The bar and restaurant also offers literary lovers and festive fiends a chance to enjoy an expansive range of wines with their much loved flatbreads, posh hot dogs and cheese board selection, whilst immersing themselves in Dickensian Victorian history.
A Two-Storey house of mischief in the heart of Covent Garden.
Specialising in Sparkling & English wines, with an ofter changing list of 70 wines alongside sharing plates inspired by seasonal, sustainable produce. Cocktails, specials and events change with the seasons to keep both you and us entertained. A word-of-mouth wine bar & Speakeasy across Two-Storeys in Charles Dickens’ former 1860s Publishing house.
Charles Dickens own story is one of rags to riches. He was born in Portsmouth on 7 February 1812, to John and Elizabeth Dickens The good fortune of being sent to school at the age of nine was short-lived because his father, inspiration for the character of Mr Micawber in 'David Copperfield', was imprisoned for bad debt.
Dickens was set to be buried in Rochester Cathedral. They had even dug a grave for the great man. But this plan too was scuppered, in favour of interment in Poets' Corner, in Westminster Abbey – the resting place of Geoffrey Chaucer, Samuel Johnson, and other literary greats.
Part of a trilogy of bars, Plume lives up to its namesake by creating an experiential environment which ranges from Tarot card reading to secret notes passed amongst customers in a unique event which takes place every Tuesday.
We can be found at 26 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7DD.
St Michaels Resort, Falmouth to host ‘Oyster Weekend’
St Michaels Resort, Falmouth been the proud sponsor of the Falmouth Oyster Festival for over twenty years – a tradition that runs deep in the local area
Due to rising costs, the festival has been cancelled this year, but the team at St Michaels has confirmed that a community event will be held to fill the void at the resort. The weekend long event will celebrate the famed local delicacy, as well as the Falmouth community and will mark the beginning of the oyster dredging season this autumn.
St Michaels’ Oyster Weekend will incorporate live music, foodie demonstrations from best chefs including Jude Kereama, James Strawbridge, Hylton Espey and Rupert Cooper, a street-food style gourmet offering and the chance to meet local oystermen and learn about their craft.
On Friday, the Cornish singer, songwriter and musician, Will Keating, will take to the stage joined by children from the local primary school, followed by a set by the 10-13 piece soul band, Soul Sensations. Saturday’s acts will start with a performance by the community-loved Culdrose Military Wives Choir, with the evening headliner still to be confirmed. Sunday’s closing act will be local legends the Oggymen.
Nigel Carpenter, Chairman of St Michaels Resort said: ‘
We
are pleased to step in and keep the Oyster celebrations
alive in 2024, especially given how much it puts Falmouth and its produce on the map as a leading Cornish destination.
The festival has been a long-standing pillar in the local community and an event we’ve had a long association with.Whilst we are playing hosts to this event this November, we look forward to the official return of the Falmouth Oyster Festival next year from 9 – 12 October 2025. It’s a wonderful occasion that encapsulates our Cornish community spirit, which is very important to us here at St Michaels.
Nestled into the Cornish coast, St Michaels Resort sits next to the sandy jewel of Falmouth, blue flag Gyllyngvase Beach.
A short walk from Falmouth town centre or to any of the local parks and beaches, St Michaels is the ideal location for those looking to explore the best that Cornwall has to offer. Combining Maritime History with the creative flare that Falmouth is known for, this area of the Cornish Coast has something for everyone.
Oyster Weekend at St Michaels to take place 15 –17 November 2024
St Michaels will also be sponsoring the Falmouth International Arts Festival and Falmouth Book Festival in October. The wealth of events taking place in this seaside town this autumn, further secures Falmouth’s reputation as a cultural community hotspot.
Searches soar for ‘Barry Island’ after Gavin & Stacey cast are spotted filming Christmas special
New research has revealed a search increase for ‘Barry Island’ after the cast of comedy drama Gavin & Stacey were spotted filming an upcoming Christmas special in the Welsh town.
Experts at JeffBet.com uncovered a 131% increase in Google searches for ‘Barry Island’ over the last 30 days in the UK. Interest in the Welsh town increased significantly on September 1st when reports surfaced that Gavin & Stacey writer and actor Ruth Jones was spotted in the area.
Writers Ruth Jones and James Corden announced on the 3rd of May via Instagram that they had finalised the script for the Christmas episode, confirming it would be the show’s last.
On the 2nd of September, James Corden took to Instagram to share a picture of the iconic work van used by his character Smithy on the show, indicating that filming had begun.
A spokesperson commented on the findings:
It will be fascinating to see if Barry Island witnesses an influx of visitors as excitement ensues for the filming of Gavin & Stacey’s final Christmas special.”
“Barry Island has long been a holiday destination, but the recent increase in searches for the area suggests there are fans currently interested in visiting the Welsh town to catch a glimpse of the show’s production.
“Gavin & Stacey’s penultimate Christmas special attracted an estimated 17.1 million viewers in 2019, making it the most-watched scripted television comedy since the Only Fools and Horses Christmas Special in 2002, which garnered 17.4 million viewers.
“As eager fans have waited five years for Gavin & Stacey’s return, we won’t be surprised if the upcoming Christmas special dethrones Only Fools and Horses’ record.”
Avani Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Bangkok’s New CBD with the Launch of Avani Ratchada Bangkok Hotel
Avani Hotels & Resorts, the upscale lifestyle brand of Minor Hotels, announces the opening of Avani Ratchada Bangkok Hotel. Located in the heart of Bangkok’s new Central Business District, the 402-room hotel offers an ideal stay for both business and leisure travellers.
Guests can explore a different side of the ‘Big Mango’ through unique local experiences, from bustling night markets to vibrant cultural hotspots. Avani Ratchada Bangkok joins sister properties, Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel and Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel, as the third Avani hotel in the city.
Strategically located in the heart of the new Central Business District, Avani Ratchada Bangkok offers seamless connectivity with the city via Phra Ram 9 MRT Station and proximity to the Airport Rail Link and BTS Skytrain, making it an appealing city base for both leisure and business travellers.
Contemporary guestrooms and suites, designed for optimal sleep and productivity, offer modern amenities and captivating city views, while the 169square-metre Presidential Suite offers luxury features including a dining room that seats eight guests, a cocktail bar, and a private sauna.
Perched on the 25th floor, the exclusive AvaniClub Lounge offers a serene retreat above the city where suite guests can enjoy gourmet breakfast, afternoon refreshments and evening cocktails
Avani Ratchada Bangkok’s culinary offerings cater to a diverse range of palates, reflecting its upscale positioning as a premier destination. One Ratchada serves both international and local flavours throughout the day, while Nan Yuan Chinese Restaurant specialises in Cantonese delicacies.
Metro Lounge offers a relaxing ambiance with handcrafted cocktails and live music. For busy executives, The Pantry provides convenient grab-andgo options, and the pool bar offers a refreshing escape with signature drinks and soaring city views.
Avani Ratchada Bangkok’s state-of-the-art wellness centre spans an entire floor and includes a swimming pool, AvaniFit gym, and spa facilities, including a Japanese Onsen and sauna.
This expansive space is designed to help guests relax, rejuvenate, and maintain their wellbeing throughout their stay. For events and meetings, the hotel offers 11 versatile venues, including a 924-square-metre ballroom equipped with advanced technology, suitable for everything from weddings to product launches.
For more information about Avani Hotels & Resort, please visit www.avanihotels.com/en
Just steps away, guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant Ratchada district, known for its bustling night markets, including the lively Jodd Fair Market — a celebration of Thai food, culture and creativity.
A must-visit for foodies, the market offers a wide selection of local delicacies and street food favourites.
Guests can also explore the Huai Kwang Market, visit the Thailand Cultural Centre, catch a show at the Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre, or shop at Fortune IT Lifestyle Mall and Central Rama 9.
Elevate Your Guest Experience With Music
How Music In Hotel Lobby’s Elevates Guest Experience
As we all know the lighting, decor, and even the furniture shape the experience customers have in your hotel. But only a few hotels know that the music they select is just as important. Hotels are often the last stop on a busy travel day, so they are in a unique position to use functional music to help their guests destress and relax.
