ensure our guests have the most fantastic experience.

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MELISSA BROOKER

GROUP EVENTS MANAGER Where did your OWP journey start?

I’ve always worked in Tunbridge Wells. After graduating from university, I started work in retail at a local boutique.

In 2010, I was offered an opportunity at The Brew House Hotel, where I started in a junior position doing administration, and very quickly showed a keen interest in the hotel’s events. This then started my fantastic career in events management.

Tell us about your role at the hotel As group events manager, it’s my responsibility to ensure that all events are organised, planned and delivered with excellence, providing quality customer service and always exceeding our guests’ expectations.

What kinds of events will be available?

We’ll be offering a variety of events at OWP, including private dinners, conferencing, celebration parties, weddings and much more. The hotel has some fantastic spaces that are perfect to hold an array of events, and each space

has something different to offer, allowing us to provide something uniquely special to our customers.

How do you ensure guests’ expectations are exceeded with each occasion?

At OWP, it’s our aim to ensure all customers have the very best experience; we offer a complete luxury package when holding their event here with us. We have our dedicated event and wedding planner, who will be there every step of the way, advising and tailoring the experience to ensure all the important little details and extras are put together perfectly to make each event truly unforgettable.

Tell us some of the highlights of your job What I enjoy most about my role is the range of events we can create across the Markerstudy Leisure sites, and being part of such an exciting project as OWP. I’ve learned that no two events are ever the same, which ensures that there’s always an exciting challenge ahead. At OWP, I hope to offer the very best venue with complete luxury, as well as a variety of regular events for all our customers to enjoy.

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 MEET THE TEAM

FRANCK BELLAVOINE

MARCO GOLDIN

What’s your background?

My career has always been in catering. After I left school in France, I went on to study at the illustrious catering school in Paris, École Hôtelière de Paris, for five years, which led to working in two Michelin-starred restaurants in the city. I then moved to London to take up an amazing job opportunity in Sketch, working under chef Pierre Gagnaire. From there, I worked in a number of high-end restaurants in the West End, such as Bluebird on King’s Road, Taman Gang on Park Lane, Pasha in South Kensington and Daylesford Organic, owned by Lady Bamford.

Fill us in on your background as a chef I started my career over 30 years ago, helping my grandmother make homemade ravioli from scratch. I attended hotel school and then went on to college. During these years, I worked from the ground up in some of the best hotels and restaurants in Venice, before moving to Paris, where I worked in three Michelin-starred restaurants. As the years went by, I continued growing my experience travelling the world, and while I was bringing the Italian flair, I also learned from different cultures across the world, tasting and experimenting with different foods, from the Caribbean to the Far East, all the way to Malaysia.

EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF

FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER

Talk us through your responsibilities at OWP As food and beverage manager, I’m in charge of the delivery of consistently high standards of customer service and quality of food and drink, in all aspects of catering at the hotel and restaurant. On a day-to-day basis, I’ll be ensuring that the communication and organisation between the kitchen and service team, as well as all other departments, is smooth and professional in order to give our guests the best possible experience.

Do you work closely with executive chef Marco Goldin?

It’s fairly simple here – Marco and I clicked as soon as we met! We both have many years of experience in the high-end catering industry, and are both extremely passionate about what we do.

We work very closely together to ensure we’re delivering the best dining experience that can be found in Tunbridge Wells.

How do you juggle all the different elements of the hotel’s food and beverage offering?

I have a trusted and well-trained F&B team, capable of dealing with the pressures that a high-standard hotel and restaurant can bring, and anticipating and satisfying any and every need of our guests. I strive to apply my knowledge and expertise gained throughout my career to the staff, so that, together, we can offer an incredible experience in all facets of OWP.

In what ways does OWP’s food and beverage offering set itself apart?

By using a mix of quality local and artisanal French and Italian produce, all cooked and prepared in a traditional Italian style, and combined with a British style of service, where the customer experience will always come first.

I believe we can pioneer a unique, exclusive and rare dining experience, never before seen in the local area.

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What about the hotel’s L’Amore restaurant appealed to you?

I’m really eager to put forward a truly high-quality and seasonal dining experience; diners can only expect an authentic Italian journey by food. It’s all about taking a bite and allowing the burst of flavours to transport you to the places, the culture and the love of food.

