Infotel Magazine Edition 10 2016

Dates for the Diary What to do, where to stay

The Guest Book This month’s top picks

Need a Winter

2016 Edition 10

A Postcard from Leeds

Hideaway?

We’ve uncovered the best

Step inside

the stunning

Stoke

Rochford

Hall

Heacham Manor Hotel for Norfolk nights away Head to

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Front Cover: Stoke Rochford Hall Inside Cover: Humber Bridge by FreeImages.com/Martin Gregory

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The Guest Book Dates for the Diary Heacham Manor Hotel Deans Place Hotel Be part of our Black Friday Promotions Highfield House Hotel

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Ivanhoe Inn & Hotel Country Escapes

Infotel Business De Salis Hotel London Stansted Ferryman Inn A Postard from Leeds

CONTENTS

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Top Picks in Leeds White Hart Inn The Infotel Specials Handpicked Hotels Group Chef’s Corner

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

Abbotsley Golf Hotel Cambridgeshire

Langstone Cliff Hotel Devon

Maison Talbooth

Cherry Tree Inn

Hotel Lily

Pykkerell Inn

Essex

Oxfordshire

Suffolk

London

Restover Lodge Hotel Rotherham South Yorkshire

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Ramada Resort Grantham Marston Lincolnshire

Muckrach Country House Hotel Morayshire

Gales of Llangollen Denbighshire

DATES FOR THE DIARY

What’s On?

BBC Good Food Guide 4 - 6 November Glasgow

The York Maze Fireworks Spectacular 5 November York

NOVEMBER

2016

Bath Film Festival 3 - 13 November Bath

Who? Billy Connolly High Horse Tour 11 November Manchester

When?

Chester Arts Fair 18 - 20 November Chester

Cornwall Film Festival 2 - 13 November Newquay

The Lord Mayor’s Show 12 November London Disney on Ice presents Frozen 30 November (onwards)

Jools Holland & his rhythm & blues orchestra 20 November Oxford

Liverpool Echo Arena

Where?

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FEATURE

Heacham Manor Hotel Hunstanton, Norfolk PE31 7JX

£125 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Nestled in a peaceful parkland location, this charming 16th Century Grade II listed country house hotel is ideally placed for the beautiful beaches of Norfolk, the Royal Sandringham Estate and the Victorian seaside resort of Hunstanton.

Heacham Manor prides itself on offering a room fit for every occasion and everyone’s budget. A total of 45 en-suite rooms, ranging from bright and cheerful standard rooms up to the opulent Manor Suite are available. All have free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, flat screen TV and toiletries.

“Lovely property and great staff” A Trip Advisor Reviewer

Enjoy glorious panoramic views of the grounds when you dine in the AA Rosette Restaurant, which serves a delicious seasonal menu. The Mulberry Spa offers a variety of pampering and relaxation treatments and the 18 hole golf course provides more tee time!

Infotel clients receive a free pass for the duration of their stay, to the sister company, Searles Leisure Resort, for use of the gym/ fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools and entertainment in the Club House.

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100 On-site

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

24hr Reception

CCTV

Private Parties

Golf

Spa

Check In 3.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

FEATURE

Deans Place Hotel Alfriston, East Sussex BN26 5TW

£58 01775 843413

From

“Perfect night and I would definitely recommend to others” A Trip Advisor review

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Set on the banks of the Cuckmere River at the foot of the South Downs National Park, the highly regarded Deans Place Hotel has 36 en-suite rooms ranging from singles to executive doubles and family rooms.

Decorated to a high standard with a countryside feel, all rooms offer free WiFi, digital TV/DVD, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities.

Award-winning food can be enjoyed in the restaurant or bar. Relax with superb hospitality in a welcoming environment, with log fires crackling in winter, or indulge with afternoon tea in the Victorian gardens during the summer months.

A croquet lawn and heated outdoor pool set in four acres of stunning gardens add to the charm of this Sussex escape.

120 On-site

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

CCTV

Outdoor Heated Pool

Laundry Service

Check In 2.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

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01775 843406 9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

FEATURE

Highfield House Hotel Southampton, Hampshire SO17 1AQ

£125 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Conveniently located just ten minutes by foot from Southampton Common and 12 minutes from St. Denys train station with Southampton Airport and the Port of Southampton just a short drive away.

