Warm Welcome Magazine - July Issue

July Issue Moda, where outdoor furniture really means business.

How can hotels become more intelligent?

VitrA launches root bathroom furniture

Pages 16-17

Pages 28-29

Page 40

warmwelcomemagazine.com

Contents 4

Hotels

14

Outdoor Solutions

26

Hospitality Technology

36

Commercial Bathrooms

44

Drinks & Spirits

48

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

Aylott + Van Tromp draw inspiration from the 20s and 30s for a dramatic refresh of the Samuel Ryder Hotel in St. Albans.

International design studio Aylott + Van Tromp have reimagined the interior and created a full branding refresh of the historic Samuel Ryder Hotel in St. Albans, as it changes hands to become part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton the brand’s first hotel in the UK.

donor of golf’s prestigious Ryder Cup, to house the business of his successful seed company. To this day it retains many original features, including leaded light room screens, sweeping staircase and a magnificent mahogany and stained glass dome.

Located in the former home of golf legend Samuel Ryder, the hotel is steeped in local heritage. For Aylott + Van Tromp, it was important to create a new era for the hotel that fostered a deep connection with the brand for its ideal, its character and its story. “From our initial research we discovered there was a pentup demand for a characterful, and individually styled hotel in St Albans,” says co-founder Nathan Aylott. “We felt that the building had so much to give, but its former incarnation just wasn’t living up to its full potential. The narrative was already there, we simply had to create the platform from which to tell the story.”

“We wanted our design to reflect the golden era of the original building,” says fellow cofounder James Van Tromp, “weaving subtle nods to the past with styling that is modern, creative and characterful, designed to bring joy to all that stay here. In its heyday, Ryders’ Seeds supplied millions of seeds across the British Empire, creating vegetables and blooms from St Albans to Sydney. These beautiful botanics are the driver for our scheme, as they literally blossomed from a simple beginning into something amazing just like this hotel!”

The grade II listed landmark building was originally built in 1911 by Samuel Ryder,

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Taking inspiration from the plants that blossomed from Ryder’s seeds, the hotel colour scheme features an abundance of

Hotels

green tones, accentuated by bright pops of colour. “Each area of the hotel takes on its.” own flavour, so to speak,” says Aylott, “which we felt helped build up the emotive side of design Verdant and lush, the material palette harks back to the joyous era of the twenties and thirties, when Ryder’s seed business was at its peak. In each area, a corresponding flora or botanical scent is used to reflect the tones of the room, tying the building even more tightly back to its original roots.

“The present building lent itself well to a deep and enticing scheme,” says Van Tromp. “With a high ceiling and large windows, we felt we could afford to be brave and characterful.

We wanted the styling to be modern and vivacious - yet accessible to both younger and older demographics - honouring the past in ways that doesn’t feel staid and stuffy, but instead celebrates the building’s botanical past without being a slavish recreation of what has gone before.”

Hotels

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Enjoy summer’s hottest events space at Epsom Downs Racecourse Epsom Downs Racecourse, part of The Jockey Club Venues Collection, has launched its brand-new summer events space, the Hyperion Bar, which is perfect for teambuilding and corporate parties.

Located near Epsom’s Parade Ring the Hyperion Bar, which can host up to 250 delegates, will be available for events until 31st August 2022.

The Hyperion Bar benefits from views across the racecourse and is the perfect space for hosting corporate summer events and BBQ’s, team building events and can also be used a breakout space for conferences and post-event drinks.

Organisers can choose from a wide range of catering packages, prepared by awardwinning catering partner Jockey Club Catering, including a fully plant-based menu, BBQ or traditional banqueting. Jockey Club Catering uses seasonal ingredients that are ethically sourced from local suppliers wherever possible to minimise food wastage and ensure a healthy and varied offering.

Vicky Stevens, National Sales Manager C&E – East Region, The Jockey Club Venues Collection said: “Our racecourse is known for its flexible event spaces and unrivalled views of the tranquil Epsom Downs and the Hyperion Bar is a fantastic addition to our current offering. The bar is erected especially for the Epsom Derby each year, and this is the first time we’ve been able to offer this space for hire to the public. We hope that everyone has the chance to enjoy this temporary space.”

The Hyperion Bar is available to hire until 31st August. To find out more information visit: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom/venuehire/spaces-suites/hyperion

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Hotels

Hotels

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The Coniston launches tours of the Yorkshire Dales in partnership with Land Rover The Coniston has been family run for over 50 years - starting out as a local farm shop it has grown to become one of North Yorkshire’s premium destination hotels. The hotel and its 1,400-acre grounds have a range of exceptional facilities, including The Dales Rooms - their newly refurbished bedrooms, the relaxing Nàdarra Spa, three destination restaurants and bars, an exceptional shooting ground, Land Rover Experiences and, from June, a selection of exciting new Land Rover Experience escorted tours – perfect to explore the bounties on offer on the hotel’s doorstep in the Yorkshire Dales.

enjoy at one of the spectacular locations en-route.

Price: From £89.00 Per Person (based on four people) Pies & Pints Tour Perfect for ale aficionados, The Coniston’s new Pies & Pints tour takes guests around the most picturesque countryside pubs in the Yorkshire Dales. The three-hour tour starts with a bottle of local ale and a homemade pie, before taking guests to three of the very best real ale rated pubs for a pit-stop with a pint.

Picnic & Prosecco Tour Guests are invited to sip on a glass of bubbly and soak up the spectacular Yorkshire Dales with The Coniston’s Picnic & Prosecco Tour.

The two-hour tour will be expertly led to show visitors the local landmarks, from the comfort of the hotel’s luxurious Land Rovers, and ends with a freshly prepared picnic to

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Price: From £99.00 Per Person (based on four people) Land Rovers & Love – The Picturesque Proposal Tour For couples planning the perfect proposal, The Coniston offers an experience that

Hotels

couples will never forget! This luxurious Land Rover tour oozes romance, taking in some of the most beautiful villages and vistas, with opportunities to pop the question at Malham Tarn, Gordale Scar or Janet’s Foss waterfall.

To celebrate the happy news, couples will be treated to a freshly prepared picnic and a bottle of Tattinger Champagne to celebrate the happy news.

Price: £349.00 for Two People Taking in the fresh Yorkshire air is part and parcel of the experience at The Coniston.

With a wealth of outdoor activities on offer, guests are encouraged to explore and immerse themselves in its breath-taking landscapes and nature. The Land Rover tours make it just that little bit better!

Rooms at The Coniston start from £139 per night on a bed and breakfast basis. www.theconistonhotel.com

Hoar Cross Hall recreates 1980s staff photo to celebrate 150th birthday Barons Eden owned Hoar Cross Hall Hotel and Spa in Staffordshire has recreated a photograph of its staff taken in 1989, as part of the estate’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The image was originally captured to mark the reopening of the 19th Century country mansion as a day spa and hotel following its purchase by Stephen Joynes MBE. Now, 33 years later, the image has been replicated down to the last detail, including location in the grounds, positioning of the staff and furniture, and even the coloured tablecloths.

As part of the recreation, Steve Joynes, son of Barons Eden founder Stephen Joynes MBE, took centre stage, standing in his father’s footsteps and paying homage to his legacy after he sadly passed away in 2021.

Alongside the recreation, the team at Hoar Cross Hall have also recaptured a range of then and now photographs throughout the estate, including the entrance, long gallery, exterior, library and ballroom, as well as other areas of the hotel.

For anyone looking to learn more about the history of the Hoar Cross Hall estate, visitors to the Hall can take advantage of the history tour which takes place on site every day at 4pm or the full history can be found here: www.baronseden.com/hoar-cross-hall/ history.

Hotels

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Focus Hotels Management Opens Delta Hotels

by Marriott Cheshunt The Delta by Marriott Cheshunt has opened following a multi-million-pound investment carried out by Focus Hotels Management.

The transformation of this popular 140-bedroom Hertfordshire hotel and conference centre has seen a significant refurbishment of bedrooms, meeting rooms and public areas.

Lynn Hood, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Hotels, said: “We are delighted to welcome to our portfolio the Delta Hotel Cheshunt, our first Marriott Hotel which sits nicely alongside our existing estate of Hilton, Accor and independent hotels.

“Our property team has delivered this hotel on time and on budget and given the growing costs and delivery challenges of the supply chain this has been a remarkable achievement.

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Hotels

“The hotel has already seen much interest from the local community; with superfast Broadband and a comfortable lounge, bar and restaurant, we look forward to seeing the hotel thrive as it opens its doors to welcome our local hybrid workers needing a change of scenery from their home office.’’

With easy access to the M25 and rail links to London the Delta Hotels by Marriott Cheshunt is in the perfect position and within easy reach of London as well as Stansted and Luton airports.

Lynn added: “With this hotel now opened the Focus Hotel Management team continue to be ready to help owners deliver greater results in this period of increasing costs and labour shortages.’’