Talk us through how your menus come together It’s all about simplicity and letting the ingredients and combinations of ingredients speak for themselves. It’s about picking the right ingredient and infusing it with the right skillset, experience and technology. Produce will be very seasonal, meats properly aged to deliver the best flavours and tenderness, and bespoke sausages made hand in hand with a local butcher.

ROLAND GAL GROUP HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER Tell us your background I’m originally from Hungary and have a background in project management. Ever since I came to the UK, I’ve always been in hospitality.

From a linen porter, I stepped up the ladder to reach where I am today and love what I do.

And your day-to-day role?

My job is to ensure that the hotel presents itself at its best in terms of appearance and standards, so that both internal and external guests leave the premises happy. I maintain a

How has your Italian heritage and travels influenced your cooking style throughout your career?

My background and overseas experience is part of my cooking style today. It’s about presenting an appealing menu full of flavours and flair. The concept is great and I believe the flavours will come through, as well as my passion for food and the quality of the ingredients.

Who or what have been the biggest influences on your career to date?

Some of my grandmother’s recipes come with me everywhere, as well as my mother’s.

More professionally, Ferran Adrià, Gualtiero Marchesi and Paul Bocuse are my idols and inspirations. More locally, Marco Pierre White and Heston Blumenthal – we all share the crazy passion for food!

good synergy between front office and housekeeping.

How do you go about creating a home from home for visitors?

I firmly believe that all hotels are buildings, and it’s the team, hospitality and comfort you provide that makes the difference. I believe in teaching the team how to care and look after our guests.

You previously worked for the Hilton Group – how has this influenced your role at OWP? I had a wonderful time at the Hilton hotels and

learned a lot in terms of dealing with people, from team members to suppliers and customers. I had the fantastic opportunity to work with really influencial managers, who showed me how to be an effective leader of an essential team of a hotel. I’ve performed various difficult projects and grown as a complete housekeeper.

What are your hopes for the future of the hotel?

I’m very excited about the opportunity, and I’m sure that, with my experience, knowledge and passion, I can make the hotel and the team reach their goals.

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 INTERIORS

FINISHING With each and every stay at One Warwick Park, you’ll be delighted by the care and attention to detail that has gone into creating our fabulous rooms and spaces.

Libra pots, £100 “Designers, importers and wholesalers of a diverse collection of accessories, homewares and wall decor.” www.thelibracompany.co.uk

Zinc Textile Moonraker cushion – mineral, £110 “A stunning range of designer, contemporary fabrics at affordable prices.” www.zinctextile.com

Rochester sofa, £3,152, and console table and coffee table, £POA “Fabulous furniture made bespoke and covered in my choice of fabrics.” www.thesofaandchair.co.uk

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INTERIORS

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TO U C H E S We take a snapshot of our Snug area and hear from designer Melanie Ellis about some of the top finishes and furnishings on display and the impact they create

Bellissimo polished plaster walls, £POA “Artistic, stunning and different wall treatments throughout the hotel.” www.bellissimo-walls.co.uk

Eichholtz Floor Lamp Sterlington, £595 “Based in the Netherlands, Eichholtz is great for large pieces of art, sculpture and lighting.” www.eichholtz.com

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 STYLE

TRADITIONAL QUALITIES WITH A CONTEMPORARY FEEL One of the first things guests tend to notice when they enter a hotel is the staff, who should always be impeccably dressed in order to make an impact. For One Warwick Park’s uniforms, we worked with couture designer Nicole Manier, who tells us about the creative process behind our team’s attire and bringing their overall look to life TELL US YOUR BACKGROUND AND WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A COUTURE DESIGNER I was born and raised in the South West of France, where I grew up with my family. At that time, it would be fair to say I was more of a tomboy and heavily influenced by my two brothers. However, I always remember thinking how stylish and sophisticated my grandmother was. I moved to London in my early 20s to learn English and in search of a more exciting life.

WHERE DID YOUR LOVE OF DESIGN COME FROM? I’ve always had a passion for design. At the age of 10, I was already forecasting the couture trends for the next season – and usually getting them right. I never stopped designing, thinking and learning about fashion, and being in London during the ‘60s gave me opportunities to express myself in different ways, as the English fashion scene was very different and very exciting.

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HOW DID YOU COME TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE ONE WARWICK PARK UNIFORMS? One of my couture clients recommended me to a person involved with this project. I was introduced to the team dealing with the uniforms for OWP and immediately said yes, because I found it very exciting.

