Calling All Foodies: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Introduces 2024’s Most Delicious Food Lineup This Festive Season
DECEMBER 2024
AMERICAN CRAFT BEER FOR CHRISTMAS
Lotte Peplow, Brewers Association’s American Craft Beer Ambassador, on American craft beers for Christmas
AMERICAN CRAFT BEER FOR CHRISTMAS
Much excitement is in store for stockists of American craft beer this Christmas because a fresh shipment of high quality, iconic West Coast American craft breweries is now available.
The line-up includes a ludicrously good selection of draught and packaged beers from independent American craft breweries infrequently seen in the UK. Many are rare and very highly sought after, even in the States! Beers range from classic American IPAs through to barrel-aged big hitters, perfect for the festive season and beyond.
Beers start their journey State-side by leaving their respective brewery as close to packaging date as possible to ensure only the freshest stock is exported. They are shipped in chilled conditions and all beers are preordered which means distribution to bars, bottle shops and restaurants begins from the moment they land in port. No time is wasted in ensuring beers reach the beer lover tasting super-fresh, exactly as the brewer intended. Beers include:
AleSmith Brewing Co | San Diego, CA
Established in 1995, AleSmith produces hand-crafted ales in a variety of styles including the much-loved Speedway Stout which will be available in a range of mouth-watering variants. A pale ale, hazy IPA and brown ale complete the line up
Belching Beaver Brewery | San Diego, CA
In addition to their best-selling Peanut Butter Milk Stout, also available will be a crisp blonde ale, flavoursome West Coast IPAs and hazy/juicy IPAs including an award-winning version made with terpenes!
Coronado Brewing Co | Coronado, CA
Based on the coast of Southern California, Coronado Brewing makes awardwinning beers with an authentic coastal vibe inspired by their San Diego roots. The UK line-up includes renowned IPAs, a double IPA, a refreshing witbier and a crisp blonde ale.
Firestone Walker Brewing Co | Paso Robles, CA
With innovation and quality at its heart, Firestone Walker is generously treating the British beer lover to a selection of highly rated bottled/canned barrel-aged imperial stouts, imperial porters, barley wines, wild ales, a selection of superb IPAs, oh and a grape ale!
Maui Brewing Co | Kihei, Hawaii
Founded in 2005, Maui is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery. Look out for their famed coconut porter and classic IPAs this festive season.
Modern Times | San Diego, CA
Since 2013 Modern Times has been a creative powerhouse and beer slinger that has shipped over a couple of awesome IPAs.
The Bruery | Placentia, CA
With the promise that their beers are “like nothing you’ve ever tasted before”, The Bruery have brough their A game to the UK with an outstanding selection from fruited sours to double rye barrel aged imperial stouts, pastry stouts and their Belgian-style inspired 12 Days of Christmas series
Many of the beers above are limited edition, small batch so be quick, when they’re gone they’re gone!
Why are they worth stocking?
American craft brewers benefit from having close access to some of the best hop growing states in America eg, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. They spend hours with the hop farmers constantly evaluating hops and interacting with the growers and suppliers. This use of high quality raw materials combined with relentless innovation, technical brewing expertise and an unswerving commitment to quality ensures American craft beer is renowned the world over. In addition, many breweries produce award-winning, world-class beers that win high profile international beer competitions on a regular basis.
Also available is much loved Sierra Nevada Celebration IPA. This seasonal, fresh hop favourite is made with freshly picked Cascade and Centennial hops and only available October – December.
Beers are available both in keg and packaged format throughout the UK from select national wholesalers/Cave Direct/Beer Merchants.com
In addition to those beers mentioned above, other American craft beer is available from select national wholesalers and on-line retailers such as Athletic Brewing, Sierra Nevada shop, Brew Export, Beers of America, The Brewers Association publishes a wealth of resources to understand and enjoy craft beer, downloadable free of charge from www.brewersassociation.org
SOURCE GUEST TECHNOLOGY FROM AN AWARD WINNING SUPPLIER
About Hotel Technology International Limited. Award winning supplier of guest room phones & other technologies
Visit: www.hotel-tech.com
Hotel Technology International is a no1 provider of elegant and feature-rich guest technology to the global hospitality industry. Our team has recognised expertise in advising hotels and we are an approved supplier to many major hotel chains. Our dedication to customer service has resulted in us receiving accolades from the industry - we are the proud recipient’s of the Luxlife Magazine Best Hotel Communications Technology Company 2024 - and the Corporate Livewire Magazine Hospitality Equipment Supplier of the Year 2024 award.
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VRF Systems in Hotels: Powerful ROI Potential
David Dunn, Sales Director North Europe for Carrier RLC EMEA, explores the benefits hotels can experience by upgrading to Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems and highlights how making the leap can deliver both short- and long-term return on investment (ROI).
The hotel industry is at a crossroads in a world increasingly conscious of energy footprints and bottom lines. Familiar, traditional heating and cooling systems often struggle to deliver the dual promise of efficiency and guest satisfaction. VRF technology, however, offers outstanding potential but is frequently dismissed due to higher initial upfront costs.
