Eat.Drink.Sleep - December 2022

Moda, where outdoor furniture really means business.

Unlocking the potential of your outdoor space can be a seriously good business move. Whether you need a place to close deals with clients, a second meeting room or a nineteenth hole par excellence, taking your work outside offers huge attractions. And as the UK’s leading luxury outdoor furniture brand, Moda is ideally placed to help turn your vision into reality.

Having started out as a family-run company in 2014, Moda has quickly established a reputation for innovative furniture solutions with exceptional customer service. This has led to a growing demand for their services from an increasingly diverse client base, as a greater variety of commercial sectors have looked to transform their outdoor spaces.

A tailored approach

With a dedicated Commercial team, Moda’s clients can choose from a vast collection of furniture sets to meet all business requirements. Expert account managers are on hand to offer a tailored approach, managing site visits and sampling to guide you through the process of your purchase.

With Moda’s market-leading 3d rendering service, designs can be modelled into businesses’ properties and space, providing visual impressions and assisting with further planning and decision-making.

Uniquely modular, uniquely Moda

Your outdoor space can change from one day to the next, which is where Moda’s flexible modular systems really come into their own. All of their furniture ranges have a number of modular configurations that can be customised - move them around your business areas, expand your collection, split them up or put them together to complement your changing commercial requirements.

It creates a compelling fusion of aesthetics and adaptability.

The choice is almost limitless, with a host of options of sofa combinations, not to mention dining ranges which incorporate unique features such as drinks coolers and fire pit inserts.

Smart furniture to drive businesses forward

With their all-weather materials and uncompromising build quality, Moda furniture collections are meticulously engineered to withstand the demands of the modern workplace - and the great British weather. Every item

of luxury outdoor furniture is designed exclusively in-house. This allows Moda to offer a perfect balance of both style and substance that can be enjoyed all year round.

What’s more, Moda’s market leading three-year commercial guarantee offers commercial clients peace of mind and their aftercare policy and maintenance packages reinforces their commitment to client satisfaction.

Expert delivery and installation

Moda is well placed to meet the demands of the commercial market with stock available for timely delivery via their impressive fleet of 150 in-house vehicles. This enables Moda to exceed client expectations through fast delivery, meticulous installation and aftercare. Their team of fully-trained engineers are available to you at no extra cost, covering unpacking, furniture placement and the removal of all packaging for recycling.

Take the first step to maximising the use of your outdoor space.

Talk to one of Moda’s Commercial Business Development Managers. Tel: 033 3363 7015 or email: commercial@modafurnishings.co.uk modafurnishings.co.uk/commercial

Pure vacuum

- the UK & Europe’s No 1 Brand

Over 15,000 machines sold worldwide annually

Jumbo 42 – UKs Bestselling machine!

Perfect fit for your everyday basic sporadic needs & firsttime packaging experiences. Right at home in High Street butchers, fishmongers, deli shops & cafés where the vacuum packer is only used occasionally - plug and play ready!

Boxer 52 – UKs biggest tabletop model!

2 x 410mm seal bars and 520mm of usable space between bars - Perfect for vacuum packing long & bulky products such as loins, legs, racks of ribs, XL sausages, whole or filleted fish or for customers looking to speed up their vacuum packing process - plug and play ready!

Boxer 42 ACS + H2O – Perfect commercial grade Tabletop machine!

This is the model that all chefs must have. Perfectly at home in the kitchens of Michelin Star chefs like Chef Graham Garrett from the West House in Biddenden, Kent & The Mosimann’s Private Dining Club in Belgravia, London.

Why Henkelman UK?

• We have over 25 years’ experience selling Henkelman vacuum packers.

• Popular Henkelman vacuum packer models are held in stock for next day despatch and can be delivered within 24-48 hours to the UK mainland.

• Tabletop models like the Jumbo 42 – The UKs bestselling model and Boxer 52 – The UKs biggest tabletop model.

• Floor models like the Falcon 52 and Marlin 52 & Polar 80.

• Double chamber models like the Polar 2-50, Polar 2-85 and the Polar 2-95 always in stock and readily available.

• Showroom located in Ashford, Kent. Book your visit to view the machines and discover their capabilities first hand!

• Henkelman UK has the most competitive pricing in the industry for the UK marketplace with models to suit all applications and budgets.

• We hold an extensive stock of vacuum packer spare parts – ready to be dispatched when you need them.

• What machine is best for me? Head over to our website FAQs to find out!

