Warm Welcome Magazine - Issue 43

Issue 43 Luxury Family Hotels launches ‘Little ishga’ treatment menu

The Restaurant Show 2024

Accor Accelerates Growth for its Premium, Midscale and Economy Brands across Europe

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Contents 4

Hotels

10

Restaurants

18

Editor’s Choice

22 Shows and Events 28 Outdoor Solutions 36 Travel

To feature in an upcoming issue or to discuss advertising opportunities please contact a member of the Warm Welcome team; Publication Manager Dean Little - 01227 314 324 dean@warmwelcomemagazine.com Editorial Assistant Carol Jean - 01227 314 324 carol@warmwelcomemagazine.com Graphic Designer Daisy Shingles - 01227 314 324 design@warmwelcomemagazine.com

YTL Hotels’ The Gainsborough Bath Spa launches new Malaysian Fusion menu, paying homage to its asian roots Luxury five-star city sanctuary in the heart of Bath, The Gainsborough Bath Spa by YTL Hotels is a modern icon of luxury wellness, combining the rich history of the thermal waters in Bath with the YTL brand’s Malaysian heritage to offer a unique wellness experience in its Spa Village.

Now, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is paying homage to the brand’s heritage through its food, with the launch of a new ‘Far East Meets West’ dinner menu.

enjoy sampling the exotic menu paired with experiencing the treasured mineral waters of the hotel’s Spa Village as part of a revitalising spa break.

Including irresistible dishes from the brand’s sister restaurants both in Malaysia and Japan, this delectable new menu is not to be missed for both locals and overnight guests alike and is available to book in the elegant Gainsborough Brasserie.

Nightly rates at The Gainsborough Bath Spa start from £290 on a room-only basis.

Aiming to showcase the best of Bath’s local produce whilst fusing both modern and diverse cooking techniques from Malaysia, the new fusion menu uses common Malay ingredients such as chilli, citrus fruits and saffron.

Gourmands will be transported to the Far East when savouring these heartwarming age-old recipes where each ingredient is the freshest of the season.

Starters include the signature dish, the Dancing Prawns coated in a secret housemade citrusy aioli emulsion as well as the Char-grilled Satay skewers, cooked fresh over a coal fire and coated in a spicy chunky peanut sauce.

For mains, why not tuck into the Roti Cani with Lentil Curry, a light and fluffy grilled flatbread served with a spiced lentil curry or the Free-range Chicken Rendang, a fragrant turmeric and chilli coconut dish.

To complete the hotel’s perfect fusion of Malaysian and European cuisine, the hotel will also be offering a menu of speciality pastas such as a Miso Lobster Linguine, a spicy miso-marinated dish or the Yukibana Creamy Sashimi Pasta.

Alongside this, The Gainsborough Brasserie menu will also feature European favourites such as a Classic Caesar Salad or Cream of Wild Mushroom for starters, traditional English Market Fish and Potatoes or a Charred Beef Short Rib for mains as well as Pappardelle Angus Ragu as part of the speciality pasta dishes.

Diners can also make a night of it and book a stay at one of The Gainsborough Bath Spa’s sumptuous suites, boasting a period design and contemporary features, or

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For more information please visit: https://thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk/ pages/dining.html

Hotels

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New GM at DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre Adam Flint has been named the new General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre, bringing more than 20 years’ experience to the business.

It’s his first position with Focus Hotels Management Ltd, which has operated the hotel for more than a decade, and he said it’s a very exciting time to join the Focus family. He said: “Focus Hotels is a small-tomedium-size business with big ambition and is currently investing in the infrastructure for growth. It’s a very good time to be joining Focus.”

Despite coming from a family which has spent five generations in dentistry, Adam was bitten by the hospitality bug early and has never wanted to do anything else.

He came through Marriott’s fast-track management graduate programme and has worked at that group’s hotels in Regents Park, Heathrow, Swindon, Leicester and Birmingham.

He has also worked for EQ Hotels and Hilton and then the Doyle Collection, a private Irish business.He won a prestigious Acorn Award in 2003, which annually recognise the 30 brightest under-30-year-old prospects in the hospitality industry, which he said was a “big moment” in his career.

While his brother and cousin have kept the family dentistry tradition going, Adam said it was the variety of roles and experiences that drew him to hospitality.“I enjoy having to be a ‘jack of all trades’, getting involved in everything from accounting to sales, marketing to food, the hospitality industry has enabled me to dip my hand into so many different areas as well as to move all around the country.”

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It has now brought him to the DoubleTree

by Hilton Bristol City Centre, which earlier this year celebrated its 50th anniversary, and which was the city’s largest hotel when it first opened.

Adam said: “We are looking to build upon our strong ESG credentials and do everything we can to make this hotel the preferred place to stay in Bristol. We’re in an excellent location, with Temple Meads rail station on our doorstep and the historic harbourside just a ten-minute walk away.”

“This hotel has a rich history going back 50 years, but there is so much investment and development going on in this part of the city that I am very much looking to the future, and for this hotel to be a major player in the vibrant heart of Bristol.”

“I am passionate about hospitality, I live and breathe it, and will be bringing that into all that I do in this exciting new role.”

Devin Grosse, CEO of Focus Hotels, said: “We’re excited to welcome Adam to the Focus family and look forward to him bringing his infectious enthusiasm for our industry to a hotel which has been a beacon of hospitality and hope for more than fifty years – and counting!”

DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre has 206 bedrooms, 17 meeting rooms as well as the unique Kiln Restaurant, located in an original 17th century glass kiln which was part of Bristol’s thriving glass industry.

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Easter Afternoon Tea at Royal Lancaster London Easter is just a hop, skip and a jump away, and with that comes the perfect excuse to indulge in the sweetest of treats with your special someone, friends and family. So prepare to enjoy Royal Lancaster London’s beautiful Easter afternoon tea, available until the 8th April 2024.

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Passed down through the centuries, this popular institution has been reimagined with an Easter twist, complete with a chocolate egg with dark chocolate mousse and morello cherry, a lemon and raspberry mini loaf and even a carrot cake bunny with pineapple curd and mascarpone cream - created by the hotel’s unique and talented team, afternoon tea never looked so delicious.

Relax and enjoy an irresistible assortment of delicately crafted sandwiches, warm baked scones and delicious sweet treats that will be served in the hotel’s beautiful Hyde Café, accompanied by a selection of the finest Camellia’s Tea House teas; there’s also a vegan option available for those who would prefer.

Hotels

And for those keen to let the afternoon blissfully slip away while nestled amongst the beautiful and cosy surroundings, then a crisp glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne, Chapel Down Sparkling Wine or an alcohol free Thomson & Scott Naughty, is quite simply a must.

Easter Afternoon Tea & Vegan Afternoon Tea (running until the 8th April 2024) | £45 Monday to Friday | £49 Saturday and Sunday Served between 1pm and 4pm Royal Lancaster London, Lancaster Terrace, London, W2 2TY Please visit the website for more information and to book your table: https://www.royallancaster.com/bars/afternoon-tea/

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Luxury Family Hotels launches ‘Little ishga’ treatment menu A series of spa treatments for children in partnership with Scottish organic seaweed skincare brand, ishga.

Luxury Family Hotels, the UK’s leading family-focused hotel collection has developed its existing partnership with award-winning Scottish organic seaweed skincare brand, ‘ishga’, to enhance its family wellness offering.

‘Little ishga’, launching this October, adds a series of wellness treatments designed for the whole family. From 15-minute mini facials using little ishga’s natural, organic products designed especially for young, sensitive skin to scalp, neck and shoulder massages tailored to each child’s age, ‘Little ishga’ ensures both parents and children alike can enjoy the spa offering across the Luxury Family Hotels portfolio.

Designed to alleviate stress and encourage self-care from a young age, ishga has worked alongside Luxury Family Hotels to create a unique offering for children between the ages of 3-16 years old, one of the few hotel groups to offer wellness treatments to families this young. To ensure families reap the benefits long after their holiday, therapists will incorporate self-care methods to their ‘Little ishga’ treatments, equipping

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Hotels

children with self soothing tools and teaching them how to incorporate wellness into their daily lives.