For any enquiries, call the hotel directly on 01992 926700 or email info@ deltamarriottcheshunt.com

Four-legged friends check-in by paw print at the world’s first whole life net zero hotel,room2 Chiswick room2 Chiswick is welcoming furry friends for the pawfect stay at the world’s first whole life net zero hotel. room2 Chiswick recognises the importance of a seamless guest experience so four-legged companions will have their own paw-print check-in, complete with a name card for that added personal touch. Throughout their stay, dogs will receive the same level of impeccable bespoke service as guests, with a personalised welcome card and doggy cupcake, dog bowl, bed and healthy treats in every studio or suite to enjoy.

Located in the heart of leafy Chiswick, the new green retreat offers a relaxed combination of home and hotel whilst encouraging guests and their four-legged friends to embrace a sustainable lifestyle.

The room2 Chiswick team is on hand to advise dogs and their owners on a range

of walks, adventures, and dog-friendly destinations on the doorstep. From Turnham Green and Chiswick Common just a stone’s throw away, to Chiswick House & Gardens and strolls along the River Thames also nearby.

After busy days out, locally designed and sourced interiors inspired by the spirit of Chiswick’s 19th Century arts and crafts heritage welcome guests back. Each of the hometel’s beautifully designed studios and suites offer ample space to relax in, with kitchenettes for owners to cook up their dinner and doggies to dine in as well. Alternatively, guests can head out to one of Chiswick’s many dog-friendly pubs, venues, and eateries such as Megan’s or The Bulls Head pub by the riverside. Those looking for some pooch pampering can even book into pet care centre Dogtown for a wash and fluff or puppy trim.

Hotels

Whether staying for two nights or two months, for leisure or for work, guests and pups of all ages can expect the relaxed and informal room2 experience throughout their stay. Fully equipped kitchenettes, mattress menu and full 24-hour stay, with both check-in and check-out at 2pm, allow guests to personalise their visit and stay more comfortably for longer. room2 Chiswick also offers a laundry room, gym with Peloton equipment, as well as an independently run café specialising in locally sourced organic food, coffee and wine. room2 dog friendly stays require £10 per night supplement, up to a maximum of £50 per stay. One pet per room in a Studio or Suite. Rooms at room2 Chiswick start from £129 per night for two people staying in a snug room. For more information, please visit www.room2.com/chiswick/.

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Hotel Brooklyn, Leicester officially opens 4th July 2022 because hey; why wouldn’t it be on that day?

In a nod to its Brooklyn roots, the brand new and highly-anticipated Hotel Brooklyn, Leicester will officially open its doors on 4th July 2022.

Adjacent to The Mattioli Woods Stadium, the home of the current Premiership Champions, the 191-room hotel is inspired by the New York Borough, with its industrial aesthetic, impressive atrium and exposed brickwork. The property has already been identified as the flatiron thanks to its positioning facing Leicester city centre in an extraordinary location.

Constructed during lockdown with an ambition to deliver outstanding guest experiences for all, including its most obvious audience matchday guests whether they are in Leicester for rugby, cricket or

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football. There will be 191 luxury bedrooms including a number of skyline suites, rooms with hot-tub terraces, executive suites with free-standing baths and dog-friendly rooms, as well as spaces for sophisticated and fun corporate hospitality.

The Brooklyn experience will start from arrival as guests will enter the hotel via the lower ground ‘Subway’ entrance before making their way to the ground level and into the magnificent atrium where they will find themselves transported to a street in Brooklyn. With cheek by jowl accommodation cascading above, the interior is complemented by the natural light streaming in from the five storey glass windows that line the atrium, overlooking the stadium.

Hotels

Regional General Manager for the Brooklyn Brand Paul Bayliss MBE said “It’s a fantastic property; we’ve trailled it already giving it a strong test in all areas on almost 100% occupancy, and it has delivered superbly. When we opened Hotel Brooklyn, Manchester we were not quite sure how our guests and clients would take us as a new design of hotel properties with a genuine ambition to be cool, trendy, functional but accessible to all. With plenty to say for itself but always with guest experience at the core of everything we do. Two and a half years later we know through the feedback we’ve received we hit many of the high notes for guests. As someone who opened that hotel, we’ve learnt and developed our concepts even more and have to say this one is even better’’.

Hotels

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Seat more diners in every season Outdoor dining is one of life’s most treasured pursuits – and a selling point for any bar or restaurant. Here Canopies UK examine how creating a terrace for alfresco dining helps businesses pull in the crowds and differentiate from the competition.

Hospitality venues with outdoor space have the chance to respond to this demand and cater to more customers – ahead of the competition. Venues that invest in their outdoor areas stand to increase margins by accommodating and serving more covers.

Pull in crowds

Time spent eating and drinking with loved ones is even more special and memorable when sat in the fresh air. Whatever the season, if the sun is out, people jump at the chance to sit outdoors and are often happy to pay more.

People seek out an attractive dining terrace in every season. After all, an alfresco coffee or cocktail is as enjoyable on a crisp autumn afternoon as it is in 30-degree heat. Creating an outdoor dining area is an investment in your venue as a destination.

73% want more outdoor seating In a 2022 survey, reservation service Opentable found almost three quarters of those surveyed said they wanted to see more outdoor dining options in the coming years, and 88% want to choose where they are seated.

“The British climate is not best suited to all-year alfresco dining. But that shouldn’t stop us — one thing we learned from 2020 is how inventive hospitality can get with such things.” Opentable

A terrace is a chance to reach new customers and have these customers return to your business specifically for the outdoor dining experience they enjoyed first time around.

your advantage. The term “restaurants with outdoor seating near me” has an average search volume of 8,200 in the UK alone.

Promoting outdoor dining on your website and social profiles enables you to reach more new customers and increase bookings. Not only will you see a spike during hot weather, but you’ll create a strong online presence for your venue in every season.

Increase dwell time Outdoor tables are hard to come by in the sunshine, particularly in busy cities.

Customers are more likely to hold onto a table and spend more when they get it. In fact, Big Hospitality found that 79% of UK diners dwell longer in a restaurant when dining outdoors.

Reach people online Did you know 90% of guests research a restaurant online before dining? (Upserve) While some people may disagree, many of us wouldn’t go to a restaurant or bar without searching it online first. And this can work to

Offering table service outdoors is another way to increase customer spend. Since the pandemic, we have come to expect the ease of table service. Remote ordering is another opportunity to increase orders, particularly outside where people may have to travel further to order.

Images of Malmaison York by Jack Hardy Photography 14

Outdoor Solutions

Flexible shelter Creating an outdoor dining terrace doesn’t have to mean rethinking your whole approach to dining. The best outdoor dining areas are a natural extension of the interior space, giving customers the indoor-outdoor environment associated with holiday destinations.

The main consideration should be what outdoor space you have and how you will make the best of it. Creating outdoor shelter provides the best return on investment, with seats available to diners even in rain showers.

Retractable roof canopies provide a flexible solution for hotels and restaurants.

The roof is retracted in good weather to allow diners to enjoy the sun and covered over in rain or extreme sun to create shelter and shade.

Combined with heating systems, retractable roof canopies allow the venue manager to set the climate of their outdoor dining terrace, amending the temperature and cover as required. These venues can take outdoor bookings all year round.

“Cosy and covered in winter, and the perfect suntrap come summer” Bernadette Gilligan, General Manager of Savage Garden @ Hilton DoubleTree, Tower of London, had this to say about the retractable roof dining canopy installed by Canopies UK at their venue:

Images of Malmaison York by Jack Hardy Photography

“Come rain or shine, guests can enjoy everything from drinks to private events in the space as the retractable canopy – designed and built as bespoke for Savage Garden – means that the terrace can be cosy and covered during winter, and the perfect suntrap come summer.”

Canopies UK turn outdoor space into beautiful dining areas and covered terraces.

With 30 years’ experience designing, manufacturing, and installing outdoor canopies, Canopies UK help hotels and restaurants make the most of disused outdoor areas.

With high profile outdoor canopy installations for hotel groups including Hilton, Malmaison, and Jurys Inn, Canopies UK are a trusted partner to the hospitality industry. An experiential outdoor dining destination requires a versatile and durable shelter. Canopies UK design bespoke canopy systems to enable outdoor dining in every season. www.canopiesuk.co.uk | 01254 777 002 | info@canopiesuk.co.uk

Images of Malmaison York by Jack Hardy Photography

Outdoor Solutions

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Moda, where outdoor furniture really means business.

Unlocking the potential of your outdoor space can be a seriously good business move.

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

Having started out as a family-run company in 2014, Moda has quickly established a reputation for innovative furniture solutions with exceptional customer service.

This has led to a growing demand for their services from an increasingly diverse client base, as a greater variety of commercial sectors have looked to transform their outdoor spaces.

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Outdoor Solutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talk to one of Moda’s Commercial Business Development Managers.

Tel: 033 3363 7015 or email: commercial@modafurnishings.co.uk modafurnishings.co.uk/commercial

It creates a compelling fusion of aesthetics and adaptability.

