Warm Welcome Magazine - February Issue

February Issue

Hospitality to shake up its offering in order to increase revenue post-lockdown.

Finding the right POS application that can help your business thrive.

Insights and predictions on the drinks trends we can expect to see during 2021.

Page 4 and 5

Pages 14 and 15

Page 30 and 31

warmwelcomemagazine.com

Contents 4

Hotels

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EPOS

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Interior Design & Decor

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Drinks & Spirits

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Uniform & Workwear

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Travel

To feature in an upcoming issue or to discuss advertising opportunities please contact a member of the Warm Welcome team; Publication Manager Dean Little - 01227 314 324 dean@warmwelcomemagazine.com Sales & Marketing Manager Michael Amor - 01227 314 324 michael@warmwelcomemagazine.com Editorial Assistant Carol Jean - 01227 314 324 carol@warmwelcomemagazine.com

Hospitality to shake up its offering in order to increase revenue post-lockdown says specialist As we enter the third national lockdown in the UK, an environmental health and safety expert has indicated stricter regulations are expected to be necessary for the hotel industry as consumer safety expectations have risen following Covid-19.

Having been dramatically impacted by travel restrictions hotels are also beginning to turn their attention to other revenue streams and, as such, a focus on food and beverage services have increased, therefore food safety will now become an even more pivotal part of their offering.

Research demonstrates that one in five people aren’t intending to eat out in the foreseeable future, and there is now more prominence surrounding the awareness of food systems issues. With that in mind, it is clear that customers are seeking stricter food, health and safety regulations from the industry in order to resume their usual habits of eating out.

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Kirstie Jones, an environmental health expert at Navitas Safety, a single destination for safety within the hospitality industry, explains the changes that we can expect to see in the not-too-distant future.

“When life returns to a level of normality, gone will be the days of self-serving buffets as customers will visit hotels and restaurants as a treat, or for a special occasion, and will therefore expect an experience and a level of high-quality service. Not only that, but self-service buffets are also high risk in terms of transmitting viruses, such as COVID-19.

Minimising contact is key to preventing spread, so removing help yourself style offerings in favour of table service is a far safer option, and much easier to manage stricter cleaning regiments.”

Telling of the need to adapt and create new experiences for customers, Kirstie says that the impact of the pandemic has shaped new opportunities in the hospitality space.

“Experiential restaurants and more luxurious in-room catering services will soon be fully embedded within hotel premises, becoming a much better representation of their complete offering and providing hotels with an additional revenue stream.

“We predict that hotels will not only be seen as a place to stay, as their food and beverage offering will be as much of a draw.

“Customers will choose to stay at hotels because of the restaurant facilities they have on site or even visit the hotel just to go to the restaurant itself. It will be a truly exciting time for the hospitality industry.”

Hospitality has needed to adapt to the new found digital needs of the industry and whilst hotels are currently only in operation for key workers and work purposes, customers are only able to receive their food via a pre-booking room service.

Kirstie said: “When businesses were able to open and serve food earlier in the year, they adapted to the need of technology in the form of online menu’s, in-app ordering and the use of QR codes.

“Not only has this made the experience a much safer and hygienic one, but it has also streamlined the working process for staff and the business by improving efficiency and eliminating the risk of human error. It also means that the food being served, and its allergen listings are more trackable.”

Today, restaurants are no longer able to batch cook or prepare food as they were before.

Rather, food is being prepared and cooked at the time of order, meaning that all restaurants will need to conduct quality food hygiene checks for each and every order and guest.

Offering a free downloadable Hotel Inspection Checklist, Navitas Safety are keen to provide help where possible to benefit hotels to operate safely when meeting harsher health and safety measures within the hospitality industry.

The checklist ensures Hotels meet all inspection criteria as well as keeping them ahead and in control so that they continue to meet legislation.”

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Shropshire hotel provides perfect wedding day despite the pandemic Newlyweds Natasha and Andrew Whitman say the Covid-19 pandemic did not spoil their dream day in December – thanks in no small part to staff at a Shropshire hotel.

The couple were married on December 5 at the four-star Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa, which is managed by Focus Hotels.

Natasha said: “Everyone at the hotel went out of their way to make sure our day was perfect.”

Natasha, 29, a retail supervisor, and sales manager Andrew, 33, have been together for six years, and half a two-and-a-half-yearold daughter and an eight-month-old son.

She said: “We decided to get married six weeks before the wedding. A week after booking it, we went into the second lockdown so we were unsure if it would go ahead, but we kept everything crossed.

“I was on social media one morning and saw an advert for the intimate wedding

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package at the Albrighton. I jokingly said to Andrew ‘look at this’. A couple of days later we went just to look at the venue and walked away having booked our wedding for six weeks later.

“We had been into town that morning and I had chosen my own engagement ring.

We hadn’t even told our family and friends about our plans!

“When we went to meet Caroline at the hotel, to show us around, she put us at ease and made us feel so comfortable.

“She made sure everything was exactly how I wanted it and was so calm about everything even though we had such a short space of time to plan it.”

Natasha added: “It had been cloudy and gloomy all morning but the sun shone through the window just before the ceremony started and I told my dad ‘uncle Fred is looking down on us today’.

My dad’s brother sadly passed away two weeks before we got married.

“Yes, a few more people would have been nice, but it worked for us.

“The ceremony itself was perfect.

The room had been decorated beautifully.

Down to every little detail, it was perfect.

With everything going on in the world, in that room it felt, just for a few hours at least, that everything was normal and we weren’t in the middle of a global pandemic. The food we had was amazing, all our guests commented on how much they enjoyed it.

“We managed to plan and organise everything with Caroline five days before the wedding and did most of it over the phone of through email.

“We stayed the night at the hotel and had kindly been upgraded to the Romeo and Juliet suite, which was a lovely surprise.

The room was just amazing.

“Neither of us ever wanted a big wedding and a lot of fuss, so the 15-guest limit was perfect for us. We still had the people we care about most with us to celebrate our day.

The bathroom was bigger than the whole of the downstairs of our house! “The day felt very intimate and we got to speak to our guests, which was important to me as many brides and grooms don’t usually get to actually speak to their guests on the day.

“We couldn’t have asked for anything else on the day. Caroline and her team made sure we had everything we needed, and we will remember our wedding day for the rest of our lives. We all felt very safe. All our guests were sat in their bubbles, and we had a lovely, intimate, perfect day.

“The staff at the Albrighton were brilliant.

You wouldn’t have thought we had arranged everything in just a few days after being given the go-ahead after the lockdown restrictions were changed and we went into Tier 2.”

The hotel’s General Manager, Jennifer Sibbald-Wall, said: “I am so pleased that we were able to provide Natasha and Andrew with a memorable day.

“The pandemic has forced many people to postpone or change their wedding plans, and while people may not be able to have every aspect of their dream day as they would have wanted it, under normal circumstances, I believe – as we proved with Natasha and Andrew’s wedding – that we can still make sure that anyone who chooses to get married here will have a magical – and safe - day.

“It’s heartening to hear Natasha say such positive things about their day, and on behalf of the hotel I would like to wish her and Andrew all the very best for their married life together. We would be delighted to speak to anyone else who would like to discuss how we can make their day extra special, even during the pandemic.

“Like all hotels in the Focus group, we are totally committed to taking every possible step to ensure the safety and welfare of anyone who visits us, and our staff.”

For further information about how the hotel can create a wonderful wedding day for you, or to download its wedding brochure, visit www.mercureshrewsbury.co.uk/weddings

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The Torridon joins sustainability initiative, NOW Force for Good Alliance Scottish Highland hotel The Torridon, has become a member of leading sustainability group NOW Force for Good Alliance.

Founded by hospitality veterans Onno and Alexa Poortier, the initiative encourages industry leaders to be part of the solution in order to reduce the impact of the travel and tourism sector on the environment. Joining as only the fourth British hotel member in the scheme, The Torridon has cemented itself as one of the UK’s leading sustainable hotels and will be following a structure of sustainability actions and improvements to further support the 17 Sustainable Goals.

The new partnership comes as part of The Torridon’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. The hotel works in harmony with nature in every aspect of its service, from its design, to experiences, and its F&B offerings.

Other initiatives have included eliminating all

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single-use plastics from the resort, alongside recycling or composting the majority of waste to reduce its carbon footprint.