“Over recent years, particularly since 2020’s lockdown, we’ve witnessed an increasing demand for family wellness aimed at younger families. We are passionate about providing wellness for all ages, and therefore created our Little ishga range of skincare products that are specifically designed for younger children. We are delighted to be partnering with Luxury Family Hotels on this new venture, across their five properties to offer our treatments to the whole family.” Leon Trayling, Director of ishga Sustainably sourced, formulated and manufactured on the Scottish isles of Lewis, ishga’s skincare range blends a mineral-rich potent seaweed extract with organic ingredients and essential oils, ensuring products used are natural and suitable for young skin. The Little ishga newly-launched range, which will be incorporated in Little ishga treatments for those younger guests between the ages of 3-6 years old, has been adapted specifically to the condition of infant skin. Their hero

product, ‘Little ishga Cream’, blends organic oils designed to soothe rashes & irritation, Mandarin and Lavender essential oils to relieve inflammation and rich vitamins.

‘Little ishga’ is the latest addition to Luxury Family Hotels’ already impressive family-focused offering. From babies to teens, parents to grandparents, guests of all ages are thoughtfully considered with the provision of all the little things to ensure an enjoyable and relaxing holiday. Each property offers 90 minutes of complimentary childcare per night’s stay at their on-site Ofsted-registered Four Bears Den, swimming pools, cinemas with daily screenings, libraries and indoor and outdoor play areas.

The hotels even offer a milk butler service with the delivery of sterilised and heated bottles of milk.

This year, the brand has relaunched Fowey Hall and Moonfleet Manor with the refurbishment of interiors - courtesy of StudioJill - and incredible new facilities. In Cornwall, Fowey Hall has expanded, establishing it as the Luxury Family Hotels’ flagship with a total of 60 rooms and suites, a brand new outdoor pool and an enhanced spa. Along the coast in Dorset, Moonfleet Manor has now finished its latest phase of refurbishment, including the re-mastering of all existing rooms and suites and the addition of the brand new Fleethouse - an on-site farmhouse with 6 rooms overlooking the fleet.

For more information, please visit: luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk

Hotels

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Smiths Of Smithfield welcomes Head Chef, Tim Dela Cruz, to its Restaurant Farringdon favourite, Smiths of Smithfield, welcomes new Head Chef, Tim Dela Cruz, to the stoves at the Young’s city pub.

With a wealth of experience working in an array of London restaurants, Cruz brings an elevated menu to Smiths second-floor restaurant, with a focus on sustainable, British produce, blended with flavours of his heritage.

Specialising in wood-fire cooking, Tim first discovered his love of cooking from an early age whilst watching his mum and aunt operating a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in his hometown in Manila. Honing his craft in kitchens across London, including Caravan and Bonnie Gull, led Tim to the position of Sous Chef at Jason Atherton’s The Social Company, before taking the role of Head Chef to open the Pig & Palm in Cebu, Philippines. Most recently, Tim held the position of Head Chef at Anatolian restaurant, Skewd Kitchen, in Cockfosters.

Bringing his creative flair to the upstairs restaurant, menus will focus on elevating the best of seasonal, British ingredients, blended with classic French cooking techniques and a splash of flavours inspired by his heritage. Expect a changing roster of seasonal specials and signature dishes, from bar bites, mains and steaks to plant-based options.

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Cruz comments: “I am excited to have joined the team at Smiths of Smithfield ahead of the busy festive period. Working alongside the kitchen team, we are putting the spotlight on seasonal British produce, whilst incorporating authentic flavours and techniques from my home country to create an exciting menu.”

Located a stone’s throw from the station, Smiths of Smithfield is a Farringdon landmark, stretching across four-floors with an all-day bar, first-floor private rooms and rooftop terrace, with a dedicated restaurant on the second floor serving prime-cuts of meat and locally sourced produce. Home to a quality selection of cask ales and beers, an extensive wine list and boasting views over the city, Smiths of Smithfield is the ultimate destination for workers and foodies alike.

Find out more on our website: www.smithsofsmithfield.co.uk Smiths of Smithfield 67-77 Charterhouse St, London, EC1M 6HJ Twitter: @thisissmiths Instagram: @thisissmiths Facebook: @SmithsofSmithfield

Restaurants

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Hospitality expert predicts key bar and restaurant trends for 2024 The world of food and drink is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging every month.

In this year alone we’ve seen a whole spectrum of new crazes, from the TikTok famous “girl dinner” trend to hot and spicy cocktails.

We’ve also seen a variety of longer-term trends continue to rise in popularity, such as plant-based dishes and alcohol-free beverages.

Any restauranteur or bar owner understands the importance of keeping up to date with the latest industry trends. Not only can they help your business appeal to a large customer base, but they also allow your chefs or bartenders the opportunity to try something new and get more creative in their roles.

To help you get ahead of the curve for the year that lies ahead, bar and catering equipment supplier Mitchell & Cooper are here to share five food and drink trends they predict to take 2024 by storm.

1. Health-conscious diners Over recent years we’ve seen more and more diners searching for healthier dining experiences, with many consumers becoming increasingly health conscious since the pandemic. This trend is set to stay prevalent in 2024, as we continue to find new ways to take care of our health.

One particular diet which looks set to rise in popularity next year is the anti-inflammatory diet. This type of diet can reduce the amount of inflammation in the body and, as anti-inflammatory foods tend to be rich in vitamins and minerals, can come with a number of other health benefits too. This diet has already gained some traction, with #antiinflammatorydiet on TikTok already having 182.1 million views and counting.

Whole Foods Market has made a similar prediction, claiming that anti-inflammatory ingredients like buckwheat and cacao are going to be prominent in 2024. With the

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new year’s health kick just around the corner, now is the perfect time for food and drink establishments to find a way to incorporate this trend into their 2024 menus, whether this is in the form of an anti-inflammatory soup, salad, or smoothie.

2. Caribbean cuisine When it comes to the key cuisines of 2024, we expect Caribbean to be the one to watch. One survey has found that while 22% of consumers already eat the cuisine, double this amount (44%) haven’t tried it yet, but are interested in doing so. On top of this, the first ever UK Caribbean Food Awards was launched in 2023, showing us that the love of this cuisine is expected to grow even further over the coming years. Outside of the major cities, Caribbean dishes can be hard to come by in the UK, so it’s no surprise that people are interested in trying something new in the new year.

Caribbean food is all about bold flavours and takes inspiration from cuisines across the globe, from North, South, and Central America to Europe and West Africa. Common ingredients include rice, beans, peas, peppers, plantain, and a whole array of herbs and spices, including thyme, ginger, and allspice. There are plenty of fantastic drink pairings for Caribbean dishes as well, including a variety of flavourful rum-based cocktails, such as a piña colada or a dark ‘n’ stormy.

3. Turmeric-based dishes One ingredient we believe is set to be all the rage in 2024 is turmeric. Google trends data shows that searches for this colourful spice are on the rise, and as the ingredient is an anti-inflammatory, we may see an increase in turmeric consumption based on its purported health benefits. We can see the popularity of this spice increasing across the globe

too, with turmeric sales worldwide expected to increase by 5.5% by 2033 (Future Market Insights).

The great thing about this emerging trend is that it can be used in both food and drink.

As well as being a prominent ingredient in many curries and soups, it can also be used in drinks in the form of turmeric lattes (otherwise known as “golden milk”), teas, and smoothies. The spice can even be used to add an earthy flavour and deep orange hue to a range of sweet dishes too.

4. “Little treats” Anyone who has scrolled through TikTok will likely have heard the phrase “little treat” before. In fact, the tag already has 63.7 million views on the social media platform. This Gen Z trend is all about treating yourself little and often and is becoming an increasingly popular way to spend for young adults.

This is an already popular trend, but we predict it could become even more prominent in 2024 as the continuing cost of living crisis may encourage consumers to opt for these small and inexpensive everyday treats rather than larger purchases. We predict this trend to become a more popular way of dining in

the coming year too. This may be in the form of diners treating themselves to starters, side dishes, or desserts, rather than a full threecourse meal.

demographic, as consumer research has found that drinkers under the age of 40 are looking to try different styles of wine (The Drinks Business).