Tel: 0800 988 7033 Email: sales@henkelman.co.uk Web:

packaging technology 0800 988 7033 sales@henkelman.co.uk www.henkelman.co.uk Units 1-6 Mountain

is part

Solstice AV activates new robotics division to launch world-leading Pudu Robotics into UK market

Distribution challenger, Solstice, has launched a new robotics division, partnering with Pudu Robotics to introduce a range of commercial service robots into the UK mainstream marketplace.

Solstice AV has today announced its brand new partnership with Pudu Robotics, together with the creation of a new robotics division, designed to accelerate growth of the global-leading commercial service robots in the UK.

With the service delivery robot market predicted to grow to $100bn globally by 2030, Solstice is the first trade-only distributor to make commercial service robots available to the channel. Leveraging a local stock holding, rapid delivery, and a national network of over 100 qualified engineers, Solstice is set to enable resellers to enter this rapidly growing market with minimal investment in technical resource.

Leo Hu, UK Country Manager at Pudu Robotics, said: “We’re very happy to have Solstice as our first trade only distributor in the UK. Through Solstice and their reseller network, we will be able to address the challenges and needs of our customers with our award-winning commercial service robots and Solstice’s unique service-led distribution.

“The commercial service robot market is growing rapidly with predictions stating that 25% of hospitality workers will be robots by 2030. Solstice will give us the local presence, an excellent reseller network, plus the on-site service and support capability we need to meet our customers’ needs.”

Lee Hooker, Commercial Director at Solstice, added: “Today, restaurants, hotels and retailers face daily challenges with attracting and retaining employees, as well as constantly spiraling costs. Pudu Robotics’ service delivery robots address all of these challenges, supplementing the existing workforce with reliable, efficient backup, and allowing staff to focus on what’s important – the customer.

“Research shows that adding robots to a hospitality business fills the staff gap, reduces costs and makes for happier employees and clientele. We will be providing local stock holding with a full-service offering, including on-site installation, hotline support and on-site warranty for all Pudu robots, giving resellers a fast entry into this rapidly-growing and exciting market, while allowing end customers to purchase from the existing suppliers they know and trust.”

From the report, there are five key trends for UK accommodation providers to be aware of in the year ahead.

Trend 1: Establishing a strong ‘billboard’ remains key to being booked online

In the survey data, it was found that 33% of travellers will begin their accommodation research on a search engine like Google, 21% will head straight to a specific OTA or travel website, and 10% will pore over social media to find inspiration, highlighting the need to establish a strong online presence from the outset.

Trend 2: Direct bookings and lasting relationships are there to be won

Booking directly with a property online is currently the second most popular reservation method for travellers globally, behind OTAs, highlighting an ongoing opportunity to secure increased profits. When on a property’s website, an easy and secure booking and payment method, content of the rooms and staff, and guest reviews are all top three considerations for at least 50% of travellers.

Trend 3: Travellers are craving unique accommodation experiences

When deciding whether they would consider returning to a property, the ‘little things’ that make an accommodation brand unique, for example the property’s scent, their artwork, or the restaurant’s music, are either “important” or “very important” to 66% of travellers.

Trend 4: Technology use is becoming more closely linked to booking success

Slow adopters of hotel tech will need to pick up the pace if they want to continue winning bookings consistently, with 64% of travellers saying their perception of a brand would be changed if they weren’t using technology effectively (i.e if their website is slow or their payment process wasn’t secure).

Trend 5: Authenticity and service will always be king

Travellers have made it clear that oldfashioned hospitality still rules the day when it comes to onsite experience, and expectations are higher than ever. As automating the check-in experience becomes more common, 88% of travellers still prefer it when a property’s staff are onsite when they arrive, while 61% now expect higher or much higher standards than pre-COVID when it comes to humandelivered services.

For Little Hotelier’s full report, click here.

BC SoftWear tackles flip flop mountain

Leading hotel and spa textiles and flip flop supplier, BC SoftWear, has launched a unique new flip flop recycling initiative to help tackle the flip flop mountain that sees billions of pairs thrown away every year.

Flip flops are an essential part of the guest experience in hotels and spas, but they’re also a significant contributor to plastic waste – if guests don’t take them home, hotels and spas have little option but to throw flip flops away, meaning they end up in landfill.

Until recently, flip flop recycling hasn’t been widely available. BC SoftWear has now partnered with waste management organisation, First Mile, as well as ethical textiles recycling business, Reskinned, to give its hotel and spa partners a more sustainable option.

“We are committed to running our business in the most sustainable way possible,” explains BC SoftWear CEO and founder, Barbara Cooke. “We supply approximately three million pairs of footwear per year and are all too aware of the impact that has on the environment. We’re delighted to be piloting a new scheme with the Exclusive

Hotels Collection to collect, recycle and re-purpose all their discarded flip flops.”

