Infotel Magazine | Edition 9 | 2016

Dates for the Diary What to do, where to stay

The Guest Book This month’s top picks

2016 Edition 9

Hull

The Infotel Case Study

Less than 100 days to go!

Inside the City of Culture 2017

THE FOUR Rs RETAIL, RECHARGE, REPLAY, RETREAT

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Haunted Hotels?

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CONTENTS

The Four

Rs:

Retail, recharge, replay & retreat!

MOST HAUNTED!

“Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen, Voices whisper in the trees; Tonight is Halloween!”

BY DAVE HART (SERVES 4)

Dexter Kozen

4 5 6 7 8 10

The Guest Book

Dates for the Diary

Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club Birch Hotel Infotel Business Infotel Case Study

12 13 14 18 19 20

The Swan

Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel

The Four Rs Half-Term Take-Away Feathers Hotel A Postard from Hull

22 23 24 26 27 28

Front Cover: Humber Bridge by FreeImages.com/Martin Gregory Inside Cover: Mondrian London at Sea Containers

Infotel Top Picks in Hull Infotel Most Haunted Infotel Specials Talash Hotel Group Mumbles Carlton Hotel Chef’s Corner: Free Recipe

3

This month’s collection of Infotel properties to check-in to this month

Mill House Hotel & Riverside Restaurant Bedfordshire

George Hotel Aberdeenshire

Rowers Hotel Tyne & Wear

Portcullis Inn Majors Retreat Gloucestershire

Atlantic House

Liverpool Arms Hotel Isle of Anglesey

Cornwall

Elizabeth House Hotel Hampshire

4

Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa Angus

Draycote Hotel Warwickshire

Tudor Lodge Hotel Middlesex

DATES FOR THE DIARY OCTOBER 2016

What’s On?

Newport Food & Drink Festival at The Admiral Gallery 1 October NEWPORT

Andrea Bocelli at The O2 1 October GREENWICH

Who?

Nottingham Goose Fair Forest Recreation Ground 5 - 9 October NOTTINGHAM

Lincoln Sausage Festival at Lincoln Castle 22 October LINCOLN

When?

Lakes International Comic Arts Festival 14 - 19 October KENDAL

The Haunted Castle at Warwick Castle 22 - 31 October WARWICK

Musicport Festival 22 October WHITBY The City of London Christmas Market at Chelsea Old Town Hall 26 October CHELSEA

Where?

5

FEATURE

Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club Nottingham, Nottinghamshire NG12 3HB

£79 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

The Residence at the Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club is a brand new hotel offering 18 beautifully appointed bedrooms, designed with unique touches and bespoke furnishings. Standard, executive and family rooms have luxury ensuite bathrooms with walk-in showers, tea and coffee making facilities, LCD TV and complimentary WiFi, with the signature superior suite providing guests with a private entrance.

The Lakeview Restaurant serves a delicious menu of classic dishes and modern-day British favourites, along with light bites and sandwiches. For summer days, the balcony, which overlooks 340 acres of manicured grounds and rolling countryside, makes the perfect place for an ice cool beer or a glass of wine!

“The staff were extremely friendly, the food was excellent and the room was superb” Trip Advisor Reviewer

6

300 Onsite

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

Weddings Christmas Parties /Civil

Golf

Check In 2.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

FEATURE

Birch Hotel

Manchester, Lancashire OL10 2QD

£59 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Super comfy beds with plump pillows and crisp linen help guarantee a good night’s sleep in these tastefully decorated bedrooms, which blend contemporary design with a touch of opulence, and include TV, telephone, free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities as standard.

The hotel`s restaurant overlooks three acres of gardens and serves freshly cooked breakfast and an evening a la carte menu. Guests also receive free entry into the nearby Heywood Sports Village.

Located minutes from the M60 and the M62, just over four miles from the centre of Manchester and only three miles from Bury, Rochdale and Oldham.

“Very friendly staff and delicious breakfast!”

Trip Advisor Reviewer

100 Onsite

CCTV

Free WiFi Restaurant

Check In 2.00pm

Bar

Weddings Christmas Parties /Civil

Check Out 11.00am

7

It’s our business to look after you!

We provide the perfect partnership for finding your work and leisure accommodation

Bespoke Service

Accommodation

Clear Pricing

We search, secure and book your accommodation so you’re free to do your job.