In hospitality, playing the right type of music can increase your sales revenue. A positive guest experience also equals a returning (loyal) guest. Music can create memories that are connected to a particular setting and often linked to specific emotions
Why You Need Music Licence For Hospitality
When music is performed and played in public, whether that be shops, restaurants or any other type of public venue, a Music Licence is required. Important - If you play music in public or a business premises you are infringing copyright laws.If you are using music in a business or organisation that has employees, customers or visitors to the premises then you will usually need The Music Licence
The cost of a music licence will depend on the type of organisation and how the music is used.
If you run a high-end restaurant or hotel, you may want to play classical music or jazz to create a more sophisticated atmosphere. On the other hand, if you run a more casual establishment, you may want to play popular music.
Oasis fans planning a trip to London should consider these destinations for their stay
New research has discovered which London areas are the best destinations for out-of-towners, with Camden taking the top spot.
Travel experts London Tours & Tickets gathered data from sources such as Bing Maps, Police.uk, and Booking.com to determine which areas of London are most convenient, safe, and affordable.
Camden ranked first with a final score of 73.63. Camden received its highest score of 9.25 for the number of restaurants in the area, with 3,893 in total.
In second place is Westminster, scoring 72.73. The area scored 10 for its tube stations and restaurants, as there are currently 32 tube stations and 6,939 restaurants in Westminster.
Third is Hammersmith and Fulham, receiving a score of 72.57. Having 15 tube stations was the area’s highestscoring factor, achieving a score of 8.51. Hammersmith and Fulham also scored highly for its 4.12-mile distance to London City Centre, which received an 8.15.
Kensington and Chelsea places fourth, with an overall score of 70.51. The area scored highest for its 111 hotels, with a 9.44, which was followed by a 9.06 score for its 2.84-mile distance to London City Centre.
Islington takes fifth place, with a score of 66.91. The area’s 2.94-mile distance to London City Centre scored highest, with an 8.99, while the number of bars in the area, being 650, received an 8.53.
Sixth is Tower Hamlets, scoring 65.45. Tower Hamlets also scored highest for its 4.03-mile distance to London City Centre, with an 8.21 score. The number of restaurants also scored a high 7.89, with there being 3,279 in the area.
In seventh place is Southwark, receiving a score of 61.97. The area scored highest for its 3.30-mile distance to London City Centre and number of bars at 650, which received 8.73 and 7.77, respectively.
Brent is in eighth position, with a score of 60.25. Brent’s highest score of 7.18 was awarded for its 19 tube stations, while the number of hotels in the area scored 6.32, with there being 33.
Ninth is Richmond upon Thames, scoring 59.15. The area scored highest for its crime rate with a perfect 10, having a low crime count of 12,046 between July 2023 and June 2024, which makes it the safest area in the ranking. The 298 bars in Richmond Upon Thames scored second highest with 6.82.
Lambeth takes tenth place, with an overall score of 58.22. Another area that scored highest for its distance to London City Centre, Lambeth, achieved an 8.39 sitting 3.78 miles away.
Magdalena Petrusic, Travel Expert from London Tours & Tickets, commented on the findings: “38 million visits to London were recorded in 2023, a number which is forecast to increase this year. We believe it is essential for those travelling to know which areas will optimise their city experience.
“Camden has been a notable London area for decades. With its versatile music, fashion, and food culture attracting tourists and Londoners alike, we are not surprised to see Camden reach the number one spot.”
“London has many options, so we recommend that those planning to attend the Oasis reunion tour at Wembley utilise this study to find the most suited area for their stay. We’re sure London will be eager to welcome Oasis fans into their bars, hotels, and restaurants as the band tour next summer.
“It will be fascinating to uncover how the legendary reunion will affect tourism and the overall economy in London and the rest of the UK; we wish all those visiting an enjoyable and safe experience.”
Tom and Aidan from Sticks n Sushi set up The Sushi Revolution in Brixton and Shoreditch
Tom (the chef) has been making sushi at the highest level for 15 years and has worked in some of the best and top-rated sushi restaurants in London and Europe including Aqua Kyoto, Chotto-Matte and most recently Sticks n Sushi.
Tom describes his style of cooking as having traditional techniques but with modern flavours, like his soft-shell crab roll with kimchee hummus.
Aidan (the waiter) has been working in hospitality for 25 years and is well-versed in managing bars, restaurants and hotels. He oversees the front of house and drinks menu. A former bar manager at Claridge’s Hotel and Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill, his last position was as restaurant manager at Sticks n Sushi’s flagship in Covent Garden where he met Tom and the revolution concept was born.
Launching their first restaurant in Brixton, the duo have just launched their second restaurant in Shoreditch earlier this summer.
The restaurants are a modern interpretation of a traditional Japanese Izakaya, using traditional methods but with some unique flavour pairings, all at an affordable price.
Nick Beardshaw, ex Tom Kerridge head chef, launches Starling in Esher, Surrey
Having worked alongside Tom Kerridge for 14 years, Nick is excited to embark on his first solo venture and thankful as always for Tom’s support and guidance.
Launched at the end of August in his home town in Esher, the 40 seater restaurant will use Britain’s best seasonable ingredients crafted into refined dishes.
Alongside exquisite food there is an expertly crafted wine list by James Shaw who joins Starling as General Manager from Restaurant Gordon Ramsay where he was assistant head sommelier.
Luke Ahearne, ex head chef at Corrigan’s Mayfair, opens Lita in Marylebone
Becoming head chef at just 29 is no easy feat, this young chef launched Lita in Marylebone in earlier in 2024. A modern mediterranean bistro with an open fire cooking, celebrates the flavours of southern Europe with a seasonal menu. Today, Luke is responsible for the concept at Lita, the latest dining destination in London’s Marylebone, with a sophisticated and strictly seasonal menu.
https://sticksnsushi.com/
Lost Shore Surf Resort Spotlights the Best of Scotland’s Independent Food Scene
Lost Shore, Scotland’s first inland surf resort, has announced the arrival of three celebrated Scottish restaurants in its highly anticipated waterfront bar, cafe, and restaurant offering, Canteen.
Glasgow-based Five March and Rafa’s Diner are set to join the resort, along with the iconic Edinburgh pizzeria, Civerinos. The eateries will be the first to take up residence in the resort’s waterfront dining experience, Canteen, designed and managed by renowned Edinburgh-based events and hospitality agency, Rogue Village.
The venture aims to showcase a seasonally rotating roster of Scottish eateries, shining an international spotlight on Scotland’s exciting food and drink industry, providing visitors to Lost Shore with a diverse and ever-changing culinary experience.
The announcement comes as the Edinburgh-based inland surf resort is now taking online bookings for surfing and accommodation. Lost Shore Surf Resort, which will open this Autumn, will be the home of Europe’s largest wave pool with luxury hilltop lodges, premium waterfront pods and wellness treatments.
This has quickly become one of the most hotly anticipated tourism openings anywhere in the world this year and is expected to attract an additional 160,000 surfers and tourists to the surrounding areas annually.
Andy Roger, Chief Executive of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “Lost Shore will become one of Scotland’s leading leisure destinations and with our food and drink offering, our priority was to achieve the perfect balance of quality, diversity, and, most importantly, taste. ”
Meet the Restaurants
Five March Originating from Glasgow, Five March is renowned for its effortlessly cool vibe and inventive small plates. This will be Five March’s third venture, following the success of their collaborative pop-up in Glasgow’s Southside, Five at Phillies, and the original Park Circus location. Owner Joanna Nethery has curated a menu rich in locally and ethically sourced ingredients, with a strong emphasis on vegetarian and vegan options, while also celebrating the incredible Scottish meat and fish offerings. At Lost Shore, diners can expect a creative array of dishes that are as delicious as they are sustainable, making Five March a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Civerinos A staple of Edinburgh’s vibrant culinary scene, Civerinos is set to open its sixth location at Canteen. Inspired by the atmosphere of classic New York Slice joints, Civerinos offers a laid-back yet dynamic dining experience, with an array of mouth-watering pizzas and Italian street food on offer. Civerinos promises an inviting and energetic dining experience perfect for surfers and families alike.