Outdoor Solutions

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Make use of your outdoor spaces all year with Astreea Does your establishment have unused space outdoors for a good part of the year? Ensure you’re not missing out on seating extra guests or providing a more unique dining experience. At Astreea we understand that providing customers with outdoor seating is a challenging prospect. Well, we have you covered… literally! The Astreea Igloo gives you somewhere warm and dry for customers to eat outside and will entice visitors to choose your venue over others.

Did you know that customers pay a premium for a unique dining experience?

Astreea UK has recently launched the Igloo Plus; this new design goes beyond a semi-permanent structure as the panels are more permanent than other Astreea covers.

Making it perfect for restaurants, pubs, and other establishments to have a more permanent structure in their outdoor areas.

Astreea Igloo Plus has an aluminium metal frame, with a polycarbonate cover and sliding door panel and locking system.

The 360-degree dome allows you an uninterrupted view without having to feel the chill of a late night. Ideal for restaurants, home dining, glamping, outdoor events, or garden igloo. There are so many uses and possibilities for our outside cover from providing protection from the elements for restaurant diners or a garden furniture alternative for your home.

Why investing in an outdoor dining solution is a great idea?

Turn your investment into profit by charging a premium for the Igloo experience – covering your investment costs in no time!

As well as extra seating for your guests, most would lavish the experience and paying extra wouldn’t be a problem but a privilege.

Astreea Igloos are already providing hundreds of venues with increased dining options and footfall, and they can help you to achieve the same.

Visit www.astreeuk.co.uk to find out more or call 0330 2200671 to speak to one of our friendly advisors.

Get Social with the Astreea® Igloo on – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

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Outdoor Solutions

NEW! IGLOO PLUS

Outdoor Dining all year from Summer to Winter Astreea Igloo Plus is an aluminium metal frame, with a polycarbonate cover and sliding door panel and locking system. Ideal for restaurants, home dining, glamping, outdoor events or garden igloo.

To find out more visit: astreeauk.co.uk Astreea UK | info@astreeauk.co.uk | 0330 2200671

Designs for a Cleaner, Safer & More Sustainable Environment At Glasdon, we have over 60 years’ experience in designing, manufacturing and supplying essential products which can improve spaces, enhance site safety and help to support waste management systems and recycling.

Glasdon UK serves over 50,000 customers throughout the whole of the UK. As a company, we are committed to constantly evolving, to meet the specialised demands of our customers.

Glasdon are passionate about the environment and committed to improving our environmental impact. Dedicated to integrating sustainable and ethical practice into our day-to-day activities, Glasdon aim to be an economically, environmentally, and socially responsible member of the local and global community.

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New product development has been a defining element throughout our history.

We are continually enhancing our product range and pave the way in the market by introducing unique products. Working together with our innovative design team, we want to provide real world solutions, tailored to meeting our customers’ needs.

We design our products to have a long service life and wherever possible they are made using recycled and recyclable materials. Researching and implementing new sustainable technologies and manufacturing processes allows us to achieve this. The vast majority of our products are proudly manufactured and assembled in the United Kingdom which helps ensure our carbon footprint is kept to a minimum.

Assisting with implementing practices to help keep areas tidy and litter free, Glasdon have a large selection of indoor and outdoor waste and recycling containers, available in a selection of styles, sizes and colours to suit all requirements.

Create inviting and sustainable outdoor spaces where you need to with seats, benches and picnic tables manufactured from recycled materials. Glasdon Enviropol® material is predominantly produced from post-consumer polyethylene and polypropylene. This means the Enviropol slats on one of our seating products could contain as many as 102,420 recycled bottle caps!

For more information, visit our website www.glasdon.com to view our full product range, or contact our sales team enquiries@glasdon-uk.co.uk sales@glasdon-uk.co.uk

To view the full range of high quality, durable and sustainable products, visit:

www.glasdon.com

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it’s not too late to order in time for the summer rush

-Indigo Awnings Customer, Scarborough

with the sun shining, and the hospitality industry growing, you may be regretting not ordering your awning in time for summer... luckily, we are now quoting an incredible 2-3 week lead time on selected awning models order today to utilise your outdoor areas in time for the summer rush and predicted heatwaves

• zero deposit leasing • expert fitting teams

• personalised branding • optional heating & lighting

• 22 years industry experience

we a le re ad n tim ow e qu on ot se ing le a ct n ed in aw cre ni dib ng le m 2od 3 el wee s! k

• huge range of sizes and colours

B O O K A EFNRQ EE I SAIYT T O D A Y U ISR IET E T OVD 22

www.indigoawnings.co.ukwww.indigoawnings.co.uk / enquiries@indigoawnings.co.uk / 01352 740 164

Summer of teapigs The sun is finally shining, BBQ and picnic season is upon us and teapigs, the UK’s number one premium tea brand, have an amazing range of must stock products to get you in the summer mood – including an exciting new launch! teapigs Iced tea If summer could be boiled down into a can, teapigs reckon this would be it! Using real, whole leaf teas and infusions from their award-winning range, teapigs are proud to launch two delicious iced teas that will be the must stock item for any chiller or fridge.

The tea-based drinks market is huge with the UK RTD tea market currently worth £115m, with expected growth of 20% in 2022*.

With such a great opportunity, teapigs are thrilled to be the only well-known premium tea brand to launch iced teas which will meet consumer demand for both tea-based drinks as well as premium products. There will be two flavours available – black tea with peach & superfruit with berries – and they are ready to order NOW!

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Each flavour is craft brewed in the UK using top quality teapigs tea sourced by trained tea taster & co-founder, Louise Cheadle. teapigs iced teas are sweetened by organic agave so that sweet taste is 100% natural, you won’t find any artificial flavours or sweeteners in those cans! And, what’s more, 5p per can is donated to the teapigs ethical scheme which supports vulnerable young people in Rwanda (where teapigs source much of their tea).

what we think are best tasting iced teas out there!”

“After far too many years of saying “try our teas iced”, we’ve finally done it for you!” says Louise. “Black tea with peach combines juicy peach with our classic black tea base to make the ultimate iced tea in a can while our super fruit with berries is an invigorating mix of hibiscus flower base blended with sweet fruits. Consumers, especially younger, more health-conscious drinks buyers, are looking for alternatives to RTD drinks packed full of sugars but without having to compromise on the taste of a sweet iced tea. By using our award-winning teas and a touch of agave for sweetness, we’re not offering concentrates, syrups and added sugars but have launched

Thanks to lockdowns, lots of us have spent the past year treating ourselves to premium items and splashing out on new products and flavours we’ve previously not tried before. As the hospitality sector reopens, it’s essential your tea offering and grab and go fridges can cater for this. Luckily, teapigs have you covered! One product that’s making serious waves is kombucha – the fermented tea based drink. Available in original, peach & mango and ginger & lemongrass, it’s the new summer essential and you need this in your chiller!

Available at www.teapigs.co.uk from 1st July and for general wholesale order NOW| RRP £1.99 per can (250ml) | 12 month shelf life | 6 & 12 cans per case | recyclable packaging | store ambient, serve chilled teapigs kombucha

“Being in the tea world, kombucha is everywhere, and we couldn’t help but think

there’s always been one thing missing from the hype – the tea! Rather than using syrups, juices of flavourings, we’ve got an award winning range of teas and fruit infusions so why not use those real brewed teas to make a delicious drink? We figured better tea, equals better booch,” says Louise.

“It’s going to be a summer of picnics and BBQs so these handy cans are the perfect drink to take to the park or enjoy at home.

Kombucha is also massively popular with those looking for healthier soft drinks or beverages that can be drunk as a grown up alcohol free alternative – there’s only so much squash you can drink, right?

Kombucha really ticks all the boxes for those drinks occasions throughout the day making it a must stock item.”

Available at www.teapigs.co.uk and for general wholesale order | RRP £1.90 per can (250ml) | 12 month shelf life | 6 & 12 cans per case | recyclable packaging | store ambient, serve chilled teapigs cold brews Specially designed to brew quickly in cold water, teapigs cold brew is a dead simple, all-natural way to pep up your water this summer and make glugging your way through 2 litres a day an absolute breeze; simply pop one in your water bottle or glass and… well, that’s it!

Available in 6 delicious flavours - peach & mango, lychee & rose, cucumber & apple, pink grapefruit, watermelon & hibiscus and blackcurrant & raspberry – this is an ideal range to retail this summer.

“With lots of us still home at the moment – as well as getting through lots of cups of tea - people are trying to keep their water intake up. It can be a struggle to get your 2 litres a day and people quite often want to avoid flavoured or sugary drinks” says Louise Cheadle. “Our cold brew teas are an easy way to make water tastier and more interesting – you just drop a tea temple in your water bottle or glass of water and leave it for as long as you like. I quite often top my bottle up throughout the day with the same tea temple – the taste is still there.