FROM WHERE DID YOU SOURCE YOUR INSPIRATION? For this project, I needed to understand the feel of the interior, the architecture and the level of service offered by the hotel. Armed with all of this, I went in search of fabrics from English mills, so that I could provide traditional qualities with a contemporary feel.

WHEN IT COMES TO UNIFORM DESIGN, WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS YOU LOOK FOR? Uniforms must serve many purposes, particularly in a hotel. One must consider style, comfort and durability, while offering a unique look.

WHAT WAS THE DESIGN PROCESS LIKE? It can often be complicated, but the team at OWP was very focused and loved the ideas I presented.

We started work on this project last year to ensure we achieved the right feel for the hotel. After presenting four looks through mood boards, we narrowed it down to two concepts, before agreeing on one specific look. The final designs were trialled to ensure proportions and details were correct.

AND WHAT WAS THE END RESULT? We selected a navy blue, 100% Merino English wool suiting fabric. The jackets are single-breasted and trousers slim, while the women’s suits are sober and elegant. These are teamed with white, pure cotton shirts in a herringbone weave. We chose gold as the accent colour for the knitted ties, scarves and pockets squares. Detail is important to the overall look, which is contemporary, but understated.

To find out more about Nicole Manier, visit www.nicolemanier.com 

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 S E RV I C E

TO SERVE TAKES DIGNITY AND INTELLIGENCE Here at One Warwick Park, we pride ourselves on all aspects of our guests’ experiences during their stays. Much of this comes down to the impeccable levels of service we employ, as our team consistently goes above and beyond with each and every visit. MD Louise Clark explains more about our philosophy of hospitality

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A

S E RV I C E

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t OWP, we believe in keeping it simple and doing it with excellence, every single time.

Leonardo da Vinci said that ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’. This couldn’t be truer with the philosophy for service at the hotel, which is simple and sophisticated so that it almost goes unnoticed by the guest; they’ll just remember a lovely experience that’s professional, discrete, but with just the right amount of friendliness and familiarity where it’s deemed appropriate.

OWP is about providing something different; an experience in a consistently professional, yet discerning manner. Every part of it has been thought through, and there’s a reason behind everything you see. We’ve created a business that’s not only beautifully designed and flawlessly styled, but one that also allows for a seamless operation.

We’ve carefully selected colleagues who we feel really care about what they do, are proud of their work, their appearance and genuinely want to enhance every aspect of our guests’ experience.

To help us do that, as professionally as we can, we pride ourselves on the high-quality individuals in our team, who are all keen to do their best.

If you don’t notice your plate being cleared, your glass being refilled or even the door being opened for you, then we’ve got it just about right – consistent, subtle, streamlined and always with a genuine smile.

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OUT & ABOUT

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WONDERS of the

WELLS

During your stay, why not make the most of Tunbridge Wells by heading to The Pantiles, High Street or Chapel Place? Each of these picture-perfect settings has loads to see and do, so what are you waiting for? Read on to find out how your visit could be an even more memorable experience

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 OUT & ABOUT

F

Photography by Craig Matthews

rom the moment you check in at One Warwick Park, you’ll have a wealth of shopping opportunities available right on your doorstep. From high-end fashion brands and majestic jewellers, to award-winning hair salons and boutique art galleries, there really is something for everyone that will suit all tastes and budgets.

Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll down the idyllic High Street, perusing the shops in Chapel Place, or enjoying an afternoon out on the picturesque Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells is alive and buzzing with plenty of retail hotspots, bustling farmers’ markets and popular events that aren’t to be missed.

Right outside the hotel is Chapel Place, an attractive mix of small, independent stores and boutiques. Here, you’ll find garden and homeware outlets Le Petit Jardin and Olive & the Fox, both of which purvey a terrific range of lighting, furniture and homeware accessories for indoor and outdoor living.

For fashionistas, Long Tall Sally specialises in own-label and branded fashion, footwear and accessories for tall women, while Anna Poulsen specialises in custom-made leather clothing, supplemented by exciting ‘fast fashion’.

If you’re planning the wedding day of your dreams, Froufrou Bridal Boutique is just the place to help you look utterly fabulous as you walk down the aisle.