A total of 71 simple, modern en-suite rooms are available, with free WiFi, flat screen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. Evening dining is available at a special discounted rate for hotel guests at the adjacent restaurant.

The in-house cooked buffet breakfast is a definite winner with business and leisure guests!

“Room spotless.

Breakfast excellent” A Trip Advisor review

150 On-site

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

CCTV

Check In 2.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

9

FEATURE

Ivanhoe Inn & Hotel Belfast, Co Antrim BT8 8EU

£58 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Situated only six miles from Belfast City Centre, The Ivanhoe Inn and Hotel began life in the 1800s as a well known stopping point for travellers on their way from Belfast to Saintfield. It was also the first bar to allow women to drink unaccompanied!

Today, the Ivanhoe blends the modern day comfort of stylish bedrooms and free WiFi with original features and a homely ambience to make a welcome stay.

A total of 29 en-suite rooms are available, with four interconnecting rooms which are perfect for families. Flat screen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities are included.

“Very comfortable and welcoming” A Trip Advisor review

The recently refurbished Bistro and Bar offers a wide choice, from breakfast to afternoon tea to a fabulous four-course evening meal.

Within easy reach of both Belfast City and Aldergrove International Airports plus the ferry terminals, The Ivanhoe is a great base for business or leisure stays in North Ireland.

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200 On-site

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

24hr Reception

Weddings

Live Music

Check In 2.30pm

Check Out 11.00am

Turn to page 28 to meet the Ivanhoe’s head chef Marty Black >>

Country

Escapes Winter

Hideaways

Whether you’re looking for Christmas in the country, a New Year escape or planning a last minute weekend away from the city, our Country Collection will have you cosy, cocooned & contented in no time at all!

COUNTRY ESCAPES

Head to Shropshire

and have your heart stolen with a stay at Soulton Hall Hotel.

Relax by a roaring fire, walk away any extra calories with a meander through the medieval walled gardens or ramble round the extensive

estate, breathing in the soul satisfying sights of unspoilt countryside.

It will be a stunning step back in time when you enter the ancient manor house, which still retains many original features; mullioned windows, ancient floorboards, stone-flagged floors and impressive plasterwork.

A choice of accommodation is available, from the superbly sumptuous rooms in the main house to the charming cottages dotted around the farm and bluebell woods.

Aptly named Keeper’s Cottage, Herdsman’s Cottage and Ploughman’s Cottage, they have their own garden, kitchen, living/dining space in addition to the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Soulton Hall Hotel Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 5RS

Dining at Soulton Hall Hotel is a candlelit experience to linger over. With a menu which changes every day, food is sourced from the hotel’s walled garden and farm, including their own honey, pheasant, fowl, rabbit and game, and an array of fruits which make their way into desserts, jams and marmalades.

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Local artisan food producers provide the mouth-watering extras including seafood and cider.

Rooms in the main house are currently available from £119 per night, based on two sharing and including breakfast.

A minimum three night stay is required in a cottage, with prices starting from £435 including breakfast.

COUNTRY ESCAPES

Stoke Rochford Hall

is situated in the peaceful, rolling countryside of the East Midlands surrounded by formal gardens and 28 acres of parkland.

Originally built in the 1840s, the Grade I listed Victorian mansion has been restored

to its former glory thanks to a £12 million three-year restoration project overseen

by English Heritage.

Combining the best of today’s creature comforts with the charm of Victorian design, with intricately carved open fire places, ornate ceilings and wood panelled walls in the public areas, to the

contemporary and clean lines of the spacious mansion bedrooms which offer either a comfortable lounge area or a luxurious bathroom with fantastic views.

Stoke Rochford Hall Grantham, Lincolnshire NG33 5EJ

Dining is a special experience with first class cuisine, attentive service and elegant surroundings.

Fresh herbs, soft fruits and vegetables all come from the Kitchen Garden with seasonal produce sourced locally.

A Pet Welcome Scheme operates and the hotel’s pet Labrador, Russell, may just join you on one of the great walks through the parkland around the Hall!

A small double room for a weekend in November is currently available for £74.25 per night, based on two sharing and includes breakfast.