More people are looking for something to pep up their water but want to avoid fizzy or sugary drinks, and these are perfect for that. All-natural flavours, no added sugar and less than 3 calories per 500ml serving… delicious!” teapigs cold brew available NOW | RRP £3.99 - 10 tea temples per box/6 boxes per case.

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Fill your seats with the world’s largest diner network Amplify and manage your business while reaching millions of people around the world and in your neighbourhood.

OpenTable helps your restaurant thrive with its reservation software that goes beyond just bookings.

Let’s help diners discover your restaurant.

“ OpenTable has over 20 years' experienfe of helping restaurants attraft guests and it shows. With effient and helpful team members who know their stuff!

Noel Hunwick Marketing Director & Co-Founder inamo restaurants

Learn more at

restaurant.opentable.co.uk

How can hotels become more intelligent?

We’ve seen how powerful the right data can be to bounceback; ensuring the optimum rates are distributed to maximise bookings and profit, understanding guest demographics and high value customers, and identifying the most profitable booking sources. Beyond this, intelligent insights are helping hotels to capture demand, respond to market changes and adapt services particularly when experiencing staff shortages.

Information not data

By Ryan Haynes, Director, Haynes MarComs - travel and hospitality marketing - technology expert The hospitality industry has been slow to pick up on business intelligence and the optimal use of data, but in a post-Covid world it is more important than ever that hotels use data effectively to predict future trends and make quick, responsive and intelligent business decisions.

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On the Travel Market Life podcast Apo Demirtas, founder of Intelligent Hospitality, spoke about how the hotel industry is, “data rich, information poor”. Demirtas explained how many businesses, including even the biggest, are sitting on mountains of data that they are unable to utilise effectively because of outdated practices.

One of the typical misunderstandings that Demirtas sees throughout the industry is the confusion over big and small data, with businesses obsessing over

Hospitality Technology

‘Big Data’ which is irrelevant to their functioning. “Big data is important when you’re trying to come up with macroeconomic trends,” he said. “But we don’t play in the macroeconomy. Just tell us plain microeconomics. So you need to take a look at the unit-by-unit level activity. So for that reason, I have a favourite – small data over big data.”

Another problem is businesses just wanting software that will automate what they already do with Excel. As Dermitas pointed out, making the best business decisions isn’t just about automating existing processes and analysing historical data, it’s about new insights and robust predictive ability.

Robert Marusi, Chief Commercial Officer for Turtle Bay Resort agreed with Dermitas’, pointing out that, post-Covid, historical data has become somewhat meaningless in terms of its predictive capacity. “We’ve got to make decisions looking into the future and

now more than ever it’s super-important.

The historical data is now not relevant.”

For Marusi, data from 2020 and 2021 will provide little support to his commercial strategies as the travel sector returns to pre pandemic levels.

Targeted data So how can hoteliers turn their mountains of data into useful information? According to Marusi, the first step is to integrate the data from all the disparate systems that hotels use, then segregate and personalise that data so that communications, marketing campaigns etc are targeted at the right customers. “I understand the persona of my hotel. I have to go out and understand the persona of the buyer, so it’s a match, not just throwing thousands of fish hooks out there.”

According to Tanya Stallard, Director of Business Development at SHR, the product itself doesn’t have to be personalised, just theway it is targeted at different customers.

“Netflix is a great example of this,” she said.

“If I watch a TV series and they recommend another one for me to watch, the picture on the icon may be different to, say, my partner but it’s the same TV show.

So it’s all about having that dynamic content that would drive the attention of that particular persona type.”

Marusi indicated some of the software that is enabling the shift in the way data is used by hotels. He talked about the benefits of Salesforce for segregating data and targeting the right customers; of Hotel IQ for intelligent reporting and predictive analysis; and of Opera Cloud for fast, easy access to systems and data at any time and place.

Innovating guest services VIVOOD Landscape Hotel is a set of 35 suites and villas scattered amongst 81,000 sq m of Alicante’s rolling countryside. The size of the resort posed challenges for staff to engage with guests due to reduced in-person engagement moments. SIHOT.PMS provides live data as guests move around the property, to allow the team to tailor their service without waiting for a daily staff briefing or a customer call.

When staff engage with guests at the restaurant or spa, they want to cut through small talk to forge genuine connections. Staff have access to in-depth guest profiles at

Hospitality Technology

their fingertips enhancing its decision making framework. They can see guests’ needs, requirements and sentiments, so they can create a heightened experience by knowing details such as a guest’s preferred cocktail or that they have been on a hike that day and may need a relaxing foot massage in the spa.

“Any employee can easily visualise what is happening in the hotel. We can know at any moment of their stay the level of satisfaction of each guest, and any special needs, so our team can act and interact accordingly. Whether in the restaurant, spa or reception, having the data at their fingertips lets our team build meaningful relationships with our guests” Daniel Mayo, Managing Director.

Navigating the future Perhaps digital transformation has been slower in the hotel industry than other sectors but with a new wave of technologies and innovative start-ups, the transition to intelligent use of data seems now to be well underway.

For more information please visit: www.haynesmarcoms.agency

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Game Wi-Fi Mr Yumchanging makes major acquisition to personalise dining experiences

The pandemic has accelerated our adoption of new technologies.

Without consistent internet and Mobile ordering and payments company suitable Wi-Fi, many hospitality Mr Yum has leading hospitality venues areacquired impacted by loss of Customer Relationship Management revenue.

(CRM) and marketing company Sprout.

Here we catch up with Ben Jones The two London-based companies from Roxy to talk about how will combine, Sprout’s full-time joining they staywith connected with staff Switch Mr Yum to create a global team of more Networks. than 260 employees, who will continue building innovative tools for hospitality Ben Jones Commercial Directorand of entertainment venues the give UK and Roxy - Please caninyou usaround an the world. intro on Roxy.

Mr Yum and Co-founder Teo says Roxy isCEO for social people Kim who the acquisition will accelerate the company’s want to embrace their playful mission of connecting venues with their side, Roxy brings the playground guests meaningful valuable ways. to theinbar, with a and huge variety of games, and massive rock & indie “This deal is anvenues evolutionprovide of a successful tunes.

Their a partnership between our two companies, range of entertainment including with Sprout integrated with Mrbowling, Yum in many pool tables, ping pong, shared locations over pastarcade year, including shuffleboard, minithe golf, Boxpark and Swingers crazy golf venues,” gaming and karaoke. she says.

Tell us about the Roxy experience “We’re thrilled to welcome Sprouthelp into the Mr and how Switch Networks you Yumachieve family. They’ve to this?built a world-class team and technology solution and we’re We want customers to get the most out of visiting our venues and always wanting to come back for

more, that’s why it’s important for our venues to run seamlessly and we invest heavily into our network excited to pour on the fire experience and dream to ensure thefuel customer bigexcellent. with the innovation that’s possible by is Everything from our combining our two offerings.” bookings system, telephones, drink QR codes and tills are networked Teohaving says consumers areinfrastructure eager to have more so a good personalised dining experiences and the is key to delivering a successful acquisition will the development offering.

Weaccelerate always get Switch of sophisticated new products to our enable Networks involved early in build hospitality to operators deliver bespoke process ensuretowe have the service to their customers. and over required infrastructure the years we have used more and “Together, we’ll build things that have never more of their services. been done in hospitality before. Our venue customers screaming outoperations for innovative In a timeare where your ways so to create ongoing, meaningful rely heavily on technology, how relationships withNetworks their guests, helped like being your able to have Switch offer unique to discounts or to let them know their business adapt? favourite item is back on the menu,” she says.

As the world changes and ever “We’retechnology going to makeruns a realon difference in the more internet wayhave peoplerealised experience dining. walk in we the needYou’ll for a the door andcompany the host willwho knowcan your help name, reputable your favourite table to sit at, noir with networking and IT. the Wepinot started you enjoy and that you love years spicy food. using Switch Networks ago just to supply our IP telephone system “Bywe combining our products at an incredibly so could link all our businesses deep our level,head this vision will easily, soon become a with office we now reality.” use them to look after everything Network related from CCTV installs and upgrades to leased lines and secure guest networks.

They have a wealth of knowledge and have helped design a reliable network infrastructure within our Sprout isof the10leading CRM and marketing estate venues. platform for hospitality venues with brands including Nando’s, Shake Shack City centre locations haveand Accor Hotels using the company’s technology notoriously poor internet in thousands of locations across the UK, connections.

How have Switch Australia andhelped the US. you overcome Networks this?

Mr Yum is the global market leader in mobile ordering and payments forisrestaurants, City Centre internet some ofwith offices acrossinternet Australia, the UK andand the US. the worse speeds is The acquisition follows £58M inaccessible whichMrisYum’s unbelievable capital raise in 2021. considering how much it has progressed over the years. Switch Sprout helped co-founder Marcus this says by have usAndy manage combining the two companies will our drive sourcing leased lines in all the creation of aproject global best-in-class growth venues and managed platform for hospitality and entertainment from ordering through to install of venues. the lines, they have even helped some of our neighbouring bars “Together be able to rapidly solutions that wewe’ll have shared ourscale lines to provide venues with deeper and more with.