This is a great opportunity for tapas-style restaurants to take advantage of, perhaps by offering more deals based on smaller plates.

“A new year is a new opportunity to mix up your menu and try something different.

Whether you’re looking for exciting fresh dishes or a new drinks selection, looking ahead at what foods and drinks are expected to be popular in 2024 can help your business stay ahead of the curve, and potentially make your business appeal to a whole new demographic.”

5. Orange wine Rosé soared in popularity in the 2010s, and now orange wine looks set to replicate this success in the mid-2020s. Orange wine, also known as amber wine, traces its roots back to ancient winemaking methods. The wine is made with white grapes with their skins still intact, imparting a rich amber hue to the final product. While orange wine has been around for centuries, it is starting to sharply rise in popularity and looks set to become even more popular in the coming years, with the global market predicted to increase from $40 million in 2022 to $67 million in 2032 (Fact.MR).

If you’re looking to attract a new group of diners or drinkers, serving orange wine could be a great way to do this. This is especially the case if you’re looking to broaden your appeal to the Gen Z and Millennial

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“As consumers continue to become more health conscious, having a wide range of dishes to appeal to these diners may be just what your establishment needs. As well as having various low-sugar and plant-based options, labelling appropriate dishes as having anti-inflammatory ingredients or being rich in vitamins can help your menu stand out from the rest.”

“When it comes to drinks selection, a unique range of trending drinks, such as orange wine, can help your business appeal to a young audience who are looking to try something new.”- Guy Cooper, Managing Director at Mitchell & Cooper.

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Pan-Asian Restaurant UBA to launch in Shoreditch this April The team behind Soho’s Sucre and the recently opened CLAP London, is bringing a new Pan-Asian dining concept to Shoreditch with the opening of UBA on 2nd April.

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The 275 sqm space is located on Great Eastern Street and forms part of the Hart Shoreditch Hotel. It features a 105-cover restaurant plus a private dining room seating 12.

Interiors by architecture and interior studio, Verhaal, take inspiration from the culture and mythology of Asia with a palette featuring the traditionally auspicious colours of red and gold.

A statement marble bar, offering counter dining for up to 14, takes centre stage. Furniture includes red velvet banquettes and lava stone tabletops with antique mirrors, decorative lighting, illustrative artwork and Asian ceramics completing the vibrant picture.

buns and larger dishes from the robata and teppanyaki.

Signature dishes will include Spicy salmon tartare with Japanese herbs, salmon roe and Nori rice crackers served on an ice plate; Thai-inspired Wok-fried Monkfish with kaffir lime, sweet chilli and oyster glaze; and an Angus beef gyoza with onion ponzu, tomato miso and a charcoal veil.

The restaurant will open daily for lunch and dinner with the bar serving a selection of perfectly paired cocktails, wines and spirits inspired by the team’s personal travels through Asia.

The drinks list will offer a selection of muchloved favourites with a twist, as well as some exceptional signatures unique to UBA.

Behind the menu is Executive Chef, Paul Greening (Aqua Restaurant Group, Novikov, Harrods, Australasia) who has taken inspiration from his extensive travels across Asia.

Not just about the food and drink, UBA will offer an up-tempo vibe through a carefully curated soundtrack that changes as day turns to night along with regular DJ sets.

Dishes are divided into small sharing plates, sushi and sashimi, dim sum, ramen, hirata

Zeev Godik, Group CEO of Alpha-Mind commented: “This is our third London

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restaurant and the new location showcases our commitment to delivering captivating experiences and genuine hospitality. UBA’s Pan-Asian sharing menu, accessible prices and great music reflect its vibrant Shoreditch location. There’s nothing like it in the area and we can’t wait to open our doors.”

UBA will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 2 April.

Bookings to open soon, with updates to follow, Instagram @ubalondon.

UBA | 61 - 67 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3HU Tel: 020 3995 3655

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Lolly kicks off 2024 with three ISO accreditations Software house leads the way in quality assurance, information security and environmental management Lolly, the hospitality software house, is proud to announce that the company has recently achieved three prominent International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certifications with the British Assessment Bureau.

The first ISO9001 Quality Assurance certification is a set of five management system standards that help organisations ensure they meet customer and other stakeholder needs relating to products or services.

Meeting this standard confirms that Lolly will continue to improve its processes.

The second Information Security ISO27001 Management certification details the requirements for businesses to securely manage information assets and data to an internationally recognised standard.

It demonstrates that Lolly provides a robust approach for managing customer and employee details, intellectual property, financial information and third-party data.

ISO14001 is the internationally recognisedstandard for environmental management

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systems, providing a framework for companies to design and implement an EMS and continually improve their environmental performance.

By adhering to this standard, Lolly is taking proactive measures to minimise its environmental footprint and achieve its environmental objectives.

Tom Lewis, operations manager at Lolly (who led the accreditation process), said: “Completing these three prominent accreditations simultaneously is a huge achievement, and one that we are incredibly proud of.

Achieving these certifications ensures our clients can be comfortable in the fact they are dealing with a partner that attains the highest standards in business.

“The assessment process has also encouraged us to foster an internal culture of continual improvement. The high standards are maintained, and the good work that we do is fully documented ongoing, so that we can feed the data into the planning cycle.

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“The beauty of the accreditation process is that the audits, which take place annually thereafter, ensure that businesses try to improve on the foundations already laid down. We’re now looking into the next set of accreditations to embark upon.”

Peter Moore, CEO at Lolly, added: “Issues such as information security and environmental management have risen up the agenda in recent years. It has become vitally important for businesses to demonstrate that they are not only taking these matters seriously, but that they also consider those who they are working with – instilling confidence not only internally but transmitting this across clients and suppliers as well.

“Tom and his team have done an excellent job managing the process to achieve these three prestigious accreditations. Already we’re seeing significant change across the business and the impact that this is having on how we deliver service.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.itslolly.com/

30 Euston Square announces successful Year 30 Euston Square, the award-winning conference, meetings, and events venue, announces it is up 17.3% in revenue after an exceptional year in event bookings across the venue.

Since the start of 2023, 30 Euston Square has hosted 1,056 events with 43,000 guests, seeing a booking increase of 13% in comparison to last year. The venue attributes its success to the pent-up demand for events, with an increase in large conferences and events being booked by international companies looking to expand their market in the UK and Europe.

Customer Service (Up to 500 Theatre Style) at the Conference & Event Awards and Best Venue for Events with under 750 attendees at the London Venue & Catering Awards 2023.

With a multitude of versatile spaces which can be tailored to suit individual needs, from total branding to one-on-one engagement, 30 Euston Square also saw an increase in full venue hire, marking the return of large-scale events post-pandemic. Spaces such as the Exam Centre with 14-individual rooms, saw an uplift in bookings too, with organisers looking for more personalised event experiences to connect with attendees.

Luiz Mazzari, General Manager at 30 Euston Square comments: “We are incredibly delighted to exceed our targets with a record number of bookings this year. Across the last 12 months, we have achieved so much which is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. Looking ahead to 2024, we are optimistic that conference and event bookings will continue to grow as organisers continue prioritising face-to-face interactions, while we are also predicting a further increase in large events, including full venue hire, along with experience-led packages for corporate bookings.”

This year also marked the appointment of new Executive Chef, Alessandro Negro, who has developed the event packages and private dining menus with a focus on the finest seasonal, British ingredients.30 Euston Square’s work has been recognised by several awards this year, including Best Venue

Located in the heart of central London and near major transport hubs, 30 Euston Square offers a wide variety of event and conference spaces across seven floors, including its 300-seat auditorium, 18 meeting rooms, 6 heritage rooms, 2 elegant state rooms, 41 boutique bedrooms and a rooftop terrace.

Editor’s Choice

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Editor’s Choice

The Ashford Arms reopens for first time since the Pandemic after a spectacular £1.6 Million refurb The Ashford Arms, an iconic 17th century country pub in Ashford-in-theWater, near Bakewell, has reopened after a substantial £1.6 million refurbishment. Bakewell Mayor and local hero, Alyson Hill, cut the ribbon on 8 March with the pub opening to the public the following day.