Art aficionados won’t want to miss Chapel Place Gallery, the new home of modern and contemporary art in Tunbridge Wells, while the award-winning Chapel Hair Salon applies equally creative flair to hair. Timeless flooring and furniture can be found at Holme, or a totally bespoke upholstery and cabinet design and making service awaits in Settle, which also boasts a variety of complementary home accessories.

Over in the High Street, Her Majesty The Queen’s jewellers, G. Collins & Sons, showcase an exquisite assortment of jewellery, diamonds,

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cufflinks and watches, including such prestigious brands as Cartier, Chopard and Patek Philippe, as well as Marco Bicego, Fope and Georg Jensen, which can be yours to take home.

Of course, no trip to the town would be complete without venturing into the historic Pantiles. Famed as the beating heart of Tunbridge Wells, this pretty promenade features an abundance of retail therapy to indulge in. From the stunning cookware of Trevor Mottram, to the expert craftsmanship of Joseph McCarthy, you’ll be well and truly spoiled for choice when deciding where to splash your cash.

Peter Jenner and Thurwell’s jewellers focus on designing and handcrafting beautiful and unique jewellery – the perfect accompaniment to that dream wedding dress from The Pantiles Bride, which stocks the very best selection of gowns for a bride-to-be from the UK and Europe’s leading bridal designers. Elsewhere, Honey West Boutique sells new and pre-owned designer and top-end high street clothing and accessories, in addition to beauty products and homeware items.

On the elegant Lower Walks, Fairfax Gallery juxtaposes its spacious listed building with contemporary art, showcasing established, award-winning and emerging artists, many of whom are winners and finalists of national awards.

Nearby, SEEART Gallery, the town’s latest viewing space, exhibits contemporary fine art that’s synonymous with quality and diversity.

And with jazz evenings every Thursday night throughout the summer, plus two annual food festivals and a farmers’ market every fortnight, music lovers and food fanatics alike will be in their element, making the most of the fresh produce, sultry sounds and live entertainment that this beautiful spa town has to offer.

To find out more about things to do, places to go and sights to see in Tunbridge Wells, head to www.visittunbridgewells.com or www.pantilestraders.co.uk 

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 SUPPLIERS

TASTE OF LUXURY From award-winning ice creams to family-owned Champagnes, our suppliers are key to making the One Warwick Park experience truly unforgettable.

We introduce you to a selection of delicious, relaxing and luxurious brands that will ensure your time with us is nothing short of sheer perfection

THE FINE TRUFFLE Specialising in fresh truffles from the heart of Italy, The Fine Truffle sources only the best products from farmers with a shared passion. They describe truffles as ‘the diamonds of the kitchen’ and work directly with San Pietro a Pettine – the biggest supplier of fresh and preserved truffles in Italy, Spain, Holland, Germany and the UAE – to ensure the highest possible quality in the market. In addition, a range of preserves includes white truffle sauce, honey and white truffle and black truffle dressing, bringing a whole new level of diversity and versatility to this flavoursome fungus. www.thefinetruffle.com

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SUPPLIERS

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CHAMPAGNE LOUIS ROEDERER Established in 1776, Champagne Louis Roederer is one of the few remaining great Champagne houses that’s completely independent and family-owned. With their pronounced northern character, 240 hectares of vineyards remain in family ownership, located in the finest areas of Champagne – Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs. Roederer is self-sufficient for 100% of its expressive vintage styles, providing two thirds of its production for Brut Premier. Such a high proportion of ‘estate’ grapes is very unusual in Champagne, and ensures superior quality at all stages of production, from grape to glass. www.louis-roederer.com

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 SUPPLIERS

TEMPLE SPA As a total lifestyle brand, Temple Spa beautifully fuses product, philosophy and spa. Professional-standard skin and body care is accompanied by aromatherapy and spa treatments that replenish, revive and renew.

Inspired by the ancient word ‘temple’, which describes the body as a sacred place and a precious house, and ‘spa’, which is a space for health, beauty and relaxation that conjures up a sense of absolute comfort and joy, Temple Spa unites these words together, becoming a metaphor for looking after skin, body and soul, while offering a range of divine preparations and treatments that reflects this. www.templespa.com

GINO GELATO Based in London, this artisan kitchen produces award-winning gelati and sorbetti of a superior quality with equal parts heart, passion and dedication.

Their all-natural gelato is made by experienced chefs on a daily basis, using 100% fresh milk, natural ingredients and no preservatives, colourings or additives.