Switch also recommended seamless insights into customers,in which 4G back-ups in their all venues case will enable them to provide and more our primary line lostsuperior connection meaningful which is hospitality a greatexperiences,” comfort he says. considering how much we rely on “Integrating our powerful and intuitive CRM the internet. into Mr Yum’s industry-leading platform will helpfind create elegant, one-to-one To out moredata-driven about Switch conversationsplease betweenvisit: venues and their guests Networks for the first time. We are incredibly excited www.switch-networks.co.uk/ or call about what917000 the future holds for the company.” on 01653 Mr Yum has grown from 12 to more than 260 full-time staff in the past 24 months, with teams in London, Sydney, Brisbane and the Melbourne headquarters.

Mr Yum has 15 million users and more than 1500 venues on the platform globally. www.mryum.com

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Hospitality Technology

REFRESHINGLY GOOD WI-FI Designed for the hospitality sector Call us on 01653 917000 or Email us at info@switch-networks.co.uk www.switch-networks.co.uk 21

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Paper delivers sustainable and hygienic brand enhancement From restaurants and pubs, to cafés and takeaways, printed disposable paper products have an important role to play.

Sustainable and hygienic, they can convey positive messages, communicate a venue’s brand values via print, and maintain consumer confidence.

We talk to Celebration Packaging Managing Director Nick Burton.

“The pandemic heightened awareness around hygiene and safety and as a result, we have seen a resurgence in the popularity of paper products and individually wrapped items. Printed paper products deliver immediate and visible hygiene benefits.

“When pubs and bars reopened after lockdown, our printable hygienic white card glass covers, and single-use paper cutlery sleeves became extremely important, reassuring customers that they were using clean, uncontaminated glasses and cutlery.

This focus on the benefits of disposable paper items takes Celebration full-circle to the start of the business in 1983 when our first products were personalised tissue coasters.”

Celebration Packaging also supplies many different types of hygienic paper table-top items such as place mats and tray liners, and recently invested in new flow-wrapping machinery to hygienically and individually wrap its award-winning FSC® EnviroWare® paper cutlery, and Vegetarian Society approved FSC® paper straws.

Enhancing brands and communicating sustainability credentials “Printed paper products are a perfect – and relatively low-cost way – to enhance branding and deliver important messages in an obviously sustainable way,” says Nick Burton. “From tray liners, place mats and paper cutlery pouches to drinks coasters, glass covers, and napkins, branded paper products create visual continuity across all service occasions.

“With 4-colour or spot-colour printing and finishing techniques from tactile and subtle debossing to luxurious metallic foil, branded paper products deliver an upmarket feel and can help to build brands.

“Another clear benefit is that consumers immediately recognise paper as being a sustainable material, and that helps to reinforce a venue’s environmental 34

sustainability credentials. We have always said that foodservice operators should involve their customers in their sustainability story, telling them about the packaging choices they have made. This will help consumers to understand their role in ensuring a responsible ‘end of life’ for the food packaging from foodservice establishments and help to improve their environmental sustainability credentials.”

Making the correct material choices As a packaging supplier to the foodservice and takeaway industries, Celebration Packaging has always been material-neutral, believing that both paper and plastic solutions have their place – alongside the well-established EnviroWare® range of disposables which are made from natural, renewable and sustainable resources.

Ideally, EnviroWare® packaging – made from natural materials such as paper, PLA cornstarch, bagasse non-wood fibres, wood

and palm leaves – should be commercially composted. If this end-of-life option isn’t viable and the packaging does end up in landfill, it still has a lower environmental impact and carbon footprint in comparison to traditional oil-based plastics.

“While plastic has been somewhat demonised in recent years, it is often the best solution for protecting food and extending shelf-life, therefore helping to reduce food waste. We offer a consultative approach to ensure that operators choose the most appropriate packaging for their offering, taking every aspect into account, from food safety, practicality and presentation, through to end-of-life.

“I’ve said many times that disposable food packaging is key to ensuring the operational efficiency of takeaways,” concludes Nick Burton. “Indeed, safe, secure and hygienic food packaging played a key role throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so for many months to come.”

Kinedo shower cubicles for commercial bathrooms All guest accommodation absolutely must have a top-notch bathroom. A growing number of accommodation providers – hotels, guest houses, boutique establishments, and glamping pods – choose Kinedo shower cubicles to ensure that their guests’ showering experience is memorable for all the right reasons.

During any refurbishment, the main considerations are cost, disruption to guests, the longevity of the new solution and its suitability for all ages and physical abilities.

Accommodation providers need to carefully consider the choice of product.

Some Kinedo shower cubicle models can be up and running in less than a day with minimum disruption to bathroom and guests, as there’s no need for tiling, grout or silicone, and for refurbishment projects there are models that simply slot into the place where the old bath was. And a real plus, is that many shower cubicles are inclusively designed, which means they are safe and

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easy for everyone to use with certain models featuring grab rails, seats and thermostatic showers catering for less mobile individuals.

of the joists used for the bathroom walls.

Rectification can be a costly issue in these cases.

Today’s contemporary shower cubicles not only look good, but they are highly durable and need minimal maintenance. With no grout to discolour or unsightly silicone to maintain, the cubicles remain pristine looking for years.

Models that feature Kinedo’s Cristal Plus on the glass panels are popular because they eliminate the issue of limescale build-up and water marks and are easy to keep clean and tidy.

Kinedo shower cubicles feature internal panels that can’t crack and therefore won’t allow water to pass into the sub-structure.

The panels are slotted over the upstand of the shower tray – supplied in the package – which ensures water falls inside the shower area and out through the plug hole. For ease of specification some models are supplied complete with shower and valve, whilst other models can be selected without so that the customer can use a product of their own choice.

Kinedo shower cubicles also tick the box for being compatible with timber frame buildings. Timber changes naturally over time and can shift and warp causing movement to the building including the bathrooms. Traditional shower enclosures with tiles, grout and silicone gel are more prone to cracking when wood warps which can result in the shower losing its water tightness and leaks occurring. When water finds its way into a timber frame it can rot; jeopardising the structural integrity

Commercial Bathrooms

Kinedo shower cubicles are easy and quick to install and can be used on the same day of installation. Installers of shower cubicles report that they are quick and easy to install, especially after receiving an on-site training session. Choose units that are watertight without the need for any silicone and can be operational on the same day, which is a real help for everyone.

Commercial Bathrooms

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Keeping bathrooms germ-free Daniel Took, Head of Professional Product Marketing at Kärcher UK highlights the importance of using efficient solutions to eliminate the buildup of germs in commercial bathrooms.

When guests and visitors make use of bathroom facilities, it can greatly shape their impression of the establishment they are visiting and its overall cleanliness. Regular maintenance is key to prevent the buildup of unwanted pathogens, bacteria, and any spillages that may occur. With few cleaning hours in the day, and high customer expectations, understanding the correct methods to apply to tackle dirt is a must. From adjusting traditional cleaning methods to boost efficiency, to utilising the latest developments in battery powered technologies, tackling unwanted germs and diseases needn’t be an onerous, time-consuming job.

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Adjusting Traditional Cleaning Methods Traditional cleaning by hand is often required in bathroom spaces due to the nature of the surfaces and it is important to avoid cross-contamination of germs from different areas of the bathroom. To avoid this, using a system of different coloured cloths can prevent germs being passed between surfaces, ensuring a clean and hygienic bathroom for all users.

Colour-coordinating sponges and cloths enables cleaners to swiftly move from one surface to another without the risk of transferring unwanted particles. For instance, using a red sponge when cleaning toilets helps prevent the risk of faecal matter being transferred to otherareas of the washroom, if for instance a blue sponge is always used to clean benches.

Commercial Bathrooms

Kärcher recommends using red for sanitary areas, yellow for washbasins and hand cleaning areas, blue for general surfaces, and green for food safe areas.

Using Cleaning Agents Using the correct cleaning agent is essential when cleaning bathrooms as different surface materials will react in contrasting ways depending on the agent that is used.

For example, using acid-based cleaning agents on benches and coat racks could damage the surfaces which could result in injuries to the user.

When using a cleaning agent to reduce time required to clean, always check the label and ensure it is being used on the right surface in the correct procedure and always rinse the surface with cold water after cleaning.

For general guidance, all-purpose or alcohol-based cleaners are best used on toilet lids and seats, whilst alkaline agents should be used for benches and coat racks, and limescale-dissolving agents containing citric acid and/or amidosulphuric acid for taps, showerheads, and mixing valves.

With different agents for different areas of the bathroom, using different coloured sponges will help prevent any unwanted chemical reactions caused by the mixing of different cleaning agents. Additionally, it will help prevent the transfer of cleaning agents from one area to another which could result in damage to the surface material.