We have access to over 780,000 properties, including major hotel chains, serviced apartments and independent B&B’s.

We offer a completely FREE service so there’s no hidden charges to worry about at the end of the month.

Travel

Savings

Flexible

We use the latest technology to secure the lowest rates on rail, air and ferry fares.

We save our clients on average 20% off all bookings.

01775 843413

We offer FREE cancellation on thousands of properties and we will make all the changes for you.

hotels@infotel.co.uk

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

www.infotel.co.uk

You’ll always get out of bed on the right side with Infotel

What our clients says...

“Professional, friendly and value for money, as a small business we understand the difference between cost and value and Infotel certainly provide value for us.

When I call they are always friendly and polite, and importantly, professional in all their dealings with me. They strive to find just the right hotel, at the right price in the right location. They will call back with their suggestions and then make the booking on my behalf. The service provided is second to none and saves me time and effort booking hotels. I have recommended Infotel to my clients.

Thank you for the superb service you provide for me.”

Maureen O’Mara Blue Horizon Training Ltd

Where will your work take you this month?

We book you into the best room rates around however long your stay and wherever your destination takes you

infotel.co.uk

John O’Groats 81 properties

Perth

298 properties

Middlesbrough 250 properties

York

355 properties

Dublin

492 properties

Oxford

Penzance 420 properties

352 properties

9

CASE STUDY

How we helped DCM Surfaces We have been working with well-known large corporations to smaller companies, organisations and individuals all over the UK for the last 26 years. This month, we caught up with DCM Surfaces to see how they benefit from using our free booking service.

The case background: We have been working with DCM Surfaces since 2009 to help bring their accommodation bookings in on budget without compromising the welfare of their employees, working directly with DCM’s Operations team; Mariusz Kusmierek and Matthew Bowry.

The case aims:

DCM Surfaces: Residential driveway

DCM Surfaces: Recent project

• We would find suitable accommodation for installers working on projects in locations too far to travel home to on the same day, and projects needing extended periods of time away from home.

Established in 1995, DCM Surfaces provide innovative products and designs for various surfaces; play including wet pour, sport, decorative gravel and structural surfacing. This keeps their installers busy all over the UK, and is where our team of accommodation specialists step in.

• We would work to the agreed project budget for accommodation as well as ensuring all other special requirements are met, including on-site parking for a company van with no height restrictions and a bar/restaurant is on site or close by to allow employees to get dinner.

• The welfare of installers would be paramount in providing a good standard of accommodation.

The case study: We are in the unique position of working with over 800,000 hotels across the UK, Europe and further afield. Through our long established relationships with hotel groups and independent accommodation providers we’re able to negotiate very competitive room rates for DCM Surfaces.

With our highly advanced internal booking systems, our accommodation specialists can quickly see whether a hotel is in the allowed travel distance of ten miles and see the facilities available, allowing them to check reviews and standards and as a result, book the perfect hotel option.

We also provide an online booking portal for DCM Surfaces so their head office employees booking for those out on the road, have their own safe and secure method of inputting accommodation requests, straight into our live system without having to pick up the phone.

DCM Surfaces: Show home pathways

This summer, DCM Surfaces have completed numerous playground installations in the central London area, requiring teams to be on site for a number of days. We were able to source accommodation for staff within a short distance and within the set budget.

CASE STUDY

The case review:

Infotel’s ability to search for, find and book accommodation saves us a great deal of time.

We are confident we can call on Infotel, sometimes at short notice, to find us suitable accommodation within budget in both city centre and rural locations. Infotel are also aware of extra requirements such as large vehicle parking, late check-in options and reduced distance to site.

A further added benefit for us is Infotel communicating directly with our on-site installation teams providing the relevant information for their stay.

DCM Surfaces.

DCM Surfaces: Hospital play area

Infotel and DCM Surfaces going forward: DCM Surfaces have one of our dedicated Account Managers liaising with them on a regular basis through either face-to-face meetings or on conference calls, ensuring they are happy with our services, and monitoring the company accommodation spends.

For clients with a large annual spend, we provide a free consolidated billing facility and bespoke management information, making accommodation and accounting even easier.

To find out more on how we can help save you and your company time and money on your accommodation bookings please contact our team.