While First Mile arranges the collection of discarded flip flops from Pennyhill Park and South Lodge in ultra-low emission electric vehicles, Reskinned then links waste management with new technology to recycle the flip flops, so they can be turned into surfaces for children’s playgrounds or equine menages.

“Through the innovation of these two companies, our flip flops, once they’ve been used by hotel and spa guests, will go on to live another life,” says Cooke. “It’s our way of supporting the circular economy, offering a solution to the serious issue that is flip flop mountain.”

Ross Barry, co-founder of Reskinned, says: “BC SoftWear contacted us looking for a sustainable solution for their flip flops. We’ve worked with them to create a closed loop system – their flips flops are granulated down alongside wellington

boots so they can be turned into surfacing for playgrounds and equine sand schools. We have already collected five pallet boxes of flip flops weighing 825kg – that’s about 40,000 pairs.”

Charlene Phipp, spa manager at pilot site Pennyhill Park says: “As the first hotel group to become B-Corp certified, our sustainability credentials are a huge part of what we do. We always knew one of the biggest challenges we faced was single use flip flops because we go through a lot, up to 400 a day. BC SoftWear’s recycling initiative is the first practical solution we’ve found, and so far it’s working amazingly well. A lot of our guests ask what we do with discarded flip flops and assume they’ll just be thrown away. It’s great to be able to reassure them we have an environmentally sound solution.”

Some of BC SoftWear’s other sustainable initiatives include solar power and recycled water in its manufacturing processes, minimising plastic wrap in its warehousing, as well as product innovations, such as biodegradable slippers. If you’re interested in this solution or finding out more, please contact enquiries@bcsoftwear.co.uk. www.bcsoftwear.co.uk

New Made To Measure Door Mats

Birmingham-based matting specialists First Mats have added two new options to their expansive range, which allow customers to order a premium quality mat in the width and length of their choosing rather than just being cut from a roll. The Premier-Plush mat is cost-effective, durable and attractive, with ten colours to choose from. For even more choice, the Ultra-Plush mat - a plain colour version of First Mats’ commercial Logo Mats - offers the same flexibility with a broader colour palette, including vibrant reds and cool blues.

Both new mats feature a nitrile rubber backing, providing a better grip on smooth floors than cheaper vinyl alternatives. In addition, a textured gripper backing can be chosen for carpeted floors at no extra cost, which latches onto carpet pile fibres. Both mats are machine washable and colourfast to prevent fading, with a highdensity pile for a quality you can literally feel.

“We’ve always had a commitment to quality,” states First Mats Director Richard O’Connor, “Which is why these new commercial-grade mats are a superb addition to our range and a fantastic choice for our commercial and domestic customers alike.”

Each mat is made to order but can be delivered within seven working days to most mainland locations, with all delivery costs included in the mat price. See the First Mats website for more information or to order a new madeto-measure door mat using the simple online ordering form.

Click here for more information.

Introducing Citizen Spritz:

Innovative new entrant to the low and no alcohol market

Alcohol-free for the people - all of the flavour - none of the faff

A disruptive new entrant to the market, Citizen Spritz is reimagining adult drinks with its range of innovative concentrated spritz mixes. Sophisticated and deeply complex in flavour, when combined with sparkling or soda water, the carefully crafted but simple-toserve drinks, create a refreshing aperitif style beverage, designed to be enjoyed either at home or served via the on-trade.

The brainchild of successful food industry entrepreneurs, Mark Gould and Mike Bagshaw, Citizen Spritz was born from the desire to moderate their own alcohol intake.  Both passionate foodies with a zest for life, they appreciate a cold beer or glass of wine but were on the hunt for a refreshing and genuinely delicious drink to be enjoyed as an alternative to alcohol.

Citizen Spritz Co-Founder and owner of I.T.S. International Taste Solutions, one of Europe’s fastest-growing flavour companies, Mike Bagshaw says, “We weren’t looking to quit alcohol completely but wanted something for the times it was too early to start drinking, or for when we just fancied a break from the booze.  We tried so many mocktails and non-alcoholic spirits, but most were sickly sweet, with no complexity or depth of flavour. We thought that we couldn’t be the only ones looking for a satisfying ‘in-between’ drink that wasn’t a compromise, so Mark and I combined our many years of food and flavour expertise and decided to create our own.”

Designed to make everyday moderation desirable and effortless, Citizen Spritz is carefully crafted with over 40 natural ingredients, expertly blended and layered, to provide the depth, complexity and taste profiles normally only found in alcoholic drinks. Launching initially in December 2022 with four spritz recipes, the down-to-earth but deliciously sophisticated drinks, deliver an intense flavour experience, simply served by combining a 25ml measure of Citizen Spritz with 175ml sparkling or soda water and ice.