Rafa’s Diner From its humble beginnings in Glasgow’s Hidden Lane, Rafa’s Diner has quickly become a beloved spot for its down-to-earth charm and fantastic food. Known for its nofuss, flavour-packed menu, Rafa’s will bring its celebrated Mexican dishes to Lost Shore, offering a taste of comfort and authenticity. The diner’s Finnieston location has garnered a loyal following, and visitors to Lost Shore can look forward to the same delicious experience with a menu designed to delight.
Locality is a keen focus of Canteen’s offering. In addition to the rotating food offering, Canteen is working with speciality coffee roaster Machina Coffee, and the awardwinning Company Bakery, both based in Edinburgh, to provide visitors with first-class hot drinks and pastries. Leithbased brewery, Pilot, is providing the resort with its house beer.
Peter Maniam, Co-director at Rogue Village said: “We’re passionate about showcasing the very best of Scotland’s food scene at Lost Shore. We are creating a dynamic dining destination that offers something for everyone. We’re thrilled to partner with innovative and beloved eateries like Five March, Civerinos, and Rafa’s Diner, each bringing their unique flair and exceptional quality to Canteen at Lost Shore.”
Andy Roger, Chief Executive of Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “Lost Shore will become one of Scotland’s leading leisure destinations and with our food and drink offering, our priority was to achieve the perfect balance of quality, diversity, and, most importantly, taste.
“Canteen is bringing a vibrant mix of lively and unique kitchens to Lost Shore, offering surfers and visitors an unforgettable dining experience. With the anticipated influx of tourists, we are honoured to showcase the very best of Scotland’s food and drink scene to a domestic and international audience.”
Lost Shore Surf Resort is set to open in Autumn this year. To find out more about the upcoming food and drink offering, and to book surf sessions and accommodation please visit: https://www.lostshore.com/
The Key to Intelligent Integration and Control in Hotels
In the fast evolving hotel design industry, the implementation of automation systems has brought a revolution in the way we interact with spaces and services. The quest for efficient intelligent integration and control has led to the emergence of the KNX standard as a fundamental element in this domain.
This article delves deeper into how Zennio, a leading provider of automation solutions, exploits the power of the KNX standard to enable seamless communication between different systems and devices within a hotel building. By offering a centralized and integrated control system known as the Guest Room Management System (GRMS), Zennio transforms the way hotels manage and control their operations.
The KNX standard serves as a communication protocol that seamlessly connects various elements within a hotel, including lighting, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), access control, energy management, and more. Zennio's
By doing so, they empower hotels to adopt a great approach to managing and controlling their operations, eliminating the need for separate control interfaces for each system. This consolidation simplifies the overall management process and enhances efficiency. One of the standout advantages of the KNX standard is its exceptional ability to achieve interoperability between different systems.
In practical terms, this means that devices from various manufacturers can intercommunicate and work seamlessly together, irrespective of their individual specifications. This level of interoperability provides hotel owners and operators with the freedom to select devices and systems that best suit their unique needs, without being locked into a specific vendor or technology. And Zennio ensures compatibility, promoting flexibility and choice for hotels.
Flexibility and adaptability are further reinforced by the KNX standard's scalability. Zennio's automation solution is specifically designed to accommodate expansion and adaptation over time.
As hotels evolve and their needs change, new devices and functionalities can be easily added to the existing system. This scalability ensures that the automation system can grow alongside the establishment, catering to the evolving requirements of the hotel. Owners and operators can customize and tailor the functionality of the system to match the specific needs of each project, allowing for optimal performance and efficiency.
By connecting all systems and devices in a hotel to a centralized management and control platform, Zennio empowers owners and operators with complete control over every aspect of room or área automation within the building. Through a user-friendly interface, authorized personnel can easily monitor and manage these systems, ensuring optimal guest experiences, operational efficiency, and sustainability. The ability to have a comprehensive view and control of the entire hotel automation system enhances decision-making and improves overall operational performance.
Technology solutions for hotels, residential and commercial buildings
intelligent integration and control in hotels. The interoperability and flexibility afforded by the KNX standard enable the seamless integration of diverse devices and systems into a centralized platform.
In addition to centralized control, Zennio's automation system leverages sensors and actuators to collect real-time data and automatically adjust environmental parameters such as lighting and temperature. This intelligent control capability optimizes guest comfort and energy efficiency, further enhancing the overall guest experience. For example, the system can detect occupancy in a room and adjust the lighting and temperature accordingly, creating a personalized and comfortable environment for guests. This level of automation reduces the need for manual intervention, streamlines operations, and improves resource management.
Moreover, the owner can use de GRMS data to improve his operation. They are now able to read their efficiency attending the “Make up room” demands from guests, knowing when the guests make their request and when this request is attended by the cleaning service. Or they can know if average guest temperture setpoint in the rooms is lower or higher than expected, so the hotel can reduce the energy waste in the engine room lowering the consumption. Zennio's focus on intelligent control and adaptability empowers owners and operators to create customized, efficient, and secure environments that attend to the unique requirements of each hotel. By embracing the power of automation and intelligent integration, hotels can elevate the guest experience, drive operational efficiency, and contribute to a sustainable future.
Stunning Dolce By Wyndham Versailles Opens In Famed Domaine Du Montcel Park
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has officially opened the doors to its newest hotel nestled in the outskirts of Paris in famed Domaine du Montcel Park, just minutes from the world-renowned Palace of Versailles.
The striking 178-room resort sits on a charming estate in the heart of beautiful Bièvre Valley and opens just as the world prepares to turn its competitive gaze to Paris this summer.
Once the residence of France’s famed Oberkampf-Mallet family in the late 1700’s, the magnificent resort has been fully renovated to preserve its historic buildings, monuments and gardens, the latter of which were originally designed by Madam Oberkampf herself.
Despite easy access to both Paris and Paris-Orly Airport— both of which are just 30 minutes by train—guests will feel worlds away from the city the moment they arrive.
The hotel is a short walk from the Jouy-en-Josas Train Station.
Staying at Dolce by Wyndham Versailles unlocks the chance to experience the French art de vivre, which enwraps guests from the moment they arrive and is reflected in every aspect of their stay.
•Olivier Bigot, General Manager, Dolce by Wyndham Versailles – Domaine du Montcel
A Luxury Retreat in the Heart of
Versailles
A symbol of elegance, travellers can now book a stay in the stunning grounds of the upscale Dolce by Wyndham Versailles, which offers 14 hectares of gardens as well as two top-quality restaurants, a bar with a stunning terrace and a fully-equipped spa and wellness centre.
Additional amenities include:
• Spa du Moncel by Sothys, offering a relaxing range of treatments, as well as a steam room and sauna, a snow cave, sensory showers and a heated indoor and outdoor pool.
• Restaurant ‘La Toile’, featuring traditional French cuisine with fine Asian touches.
• Restaurant ‘La Manufacture,’ built around an open kitchen concept, ideal for events and set in the historic wing of the château with a modern, eclectic menu.
• Bar Le Cèdre, featuring a stunning terrace overlooking the gardens.
• A state-of-the-art conference centre with 18 meeting rooms.
• The magnificent Baccarat ballroom which is 550 sqm, making it the largest in the region.
Like all Dolce Hotels & Resorts, the property participates in Wyndham Rewards®, Wyndham’s award-winning rewards programme with over 60,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals worldwide.
High End Hospitality Magazine ranking the best neighbourhoods to visit in Rome for foodies
New research has identified which areas of Rome are the best destinations for travelling foodies, with Termini taking the top spot.
Travel experts Colosseum Tours & Tickets gathered data from TripAdvisor and Booking.com on various factors, including the number of pizzerias rated four or higher, the number of hotel options, and the number of vegan restaurants, to determine which areas of Rome are the best for foodies.
Termini ranked first with a final score of 75.11. Termini received its highest score of 10 for thenumber of hotel options, with 193, and the number of pizzerias rated four or higher in the area, with 65 in total.
Navona, Pantheon and Campo de’ Fiori place second, scoring 74.02. These areas are a must-visit for those who love pasta, scoring 10 for the number of restaurants rated four or higher known for serving pasta, with 196. However, for those on a budget, these areas might be worth avoiding – placing lowest in the top ten for the average price of a ‘good’ restaurant, with a score of 2.3.
