SPRING NEWS 2018
WEDDING SEASON
Tips for Mothers of the Bride from the team, stunning new collections and inspiration for headwear.
SPRING FASHION WEEK Monday 5th – Saturday 10th March. Ten fashion shows in a week! Styles and trends from all the collections.
Spring 2018
Editor’s letter I have a big announcement to make. In 2018 my daughter became an official Anne Furbank customer and I never thought I could be so excited about it. Both my children have grown up with me working within the family business. George and Alex have worked in the hotel and Alex has helped out at various fashion shows. They love coming to the George for dinner with the family and have enjoyed lunch with friends as it is their chosen place to meet. But it is mum’s work. They don’t see it as particularly interesting or amazing, it is just part of family life.
took her chances on a Joseph Ribkoff top she had her eye on. Not only did she buy the top, she bought herself some Tommy Hilfiger jeans and a pair of boots.
So when Alex, who is working in her gap year as a Sports Intern at a school in Cambridge, started saving her pennies so that she could come to the Anne Furbank Sale, I have to confess to being a little bit chuffed.
Here’s to 2018 celebrating different generations.
Telephone: Shop 01480 811333
Becky
www.annefurbank.co.uk
Rebecca Furbank Managing Director
The George Hotel and Brasserie
We were both very excited so decided to go next door to the George that evening for a glass of Prosecco to celebrate. It is lovely to see different generations in the shop and the hotel. We are a family business and when we have sons/daughters, mums/dads and grandparents all enjoying what we do both in the shop and the hotel it really does bring me joy.
She did avoid the first day rush and
This spring I will be: • Wearing green • Skiing for the first time in a very long time! • Going to a Champagne Academy tasting
Anne Furbank 41 High Street, Buckden, St Neots, Cambs PE19 5WZ Office: 01480 811321
High Street, Buckden, St Neots, Cambs PE19 5XA Telephone: 01480 812300 www.thegeorgebuckden.com
Front cover by Joseph Ribkoff Editor: Rebecca Furbank
Anne Furbank Director
Richard Furbank Director
Debbie Daniels Sales Director
Jacky Maskell Assistant Manager
Design & Print: Right Click Creative Tel: 01767 262858 www.rightclickcreative.co.uk
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Letter from Annie
I
had such fun last year, celebrating Richard’s 70th birthday that I have decided to have a 70th birthday of my own! Scary as it might be that I will be 70 in May, I am more excited about my planned celebrations: skiing, a boat trip, a lunch party, a family holiday and, I’m sure, a few other wonderful treats! The George will definitely be playing a part – I have already sorted out a menu for one of my parties, which I am really looking forward
to – and, of course, I will need some new clothes to take away with me! The stock that is coming in now is looking very tempting indeed! My modelling shoes haven’t been hung up yet and I will still be here for pretty well all the fashion shows we have planned this year, so I will enjoy celebrating my birthday year with all of you as well. I really look forward to seeing you.
Diary Dates for Spring March
Luisa Cerano fashion show Saturday 3rd March, show at 11am
Anne Furbank Fashion Week
Monday 5th – Saturday 10th March (No shows on Thursday)
Repeat Fashion Shows
Good Friday 30th March, shows at 10am and 2pm April
Keep it Casual, what to wear every day Saturday 7th April, shows at 10am and 2pm
Contemporary Crea and Oska Fashion Shows Saturday 14th April, shows at 10am and 2pm
Gerry Weber Fashion Shows
Saturday 21st April, shows at 10am and 2pm May
Annie 70th birthday talk – Life at 70 Saturday 5th May, talks at 10am and 2pm 4
Holiday fashion show
Saturday 12th May, shows at 10am and 2pm
“My modelling shoes haven’t been hung up yet so I will still be here for pretty well all the fashion shows...”
Spring 2018
Anne Furbank
SPOTTED...