The ultimate goal is to achieve carbon neutrality in a reasonable timeframe.

Biomass energy, a flexible forestry plan, pure water extraction from a bore hole, water-based cleaning using chemical-free ENJO products, and regular EV and Tesla chargers for guests travelling with electric cars have also all been implemented.

Sustainability is not just about the environment and The Torridon allocates approximately 5% of net profits to charitable donations and the family have personally contributed to local community projects for first responders, the rebuilding of the community centre and local charities, alongside hospitality initiatives that support the wellbeing of the industry. It has also recently pledged its commitment to helping the local ecosystem by becoming a member of the Wester Ross UNESCO biosphere, which supports local initiatives such as the Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands National Nature Reserve.

Dan Rose-Bristow, owner of The Torridon, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to reducing our environmental impact and implementing sustainability into every corner of The Torridon, we have made a significant commitment to the NOW Force for Good Alliance. Our dedication to the wellbeing of our planet and people will continue to be a key part of our business model, and by acknowledging the need for accountability and transparency, we can work together with NOW to create a more sustainable future for our hotel, team, neighbours and guests.”

Onno Poortier, the Chairman, CEO and co-founder of itmustbeNOW.com stated: “We are honoured that The Torridon has chosen to be a member of the NOW Force for Good Alliance, to be part of an inspiring shift to be rigorous, accountable and transparent around sustainability, support the Global Goals, and take responsibility for their total impacts on communities and the environment. The post COVID-19 traveller is conscious and sustainably minded, and they make informed choices and assess the sustainability performance of a hotel before they book. At The Torridon, they will find a better and more responsible form of hospitality that creates joy around being healthy, promote authentic local experiences, delivers luxury that is not wasteful and safeguards their culture, community and destination for future generations.”

Find out more about The Torridon and It Must Be Now by heading over to TheTorridon.com and itmustbenow.com

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Launching a restaurant in a time of crisis: Restaurateur Markus Thesleff makes it a hat trick Forget working with animals and children; when it comes to unadvisable actions, launching a restaurant in the midst of a global crisis must be up there with the best of them.

Unless that is you are celebrated restaurateur Markus Thesleff who has managed to triumph over adversity on two memorable occasions to date - and is about to make it three in row with his new London venture.

Moreover, times of economic downturn also see a change in consumer habits which can give certain parts of the sector a boost.

“People stop spending on high cost capital goods like cars and houses and instead look for instant gratification. Although they might not go out as often as previously, when they do they tend to spend more in order to make themselves feel better.”

First came his celebrated nightclub collection Pangaea (NYC, Marbella, London) which opened its doors in Manhattan in the autumn of 2001 following the September 11 attacks. In February 2009, the now legendary OKKU made its debut in Dubai just weeks after the collapse of the world’s financial markets.

The opening of Los Mochis will of course bring other more tangible benefits to the economy, such as employing over 45 people.

“We are able to provide a safe, happy and inspirational workplace for our team – and additional revenue for the government in the form of taxes and pension contributions.”

Now as we find ourselves gripped by the worst pandemic in living memory, so Markus is putting the finishing touches to Los Mochis, his unique celebration of Mexican and Japanese cuisine and culture in the heart of Notting Hill.

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In addition his restaurant will provide a meal for the homeless and less fortunate for every one they sell, further compounding a positive effect among the team as well as customers and the wider community.

As if the ravages of COVID-19 were not enough, Los Mochis will be launching just weeks after the Brexit transition period comes to an end, with all the issues that could cause for everything from staff and food shortages to delivery delays. For Markus however, opening a restaurant in the midst of catastrophe presents more opportunities than threats, reasoning that “If you can open in economic winter and still do well, then when you come out on the other side you are set up for success.”

Equally as important for Markus as these practical considerations is the holistic impact restaurants such as Los Mochis will have on the public during these challenging and uncertain times. “For me running a restaurant is something quite spiritual. We are in the business of creating memories and experiences. It is our job to bring joy and happiness to our guests. If we are able to make people a little happier, so they will hopefully go on to share this positivity with everyone they subsequently meet, be it a cab driver, their local newsagent, their colleagues, their boss or even their family.”

Although only too aware of the devastation that the pandemic has wrought on his beloved industry - with up to 50% of restaurants predicted to go to the wall Markus opines that UK hospitality was in trouble long before the pandemic, thanks to crazy rents, confused legacy brands and labour shortages. “Now we have the opportunity to both secure super prime locations at realistic rents, with landlord and tenant much more aligned, and inspire the very best staff.”

Scheduled to open as soon as the lockdown restrictions are lifted, vibrant new all-day restaurant and bar concept Los Mochis is the ultimate pan-Pacific pairing, mixing Mexican spirit with Japanese elegance, Mexican art and design with Japanese coolness and Mexican flavours with Japanese techniques.

These two culinary powerhouses meet in truly inspirational style as the hands-on fun of classic Latin- American dishes, from breakfast and brunch through to supper, are taken to a new level with the clean, fresh flavours of Asia.

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Delivering real tamper evident labels fast with a finger lift feature The importance of tamper evident security labels in providing food security for consumers With the dramatic growth in on-demand food deliveries in the recent pandemic the need for security of your food on the move and building customer confidence is vital to your brand, no matter if you are a local restaurant or a global fast-food giant.

Delivering real tamper evident labels fast with finger lift feature The real tamper evident food labels from Tamper Technologies are designed with an innovative finger lift feature to enable the restaurant employees to remove the labels quickly from the roll and apply them easily to the packaging, without them getting glue on their fingers or labels stuck to each other. Preventing waste and increasing speed of customer service.

Protect your customers, brand and profits Today a lot of us are lucky enough to be able to get food delivered, but this comes

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at a cost, with a lack of transparency and traceability of the security of food deliveries, with 28% of delivery drivers admitting to stealing your food before delivering (US foods, 2019). Additional layers of security are needed not just for those delivering, to act more than just a visual deterrent to stop people contaminating or even taking food out of the deliveries, but also for the end customers, through to peace of mind knowing it hasn’t been tampered with on the way to the delivery.

Size, shape, colour, security features, the choice on the menu is yours

This is where we at Tamper Technologies can help, as tamper evident tape and label specialists, we know how much difference it can make to you and your consumer, to clearly see an extra layer of security on parcels like food or drinks deliveries.

To find out more visit www.tampertech.com or contact Harriet@tampertech.net / 01335 300335

“These labels are a better product for the fast food and restaurant crews to use and offers an improved quality product for the customer to receive. We are seeing a huge growth in this market sector which is very exciting!� explained Harriet Chiles, General Manager at Tamper Technologies.

Tamper Technologies have tried and tested food labels seals in various sizes, on many surfaces, the real deal label finger lift design is smart and easy to use. Delivering instant security on outer packaging for food on the move. Additional branding opportunities on the surface of the label and in the permanent hidden message can deliver additional value for the brands too.

Independent janitorial and cleaning distributor provides services to help the catering sector The catering industry has been fundamentally threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, with tighter restrictions set to stay in place for the foreseeable future. Jangro, the UK and Ireland’s largest network of independent janitorial suppliers, has expanded its comprehensive range of solutions to help businesses in the food industry continue trading throughout (and beyond) these uncertain times. They are able to offer everything the sector needs to adapt their processes and keep trading, from sustainable takeaway packaging, to effective cleaning and hygiene supplies and processes.

re-usedboard, and is recyclable, compostable and fully bio-degradable.

The lids are made from recycled plastics (rPET) and are also recyclable themselves.

During the initial lockdown, many bars and restaurants adapted their offering to include takeaway and delivery options.

With a second lockdown across some parts of the UK and no confirmed end date for tighter restrictions everywhere, catering businesses should review their packaging options. With sustainability, as well as safety, high on the agenda, meals should be provided in environmentally friendly food containers. To help reduce the amount of plastic pollution, Jangro offers a range of sustainable packaging, ideal for hot and cold foods, which is made from

Jangro also recently extended its innovative range of digital wall charts to include the hospitality sector. These cleaning guides include colour coded plans to ensure a safe and hygienic working environment is maintained.

As well as their bespoke copy, the customer automatically receives a full health and safety compliance pack, comprising of relevant safety data sheets, product user guides, and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessments of the products that feature on their chart.