The historic pub had been an integral part of the local community for 400 years but the pandemic forced the doors to close in 2020.

Rob Hattersley, owner of independent hospitality business, Longbow Bars & Restaurants, took on the lease in 2023 and has brought it back to life.

The ground floor, nine hotel bedrooms, gardens and kitchen have been completely transformed. They reflect the style that the Longbow pubs and hotels have become renowned for – cosy yet sophisticated, with a nod towards the building’s extensive local heritage.

“When The Ashford Arms became available, we leapt at the chance,” shared Rob. “It is right at the gateway of the village, and has been popular amongst locals and visitors alike for hundreds of years. We couldn’t let that slip away. It is wonderful to see it warm and full of people again. We have been packed to the rafters every day and night since we opened, and have had some fantastic feedback. People from the area are pleased that The Ashford Arms has been rescued and turned into something that we can all be proud of. Those from further afield have said that they are excited to have another high-quality dine and sleep option for exploring the Peak District.”

The menu has been carefully designed by executive chef, Adrian Gagea, who was trained by Raymond Blanc. Multi-awardwinning chef, Chris Parker, has stepped into the role of head chef.

The premium pub menu features pub classics with a modern twist alongside dishes inspired by the team’s travels and world flavours. Menus will change according to the season, and what is being grown nearby, with ingredients supplied by local farms, heritage brewers and artisan producers.

Amongst other desserts, the menu also features a homemade Bakewell tart, which supports two local charities. For each Bakewell tart sold, The Ashford Arms donates £1 to Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust Charity.

“Our food is fuss-free and simple – you won’t find any foams or gels here – but it is done extremely well, every time,” explains Adrian. “We are also uncompromising when it comes to using the best, fresh, local produce. We’re proud of our roots in the

Editor’s Choice

Peak District, and we’re passionate about playing our part in the local economy. It shines through in the taste and quality of our dishes.”

Rob founded Longbow Bars & Restaurants shortly before the pandemic hit, selling his house to fund his first venue, The Maynard in Hope Valley. He had a rocky start, which saw him on the brink of bankruptcy, due to the nationwide lockdowns, but he has quickly established himself as a rising star in the Peak District hotel, pub and restaurant industry.

The Ashford Arms will join The Maynard, which has won numerous awards as a wedding venue, restaurant, and hotel, and The George, an award-winning historic bar, restaurant and hotel in Hathersage, which was once frequented by Charlotte Brontë.

To celebrate the opening, The Ashford Arms has launched a competition in collaboration with Thornbridge and The Heights of Abraham.

One winner will receive: • An overnight stay for two at The Ashford Arms, in the executive suite “The Devonshire” • Champagne and Afternoon Tea on arrival • A three-course dinner with wine • A cooked breakfast the following morning • Two tickets to the Heights of Abraham plus guidebook • A brewery tour and tasting at Thornbridge • A Peak District Hamper.

For more details and to enter, visit: theashfordarms.com/win-a-peak-districtgetaway.

The Ashford Arms serves breakfast, lunch (including Sunday lunch), and dinner, as well as afternoon tea. The pub is open from 8am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday.

Bookings can be made via: https://theashfordarms.com/ Alternatively you can call us on 01629 690490 Follow us on: Facebook: @TheAshfordArms Instagram: @theashfordarmsbakewell

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100 Wardour Street: Now That’s What I Call Bank Holiday Brunch series returns this Spring Bank Holiday brunching is back! Get ready for the first Bank Holiday Weekend of 2024 with the return of Now That’s What I Call Brunch – the capital’s popular singalong brunch series from the legendary dancing, dining and drinking destination, 100 Wardour Street.

Returning to Soho this Spring, to celebrate the three long Bank Holiday weekends, the DJ-led brunch series is set to take you through the most iconic music decades, with the very best hits from the nostalgic ‘NOW That’s What I Call Music’ albums, along with delicious food, bottomless Aperol Spritz or prosecco and exciting prizes for the best dressed.

Running from 12 – 5pm on Sunday 31st March, and Sunday 5th, 26th May, the funfuelled bottomless brunches are perfect for those looking to make Bank Holiday Sundays feel just like Saturdays and celebrate that extra day off.

Enjoy soundtracks from your youth, as you immerse yourself in ABBA hits and transform into Soho’s best dressed Dancing Queen at the 70s Disco Brunch, or reminisce with chart-toppers from iconic artists, such as Usher and Mariah Carey at the 90s R&B edition.

What’s more, there are also prizes to be won for best dressed, so immerse yourself into the theme and dress to impress to catch the DJ’s eye to win big!

With two courses priced at £30pp, and three courses for £35pp, revellers can expect a wide selection of brunch dishes including orecchiette pasta, almond lemon ricotta, cherry tomatoes, chilli, garlic, spinach; Josper grilled rib eye steak harissa mayo, cress salad; smashed avocado, poached egg, grilled sourdough, black olive dressing; with desserts of buttermilk pancakes and chocolate brownie with raspberry sorbet. Opt for bottomless Aperol Spritz for an additional £30pp, bottomless bubbles for just £25pp or make it a mimosa for £5 extra - cheers to that!

70s DISCO EDITION Sunday 31st March 2024 Gimme, Gimme, Gimme the first Bank Holiday weekend of the year as the Now That’s What I Call Bank Holiday Brunch series kicks off with the 70s Disco edition, paying tribute to some of the global icons of the era.

Get into the groove and party the afternoon away to hit classics, from the likes of ABBA and the queen of disco, Donna Summer.

Don your best disco attire and dress to impress to win exclusive prizes.

Hot Stuff!

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Shows & Events

80s NEW WAVE EDITION Sunday 5th May 2024 Get ready to be a smooth criminal on the dancefloor and strike a pose to celebrate the extra long weekend with the kings and queens of pop at the 80s New Wave brunch.

With roof-raising vocals, riotous renditions and iconic moonwalking, expect the likes of Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Whitney Houston and more to entertain you, as the DJ spins the decks with the most iconic 80s tracks. Grab your eyeliner and your vibrant shell suit, as there’s prizes for the best dressed!

90s R&B EDITION Sunday 26th May 2024 Brush up on the steps to ‘Candy’, throw on those apple bottom jeans and get your gang together for the ultimate 90s R&B brunch.

With a wild afternoon jam-packed with the hottest R&B throwback anthems, expect classic hits on repeat from the likes of TLC, Missy Elliott and Usher. Buckle up because this is how we do it! Don’t forget your boots with the fur as there are prizes to win for best dressed!

The biggest Bank Holiday brunch series has returned at 100 Wardour Street!

Book your tickets now: https://tinyurl.com/yfxwn2fc For more information, please visit: https://www.100wardourst.com Instagram: @100wardourst 100 Wardour Street | 100 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TN

Shows & Events

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The Restaurant Show 2024 The Restaurant Show moves to a national scale in the centre of the UK, at the NEC, Birmingham for the first time this month as part of the UK Food & Drink Shows (29th April – 1st May).

The flagship tradeshow for chefs, restaurateurs, pubs and hotel operators, The Restaurant Show’s timely move to Birmingham reflects the changing landscape of hospitality and the burgeoning eating out scene in cities throughout the UK. Register for your free pass today: https://the-restaurant-show-2024.reg. buzz/ Visitors can expect a wealth of innovation and expertise as some of the UK’s best-loved hospitality professionals and most up-andcoming suppliers take to the show floor.

Expect to see stand out exhibitors including discerning manufacturers of specialist gins Langley Distillery (Stand FF241), Alsop & Walker Cheesemakers (Stand FF249), tableware producers Fairmont & Main (Stand HH271), premium one-of-a-kind cocktail creators Max’s Originals (Stand GG229) and Ariela’s Artisan Italian Gelato (Stand JJ268) and Be Inclusive Hospitality (Stand JJ243), a not-for-profit dedicated to fostering race equity in hospitality.