Third is Monti, receiving a score of 65.99. Another essential visit for those looking for an authentic Italian pizza; the area scored top marks for the number pizzerias rated four or higher, with 65 in total.
Vaticano, Borgo and Prati place fourth, with an overall score of 61.13. The areas scored highest for their 96 pizzerias, scoring 8.83, followed by a 6.36 score for their 118 vegan-friendly restaurants.
Trastevere takes fifth place with a score of 54.88. The area scored well for all metrics relating to food, although it scored significantly low for thenumber of hotel options, with only 14 places to choose from.
Sixth is Nomentano, scoring 44.65. For those looking for good-quality authentic Italian food on a budget, look no further than Nomentano – while the area may not have dining options as other places, it scores 10 in terms of value, with an average of 1.83 ‘£’ signs on Tripadvisor (less £’s out of 5 signifies better value) for its restaurants on Tripadvisor.
Appio-Latino places seventh, receiving a score of 43.97
The highest scores in the area are for the number of pizzerias rated four or higher, and for value, receiving scores of 6 and 8.79, respectively.
Aurelio ranks eighth, with a score of 42.32. Much like Appio-Latino, Aurelio also received high scores for both the number of pizzerias rated for or higher, and value, with scores of 5.33 and 6.57, respectively. However, Aurelio scored much higher than the aforementioned for the number of hotel options, scoring 5.1, with 32 hotels in the area to choose from.
Ninth place is Trionfale, with a score of 39.09. Trionfale is a great destination for those seeking reasonably priced vegan food. The area scores well for both the number of vegan-friendly restaurants, and for value, with 3.07 and 6.11, respectively.
Rounding off the top ten is Aventino, scoring 33.88 Overall, Aventino received average scores across all metrics; however, it received the lowest score of 0 for the number of hotel options,with only ten to choose from in the whole neighbourhood.
Magdalena Petrusic, Travel Expert from Colosseum Tours & Tickets, commented on the findings:
“Rome’s culinary landscape has always been vast and varied, and the data in this study certainly emphasises that. From charming trattorias near the Colosseum serving authentic Roman dishes like Carbonara and Cacio de Pepe, to the more modern Trastevere district, serving up more international fusions, there’s something to cater for all palettes.”
B Bagel Teams Up with Chef and Social Media Star Natalia Rudin For First Ever Autumn Menu
This Autumn, sharing their love for delicious plant-based food, B Bagel will partner with chef Natalia Rudin to create a limited edition menu.
The tasty additions, which include Rudin’s Harissa Squash & Tofu Bagel, Chai Spice Bagel and Corn Chowder, will be available across the five (soon to be six) B Bagel locations across London for a limited time throughout September and October.
Rudin has more than 2.2 million followers across her various social media platforms, under the handle @natsnourishments, where she posts recipes for plantbased food, showing viewers how to take simple everyday ingredients like beans, peppers, yoghurt, veg, spices, pasta and tomatoes and elevate them to another level so that simple food feels posh, and posh food feels simple.
Natalia and B Bagel are announcing the partnership through social media on 19th September.
B Bagel’s Autumn menu in partnership with Natalia is abundant with bagels written by the season itself: autumnal bites that shine with the season’s finest fruit and vegetables, and in true Rudin style, every dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the value of seasonal produce.
Each dish provides warming and hearty breakfast and lunch options that are a reprieve from cooler days and an earthy quality that’s unique to these later months.
• ● Autumn Spice Bagel – Toasted bagel with Autumn spice peanut butter layered with banana. A play on Autumn classics
• ● Corn Chowder – A classic Autumnal corn soup garnished with coriander
A first time partnership of its kind for B Bagel, the idea came about as the bakery wanted to offer incredible plant-based menu items that soothe food cravings. Its mixes can not only elevate breakfast and lunch, but make plant based bagels for all to enjoy.
Spices will also revive the company’s hot drink options, including seasonal favourites such as Pumpkin Spiced Latte on offer, taking the bagel offering up a notch.
“B Bagel is so excited about the rollout of these limited menu items. Working with Natalia has been amazing because she shares that same vision of bringing the tastiest vegan options to London this Autumn,” comments B Bagel Founder Yoav Baumgarten.
Natalia comments, “Collaborating with B Bagel has been a total dream! It has been so fun thinking outside the box and bringing unusual but delicious bagel fillings to the menu for the month of September. Autumn is on it’s way and we are highlighting its flavours!”
The new Autumn menu will launch on 19 September and is available at all five B Bagel locations across London.
https://www.bbagelplatters.co.uk/
OTC BEVERAGES A Taste of the Real Caribbean
Award Winning Premium drinks that bring real flavour to the table
Five years ago at her father’s birthday party Shirley White had the spark of an idea for a new business.
I looked around and realised that in our community we make a lot of homemade food and people bring their drinks in plastic reusable bottles to parties, she says. I thought, surely there’s a better way of presenting this. Its unlikely, that my and my children’s generation are not going to do what my father’s generation and the generation before did, which is making the drinks at home.
Shirley’s background was miles away from the drinks industry. After spending time working for local government, she spied an ad in the evening standard that caught her eye and went along to a wine and cheese evening, during which she landed a customer service role in the world of market data and investment banking.
After 30 years working in the city for companies including Telerate, Deutsche Bank and HSBC, she was ready for her next challenge - so OTC Beverages was born. OTC offers sorrel, Lime juice with butterfly pea flower and non-alcoholic ginger beer in bottles and cans now available in corner shops and takeaways across London....a new flavour will soon be available.
Although it is a new industry for her, Shirley says there have been many transferable skills from her former life in banking and finance. It’s the skills you get from project management, being a Market Data Strategy Manager and juggling a number of programs within large Investment Banking organisations and market data Vendors, she explains.
From the start Shirley knew she didn’t want to be brewing up drinks in her own kitchen, but says it took some time to perfect the recipe in the factory once she had found the right manufacturer to partner with. She adopted a less is more philosophy to the drinks formulation by using only identifiable quality ingredients such as organic cane sugar instead of artificial sweeteners. She emphasises the natural health benefits of ginger and sorrel as well as their potential in an ever growing market for no and low alcoholic drinks.
Her flavours are already proving popular, with OTC Beverages being shortlisted for a number of accolades including the Great British Food Awards and Health and Wellbeing.
Shirley is now working to bring her products to more locations in London, the United Kingdom and has plans to go Global. There are a few logistical wrinkles to iron out, but she’s hoping to bring her sorrel and ginger beer to other markets including USA and Africa in 2025. Currently, it’s at the point where she is growing the brand awareness, so you want it to take on momentum and you want it to be an identifiable “brand of choice” when people go to a shop to buy a cold drink, she says.
The generation who had created the culture, food and beverages that I had grown up drinking and eating, were getting older… I felt moved to preserve their legacy, and that’s how OTC Beverages came to life.
— SHIRLEY WHITE
Upcoming Rise Of Electric Cars For Hotels
From complimentary toiletries to breakfasts to spa facilities, many hotels offer lots of amenities to make their guests stay more relaxing and enjoyable.. and electric vehicle charging is now becoming an essential for hotels.
Much like having a petrol station nearby, guests are now looking for hotels that go the extra mile and can accommodate to all their needs, especially their car's needs!
With more people every day taking the leap and purchasing an electric car, it's only a matter of time before all hotels will need to supply the charging points.
We hear from RAW CHARGING who specialise in providing EV Charging Solutions for the Hospitality & Leisure Sectors
The hospitality sector presents a prime location for EV charging facilities, providing customers and guests with dependable EV charging access whenever they need it, whether for a quick top-up or during an overnight stay.
• Attract and Retain EcoConscious Guests
• Enhance Guest Experience and Satisfaction
• Generate Additional Revenue Streams
• Boost Brand Image and Corporate Responsibility
• Economic Benefits
RAW Charging help hospitalitybased businesses realise and achieve the full potential of EV infrastructure, earning revenue from parking spaces on top of their rooms or facilities. Top Benefits Of EV Charging For Hospitality:
“RAW Charging will take care of your business’s EV charging process from start to finish”
To find out more about EV Charging, please visit www.rawcharging.com
The Benefits Of Gyms In Hotels
For hotels trying to stay competitive with health and wellness being at an all-time high, improving customer experience goes well beyond having a good booking process, excellent front desk experience or 24/7 room service. Guests are now looking for hotels that provide excellent fitness facilities.