The issue of focusing on capital expenditure (CAPEX) obscures a more nuanced reality. While the initial investment in VRF systems can be higher than legacy options, the short-term ROI is usually immediate, thanks to reduced energy use. Nor is the long-term ROI as prolonged as it might appear, typically unfolding over 3 to 7 years. This ROI is driven by a potent combination of optimised energy performance, improved guest experience, and enhanced comfort – and accelerated by potential government incentives.
The False Economy
The Value of VRF System Optimisation
Poor VRF installation is the bane of good VRF performance. That’s why thorough optimisation is crucial to reaping the significant benefits of a VRF system. This involves two key considerations:
• System Design: Proper VRF system design, tailored to the hotel’s specific layout and usage patterns, maximises efficiency from the outset. This includes load calculations, equipment sizing, piping layout, and zoning choices. These decisions maximise efficiency and ensure no capital is wasted on a system that’s too big for the space.
• Advanced Controls: Intelligent VRF system controls enable granular temperature adjustments, scheduling, and automated setback features. These controls ensure the hotel delivers the desired comfort level while minimising energy waste during unoccupied periods. They can even synchronise with room check-in and booking systems, meaning those rooms can be set to be cooled or heated automatically when required.
Correctly optimised, VRF systems often have knock-on remunerative effects.
The Power of Precise Comfort
It’s indisputable that VRF systems often have a steeper upfront price tag. This barrier can deter hotel decisionmakers, leading them to cling to less efficient, seemingly more budget-friendly alternatives. Yet, this approach overlooks the long-term operational savings (OPEX) that VRF technology unlocks. In other words, it’s a false economy.
The Mechanics of Savings & Comfort
The key to understanding VRF cost benefits and their impact on guest comfort lies in their core technology. Unlike centralised systems that indiscriminately heat or cool entire buildings regardless of occupancy, VRF systems use variable refrigerant flow. This allows precise adaptation to changing conditions – whether a room’s temperature fluctuates or a whole floor empties. By consistently providing the exact amount of heating or cooling needed, VRF systems minimise energy waste significantly and ensure each space stays comfortable. Consequently, properly optimised VRF systems can lead to average energy cost reductions of ~20-30% or more1 (vs. variable air volume (VAV) systems).
Guest experience is the lifeblood of the hospitality industry. In hotels, where HVAC use duration was among the highest of all building types2, VRF systems excel by providing unparalleled levels of energy-efficient individual comfort. Traditional centralised systems often leave guests battling too-hot or too-cold rooms, leading to dissatisfaction and potentially harmful reviews. With VRF, each guest enjoys precise control over their environment. This allows them to tailor the temperature to their liking, significantly enhancing their comfort and stay.
These benefits don’t stop at the guest room door. VRF optimisation improves common areas, ensuring lobbies, spas, restaurants, and conference spaces – to name a few – maintain a welcoming atmosphere year-round. This consistency is crucial in attracting and retaining guests, boosting occupancy rates and positively impacting the hotel’s bottom line.
A Case in Point
A client with a 45-room hotel had long grappled with an ageing HVAC system that led to exorbitant energy bills and unhappy guests due to uneven temperatures.
David Dunn, Managing Director for the United Kingdom and Ireland, Carrier RLC EMEA
Well-optimised VRF systems can lead to average energy cost reductions of 20-30% or more vs. VAV systems.
Our solution was to recommend a Toshiba VRF system upgrade (outdoor3 and indoor4) that delivered tailored temperature control for each room and shared space, automatically adjusting to ensure optimal comfort.
The outcome was a remarkable 20% saving in energy costs* compared to the previous system. The improved guest experience also sparked more positive reviews and boosted the hotel’s reputation and visibility online, leading to increased bookings.
Significantly, that 20% reduction in costs compounds over the system’s lifespan, eventually paying for itself.
The Green Factor & Accelerated ROI
While energy savings and guest satisfaction are potent drivers of VRF adoption, the environmental implications cannot be ignored. The ongoing transition toward lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants further amplifies VRF’s sustainability credentials. By replacing older, high-GWP refrigerants with cutting-edge alternatives, VRF systems minimise their contribution to climate change, helping hotels align with rising consumer – and developing regulatory –expectations for environmentally responsible practices.
VRF systems also offer significant capability for fast ROI. The higher potential for simpler installation, reduced demolition, moderated structural needs, and lower electrical draw can significantly offset initial expenses. Continuous energy savings from the outset will further accelerate ROI, freeing up funds for immediate use elsewhere – including further decarbonisation initiatives.
The true ROI picture for VRF is even brighter when considering available incentives. Nearly £5 billion in government funding5 is allocated to help businesses decarbonise, meaning rebates or grants6 for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades can significantly offset upfront costs. By leveraging these incentives, hotel owners accelerate the return period and realise even greater cost savings over the system’s lifespan.