Battery powered floor cleaning Bathroom flooring can often be subject to spills and urine which needs to be cleaned in an efficient manner to maintain cleanliness.

Traditional mop and bucket cleaning uses vast amounts of water and can be time consuming as the water needs to be refreshed regularly.

Using new battery powered products, such

as the BR 30/1 C Bp Pack scrubber drier from Kärcher, is ideal for the swift cleaning of bathroom flooring. Its microfibre roller works to whisk away dirt and unwanted residue with up to 60% quicker drying times, helping to reduce the risk of slips and trips for users within the bathroom. As the BR 30/1 C Bp is battery powered, it produces low levels of noise and it does not require a power source, enabling spills to be swiftly cleaned up without having to close off the facilities.

To help prevent the build-up of fungal spores and unwanted pathogens, the use of cleaning agents alongside the BR 30/1 C Bp is key to ensure user safety. The Disinfectant Cleaner RM 732 is ideal for bathroom facilities as it eliminates bacteria without leaving any lasting odours.

Efficient disinfection Once bathrooms have been cleaned using sponges and cleaning agents, it is important to apply disinfectant to ensure surfaces are safe for users. Handheld battery powered machines help to make this process more efficient as they can reach small nooks and

Commercial Bathrooms

crannies that cannot be reached by hand.

Ideal for bathroom use is the Kärcher’s ES 1/7 Bp spray mister. The ES 1/7 Bp works to ensure an even application of disinfectant throughout the facility to ensure an efficient and effective clean. When used alongside the specially designed RM 735, unwanted bacteria can be eliminated in a swift manner.

Working to boost efficiency when cleaning bathroom facilities is a must to protect the overall impression of the facility and ensure guests and visitors have an optimal experience.

Specialist cleaning and the removal of unwanted pathogens and bacteria is crucial to safeguarding user safety in an effective manner.

Important notes: sanitary cleaners must be used as directed and in accordance with accident prevention guidelines. This means wearing protective gloves and eye protection if necessary. Never mix cleaning agents, pay attention to the prescribed dosage, do not use warm or very hot water and rinse well with clear water. Detergent should be added to water rather than the other way around.

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VitrA launches root bathroom furniture Three distinct styles (Flat, Groove and Classic), seventeen choices of colour, and three vanity basins make Root, a new highly versatile bathroom range from VitrA, a winning choice for all bathrooms.

The new Root collection offers a wide range of product sizes and styles in mix and match colour and wood unit combinations with complementing handle styles, along with Root brassware and the choice of three washbasins to suit.

Root brassware and furniture combine to create one of the market’s most flexible and customisable bathroom collections.

The complete range comprises three key furniture designs: flat, groove and classic. Flat – a simple style for those with a minimalist taste; Groove – a contemporary option with a panelled style; and Classic – a modern take on shaker design. The furniture joins the recently launched brassware collections Root Round and Root Square, available in five colours (chrome, brushed

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nickel, copper, matt black and gold) across the array of basin, bath, and shower mixers.

“We believe that Root will be an enormous success in the UK market. Created to respond to consumer needs specifically, Root enables consumers to customise any bathroom space easily,” says VitrA’s Marketing Manager for the UK and Europe, Margaret Talbot. “The vast colour and size options provide consumers with the choice and flexibility they need.”

A handy A5 brochure is available online and in print to support the Root launch.

VitrA Root Brochure Root Choices The Root furniture units are available in seventeen assorted colours with three types of finish – gloss, matt, or wood. Colours include white, anthracite, Sahara beige, pearl grey, dark blue, fjord green, etc. The wood options include walnut and natural oak

Commercial Bathrooms

finishes. Handle options include matt black, chrome and matt white, with two distinct styles to suit the different furniture designs.

Straight-forward design, soft lines and smooth surfaces keep cabinet surfaces dirtfree and easy to clean. The Root furniture units are paired with VitrA’s popular Zentrum, Integra and new Integra Classic washbasins to cover every design requirement.

Design It Yourself!

To help consumers and designers in their bathroom design journey, VitrA has developed the Root Configurator. This online tool allows users to experiment with the various styles, colour finishes and sizes to find the perfect bathroom design. In addition to the washbasin units, the tool also includes the taps and additional storage units available to enable users to design their whole bathroom space. The Root Configurator can be accessed here VitrA Root Configurator.

Over half of Brits won’t return to a hospitality venue with dirty bathrooms A survey commissioned by Airdri, makers of the new, ultra-hygienic, first of its kind, hybrid hand-dryer-sanitiser called PureDri, found more than half (52%) of respondents wouldn’t return to a venue if faced with a dirty bathroom.

Of the types of hospitality venues mentioned, bars, by far, fared the worst, the survey highlighting that 37% of bar visitors had experienced this issue. This was followed by 27% in a nightclub, and a quarter in a restaurant. Music/gig venues and hotels came out on top with just 21% of those interviewed falling foul of a mucky loo in either type of establishment.

The survey also revealed that for those attempting to appeal to millennials, Generation X or the cash-rich Baby Boomers, it’s even more important to keep on top of the bathroom cleaning schedule.

Airdri found that as the age groups rose, so did the percentage of people who were bothered by poor restroom hygiene. Only 15% of the over 35s, 8% of over 45s and 9% of over 55s would go back to a venue after a gross encounter with a grubby toilet.

Geographically, the Scots and those based in the North East are the most particular about bathroom cleanliness. After chancing upon grime and mess in the lavatory, some 59% of people in each region would be put off returning to the venue. Read the full survey results here: https://airdri.com/blog/the-dirty-truthabout-britains-public-bathrooms/ Speaking of the research results, Steve Whittall, Chief Operating Officer for Airdri said: “If you want to improve your bottom line, then it’s clear that a clean bathroom is essential. Yet it appears that within the hospitality industry, there is work to do in improving hygiene standards in the washrooms. The results were perhaps surprising given the increased levels of cleaning we saw during the pandemic. And the open questions on what people had discovered in the UK’s public bathrooms made for some eye-watering reading.

“Where alcohol is involved it’s often more common for ‘accidents’ to happen, leaving the toilets in a less than desirable state, so you’d expect bars and nightclubs to have the dirtiest restrooms, but visitors to a quarter of

Commercial Bathrooms

restaurants had also fallen foul of bathrooms so dirty that they wouldn’t return. That’s certainly something that would put me off my dinner!

“We know that word of mouth is hugely important for those in the hospitality sector and when asked what they would do if they encountered a dirty bathroom, our researched revealed that most potential customers would ‘warn friends and family not to visit’. So, it’s clear that if they want to attract and retain more loyal customers, hospitality venues need to clean up their act, starting with the toilets.”

To help regain public confidence and reduce the spread of infectious disease, engineers at Airdri have developed the concept of the first-to-market, PureDri hand dryer unit which combines a powerful hand dryer with best-inclass air and surface sanitising technology.

The PureDri provides a unique triple action defence against the spread of bacteria, mould, viruses, and odours in washrooms – it reduces risk at every stage, as well as resulting in a cleaner, fresher, and more sustainable washroom environment. www.airdri.com/puredri/

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Hoshizaki add latest Cubelet model to the mix Ice machine experts Hoshizaki are excited to reveal the latest ice machine model within their completely Hydrocarbon portfolio: the CM-50KE-HC.

combines the characteristics of nugget and cube ice is born.”

Capable of producing up to 55kg of high-quality cubelet ice in 24 hours, this self-contained ice maker is particularly ideal for restaurants and bars that are looking for perfect dilution of spirited drinks such as mojitos and tiki cocktails. This is thanks to the dry and hard components of this ice type which Simon Frost, Director UK & Ireland, Hoshizaki UK explains:

Also designed with hygiene in mind, the CM-50KE-HC benefits from Hoshizaki’s automated water circuit rinse cycle which maintains the highest sanitary conditions and ensures that harmful mineral residues do not damage the ice making system.

Further peace of mind comes from the closed water circuit, which provides maximum protection against any type of contamination during the entire ice production process.

“Hoshizaki cubelet ice acts as an ideal cooling agent due its high water-to-ice-ratio giving optimal dilution. This achieved thanks to a combination of pioneering ice technology and unique machine design with extruding head which provides high compression. In such conditions, a hard and dry ice type which

An easy-to-clean high-grade stainless-steel exterior takes simple maintenance yet another step further, whilst a unique internal carbon graphite bushing allows this machine to work entirely without grease. The absence of moving parts prevents wear and tear, while the water-lubricated bearings protect the system

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from unpleasant calcification and bacterial contamination. In addition, the new CM50KE-HC cubelet maker features Hoshizaki’s worktime-based replacement system, which can be monitored with an intuitive control display for preventive maintenance.

As with all ice machine models within Hoshizaki’s UK current portfolio, the CM50KE-HC is a hydrocarbon machine which uses the natural gas R290 as a cooling agent due to its minimal ozone depletion potential.