01775 843418 Email Infotel

Sports surfaces include polymeric rubber surfaces and artificial grass for sports; ideal installations for schools, community centres and sports clubs looking for multi-use games areas which can be used all year round with minimal maintenance required.

Working with main contractors, local authorities and directly with schools and nurseries DCM Surfaces routinely install play surfaces such as wet pour, rubber mulch and artificial grass on playgrounds and public play areas throughout the UK.

DCM Surfaces’ artificial grass and resin bound gravel is widely used by architects and private developers for landscaping schemes, courtyards, paths and driveways.

To arrange a site visit or for more information please contact DCM Surfaces on 0845 650 0066 or visit their website www.dcmsurfaces.com where you can find examples of recent installations and inspiration on surfacing projects and designs.

FEATURE

The Swan

Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 7AE

£85 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

This 17th Century coaching inn is situated at the top of the historic town of Wotton-under-Edge and is only ten minutes from the M5. Halfway between Bristol and Gloucester, Wotton nestles under the high Cotswold escarpment and forms part of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The original features - beamed ceilings, exposed walls and log fires - add to the charm of this southern Cotswold inn which has 11 en-suite bedrooms, all with complimentary WiFi, flat screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities.

The friendly snug bar and restaurant serves tapas, seafood, grills, and an a la carte menu.

“A comfortable, welcoming place, great selection of beer and a filling breakfast” Trip Advisor Reviewer

12

74 Secure Offsite

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

Weddings Christmas 24hr CCTV Parties

Check In 3.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

FEATURE

Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG6 3NP

£59 01775 843413

From

“Stayed on a work trip; well organised, light and airy room, clean and well maintained” Trip Advisor Reviewer

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

The 4-star Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel & Spa is a converted manor house set in eight acres of grounds overlooking Letchworth Golf Club close to Letchworth, the original garden city and is just 30 minutes from London Luton Airport, Cambridge and London King’s Cross.

The hotel has 85 modern bedrooms, all of which include en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and Wi-Fi throughout. For guests who enjoy a more traditional feel, there is a selection of original rooms and suites, many with four poster beds and separate lounges.

The older, original part of the building boasts a Jacobean Minstrel`s Gallery which overlooks the Great Hall, and the Conservatory Restaurant which serves a range of delicious meals to suit all palates.

Canon`s Health and Fitness run the leisure facilities and all guests are given complimentary access, including cardio classes and yoga.

300 Onsite

CCTV

Free WiFi Restaurant

Air Conditioned

Fitness Centre

Bar

Weddings /Civil

Indoor Pool

Golf

24hr Christmas Reception Parties

Check In 2.00pm

Check Out 10.00am

Turn to page 28 for this month’s free recipe from the hotel’s Executive Head Chef >>

A comprehensive wine list compliments the food in a venue renowned for its personal and friendly service.

13

CHRISTMAS!

Retail, recharge, replay & retreat!

As British Summer Time ends, thoughts of Christmas are starting to surface!

Our handy guide will help you plan where to shop, where to stay and how to turn your day into a weekend or midweek getaway!

Retail

In terms of shoppers, Westfield Stratford City boasts the most with over 42 million people shopping in the two department stores (John Lewis and M&S), the 280 shops from Adidas to Zenerrji, or dining in one of the 70 restaurants.

Recharge

Enjoy the tastes, smells and rhythms of the islands at Levi Roots Carribean Smoke House.

Westfield Stratford

Replay

Head to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, designed to preserve and enrich the local environment, by restoring wetland habitats and planting native species of plants...as well as providing a lasting legacy from London2012.

Retreat

Sweet dreams are welcome in these hotels!

Stratford >>

By Roel Hemkes (Westfield Stratford City at night)

Retail

The Trafford Centre, Manchester includes Europe’s biggest food hall; The Orient is themed like a 1930s liner and seats 1,600 people. Four department stores (John Lewis, Debenhams, M&S, Selfridges) and 280 stores from Accessorise to Zara.

Recharge

Head to 360 Champagne & Cocktails for bubbles, cakes and afternoon tea.

Replay

Fat Boy Slim maks a rare appearance at the Albert Hall on 10 December.

Retreat

Over 400 hotels for a silent night!