In contrast to most other non-alcoholic spirits, which just remove the alcohol through high-energy distillation, Citizen Spritz is innovatively created from the ground up, using a natural blend of plant compounds and extracts, resulting in a very realistic-tasting spritz. It cleverly balances vibrant natural ingredients with the elusive and familiar warming tingle usually associated with alcoholic drinks. Not only is the production process more environmentally friendly than most other zero alcohol brands as the product is neither de-alcoholised nor filtered to remove the alcohol, but Citizen

Spritz has the bonus of containing only a fraction of the sugar and calories found in either alcoholic beverages or many other low and no-alcohol options.

Co-Founder of Citizen Spritz and previously Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Wholebake, (9Bar and Bounce Balls) Mark Gould says, “The number of adults in the UK choosing not to drink alcohol is increasing, and there has been a definite focus in recent years towards healthier living.

According to a 2021 Mintel Report, more people reduced their alcohol intake in 2021 compared to 2019 - 21% of adults report not drinking alcohol at all and over a third say they’ve reduced or limited their intake in the past year.

This doesn’t always mean quitting alcohol completely but just being more mindful and moderating alcohol intake.”

Mark continues, “We identified a gap in the market for a desirable, delicious zero-alcohol drink, that rather than feeling like a compromise, would be a genuine first choice. A drink to be savoured alone or with friends, that heralds the next part of the day, to fill the space between work & play. Complex in flavour but still very simple to serve, it was essential to us that Citizen Spritz not only hit the mark when it came to the flavour, but that it was accessible and value for money too, for both consumers and the on-trade. A non-alcoholic cocktail that is complicated and expensive to make, whether at home or behind a bar, just didn’t make sense. We’ve put in the work so that you don’t have to!”

Over the last two years and through dozens of concepts, the Citizen Spritz team developed a flavour almost

reading on Eat.Drink.Sleep.com...

Customer experience set to reach new levels

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In addition, the level of inflation at which customer check size drops is 10%. Which is just about where we’re hovering in the UK at the moment.

Chris Cartmell, Chief Commercial Officer for NFS restaurant technology, said: “Clients want a more integrated omnichannel approach to client engagement, loyalty and feedback. Discounting to incentivise also needs a rethink.”

In response to this demand, NFS – provider of Aloha restaurant management software –have selected top customer experience platform Paytronix Systems Inc as their UK and Ireland partner.

NFS clients include top brands such as BrewDog, Dishoom, Marugame Udon Europe and Gaucho. Paytronix seamlessly integrates with Aloha, improving client engagement, growing revenue and a better picture of client spend and preferences.

Chris said: “The secret of putting your restaurant at the heart of a friendly community is to combine a great epos system – that provides excellent customer service including tableside ordering and payment, or kiosk ordering – with a customer experience platform.”

This bolsters and grows your restaurant’s loyalty community in 5 ways:

1. It allows you to provide a truly customised oneto-one journey for your guests, combining data and marketing automation in one dashboard.

2. You can personalise digital marketing to a customer’s behaviour and connected to their actual guest spend.

3. You can create and deploy omnichannel marketing campaigns in minutes, using core design options that suit your customers’ needs.

4. You can encourage increased order frequency by offering combined services – for example, restaurants who combine online ordering and loyalty programmes together report that order frequency rises by 18%.

Loyalty becomes more enticing to customers. A system that integrates epos and customer experience platforms gives them more ways to enrol and provides more promotion types. The best practitioners say they gain guest participation of 50 to 70%.

Aloha – used by 140,000 outlets worldwide – enables tableside ordering and payment, swifter seating and table turn, stock and labour control.

Chief Revenue Officer of Paytronix Charles Gray said: “Today’s market requires a strong technological solution to meet the changing needs of restaurant guests.”

Source: Paytronix: Loyalty Report 2022 –download it free here: https://alohaepos.co.uk/ annual-loyalty-report/

• Discover more: https://alohaepos.co.uk/

Restaurants value loyal customers – and the industry now needs them more than ever. Did you know:

18-30% – increase in spend and visits attributable to loyalty programmes

6% – average difference between loyalty and non-loyalty checks

5-17% – percentage of total revenue driven by the most loyal 2-17% of customers.*

BRITISH HOLIDAYMAKERS’ THIRST FOR LOCAL TIPPLES REMAINS LONG AFTER THE TAN HAS FADED

Surprising new research reveals that Brits abroad are an adventurous bunch when it comes to our favourite tipples.

In stark contrast to the stereotype of British holidaymakers demanding English staples such as egg and chips in popular European hotspots, research discloses that the vast majority want a taste of local gin brands whilst they are abroad on holiday, and again when they return to the UK.