The design of a hotel’s gym and wellness facility is just as important as the machines. While the main goal is to help people stay fit and relaxed, building a gym in a dark cold spare hotel room will do more harm than good.
Keep it bright and light and ideally in a big open space that ensure enough room for all your guests to carry out their workout, efficiently and safely.
Also, a gyms number one must have.. mirrors! Not only do guests want to make sure they are carrying out their movements correctly, but also to look good, so the right lighting and high-quality mirrors are a must! And will instantly make the space look brighter & bigger.
• It helps guests be more sustainable
• Attract a different type of guest
• Enjoy better reviews.
• It makes guests feel good about themselves
• Give guests a place to meet one another
• makes for great memories
• It helps guests stay motivated and on track
• Encourage health and happiness.
• makes guests become more loyal
Create Your Perfect Hotel Gym
We will come and meet you to discuss your options, as well as measure up the space you have, to make sure it all fits all the equipment you need, and looks great in your hotel!
Best equipment chosen for your needs and budget in your hotel • Gym tailored to the look and feel you want • Installed over 100 gyms and spas including: • Hotels •Property Developments • Schools, Colleges, and Universities • Private Homes
Wooden Flooring For Hospitality
When it comes to picking flooring for a hotel, restaurant or bar, wooden flooring seems to be the obvious choice, and for many good reasons.
Within any hospitality space, spills do occur daily, and germs are easily spread, but with wooden flooring, daily cleaning is faster, gentler and far less costly compared to carpet which requires expensive and heavy cleaning equipment and harsh chemicals to remove stains and odours.
Not only with carpets will odour occur much faster, but it's also more prone to collecting dust and if a small spill does happen, a quick clean-up is not possible.
One of the best advantages of installing wood flooring in your home is the strength and durability wood can offer, saving you money, time and keeping your venue more high-end for longer.
One of the main things when picking wood flooring is the colour and with wooden flooring, the colours are endless. From chestnut, antique oak, walnut, white oak to ash, the list is endless, leaving your venue with an elegant, warm finish.
Choosing the colour is just one of the things to consider when picking flooring as many now have different pattens to choose from. Chevron with strips is one of the most popular choices followed by brick and basketweave .
Some of the many benefits of Wooden Flooring in hospitality:
• Easy to maintain
• Easy to clean, easy to keep on top of small spills and no stains!
• Variety
• Keep your venue warm
• Easy Installation
• Long term investment
• Using bright rugs
• Easier for daily cleaning
UNWRAP THE MAGIC WITH JANGRO’S 2024 CHRISTMAS SUPPLIES CATALOGUE
Get into the festive spirit with Jangro, the UK & Ireland’s largest network of independent janitorial and cleaning distributors, as it launches its 2024 Christmas Supplies Catalogue.
For the professional catering and hospitality establishments providing celebratory food, drinks, and parties throughout December, early planning is key during one of the busiest periods for the industry.Jangro’s latest festive edition is packed with a wide range of fun and festive essentials, enabling businesses to get ahead and ensure the party season is joyful and as stressfree as possible.
From sustainable crackers and colour coordinating tableware, to party hats with pizazz, the Jangro 2024 Christmas Supplies Catalogue has it all. Matching tableware, including crackers, napkins, and table covers are available in a range of festive colour schemes, including, red and green, silver and white, red and cream, and black and gold.
Once again, Jangro is delighted to be supplying the Tom Smith range of environmentally-conscious catering crackers – a must-have for any Christmas party. This brand combines social and environmental sustainability with on-trend designs to elevate any celebration. Made from recycled board, they are fully recyclable, and are completely free from glitter and plastic –including the contents. What’s more, for every case sold, £2.00 is donated to The Trussell Trust*, which is currently Jangro’s dedicated charity.
Jo Gilliard, CEO of Jangro, comments,
We are thrilled to introduce the Jangro 2024 Christmas Supplies Catalogue, enabling our customers to plan ahead.
“Whilst it might feel a little premature to dust off the Christmas decorations and order festive supplies, it’s never too early for catering and hospitality businesses to start preparing for their busiest, and arguably, most stressful time of the year. Our latest catalogue is bursting with everything you might need, including many sustainable options, for a wonderful, fun-filled season!”
Available to view online, or as a hard copy from local distributors, the catalogue caters for a wide choice of budgets, with standard, superior, finest, premium and luxury collections.
Importance Of High Quality Floor Cleaning For Hospitality
Floor maintenance for hotels is one of the most important part of a guest experience. A clean floor is important to visitors, especially when they have young children or pets, whether it’s a hotel, restaurant or bar, guests expect the same standard of cleanliness.
Clean Floors Can
Improve Indoor Air Quality
it's easy for floors to get dirty, especially when in a busy environment, which is why it's even more important in a hotel, restaurant or bar to keep the floors clean, giving your guests and staff clean air whilst in the building!
Help Reduce the Spread of Germs and Bacteria
As we all know, germs are easily spread, especially when in a social environment, and the only way to stop the spread of germs is by thoroughly cleaning not only surfaces, but the floors to are just as important.
Help Prevent Slips and Falls
Having clean floors not only is good for your guests air and health, but also prevents anyone from slipping over. In such a busy environment, such as a hotel lobby, drink, food and all things from the outside usually get stuck to the floor, making it more likely for falls!
Working with Tennant you can:
• Maximize productivity with dependable machines that are built to keep your facilities clean even in the harshest environments
• Address staffing challenges, clean more consistently, lower your labour costs and maintain a high standard of cleaning with the leader in robotic cleaning solutions
• Improve site perception, employee well-being, and reduce health and safety risks with environmentally friendly cleaning technologies
• Keep your equipment operating at peak performance with factory-trained local service expertise
HARDENED WOOD FLOORING SOLUTIONS FOR HOSPITALITY FROM BJELIN
The patented Woodura® technology, from sister company Välinge Innovation, which is used in the manufacture of hardened wood flooring, results in the most hardwearing of wooden floors. The process enhances the wood’s appearance, while creating a significantly stronger surface with a hardness three times greater than a traditional solid wood floormore solid than a plank!
Furthermore, the company now offers a Pro Matt Lacquer, which is Bjelin’s best lacquer to date. This extremely durable surface makes the floor easy to maintain while protecting it from stains, making it ideal for heavy traffic areas like hotels and restaurants.
The Woodura surface technology is highly sustainable, because it only requires a tenth of the raw material, compared to a hardwood plank. The timber used is FSC®-certified. It uses 5G® technology - a fold-down system unique among hard wood flooring products because of its ease of installation. It can also be easily uplifted, should that be required, since no adhesives are used and no residues or contamination are left behind.
A further refinement - 5G Dry, available on certain ranges – makes the whole floor water-resistant without the use of additional chemicals. These are the next generation of highly innovative hardened wood floors.
In addition to its range of Woodura 3.0 planks, Bjelin has introduced two important new ranges this year, which are proving to be of interest to high end and luxury hotel venues, because of their durability and impressive aesthetic.The vibrant Contrast Collection brings together technology and ageless craftsmanship and is ideally suited to heavy-traffic commercial environments. Its design seamlessly integrates contrasting pigments into the surface, highlighting the natural grain of the oak.
Meanwhile the new Woodura Herringbone 2.0 is versatile and creative, and can be installed in multiple patterns, ranging from traditional herringbone through to double, triple, ladder and blocks. Made with responsibly sourced Croatian oak, the collection is offered in Misty White,
Navigating a career in high-end hospitality
Prestigious brands, glamorous locations, amazing career opportunities. There are so many reasons why careers in the luxury hospitality sector are so enthusiastically sought-after by young talents studying at Glion and elsewhere.
Why choose a career in luxury hospitality?
Why should an ambitious individual like you be targeting luxury careers as your hospitality employment playground? And where should you be directing your efforts to get hired?
There are several answers to the first question, but in these uncertain times perhaps the most important answer is that it’s a profession with a solid future. The wider luxury industry is known for being recession-proof, and when you couple that with our innate desire to travel and experience new things, then luxury hotels and resorts will only grow in number while also becoming more diverse in the experiences they offer.