With outside dimensions of 498 x 570 x 697mm (W x D x H), the undercounter CM50KE-HC perfectly fits into small spaces and has the lowest height in the market.

For more information on the new CM-50KEHC or other ice machines in Hoshizaki UK’s portfolio, please visit www.hoshizaki-snowflake.com

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Nusa Caña unleashes limited edition Batavia Arrack ‘Godfather’ on UK on-trade The new expression joins Nusa Caña Spiced Rum and Nusa Caña Tropical Island Rum Nusa Caña is launching a small parcel of its coveted ‘Godfather’ expression to the UK drinks sector this month. A truly rare, premium Batavia Arrack at 60 per cent abv, Godfather is crafted exclusively for the ontrade as a celebration of Batavia Arrack and pays tribute to the often-overlooked role Indonesia played in the history of rum.

Nusa Caña’s mission is to bring back the forgotten story of Indonesian rum.

‘Godfather’ takes its name from Batavia Arrack’s moniker as ‘the godfather to the rum world’ – an ancient rum style that pre-dates its Caribbean cousins and is considered the ‘world’s first International Luxury Spirit’.

With a lightly-honeyed, amber appearance from teak wood, and a pungent aroma from the arrack, Godfather packs a punch with an elegant balance and a long, spiced finish. A blend of 100 per cent pot still Batavia Arrack, it’s aged for 24 month and bold in flavour, featuring subtle hints of tropical fruits, cane, molasses funk and sweet spices, allowing it to stand up to its 60 percent abv.

This powerful and exotic tropical spirit selling over five million bottles at its peak in 1862, was found in the best taverns, bars, galleys and bordellos across Europe and the New World, enjoyed in the finest punches, cocktails and high-end drinks of their time.

For modern times, Jeveons says Godfather is best enjoyed “on the rocks or in a highball with a citrus twist and dry spice, in a daiquiri or arrack punch”.

Becky Davies from Ten Locks says: “We are delighted to be able to bring a true authentic Batavian Arrack to the UK on-trade to really showcase where Nusa Caña comes from and the history of Indonesian rum, its different production techniques and in turn, its different profile. This exclusive expression is available to bars and hospitality venues interested in broadening the education of bartenders in development and knowledge of the rum category and history of rum –

Co-founder of Nusa Caña, Sam Jeveons, says: “Godfather is a luxurious and rare expression which showcases the origins of, and variety of styles within, today’s rum category. Sitting shoulder to shoulder with our existing rums - Nusa Caña Spiced Rum and Nusa Caña Tropical Island Rum - it’s special because it expresses our heartland and what drives us forward – the reigniting the forgotten role Indonesia played in the history of rum.

“This is a rum worthy of its spirits heritage.

We know it will be recognised by those who embrace authentic rum and can appreciate its unique proposition. For this small parcel, our eyes are firmly on those that will realise its value; our friends across the on-trade .”

To create Batavia Arrack, Javanese sugar cane molasses (from the saccharum robustum cane) and crushed red rice are slowly fermented with local water. The resulting liquid is distilled twice in antique steel pot stills and aged in large teak wood barrels in the tropical growing regions of Western and Central Java, Indonesia, before being shipped to Europe for blending and bottling, following 350 years of tradition.

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Drinks & Spirits

which will remind consumers post-lockdown that the bar is a place for great cocktails and out of the ordinary drinks. This is a one-off, produced to help spread the message of the way in which Nusa Caña rum originated.

It delivers value and prestige to the ontrade alongside the core Nusa Caña range, at a time when consumers are seeking heightened experiences and are more discerning about rum than ever before.

We encourage bar owners, operators, drinks developers and bartenders to open themselves up to Indonesian rum.”

Godfather 70cl bottles at 60 per cent abv are available to the on-trade now. To find out more about Godfather, and the Nusa Cana core range, contact Ten Locks www.ten-locks.com Find out more about Nusa Caña at www.nusacana.com

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BuzzBallz bounce into UK hospitality sector America’s biggest selling single-serve premixed cocktails head to Britain with six varieties available to UK pubs, bars and restaurants from June.

BuzzBallz are a smash hit in the USA and on target to sell 100 million balls this year.

Now these unique, premium, bar-strength cocktails are available to pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK. Eye-catching and fun, BuzzBallz are perfect for informal drinks, sharing buckets, events and themed parties.

Six SKUs will launch into the UK market via exclusive distributor, Hammonds of Knutsford – Choc Tease, Tequila ‘Rita, Strawberry ‘Rita, Lotta Colada, Chili Mango and Espresso Martini. All 200ml balls are 13.5 per cent ABV with an RRP of £3.50 each.

Made with premium spirits, and bursting with real fruit juice, natural flavours and ingredients, BuzzBallz single-serve cocktails are crafted to a high standard. They are convenient, portable and playful, with the round shape bringing something unique and innovative to drinking occasions.

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BuzzBallz are regularly featured on US social media and the expectation is they will prove similarly popular with British users.

The UK launch strategy is to target 25 to 40 year olds, living in urban areas, who enjoy socialising with friends in bars, at the pub, and attending events, festivals and parties indoors or outdoors.

contemporary cocktails with speed and ease.

And as festivals and events are back on this summer, Buzzballz is breathing new life into the RTD category – and Brits are ready for it.

For the launch we have selected the four bestselling US flavours, plus two new variants: spicy Chili Mango and on-trend Espresso Martini”.

BuzzBallz is proudly woman-owned, with founder Merrilee Kick creating BuzzBallz at her kitchen table over 12 years ago. She says: “We’ve created a real buzz in the USA and we know there’s a huge appetite in the UK for fun, convenient ready-to-drink cocktails that pack a punch. The RTD market is a fast-growing category, yet it is crying out for more innovation and excitement. We believe that BuzzBallz can deliver this”.

Pre-mixed cocktails and long drinks are expected to increase share of the RTD market from 25 per cent in 2014 to 60 per cent in 2024, so BuzzBallz presents a significant opportunity to the UK drinks sector, especially when consumers are looking for new and unusual options in the chiller.

Tim Dunlop, Brand Director at Hammonds, adds: “As the on-trade gears up for the summer, consumers are seeking out exciting new experiences in a big way, and the colourful BuzzBallz range provides a fantastic solution. They are fun, different and can be served chilled in the container or poured over ice and garnished, making them highly versatile for venues looking to serve

Drinks & Spirits

BuzzBallz, which are fully recyclable and use 15% recycled plastic in their construction, are available now to pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, events and festivals.

Extensive branded POS materials will be available to support the UK launch including counter and chiller racks, free standing display units and eye-catching signage to add appeal and create a buzz in-venue. www.buzzballz.com

Liberation Cocktails rapidly expands portfolio with three new SKUs Liberation Cocktails, the mixologist grade, bar-strength, ready to drink cocktail brand, is rapidly expanding its portfolio with three new products in a variety of formats including keg, bottle and can, suitable for the on- and offtrade.

The new additions include the Spiced Margarita; made with El Sueno Tequila Blanco, agave nectar, Brazilian lime juice and a chilli twist; the Mojito using oak-aged white rum, Brazilian lime juice, natural mint and soda; and the 0.0% Chilli Rhubarb Spritz with English pressed rhubarb, Brazilian lime juice, chilli and Indian tonic.

Available on-tap for high volume venues via 20L kegs a well as in 75cl and 200ml cans for both on and off-trade, mini-bars, events and festivals, each variety has been crafted by top mixologists using only the best craft distillery spirits and quality ingredients.

George Workman, Managing Director, Liberation Cocktails, said: “We are delighted to be introducing three exciting new variants to the market. The response from the industry has been amazing and allowed us to develop new recipes to suit all tastes and continue to shake up the cocktail category. With the current staffing crisis and venues back to pre-pandemic trading levels, our bar-strength cocktails provide a less labour-intensive way for the on-trade to provide a premium cocktail service quickly whilst our bottles and cans meet the growing consumer demand for ready to drink cocktails.”

Find Liberation Cocktails in on-trade outlets including Daisy Green Collection, Wingmans Chicken, The Pickled Egg Pub Co, The Serpentine Lido Café and Neat Burger and in retail from Liberation Cocktail’s website, Master of Malt. For on-trade and retail enquiries: contact@liberationcocktails.com.

Liberation Cocktails F: LiberationCocktails | I: @liberationcocktails www.liberationcocktails.com

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Game, Set, Match! Wimbledon-inspired tennis holidays from Travel PR Celebrating the centenary of Centre Court, this year’s Wimbledon Championships (27 June-10 July 2022) are set to be particularly special. If you’re feeling inspired to practise your serve, then look no further than these dreamy tennis holidays across the UK and Europe.