Manchester >>

The Trafford Centre

Bluewater

Retail

Over 300 stores and 60 restaurants make Bluewater in Kent a popular choice. From AllSaints to Yo! Sushi via three department stores (M&S, John Lewis and House of Fraser).

Recharge

Head to Clarins Skin Spa for ‘me-time’ pampering.

Replay

Down to Margate for a musical catch-up with Chas ‘n’ Dave at the Winter Gardens on 8 December.

Retreat

You won’t be blue with over 200 hotels to chose from!

Kent >>

St David’s

Retail

With almost 200 shops, places to eat and department stores, St David’s in Cardiff was crowned International Shopping Centre of the Year in 2010, and remains as popular today with five department stores (John Lewis, Debenhams, Boots, M&S and Primark) and 88 high street favourites.

Recharge

Head to The Hayes for a selection of indoor and al fresco dining, including Jamies’ Italian, Carluccios and Red Hot World Buffet.

Replay

The Tramshed opens its doors to prog rock giants Marillion on 3 December.

Retreat

Plump up the pillows in one of 200 hotels in Cardiff.

Cardiff >>

Retail

Intu Metrocentre Gateshead: the UK’s largest centre has 190,000 m2 of retail therapy, with three department stores (John Lewis, House of Fraser, M&S), and 340 shops from Armani to Zalando.

Recharge

Fuel your day with lunch at Sorella Sorella.

Replay

Madness headline the Metro Radio Arena Newcastle on 8 December.

Retreat

Get your head down in one of 300 hotels!

Gateshead >>

Intu Metrocentre

Retail

Famous for the fab four, LiverpoolOne offers fabulous shopping in four districts all in one stylish place! Discover Peter’s Lane for designer brands, South John Street for two floors of high street favourites, head to Paradise Street for cutting edge style or go round the corner to Hanover Street for even more choice!

LiverpoolOne

Recharge

Casual dining with tasty Latin tapas and a classic cocktail selection will have you energised at Las Iguanas.

Replay

At the Echo Arena Liverpool on 12 December with Rod Stewart.

Retreat

A fab 400 hotels to chose from!

Liverpool >>

Meadowhall

Retail

Meadowhall Sheffield has three department stores (Debenhams, House of Fraser and M&S) and over 60 shops from Apple to Victoria’s Secret.

Recharge

At Ed’s Easy Diner you can enjoy a large slice of 1950’s American culture and a classic menu of stateside favourites all set against a backdrop of popular jukebox hits.

Replay

25 years of Reeves and Mortimer at City Hall on 13 December sees the comedy duo present classic characters and new material.

Retreat

With almost 500 hotels you could have a problem settling on just one!

Sheffield >>

HALF-TERM

HALF-TERM TAKE-AWAY!

JUMP IN THE CAR OR TAKE THE TRAIN. EITHER WAY PACK SOME FUN INTO THIS HALF-TERM AND GRAB A NIGHT OR TWO AWAY, WITH OR WITHOUT THE KIDS!

Home from home? Head to an apartment

Fancy making a splash? Go coastal!

APARTMENTS

COASTAL ACCOMMODATION

For a touch of history and heritage a coach house rides into first place!

Twos company? Boutique bedrooms tick all the boxes!

COACH HOUSE ACCOMMODATION

BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION

Want some ‘me’ time? The spa or the green will have you above par in no time!

Wishing for foodie heaven? Our Inns, pubs and restaurants will whet your appetite!

SPA & RESORT BREAKS

INNS, PUBS & RESTAURANTS

18

View all collections >>

FEATURE

Feathers Hotel York, East Yorkshire YO42 2AH

£60 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Dating back to the reign of Elizabeth I, this old posting and market inn combines the best of old and new by mixing today’s clean, contemporary styling with many of the inn’s original features.

“A most relaxing long weekend” Trip Advisor Reviewer

Just a short journey from the historic City of York, on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds and in a prime Pocklington location, The Feathers offers 16 comfortable en-suite rooms in the main hotel or chalets. All have free WiFi, TV and tea and coffee making facilities as standard.

A selection of fine wines, draft ales and delicious meals made from locally sourced produce can be enjoyed in the friendly bar or restaurant.

25 Onsite

Check In 2.00pm

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

Haunted Hotel

CCTV

Check Out 10.30am

19

A POSTCARD FROM...

Hull

Is making the final preparations to curate a year-long celebration of traditional and contemporary culture as City of Culture 2017.