Jangro is also able to help establishments implement effective cleaning and hygiene measures. As well as specialist food packaging, its comprehensive ‘Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies’ catalogue contains a wide range of high quality and effective products and supplies, including Jangro’s Enviro H6 General All Purpose Sanitiser, which has been proven to kill coronavirus.

Jo Gilliard, CEO at Jangro, comments, ‘COVID-19 is one of the most significant threats that the catering industry has ever faced. With mass gatherings banned for now, even when people are able to socialise more freely, it is likely that a coronavirus hangover will remain – that is, a consumer nervousness around the health and hygiene of an establishment. Many will still prefer to order takeout to enjoy in the safety of their own home, whilst others will assess the cleanliness of an establishment before deciding to visit.

She continues, ‘The way that the catering industry has adapted in the face of such challenges this year has been impressive.

Jangro is here to help support these businesses make sustainable choices, and when it comes to cleaning and hygiene, stay compliant and help them to build trust with their customers.’

For more information about Jangro, please visit Jangro.net or call 01204 795 955.

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Technology that can help your business thrive

For any business, choosing the right POS application is an important decision.

While this depends largely on individual business requirements, the solution has to offer the flexibility and reliability to ensure a business runs smoothly now and in the future. The current pandemic has simply brought these issues to the fore and has forced many hospitality businesses to review not only how they operate, but also how to pivot in such a way that the business can thrive in a challenging and at times unpredictable environment.

The wealth of options available in terms of POS technology is extensive. All too often the role of the printer is seen to simply print a receipt but, when used with intuitive software, it can provide a business with a variety of powerful tools. The right hardware can effectively reduce costs with future-proof solutions that enable a business to plan ahead, avoiding unnecessary expense by reducing the need for additional hardware investment as the business develops, not to mention having the technology readily available when required.

Furthermore, the right hardware can add value to a business with unique feature-rich solutions included free of charge with the printer.

One area which has undoubtedly highlighted the role of the printer during the current pandemic is online ordering. While it has certainly enabled many establishments to continue operating during lockdown, online ordering apps / web software can also provide the path to an additional future revenue stream thanks to an enhanced customer database. This offers the potential to attract repeat business via coupons and promotions alongside in-house dining post lockdown.

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One of the most important considerations that any hospitality business has to ensure is accurate customer orders, especially given stricter requirements for food labelling, allergies and customer order exceptions.

With the added increase in orders from multiple channels including restaurant, kiosk / self-service, drive through as well as online collection and delivery, an efficient and accurate ordering process becomes essential.

Printed orders vastly improve order accuracy.

With a growing number of custom orders and order modifications, a printed order that can be sent directly from the POS system or online app to the kitchen, allows all staff members to see the customer’s requirements and effectively cuts down on errors.

Technology such as Star’s CloudPRNT™, available on a range of Star printers, facilitates online ordering by eliminating the need for an additional tablet to send a received online order to the printer. Instead, the ordering service can communicate directly with the printer for online takeaway or collection orders from the restaurant web site. Aware that a large number of hospitality web sites are based on the WordPress platform, Star has developed a free of charge WooCommerce plug-in for simple integration.

Alternatively, if a tablet app is used for online ordering then a Bluetooth, WiFi or LAN printer can be connected to print the order in the kitchen as well as the receipt for pick up. Web and cloud enabled kitchen printers, capable of reliably accepting and queuing orders from multiple devices, become essential in this environment. As venues begin to open again,

social distancing will no doubt remain key with order and pay at table apps or web sites taking on greater importance. These can also communicate directly with the printer for table orders, including those placed via a kiosk or self-ordering terminal.

As well as paper orders, the same connectivity is available for food orders printed on repositionable labels, which can then be removed and easily re-applied during the food preparation process before being attached to the final packaging as a receipt for the customer. The Star TSP654IISK using MAXStick® linerless media can accept orders from traditional POS systems, tablets, phones and also directly from local or remote online ordering platforms. This streamlines the entire process and reduces paper waste, saving valuable time and cost. For takeaway and food vans where a mobile printer is perhaps more suitable, the Star SM-L200 offers the same solution and provides on-the-go receipt printing with Bluetooth Low Energy for simple connectivity to tablets, mobile phones and payment devices.

With hospitality businesses increasingly receiving orders from multiple channels and the consequent higher number of tablets and printers required for different online ordering systems, the need to create a cable free minimalist clutter free environment is essential. The ideal scenario would be a tablet on a countertop providing a clean, sleek vision but all too often this is not practical given the POS setup has to not only look good but also be usable. Star’s mCPrint™ receipt printer lends itself perfectly to a secure tablet solution where the device and peripherals can be reliably connected

to the network while offering the clutter free appearance of a cable-free all-in-one POS system or self-service terminal. With its compact design, front opening, simple paper loading and outstanding functionality, the mC-Print3 features multiple interfaces as well as Cloud connectivity to provide a future-proof, seamless transition from traditional to tablet POS. In any hospitality business ensuring reliable network connectivity can be challenging, especially in a kitchen environment.

Benefitting from Star’s unique SteadyLAN™ technology, the mC-Print3 delivers data, tablet charging and network tethering for iPads as well as USB-C models of Windows and Android devices via a direct Lightning or USB-C cable between the tablet and printer without the need for WiFi. The mC-Print also includes hub functionality with the ability to connect a USB customer display, scanner, RFID device, keypad or other supported HID enabled peripherals directly to the printer for a single integrated system.

In terms of payments, the pandemic has made the transition from cash to card payment even more pronounced. As contactless payments increasingly become the norm, other options such as online payment or even QR code payment are useful additions with customers scanning a digital QR code or a printed QR code on the bottom of the bill and paying directly via their phone.

With fewer customers now paying in cash, a compact solution that offers a smaller cash drawer is a viable alternative. A combined Bluetooth printer and cash drawer solution such as mPOP™ is particularly easy to set up and affordable for small businesses. For larger businesses looking to potentially set up a temporary pop up venue to enable social distancing, it is the ideal solution.

These are just some of the solutions available to reduce costs, remain flexible and offer contactless experiences so that businesses can thrive in what is certainly an unpredictable and challenging operating environment for many.

To find out how Star can help your business, visit: www.Star-EMEA.com or call 01494 471111

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Streamlining processes every step of the way...

Order Apps

Click & Collect

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Order at table

Pay at table

Payment integrations

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Surviving the Covid technology boom Now months into the unprecedented Covid-19 Pandemic, it’s not surprising that the hospitality industry is inundated with new solutions to support the operational challenges of social distancing.

But too much choice is confusing, making the selection process difficult and time consuming, even for the technically competent businesses. Technical innovations are there to help the business thrive, but the wrong choice could deliver more expensive problems than solutions.

Of course, the functional fit will be important to meet the many challenges, such as: mobile and table ordering, track and trace, delivery using multiple channels.

All of these will ensure your business can thrive post lockdown.

But functionality isn’t the only consideration, there are apps appearing all the time to handle these challenges, so what else should be considered?

Is the solution designed for hospitality?

With the emergence of so many solutions in such a short space of time, it is worth investigating the origins of the software.

Where solutions have been adapted to suit new markets, there could be gaps in knowledge of market requirements and integration needs, which could become expensive over time due to support issues and failures.

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Is the solution fully integrated?

You might be somewhat surprised to see such a surge in apps over a short period of time. This is explainable because the app is remote, it handles one operational issue so unlikely to be tested with other operational necessity’s such as your POS system.

Add-on apps are easier to develop which is why they emerge so quickly. They are developed for a very specific need and so are functionally rich, often referred to as ‘best of breed’ solutions. Whilst ‘best of breed’ may deliver rich functionality, it will still need to be integrated to your POS solutions which can cause potential time delay, mapping issues and additional cost.

Systems which are not properly integrated can also cause significant operational problems, re-keying information often results in errors and wasted time trying to identify problems.

How will the solution be supported?

In some cases, your add-on app supplier will claim to have already seamlessly integrated with specific solutions, but this could still cause a support issue.