Invest in a Future that Pays
The true ROI of VRF systems extends far beyond the initial purchase price. Hotel decision-makers must adopt a lifecycle cost perspective to grasp its potential fully. By factoring in the substantial operational savings, the positive impact on guest experience, the contribution to environmental goals, and the possibility for accelerated ROI through incentives, VRF emerges as a sound investment that pays dividends for years to come.
Learn more about Toshiba VRF systems at www.toshiba-aircon.co.uk/products
References:
1) www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352484717300562?via%3Dihub
2) www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378778820315425
3) www.toshiba-aircon.co.uk/products/r410a-products/variable-refrigerant-flow-vrf-outdoor
4) www.toshiba-aircon.co.uk/products/r410a-products/variable-refrigerant-flow-vrf-indoor
5) www.gov.uk/guidance/find-funding-to-help-your-business-become-greener
6) www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/carbon-net-zero-funding-and-grants-2
Essentra helps oven manufacturer further enhance safety and production efficiency to meet global demand
IET Combustion’s ovens operate 24/7, each producing three tons of crisps per hour. It previously relied on three different distributors to provide its access hardware, which led to high prices, inconsistent stock levels, and late deliveries. The quality of its handles also created problems – heat from the oven was transferring to the ovens’ handles, slowing down production and flagging health and safety issues.
Given the critical nature of the equipment and the demand for continuous operation, these challenges created production delays, inefficiencies, and added strain on its business.
Essentra Components supplied nine individual access hardware samples for customer approval, offering competitive pricing with a fixed rate for each part based on IET’s annual usage. Additionally, Essentra held a 12-month stock of these parts in its local warehouse, ensuring stock availability and timely delivery.
To fit IET’s production schedule and limited storage space, Essentra implemented a scheduled delivery system, providing 25% of the stock each quarter. This streamlined IET’s hardware sourcing process, eliminating the need to manage multiple distributors.
Moreover, Essentra addressed the specific quality issue with a previous supplier by designing a custom stainless-steel handle with branding. This custom handle resolved the heat transference problem, reducing maintenance downtime, and improving both safety and operational efficiency.
Nick Tuckwell, Manufacturing Manager at IET Combustion, is delighted with the results: “Essentra’s reliable deliveries and custom hardware solutions have streamlined our production process, eliminating downtime and saving us both time and money,” he says.
Will Quinn, General Manager for Essentra Australia, adds: “By working closely with IET Combustion and quickly responding with samples, designs, fixed 12-month pricing, local stocking, and scheduled deliveries, we have been able to gain IET’s trust and provide the right solution to meet its business needs. With on-time deliveries and no quality issues, IET’s production runs smoothly without delays.”
CHEF WORKS ACCELERATES GROWTH PLANS IN UK AND EUROPE
Chef Works, the leading supplier of culinary uniforms in the UK, has announced a trio of senior appointments as part of a new phase of growth in Europe and the Middle East (EME).
Tim Lee has joined as Commercial Director, while James Green has been appointed to a Sales Director role, taking over from Sam O’Kane who has been promoted to Key Accounts Director EME. It takes the total head count of the business, headquartered in Leeds, to 21.
The appointments come off the back of a year of significant growth, which saw the company’s $5m+ turnover increase through new hotel and leisure client wins, as well as progress in the private education and assisted living sectors.
Managing Director, Paul Gross, explains: “We’re delighted to have landed some major new customers this year which has allowed us to forge ahead with a sizeable growth chapter for Chef Works, focusing on EME. Our new hires will be instrumental in helping us to grow further across different sectors and serve our increasingly cross-European customer base. We’re thrilled to have them on board.”
Tim was previously Managing Director at Elite Fine Foods in Sussex, James joins from a business development role at Aqua Libra, while Sam hits his second promotion within the Chef Works family in the past three years. Each will focus on developing Chef Works’ programme management services to companies wishing to consolidate their supplier base.
Tim Lee says of his new role: “Joining Chef Works Europe as Commercial Director is an exciting opportunity at a pivotal moment for the business. With our brand legacy of excellence and a rapidly evolving market, we are positioned to redefine industry standards.”
James Green adds: “Chef Works and Bragard uniforms are universally loved by independent cafes up to huge global hotel chains. From the front of house to the back, they’ve set the bar for style, service and sustainability over the years, and I’m proud to be representing the company as it moves into a more ambitious period of growth.”
Sam O’Kane concludes: “I’ve seen Chef Works go from strengthto-strength, despite tough market conditions in hospitality. It’s testament to our outstanding commitment to customer service and constant product innovation. Stepping into this new role fills me with excitement as I focus on expanding our cross-European accounts, contributing to the brand’s incredible future and shaping what’s next for Chef Works.”
Chef Works’ focus on sustainability has become a key selling point in recent years, with an eco-friendly collection of sustainable products now its fastest-growing line of culinary uniforms. The best-selling range of aprons, chef jackets and trousers, some of which are made from discarded plastic bottles, have met consumer demand for ethical clothing with a reduced environmental impact.