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COUNTRY ESCAPES

The ancient Mackenzies of Coul

picked a wonderful location for this classic country house hotel. Originally built in 1821 for Sir George Mackenzie as a traditional hunting lodge, it’s nestled in the secluded hills above Contim, Ross-shire,

with stunning views over the Strathconon Valley.

For added luxury choose either the Superior King/Twin or Master Bedroom located at the top of the house. Both have west facing views over manicured lawns with formidable Strathconon mountains beyond.

The spacious accommodation is beautifully furnished with deep pile carpet, large flat screen TVs and seating areas.

The Master Room features a magnificent four poster bed and both rooms have luxury bathrooms with mood lighting, high ceilings, roll top baths and walk-in rain showers.

Coul House Hotel Strathpeffer, Ross-shire IV14 9ES

As well as hill walking, mountain biking and off-road 4x4 driving, the hotel can also arrange clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and fishing.

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For golf lovers, there’s a nine hole pitch and putt course on-site or a choice of ten courses all within a 30 minute drive of the hotel.

Available through autumn and winter, the hotel are offering a reduced rate with their Log Fire Breaks rate with prices from £45 per person per night.

COUNTRY ESCAPES

Perfectly positioned on the hillside

with the Cornish capital city of Truro below, The Alverton Hotel, is a former convent and an historic Grade II listed building built by the same architect as Truro Cathedral.

It combines the best of beach with the best of countryside.

Ivy clad walls, arched mullioned windows, curved archways revealing hidden hideaways, old oak doors and a bell tower add to the charm of this Cornish delight which offers 50 en-suite bedrooms including nine stunning suites.

haven for guests and visitors to enjoy a wide range of British favourites expertly cooked.

Overlooking the garden and terrace, it is bathed with natural light during the day and intimate soft lamplight for evening dining.

The two AA Rosette classic-contemporary Bar and Brasserie offers a relaxing

The Alverton Hotel Truro, Cornwall TR1 1ZQ

Head Chef Simon George and his brigade have created a seasonal menu of award-winning dishes and at this time of year, we recommend retiring to the bar to enjoy a brandy by the roaring fire!

A daily rate in November for a double room with breakfast and WiFi is £139 or opt for a suite from £209.

Business travellers are eligible for some great savings so let the Infotel team know if you’re travelling for business.

For our complete Country Collection

Click here >> 15

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FEATURE

De Salis Hotel London Stansted Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM22 6DR

£49 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

A total of 50 bedrooms are available, from single occupancy doubles to executive and Jacuzzi rooms. Business travellers can enjoy dedicated facilities to make being away from the office easier, with high speed WiFi, work desks, free computer terminals and a paper office service.

A selection of Italian, American and British dishes are served in the restaurant.

Located two miles from London Stansted Airport, away from the flight path and surrounded by woodland, the hotel is adjacent to a nine hole golf course and gym as well as being convenient for local attractions. A 24 hour paid shuttle service to the terminal doors of the airport is available and on-site parking at the hotel can be arranged.

“Value for money, good for the airport, park & fly” A Trip Advisor review

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50 On-site

WiFi

Restaurant

Bar

Airport Parking

Golf Nearby

Check In 1.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

FEATURE

Ferryman Inn

Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 5AT

£65 01775 843413

From

“Homely comfort off the beaten track” A Trip Advisor Reviewer

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Set on the banks of the River Thames at Bablock Hythe, this well appointed traditional inn lies adjacent to the Thames Path trail, making it an ideal base for business travel or leisure exploration in the Thames Valley and the Cotswolds.

Free WiFi and en-suite showers are offered in all of the modest rooms, along with tea and coffee making facilities and TVs. All rooms have access to a shared river view balcony with a seating area.

A varied and value for money menu is available from the pub restaurant, which has stunning views over the Thames, or dine al fresco on the riverside lawn area in the summer months.

Ample parking is available plus a riverside slipway accommodates boats up to 25 feet long.

150 On-site

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

Weddings

Fishing

Bowling

Check In 3.00pm

Check Out 11.00am

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A POSTCARD FROM...

Leeds A city with impressive and imposing buildings from the 19th Century, and home to the Royal Armouries and the Henry Moore Institute and Gallery.

Leeds combines stylish shopping, a cultural playground of entertainment and a rich sporting heritage with the drama of the Yorkshire Dales to create a vibrant and welcoming city.