Hull’s famous faces

Running from 1 January to 31 December, the year is being split into four seasons, each with something distinctive and intriguing to say about Hull and its place in the world.

Season one: Made in Hull (January - March) From theatre, music and poetry to wind turbines and caravans, Hull has long inspired great ideas, great people and great artists.

Season two: Roots and Routes (April - June) Where paths cross and journeys begin, this season will explore Hull’s unique place in a constantly changing world.

20

Season three: Freedom (July - September) The pivotal role Hull played in the emancipation movement will be explored, along with a broader interpretation of equality and social justice for all.

Season four: Tell the World (October - December) Hull has always attracted creative risk takers and rule breakers and this final season will be a celebration of the qualities that make Hull stand apart.

To keep up to date on the events happening in Hull during 2017 visit

Hull >>

Former MP William Wilberforce who was instrumental in the abolition of slavery.

Lord Prescott, Deputy Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007 and the city’s MP for 40 years.

Play write John Godber and Hull Truck Theatre Company, renowned for their exciting and relevant productions.

Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia.

Actors Sir Tom Courtenay, Ian Carmichael and Maureen Lipman.

Musician Paul Heaton of The Housemartins and The Beautiful South.

Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt formed Everything but the Girl at Hull University, Roland Gift from Fine Young Cannibals and Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim who moved to Hull in the 80s and became a member of The Housemartins.

Poet Philip Larkin, dancer, actor and Olivier award-winner Liam Mower, famous for originating the title role in Billy Elliott the Musical, and Roy North who partnered Basil Brush for many years!

A POSTCARD FROM...

Going to Hull now? Here’s some of the highlights you’ll need to include in your stay...

Climb aboard a tram and travel back to the 1940s to enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of the past with a trip to the Streetlife Museum.

The Deep, one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world, is an education and conservation charity, carrying out vital research to protect our oceans and their inhabitants.

The award-winning attraction is home to 3,500 fish, including sharks and rays.

Running from 7 to 15 October, Hull Fair is Europe’s largest travelling funfair, attracting rides and stalls from a variety of regions.

Visit the birthplace of William Wilberforce to discover the story of his campaign to abolish the slave trade.

Now 723 years old, Hull Fair will fill the streets with the sights and sounds of a traditional fairground along with tasty toffee apples, a hog roast, hot dogs and candyfloss.

Plantation records, personal stories and William Wilberforce’s journal tell the story of his campaign.

Do the Old Town! It’s Hull’s hidden gem. Check out the real ale pubs on High Street, the Victorian Hepworth Arcade, Trinity Square and pretty Prince Street before visiting the plotting room at Ye Olde White Harte pub, where the English Civil War started.

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TOP PICKS

Visiting Hull?

Here’s our top picks for a place to stay >> Mercure Hull Royal Hotel >>

Village The Hotel Club Hull >>

Humber Royal Hotel >> Innkeepers Lodge Hull, Willerby Willerby Village >>

The Old Mill Bed & Breakfast >>

Feathers Hotel >>

Rowley Manor Hotel >> Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel >>

Hallmark Hotel Hull >>

22

Stallingborough Grange Hotel >>

View more >>

MOST HAUNTED!

“Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen, Voices whisper in the trees;Tonight is Halloween!”

Dexter Kozen

Mercure Telford Madeley Court Hotel Shropshire

West Country Inn

Look out for floating monks in the garden!

A murdered girl and her killer haunt this Inn!

Larkfield Priory Hotel

Greyhound Hotel

Is Charlotte walking the grounds at night?

This maid may be on a mission to haunt!

If you hear teeth chattering in the early hours it’s the ghost of a traveller who froze to death!

Bell Hotel

Hallmark Hotel Flitwick Manor

Kent

Norfolk

Devon

Surrey

Bedfordshire

Recognised as one of the most haunted! Look Will it be the old house keeper tucking you into bed? out for a hooded monk,anD former landlady,, unexplained smells of perfume, icy breath VIEW MORE! 23 and the sound of footsteps!