For the full list of exhibitors and products on show, visit: https://www.therestaurantshow.co.uk/ The show is also set to welcome eight of the country’s leading names for exclusive

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book signing sessions – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for exhibitors and visitors alike to meet their hospitality heroes.

To find out more visit: https://www.therestaurantshow.co.uk/ live-events-2024/book-signings Meanwhile, across the three days of the show, The Restaurant Stage is set to tackle the practical side of running a hospitality business with advice and insight from industry experts including Andy Clarke, Food & Drink Writer and Broadcaster, Patrick McNulty, Head Chef, Ynyshir Restaurant & Rooms, Alex Claridge, Chef-Patron, The Wilderness and Emma Reynolds, CoFounder, Tonkotsu.

Highlights of the schedule’s programme include: • The UK eating out consumer: What you need to know, Monday 29th April, 10.45am • Rising costs: What support is out there and what more needs to be done, Tuesday 30th April, 10.45am • Hospitality technology: Using tech to enhance experience, Wednesday 1st May, 2.30pm See the full line up of sessions and speakers here: https://www.therestaurantshow.co.uk/ sessions-2024#/seminars/

DOORS OPEN THIS MONTH

Touch.

Taste.

Discover.

The Restaurant Show will be joining the UK Food & Drink Shows at the NEC, Birmingham from the 29 April - 01 May 2024 alongside Farm Shop & Deli Show, Food & Drink Expo, The Forecourt Show and National Convenience Show.

• • •

Meet 100s of innovative and exciting suppliers Sample, savour and source the latest offerings Make valuable contacts

Find out more and register free at: therestaurantshow.co.uk This is a trade event. No under 18s will be admitted.

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Registration for The Meetings Show 2024 opens Visitor registration is now open for The Meetings Show 2024, the UK’s leading event that brings together the world’s meetings and events community.

Returning to ExCeL London on 19 and 20 June, The Meetings Show will give event planners the opportunity to meet with hundreds of global suppliers under one roof and enhance their industry knowledge and professional development through thoughtprovoking educational sessions.

This year’s show will feature a broad spectrum of exhibitors from across the meetings and events sector and world, including destinations, destination management companies, hotels, conference centres, venues, and technology suppliers.

Confirmed for 2024 are Q Hotels, Handpicked Hotels, Visit Wales and many more from the UK, while international suppliers include the Greek National Tourist Board, Meet Boston, Istanbul CVB, Zimbabwe Tourism, Malaysia Conference and Exhibition Bureau, Visit Finland, Westin Grand Frankfurt & Hamburg, Atout France and Estonia CVB. Exhibiting for the first time is STAR Your World, which will be joined by its DMC

partners, while Banff & Lake Louise is a new destination for 2024 and can be found in the Canada Pavilion alongside Calgary Convention Centre, Meet Edmonton, Destination Vancouver, and Air Canada.

This year’s soon to be announced knowledge programme, curated in partnership with The Attendee Experience Company (atex), will include 28 sessions across four key themes – Inform, Inspire, Innovate and Impact.

Each session will ensure visitors leave the show feeling enriched with knowledge they didn’t know they needed, empowered to think, connect, plan and live differently, alongside innovation to do and be better and connections with relevant industry colleagues. The show will also provide ample opportunities for networking, helping visitors to catch up with industry peers and make new connections.

Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director, Northstar Meetings Group, said: “We’re excited to open registration for this year’s show, which will provide a wealth of educational and networking opportunities for visitors as well as the chance to update their industry knowledge and meet with a broad range of suppliers from across the globe. The Meetings Show will yet again offer unrivalled access to the best hotels, venues, tourism boards, DMCs and other industry suppliers, all in one place.”

There are various ways to register to attend The Meetings Show 2024, which will be colocated with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show.

To find out more about the buyer, hosted buyer and visitor registrations options, visit: https://www.themeetingsshow.com/ register

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Shows & Events

Shows & Events

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Flooring by Havwoods

Textured timber flooring in this landmark hotel spa The Lowry Hotel in Manchester has undergone a £4m hotel refurbishment creating a breathtaking all-new design sancturary – the RE:TREAT. The spa features some of the most highly trained therapists in the city alongside new technology-based equipment such as cryotherapy chamber, meditation pod and sensory deprivation tank.

On arrival, guests are greeted with a large reception area and coffee bar in an on-trend earthy palette.

Encouraging comfort, warmth and relaxation, organic materials are at the heart of the design – from the coffee-coloured leather chairs and textured tiles to the live wall with beautiful greenery and potted plants.

Havwoods’ Bergen Rustic 125mm Herringbone boards from the Henley collection have been chosen for their modern yet timeless design and run throughout the reception, resulting in an open-plan space, but still with clear zones.

The style of flooring helps to elongate the room, enabling the eye to travel from one end to another with ease, while the natural variations of the wood grains and knots immediately add depth and interest to the minimalist aesthetic.

Request free samples at havwoods.com/uk Bergen Herringbone 125mm | HW3294

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Make use of your outdoor spaces all year with Astreea Does your establishment have unused space outdoors for a good part of the year? Ensure you’re not missing out on seating extra guests or providing a more unique dining experience. At Astreea we understand that providing customers with outdoor seating is a challenging prospect. Well, we have you covered… literally!

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Did you know that customers pay a premium for a unique dining experience?

Why investing in an outdoor dining solution is a great idea?

Astreea UK has recently launched the Igloo Plus; this new design goes beyond a semipermanent structure as the panels are more permanent than other Astreea covers.

Making it perfect for restaurants, pubs, and other establishments to have a more permanent structure in their outdoor areas.

Turn your investment into profit by charging a premium for the Igloo experience – covering your investment costs in no time!

Astreea Igloo Plus has an aluminium metal frame, with a polycarbonate cover and sliding door panel and locking system.

The 360-degree dome allows you an uninterrupted view without having to feel the chill of a late night.

Astreea Igloos are already providing hundreds of venues with increased dining options and footfall, and they can help you to achieve the same.

Ideal for restaurants, home dining, glamping, outdoor events, or garden igloo.

There are so many uses and possibilities for our outside cover from providing protection from the elements for restaurant diners or a garden furniture alternative for your home.

Visit www.astreeauk.co.uk to find out more or call 0330 2200671 to speak to one of our friendly advisors.

Outdoor Solutions

As well as extra seating for your guests, most would lavish the experience and paying extra wouldn’t be a problem but a privilege.

Get Social with the Astreea® Igloo on – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

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The Nest - The UK’s Best Luxury Glamping Retreat in 2024 Three dog friendly, luxury lakeside glamping lodges provide the perfect place to spend a summer with friends and family.

Where better to enjoy the Great British outdoors as spring approaches than at The Nest, a luxury glamping retreat in the heart of Lincolnshire where African Safari meets English countryside, which is set to open at the end of March for more glorious spring and summer stays.

Inspired by luxury safari camps in Kenya, these three unique lodges combine comfort, style and sophistication, with the charm and serene feeling of being at one with nature, without compromising creature comforts.

‘Pinkfoot’, ‘Cuckoo’ and ‘Teal’ Lodges each sleep up to 6 guests, and are positioned far enough apart to provide total privacy for sole use as a family or group of friends, but close enough for exclusive use of all three.

Each lodge offers a king-size master room with lake views and direct access to the outdoors, as well as a twin room and a separate king-size cabin bunk.. A large bathroom with an egg-shaped bathtub, offers the perfect place to soak in, whilst White Company

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linen and amenities combined with quality pillows, duvets and blankets provide the perfect setup for a good night sleep and real home from home feel.

The focal point of each lodge is the vast living room/kitchen, which comes fully equipped with all the mod-cons, crockery and cutlery you’d expect from self-catering accommodation.

A large wood burning stove not only keeps the lodge warm in any weather, but is a combined cooker and stove, allowing you to cook up a feast anytime of day - each lodge also comes with a Weber BBQ. A large dining table for 6 and deep set sofas provide the perfect place to catch up with friends, enjoy cosy family nights in, or simply kick back, relax and take in the breathtaking views of the lake and fields beyond.