Systems developed independently of each other can be a support nightmare. With multiple providers it becomes difficult to know where to go for support. Who has responsibility for the systems working as

a whole solution, not only now but in the future as new functionality and features are developed? What happens when the operating system is upgraded but not all the solutions are compatible? What happens when one party changes their app and it no longer communicates with the POS? Are costs savings real or achievable?

Seeking individual solutions to separately handle operational challenges can result in multiple support contracts and significant monthly fees, limiting your ability to operate financially with reduced covers imposed by social distancing.

With multiple contracts and the challenges of integration, savings made at purchase could be lost over time.

What to look out for Choosing systems that will work together and come from an established technology company, will ensure minimal disruption.

Clearly a long-established company with extensive hospitality expertise will be better equipped to address the guidelines and provide the support for the whole system.

Technology companies such as TISSL, have addressed all the new operational requirements as additional modules to their HORIZON POS system. This not only reduces cost but also ensures a high level of support all in one place, because things have been designed to work together.

Keep the infrastructure simple, ensure everything is fully integrated and all works on the same platform. Deploying all functional requirements from one supplier if possible, let the supplier take responsibility for the technology enabling you to keep your staff and customers safe while still providing that culinary experience with seamless service.

TISSL HORIZON EPOS has been developed from the ground up, ensuring simpler ongoing development without the constraints of most older legacy systems. There is no glue holding it together, it all works on one platform. TISSL have always developed their platform using the latest technology so were able to react quickly to the Covid requirements set out by the government.

Mobile and table ordering is provided with an integrated module rather than a separate app.

TISSL’s Consumer Ordering Platform (COP) meets all the government guidelines to reopen safely with social distancing. Customers can link easily to your POS, viewing menus and modifiers, then place and pay for their order all using their own smartphones and from anywhere in the restaurant.

There is even a track and trace system so you can provide the NHS with the required information should there be any problems with a visitor to your premises contracting covid-19.

For more details visit the TISSL website: www.tissl.co.uk or contact 01908 525800.

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KEUCO introduces additional colours and branding options for sanitiser dispenser Cleanliness continues to be of high importance and hand sanitisers are a key priority KEUCO’s sanitiser dispensers go above expectations, bold and bright or subtle chic, suitable for an extensive variety of areas, locations and situations: homes, hotels, supermarkets, shopping malls, offices and airports. These new dispensers meet the highest hygiene requirements, whilst combining functionality with a distinguished design.

Since the middle of 2020 hand sanitiser have become a must for every property. KEUCO’S dispenser has an elegant yet straightforward, linear design, along with superior technical features that have been invisibly integrated in the design. The KEUCO dispensers make a stylish addition in any location where hand sanitisers are required.

Simple to operate: just press the big buzzer to dispense the sanitiser. The storage container is discreetly hidden inside the column and can be easily refilled with a liquid or gel sanitiser of your choice. KEUCO offer an extensive variety of colours and colour-combinations including plain coloured, multi-coloured, black and white or elegant metallic; for multi-site requirements there are bespoke options with specific branding.

There are size options too: the free-standing sanitiser dispenser variant is slim and stable the round head provides an elegant finishing touch whilst ensuring ease of use. The top is simple to remove, just pull upwards and the supply bottle is revealed ready to be refilled. The large base plate ensures stability and catches stray drops of sanitiser during use. A smaller variant is available for table, desk and counter tops or for use in cars, boats or bicycles. A third option that can be attached to wall is also available. www.keuco.co.uk

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Artificial Plants & Trees for Businesses At Just Artificial, we work with interior designers, decorators, set dressers, architects and more to set your premises apart from the rest. Our artificial plants, flowers, and trees are highly realistic to look and touch, as well as being durable and attractive.

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Our master craftsmen construct each bespoke order with painstaking care and attention, to create an exceptionally ‘real’ artificial showpiece, and we offer bespoke solutions to suit the needs of your space, business and tastes.

Who Have We Supplied?

Whether you need simple plants and trees that don’t need tending to or you’re going for a full artificial landscape with turf, hedges and more, we have existing products and the capacity to create custom designs for any need and budget.

We’ve also sold to house builders, zoos, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, theme parks, colleges and schools, cruise ships, theatres... the list goes on! We have tens of thousands of satisfied customers in the UK, in Europe, and across the World.

We’ll offer a no obligation quote to help you plan your projects and we can tailor our service to ‘fir’ your needs.

We can provide offers for procurement managers and corporate buyers on bulk orders and or trade, to help you finalise your design. Our quotes are no obligation - so call us today. We look forward to working with you!

Full Support Whatever your choices, we have the design experience and know-how needed to make you stand out. We can work with your design to make your premises look incredible, whatever the space and whatever the industry. We can even help you develop the design, drawing on years of experience.

Major companies in many industries including ITV, BBC, Channels 4 and 5, Mulberry, Innocent Drinks, Monsoon, Bella Italia, Tescos, Big Brother, The Only Way is Essex, Coronation Street, Dancing on Ice, Park Resorts, Volkswagen, and more.

Call us today on 01524 858888 or email: sales@justartificial.co.uk – Browse our Web Store online for our full stock range and more info on our bespoke solutions on offer. www.justartificial.co.uk

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Industville Light Up the Clean Hearts Café When it came to selecting the lighting for theClean Hearts Café, owner Jay knew Industville’s statement rustic style lighting would fit the bill perfectly.

The Clean Heart’s Café prides itself on being a totally organic food and drink store, as well as a coffee shop. Therefore, when it came to re-furbishing the store, a clean, rustic, natural and inviting look was desired to emphasise the company’s image. Modern fixtures and fittings were combined with homely wicker baskets for shoppers, and when it came to the lighting, Industville’s ribbed glass dome pendants worked perfectly to illuminate the customer dining area.These Brooklyn pendants are made from the highest quality materials and as each one is individually hand finished, they have an authentic vintage yet classic appeal.

For the lighting over the service area, a twist of modern retro style gives a contemporary up-to-date look whilst still giving a nod to vintage charm. Trio’s of Sleek Edison Brass Pendants were paired with Vintage LED Edison Old Filament Amber Bulbs to create an eye-catching yet cool, relaxed vibe.

These filament bulbs not only look great but also utilise eco-friendly, cost-effective LED technology, providing a fantastic alternative to the traditional incandescent bulbs.

Marketa Rypacek comments, “Lighting is a vital aspect of commercial interior design and in this case, it not only sets the ambience for the café, but also plays a practical role in channelling the customers’ focus to the products on display in the store. The correct lighting ensures a positive customer experience with a relaxed, enjoyable browsing and shopping atmosphere. This leads to customers staying in the shop or café for longer and therefore potentially purchasing more.”

The Clean Hearts Cafe has recently reopened it’s doors and is thrilled to be welcoming back customers after a difficult period with the Covid-19 restrictions.

They are also delighted to be taking part in the government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, throughout August.

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Bespoke leather items for restaurants and caterers from Billy Tannery Billy Tannery, which produces luxury leather goods from goat hides, has been delighted to be involved in two new restaurant launches, initially delayed due to Covid-19, which have recently opened their doors in recent weeks to great acclaim.

Billy Tannery is hoping that things will start to improve for the country’s hardhit hospitality trade and that more commissions will follow for bespoke items for the restaurant and catering trade after being approached by Santiago Lastra’s new Mexican restaurant Kol, to produce leather tortilla warmers for its launch.The unique warmers were so well received by the restaurant and its customers, that other restaurateurs have now contacted Billy Tannery to supply innovative items which are designed by the in-house team and then produced at the Billy Tannery workshops in the UK.

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Billy Tannery’s owner Jack Millington said: “We know how hard it has been for the restaurant trade, but things seem to be slowly picking up again and we are being asked to look at more unique collaborations for the catering sector. The Tortilla Warmers have been a real talking point on social media.

The leather is produced from goatskins previously wasted in the food industry. The collection of goat leather goods is made entirely in England and is tanned at the small batch tannery, the first to be built in this country for over 50 years.

“We can produce items to fit with a restaurant’s theme or décor and have them designed and developed in a matter of weeks.

The circle of sustainability is now complete with Billy Tannery’s bark-tanned goat leather sourced from Cabrito Goat Meat which takes its Billy goats from Delamere Dairy. From milk, to meat, to leather.

We’re looking forward to some more really exciting commissions over the coming months.”