Getting a luxury career – where to start?
I may be biased, but I’d say the best place to start your career in luxury and/or hospitality is at Glion!
That may sound flippant, but there’s serious logic behind it, because when I talk to the luxury brands we partner with, they all tell me that they are looking for people who understand what luxury is all about. They want individuals who have an appreciation for luxury that allows them to see beyond the notions of privilege and to appreciate some of the purer definitions of luxury which I quoted at the start of this piece.
Such notions are at the core of our DNA as a school. However, even if you choose a different institution, or try and get into the industry without a specialised education, there are some ‘table stakes’ you’ll need when it comes to skills and behaviours.
Skills needed for a career in luxury hospitality
Here I’m going to break down the skills and attributes that will help you navigate a successful career in highend hospitality. At the top of my list are the soft skills –problem solving, empathy, teamwork, communication, and so on. A major contributing factor in great service is anticipation combined with emotional intelligence and good interpersonal skills. Can you anticipate a guest’s needs and adapt accordingly? Are they here for a special occasion? What’s their favourite welcome drink? Do they look tired after a long flight, and just want to get to their room as speedily as possible?
In luxury hotels especially, you’ll have more personal license to deliver complimentary treats and unique client experiences without having to consult with line managers first. For those who like this additional responsibility it’s a real perk of the job, since it’s a form of empowerment; making you feel trusted in a way that you won’t always find within a more mass-market brand.
Career paths available in luxury hospitality
On the topic of career success, let’s look at some of the paths to pursue for a luxury hospitality professional.
The obvious choices are 5* hotels and high-end restaurants. However, as the worlds of luxury and hospitality increasingly converge, you’ll have opportunities in retail, in private travel, but also the VIP elements in sports. In the latter case, there are certain sports – Formula 1, golf, showjumping, yachting – which are playgrounds for luxury brands and VIP experiences. It’s a massive global marketplace, and one where exquisite hospitality skills are hard currency. And, as I already mentioned, with the lines increasingly
How to advance your career in the luxury hospitality business
I wish I had the perfect answer to this question! What I would say is that one secret to success is never to be satisfied with where you are in your career. Always look to progress, to develop, and to learn more. The world is evolving ever more quickly and, as a young person, you will have to evolve with it.
In just the past few years we’ve seen the Covid pandemic usher in huge changes to the way we live, work, and look after ourselves. We can see this in the rise of health and wellness as a personal goal, and in our industry that’s meant a rapid growth in spa and wellness facilities, alongside a movement towards healthier cuisine with often locally-sourced, farm-to-table ingredients.
THE RESIDENT ANNOUNCES OPENING OF ITS FIRST SCOTTISH HOTEL
A very short walk from both Princes Street and Charlotte Square in the heart of the capital, The Resident Edinburgh combines the heartfelt hospitality The Resident is known for with a distinct Scottish warmth.
The Resident Edinburgh will be open to guests from 1st September 2024, with rooms available to book now. All 164 rooms and suites are designed for the home from home experience with mini-kitchens in every room and great natural light. Guest rooms have been specially crafted anticipating a slightly longer guest stay.
Overall, the hotel has a cultured thoughtful elegance befitting the prime location and the world destination status of Scotland’s capital city. From Double Rooms to Junior Suites averaging between 17 and 35-metressquared, the stylish rooms offer a range of breathtaking views including Edinburgh’s skyline, Edinburgh Castle and exceptional views north over the Firth of Forth.
Amenities have been carefully selected and include everything from a personal Nespresso coffee machine with complimentary capsules, GHD hairdryers for the dressing and vanity area; Molton Brown bathroom products in the stylish en-suites; a dining/working area beside the full height windows.
The Resident has the latest easy to use in room tech and free Wi-Fi solutions for simple streaming from your own devices to minimum 50” UHD TVs. The beds are bespoke designed for The Resident with multi pocket springs and luxurious mattress toppers, Twin, King, or Super King.
Heartfelt hospitality is the ethos of The Resident Edinburgh’s guest experience. Each team member will be a “Resident Insider”, meaning they will be equipped with insider city knowledge so they can be tapped into for local advice, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in what Edinburgh has to offer.
The personal touch is what The Resident is renowned for, every evening hosting an hour of early drinks for guests.
This social pause gives guests and the teams an opportunity to connect with each other and receive recommendations straight from the knowledgeable Resident Edinburgh team, all while enjoying drinks and snacks from local suppliers, including Stewart Brewery and Quirky Chocolate or Wines from Justerini & Brooks. Guest events will showcase local artisan producers and give deeper insight to Edinburgh’s culture and Arts scene.
The hotel will partner and support businesses around the city, providing guests with exclusive offers for local restaurants, bars and gyms to ensure they have access to the best venues in Edinburgh. The breakfast partner, The West End Brasserie, will offer a full breakfast offering for guests to go to. The other partners include; Cairngorm coffee, Dulse, Kyloe and attractions such as the Royal Yacht Britannia, The Real Mary King’s Close and Pickering’s at Summerhall.
The Resident Edinburgh is aware of the cultural and arts appeal of the City to its visitors. The library lounge will host a curated book collection of fascination and relevance to the city, as well as its culture.
David JM Orr, CEO of Resident Hotels Ltd, said “The Resident Edinburgh marks a significant milestone for The Resident brand, many of us in the business and especially our ownership have cherished, deep Scottish roots and a great affinity for Edinburgh and its cultural affluence.
The Resident Edinburgh brings a new offering to the visitor for the City, a slightly longer stay with the guest and our teams at the centre. The Resident has an enviable track record at ensuring the visitor whether on business or leisure can experience a home from home, living like a local but with a very light touch.
The Resident teams’ advocacy of businesses, attractions, artisans and institutions within the city will be fulsome as our mission to showcase the entrepreneur chefs’ restaurants and bars throughout the city.
“The guest experience is at the centre of our operation, and we have carefully curated a hotel that is inspired by Edinburgh, Scotland and the people who live here. We are delighted to be able to offer a personal experience for any guest that enters The Resident Edinburgh and equip them with insider knowledge, so they can feel like a resident in Scotland’s vibrant capital.”
The hotel owners, Mactaggart Family and Partners have commissioned Art for the public spaces from Emily Beamish of Dacre Fine Art, featuring local artists Katy Eccles, Hatti Pattisson and Poppy Cyster.
The Resident will be the perfect spot to relax with friends for a quiet glass of wine, or a specially selected whisky. The hotel has a variety of quiet niches to retreat for work or leisure. Whether a long day of exploring the city, or returning to the hotel after a day of work, the warmth of The Resident Edinburgh’s team will be there for you.
The Resident Edinburgh’s interior design takes inspiration from local surroundings and the designers have placed emphasis on sourcing items to fully capture the vibrant character of Edinburgh.
Furnishings have been carefully handpicked and fabric elements in the rooms and lounge areas have been sourced from well-regarded Glasgow-based, Timorous Beasties.
The hotel’s interior colour palette draws subtly on national references; the pale blue of the Saltire flag, the soft hues of the Craigleith sandstone, the earthy tones of the countryside visible from the rooms and finally the smoky browns that allude to the city’s affectionate nickname of ‘Auld Reekie’.
Do Not Disturb: Steaming In Progress
Does your hotel have Propress on its radar?
If not, it's time to check Propress MINI, our handheld steamer, into your hotel. The Iron Age is over; there’s no need to clutter your guests’ storage space with a cumbersome iron and board.
Established in 1980, Propress is the original steaming brand supplying, shops, soft furnishers, hotels and resorts – removing creases in fabric wherever they appear. Our steamers are the highest-quality, longest-lasting and most reliable on the market.
In hotels, professional steamers have traditionally been used for housekeeping, banqueting and events, to provide a five-star freshening and anti-creasing touch to staff uniform, curtains, tablecloths, and chair covers. (Steaming even kills bed bugs and their eggs almost immediately.)
Propress MINI can be used on a variety of clothing, from suits to dresses and even delicate fabrics. It's so versatile, it can be used vertically, for hanging fabric or horizontally on bed linen and upholstery.