Winner is Wendy Horne here in Monte Carlo with her Anne Furbank Bag for Life – she never goes on holiday without it. A £50 Anne Furbank voucher is winging its way to Wendy. Keep your photos, letters and emails coming in – it’s good to stay connected and you could win a £50 Anne Furbank voucher. Wendy Horne’s story... I have many bags for life, but my ‘Annie bag’ has become a great travelling companion. It is very roomy but weighs little, so on long haul flights I throw in a jumper, travel pillow, book, magazine, iPad, toiletries in clear bag and my handbag, neatly organised with travel documents sitting on top for boarding the aeroplane. On short haul, with just a cabin bag, I use my Annie bag at the airport to easily produce toiletries and electricals at security, but then put everything in the cabin suitcase just before boarding, including my Annie bag which folds flat.
Monaco
Kenya
Washington
I admit it¹s not the most glamorous of travelling companions and for Christmas I was given a branded tote bag that I used for a trip to Kenya. On visiting the supermarket in Watamu I found that they have totally done away with plastic bags. Scrabbling around for a box to carry our groceries I couldn¹t help but think, I wish i¹d brought my Annie bag!
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Spring bouquet Take a step through the doors of Anne Furbank this spring and you could be forgiven for believing you had walked into a florist. No, we are not diversifying, but the collections this spring have a definite floral theme to them. From rainforests to English meadows, the cross section of floral prints almost produce their own scent.
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Marc Cain and Luisa Cerano hit us with their floral displays packing a punch with bold colours and stand out prints on all items of clothing from coats and jackets to knitwear and trousers. But there is no need to look like a tropical forest from head to toe - simply pick out one of the colours in the print for a plain contrasting piece, which will look bold and fantastic. As always there is something for everyone at Anne Furbank so if you prefer something a little more subtle then step into the ice-cream parlour! Neopolitan colours of rose, mint, vanilla are another of this season’s highlights - so delicately pretty and feminine and perfect tones for a British complexion.
Spring 2018
Spring Show Week Monday 5th – Saturday 10th March With so much to see and so many of you, we couldn’t condense the spring collections into one or two fashion shows; so this season we are putting on ten shows in a week! All you need to do is pick a day and time that suits you, sit back, relax and be part of our Spring Fashion Week.
There will be no shows on Thursday but the shop will be open as normal.
Monday 5th, Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th, Friday 9th and Saturday 10th March, shows at 10am and 2pm featuring a full array of looks, styles and trends
Spring Show Week Lunch
from all the collections across the brands.
When you book your seat at one of the fashion shows during our Spring Show Week be sure to book lunch in the George. It is a great way to complete a wonderful shopping experience and, with a special spring offer of a 2 or 3-course lunch (£19 and £24 respectively). Plus you can add a glass of house wine for just £4, what more is there to like? Our full a la carte is also available for additional choices, whether you simply want a starter or a wider selection for a three or four course lunch.
To book, call the hotel on 01480 812300 or book online at thegeorgebuckden.com
Free Floral gift As the season is so full of wonderful floral prints we have found the perfect spring gift for you – your very own living flower pot, ready to bloom and add some scent to your spring.To receive your free gift simply book your seat at one of our fashion shows and your gift will be waiting for you.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
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Spring 2018
Wedding season By the time this magazine hits your doorstep we will be in the full swing of the wedding season.The collections from Condici and John Charles started arriving in store before Christmas and the wedding outfits have continued to fill the showrooms ever since.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
F
ely Campo from Spain is joined this year by another Spanish label, Gabriella Sanchez, and is easily recognisable with its flamboyant flair.
Irish designer Aideen Bodkin continues to delight with her understated, but nonetheless, beautifully crafted designs.
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There is a real 1950s feel about the occasionwear collections this season,’ said Rebecca Furbank. ‘The fashion focus is truly glamorous, with nipped in waists and aline skirts giving the perfect hour glass silhouette.’ As one of the biggest stockist of occasionwear in the UK offering many different brands it is possible to find an outfit that suits you and your personality.