For more information: Tel: +44 (0)113 256 8677 or visit www.chefworks.co.uk.
(L-R) - Sam O’Kane, Tim Lee and James Green to drive growth in EME for Chef Works
A Bespoke Brand Gives a Historic As Boutique Hotel: The Creative Branding
Hotel Anna & Bel is a boutique hotel, tucked away on the residential streets of Susquehanna & Belgrade in Fishtown, Philadelphia. Though the streets give the new hotel concept its name, the hotel’s brand narrative celebrates the two fictional sisters who are representative of the building that once served as a women’s asylum and later one of the city’s earliest retirement homes.
Built with ornate details and architectural flourish, the client fully renovated this 1769 “home for indigent widows and single women”. The property’s restoration has been thoughtfully considered, with the oversight of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, to preserve its historic character and original charm. Cohere was enlisted to bring the brand identity to life through its narrative and creative materials.
Building off of the brand vision created by Hotel Anna & Bel’s ownership and design teams, Cohere facilitated the brand strategy and brand design strategy and advisory, guiding the property on how to showcase the unique history in the narrative of their new hotel. Their role was pivotal in the transformation of Hotel Anna & Bel, crafting a distinctive brand experience that has captivated both guests and critics. The essence of the Anna & Bel narrative shows itself throughout the brand with illustrative marks and thoughtful copy to create a brand that has an alluring flare, an understated yet memorable point of view, and a light feminine touch.
It’s the original details, like ornate moldings and a grand staircase, that truly transport guests to another era. Our branding reflects these storied elements, from room numbers to custom bandanas for the front desk staff, and we’re excited to see them come to life on the new website. Their team has done a remarkable job of bringing a long awaited addition to the area. This beautifully restored 18th-century property now as a modern hotel features a charming courtyard and inviting common areas designed for connection. The team behind the project is Philadelphia-based real estate development firm Foyer Project in partnership with architecture house, B March. Hotel Anna & Bel, Fishtown’s newest darling, soft-opened on August 7th, 2024 and celebrated its grand opening on September 5th, 2024. Rooms start at $300 per night and can be booked through the Anna & Bel website.
Historic Women’s Home New Life
Branding Agency Behind Philadelphia’s Hotel Anna + Bel Opening
This project exemplifies Cohere’s expertise in blending unique design with strategic branding to create memorable hospitality experiences.
“Our client vision and their collaboration here was the key component to our design team’s ability to expand upon a romantic narrative about Hotel Anna & Bel. Two women who may be descendants of the asylum seekers, who may not have known each other until they met on a weekend getaway at the hotel. Each layer of the guest experience unveils a leisurely nod to that story.”
Antoinette Marie Johnson, Founder of Cohere.
You can explore additional details of this project here: Hotel Anna & Bel Cohere’s Case Study
Eden Furniture hold a number of ranges fully finished and available for immediate delivery.
In addition the chair frames such as the Worcester, Clifton, Broadheath, Bransford and Kempsey are held in the raw so can be stained and polished to our customers' requirements and delivered within 7 - 10 days.
Seat pads in a standard brown faux leather but can also be upholstered in customers own material.
Amanda Chair
Daisy Chair
Della Armchair
Mela Armchair
Clifton Chair
Kempsey Chair
WWorcester Chair
BBernice Chair
BBroadheath Chair
BBransford Chair
NEW OPENING: Singapore’s CÉ LA VI rooftop restaurant to launch in London in 2025
Summer 2025 will see the launch of CÉ LA VI London – the iconic rooftop bar-restaurant with successful landmark locations already established in Singapore, Dubai, Taipei, and Tokyo. Renowned for its modern and contemporary Asian cuisine, it will be the brand’s first European outpost, located atop the Renzo Piano Building Workshop –designed Paddington Square.
Opening in West London’s newest shopping and dining destination Paddington Square, the highly anticipated launch represents a milestone in CÉ LA VI’s expansion, with successful landmark locations already established in Singapore, Dubai, Taipei, and Tokyo. Soon-to-be the highest rooftop restaurant in West London, CÉ LA VI London— boasting an impressive square footage of 17,000 (1,580 square metres) over two luxurious floors (levels 17 and 18)—will offer unique and striking views across the city.
Guests will be transported skywards via two high-speed scenic lifts and welcomed into CÉLA VI London’s rooftop oasis. The space will open up to an indoor bar before leading through to an upper lounge dining area, indoor restaurant, and spacious outdoor dining area. Situated one level up will be a private dining room, lively indoor lounge area, and cocktail bar. The indoor and outdoor restaurant on level 17 seats 180 whilst the bar and lounge accommodates 124, with level 18 seating 121. With a total capacity of 425, diners will have an uninterrupted view of the cityscape.
The launch of CÉLA VI London invites Londoners to immerse themselves in a world where exceptional modern Asian flavours blend fearless innovation with breath taking views and vibrant ambiance.