For more information contact +44 (0)330 0438293 or email jack@billytannery.co.uk

As well as providing the warmers for the Kol launch, the tannery also produced some stylish leatherware for the launch of Akoko, only the second restaurant in London to celebrate West-African Cuisine.

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Introducing ‘Ready Built’ stone hearth ovens from Beech Ovens Beech Ovens is renowned worldwide for the spectacular finishes applied to their regular range of stone hearth ovens that are available in many different sizes and shapes – round, square, rectangular, Duck tall, custom; Wood-burning, Gas, or combination Wood/ Gas.

stainless steel housing to suit your décor – shown is the handsome REC105E in Black with a stainless steel trim – arrives ready built to slot into your designated space under a suitable regular Extract hood.

Taking things a stage further, Beech has now developed its first ‘Ready Built’ Ovens. These include all the characteristics of regular Beech Stone Hearth Ovens, but for the first time, in addition to gas and wood-burning, they now offer a CE Approved Electric version in the ready built range.

Get cooking whether it’s Gourmet Pizzas, Fritata’s, breakfast items, Casseroles, Chicken wings & breasts, slow cooked Lamb Shanks, Planked Salmon, Oysters Rockefellers, Prawn skewers, Moules Mariniere, Bouillabaisse and many more items – the benefit of ready built models is that installation is quick and easy so you can get cooking your menu straight away.

7 widths of E-Series Ovens are available in 2 depths providing capacity to suit most size operations, plus you can choose a RAL colour finish of your own choice, or plain

For a full brochure with specifications and capacities please call 01895 272236, check out www.equipline.co.uk, or email hello@equipline.co.uk

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Spirits set to shine in 2021 Becky Davies, head of commercial at Ten Locks, shares insights and predictions on the drinks trends we can expect to see during 2021.

Cocktails at home With lockdown measures and regional restrictions set to be in place for much of the early part of 2021 atleast, the popularity of at home mixology and cocktail creation will prevail. Some bars, restaurants and hotels have nailed their offering, and been creative in how they present and deliver at home drinks experiences, which has worked to switch consumers on to the role drinks created by experts can play in their leisure time. We expect this to cement the popularity of cocktails at home in the longer term and beyond the constraints of the pandemic. Luxury, high quality spirits with a story to tell, packaging to entice, and liquids to impress really draw consumers in and add to the reason to buy, whether for a last minute weekend treat at home, or a planned purchase for at home drinking occasions.

Simple serves that can be easily poured, mixed and presented are becoming a ‘go to’ for bartenders, driven by tricky operating conditions during the on-going pandemic.

With this in mind, cocktails that can be prebatched or bottled will feature prominently on menus both in venue and off premise and are here to stay. Larger format bottled cocktails made for sharing are likely to play a sustained role in drinks experimentation in the year ahead as they offer the potential to keep consumers engaged and interested, and increase spend per head.

The challenge to bars and restaurants in the year ahead will be to keep the customer for the duration, and keep them spending, in incredibly tough trading conditions.

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Agave spirits Demand over the past four or five years has shown a shift globally towards spirits brands that represent craft and quality, with both tequila and mezcal a perfect fit to meet this appetite due to the history, heritage and craft intrinsic to both segments. This, along with increased consumer education, is positively influencing tequila and mezcal across the board and we expect both these agave spirits to be big business in the year ahead.

There are clear production, source and taste differences between tequila and mezcal – and there is still work to be done to educate the trade on this. In general, tequila tends to have a smooth, sweet flavour, whereas mezcal is often described as savoury and smoky – meaning they both have their rightful space behind the bar and will appeal to different groups of drinkers.

El Tequileño tequila and Banhez mezcal are doing a great job in ensuring their story is told, and engaging the trade and consumers in the virtues of mezcal and tequila.

brands coming to the fore. The category has an incredible pipeline of innovation which means bartenders really do have their pick of the best. In this category, quality and distinction is key as inevitably, consumers will become wise to the noise and embark on a search for quality.

Premium spirits and high-quality mixers The focus on simpler serves will be good news for premium spirits as quality plays a defining role. Spirits will need to work at a higher level because they aren’t sharing a glass with a multitude of different flavour profiles. Meanwhile, more interesting mixers are coming to the fore as the star of the show.

With the time constraints placed on trading periods operators want to ensure they are increasing the spend per head at every opportunity and those that aim to upsell will benefit. Ensuring customers have the best time including great drinks, will pay itself forwards over the course of the year, and ensure return custom.

El Tequileño tequila is certainly a brand to watch, having come into the UK for the first time via Ten Locks late 2020. Our conversations with bartenders reveal this to be one of the spirit brands they have been trying to get their hands on for some time – especially the Blanco. We see real promise for the brand as operators and bartenders can to tap into increasing appetite for tequila and unlock the potential of a sector that’s really showing momentum.

In summary

We’ve welcomed Banhez Ensemble into the Ten Locks portfolio as the perfect introduction into the mezcal category; it’s a brilliant option for cocktails and expertly positioned to be a popular choice in the UK and grow further interest in mezcal.

Ten Locks launched in 2020 with a range of distinctive global spirits brandsincluding Nusa Caña rum, Applewood Gin, West Cork Irish Whiskey, Salford Rum, Diablesse Rum, Banhez Mezcal and El Tequileño, with new products to be added to the portfolio soon.

Rum The growth in rum has been exponential and will continue to grow in 2021 driven by new expressions, flavour profiles and new

Many spirits brands have been hit by pub closures and lockdown restrictions so at home cocktails is certainly an opportunity for premium spirits. Bars play a key role in getting new products out to consumers in their local areas and by offering something out of the ordinary they can bring excitement and enjoyment to evenings indoors.

All the spirits in the range are available to the hospitality sector now so contactthe Ten Locks team on sales@tenlocks.com to find out more.

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Artelium launches vintage Sparkling Wines New boutique Sussex wine estate celebrates creative makers & growers

balanced by a real precision and energy on the palate. Fresh and elegant citrus flavours impart a sophisticated acidity, with a backbone of minerality that bring the notes together.

Artelium is a new boutique Sussex wine estate with a forward-thinking vision for creative collaboration, championing an ever-evolving collective of makers, growers, artists and sculptors.

A crisp wine, Artelium’s Curators Cuvee 2014 ideally complements the light flavours of dishes such as dover sole in a lemon butter sauce but is also robust enough to stand up against stronger flavours, such as goat’s cheese and beetroot salad or a crumbling aged cheddar.

With the independent spirit of a creative salon, Artelium welcomes both winemakers and artists-in-residence to celebrate their unique crafts.

Artelium grows outstanding grapes in vineyards across the South Downs to create exceptional fine English wines, and launches with two vintage sparkling wines by celebrated winemaker, Dermot Sugrue.

These are available to purchase from the brand’s website or during a tasting tour of the vineyard: - Award-winning Curators Cuvée 2014 (RRP: £32.00), - Makers Rosé 2015 (RRP: £35.00) The wines are made with grapes from a single vineyard and hand harvested. They are aged for over five years and four years respectively, to bring depth and complexity of flavour.

Artelium will follow the launch of their sparkling wines with the release of five still wines, in a creative residency by awardwinning winemaker Owen Elias. Artists’ residencies will be announced in 2021.

Artelium wine is a celebration of contemporary vision, Sussex heritage and the craft of skilful British winemakers. It honours the art and creative process of the growers and the makers, inviting drinkers to take time to appreciate the complex craft in every bottle.

Curators Cuvée 2014 Artelium’s 2014 Cuvée is a careful curation of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier; handpicked from a single vineyard and created by celebrated winemaker Dermot Sugrue.

Crisp and graceful, this traditional method wine has been aged for over 60 months on the lees, bringing depth and maturity. This wine has a beautiful rich character and core,

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Makers Rosé 2015 Artelium’s 2015 Rose is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier; hand-picked from a single vineyard and skilfully made by celebrated winemaker-inresidence Dermot Sugrue.

This traditional method wine has an intense English strawberry colour, is bold yet nuanced with a rich depth of red fruit flavours. The nose is clean, fresh and mineral, with wild strawberries, toast and cherry to the fore. This wine is characterised by its round and creamy mouth-watering acidity on the palate, evoking tart, summer fruits: cranberries, citrus and raspberries.