The entire front of the lodge opens up to reveal a large deck, providing the perfect setting for a morning coffee, alfresco

Outdoor Solutions

breakfast, a sundowner or outdoor supper setting.

Whilst staying at The Nest, guests are encouraged to enjoy all the facilities on-site, including detailed walking maps, wild swimming in the lake, in-lodge spa treatments (including facials and massages), pizza making evenings and watching films under the stars around a firepit, toasting marshmallows, wood-fired hot tubs, fishing, boating on the lake, bird watching, board games and much more!

From £750 for 4 nights based on 6 guests.

To book visit: www.thenestglamping.co.uk/book-yourstay Get In Touch: 01780 433509 / 07833691320 Southorpe, Stamford Lincolnshire PE9 3BX

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DesignLSM Announces Retirement of Co-founder Simon McCarthy DesignLSM, the multi-disciplined strategic design agency, announces the retirement of co-founder Simon McCarthy, who alongside Steve La Bouchardiere, established the company in 1988.

McCarthy’s departure marks the end of an era for DesignLSM, while also signaling an exciting new chapter ahead with Holly Hallam, Managing Director, and Rachel Pratt, Studio Director, consolidating their leadership roles and joint ownership of the company.

Simon McCarthy and Steve La Bouchardiere founded DesignLSM over three decades ago, driven by their shared passion for hospitality, creating aesthetically pleasing spaces that were renowned for being commercially successful.

The company’s name, DesignLSM, is derived from their initials, symbolising their collaborative spirit and vision. Throughout their 36-year tenure, Simon, Steve and the wider team have garnered numerous international accolades for their outstanding work, establishing DesignLSM as a leader in the industry.

From one of their first projects with Rolling Stones’ Bill Wyman delivering the Sticky Fingers restaurant, to landmark endeavors including the master planning of the 97,000 sq ft food market at The Well in Toronto and the delivery of 150 Carluccio’s restaurants both in the UK and internationally, their legacy of excellence is undeniable.

Tragically, the passing of Steve in February 2023 marked a poignant moment for DesignLSM. His infectious enthusiasm and kindness left an indelible mark on the hospitality industry, and his absence is

deeply felt by all who knew him. Simon’s contributions to DesignLSM extend far beyond his experience of delivering remarkable design projects. His energy, drive, and commitment has shaped the careers of countless designers. As a mentor, Simon’s guidance and wealth of knowledge has inspired his colleagues to reach new heights in their profession.

Looking towards the future, Holly Hallam and Rachel Pratt, who have been integral members of the DesignLSM team for years, are poised to lead the company into its next phase of growth. Both Holly and Rachel have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, and their on-going joint ownership of DesignLSM underscores their dedication to honoring the legacy of Simon and Steve. Under the stewardship of Holly and Rachel, DesignLSM is set to continue building upon its reputation of excellence, with a focus on expanding its global footprint.

Exciting projects on the horizon include the development of numerous luxury hotels in Central London and Europe. Additionally, the company is continuing to make its mark in the Middle East with a collection of resort hotels and restaurant projects underway, as well as continuing successful relationships with F&B brands such as Gaucho, The Alchemist and North Audley Cantine.

“Simon has been both a mentor, not only sharing his vast knowledge of the industry and in-depth technical expertise with both

Rachel and myself, but also as an invaluable business partner for the last three years.

We both are extremely grateful to have had him by our side to navigate through the COVID period and to then move on to celebrate our strengths and successes; ensuring a smooth transition in ownership, equipping us to forge forward, continuing the legacy of DesignLSM – creating our new chapter. Simon will continue to offer his support with all our future endeavors. We are fortunate that he is not just our business partner, but also someone we greatly respect and admire who will remain our friend in his retirement. We wish him and his family the happiest of times ahead as they embark on their next adventure.” Holly Hallam.

“What an incredible journey it has been. As I reflect on the past 36 years, I feel immensely proud of all that my dear friend, Steve, and I began. Starting any business has its challenges, let alone launching an agency at the ages of 24 and 32 – but standing back and seeing the thousands of projects around the world that we have collectively delivered with our fantastic clients and talented teams over all those years feels like a true achievement. I am eternally grateful to Steve for joining me on this path and will forever cherish and miss him as a wonderful business partner, but more importantly, an amazing friend.”

“With the time to now step down and enjoy my retirement, I couldn’t be happier that Holly and Rachel will be leading the future of DesignLSM – I have every faith that they will drive the business forward with their undeniable passion, knowledge of and love for the hospitality industry, just the very reasons why Steve and I started this agency. I will continue to show my support and cannot wait to see what more they can achieve.”

Simon McCarthy.

As DesignLSM embraces this evolution of ownership, the company remains committed to delivering innovative and immersive brands and spaces for its diverse portfolio of clients around the world, standing as one of the UK’s longest running hospitality design agencies.

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Accor Accelerates Growth for its Premium, Midscale and Economy Brands across Europe A strong line-up of hotel openings and brand launches expected FROM THE GROUP in the first part of 2024.

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, continues to expand its portfolio of premium, midscale and economy brands across Europe with an array of new hotel additions and a strong line-up of openings slated for the first part of 2024.

in 2023 including a dedicated Premium, Midscale and Economy division, to help bring more focused expertise, accelerate growth, further improve performance, and deliver the highest possible levels of service for owners and guests.

At a Premium, Midscale & Economy (PM&E) divisional level, the growth plan builds on Accor’s strong foothold in the region, which includes approximately 3,000 PM&E hotels in more than 40 countries.

Its growth plan centres on cementing its leading position in key countries, expanding in leisure and Mediterranean destinations, as well as elevating its premium footprint.

In the first several months of 2024, Accor has already welcomed a host of new properties such as TRIBE Milano Malpensa, the first entry of the design-led brand to Italy and Mercure Tirana, the brand’s first property in Albania, while continuing to expand the ibis family of brands with new economy hotels in France, the UK and Romania. Across the Group’s premium network, Swissôtel has recently launched in Montenegro and Georgia.

The growth trajectory for Accor’s Premium, Midscale and Economy division is set to continue with additional openings expected in the first part of 2024, across several brands and destinations in the region.

Accor introduced a new divisional structure

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Following a record number of signings last year, as of December 2023, the PM&E division has a development pipeline of more than 350 hotels and 45,000+ rooms in the combined Europe and North Africa region.

Patrick Mendes, CEO, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Accor Europe & North Africa, said: “Europe is the historical home of Accor and continues to offer exciting opportunities for the hospitality sector, and our growth strategy is fully aligned to cater to the evolving markets and travellers’ expectations. 2023 was a record growth year, showing the attractiveness of our diverse brand portfolio.

2024 marks the first full year for Accor’s Premium, Midscale and Economy

organisation, and we are looking forward to unlocking the full potential of this incredibly diverse region this year and well into the future.”

In the mediterranean basin, a key growth focus of Accor, the Group is set to expand its presence with new openings in Italy (Rome and Sondrio) and Cyprus (Larnaca) under the Mercure and Handwritten Collection brands, in addition to strong growth in France, with over 30 new openings expected in the first part of 2024.

Some other key European growth highlights include the upcoming opening of a flagship Novotel property in Hamburg (Germany) and in Bruges (Belgium), the debut of ibis Styles in Iceland (Reykjavik) and greet in Brussels (Belgium), as well as the opening of the first TRIBE hotel in Latvia (Riga).

In the UK, Accor is set to expand the TRIBE brand with a new hotel in Manchester and a new ibis Styles at Gatwick Airport.

The Group has robust development plans for its premium hotel portfolio, with the expected opening of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karpacz and Mövenpick Wrocław, both marking the launch of the brand in Poland, and the debut of the Pullman brand in Montenegro and Hungary, in addition to a new Swissôtel property in Romania.

In the New East, Accor is continuing to expand in sough-after destinations in Georgia, with the upcoming opening of Novotel Tbilisi Center and ibis Styles Batumi,

as well as the addition of Mövenpick Winter Park Baku in Azerbaijan. Philippe Bijaoui, Chief Development Officer Europe & North Africa for Accor’s Premium, Midscale and Economy, added: “The growth of our Premium, Midscale and Economy portfolio is testament to the recognition and trust consistently shown by our guests and hotel partners in the region.