Skelwith Bridge Hotel

Parkside International Hotel

Turkey & Tinsel, Christmas & New Years Parties >>

Stay the night & save up to £55

Cumbria

From

£53

Hadlow Manor Hotel Kent

Berkshire

From

24

£79

Enquire now

£120

Best Western Hallmark Hotel Liverpool Feathers Merseyside

Weekend Breakfast Saver, stay two nights & save 20%

From

£65

Up to 64%off

From

£65

£175

01775 843413

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Quebecs

Angel Hotel

10% discount on a two night stay or longer >>

All inclusive two day package with dinner at Michellin-starred restaurant >>

West Yorkshire

From

Monmouthshire

£99

Clarendon Royal Hotel Kent

Enjoy a stay & save up £20 per night >>

From

£85

Enquire now

£100

Package from

£477

£500

Innkeepers Lodge Ambleside - White Lion Hotel Cumbria

Advanced saver discount >>

From

£59

01775 843413

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

£69

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GROUP

The Talash Hotels Group offers a collection of seven individual character hotels in Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire and the West Midlands, all with strong travel links to major areas, both regionally and nationally.

Through continued investment and guest feedback, the group provide consistently high services, with a particular emphasis on the quality of meals, with variety and flexibility at the forefront of seasonal menus.

From

ÂŁ45

Honiley Court Hotel & Conference Centre West Midlands >>

Huntly Arms Hotel Aberdeenshire >> Quorn Country Hotel

Risley Hall Derbyshire >>

Leicestershire >>

Falstaff Hotel Warwickshire >> Best Western Barons Court Hotel West Midlands >>

Chimney House Hotel & Restaurant Cheshire >>

26

View the collection here >>

FEATURE

Mumbles Carlton Hotel Swansea, West Glamorgan SA3 4EA

£45 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Completely powered with renewable energy, this 33 bedroom hotel, with a five bed cottage offering a self-catering option, overlooks Swansea Bay and is in the centre of Mumbles Village.

With a reputation for providing a friendly service in comfortable three star accommodation, attracting business travellers and holiday makers, the recently refurbished rooms are all en-suite and include TVs and free WiFi.

“Friendly, clean, tidy and dog friendly” Trip Advisor Reviewer

Restaurant

Bar

Pet Friendly

Check In 2.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

27

CHEF’S CORNER

SEA BASS

FILLETS,

CRUSHED

POTATOES AND SAUCE

VIERGE

BY DAVE HART (SERVES 4)

28

CHEF’S CORNER

Method

Executive Head Chef Dave Hart from Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel shares what’s hot on his menu this month.

Ingredients For the sauce vierge • 150ml extra virgin olive oil • 100g tomatoes, skinned, de-seeded and finely chopped • 50g finely chopped shallots • 2 tbsp capers, drained • Salt and pepper • ½ lemon, juice only • 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil For the crushed potatoes • 200g charlotte potatotes, cooked • 1 tsp chopped fresh chive • Salt and pepper For the sea bass • 1 tbsp oil • 4 x 180g fillets of sea bass, skin-on • Salt and black pepper, to taste • Juice of one lemon

For the sauce vierge, warm the oil in a pan, then add the tomatoes, shallots and capers. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir in the lemon juice and chopped herbs.

Crush the potatoes lightly with a fork. Add chives to the crushed potatoes and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

For the sea bass, heat a little olive oil in a non-stick pan. Score the skin of the sea bass and season the flesh with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the fish, skin-side down, into the hot oil.

Cook the sea bass for 4-6 minutes on the skin-side according to the thickness of the fish. Turn the fish onto its flesh side briefly to finish cooking it.

Place the spinach in a hot pan with a knob of butter, stir until wilted, season and drain Assemble, potato, sea bass and spinach and then drizzle with sauce vierge.

Book a stay at the Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel >> 29

INVERNESS

3 STAR SUGGESTION:

Royal Highland Hotel

4 STAR STAY:

Kinkell House Hotel

MAIDSTONE

3 STAR SUGGESTION:

Park Inn by Radisson Thurrock

4 STAR STAY:

Salomons Estate

CARLISLE

3 STAR SUGGESTION:

Gilsland Hall Hotel In Next Month’s Edition...

Stay here >>

TEE OFF:

Coul House Hotel

Stay here >>

ENJOY A DAY IN THE SPA:

Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa Stay here >>

4 STAR STAY:

Hallmark Hotel

MAKE A SPLASH:

Crown & Mitre Hotel

A Postcard from Leeds, Christmas in the country & much more...