Having developed and tested well over 200 recipes, they produce an array of festive and seasonal flavours, in addition to more traditional options, including pumpkin sorbetto for Halloween, Bailey’s Irish cream and Guinness for St Patrick’s Day. Winter specials include Christmas pudding, Panettone, pear and cinnamon and Chianti and chocolate. www.ginogelato.com

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WINESERVICE Established by Douglas Hillman in 1979, Wineservice has been family-owned ever since. Having worked for other wine merchants in the 1970s, Douglas noticed a growing interest in wine and set about starting his own business with investment from his son, Nick Hillman. Basing themselves at Douglas’ home in West Sussex, they began their journey to broaden the limited range of wine that dominated the lists and shelves of London in the 1980s.

Wineservice now imports and wholesales over 1,000 different wines from around the world, each of which is sourced carefully, but still with an original, personal focus. www.wineservice.co.uk

G. COLLINS & SONS Showcasing a spectacular selection of diamonds, jewellery and watches, G. Collins is jeweller to Her Majesty The Queen and purveys such prestigious brands as Patek Philippe, Chopard and Georg Jensen. The family-run, royally appointed business can be found in the picturesque High Street in Tunbridge Wells, where customers can also purchase high-end pieces from the likes of Cartier, Fope and Marco Bicego. And with repair, engraving and bespoke services also available, you can rest assured that your most treasured possessions will be in safe hands and preserved for future generations to come. www.gcollinsandsons.com

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 T E M P L E S PA

ENTER A TEMPLE OF

CALM AND SERENITY Each intricate detail at One Warwick Park has been carefully considered – even the creation of a signature scent, in order to enhance its guests’ experience.

Eileen Leahy chats with Liz Warom, the founder of luxury wellbeing brand Temple Spa, to discover how this unique idea evolved over time

E

veryone should go on a special journey when they arrive at a hotel,” declares Liz Warom, cofounder of the premium beauty brand Temple Spa, which has created a specific fragrance for One Warwick Park. “Just burning some beautiful candles and diffusing an uplifting aroma is like giving a virtual, fragrant hug to a guest when they enter.”

Liz certainly knows all about the importance of making people feel welcome right from the get-go, as her cult Temple Spa products, which are inspired by the rich bounty of natural ingredients from the Mediterranean, are on

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offer in some of the world’s finest spas, hotels and first-class air cabins.

They’re also stocked exclusively in Harrods.

“It’s about creating a sense of calm,” continues Liz, who set up the Temple Spa brand 16 years ago with her business partner and husband Mark, and has seen it grow from a handful of body products, to a fully-fledged beauty range that now includes make-up and counts the likes of Nigella Lawson and Nicole Scherzinger as fans.

“When people walk into a lobby, they want to feel immediately relaxed – even if they’re on a business trip,” Liz explains. “It’s surprising what fragrance can do to make a client think, ‘Gosh,

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these people really do care about us, they haven’t just spritzed anything in the air’.”

One Warwick Park wanted to achieve this goal, so commissioned Liz and her team to create

a signature scent. The result is one that boasts a blend of refreshing lemon, basil, thyme and lavender, enhanced by spicy, woody undertones, with a twist of patchouli and cardamom for good olfactory measure, and comes in the form of a soy-based candle and diffuser.

These will be placed all around in order to create a relaxed ambience, and the handcrafted candle can also be purchased ‘so you can take a little of One Warwick Park home with you,’ reveals Liz. One Warwick Park’s guests will enjoy the Temple Spa experience elsewhere in the establishment too. In the downstairs restrooms, their All is Well hand wash and balm will be on offer.

“These don’t actually launch until October, so it’s very exciting that people will be treated to a preview of them here before anywhere

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else,” says Liz. “The top notes are quite citrusy with bergamot, then you have a mossy middle ground, which is complemented by hits of warming amber and cloves. It’s really uplifting and well-balanced, and like most of Temple Spa’s products, it’s unisex.”

In the 39 bedrooms and suites, you’ll find some of the brand’s much-loved hero products, including La La Lagoon aromatic bath oil and Peace Be Still calming skin balm. And as there isn’t a spa, there will be the chance to purchase other items from the concierge.