Spring 2018
Heads Up Some brands offer matching hats with their outfits to complete the look and ensure everything works together. However, if you can’t find what you are looking for, Vikki from Darcie Mae Millinery offers a bespoke service. Each hat is hand-made in her studio in the Failsworth, Manchester and can be matched to any outfit and colour. She has an array of designs to try, from little bits of fun to statement head pieces. Vikki will be joining us on Saturday 10th March so do come and say hello and, if you have a special occasion to go to, you can discuss your own personal design with her.
In house model
For those who missed our Occasionwear Fashion Shows on the 3rd February do not worry as every Saturday throughout February and March, Fay will be modelling all day so you get the chance to see the different outfits on a body.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Being mother of the bride Some of our girls have first-hand experience of being ‘the Mother’ on the big day and that has given them even more of an insight into the anxieties of getting it right for the big day. Here are their top tips based on their own experiences.
Gill Hepworth
If you are about to begin the wonderful Mother of the Bride experience, congratulations! My personal advice – easy. 1) Be relaxed and flexible – you will cherish the happy memories so much more. 2) Do take advice from the experts - they will help hugely if you let them. 3) Step back and look at what your wonderful daughter has achieved.
Debbie Tomlin
Allow time for yourself on the morning of the wedding. You spend such a lot of time organising before the big day and it carries on, even on the morning of the wedding. My daughter had booked a professional hairdresser and make-up artist to look after me as well as her and it was perfect having that break. I wasn’t rushing around last thing doing my make-up. It gave me confidence all day knowing that it was just right.
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Carolyn Hodgson Having somebody there to do my hair and make-up on the day was money well spent. You don’t have time for yourself and I found it took the pressure off and was actually very relaxing. Getting the right one is also key so I did do my research – it really added to the whole day.
Sue Lindsey
If you are well prepared the whole day will run smoothly and you can relax and enjoy every magical moment. Don’t panic about buying your outfit, I thought it would take ages to find one but it was the first thing I tried on and I loved it!
Julie Chelsom-Pil
For me getting ready with both of my daughters was such a special time. They had time with their bridesmaids but I had the opportunity to help get them ready. Sharing that time with them and then seeing everyone’s reaction when they appeared in their dress brought a tear to my eye. It was a fantastic start to the day before the ceremony actually began.
Spring 2018
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Across the generations At the end of 2017 our final fashion show was a Mother and Daughter Day, with mothers and their daughters modelling.
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utting the show together was great fun. We gave the daughters free range to pick what they would wear. Having little knowledge of the brands it was interesting to see how they mixed the collections to create their own look. Despite their mums working at the shop they were still pleasantly surprised with how much they liked for themselves and it certainly gave them a different perspective on a shop that they just assumed their mums would shop in. ‘It really brought home how we cater for different generations,’ said Rebecca Furbank. ‘The shop is big enough to stock labels and fashion for daughters, mothers and grandmothers. We don’t see ourselves as trend-setters but we do see ourselves as fashion conscious. We all want to look good in the clothes we wear and we don’t want to look ‘old’,- no matter what our age.’ We choose collections to reflect this and select brands that will offer us great quality but also diversity that will span the generations.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Last Season with Michele We are very sad to say that this will be the last season for Michele. The owner, Mrs Hepfer, has decided to retire and close the family run business. ‘It is a fantastic brand and we will be sad to see it go,’ said Rebecca Furbank. ‘The quality of Michele trousers, the fit and their constant innovation in fabrics and design has meant that it has been a leader in its field for many years.’ ‘However, as with all change we adapt and have already sourced two new trouser brands in time for the autumn season, so you won’t be bottomless!’ In the meantime if you are a fan of Michele you may want to make sure you stock up on what will be their last season of production with this spring’s collection. Rest assured it is a goody! From classic cuts to fun, casual trousers and still with the fabulous Michele fit and quality.
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MARC CAIN ROADSHOW Wednesday14th March, 11am and 2pm
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he Marc Cain Roadshow is coming back to Buckden this spring on their grand tour of the UK and Ireland. Stopping at Anne Furbank on Wednesday 14th March.
