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Jon Luca Keane, senior chef de partie at De Vere Beaumont Estate located in Old Windsor was recently crowned Junior Chef Champion in the IACC UK Copper Skillet competition. Jon Luca now progresses to the next stage, where he will travel to Las Vegas, representing the UK to compete for the title of the Global Copper Skillet Champion which will take place in May 2022.
During the competition, participating chefs were tasked with creating a dish using basic pantry items and a mystery basket of proteins and other fresh, dairy and grocery produce. They were given 30 minutes to prepare, create, and present their dishes to the judges. Jon Luca’s winning dish was crispy-fried pork tenderloin medallions, warm niçoise salad and Bearnaise sauce.
Commenting on Jon Luca’s win, Bruce McDowell, De Vere’s group food and beverage manager, said, “We’re thrilled for Jon Luca on his win at the UK Copper Skillet. This is a testament to his culinary excellence, and of course, we’re also immensely proud of his work at De Vere Beaumont Estate. We wish him the best of luck for the finals in Las Vegas later this year.”
Mark Cooper, CEO of IACC said, “I am very impressed by the skills that Jon Luca showcased at the UK Copper Skillet competition. De Vere has a fantastic track record of producing young culinary talent, with four of their chefs now having gone on to compete at the Global Copper Skillet competition. I wish Jon Luca the best of luck and I look forward to seeing what he creates
NEWS The latest news from around both counties
in the final at IACC Americas Connect in May.” In other news at the property, in celebration of World Book Day that took place on 3rd March 2022, the De Vere hotel group has announced a partnership with British publishing house Bloomsbury to launch a new book club that will mean guests can loan a choice of four titles during their stay that will be refreshed on a bi-monthly basis to include a variety of recent launches, topical reads, and modern classics. The first selection includes Greenwich Park by author Katherine Faulkner, Sunday Times bestseller A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende, Somebody I Used to Know, a powerful memoir by Wendy Mitchell and In Control: Dangerous Relationships and How They End in Murder, by Professor Jane Monckton-Smith. The book club is available De Vere Beaumont Estate as well as De Vere Latimer Estate in Buckinghamshire and De Vere Wokefield Estate near Reading. Nearlywed To book, call 01753 640 000 or visit www.devere.co.uk/beaumont-estate #DeVerexBloomsbury HEYTHROP HOTEL IN OXFORDSHIRE SET TO REOPEN AFTER INVESTMENT
A Chipping Norton venue is set to undergo a £40million investment after being acquired by a national leisure and hospitality group. Heythrop Park Resort was purchased by Bourne Leisure in 2018, building on its already impressive portfolio. It will now become the latest hotel for the Warner Leisure Hotels family, renowned for its adult-only breaks.
Heythrop will be the fifteenth hotel in the Warner portfolio and is set to become the biggest and best. The multi-million-pound investment will transform the current space into a stunning country haven for those looking for a short break away without children.
The transformation will see the creation of 337 bedrooms, allowing 18th-century opulence to meet modern luxury and retaining the property’s historic feel alongside a host of contemporary facilities. Guests can expect chic lounges, vibrant bars and outdoor terraces plus a ballroom theatre. Live music and exquisite dining will be provided across three restaurants.
The grounds will provide acres of exploration for guests, who can spend their days strolling through parkland or enjoying scenic cycle routes. The hotel’s spa will house an indoor pool, a new thermal and sensory suite and beauty and wellness treatments. Warner will also be retaining the 18-hole Bainbridge Championship Course, which Heythrop is famous for.
Taking to the helm as general manager, Dean Saunders joined the Warner family as a lifeguard at one of its coastal hotels and progressively worked his way up to managing the group’s flagship property, Studley Castle in Warwickshire. Bringing more than 30 years of experience to the role, Dean’s main mission is to provide guests with the perfect place to unwind.
Managing director of Warner Leisure Hotels, Simon Thompson, said, “We’re delighted to have acquired such an impressive property in what is a beautiful part of the UK. It’s our first property in Oxfordshire and is set to be our biggest and best - we look forward to bringing even more tourism to the area.”