The 2015 Rose is fresh and bright, pairing beautifully with summer favourites of strawberries and cream. The full-bodied flavours also complement hearty dishes, such as an herb-crusted roast shoulder of lamb.

The Vineyard & Location: Artelium is a 45-acre wine estate in a breathtakingly beautiful Sussex location.

From the vineyard, edged with bluebell woods and planted with wildflowers to allow biodiversity between the vines, guests can enjoy the South Downs vista. The beautiful corn windmills, known locally as ‘Jack and Jill’, can be seen in the distance.

The creative and unconventional vineyard layout boasts a diagonal walk way through the vines to create vistas and views of the Sussex surroundings. It is reflected precisely in the design of the wine bottle with a distinctive slice through the label that makes up one side of the letter ‘A’ in Artelium.

The Sussex terroir, with the rich soil of the South Downs and favourable climate, ensures a long growing season and results in delicious wines that tell the story of their modern locale in every glass.

In addition to Artelium’s headquarters at the vineyard in Streat (Artelium West) planted in 2018 and 2019, there is a larger vineyard in Madehurst (Artelium East), planted in 2020.

The vineyard at Streat is on clay soil, typical of this area of Sussex and the Madehurst vineyard by contrast is on chalk, providing two very different terroirs but both benefitting from the temperate climate that Sussex is known for. The different soils will add complexity to the wines.

The seasonal changes and work on the vineyard form a continual creative process between nature and the art of the winemaker. From careful frost battling and pruning, to bud-break, flowering, fruit set and veraison, before the long-awaited harvest and the start of the vinification process.

The first wines are creative collaborations with longstanding vineyards that share similar values, styles, and varieties, while Artelium waits patiently for the vines to reach maturity. Both wines are proudly vegan friendly.

Curators Cuvée 2014 and Makers Rosé 2015 is available to purchase via the brand’s website (www.artelium.com/shop).

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What will our post-COVID drinking habits be?

Coronavirus has impacted all our lives in ways that no one would have imagined possible this time last year and everyone has had to adapt to a new way of living and with pubs, bars and other venues being closed for most of the pandemic we have all had to change our drinking habits.

Remember what it was like before COVID-19?

Where we could stop off at the local pub for a quick drink after work and catch up with the regulars before heading home. Those office work drinks after a successful week where the whole team get together to celebrate in a fancy bar in the city, the Saturday pub sessions where fans would gather to support their football team or groups of friends going to a restaurant for a bottomless brunch.

The pandemic has stuck a knife in and burst all those glorious occasions, so we had to find new occasions to have a drink for, zoom quiz night anyone? Apart from a brief reprieve in the summer - where restrictions enforced table seating, bookings were a must, and it was a max of 6 per table - we have been drinking at home for a long time now.

How many of you have set up a bar during this period? I’m sure all of us have a friend or family member who has built a bar or summer house in their back garden or renovated an area inside their house, so they have a place to drink away from the kids.

Whether a bar has been built or not, the country has been drinking more, a survey from Public Health England stated that some 23% of adults noticed they were drinking more alcohol since the first lockdown and many used this to help cope with the added stress and boredom the virus created. Sales of supermarket alcohol has soared

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by 50%, as reported in The Independent and with the cost of supermarket alcohol noticeably cheaper than pubs and bars and with a period of economic turmoil likely to follow, how many of us will continue to drink at home as opposed to going out?

At the time of writing the Vaccine is getting rolled out so there is now hope that we are in the final stretch and by the Spring/Summer restrictions will be eased to such an extent that we can venture out to all our favourite places so at least we have the option.

Pubs and bars are going to need the support of people in their local area as they have been hit extremely hard and for those that make it through this period there may still be bleak times ahead. There is no doubt that once restrictions are lifted there will be an initial excitement and providing it is safe to do so we will rush out to have a tipple of our favourite draught beer, wine, or gin.

However, once the novelty wears off and due this substantial period that we have been drinking at home it is possible that drinking at home will become the norm and going out diminishes.

There’s hope that the celebratory atmosphere post COVID-19 will entice people back to the pubs and bars but it’s also possible that the increased home drinking over the past year may be the new normal.

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Feeding families with Simon Wood MasterChef champion Simon Wood helps families in need with the launch of brandnew website housing recipes Last week MasterChef champion, Simon Wood, joined forces with specialist communications agency, Down At The Social, to launch an initiative, #FeedingFamiliesFor30, showcasing what £30 worth of food from a supermarket should look like, compared to the free school meal parcels provided by the government.

As part of the initiative, Simon Wood also created a series of quick and tasty recipes using dried goods and tinned produce, to offer inspiration to families when cooking at home. The recipes have been incredibly well received, especially for those who have seen their income cut due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The accessible nature of the recipes has also led to food banks printing them out and handing them out alongside food parcels.

This week, looking to house the recipes in

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place, the Feeding Families with Simon Wood website has been launched, looking to offer a space where individuals and families can seek inspiration and resources to create quick and easy meals using cupboard essentials.

With the government now returning to the school meal vouchers, families can also access ready made shopping lists which can be used to create a host of Simon’s recipes. #FeedingFamiliesFor30 invites individuals to show what £30 of food really looks like when done properly, buying dried goods, tinned produce and essentials from a supermarket of their choice, taking a picture and using the hashtag, before donating the goods to a local food bank. Inspired by the incredible work of footballer, Marcus Rashford, Down At The Social and Simon Wood want to provide real solutions for real people who want to eat well but on a strict budget.

Simon Wood said: “It’s been incredibly heartwarming to see the reception of me posting these recipes on my social channels, with everyone getting stuck in and recreating them at home. Knowing that food banks are now offering them out alongside food parcels is something I’m really proud of, we just wanted to provide a solution to families and individuals who have limited resources but want to eat well.”

“Launching this website means we can extend the reach and allow more people access to quick and easy recipes using just basic, cost effective ingredients. What Marcus Rashford has started has been incredible and now we must all do our part to ensure that vulnerable children across the country do not go without.”

For more information please visit: feedingfamilieswithsimonwood.co.uk

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End to End The London Apron Collection If there’s one good thing to come out of these crazy times it’s one of The Uniform Studio’s newest additions to its online collection, The London Apron.

Hailing from the desire (and subsequent need thanks to the pandemic) to create a 100% British piece, the apron is not only wholly British but is bone fide London born and bred. East London to be precise.

Produced from beautiful canvases carefully selected from a traditional but established mill, the apron features a selection of natural 100% webbing straps with a leather mix. Sourced from a workshop in the heart of the East End, the leather and all the accompanying trims are native Londoners and proud of it!

With factories based predominantly in London, The Uniform Studio has been able to utilise specific techniques on this apron’s journey, enabling it to enjoy a long and characterful life. However, all good things must come to an end and, once the apron has completed its final shift in the workplace, it can be deconstructed and re used in whichever way its new owner sees fit. Designed to be fully functional for life, the apron will refuse to be put out to pasture, preferring the excitement and anticipation of a new existence elsewhere.

The London Apron is available in a range of colourways and was launched on The Shop at the end of 2020. Competitively priced, it will enhance any place of work with its stunning, premium finish and beautiful design. Its reinforced stitching and mitred edges will allow the apron to hold its form and retain its robust yet relaxed appearance, looking like new every time it’s worn.

The Uniform Studio designer, Lois Hill, comments “This collection was particularly special as we’ve been able to reduce our carbon footprint which is incredibly important to us. Utilising UK suppliers across the board is a step further on the environmental journey and one which we are extremely proud to have taken.

‘I created The London Apron with the wearer in mind; comfort and functionality being at the forefront but style, durability and carbon footprint also key. I was looking forward to launching the whole collection as i think it’ll inject an extra splash of pride to the workplace – we all need something to feel good about at the moment don’t we!’

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Grahame Gardner

Your Hospitality Uniform Experts Grahame Gardner is raising the bar for workwear throughout the hospitality and beauty industries. We use the latest innovations in fabric, design and manufacturing techniques combined with more than 100 years’ experience to meet the workwear needs of hospitality and beauty professionals across the UK. We know it can be tough to find workwear that makes employees feel both confident and comfortable, while also portraying a professional and stylish first impression to your customers. Grahame Gardner prides itself on our ability to capture the personality of your business and ensure that your team looks professional and is a true and positive representation of your business.