This late spring roadshow times perfectly for new theme deliveries coming into store during February and early March. The collections continue the animal and floral theme with inspiration from African wildlife, Provence and the Caribbean. Monochrome combinations take on a relaxed 70s feel with tunics and relaxed trousers, hats and scarfs. French summer and lavender fields conjure up romance, the influence creating embroidery, ribbons and full sleeves on blouses. And the Caribbean shouts of colour with mango and lime creating an impact of colour. With the Marc Cain Sport collection giving a nod to the athleisure fashion but making it wearable for every day there is plenty of depth and choice. The shows are at 11am and 2pm and will feature Marc Cain models and their very own compere. Marc Cain fizz will be pouring and there will be a wonderful gift with purchase.
Ensure you book your seat by calling the shop on 01480 811333 or emailing becky@annefurbank.com
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Richard back skiing He’s like the bionic man - we can rebuild him and put him back on a pair of skis to throw himself down a mountain once again! Yes – Richard is back skiing, or will be in April when he heads to his favourite resort of Zermatt with Annie. After a heart operation in 2016 and new hip in 2017 there is no stopping him!
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Spring 2018
Christmas charity draw As part of the Anne Furbank Secret Santa gift giving, each member of staff donates £5 and puts the name of their chosen charity in a hat. On Christmas Eve one name is drawn out of the hat and that charity receives the Christmas donation.
Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest cancer charity, dedicated to saving lives through research. Their vision is to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured, from the most common types to those that affect just a few people. The money donated to Cancer Research UK helps fund life-saving research into the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer.
This year saw Yvonne’s chosen charity, Cancer Research UK, being drawn out of the hat.
We all agreed it was a very worthy cause to receive the £120 collected.
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Milestone birthdays Milestone birthdays are such a staple of our culture – big celebrations, cheesy cards about being over the hill, moments of reflection on how life’s going – it’s easy to lose sight of how bizarre this all is.
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ime, after all, unfolds uniformly: the day you turn 40, you’re precisely one day older than the day before; the year you turn 60, you’ve only got another year under your belt, just as you did when you turned 57 or 58. The physical symptoms of ageing don’t suddenly escalate when the clock strikes midnight on your birthday. However logically we think about it there is undoubtedly a psychological impact when you hit an age with a 0 at the end. Last year and this Annie, Debbie and Jacky hit one of those milestone birthdays and over the next three magazines they tell their own story on how it was for them to have a ‘big’ birthday. Being 60 – Debbie Daniels
I can remember turning 40 and felt that was a major decade to hit! I wore a black armband all day and was not intending to celebrate at all. In my head what was to celebrate? Turning 50 I was away on holiday with friends and was fairly distracted.
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Turning 60 was something, I have to say, I was dreading somewhat. I certainly didn’t wish to host a big party. I simply wanted my 4 children home for the weekend and my parents had already suggested coming over from their home in Northern Ireland to celebrate this auspicious occasion. As my mother put it – ‘we probably won’t be here for your 70th!’
However, my wonderful children had organised a prosecco & canapés soirée next door with friends & colleagues and then a private dinner party to follow. It was wonderfully planned by my daughter and she had clearly been organising since the summer. I do recall my mother crying at the thought of having a 60 year old daughter and I have to say I really don’t feel that I am over 60. My health & fitness regime remains paramount in my daily life .This has been the case for over 30 years now. If I don’t go to the gym for a good 90 minute workout, I make sure I do at least 30 mins on my spin bike followed by 10 mins on my inversion table. Inversion therapy certainly works for me & has virtually eradicated the back issues I suffered from previously through standing all day and having a pretty physical job. I also follow a daily juicing routine and eat one main meal, in the evening, to keep my weight on an even keel. Discipline has always helped me enjoy peace of mind to deal with all the issues life throws at me. I guess what comes through most with maturity and reaching the next decade is a certain sense of achievement. I do look back and am grateful for two things in particular: firstly that I am fortunate enough to have the gift of motherhood. As a career-minded young woman in my twenties I had no plan to have a family, so when I did make that choice at 30 and then went on to have 4 children, I have to say I count my blessings daily. As a divorcee my life revolves around them all and they most definitely are my raison d’etre. I can’t imagine any man being happy with coming so far down my list of priorities, which is probably why I remain single!