The survey of 2,000 respondents conducted by popular Spanish gin brand, Puerto de Indias, which recently launched to the UK, uncovered more of British gin-drinking habitsfrom their reasons for trying a new gin brand to their favourite mixers.

Key findings from the new survey reveal:

• A resounding 74% of Brits look for gin brands they’ve tried on holiday when they return home, helping them extend that ‘holiday feeling’ long after the tan has faded.

• Nearly all Brits (91%) try local alcoholic beverages when they travel abroad; gin and vodka are the most popular choices.

• 60% of UK tourists enjoy trying local gins over well-known UK brands when abroad.

The research also found that two thirds of people are highly likely to try a new gin brand. When asked which Spanish gin brands that they’ve tried abroad they would recommend to friends and family,

Puerto de Indias came out top with 37%.

Craig Chapman, Spokesperson for Puerto de Indias, said: “Our survey reveals that fond memories and bronzed bodies aren’t the only thing we return from our holidays with - it’s the taste for the Spanish spirit too.

“It appears that brand loyalty to British gins while abroad is rather low. We’re delighted that Brits are choosing to replicate that ‘holiday feeling’ at home with local Spanish brands such as ours. Here at Puerto de Indias, we encourage people to dare to be different and experience the Spanish spirit with our fruity and refreshing flavours.”

The new survey found that more than half of UK tourists (51%) have visited Spain in the last five years, of which 31% say gin is their tipple of choice.

Puerto de Indias is the leading premium Strawberry Gin in Spain and #2 Strawberry Gin Worldwide, and the pioneer in creating the first fresh strawberry gin to reach the market, thus sparking the ‘Pink Gin’ craze and bringing with it a revolution of flavour and a new way of consuming gin.

Puerto de Indias is currently available on Amazon, Ocado, Drinks Direct and Booths. Visit ginpuertodeindias.com/en for more information.

• New research by Spanish gin brand Puerto de Indias reveals almost three quarters (74%) of Brits look for gin brands they’ve tried whilst away when they return from holiday

• A resounding 91% of tourists try local alcoholic beverages when travelling abroad, whilst loyalty to British alcohol brands while abroad is low

What Are the Requirements to Become a Bartender?

- Skills, Attitude & Knowledge

Bartending is a rewarding career for anyone who enjoys working in a pressurised, fast-paced environment that’s social, energetic, and requires constant interaction. Of course, there’s more to the job than knowing the difference between a margarita and a mojito. Bartenders require a range of work-related and interpersonal skills that extend far beyond mixing a drink.

An Extensive Skill Set

As a bartender, most of the environments you work in are fastpaced and put you in contact with a variety of personalities. So, you need to be adaptable, dexterous, and able to think on your feet.

Good communication and people skills are essential as you’ll speak to many different customers, kitchen and wait staff, and management throughout your shift.

Other skill requirements include efficiency, basic cash management skills for processing payments, good record-keeping skills for running tabs, and organisational skills that come in helpful when keeping the bar tidy and taking note of trends that affect drink demands. You’ll find it helpful to have a good memory, to be flexible with your working hours, and for filling in for other staff during shifts.

A Positive Can-Do Attitude

Bartenders need to value teamwork and be able to work as part of a team. Friendliness is essential, as your customers need to feel relaxed and welcome. Bartending can be a stressful job, so you should be able to maintain your composure when busy or helping a coworker manage a crisis.

A positive, cheerful attitude is key and will go a long way towards calming down aggressive customers causing trouble or making other patrons tense. You’ll also need to be proactive and tackle any challenges with good humour.

An Ever-Expanding Knowledge Base

Bartenders learn on the job, but it’s important to learn the basics before applying for a position. A short certified course will equip you with a wealth of knowledge that makes you more employable.

In addition to having a basic knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits, you need to know about obscure cocktails and trending drinks. You should learn basic mixology techniques, popular cocktail recipes, pouring precise amounts, mixing cocktails, and creating garnishes.

Having the right skills, attitude, and knowledge makes all the difference when applying for bartending positions and for transforming a job into a successful career.

If you want to become an expert bartender, European Bartender School has the best courses for anyone wanting to learn the art of this exciting profession.

Anyone can work behind a bar, but a good bartender needs a certain level of competence and experience

What’s Trending in American Craft Beer

The USA is widely credited with pioneering the American craft beer movement we see today and is perceived to be among the top brewing nations in the world. There are now 9,200+ breweries in the States, renowned for their innovation, creativity, brewing precision and high quality, full-flavoured beers..