Sanjay Nandi, CEO of ADMO, states, “We’re excited to bring CÉLA VI, a rooftop dining & nightlife brand born in Southeast Asia, to London. The opening will mark a milestone for ADMO, signifying the group’s rising prominence within the hospitality industry and growing presence in London’s phenomenal restaurant scene.”
With an impressive portfolio of globally recognised brands—including CLAP London and Nammos—ADMO’s ambitious growth plans for London’s high-stakes F&B sector and luxury hospitality scene are set to redefine the global dining and entertainment landscape.
NYMAS Group Announces Rebrand to Fitzroy of London
NYMAS Group, the specialist provider of design-led and accessible washroom accessories, sanitaryware and Doc M packs, is announcing its rebrand to Fitzroy of London, a popular bathroom brand which has previously been offered under the NYMAS Group umbrella.
Having been established over 20 years ago, NYMAS Group has decided to give the business a refresh, bringing together the best of what both brands have to offer and presenting a unified, stronger identity for its customers. Whilst the name and brand are changing, the company’s dedication to providing high-quality products and exceptional service will remain the same.
Fitzroy of London’s products have been crafted with the utmost integrity and designed to blend effortlessly into both classic and contemporary interiors. Having been developed by designers and specified into some of the most iconic venues in the world, Fitzroy of London blends distinctive design and exquisite craftsmanship with uncompromising inclusivity.
“As world-renowned experts in luxury bathroom and washroom fittings, we champion the idea that accessibility should never compromise on aesthetics, and aesthetics should ever hinder accessibility.”
Craig Anderson, MD, Fitzroy of London
NYMAS Group Announces Rebrand to Fitzroy of London
Whilst continuing to offer the same trusted products as before, as the company transitions to Fitzroy of London, three product ranges will be introduced to the market, PRO, STYLE and SIGNATURE, with various collections available within each range.
“We believe in a world where everyone, regardless of ability, deserves a space that reflects their humanity and individuality. Our mission, originally as NYMAS Group and now as the rebranded Fitzroy of London, has always been to make bathing safe, accessible and dignified for all. Our range of high-quality and stylish accessible bathrooms blend functionality with design, proving that inclusivity can be both beautiful and empowering, elevating comfort without compromising on aesthetic.”
Craig Anderson, MD, Fitzroy of London
Fitzroy of London has also announced a new range of washroom accessories, as part of its established Gosfield Collection. The new accessories, which are available to order from February 2025, have been designed to complement its existing collection, which currently includes grab rails, hinged support rails, backrests and shower seats, offering its customers a complete family of accessible, design-led washroom products.
“We’re thrilled to introduce a new range of accessories, thoughtfully designed to complement our well-established Gosfield Collection. The accessories exude a sophisticated, minimalist and modern finish which allow our customers to effortlessly enhance and personalise their washroom spaces, whilst ensuring a cohesive design scheme throughout.”
Craig Anderson. MD, Fitzroy of London.
The new range of accessories will consist of robe hooks, toilet roll holders, towel rails, toilet brush holders, soap dispensers, a colostomy bag shelf, doorstop and flush sensor bezel, providing customers with a complete collection. Customers will also have the choice between a concealed flange or flangeless option. Constructed in high-quality stainless steel, the robust nature of the products will stand the test of time, offering a durable and sustainable solution, with no need to replace the items for many years to come.
With 28 standard finishes available, the sophisticated design will suit a whole manner of bathrooms, from restaurants and bars to hotels and membership clubs. The Gosfield Collection embodies timeless craftsmanship, offering an understated elegance, making it suited to any contemporary and stylish bathroom space.
SENTIA SPIRITS WINS FREE FROM DRINK PRODUCT THE YEAR AT THE FREE CHRISTMAS AWARDS
FREE PRODUCT OF FROM
SENTIA Spirits, who produce functional drinks designed by British neuropsychopharmacologist Professor David Nutt, has won Drink Product of the year at this year’s Free From Christmas Awards.
This recognition reflects the brand’s commitment to offering consumers better ways to relax, unwind, and socialise, newly launched GABA Gold and GABA Red each awarded a GOLD Medal, and GABA Black receiving a SILVER.
Whether you’re tired of choosing between alcohol or alcohol free or want a functional drink that elevates your social connection and your wellness, SENTIA Spirits are designed for you.
David Orren, CEO and Co-Founder of SENTIA Spirits: “We are so pleased to win Gold and Silver from the ‘Free From’ Christmas Awards. The growing momentum around functional alternatives to alcohol highlights a collective desire for more conscious ways to unwind and connect. This award is a testament to our dedicated team and the remarkable scientific insights from our sister company GABA Labs, and we are deeply grateful to our community for their ongoing support.”
Combining botanical insight with neuroscientific expertise, SENTIA Spirits allows consumers to enjoy functional drinks that transcend traditional categories, promoting relaxation, balance, and well-being.
SENTIA Spirits is available to buy on Amazon and on the SENTIA Spirits website, priced at £32 per bottle.