“As you would upgrade with a bottle of Champagne on arrival, you can do this with one of our candles or special packages, such as Do Not Disturb, which offers everything you’ll need for a good night’s sleep,” concludes Liz. “The great thing is that the Temple Spa brand doesn’t stay in the bathroom. It’s interactive and can be used anywhere. Our aim is to improve the self-esteem and wellbeing of everyone we come into contact with.” It would seem, therefore, that One Warwick Park and Temple Spa are the perfect partnership.

The One Warwick Park Soy Candle can be purchased for £30 at the hotel. For more information on Temple Spa products, visit www.templespa.com

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 INTERIORS

SIMPLICITY AND QUALITY WERE THE KEY ELEMENTS… As founder of interior design company Envy London, Melanie Ellis knows a thing or two about bringing inside spaces vividly and imaginatively to life. Here, she tells us about her role in creating the look of One Warwick Park, the process of her creativity and how she turned her vision into the captivating reality it has become 

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR GOAL FOR THE OVERALL LOOK OF ONE WARWICK PARK I’ve been working with the team at OWP for over two years, and it’s been both interesting and challenging. The main brief was that the hotel must be functional – as a team, we thought through everything that irritated us when staying in hotels, from inefficient lighting and badly designed bathrooms, to inadequate fresh air or air conditioning and electrical sockets in the wrong places.

HOW DID YOU TURN THIS CONCEPT INTO SOMETHING TANGIBLE? We analysed exactly what a guest needs in a hotel room for the most comfortable and relaxing stay. Stylish, contemporary elegance for the interior design was a given, as the clients had seen my previous work and knew what to expect. The team was involved every step of the way, and we worked on creating a neutral palette with amazing lighting, bespoke joinery and stonework to achieve the most luxurious results.

Simplicity and quality were the key elements. 

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IS EACH ROOM AND SPACE LINKED BY A CONNECTING DESIGN THEME? The rooms were designed to be calm and luxurious. From your first foot onto the carpet, you’ll see what I mean – walls in soft dove greys, taupes, steel greys, pale silvers and golds.

Fabrics from Nobilis Paris, Dedar Milan and Zinc London all added to the luxurious feel. The existing rooms one to 10 have walnut joinery, the new build rooms dark oak and The Townhouse silver oak. Each room has different cushions and throws, and we followed five themes of headboards, wall coverings and curtains.

DID YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITES AMONG THE ROOMS YOU DESIGNED? I have a fondness for the original rooms, as this is where we started. The rooms on the top floor go up into the eaves, so are interesting and quirky, with lots of design problems to overcome. I really enjoyed doing these, and the more contemporary Townhouse annexe next door.

AND THE MORE PUBLIC SPACES? The communal areas in the hotel are interesting and diverse, from the welcoming, open reception area, to the tranquil snug and comfortable lounge, served by a two-sided bar area.

The stone floor follows through into the new build, to the newly-created Terrace Café and The Atrium, to link the new build to the period building in Chapel Place. There’s a great flow through the areas, finishing with the smart and inviting Function Room.

YOU MUST HAVE ENCOUNTERED YOUR FAIR SHARE OF OBSTACLES ALONG THE WAY… It’s been a challenge to keep the heritage of the existing period buildings, and marry them with the new build. Some areas are quirky – our architects, Belinda at HMY and Darren at KTB, have done an amazing job and embraced the irregularities of the period architecture. I’m sure everyone will agree that this adds to the charm.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE GUESTS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR STAY? I hope they’ll find the rooms really easy to use, and see that we’ve thought of everything – from working on their laptops, charging their phones and storing their clothes, to applying makeup and drying their hair! Whether they’re using showers that are powerful, relaxing in the comfortable tub, or sleeping on the most comfortable mattresses, everything should be stress-free, and I’d like them to feel calm and cosseted. 

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I WANTED TO BRING MORE ATTENTION TO OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT...

To celebrate the launch of One Warwick Park, contemporary artist Melanie Berman teamed up with The Queen’s Jewellers, G. Collins & Sons, to create a dazzling exhibition in the hotel’s Gallery. We find out more about how the ‘explosion of joy and colour’ within our walls took inspiration from the natural world

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TELL US HOW YOU GOT STARTED WITH THE ARTWORK FOR ONE WARWICK PARK I first became involved with OWP primarily through Mel Ellis, the interior designer from Envy London, who had been working on the hotel design project.

She’d known and seen my work over many years, and believed the style would work well within the new contemporary space.