Guests often look to remove creases from clothes when unpacking or after a few days’ stay, especially those travelling for business or individuals attending events where wrinkle-free clothing is important.
Coupled with its ability to treat delicate materials, the Propress MINI is ready to go in just 45 seconds, making it a match made in heaven for wedding attendees. As the old saying goes ”Steam if you want to go faster”
The Iron Age Is Over
• More wardrobe space without an ironing board
Why Steamers Are Essential For Hotels In 2024
Living in a world with the best upcoming technology, there is no surprise that irons in hotles seem to be a thing of the past, with the clothes steamer taking over.
A steamers intention is to remove wrinkles from fabrics and all fabrics can be steamed, even delicate textiles like silk and wool.
The hot steam allows the textile fibers to swell and regain their natural shape, which is more forgiving than the scorching hot surface of a traditional iron which tends to flatten down the textile fibers.
As well as its fashionable look and fitting in with the standards of highend hotels, the clothes steamers are also incredibly safe, compared to the standard iron!
Also, with most guest wanting to make the most of their time away, time is of the essence, so steaming is a great to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
It's especially great for fabrics that are sensitive to heat and pressure and for clothes with pleats, ruffles or prints.
Steaming also helps remove scents and bacteria keeping your clothes cleaner
DRU To Showcase Its Designer Electric Fires for Hospitality Interiors At HIX 2024
DRU, based in the Netherlands, is Europe’s leading fireplace manufacturer, with a large portfolio of contemporary gas fires, wood stoves and electric fires.
DRU will be exhibiting its latest Virtuo Evolve electric fires at HIX, Europe’s only specialist trade show for hotel design and interiors in London on November 27-28, 2024.
Virtuo Evolve represents an evolution in electric fire technology, with realistic flames, authentic sound effects and remote or app controls, with multiple flame colours and patterns. It is suitable for hotel rooms, restaurants, wellness suites and many other hospitality settings.
There are a choice of models and designs and the fires can be combined with media walls, false chimneys and other architectural features.And with zero emissions and low energy consumption, the Virtuo Evolve combines luxury with sustainability.
Virtuo Evolve in boutique hotel room
Designed with safety in mind
With the Virtuo Evolve, you have no safety concerns. The fire is cool to touch, with a realistic, projected flame picture and an optional heating element.
Minimal maintenance and running costs
Unlike gas or wood burning fires, Virtuo Evolve requires no regular servicing or maintenance and the energy consumption is very low.
Timeless and updateable
Virtuo Evolve is an electric fire for life. It has four standard flame effects and a bed of glowing embers, all of which the user can adjust for brightness and intensity.
Remote or app controls
Virtuo Evolve is supplied with a convenient remote control, which allows you to adjust the flame picture and heat output. You can also use the latest DRU app for phones or tablets. This is operated using Bluetooth and enables you to download a selection of flame images in different colours and patterns.
Totally realistic
Because the Virtuo Evolve has a projected flame picture, it is identical to an actual log fire, underpinned by authentic glowing embers. There is even the sound of crackling wood.
Totally sustainable.
Virtuo Evolve creates zero emissions, releases no greenhouse gases and only requires a standard domestic electricity supply.
Easy to install
Virtuo Evolve requires no chimney, flue or ventilation points. It can be installed in hotel lobbies, bedrooms, restaurants, leisure facilities and many other hospitality settings.
Virtuo Evolve in hotel sea view bedroom.
Virtuo Evolve in hotel Wellness suite.
The Difference Planters Can Make For Hotels
Hotels main ambition is to make your guests stay comfortable and relaxing. Whether it is a local hotel with a three-star rating, or a five-star hotel, plants and greenery is more important than most realise.
It’s not just about which plants you choose, as the planters are just as important. When choosing plant pots, the colour, design and even texture all has to be matching in with the décor.
guests are going to see, so making a long-lasting impression on them from the get-go, is easily done when they feel lost in nature, greenery and beautiful, elegant plants and planters.
A hotel lobby is the perfect place for medium to large plants, keeping the entrance bright and welcoming.
There is a variety of indoor plants to choose from such as Calathea, Gardenia, Chinese Evergreen, Snake Plants and Peace Lilys.
overall space more welcoming but creates an aesthetically pleasing look as well as helping with keeping clean air flowing through.
Hotel corridors can also benefit from large planters as most corridors are dark and dull, plants instantly brings life back into the space as well as a colour, especially with the range of planters there are to choose from!
To see more high-end planters, please visit www.torcpots.com
Leading Supplier Of Shading Solutions For The Residential & Commercial Markets Across The UK
When the owners of the hugely popular Old Inn pub in Wimborne, Dorset wanted to transform the front of their pub into an all-weather outside space they didn’t hesitate to contact Broadview – a company they knew and trusted.
They wanted their new installation to protect customers from the rain and provide a warm, cosy area where they could enjoy their meal in comfort. Being at the front of the property, the new outside space would need to bring curb appeal, so Broadview came up with a striking solution.
Having provided outdoor cover solutions for the likes of Rick Stein Restaurants, The Sandbanks Hotel, and Dorset brewery pub chain Hall and Woodhouse, the team at Broadview drew upon all of its experience to propose an innovative outside covered area.
The solution?
Two large parasols that would provide enough outside space so the number of tables would be financially viable, finished in a vibrant turquoise to bring a splash of colour to the front of the pub. To accompany the parasols, Broadview suggested vertical guillotine glass to serve as a wind and rain barrier. The staff would also be able to lower or raise the glass to suit the changing weather.
Completing the outside space, heating and lighting would be added. The parasols would also remain fully collapsible, so they could repurpose the space if they wanted to. The result was a stylish, fully adaptable outside space that would appeal to people looking to share a delicious meal in a warm, comfortable environment. The owner was delighted with the outcome and later commented “I saw a very fast return on my investment”.
The #1 Choice For Blinds & Shutters In The South
If you’d like to discuss the idea of transforming the outside space of your pub, restaurant, or hotel, please get in touch with Broadview.
With over 55 years of experience in the industry and a 5 star ‘Excellent’ Trust Pilot rating as well as an accredited ‘Somfy Expert’ status, you can be sure that you’re in good hands from the initial survey right through to the final installation. Broadview can turn your dream into a reality - talk to the experts for your free consultation and see how your business can benefit with our outdoor lifestyle solutions. Call 01202 679012 or visit their website: www.outdoor-shading.co.uk
Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town Set To Become The Largest Hotel In Wroclaw
After extensive renovations, which add an additional wing to the building, the Wyndham hotel will operate with double the existing capacity, making it the largest hotel in Wroclaw, Poland.
The Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town, located in the heart of Wroclaw’s vibrant historic centre, will expand by an additional 152 rooms this year. Beginning in 2023, the hotel kicked off an extensive renovation of its existing 205 rooms and public spaces.
Upon completion of the ongoing modernisation, the hotel will be the largest in the city with a total of 357 rooms.
The decision to modernise the property was made in 2022, when the owner decided to expand the hotel with additional rooms, which had previously been rented out as office space, as part of an agreement with the Mogotel Hotel Group, the Latvian operator with a portfolio of more than 20 hotels across Europe.
Renovation work occurs without interrupting hotel operations. Once the renovation is complete, the 4-star hotel will have three restaurants, 12 conference rooms, an executive lounge, a modern fitness centre and Spa with wellness area. Wall paintings from Wroclaw will be on display in the public areas. Both the existing and the new hotel rooms will have a modern and inviting design with local accents.
The highlight will be the 120 square metre suite with balcony, which will offer guests a spectacular view of the impressive church tower and the city centre of Wroclaw.
“The Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town participates in the Wyndham Green programme, which promotes sustainable practices in the hotel industry, explains Tomasz Majszyk, General Manager of the hotel.
“Sustainability and ecology are core values for Wyndham. This is reflected in our hotel, for example through the use of LED lighting, strict waste separation, environmentally friendly toiletries in dispensers and a philosophy of waste avoidance. We are also planning a glass atrium full of plants to create a green enclave in the centre of Wroclaw,” the General Manager continues.