Website: us.sentiaspirits.com Instagram: @sentiaspirits
Calling All Foodies: Hyde Wonderland Introduces Food Lineup This Festive
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is back with an exceptional array of festive feasting and drinking, bringing together classic seasonal flavours, exciting street food options, and unique experiences. With new dining highlights and exclusive specials, this year’s Winter Wonderland is set to offer a feast for the senses like never before.
Tickets are now on sale at www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com.
Calling All Foodies: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Introduces
Voodoo Ray’s, the cult-favourite “New York via East London” pizza stalwarts, makes its Winter Wonderland debut, hosting an exclusive Bottomless Pizza Party right in the heart of Santaland. This all-day, heated, sitdown event lets guests enjoy endless slices from seven delicious pizza flavours, making it the perfect spot for festive gatherings or a hearty family break. With eight one-hour sessions per day and a 72-seat capacity per session, Voodoo Ray’s invites diners to reserve a spot on the Winter Wonderland website or try your luck with limited walk-ins—this pizza extravaganza promises to be one of the season’s hottest tickets. Plus if your child has a Santaland Unlimited Ride Pass, they’ll get one free soft drink to enjoy.
The iconic Sleigh-By and Street Food Village areas are packed with bold flavours, fresh debuts and returning favourites, offering the UK’s hottest in street eats and incredible craft beers, plus something for those of you with a sweet tooth. Chimney Cakes Lady, one of this season’s new culinary stars, will be offering traditional Hungarian chimney cakes—a delightfully warm treat that’s crunchy outside, soft inside, and available in multiple flavours. MASA Tacos brings its dedication to authentic, sustainable Mexican street food with their signature corn tortillas and innovative flavour combinations. The Mac Factory returns, serving up its famously creamy and gooey mac ‘n’ cheese, while Sen Noods, a new addition, offers East Asian-inspired noodles crafted by a pair of school friends-turned-chefs serving up delicious East Asian inspired noodle dishes that are the ultimate winter warmer.
Delicious Food Lineup This Festive Season
Adding a Caribbean twist to the menu, Only Jerkin’ showcases the unforgettable flavour and crunch of their Caribbean-inspired fried chicken, best known for slinging the crispiest nuggets in town and Wok Boy is back by popular demand, bringing signature chow mein and Korean fried chicken that’s been a hit across London festival, proudly cementing the renowned Chow Mein dish in the “Noodle Hall of Fame”.
As part of the food celebration, Winter Wonderland introduces Tasty Tuesday on 26th November, offering visitors a chance to enjoy 20% off from 10 am to 2 pm on all traders in the Sleigh-By and Street Food Village, excluding Le Chalet Fondue. Perfect for hungry early birds, discover your favourite dishes for the season while enjoying a special discount for the day.
For best value, visitors can also reserve pre-booked meal packages only available online from The Jolly Hog, who will be serving up delicious smoky hot dogs and pulled pork, cooked over fire to deliver succulent, smoky flavour, along with a variety of loaded fries topped with pulled pork, halloumi or pigs in blankets! Winter Wonderland’s cosy fondue restaurant and returning favourite Le Chalet Fondue rounds out the lineup with a festive dining experience featuring the best of traditional Swiss fare.
For a quintessential holiday drink, this year’s pop-up bars are ready to serve a variety of seasonal cocktails and festive beverages. Returning to Winter Wonderland, Bar Narnia, inspired by C.S. Lewis’s “Narnia,” transports visitors to a magical, wintry retreat, while the classic Christmas Tree Arms, one of the most unique bars at Winter Wonderland, inspired by proper British boozers, with the exterior lined from wall to wall with Christmas trees, leaves guests to stop for a chilled beer or warming mulled wine and excellent festive views. New this season, Bob’s Barn brings a taste of the Rocky Mountains to Hyde Park in this Canadian themed bar. Serving up a range of cold beers and Canadian-inspired cocktails, grab a drink from the street side terrace bar or step inside a cosy retreat and grab a table.
New this year, visitors can also purchase a Bavarian Credit for food and drinks in the fan favourite Bavarian Village. This £30 credit can be pre-purchased online and can be used throughout the season, making it simple to enjoy your visit without the need to carry cash or cards - and it includes free entry to the Winter Wonderland, even at peak times. Enjoy the festive evening atmosphere in Bavarian Hall, with live music, DJs, singa-longs aplenty and be sure to dance the night away!
Whether it’s a sit-down meal, a bite on the move, or a festive tipple or two – we’ve got something to suit everyone at Winter Wonderland. And we’re serious about providing you the best possible food and drink. Full the full feasting and drinking link up visit the website here!
Tickets are now on sale at www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Square Kiosk Launches in the
A self-service ordering solution built for restaurant businesses
Today, Square unveiled Square Kiosk, a fully integrated software, hardware, and payments solution, designed to help cut wait times, make service faster and free up staff. Aimed at fastmoving and fast-growing restaurants, this brand new self-service ordering system offers a complete solution to empower diners and streamline order-taking.