This is just the beginning, and we remain committed to our expansion strategy with a clear roadmap to not only consolidate our presence but also explore more highpotential destinations where we know travellers want to be.”

early June and will showcase French savoirfaire through its cozy 65 rooms, a lively bar and a spa.

Mercure Roma Cinecittà (Italy): Designed with an industrial style themed around cinematography, the hotel is slated to open in June 2024 and will offer 126 rooms, a lounge bar, a restaurant, a fitness room and four meeting rooms.

It will be located only 300 metres away from the Cinecittà Studios with convenient transport links into Rome’s city centre and its popular attractions and monuments.

In the first few months of 2024, Accor completed several new development signings, including the launch of its first Pullman hotel in Hungary with a flagship property in Budapest, as well as the launch of the Handwritten Collection brand in Bucharest.

Mövenpick Wroclaw (Poland):

Some of the upcoming premium, midscale and economy openings that are expected in the first half of 2024 include:

It will boast a modern and functional conference space and is expected to open over the summer.

Maison Hamelin Hotel – Handwritten Collection (France):

Novotel Tbilisi Center (Georgia):

The first hotel under the Handwritten Collection brand to open in Paris will be located in the chic 16th arrondissement of the capital, between the world-renowned Champs-Elysées and the Galliera Museum.

The hotel is set to welcome its first guests in

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Housed in a 100-year-old building in the heart of Wroclaw, the hotel will offer 179 comfortable rooms, a large restaurant and a sky bar in thoroughly designed interiors blending modern and elegant features.

Located in Avlabari, a historic district in Tbilisi’s old town, the 176-room new build is slated to open in Spring 2024 and will feature modern design, a rooftop pool and bar, amongst other amenities, as well as a versatile conference centre for up to 600 guests.

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ibis Styles Batumi (Georgia): Marking Accor’s first opening on the Black Sea coast, the hotel is slated to open in Summer 2024 and will feature various sportthemed elements, comfortable guestrooms with the brand’s signature Sweet Bed™ by ibis, as well as event and entertainment space with special attention to family with kids.

Swissôtel Poiana Brasov (Romania): Located in the Transylvania region of Romania, it will feature 64 well-appointed rooms and will be the perfect getaway for skiers, hikers and bikers who will be able to walk to the nearby slopes.

After a day spent in nature, guests will be able to indulge in the relaxing spa or the on-site restaurant. The hotel is expected to open in May 2024 and will offer conference and event facilities for business travellers.

TRIBE Manchester Airport (UK): The second TRIBE property in the UK is set to open in Spring 2024.Located within walking distance of the terminals at one of the UK’s most popular airports, the nine-storey, 12,300m2 hotel will feature 412 rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, a fitness centre, and even a crew lounge for airline staff.

greet Brussels Airport Zaventem (Belgium):

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The first greet hotel to arrive in Benelux, it will be located at one of Belgium’s busiest airports. Expected to open in Spring 2024, the new hotel will provide 68 comfortable rooms and will be situated just moments from the terminal with equally good connections into Brussels’ city centre.

Novotel Hamburg Central Station (Germany): Set to open in late March 2024, the hotel will feature 227 beautifully designed rooms and suites, a Nordic inspired restaurant concept, a bar and lounge, a fitness centre as well as meeting and event spaces, with a prime location next to the city’s main railway station and the shopping district Mönckebergstrasse.

TRIBE Riga City Centre (Latvia): Opening in April 2024, the hotel will be the first TRIBE property in the Baltic States and will be located in the Art Nouveau district of Riga city centre. It will offer 81 rooms, a bar and restaurant, a fitness area, steam sauna and jacuzzi, as well as conference facilities.

ibis Styles Reykjavik (Iceland): Located in the capital of Iceland with excellent connection to the city centre and the international airport, the new hotel will feature 57 rooms and will open in May, following an extensive renovation project as part of the conversion. Beyond the premium, midscale and economy segments, Accor’s

Luxury & Lifestyle division is also preparing for an exciting period of growth in 2024.

With a global portfolio of 370+ luxury hotels and 150+ lifestyle hotels – the latter represented by Ennismore - and an extensive development pipeline, Accor is strongly positioned to meet the demand for high-end and culturally relevant travel experiences.

Some key European openings across these categories are expected in 2024.

From Ennismore, lifestyle hotels opening this year include Hyde London City (UK), SLS Barcelona (Spain), The Hoxton Vienna (Austria), and 25hours Hotel Paper Island, Copenhagen (Denmark). Alongside these, a line-up of other high-profile luxury additions will arrive later in the year, such as Fairmont Golden Prague in the Czech Republic and Fairmont La Hacienda, Costa Del Sol, Spain.

For more information, please visit: https://group.accor.com/fr-FR

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Did you raise a toast on International Whiskey Day with CRC’s Tastiest Tipples?

International Whiskey Day and what better way to celebrate than by travelling the world in a whiskey glass?

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives: Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport.

Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back-luxury, ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy.

Occupying an enviable position perched atop the calm turquoise waters of Gili Lankanfushi, the Overwater Bar is the island’s signature dining destination.

New for 2024, the bucket-list-worthy restaurant has enjoyed a full refurbishment, featuring the rustic-chic interiors for which Gili is renowned and an extended outdoor decking area which provides the perfect spot to watch the sunset, cocktail in hand.

Beloved by guests for the opportunity to spot reef sharks and rays drift through the lagoon below as they dine, the all-day-dining spot offers panoramic views across the Indian Ocean. As sunset turns the sky afire, the Overwater Bar becomes the perfect setting for sundowners: delicious cocktails freshly

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crafted using local flavours and served with light and flavoursome canapés. And what better place to enjoy Gili’s International Whiskey Day offering, the Gili Fashioned – an island take on the iconic Old Fashioned – crafted by Bar Captain Vijeesh Stanley?

Ingredients: • 45ml Talisker 10-year-aged whiskey • 15ml Drambuie • 2 bar spoons Jaggery • 5 dashes bitters • 1 dried coconut flake • 1 sprig of dehydrated rosemary • 1 slice dehydrated orange Method: 1. Place jaggery in a mixing glass, add bitters and Drambuie 2. Muddle it gently to dissolve the jaggery perfectly 3. Add Talisker whisky and ice cubes, stir well until chilled 4. Double strain into a rock glass, filled with fresh ice cubes 5. Garnish with orange, rosemary, and coconut flake, add a few drops of whisky and torch it to give a touch of smoke Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi start from £$1,440 (£1,129*), based on two adults

sharing a Villa Suite with breakfast included.

For more information or to book please visit: www.gili-lankanfushi.com

Great Plains’ Zarafa Camp, Botswana: Botswana’s first Relais & Chateaux property, Great Plains Zarafa Camp is an exquisite camp located on the private 130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve. Named after the famous giraffe – Zarafa – gifted by the Viceroy of Egypt to Charles X of France in 1826, the camp is often referred to as ‘the whiskey camp’, owing to its elegant dark wooden interiors that exude elegance and time.

What’s more, the camp recently launched a fireside whiskey and cigar pairing, where the camp team invite guests to select from the bar’s extensive whiskey selection and embark on a whiskey safari – a journey from Kentucky to Islay and Ireland to Japan. Camp resident whiskey and cigar expert Colleen will then share her notes on pairings, delving into which cigars complement the hidden textures and considered flavours and the art of whiskey distilling, before guests enjoy their chosen combination by the fire.

Great Plains Zarafa Camp’s Front of House Supervisor, Bee, is delighted to share the secret recipe for his famous Zarafa Sunset cocktail, the perfect pick for those who like their whiskey on the wild side. Originally crafted for guests of the Zarafa Dhow Suite, a 2-bedroom villa separate to the main camp where guests enjoy complete privacy and their own dedicated team, the cocktail was inspired by the colours of the sun setting over the Zibadianja lagoon, along with the dark wooden interiors of the camp itself. It makes for the ideal sundowner, wherever you are in the world.