Spring 2018
The second thing I am grateful for and take great pride in is my work. At the young age of 24, I was the youngest female manager ever appointed within C&A and I am now the Manager and Sales Director at Anne Furbank, first and only such position. I have a wonderful team of fine girls, most of whom I have recruited and work alongside. Harmony at the workplace is all important to me and I strive hard to maintain this. Being on my own now for the best part of 12 years I have had to deal with all sorts of issues such as my mortgage, my house, the family home no less and have had to become totally self-sufficient. This has not always been straightforward, nor easy, but needs must and it’s amazing what you are capable of when you’re faced with
no choice but to sort it out. Having done this, I have to say I do feel, again, a sense of achievement which certainly comes with maturity. So here I am, at the grand (not so old) age of 60 and though life is not always easy, it is the challenges and the adventures in between that have brought me to where I am today. Everything in this life has a purpose; it all happens for a reason. The past is your lesson, the present is your gift, the future is your motivation. Looking ahead to the next decade - 70 - I have only one thing to say: bring it on!!!
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Anne Furbank Fashion
Notes from the coffee bar Hello again from my coffee bar which I am sharing, this time, with John Bennett who has been coming to the shop with his wife Christine for over 10 years and was the very first “husband” I came to know.
O
ver the years, we have swapped many stories and become good friends. The following conversation was between John and myself on one of his visits and I thought it inspiring. So John and I agreed to share it with you:-
During their holiday last year John and Christine met up with Clare Allen, the co-founder of the charity. They saw schools transformed from total neglect into bright learning environments. They met the families and children they have sponsored, helped and given hope to, since Jack first met them back in 2010. I learn so much and enjoy so many subjects that I talk about over a tea or coffee with you. I hope you enjoyed this read and it just proves that we all have a quality in life to share. And I thank John for sharing this story and his families experience with me and you.
In 2017 John and Christine went to Sri Lanka as part of a special birthday celebration. Whilst there they visited a charity they have been supporting for quite a while. The “Rebuilding Sri Lanka Charity”, which was set up after the December 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami that struck with devastating effect.
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John explained that in 2010, their youngest son, Jack, during his gap year, worked at a school in Bentota, south of the capital, Colombo. At the school, he met Lahini. An 11 year old girl, who came daily to study at the library. She was often hungry and wore no shoes. Inquisitive Jack, wanted to see where she lived and to find out more. This experience affected Jack so much, that he wanted to help Lahini and her family and their community. So with the support of his mum and, family friends and relatives, the help began.
Spring 2018 2017
“Whilst there they visited a charity they have been supporting for quite a while. The “Rebuilding Sri Lanka Charity”, which was set up after the December 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami that struck with devastating effect.”
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Anne Furbank Fashion
‘
Weddings at the George 2017 saw more diverse weddings at The George than ever before. The smallest, a wonderful intimate wedding for immediate family of 9 to a large scale exclusive booking of the whole hotel with traditional wedding breakfast and then a party in the evening. 24
Spring 2018
All photos courtesy of: Blessing Photography - www.blessingphoto.co.uk
‘As a family run business we have the flexibility to create a truly bespoke wedding day,’ said General Manager, Richard O’Leary. ‘The different rooms make it cosy for smaller parties and we also have the Brasserie and Orangerie for those who want more guests.’ ‘All the food is prepared fresh on site and we can advise on a suitable menu but also work with you if you have any personal tastes or passions.’