As trend and style setters in the craft beer world, what starts over there often comes over here so below is a snapshop of what’s trending in American craft beer following a visit to the Great American Beer Festival held annually in Denver, Colorado and organised by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade association for small and independent American craft brewers.

IPA

IPAs in their many iterations continue to dominate the American craft brewing scene with approximately one third of all sales. Well-made, high quality, classic IPAs featuring punchy, flavoursome American hops were highly prevalent as both brewers and drinkers alike sought a return to traditional flavours and styles. The latest trend is for Cold IPA, a heavily dry-hopped ale/lager hybrid made using bottom fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures to give a clean, crispness with hop intensity and supreme drinkability. Within the IPA category, Imperial IPAs are driving much of today’s growth and hazy/juicy IPAs were also popular but slightly less so than 2019 levels.

Lagers and Lighter Styles

Lighter and more approachable styles were much in evidence with a return to less palate-challenging and more easy-drinking beers. Lagers including Helles, Pilsner, Oktoberfest, Festbier, Marzen, Bocks and much more all featured heavily.

Low and No

Alcohol-free beers account for a small but rapidly growing sector of the American craft beer with .5% of the total market. This may seem small but compared to other subsectors of craft beer it’s a big chunk. There were more examples of low and no alcohol beers than ever before with brewers showing high levels of ingenuity and imagination, eg. Athletic Brewing Co’s medal winning Lemon Radler.

Wood & Barrel-Aged Strong Beers

Pastry stouts were less of a thing this year but intense, high ABV, rare beers were much sought after eg. Firestone Walker Parabola, imperial stout aged in Bourbon barrels for a year and The Bruery’s Ivoire, Bourbon barrel-aged ale.

The UK is the largest export market in Europe and second biggest individual export market accounting for 8.4% of all exports. American craft beer is available from select national wholesalers or direct at Athletic Brewing or the Cascade Club

Lotte Peplow, Brewers Association American Craft Beer Ambassador for Europe, unearths the latest trends in the American craft beer world

Sip Champagnes

The historic dominance of the big wine houses and supermarket champagne has meant that Champagne choice has been very limited in the UK, with small producers unable to access high-end restaurants, bars, hotels and wine boutiques, which has meant consumers had little choice, until now…

Voted ‘Champagne & Sparkling Specialist Retailer of the Year’ in the 2022 Decanter Retailer Awards & ‘Specialist Online Retailer of the Year’ by The Drinks Business, Sip Champagnes is reinvigorating the grower Champagne market by introducing a raft of new names – available both direct to consumer and for retail and restaurant sales.

With a collection of over 50 exciting growers – many of them brand new to the UK market – and a range of more than 200 cuvées, there are Champagnes to suit all styles and budgets.

• Reworking your wine list?

• Planning a corporate gifting surprise?

• Need a memorable bottle for a special meal?

With a client list that encompasses everything from local wine shops to Michelin-starred restaurants, Sip Champagnes can tailor packages to your specific requirements.

To find out more, visit sipchampagnes.com or get in touch: trade@sipchampagnes.com

Newcomer Sip Champagnes has a laser-like focus on cuttingedge wines from the region and, in the words of one judge, ‘is changing the game for Champagne’.  – Decanter

Sip Champagnes is the UK’s leading Grower Champagne specialist, with a focus on newly discovered and fully independent producers that can’t be found anywhere else.

Sip Champagnes founders Peter Crawford and Daniel Blatchford

GIVE THE ULTIMATE GIFT OF RELAXATION THIS CHRISTMAS

• From the ultimate relaxation gift vouchers to at-home-spa gift sets, Spabreaks.com has the perfect present for everyone on your Christmas list

• Spabreaks.com gives the options of two types of gift: gift packages or monetary vouchers

• With all gifts, Spabreaks.com offers a range of optional gift sets to accompany the voucher, from aromatic candles to skincare sets

With the continued stresses and distractions that 2022 has provided, many of us are looking for ways in which to unwind & relax as we get closer to the festive period. With Spabreaks.com’s range of gift ideas, it is the perfect time to treat someone with the relaxation and wellbeing benefits of spa.

Be it an overnight spa break, a spa day or a gift voucher that allows your loved one the flexibility of choosing where and when to get away, there is something for everybody and all budgets with Spabreaks.com’s gift options.

Spabreaks.com offers two types of gift voucher, which can be redeemed at over 450 spas across the UK:

GIFT PACKAGES

These packages give you the opportunity to tailor your gift to include all the specifics: the spa, the treatments, and whether you have lunch, afternoon tea or stay for dinner. You choose the spa and experience; they choose when to use it.

MONETARY VOUCHERS

A sum of money, chosen by you, which can be used towards any of Spabreaks.com’s experiences, offering complete flexibility and give your recipient the freedom to choose how they spend it. Monetary vouchers are available from just £30.