We provide modern, sophisticated uniforms that combines practicality, comfort, quality and style in a wide variety of colours, styles and sizes. Whether your employees are representing you front-of-house or creating dishes in your kitchens, they need lightweight, hard-wearing clothing that can withstand multiple washes. Grahame Gardner has a wide range to choose from, and stock everything from tunics for beauticians, tabards, bibs and aprons, to trousers, chefs’ jackets and caps, we’ve got you covered from head to toe.

For some businesses, it’s purely down to looking the part.

They want their brand brought to life through bold graphics and colour to inspire and engage their staff and their customers. For others, breathable fabrics, hard-wearing materials and comfort are the order of the day, either way Grahame Gardner provide it all.

We can also customise your uniforms and workwear through state-of-the-art printing, embroidery and monogramming techniques, and offer a free design service to help you with this. Our other benefits include free UK mainland postage and packaging on all orders over £99, next day delivery,

Made-to-Order options for fully-bespoke workwear, and a live chat web facility to keep you updated at every stage of your order.

Our sister company, GFORCE can also produce state-ofthe-art, bespoke branded corporate leisurewear including polo shirts, hooded tops, waterproof jackets, gilets and tracksuits. GFORCE Corporate is available along with a free design service to ensure we produce garments that truly reflect your corporate identity and brand.

We are also delighted to announce the launch of our Grahame Gardner Advance range, an innovative new collection, that brings together state-of-the art fabric with the latest printing techniques in a UK first. The Advance range utilises cutting-edge dye sublimation technology which allows customers to choose any colour, image or pattern as part of their uniform designs. This is your design, done your way - you can even use your company logo to create bespoke panels and trims, allowing you to create almost any design imaginable.

For more information about our Advance range, please visit our website at www.grahamegardner.co.uk/advance, or contact our sales team on 0116 255 6326. To find out more about any of our product offerings, visit our website or give us a call and we will happily discuss your uniform requirements.

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2021’s hit TV locations to visit once lockdown lifts Spending more time at home than ever, many of us have immersed ourselves in the world of film and TV to allow ourselves a little escape, albeit virtually until we can travel again. If binge-watching your way through lockdown has ignited your wanderlust even more, why not use your on-screen inspiration to plan your next trip once we can safely travel again?

From living like a Bridgerton in Bath to pirouetting through Paris like Lily Collins in Emily in Paris, here are five of the best destinations to visit inspired by 2021’s top screen hits once lockdown lifts.

Live like a Bridgerton at The Gainsborough Bath Spa Debuting on our screens for 2021, Netflix’s new period drama Bridgerton provides some much-needed escapism into the social scene of times gone by whilst we are unable to socialise ourselves. Largely filmed in historic Bath, fans of the show will be pleased to know that the sophistication, grandeur and fairytale scenery of the show can be easily discovered with a visit to The Gainsborough Bath Spa. The hotel’s Georgian splendour offers guests a taste of living like a Bridgerton, with classic British afternoon tea and a prime location, neighbouring the Bath Assembly Rooms and Holburne Museum, where parts of the series was filmed. The Gainsborough Bath Spa has even partnered with The Bath Tour Guide to offer bespoke tours with keen historian and police officer, Adge Secker BEM for a salacious dive into the city’s hidden secrets (even Lady Whistledown would approve). Transport yourself back in time with storybook cobbled streets and splendid regal architecture at every turn.

Almost as steamy as Bridgerton itself, the hotel offers an indulgent spa experience, bathing in Bath’s healing thermal waters.

Nightly rates at The Gainsborough Bath Spa start from £290.00 on a room-only basis.

Derry Girls Tour with Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland 2021 marks the anticipated arrival of season three of hit show Derry Girls, based in and filmed in Derry, Northern Ireland. Fans can walk in the footsteps of Erin, Michelle, or even the wee English fella, at key locations from the series such as the Guildhall and Dennis’s Wee Shop. A special Derry Girls

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Tour offers visitors the chance to see where key scenes took place, walking in the footsteps of a true Derry Girl and hearing about life in Bogside during the troubles from an expert local guide. There will also be the chance to visit Dennis’ Wee Shop where you can chance your luck in asking for a free bonbon or simply have your photo taken at this iconic location. Visit the city’s Pump Street and learn the difference between a cream horn and a cream finger and much more. The tour finishes at the famous Derry Girls Mural where guests can take a selfie and be pledged as a Derry Girl, or boy. The package will also include an afternoon tea where you can drink tea like the Irish (lots of it) at the beautiful Everglades Hotel.

The Be a Derry Girl Package, includes an overnight stay at the Everglades Hotel, Afternoon Tea and cocktail and walking tour from £95 per person sharing. The package is available without the walking tour for £80 per person, while Afternoon Tea alone is £30. For more information see hastingshotels.com Savvy, Chic, Indulgent & Upbeat: Make like Emily in Paris at Fauchon l’Hotel Fauchon l’Hotel is an Emily in Paris / Lily Collins dream - the first hotel for the heritage patisserie brand, housed in a gorgeous Haussman building in the heart of the Madeleine: chic, upbeat and quirky with indulgence running through its veins. With an applauded restaurant - the Grand Cafe Fauchon - interior design that includes flashes of hot pink, black & white geometrics, spiral staircases and Swarovski crystals, with Tesla transfers from Gare du Nord and fancy suites with views of the Eiffel Tower, the hotel is an Instagram dream and magnet to some of Europe’s most elegant fashionistas and influencers. Emily in Paris the frothy series that took thinking travellers by storm - returns to our screens in October 2021. Throw open the shutters, pirouette through the foyer, hang over the wrought iron balconies with Paris at your feet, nibble on a Fauchon savoury baguette or kick up your heels at cocktail hour - Glam Hour at the Fauchon - this boutique luxury hotel is the perfect base from which to make like the show’s eponymous heroine or her band of beautiful, frazzled friends.

Nightly rates at Fauchon L’Hotel Paris start from 400 EUR for a Classic Room (room only). Visit: hotel-fauchon-paris.fr

Jade Mountain, St Lucia: BBC2’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby Jade Mountain is set high on the hills overlooking St Lucia’s Pitons World Heritage Site and comprises 24 openair Infinity Pool Sanctuaries and 5 Sky Jacuzzi Suites – each of which is a carefully designed, individual work of art and architecture. The spectacular sanctuaries have been built without a fourth wall, setting the stage for panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and one of the most arresting sights in the world, the Pitons.

Credit to Jade Mountain’s incredible location and facilities, the resort will feature in the BBC’s upcoming Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby series, airing in February 2021. Designed by architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy, Jade Mountain is a place like no other, with grand sweeping spaces where each Sanctuary’s living area, bed and extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another. Nick expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain: the bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain one of the world’s most mesmerising resorts.

Nightly rates at Jade Mountain start from $1,165 per sanctuary based on double occupancy. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 10% VAT. For more information or to book visit jademountain.com *Prices in pound sterling accurate according to today’s exchange rate.

Staycation like A Royal From The Crown with Oliver’s Travels If the recent release of the fourth season of The Crown on Netflix has got you thinking what it would be like to live like royalty, Oliver’s Travels has a number of British castles in its portfolio that would be sure to live up to Queen Elizabeth II’s standards.

Lothian Castle, Edinburgh The 600-year-old Lothian Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval Scottish fortifications. Steeped in history, it has encountered many key personalities in British history over the years including Mary Queen of Scots and Oliver Cromwell. To book or to find out more information please visit www.oliverstravels.com

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Driving holidays and staycations top the list for Britons’ 2021 holiday plans A Wyndham Rewards Survey Shows UK Travellers’ Choices for the Year Ahead.

A survey by hotel loyalty programme Wyndham Rewards polling over 4,000 members across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Eurasia (EMEA) in November - including a representative sample of over 1,700 UK respondents* - has revealed the type of trips British travellers are planning for 2021 when they can travel again and the factors that feed into those choices. The findings showed that 78 percent of Britons surveyed have already started organising their 2021 trips with staycations, short-haul holidays and road trips topping their holiday plans.

The survey also showed an intention to avoid peak booking periods and that for many, 2021 travel plans are not to their dream destinations.