The Victoria Quarter dates back over 100 years and was once a mass of slaughterhouses, butchers, fruit and vegetable stalls and a Bazaar.

The lower lever sold meat and the upper level traded fancy goods and haberdashery. Men worked downstairs with women upstairs under strict rules of no gossiping, drinking or eating!

Today, thanks to a restoration project, visitors can appreciate the stunning mosaic floor panels, the breathtaking stained glass roof running the length of Queen Victoria Street, and the mahogany framed and gilded art nouveau lettering which graces each shop.

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Rich marbles, wrought iron and mahogany have been used to create two streets, an arcade and the Empire Theatre, now home to Harvey Nichols. Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Liz Earle, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood provide shoppers with a top end experience in a truly stunning environment.

A POSTCARD FROM...

Leeds by nightlight is something special and there’s a choice of rooftop bars and restaurants ready to provide panoramic backdrops for cool cocktails or after dusk dining.

Head to the Crafthouse for a super contemporary interior of grey and black with huge picture windows overlooking the neighbouring church tower and an inventive, bold menu which won’t disappoint.

The beautiful Kirkstall Abbey, just outside the City Centre, was founded

by Cistercian monks and is one of the country’s most impressive medieval buildings.

A new visitors centre with interactive exhibits brings to life the story of the monks and the 24 acres of parkland provides plenty of picnic spots and river walks.

The famous West Yorkshire Playhouse is home to the country’s largest touring productions as well as producing challenging new works, while Leeds Grand is home to Opera North and Northern Ballet.

The Carriageworks provides a forward thinking programme mixed with family entertainment outside of term-time and the First Direct Arena hosts music, comedy and sporting events.

For a step back into theatrical history, the City Varieties is the world’s longest running music hall, where the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Harry Houdini once trod the boards. A programme of stand-up comedy, live music, pantomime and old-fashioned variety shows keep audiences entertained today.

Raymond Blanc’s Brasserie Blanc creates an intimate and romantic space amid the cast-iron pillars and red brick of an old Victorian warehouse, with a scattering of outdoor tables for sunny lunchtimes beside the river. The menu is French, from escargots to boeuf Bourguignon, with the pre-6.30pm set menu offering three fabulous courses for a tantalising £14.45.

One of the world’s largest textile mills is now home to Leeds Industrial Museum, which tells the story of the city’s textile industry, including the Dickensian dark days of appalling conditions and human loss.

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TOP PICKS

Visiting Leeds?

Here’s our top picks for a place to stay >> Gateway Apartments >>

Quebecs >>

Radisson Blu Hotel Leeds >> Holiday Inn Express Leeds Armouries >>

Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa >>

Headingley Lodge Hotel >>

Haleys Hotel >>

Corn Mill Lodge Hotel >>

Quebecs Luxury Apartments >>

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Village The Hotel Club Leeds North >>

View more >>

FEATURE

White Hart Inn

Basingstoke, Hampshire RG26 5QA

£89 01775 843413

From

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Combining a country location, popular with walkers and cyclists, with all the facilities of the Hampshire town of Basingstoke just 15 minutes away.

The White Hart Inn offers nine en-suite rooms, all with Freeview TV, free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities with a desk, hairdryer and complimentary mineral water available in the Superior Rooms.

“Very good bar food, comfortable room & helpful staff” A Trip Advisor review

20 On-site (private)

Free WiFi Restaurant

Bar

Garden

Check In 4.00pm

Check Out 10.00am

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Skelwith Bridge Hotel Cumbria

Christmas House Party >>

Hintlesham Hotel Suffolk

Champagne, tea & stay package >>

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Hadlow Manor Hotel Kent Weekend breakfast saver >>

Enquire now

Ocean View Hotel

Llangoed Hall

Complimentary wine & upgrade >>

A Charming Christmas break >>

Dorset

Powys

Best Western Hallmark Hotel Liverpool Feathers Merseyside

Save at least ÂŁ30 >>

01775 843413

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

The Vicarage Freehouse & Rooms Cheshire

Save 15% on Sunday night says >>

Milsoms

West Country Inn

Dinner, B&B £135 per night >>

Save £14 on a double room >>

Essex

Devon

Enquire now

The Inn Boutique

New Westcliff Hotel

Winter room rate from £29 >>

Autumn/winter offers from £125 >>

Jersey

Dorset

Alma Lodge Hotel Cheshire

Save on all family rooms >>

01775 843413

Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

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GROUP

Hand Picked Hotels is a collection of very individual country house hotels located throughout the UK and Channel Islands. Significant investment has restored their beautiful architectural features and historical quirks, and as appropriate, introduced a more contemporary design.

Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa >>

Seiont Manor >>

Rhinefield House Hotel >> Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa >>

St Pierre Park Hotel >>

Wood Hall Hotel & Spa >> L’horizon Beach Hotel & Spa >>

Grand Jersey >> 26

Woodlands Park Hotel >>

GROUP

Audleys Wood Hotel >>

Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa >>

Bailbrook House Hotel >> Chilston Park >>

Crathorne Hall Hotel >>

Buxted Park Country House Hotel >>

New Hall Hotel & Spa >>

Hendon Hall Hotel >>

Fawsley Hall Hotel >> Ettington Park Hotel >>

From

ÂŁ45

Norton House Hotel & Spa >>

View the collection >>

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CHEF’S CORNER

Let the

food do the

Marty Black has been Head Chef at the Ivanhoe Hotel in Belfast for the last year. He recently took time away from his busy kitchen to talk territory, temperament and Thai!

talking...

What made you want to be a chef and how long have you been doing it?

Since I was 15! My friend worked in a restaurant and I helped by washing the dishes.

I then started preparing the vegetables and learnt how to make starters and sweets.

That’s when I fell in love with cooking. It was hard work and long hours, but I enjoyed it.

What’s proving to be the most popular dish on your menu this month and why do you think that is?

I would have to say the traditional turkey and ham with stuffing. We steam the turkeys for two hours so they are incredibly moist.

We glaze our hams and our home made stuffing consists of breadcrumbs, pork mince, stewed apples and wild cranberries, sage and onions.

It’s a winner all year round!

When you go home, who does the cooking?

Are you territorial in the kitchen!?

I don’t really do much cooking at home.

On the rare nights that I’m off I head to my Mum’s for dinner. Not that she’s a great cook (lol) but I enjoy having someone else cook for me!

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CHEF’S CORNER What do you look for when you create a new dish or menu? What’s your main considerations?

Local produce is a must. Good quality food and keen prices. I am on the phone every day with my suppliers torturing them for the best!

The #shelfie - a chef’s five must have herbs and spices always available on the shelf!

What are yours and why?

Lemon pepper, flat leaf parsley as a palate cleanser, curry powder, salt, aromatic spices – a must have in everyday cooking!

Marty Black’s Thai Street Curry Sauce Serves 20 portions

Ingredients

Which famous person, dead or alive, would you love to cook for and what would you serve them?

Tony Soprano - I’d cook him spaghetti and meatballs and to follow, a 31 day dry-aged rib on the bone!

What’s your favourite cuisine and why?

I like all kinds of cuisine and love trying new things.

If you were stranded on a desert island and allowed one item or ingredient from your kitchen, what would it be and why?

My second chef!

2 red onions 2 white onions 2 celery sticks 100g ginger 3 lemon grass stalks 6 garlic cloves 2 cups Soy Sauce 3 x 500ml pots of palm sugar 3tbs Fish Sauce 1 cup Rice Wine Vinegar zest and juice of 8 limes 3 large tins of coconut milk ½ pack Coriander ½ pack Mint ½ pack Basil

Method Chop the onions and celery and cook in a little oil.

Add all the other ingredients and cook over a low heat for one hour.

Blitz and season with salt and pepper to taste.

You’re sharing a recipe with our readers today, why did you choose this one?

It’s an authentic Thai Street Curry Sauce – I just love it!

Marty’s curry sauce is perfect with chicken, prawns, haddock or salmon.

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FOR YOUR NEXT WORK OR LEISURE NIGHT AWAY

DISCOUNTED RATES & AMAZING OFFERS ON BUDGET TO LUXURIOUS HOTELS, SERVICED APARTMENTS & OVER

866,105 PROPERTIES

WORLDWIDE

01775 843413 Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Castles & Mansions >>

Romantic Getaways >>

Haunted Hotels >>

infotel.co.uk In Next Month’s Edition...

COLLECTIONS

December Days Away, New Year Retreats & more...