Dean Saunders added, “Heythrop brings together the best of both worlds – inside and out. Guests will have a unique sense of space here, with the option to explore, relax or be entertained without ever having to leave the stunning surroundings. When the opportunity to manage such an amazing place came up, I jumped at it. I can’t wait to greet new guests and begin our exciting journey here in the summer.”
Heythrop Park is set to open this summer. The estate covers more than 440 acres of land and will be the largest Warner property to date.
To book, visit www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk
MACDONALD HOTELS SEE A SIGNIFICANT RISE IN WEDDING ENQUIRIES
Love is in the air at Macdonald Hotels, with events experts from the top hotel group recording a 40% increase in wedding enquiries in the first few weeks of the new year compared to the same period last year.
Set within stunning landscaped gardens, the four-star Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa, Ascot has everything needed for a memorable and spectacular wedding. The secluded manor house enjoys an on-site spa, where couples can indulge in a pre-wedding pamper session, a roof-top terrace perfect for reception drinks and an award-winning restaurant. There are also manicured gardens, a sweeping oak staircase and open fireplaces. Located a short drive from Heathrow Airport and less than one hour from central London, the venue is easily accessible to guests travelling from across the country. The hotel’s specialist wedding coordinators can support all elements of the wedding journey from the venue hire and catering to the finishing personal touches.
To book, visit www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/berystede
THE LUND COLLECTION LAUNCHES IN OXFORDSHIRE
Bergman Design House, the award-winning studio founded by Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund, is delighted to unveil The Lund Collection, launching in the Cotswolds this spring. The design-led, one-bedroom private cottage is located just a stone’s throw from Chipping Norton and Great Tew in Oxfordshire and provides an oasis of calm for couples, friends and solo travellers alike.
Exquisitely decorated, it features a carefully-curated collection of original artwork and vintage treasures alongside new bespoke furniture from the studio’s Black Berg Collection. From 17th century Chinese ceramics and an 18th-century marriage armoire that turns into a showstopping drinks cabinet to a modern and luxurious deep-soaking bathtub, it’s a design-lovers dream.
Marie Soliman, founder and creative director of Bergman Design House tells us, “What’s been so enjoyable about this project has been the treasure hunt for the most incredible antique and vintage finds, all of which tell their own unique story while highlighting the beauty of the newer items next to them.” In the process of creating The Lund Collection, Marie comments, “It’s an approach I like to call organised chaos; the creation of a space that’s both functional and timeless, with a playful hint of surprise or whimsical energy.”
Inspired by the beauty of the Cotswolds, the property features a colour palette that reflects all four seasons, from the vibrant green of summer to the russet orange tones of autumn. The Lund Collection is Bergman Design House’s foray into a new line of luxury individual accommodations in the UK, providing the utmost privacy while offering the ultimate guest experience. Featuring a fully stocked bar, hand-curated welcome hamper and a state-of-the-art Swedish Moccamaster coffee machine, guests will arrive, immediately relax and feel at home.
Creating and designing the property has been a passion project for Marie and Albin, and they hope it will be a sanctuary for future guests seeking an escape in the countryside. “We fell in love with this cottage and the stunning countryside. We’re so thrilled to share it with our guests. It’s intended to be a sanctuary for all who visit - we want our guests to come here and truly switch off, connect with nature and feel at home,” said Marie.
Prices start from £595 per night including a welcome hamper with wines personally curated by Albin. To book, visit www.thelundcollection.com
NUNEHAM ESTATE
The Cricket Field at Nuneham Estate in Oxfordshire is a new marquee wedding reception venue in collaboration with Husk Marquees, perfect for laid-back, bohemian-style weddings. To find out more and to book, visit www.nuneham.com and turn to page 55 to see our exclusive shoot that took place at the venue.