Murat Yilmaz, Market Managing Director Central & Eastern Europe at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said:
“The modernisation and expansion of Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town underlines our expansion plans in Poland and is just a small part of Wyndham’s growth vision for the EMEA region.” Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town, like all Wyndham hotels, participates in Wyndham Rewards®, Wyndham’s awardwinning hotel loyalty programme that offers more than 106 million registered members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, holiday clubs and holiday rentals worldwide.
For more information about Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
You’ll love escaping to one of the 205 welcoming guest rooms and suites, thoughtfully appointed with a flat-screen HDTV, minibar, ample workspace, and other convenient comforts.
A world-class destination for business and vacation travelers, our non-smoking hotel simplifies your stay with extras like free high-speed WiFi, paid parking, and a work area in the lobby.
If you’re planning a meeting, wedding, or celebration, 11 premier event venues can accommodate up to 1,120 conference guests and 150 banquet guests.
Settle into the heart of vibrant Old Town, minutes from mustsees like Market Square and St. Elizabeth’s Church as well as events at Centennial Hall, the campus of the University of Wroclaw, and shopping at Galeria Dominikańska. Despite its historic location, Wyndham Wroclaw Old Town provides a modern retreat with sleek Polish architecture and a central glass atrium that lets in plenty of natural light.
Maximising guest experiences and operations: The role of lifts in hospitality
In today's competitive hospitality industry, every detail counts in creating the ultimate luxury guest experience, which is defined by elegant interiors, exceptional service, thoughtfully designed amenities, and efficient logistics. For high-end hospitality businesses, lifts are crucial for efficient hospitality management and addressing accessibility challenges
Types of lifts for hotels, restaurants and hospitality
In general, restaurants, bars, and hotels with steps or multiple floors should consider installing passenger or platform lifts to enable accessibility for all. For hotels and larger hospitality venues, a passenger lift should always be the first choice.
Passenger lifts are often made to bespoke specifications to suit the needs and design of the project. It should be able to accommodate at least 8 people, though the size may vary based on the number of guest rooms and floors, with the potential to hold up to 33 passengers.
For smaller hotels where a passenger lift is not practical and space is limited, a platform lift can be considered as an alternative. A platform lift facilitates easy movement between floors for people with mobility challenges, pushchairs, and light goods.
Platform lifts are smaller than passenger lifts and are not designed for high footfall, therefore suitable for smaller hotels and restaurants. They can be installed within one to two days, minimising disruption. The key is to have the right number of lifts to reduce wait times and improve the overall hotel guest experience.
Unlike platform lifts, passenger lifts serve a dual purpose and can function as a goods lift. For backof-house, service lifts are essential yet often underappreciated, with dumbwaiters and larger passenger goods lifts playing a crucial role. These lifts help keep operations running smoothly behind the scenes, allowing staff to focus on providing excellent service.
Whether it’s a dumbwaiter transporting food and beverages or a larger goods lift handling hospitality essentials such as laundry or beer barrels, these lifts are key to efficient hospitality management.
Whilst the purpose of a lift is to enhance efficiency and accessibility within a building, lifts should also seamlessly blend with their surroundings to improve the overall aesthetic. Today, a wide range of finishes are available to suit any design vision, whether it’s ultra-modern, antique or anything in between.
A passenger lift perfect for transporting guests between floors.
Choose a reliable and reputable service provider.
Find a specialist lift company that is willing to work around your operations, customers and busy periods to minimise disruption. Stannah’s engineers are fully qualified and have years of experience in installing, maintaining and repairing all types of lifts, offering a 24/7 maintenance package to ensure ongoing support whenever you need it.
The importance of using an experienced company to find the right solution for your hospitality project should never be underestimated. Discover why thousands of hospitality venues choose Stannahwww.stannahlifts.co.uk
From passenger lifts to stairlifts, service to goods lifts, escalators to moving walkways, our lift solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate into any highend hospitality setting.
Backed by a nationwide network of highly trained local lift engineers,
Stannah provides unmatched aftercare to ensure your lifts, regardless of manufacturer or model, remain reliable for many years. Whether it’s a new lift installation, routine maintenance, emergency repair, removal, refurbishment, or full modernisation trust the lift experts.
We can also offer a range of service contracts for your lift maintenance and repair.
Stannah is the UK’s leading lift company with over 50,00 installations across the UK. Established in 1867 to move goods and services in London’s dockyards, we have over 150 years of experience in lift services.
We’re proud of our engineering heritage, the fact that we are still a family-run business five generations on and the strong values and ethics that guide us. Although Stannah is worldrenowned for stairlifts, we are a local lift company with all-around expertise.
We love a challenge, so please get in touch to see how we can help you.
www.stannahlifts.co.uk
Dumbwaiter for efficient hospitality management
Zero Carbon Forum and BBPA awarded a grant to uncover effects of climate change on brewing
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and Zero Carbon Forum have been awarded a grant to research the climate risks facing UK brewing supply chains.
The research will support the brewing sector to operate in the long term, in the face of the immediate and future impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Rising temperatures are affecting the production of barley and hops, as well as the yield and quality of crops, which can have a significant impact on UK supply chains.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “This study will give us crucial insights into how climate risks are directly impacting supply chains, and how we can take steps to understand how we as an industry mitigate them as we continue to ask the Government to come forward with a number of financial measures and incentives that will provide our farming system with an incentive structure which further encourages sustainable approaches to farming.”
The findings revealed that brewers are primarily concerned about the critical impact of climate change on their supply chains.
The results of the final two parts of the study, expected to be completed in early 2025, will be made available to the broader industry upon publication. The results will provide the industry with a better understanding of the challenges facing it and how to tackle these going forward.
The BBPA and Zero Carbon Forum have a history of working closely together. In 2022 the two organisations teamed up to launch a bespoke roadmap specifically designed for the brewing sector. This provided support and guidance to breweries across the UK to take ambitious steps towards emission reduction targets.
Hospitality and luxury trends on the rise: Five key drivers to watch out for
With 2023 already consigned to history as the year of tourism recovery, the hospitality industry, starting in 2024, now finds itself facing a scenario where actors who began making waves a few years ago are now consolidating their positions.
1.Technology as the core
Customer expectations and priorities have shifted, with a preference for fully personalised, sustainable experiences closely tied to the local context. Simultaneously, these new demands in the hotel industry are being propelled by technology, which serves as the primary driver.
From service automation through chatbots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to hotels employing Business Management Systems (BMS) for efficient resource management, including robots facilitating manual tasks like cleaning or luggage transportation.
Advancements not only steer us towards a more digital society but pave the way for delivering personalised customer experiences and operational efficiency for companies and their employees. Technology is, ultimately, the only path to survive and stand out in the tourism sector.
2.Prioritising sustainability
In Booking.com’s latest report, travellers already reflected their concern for making the world greener: 79% stated they want to travel more sustainably in the next 12 months, with 75% looking for companies offering more sustainable options.
Today’s tourists are much more aware of the environmental impact generated by tourism-related activities in recent years. Hotels are adopting renewable energies, centralised software, and BMS to optimise operational efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint. Implementing these intelligent systems contributes to energy efficiency through climate control, smart lighting, or electric vehicle charging points.
3.Hyper-personalisation for differentiation
In recent years, the sector has made a push to further personalise service for a more premium clientele. This hyper-personalisation, demanded by 71% of customers, is achieved through the use of digital tools like AI, machine learning, and extensive data analysis.
Adopting these concepts allows hotels to anticipate and proactively meet guests’ needs, offering highly tailored experiences based on their preferences and habits.
4.Experiential travel based on health and wellness
The trend towards a holistic approach is consolidating, with travellers seeking authentic local experiences, with a strong preference for activities related to wellness, active tourism, immersion in nature, and gastronomy. These plans now surpass interest in activities conventionally linked to tourism, such as art and culture.
5.Impact and influence of social media
Social media remains and strengthens as an essential tool for the hospitality and tourism industry, influencing travel decisions and transforming customer interaction. Strategies focus on inspiring through platforms like Instagram or TikTok, influencing booking decisions, and building credibility through authentic reviews following travellers’ positive experiences.
The impact of social media is evident in tourists’ behaviour change, who consider direct brand relations crucial. Tourism companies actively use social media to promote destinations, advertising campaigns, and enhance customer service, demonstrating their continued importance in the hotel industry.