Vouchers are easily bookable online and offer 12-month validity, so voucher holders can choose when they want to enjoy their gift - ensuring they get to indulge in their spa experience at a time that suits them. In a bid to help spread the cost of Christmas for customers this year, all vouchers bought from the 24th October will have an extended validity period that will run through until the 24th December 2023.

Seeking to tailor the spa experience perfectly to each person on your list? Spabreaks.com has a range of gift packages at incredible venues across the country such as:

Doubletree by Hilton Chester Hotel

Enjoy a one-night bed and breakfast stay at this manor house hotel set in 12 acres of landscaped grounds. With space in abundance, groups will love the opportunities for dining and social time, but don’t forget to factor in time at the luxury Club and Spa. Its 14 treatment rooms mean it has ample space for larger groups, as well as a pool, steam room and rasul, which are fun to enjoy with family and friends. After a restorative massage or facial, make the most of the poolside loungers before planning how to enjoy yourself next. Offer includes a three-course dinner in the Garden Room & Terrace from a Table D’hôte Menu and 4 hours use of the spa facilities. From £88.50pp. More info here

Rena Spa at Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel

With Tower Bridge and the Tower of London on your doorstep, there’s plenty to keep you busy with sightseeing, however when you’re ready to indulge in some serious relaxation, Rena Spa is an oasis of calm. Elegant facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, next to which you’ll find a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna to spend time relaxing in. The spa is all about pampering, so you can expect to find an indulgent treatment menu to choose a range of beauty and holistic therapies from. Offer includes one-night bed and breakfast stay, a choice of 1 x 25-minute treatment, a bottle of Prosecco on arrival and 2 hours use of the facilities. From £103.50pp. More info here.

Shangri-La, The Shard

Dip your toes in the highest sky pool in Europe with a mid-week staycation in the sky. Providing you with an unparalleled view of the city from a Deluxe City View Room, your day begins with a buffet breakfast for two in TĪNG restaurant. Make the most of your getaway with access to the hotel’s legendary infinity sky pool, as well as relaxing in the sauna or working out in the gym, all located on the hotel’s 52nd floor and open until 6pm. Treat yourself by adding a treatment to your stay, either in the spa or in your room for extra comfort. You can also add dinner and drinks to your stay at one of the hotel’s array of restaurants and bars. Whether you fancy a tipple in Europe’s highest hotel bar, GŎNG, tucking into Asian cuisine with classic British gastronomy at TĪNG, or enjoying a local craft beer or Aperol Spritz at Bar 31, there’s something for every palate. From £465pp. More info here

If you’re unsure of the recipient’s favorite spa, or what they might enjoy, book safely in the knowledge that the equivalent monetary value of the voucher can be used towards an alternative experience of their choice.

With all gifts, Spabreaks.com offers a range of optional gift sets to accompany the voucher, from aromatic candles to skincare sets – all of which will allow recipients to enjoy a spot of at home relaxation as they eagerly await their upcoming spa experience.

With a range of gifting options and an array of wonderful spas across the UK, giving the relaxing gift of spa is easy this Christmas with Spabreaks.com

For more information or to book visit www.spabreaks.com or call 0800 043 6600

Eco-Friendly Outdoor Furniture

That’ll Last A Lifetime

Renovate your outdoor space with maintenance-free 100% recycled plastic furniture that’s guaranteed for 25 years!

AS the leaves turn brown and we head into colder months, now is the perfect time to invest in maintenance-free outdoor furniture, guaranteed for a market-leading 25 years.

Eco-friendly recycled plastic furniture is a long-term investment that will save you enormous amounts of time and money on costly annual upkeep. And there are plenty of key advantages to upgrading your furniture to recycled plastic, including the following:

• It is extremely hardwearing and will never split, chip, crack or rot

• Easy to clean! There’s no need to treat the material, simply wipe down ready to re-use

• It is built to withstand the harshest weather conditions, meaning you can leave it outside all year round

Whilst the material looks just like timber, recycled plastic furniture can last up to 5 times longer, with no need for annual maintenance! The longevity of our ecofriendly range means that it is the perfect cost-effective solution for use within the restaurant and catering industry, where regular use is expected.

Furthermore, we are an accredited member of the Made in Britain organisation, with most of our product range manufactured in Poole, Dorset. We are extremely proud that sales of our products have recycled over 100 million bottles so far! Which is the equivalent to 1,166 Olympic swimming pools in volume or 288 London Buses in weight. So not only does our eco-friendly furniture look great, but it has also helped many of our customers to achieve their environmental goals.