Dimitris Manikis, President, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, EMEA said, “Our Wyndham Rewards survey reveals that British holidaymakers’ decisions are still very much driven by the current climate.

With an uptick in demand and an eagerness to plan their next trip in the year ahead, quiet holidays away from the crowds, domestic travel, and nearby destinations that can be easily reached by car are expected to continue to define the travel trends.”

Uptick in Demand for Off-Season Travel UK respondents revealed an intention to travel during quieter booking periods with 19 percent expressing that they are most likely to avoid the peak season and only 5 percent wishing to travel during school holidays, implying a desire to avoid crowded places and busy holiday destinations.23 percent of respondents in EMEA also expressed that they intend to avoid the peak season and only 6 percent expressed that they intend to travel during school holidays, reinforcing this trend. 37 percent of UK respondents expressed they are still unsure when to plan a trip in 2021, suggesting current restrictions on travel are making it challenging for many British travellers to pre-plan the timing of their next holiday.

Factors Influencing Travellers’ Choices

Appetite for Road Trips, Staycations and Short-Haul Holidays

The survey revealed the hotel’s cancellation policy (61 percent), location of hotel (55 percent), number of COVID-19 cases in the destination (53 percent) and having to quarantine on return (53 percent) are the most important factors influencing British travellers’ 2021 holiday decisions. 83 percent of respondents also expressed their 2021 travel plans do not align with their dream trip, suggesting that they are putting these factors above the dream trip they have in mind.

Conducted in November 2020, the survey revealed staycations remain at the top of Britons’ 2021 travel plans, with 44 percent of respondents expressing they intend to visit somewhere they have already visited in the UK and 39 percent planning to explore somewhere new in the UK. The survey also revealed demand for short-haul European trips with 31 percent expressing they would like to take a short-haul trip outside of the UK in 2021. Over half of respondents (64 percent) ranked car as their preferred mode of transport, followed by plane (31 percent) and train (8 percent), highlighting that many would prefer to reach their destination by car and avoid air travel for the time being.

The survey was commissioned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ loyalty programme, Wyndham Rewards®. The award-winning programme gives more than 85 million members globally generous points earning and redemption options, including free nights at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across 90 countries around the world, including over 60 hotels in UK and over 400 hotels in Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, from economy accommodations in vibrant cities to relaxing resorts by the beach.

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Rosewood Rome to open in 2023 Hotel will mark the ultra-luxury hospitality brand’s fourth property in Italy and eleventh in Europe

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Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, a global leader in luxury travel and lifestyle experiences, has been appointed by real estate firm Antirion SGR to manage Rosewood Rome, which will open in 2023 in the heart of the capital city. Located in the former headquarters of Italy’s Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) overlooking the iconic Via Veneto, the new hotel will offer premier access to many of the city’s storied attractions, elegant shops and distinct dining destinations.

most elegant streets and a symbol of the celebrated Federico Fellini film, La Dolce Vita, with elegant interiors that blend timeless style with contemporary comforts. In keeping with Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy, Rome’s relaxed ambiance and devotion to dolce far niente, or the art of “doing nothing”, will influence the hotel’s design concept, which will mix traditional architectural elements with modern décor and detailing to create a sophisticated environment for the ultimate life of leisure.

Extending an entire block, Rosewood Rome will encompass three historic buildings, each of which were originally built in the early 1900s. The crown jewel of the project will be the reimagination of the former BNL headquarters, the main unit of the development that was initially designed by renowned Italian architect and urban planner Marcello Piacentini. The property’s transformation will be managed by Colliers International, led by global architecture and engineering firm, Jacobs, and Australian interior design firm, BAR Studio to build upon Piacentini’s legacy and pay homage to the property’s roots as an exemplar of modernist Italian architecture. The design will take influence from the hotel’s location overlooking Via Veneto, one of Rome’s

“Over the last several years, we have been searching for the right opportunities to evolve our European footprint and bring the Rosewood brand to new corners of the continent,” said Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group.

“As one of Italy’s most vibrant cities with an undoubtedly rich legacy and charming character, Rome has long been at the top of the list of priority destinations in which to set the Rosewood flag, and we’re thrilled to be working with our partners at Antirion SGR on this project that will surely set a new standard for luxury lifestyle experiences in Rome.”

Upon completion, Rosewood Rome will offer 157 accommodations, including 44 suites. Home to three dining outlets,

including a contemporary Italian bistro, a lobby bar and café and a rooftop bar with a terrace with sweeping views of the city, the hotel will serve as a luxurious escape for locals and visitors alike.

of eleven projects in Europe including high-profile projects in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Spain and the Netherlands.

For more information, please visit www.rosewoodhotels.com/rome

Additional amenities include a subterrain experience within the bank’s original vault featuring a modern Roman Bathhouse and Sense®, A Rosewood Spa, located on the rooftop which will feature four dedicated treatment rooms and a wellness terrace with a reflecting pool and dynamic fitness centre.

Dedicated event spaces will encompass three meeting rooms and a grand ballroom.

“We are honored to embark on this exciting project with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts,” said Ofer Arbib, CEO of Antirion SGR. “We could not think of more suited partner to create a new worldrenowned destination that celebrates the heritage and rich offerings of Rome while simultaneously extending a sophisticated interpretation of ultra-luxury hospitality.”

Rosewood Rome will be the brand’s fourth Italian property, joining Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany and the upcoming Rosewood Porto Cervo and Rosewood Venice, set to open in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Rosewood’s existing European properties also include Rosewood London and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris. The brand’s strong global pipeline now comprises

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UK self-catering specialist sees staycation bookings soar!

Self-catering specialist holidaycottages.co.uk has seen a marked increase in demand for holidays since the end of last week, suggesting that UK travellers are starting to feel more confident about planning their staycation this year.

Bookings taken by holidaycottages.co.uk since Saturday (16th January) are 85% up compared to the previous week, whilst overall bookings from Easter onwards are currently 37% ahead of where they were at the same point last year.

Marketing Director Matt Brayley comments: “So many of us rediscovered the joys of a staycation last summer and early autumn, which has resulted in a lot of people rebooking for 2021. This, coupled with reservations carried over from our customers who chose to defer their holiday from 2020 to this year, means significantly more properties are already booked from Easter onwards.

“Whilst the normal rush to book since Boxing Day has been quieter this year, with people naturally cautious due to the evolving situation and restrictions, since Saturday we’ve seen an 85% increase in bookings compared to last week as people begin to think about a staycation.

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“It goes without saying that everyone should only travel when it’s safe to do so, and we will be guided by the Government on this, but we’d certainly recommend people start making plans sooner rather than later, to avoid missing out on their first choice properties.”

Current data and customer research from holidaycottages.co.uk also shows: - Devon, Cornwall and Wales are the most popular destinations that people are considering for 2021, with half of all bookings taken since Saturday being for these locations.

- An increase of 214% in bookings from those wishing to take their four-legged friends on a UK break from Easter onwards – a combination of more people planning a staycation this year plus the increase in dog ownership during lockdown.

- 59% of people asked in a recent customer survey (of 3,394 respondents) said they are more likely to consider a UK break once restrictions are lifted; - Whilst 97% said they wish to go on holiday as much as they did previously once the pandemic is over.

Travelling Responsibly The safety of guests, property owners and the local communities they visit remains of paramount importance, once travelling

restrictions are lifted. Holidaycottages. co.uk always encourages its guests to travel responsibly, and has created a Responsible Holidays Charter – including information on acting appropriately within the Government’s coronavirus guidance – which it encourages all its guests to read and act upon.

Booking with Confidence Holidaycottages.co.uk is all too aware that these are uncertain times for customers when considering a holiday and offers a number of flexible options for guests in the event that their holiday needs to be cancelled due to future tier changes and lockdowns.Detailed information about the company’s coronavirus policies, which adhere strictly to Government guidelines and have been developed to be fair both to guests and to property owners, can be found in this helpful FAQs section of its website.

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Coming up next month in our March Issue Features on: Commercial Bathrooms • Commercial Catering Equipment Contract Beds & Bedding • Outdoor Solutions

“As usual we also run monthly editorial features on hotel openings, industry news, advice articles and travel locations” “If you want to send us editorial to be considered for submission then please send any information to carol@warmwelcomemagazine.com - the closing deadline is 17th February.”

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