With staffing issues and labour shortages continuing to be major concerns for those in the hospitality industry, Square Kiosk offers an extra pair of hands. For the cost of £1 a day, Kiosk shows up excited to work, is fast at the job and helps increase order value. With orders taken care of, restaurants can staff up other areas of their business, freeing team members from the counter so that they can focus on other tasks.
For the customer, Square Kiosk is a sleek and simple experience that lets them bypass queues and easily customise their orders. Guests are able to select exactly what they want, with customisation options being sent directly to the kitchen, and choose upgrades and add-ons to bolster their orders. Payment couldn’t be easier with Kiosk’s embedded contactless and chip payment technology. Customers will also benefit from the integrated Square Loyalty programme, rewarding diners with loyalty points and encouraging return visits.
Kiosk pricing module:
Square Kiosk software.
£35 per month, per device (plus standard in-person transaction fees)
Free trial until 31st December 2024.1
Square Kiosk hardware.2
£99 +VAT
A versatile, iPad-driven kiosk for intuitive ordering and payment.
“The hospitality industry is a huge priority for us in the UK”, said Samina Hussain-Letch, UK Executive Director at Square. “As the industry moves forward and businesses find new ways to become more efficient and more profitable, solutions like Square Kiosk can really help business owners stand to benefit not just financially but also by having the time back to focus on new ways to innovate and provide outstanding experiences for their customers. Our job at Square is to provide the tools and technology to help businesses run, start and grow - Square Kiosk is the latest product to join our ecosystem in the UK and we’re excited to see it help our sellers to thrive.
the UK restaurant
Square Kiosk works seamlessly with Square for Restaurants and Square Point of Sale, as well as Square’s reporting tools and customer engagement. It’s easy for restaurants to set up, saves precious counter space, and can be placed anywhere - from the wall to flat on the counter to mounted on a stand, designed for any space.
Square Kiosk tracks sales data and instantly syncs menu updates, ensuring that customers have real-time visibility into what’s currently available.
About Square
Square makes commerce and financial services easy and accessible with its integrated ecosystem of commerce solutions. Square offers purposebuilt software to run complex restaurant, retail, and professional services operations, versatile e-commerce tools, embedded financial services and banking products, buy now, pay later functionality through Clearpay, staff management and payroll capabilities, and much more – all of which work together to save sellers time and effort. Millions of sellers across the globe trust Square to power their business and help them thrive in the economy.
For more information, visit www.square.com
DIN TAI FUNG ANNOUNCES IN CANARY WHARF – OPENING
Din Tai Fung, the globally acclaimed Taiwanese restaurant renowned for its authentic dining experiences, is excited to announce the opening of its fourth UK location. Scheduled to open in early 2025 at Crossrail Place in Canary Wharf, this milestone marks the brand’s first venture into East London.
Building on six successful years in the UK and sixtysix years of global heritage, Din Tai Fung is recognised for its commitment to quality, precision, and craftsmanship in Chinese cuisine, and is known for its signature menu including its world-famous Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Pork Soup Dumplings). Founded in 1958, the Taiwanese brand has captivated diners worldwide with its blend of culinary traditions and modern dining experiences.
A Space for Every Occasion
The Canary Wharf site will feature 112 seats and a private dining room for 16, welcoming everyone from families and culture lovers to office workers and local residents alike.
The new location reflects Canary Wharf’s evolution into a cultural and community-focused destination, with private dining experiences and immersive masterclasses that bring guests closer to the brand’s heritage.
Hotelier & Hospitality Design
Immersive Interiors Inspired by Heritage and Modernity
At the heart of the restaurant is the Show Kitchen, an iconic centrepiece inviting guests on a sensory journey to witness the artistry behind its signature Xiao Long Bao, each handcrafted with precisely 18 folds. The meticulous rhythm of dumplingmaking passes through six stations manned by different teams of chefs, showcasing the craftsmanship Din Tai Fung is celebrated for.
The interiors blend heritage and modernity, with traditional Chinese motifs and architectural elements such as stone lions, terracotta roof tiles, and bricks juxtaposed with polished marble and rattan-wrapped walls. This creates an East-meets-West fusion atmosphere that feels both timeless and fresh, where comfort meets sophistication. Warm wood accents and carefully placed symbolic décor lend the space an inviting ambiance, honouring tradition while embracing modernity, allowing guests to feel at home and immerse themselves in every detail that reflects its craftsmanship.
Innovations and Menu Highlights
Din Tai Fung has continually pushed boundaries in the UK, introducing menu innovations like Beef Xiao Long Bao, its own craft lager, and signature cocktails, alongside a loyalty program that celebrates its dedicated following. The new location promises a 360° dining experience that merges the brand’s heritage with local adaptations to suit the vibrant and diverse Canary Wharf community.
The menu will continue to showcase Din Tai Fung’s signature dishes, using both locally sourced and Taiwan imported
ingredients to ensure quality and consistency in flavours. Expect to see familiar dishes such as the 18-fold Xiao Long Bao, house made noodles, Pork Chop and Egg Fried Rice, and specialties like the Salted Egg Yolk Custard Lava Buns.