http://thebeautifuldue.co.uk
W E D D I N G C A K E As unigue as you
TO BOOK A CONSULTATION
www.keighersofcaversham.com keighersofcaversham@gmail.com
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SUNDAY 5TH MARCH, 2023 WEMBLEY STADIUM, LONDON
• Free entry • Win a luxury honeymoon • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Bridal fashion shows • Entertainment • Refreshments • Covid-19 secure
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HENLEY FESTIVAL REVEALS ICONIC 40THANNIVERSARY LINE-UP
Henley Festival, presented by Westcoast is the UK’s most glamorous music and arts festival which has revealed the line-up for this year’s 40th-anniversary celebrations taking place from Wednesday 6th to Sunday 10th July 2022. Festival-goers can expect music, comedy, art, dancing, gastronomy and fireworks at this boutique black-tie festival.
Henley Festival is world-renowned for curating a vibrant programme spanning pop, classical and jazz music and this year is set to be the biggest one yet. The show begins with troupes of entertainers, rides on the vintage funfair plus Moët Champagne served on the lawn against the backdrop of the river and it concludes with a jaw-dropping firework spectacular.
One of the world’s most successful bands, The Script, will open Henley Festival’s Floating Stage on Wednesday evening with a selection of their biggest hits and favourites from their career-spanning greatest hits album Tales From The Script. Henley Festival’s opening night will be brought to a close by Euro-disco phenomenon Boney M where the original lead singer Liz Mitchell will be performing international chartbusters in the Festival Club.
On Thursday, one of the most successful artists in UK chart history, Craig David, will perform an epic evening of his best-loved hits and the legendary Sir Tom Jones will return to Henley on Friday evening to captivate the crowd with music from his 41st studio album Surrounded By Time. On Saturday, DJ, broadcaster and global dance music legend Pete Tong, together with The Heritage Orchestra and Jules Buckley, will present an unforgettable evening of iconic classical electronic music. This year’s festival will close with an extraordinary 40th Anniversary Concert on Sunday evening, featuring an exclusive line-up of special guests to be announced.
To book tickets, visit https://henley-festival.co.uk COMING SOON The Plough at Shiplake near Henley-onThames will open this May. It’s the second venture from married chef couple Liam and Ryan Simpson-Trotman, owners of Orwells Restaurant in Binfield Heath. Expect all-day dining in a family and dog-friendly pub serving great food, with plenty of outdoor cooking from a pizza oven and grill. To find out more, visit www.theploughshiplake.co.uk
MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE WEDDING AND HONEYMOON OFFERS
YTL Hotels’ have revealed the ultimate wedding and honeymoon offers. Couples who host their wedding celebrations at Monkey Island Estate in Bray (or The Glasshouse in Edinburgh) will be treated to a complimentary honeymoon at their choice of four YTL Hotels’ flagship properties in Bali and Malaysia. Couples booking a traditional British country wedding costing more than £35,000 at Monkey Island Estate (or a vibrant city wedding costing more than £10,000 at The Glasshouse) will receive a complimentary seven-night honeymoon plus a generous daily resort credit to be used towards their choice of gourmet dining, spa treatment or selected activities in their chosen destination.
All couples booking this unrivalled offer can look forward to a week in a luxury villa with daily breakfast at luxury five-star Pangkor Laut Resort, a tropical private island offering a mix of tranquillity and romance, or Tanjong Jara Resort on the east coast of Malaysia, where they can look forward to a taste of the region’s spirit and heritage. Borneo’s Gaya Island Resort is also included as part of the offer which celebrates the magic of Borneo’s exotic local nature and wildlife in a spectacular setting with an indulgent spa, delicious cuisine and signature experiences. The fourth signature YTL property included is the award-winning Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali nestled along northeast Bali’s exotic coast of black sand with a focus on spirituality and wellness. Here, guests have the bonus of not just a complimentary seven-night stay, but the ease of staying on a full-board basis with daily spa experiences.