So, if you’re looking for long-lasting furniture to make the most of your outside spaces, look no further than NBB Recycled Furniture – explore our eco-friendly range and place your order today.

Standard Picnic Table

The impact of furniture on a hospitality environment

Furniture plays a key role in any hospitality business, so selecting the right furniture can be a challenge. You need to consider your clientele, what they will be expecting from the space, the size of the area and the colours and finishes you think will draw people in and make them feel welcome.

First impressions are so important, when you first walk into an establishment, you can tell a lot just by scanning around the room. Take the lobby or reception areas for example, they’re the first room a visitor will see and they need to set the tone for the rest of the building. Client research will massively impact this, if you’re based in a busy city and a lot of people visit on business, they will probably be expecting something sleek, sophisticated and bright with lots of work stations, close access to plug sockets for charging devices and comfortable seating if they have to wait for long periods of time.

On the other hand, if you often get families and large groups visiting - you might consider something more family friendly with lots of soft furnishings and comfortable sofas, but nothing to encourage long periods of time spent in the lobby when it gets busy. Creating an environment that meets your customers’ expectations is key to them staying loyal to your brand.

Combining comfort and practicality can be a difficult balance, furniture pieces need to be easy to clean and manoeuvre if needed, but still comfortable and inviting. Vinyl fabrics are easiest to wipe down and clean quickly, whereas soft fabrics may require more in depth cleaning techniques. There’s no right material to use, it completely depends on your environment. Finding a balance between the two can be made simple by getting in touch with a contract furniture manufacturer.

When it comes to colour schemes, you can play it safe by sticking to neutral, earthy colours to create a calming environment. Alternatively, you can select colours such as red, yellows and blues to create a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. The colours you pick should align with your brand for consistency, while meeting expectations.

Knightsbridge Furniture is a contract furniture company that offers a range of commercial services for hospitality business. We have decades of experience crafting bespoke furniture pieces that are luxury, adaptable and versatile so you can create the perfect lounge space, waiting room, bedroom, dining room and/or foyer.

As you have read, there are many reasons why you should carefully consider the furniture you purchase for your hospitality business. Understand your customer and what they expect from you, consider the colours you use, the comfortability and

the practicality of the furniture you select and whether the style of furniture you want really aligns with the feel of your brand. Working alongside a contract furniture company can take the stress out of selecting the right furniture for your space.

Jason Brown, Director of Design & Development at Knightsbridge Furniture, highlights the impact the furniture choices you make can have on a hospitality environment.

THE FUTURE OF HOTEL HEATING

Gone are the days of plain, dull radiators & towel rails.  The latest modern designs feature eye-catching shapes and bold colours, with many also ticking the box of being energy efficient.  With designer styles making a statement in their own right, hotel heating has never looked so good.  Nick Duggan, MD at The Radiator Centre, takes us through this rapidly developing market.

Hotel bathrooms play an important part of the guest experience and are often seen as places in which to relax and unwind during a stay.  Indeed, the ‘hotel bathroomlook’ is so sought after, people try to recreate it in their own homes.  Whether the interior is designed to give a luxurious spa-like feel or a simpler more pared-back atmosphere, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is the heating.  For hotel bathrooms, this will usually take the form of a heated towel rail and there is a great range on the market.  From large chain hotels to smaller boutique destinations, the simple act of providing warm, fluffy towels is an easy way to make guests happy and therefore more likely to return.  Depending on the size of the room, sometimes a radiator may also be needed and a simple heat calculator can help to determine whether this is necessary.

Hotel bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes and when planning the layout, finding space to dry towels is one of the key requirements.  Whilst the standard ladder rail may now be considered a bit outdated and doesn’t always fit the space, modern alternatives are available in a wide array of interesting colours, styles and finishes.  Horizontal designs are great for when wall space is short and can be placed in otherwise ‘dead’ spaces such as that above a bath.  Curved designs are a good option for super thick fluffy towels and also give a stylish, elegant look.

The interior design of the hotel will usually dictate the radiator or towel rail chosen and there are plenty of options to suit all styles. Traditional style towel rails can be built to take advantage of modern manufacturing methods and controls. From the most luxurious to the most basic hotel bathroom, there is something different that can be made to work.  Coloured bathroom radiators give a great opportunity to continue the colour scheme chosen for the living/sleeping space.

Boutique hotels have become very popular in recent years and are arguably the most individual, daring and unique with their interior decoration. With such expense and effort being put into creating the perfect look, adding a beautiful designer radiator or towel rail will give the perfect finishing touch.  Many of the more artistic designs available are just as efficient as they are stylish too.

To read the full article click here

For more information visit: www.theradiatorcentre.com

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