Ingredients: • 2 tots of Makers Mark whiskey • 25ml freshly squeezed orange juice (sieved to be smooth) • 1 tot of red wine • Orange peel twist for garnish • 3 mint sprigs for garnish Method: 1. First add ice to your whiskey glass 2. Pour your whiskey and fresh orange juice over ice 3. Top with red wine 4. Add garnish of orange peel and a mint sprig Nightly rates at Great Plains Zarafa Camp, Botswana, start from $2,460 (£1,928*) per person per night.

For more information or to book, visit: https://greatplainsconservation.com/ portfolio/zarafa-camp/

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Uga Residence, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Nestled between leafy Park Street and the lakeside temple of Gangarama, Uga Residence is a unique boutique hotel in the heart of Sri Lanka’s business capital city of Colombo.

Built in the nineteenth century by Sheik Salehboy Moosajee, it is one of the few remaining buildings of its kind in Colombo.

Originally a family home, the house was designed to host receptions and entertainment on a grand scale, with great halls, expansive gardens and stables for visitors’ carriage horses.

Today, Residence is a luxurious eight-suite city hotel. With a large garden, swimming pool, bar and ‘great room’, Residence offers plenty of spaces to meet, relax or celebrate at the beginning or end of a Sri Lankan adventure. 2024 will see the launch of a new F&B concept at the boutique property with more details to follow.

Armchair travellers can enjoy a taste of Uga Residence at home with Head Mixologist Shan J’s ever-popular ‘Buttered-Scotch’ whiskey cocktail recipe. A heady celebration of the island’s rich history and a nod to the elegance of the 180-year-old mansion house, the cocktail fuses Ceylon coffee with smoky Sri Lankan cinnamon bitters.

Ingredients: • 50ml whiskey • 50ml milk coffee (Kiri kopi) liqueur • 3 dashes homemade smoky cinnamon bitters • 25ml Ceylon coffee Method: 1. Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker 2. Add ice and shake until cold 3. Double strain into a champagne coupe 4. Garnish with a coffee bean Nightly rates at Uga Residence start from $305 (£239*), based on two adults sharing a Park Suite on a bed and breakfast basis.

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.ugaescapes.com/residence/

Château de Candie, Chambéry, France: Luxury villa specialists Purple Summer are delighted to offer guests the ultimate French adventure this season, with a stay at Savoie’s Château de Candie, which reopens for 2024 in May. Located in picturesque Chambéry, just an hour from both Geneva and Lyon airports, this 25-room regal residence sleeps

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up to 60 on a by-room or exclusive-hire basis and provides the perfect weekend escape for families, friends and couples alike.

The property has recently launched an array of new additions for the season ahead, including a brand-new whiskey snug, offering the ultimate whiskey-tasting experience just in time for its namesake day!

The brainchild of Château de Candie’s Head Mixologist Raphaël Diatta, the CandieBee is one such whiskey delight that can be enjoyed in the new snug. A perfect balance between the smoked aroma of the whisky and the sweetness of the Château’s homegrown honey, combined with Erika Gin de printemps, distilled with spring flowers for a transportive scent. The CandieBee is the utlimate balanced cocktail to revive the strength of Lagavulin whiskey.

Ingredients: • 4cl 16-year aged Whisky Lagavulin Islay Single Malt • 2cl Amaretto • 1cl Erika Gin de Printemps • 3cl Candie’s honey Method: 1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full with ice 2. Place all the ingredients into the shaker 3. Place the lid on the shaker and shake well for 30 seconds 4. Strain into a whiskey glass filled with a couple of ice cubes to keep the drink fresh Nightly rates at Château de Candie start from 200 € per room on Bed and Breakfast basis.

The property is available on an exclusive hire basis from 15,000 €.

For more information and to book, please visit: https://purplesummer.com/destinations/accommodation-in-the-french-alps/ chateau-de-candie/

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, Italy: Situated in Italy’s iconic Venice on the peaceful island of Giudecca, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is a modern Venetian masterpiece. Formerly a flour mill factory, this listed building has been beautifully restored with a series of recent refurbishments, including 24 new suites by famed interior designer Biagio Forino set to be unveiled in April 2024.

The recently renovated Skyline Rooftop Bar at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is the highest bar in Venice, featuring incredible panoramic views of the city and talented mixologists.

Guests and locals alike are mesmerised by the bar’s incredible views of the Venice skyline, which is widely held to be one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset.

And now, in celebration of International

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Whiskey Day, Skyline’s world-class team of bartenders are spilling the secrets to two of their most-loved whiskey cocktails.

Nightly rates at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice begin at €240 (£205*) per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.

Smokey Old Fashioned Skyline’s twist on the iconic Old Fashioned, this after-dinner drink fuses whiskey and applewood smoke, served alongside aromatic dark chocolate and fresh apple slices to provide a fresh finish.

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/vcehihi-hilton-molino-stucky-venice/

Ingredients: • 60ml Maker’s Mark bourbon • 2 drops bitter chocolate • 2 drops Peychaud’s bitter • 1 bar spoon lemon juice • 1 bar spoon maple syrup Method: 1. Mix all the ingredients and pour into a flask 2. Using a smoke gun, infuse the drink with the aroma of applewood 3. Serve the drink with apple and chocolate flakes to balance the flavours 4. Theatrically pour the drink at the tableside while the smoke billows all around Worldwide Recall Ever enjoyed a whiskey after a barbecue?

Worldwide recall is a memory-in-a-glass designed to bring you back to that very moment.

Evocative and relaxing, it is made to be enjoyed sip by sip as you watch the world float by.

Ingredients: • 30ml bacon-infused Four Roses whiskey • 15ml Montelobos mezcal • 15ml Tio Pepe sherry fino • 15ml Punt & Mes red vermouth Method: 1. In a saucepan, heat the whiskey without bringing it to the boil. Pour in the bacon fat and let it melt 2. Once melted, let it cool in a jug to room temperature 3. Once cooled, let it rest for 8 hours in a freezer, so that the whiskey takes on the flavor of the bacon and the melted fat recomposes on the surface 4. After the necessary time, filter the mixture with a bag and a cloth napkin (double filtering) 5. Combine the bacon-infused whiskey with all other ingredients into a mixing glass, stir and pour into an old fashioned glass, before serving with a giant ice cube, fresh smoke and a slice of bacon.

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Hilton Lake Como, Italy: Hilton Lake Como is a modern lifestyle hotel with spectacular scenery, traditional charm, and jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the lake from its rooftop pool. Formerly a silk factory, the building is steeped in history and is now home to 170 spacious guest rooms, with a variety of stunning suites to choose from, a pampering spa and a popular rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant.

For a delicious drink served with a side of dolce vita, the newly designed rooftop bar, Terrazza 241 can’t be beaten. Offering panoramic views overlooking Italy’s most luxurious and iconic lake, the bar and restaurant has recently launched an inviting new food and cocktail menu and is the perfect spot from which to watch the world float by, aperitivo in hand.

The ideal choice this International Whiskey Day? The Wise Guy cocktail, created by Terrazza 241’s expert mixologists and served in a traditional Italian fiaschetta (hip flask).

Ingredients: • 35ml Russel’s 10-year-aged whiskey • 90ml homemade orange cordial • 10ml Disaronno • Cherrywood smoke Method: 1. Begin with Russel’s whiskey as an alcoholic base, before adding in the Disaronno and a homemade cordial, made by boiling ginger ale with orange peel 2. Strain and pour over a giant ice cube.

At Terrazza 241, the team use one that has been stamped with the bar’s name and smoked with cherry wood 3. For an interactive experience, the bartender and the guest pour the drink from a fiaschetta Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como start from €350 (£299*) per night, based on double occupancy with breakfast included.

For more information or to book, visit: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mxpcohi-hilton-lake-como/

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Coming up next month in issue 44, features on: Hotels - Hospitality Technology - Drinks Contract Beds & Bedding - Uniforms & Workwear Travel

As per usual we will be running our monthly editorial features on hotel openings, industry news, advice articles & travel locations.

If you would like to send us editorial content to be consideredfor submission then please send information to carol@warmwelcomemagazine.com The closing deadline for the next issue is 23rd April 2024.

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