YOU’RE KNOWN FOR EXPLORING THEMES OF THE NATURAL WORLD – IS THIS SEEN IN YOUR WORK AT THE HOTEL? Observing the natural world, especially our local ancient English woodlands, became an incredible source of interest and inspiration. I wanted to bring more attention to our natural environment, and our connection and involvement with it.

My paintings play with different spatial viewpoints

and fragmentation. I interpret our manmade marks, for example, a trodden footpath, etchings on a tree, or a white plume from a plane across a blue sky. I’m even inspired by natural mini-stone sculptures, cut logs, broken twigs, new trees, fencing and ploughed land. It’s all about the shapes and colours we create in the natural environment.

I then rearrange my observations and fit them together to form the imagery.

Each painting has a name that links it to its own unique stories, creating an object of interest. To change attitudes to our environment, I believe one needs to be inspired so as to care for it and celebrate it. The work I’m exhibiting at OWP reflects the hidden treasures of our natural world in an explosion of joy and colour.

TALK US THROUGH THE CREATIVE PROCESS BEHIND THE NEW PIECES It begins with observation and taking photographs of any location. I viewed the OWP space when it was under construction, and knew immediately what would look best. Mel Ellis knew my work and trusted

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me to create an interesting visual space that would inspire and complement the luxurious location.

My first thoughts were that it was going to be a wonderful space for my ‘hidden treasures from woods’ theme and landmarks art. I’d also read a story

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their colours. The work I’ve created is on large wooden boards, 152cm x 106cm, in keeping with my organic theme. I applied various art mediums, which complement the modern space.

WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING WITH THE QUEEN’S JEWELLERS? I’m very excited to be exhibiting with the most exquisite jewellery I’ve ever seen. The whole team at G. Collins & Sons is extremely friendly and helpful. They’re knowledgeable and passionate about their jewellery. On this occasion, Josh Collins was my main point of contact to discuss my themes and ideas.

Josh has his own luxury brand of jewellery, so he completely understands the creative process. He showed me the most incredible coloured gemstones, which were completely mesmerising. about real hidden treasure in a forest, which had been lost in the 13th century in Honduras.

As I was exhibiting with G. Collins & Sons, and knowing about their amazing collection, I started to research the meaning of the precious stones and

HOW DID YOU CONNECT THEIR JEWELLERY WITH YOUR CHOSEN THEMES? Mother Nature is astounding, as she produces such intense, dazzling colours. My ideas and themes regarding my paintings and the feeling of hidden treasure in nature were received very well. The team

will now place pieces of jewellery within the cabinets that reflect the colours of the painting.

I’d been working on the art pieces since last summer with my organic, abstract theme. Only two paintings are connected to gemstones: Touch the sky and Strawberry fields. The other paintings have hidden treasures, but of a different kind; that’s for the observer to see and find, as they’re hidden in nature sometimes.

My Touch the sky painting was inspired by aquamarine, which they say reflects the blue of the sky. It’s metaphysically known as the stone of courage and fortitude and being divine. Strawberry Field, the large painting, was imagining hidden pink sapphires and rubies in a forest while I was out walking through the woods. Rubies are the noblest and most magnificent gemstone.

IN WHAT WAYS WILL YOUR PAINTINGS ENHANCE GUESTS’ STAYS AT OWP? The art pieces are to captivate visitors’ imaginations with their bold, multi-coloured and layering techniques. Any age will be able to explore and find their own personal treasures, visually or physically, in this new gallery space. The arts are a great way to bring people together and help to create unique spaces of interest. I’m certain people from far and wide will want to come and support the One Warwick Park experience.

All artworks are available for sale as originals and fine art giclée prints. To find out more or for sale and commission enquiries, visit www.melanieberman.com or email contact@melanieberman.com

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 C O N TAC T S

ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 5TA 01892 506 791 www.onewarwickpark.co.uk info@onewarwickpark.co.uk www.facebook.com/onewarwickpark @onewarwickpark @onewarwickpark

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EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF

GROUP MARKETING MANAGER

Marco Goldin

Chantelle Harman

GROUP HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER

GROUP SALES MANAGER

Roland Gal

Guy Saych

GROUP EVENTS MANAGER

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Melissa Brooker

Andrew Daniells

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

PROJECT MANAGER

Bryony England

Sarah Freeman

FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Franck Bellavoine

Louise Clark

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