XueFeng Bai, UK Managing Director at Din Tai Fung, comments: “We are thrilled to open our doors at Canary Wharf, our first location in East London. As we celebrate sixty-six years of culinary excellence, we look forward to sharing authentic flavours of Din Tai Fung with a new and diverse community.”
A Global Story of Success
Din Tai Fung’s fourth UK site builds on the success of its current locations in Covent Garden in 2018, and Selfridges and Centre Point in 2022. This expansion is part of the brand’s global growth story, which includes recent openings in New York’s Times Square and Disneyland in California. For further updates, visit: www.dintaifung-uk.com Follow us on Instagram: @dintaifunguk
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Charging expert EVC announces rebrand to Roam, driving the future of EV infrastructure in the UK and beyond
• New rebrand reflects the company’s vision of enabling drivers to “roam” freely and enjoy daily life without the need for detours.
• £165m investment to roll out 100,000 chargers well under way.
EVC, the experts in fully-funded destination charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) announces its rebrand to Roam. The change reflects Roam’s broader ambitions for 2025, including European expansion and rolling out the next stage of its £165m commitment, announced last year, to install 100,000 fast and rapid EV chargers across hospitality, workplaces, multi-dwelling residentials, leisure and retail sectors.
Since Roam started in 2020, the company has made significant steps in providing a nationwide network of accessible and reliable charging solutions. Working with over 14 national hotel groups including Hilton Hotels and Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, as well as sporting organisations including The Professional Golfers Association and workspace clients like BizSpace Ltd.
Roam has also established a strong presence in the residential sector, specialising in EV chargers for multi-dwelling apartment buildings. Roam is set to accelerate its expansion in this space in both the UK and Europe in 2025, with current clients including Galliard Homes, Ballymore and Battersea Power Station, which was once the UK’s third largest energy generating site and is now home to close to 100 Roam charging bays for its residents.
The new Roam brand embodies the company’s vision of enabling drivers to “roam” freely, instilling confidence that drivers can leave behind concerns around “range anxiety” and have access to a reliable EV charging network.
“Our mission has always been to provide convenient and hassle-free EV charging at destinations where drivers need them most, and this remains at the heart of everything we do at Roam,” says Roam’s CEO, James Randall
“Our newly energised identity reflects our growth, our values, and our dedication to empowering cleaner, greener communities and accelerating access to an electric future.”
“As Roam prepares to expand its reach and bring charging solutions to an even greater number of destinations, our new identity signals our commitment to enable drivers to have an effortless charging experience that fits around their day to day, without the need for detours.”
Roam’s national rebrand across their EV charging network takes place from this week, with the first four locations confirmed as Forge Retail Park in Stourbridge, Tweedmill Shopping Outlet in Saint Asaph, Hilton Hotel in Leicester and Chartham Park Golf & Country Club in West Sussex. All remaining EV chargers will be rebranded throughout 2025.
The official rebranding of Roam’s website and app takes place on Tuesday 26th November. Existing registered users will be able to continue to enjoy the benefits Roam offers via their existing accounts with no need to change or update their details.
Groupe GM reaffirms its dedication to British consumers and expands in the UK market
Groupe GM, the international leader in the guest amenity industry, is expanding its presence in the UK market. By opening a new branch in the UK, Groupe GM reaffirms its commitment to delivering high-quality, luxurious, reliable, and sustainable amenities to the British market while continuing to transform the hotel amenity industry through innovative eco-solutions.
Recently, Groupe GM expanded its portfolio by adding three distinguished British brands Laboratory Perfumesoffering artisanal scents with eco-conscious, non-gender fragrances, Faace - a modern skincare brand designed to address the ever-changing needs of women’s skin, and Floral Street - a bold British innovator brand transforming floral perfumery with sustainable and vibrant scents. These strategic additions reinforce the company’s commitment to better serve the British market. These new partners also showcase the brand’s policy of offering locally resonant, high-quality products that are created locally and align with the preferences and values of British guests.
Groupe GM’s hotel lines are in line with its Care About Earth Program. For over 20 years, Groupe GM has been at the forefront of sustainable development in the hotel amenities industry and continuously innovates to minimise
its environmental footprint and protect the planet for future generations. The company focuses on minimising fossil fuel-derived plastics and prioritises green resources like bio-sourced sugarcane plastic, recycled plastic and clean formulations. The program has led to several notable innovations including the patented large-format EcoFill refillable dispenser that ensures product origin, quality and traceability.
Groupe GM is proud to serve clients in more than 80 countries and is excited to expand its reach within the UK and to further its reputation within this dynamic market.
For more information about Groupe GM please check: www.groupegm.com
Beauty, we appreciate, is in the eye of the beholder.
Craftsmanship, we sense, is in the hand of the maker.
British pedigree in every detail – even to the choice of colour nish and trim. The fusion of style, technology &
Perfection, we experience, is in the Fracino bespoke studio.