Our wedding licence means you can have the whole day in one place. This year a new wedding package is launched so if you have a wedding, large or small, then do get in touch and if you want to speak to someone who has enjoyed a wedding in the George simply pop into the shop and talk to Gill or Julie as both their daughters got married there. 25
Anne Furbank Fashion
Expert advice One of Gill Hepworth’s personal tips as a Mother of the Bride was to take advice from the experts. With the shop and the hotel we can cover most aspects of a wedding from venue, food, drink and outfits for the ladies. Even it is a not a service we can personally provide, we have worked with people who can help from florists, bridal shops, entertainment and even printers. ‘The shop has been dressing Mothers of the Bride and Groom for over 30 years and we have been holding weddings at the hotel since we took it over in 2003 and with some members of staff having been with us since the start, that gives us over 200 years’ worth of experience,’ said Rebecca Furbank. ‘Our main priority in all areas is to make you, the customer feel relaxed. It is our job to do the work so that everyone can enjoy the day. We can advise you on how to make the day run smoothly, how to keep everyone happy and how to make the day full of happy memories that can be treasured for years to come.’ Our advice comes free and with years of knowledge and experience.
26 All photos courtesy of: Blessing Photography - www.blessingphoto.co.uk
Spring 2018
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Food inspiration Food, like fashion, has its classic elements that will never date, goes through trends which can come and go, and has innovation as knowledge and technology improve.
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Spring 2018
H
ead chefs are the designers, the creative ones that can make us ooo and ahh and as with fashion the creativeness has to be practical. Clothes can have the wow factor but you still have to be able to wear them, move and walk in them. Food is the same, it can be wonderfully showy but it has to taste delicious.
wild horseradish and bringing it in!’ said Akil.
So where does that balance come from for the George? Head Chef, Akil, has been working at The George since 2010. He started his career in the Hilton Hotel in Rabat, Morocco, the country where he was born. His progression through the ranks took him to the One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel in Dubai, the Isle of Wight and London before moving up to The George. Now with British residency he feels very much at home here in Buckden.
‘One of the highlights of my career here was creating a menu for Richard Furbank’s 70th birthday. It was very special to work with their tastes and to come up with a few surprises along the way. The whole evening was magical.’
‘Everything we produce is with fresh ingredients and as seasonal as possible. The ideas come from so many different places - where I have travelled, places I’ve eaten, customer feedback and even my boss digging up
‘Two rosettes for culinary excellence have been awarded to the hotel and I am very proud of those for the whole team. It shows that we care about what we put on the plate for all our dishes whether it is at breakfast, lunch or dinner.’
If you want to get your taste buds going then take a look at our menus at www.thegeorgebuckden.com or if you have a celebration and want your own specific menu created then contact the hotel directly on 01480 812300 or via the contact form on the website. 29
Anne Furbank Fashion
Monthly promotions March Sleepover To coincide with the launch of our spring fashion shows we’ve made March our sleepover month with a special dinner, bed and breakfast offer exclusively for Anne Furbank customers. Arrive at the hotel to enjoy a Prosecco Cream Tea, enjoy a 3-course meal from our full a la carte menu and a full cooked or continental breakfast the following morning for £160 (based on two people sharing). The perfect Eat, Sleep and Shop combination. To book call the hotel on 01480 812300 stating the Anne Furbank Magazine Offer or book online at thegeorgebuckden.com and quote Anne Furbank Magazine Offer in the special requests/notes field. Please note the offer is subject to availability so book early.
Win a Bottle of Cristal Champagne! April is the hotel’s birthday month and believe it or not our 15th year of ownership. Every April we celebrate with a fantastic Champagne offer and this year is no exception. This year we would like re-introduce Louis Roderer as our birthday fizz – there is a valid reason other than it being a fabulous Champagne. Crystal is the traditional gift for 15 year anniversary and as the flagship cuvee of champagne Louis Roderer is Cristal, it all seemed very fitting. Every time you buy a glass (£8.50) or bottle (£45) of our birthday champagne you can enter our draw to win a bottle of Cristal (worth £199)
Theme Nights
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Get Engaged
Enjoy foods from around the
There are so many ways to keep
world with our monthly
in touch with all the events in
theme nights.The last Thursday
the shop and the hotel, from
in the month.Two courses and
fashion shows to new menus,
a glass of wine for £21
so stay connected.
• March - Turkish • April - Indonesian • May - Californian
Website, email, post, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or sign up for our e-news on either of our websites to find out the latest.
To book call the hotel on 01480 812300
We love to hear from you.
Spring 2018