To book, call 0207 657 8200 or, for wedding bookings for Monkey Island Estate, email weddings@monkeyislandestate.co.uk. For The Glasshouse, email events@theglasshousehotel.co.uk *Terms & Conditions: Offers exclude flights and are applicable on new bookings only. Stays at YTL Hotels’ three selected Malaysian resorts are on a bed and breakfast basis. Stays at Spa Village Tembok Bali are on a full-board basis with daily spa experiences. www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk
EUTHYMIA CAKES BY EVA COCKRELL WINS AWARD
Euthymia Cakes by Eva Cockrell of Buckinghamshire has been awarded Best Wedding Cakes in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2022. The awards recognise excellence offered by wedding businesses in the UK and signify a trusted seal of approval for couples planning their weddings.
This year’s awards are based on nearly 8 million opinions from couples and more than 16,000 venues and suppliers participated. Euthymia Cakes by Eva Cockrell received several glowing reviews on Hitched, making them the winner of the award in their field.
To book, visit https://euthymia.co.uk
CONGRATULATIONS!
To Sonning Flowers who recently won the prestigious Wedding Florist of the Year award at the 2022 Wedding Industry Awards. Turn to page 59 to read all about it and to find out more, visit www.sonningflowers.com
BLENHEIM PALACE LAUNCHES NEW PODCAST SERIES AND IS SHORTLISTED FOR TOP TOURISM AWARD
Blenheim Palace has been shortlisted for the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence. The Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site is a finalist in the Access and Inclusive Tourism Award and the winner will be announced at a ceremony on the 25th of April.
The Award recognises tourism businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences for everyone, particularly those with accessibility requirements, and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business. In recent years, Blenheim Palace has introduced a series of initiatives designed to make its visitor experience more accessible. Examples include the creation of new touch tours for the visually impaired, sensory maps, accessible pathways and the introduction of Access Champions who work in visitor-facing roles on-site to promote accessibility and inclusiveness. A new Access Desk has also been introduced in the Palace’s main Visitor Centre where trained staff provide help and advice.
During the lockdown, ticket sales moved entirely online. Blenheim’s Digital Team recognised the importance of creating a user-friendly interface for all visitors and built a website that achieved a 100% score on Google Lighthouse, which audits performance and accessibility. Head of operations Emily Spencer said, “We’re very pleased to have been shortlisted for this award as accessibility and inclusivity is something we take extremely seriously across the business. As a team, we still have a lot to learn and there are many areas where we can improve but it’s inspiring to see our efforts have been recognised by a panel of tourism experts.”
Judging is carried out by an independent panel of past winners, industry leaders and experts in their field, selected for their impartiality, experience and suitability for each category. Overall winners will then be entered into the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which takes place in June.
In other news at the venue, Blenheim Palace is launching a series of podcasts on Spotify. With topics ranging from hidden rooms inside Blenheim’s iconic grand bridge and the palace’s starring roles in a series of blockbuster movies to fashion and Winston Churchill, the 20-part series provides a fascinating insight into the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hosted by Blenheim’s social historian Antonia Keaney, the series also features interviews with comedian and TV presenter Sue Perkins, writer and broadcaster Hugo Vickers and author Josh Ireland.
As well as the stories about the palace’s rich heritage and the cast of famous historical characters, Antonia also talks to current members of the team including Blenheim archivist Alexa Frost, head of operations Heather Carter, who describes the challenges and rewards of running a great estate, and award-winning travel photographer Pete Seaward. “We began providing online talks and virtual tours during the lockdown as a way for us to stay in touch with people who couldn’t visit in person,” said Antonia. “I was surprised and delighted with the positive feedback and so we decided to expand our offering and produce a series of podcasts. It has been lovely for me to be able to talk to such a diverse group of fascinating people who each have their unique connection to Blenheim and I hope others will enjoy the fascinating insights and stories their interviews reveal.”
The series also features British journalist and politician Rachel Trethewey talking about her books on the children of Winston Churchill, Blenheim’s most famous son, an interview with historic textiles conservator Emma Telford on her work with the palace’s priceless 300-year-old tapestries and an insight into what life was really like at a great estate. All of the podcasts are available to download on Spotify.
To find out more and to book, visit www.blenheimpalace.com
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