UK Tennis and cocktails for ten – North Wales, from £186 pp with holidaycottages.co.uk If you’re looking for an opportunity to play tennis whatever the weather, you’re guaranteed as many games as you like at Three Borders Barn (sleeps ten, plus two dogs), a luxury barn conversion with a fabulous indoor tennis court which can also be used for badminton and football. Set within 40 acres of grassland 13 miles from Chester, the property has spacious social areas including a cocktail bar complete with feature lighting, an impressive glassware collection, shakers, drinks fridge and sink. A seven-night self-catering stay costs from £186 pp (£1,854 total). £20 supplement per dog. Visit: www.holidaycottages.co.uk

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Hazy, lazy, Sussex summer days perfecting your serve – from £269 per night with Pride of Britain Hotels The country house hotel gardens of bucolic West Sussex are made for idyllic summer stays, working on your rally, with the promise of a cooling aperitif in the sunshine afterwards.

Tucked away in the hotel’s lavender-filled grounds, the two well-maintained tennis courts at Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, near Arundel in West Sussex, are perfect for those who prefer to play without an audience. Post-match, stroll through the private parkland to Climping Beach and dip your toes English waters this summer or find serenity in the spa. From £269 per room per night (two sharing), including breakfast and use of the tennis courts and spa. Park House Hotel in Midhurst, boasts two championship standard grass courts, in immaculate condition with far-reaching views across the West Sussex countryside. After a game, make the most of the hotel’s wellness facilities with indoor and outdoor pool, saunas and treatment rooms. The hotel offers an ‘Ace Your Stay’ tennis package for £208 per room per night (two sharing) including breakfast and full tennis and spa use.

Call Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 www.prideofbritainhotels.com

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Summer-set in Somerset – from £458 pp with Canine Cottages For a romantic summer staycation with the promise of plenty of tennis, The Tractor Barn – Orchard Farm (sleeps two, plus two dogs), near Taunton, is a beautiful barn conversion with access to a shared tennis court. Situated in one of Somerset’s prettiest hamlets and just outside one of its most sought-after villages, attention to detail in the property is impeccable. Plus, its central location is perfect for visiting both coastlines, including pretty Watchet to the north and Seaton and Sidmouth to the south. A seven-night self-catering stay in July or August costs from £458pp (£916 total). £20 supplement per dog. Visit Canine Cottages www.caninecottages.co.uk Cornish tennis hotels with coastal views – from £312 per night with Pride of Britain Hotels Try your hand at the The Nare’s En-Tout-Casdesigned tennis court, set in sub-tropical gardens with gently swaying palm trees, in a prime spot overlooking Carne Beach on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula. After a few sets of tennis, cool off in the outdoor pool,

recline in the hot tub or charter Alice Rose, the hotel’s classic motor launch, to explore the waterways nearby. From £312 per room per night (two sharing), including breakfast and use of the tennis court. Call Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 www.prideofbritainhotels.com Game, set and match in Gertrude Jekyll grounds – from £225 per night at Tylney Hall Hotel, Hampshire Sitting in 66 acres of countryside near Hook, Hampshire, Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens is a grand Victorian Grade II listed house with the longest uninterrupted view in Hampshire, lined by giant Redwoods. The hard tennis courts at Tylney Hall are surrounded by the beautiful Gertrude Jekyll-designed gardens, and there is a range of activities to choose from including an outdoor pool within a private walled garden, snooker, archery, clay pigeon shooting and hot air ballooning. Stay overnight from £225 per room (two sharing) including breakfast. Call Tylney Hall on 01256 764881 or visit: www.tylneyhall.co.uk EUROPE Five-star service in stylish Deauville – Northern France self-drive from £799 pp with Kirker* Renowned as an upmarket holiday spot since the 1800s, Deauville’s old-school ambience and wide sandy beach continue to attract visitors and locals alike. Hosting an array of glamorous events such as horse races, polo matches and an annual film festival, it’s also a fabulous choice for tennis fans. Located opposite the historic Hotel Barriere Le Normandy on Deauville’s main Boulevard Cornuche lie 19 outdoor courts (a mix of clay and hard) that are maintained year-round by city officials trained on the Roland Garros (French Open) grounds in Paris. Book a slot for a private game or engage the services of a tennis coach to really crack that serve or master that smash.

A three-night (tie)break costs from £799 pp (two sharing), including ferry crossings (self-drive), B&B, and the services of the Kirker Concierge to assist with booking tennis courts and lessons, make restaurant reservations or arrange an expert local guide. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2288, www.kirkerholidays.com. *AITO is The Specialist Travel Association: more than 120 specialist independent holiday companies and 80 specialist independent travel agents, together providing an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas covering every corner of the world. Consumers booking with AITO members can be assured of high-quality holidays, excellent personal service and full financial protection. Visit www.aito.com for further information.

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New study reveals Europe’s safest countries to go on holiday in 2022 A new study has revealed that Switzerland is the safest European country to travel to this Summer.

to other countries, at 5.7 per million, amounting to 50 homicides in 2019.

2. Slovenia

The research, conducted by Forbes Advisor, analysed metrics such as the quality of bathing waters, the quality of healthcare and the rate of thefts and homicides and merged the results in a final safety score, to find out the safest holiday destinations in 2022.* 1. Switzerland According to the findings, Switzerland is the safest country to visit this year, with a Safety Score of 88.3.

Switzerland has the best quality of healthcare out of all the 29 European countries analysed in the research (893 out of 1000 according to the Euro Health Consumer Index), followed by Netherlands (883) and Denmark (885).

Besides, the country ranks sixth in the ranking for the best quality of bathing waters, with 93% of bathing waters in the country being excellent quality, following Cyprus (100%), Austria and Greece (98%) Malta (97%) and Croatia (96%), based on data from the European Environment Agency.

The study also considered pollution levels, based on measurements of atmospheric particulate matter that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) from IQAir. Switzerland’s average PM2.5 concentration of 10.8 means it has the tenth cleanest air in the list, while the rate of homicides according to Eurostat is low compared

only to Cyprus (100%) and ranks seventh for quality of healthcare (799 according to Health Consumer Index), following Sweden (800) and Finland (839).

Registering one of the lowest homicide rates, amounting to 4.8 per million, Slovenia is the second safest country to travel to according to the findings, with a Safety Score of 82.3. With average pollution levels (13.3 PM2.5), and healthcare quality (678), the country’s bathing waters also perform well, with 85% rated as excellent.

The number of homicides is also low compared to other countries, amounting to 8.2 per million people.

If you’re looking for a place to explore or a solo trip, this could be the right place for you.

The country’s percentage of excellent bathing water amounts to 93%, making it mainly safe for swimmers and tourists.

3. Portugal With a Safety Score of 82.1, Portugal is the third safest country to visit this Summer.

Ranking seventh for excellent quality of waters (93%) with Switzerland and Germany, Portugal is fourth for quality of air, with one of the lowest air pollution rates (7.1 PM2.5), after Finland (5.5 PM2.5), Estonia (5.9 PM2.5), and Sweden (6.6 PM2.5).

Portugal ranks tenth for healthcare quality after Germany (754).

4. Austria With a total index score of 81.4, Austria is the fourth safest country to travel to in 2022.

The country has one of the highest percentages of excellent bathing waters out of all the countries analysed (98%), second

5. Germany With a final Safety Score of 81.2, Germany is the fifth safest country to visit in 2022.

Eighth for best air quality (with a pollution level of 10.6 PM2.5), and a low number of homicides per million (6.9), Germany is the ideal destinations for all sort of travellers.

A spokesperson for Forbes Advisor comments on the findings: “Safety can be a decisive factor when people are considering where to spend their holidays, and these figures show there are considerable differences across Europe when measuring factors such as the quality of bathing waters or the levels of theft.

“These numbers shed a light on the importance of travel insurance when moving around different countries. Being covered by travel insurance means you can receive financial compensation for losses as well as covering medical expenses in the country you are visiting, making the experience as smooth and calm as possible.”

The study was conducted by Forbes Advisor, whose editorial team boasts decades of experience in the personal finance space.

It is passionate about helping consumers make the financial decisions and choose the financial products that are right for their life and goals.

The team brings rich industry knowledge to Forbes Advisor’s coverage of consumer credit, debt, banking, investing, insurance, loans, property and travel. Its priority is ensuring its coverage, reviews and guidance is backed by research, deep expertise and strict methodologies.

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Introducing the social house Nairobi: A new breed of urban African hospitality Sauce Communications are proud to be working with The Social House, a new city hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

A destination for adventurers who seek connection and thirst for the unexpected, the hotel was designed as a social hub for creative locals, in turn immersing overseas travellers in a slice of modern-day Kenya.

The House opened in February 2020 and boasts off-beat design, visible throughout the 83 bedrooms, four restaurants and seven event spaces. Today, The Social House is the go-to location for original culinary, business, and cultural events in Nairobi. Born from the minds of local entrepreneurs, Juliet and Francis Njogu, the House is reputed as a melting pot of connectivity, surprise and fun. The team at Social House is made up of vivacious Kenyans (known as Marafiki: companions), injecting a sense of conviviality into each guest.

Unusual Cuisines Food and drink at The Social House are locally and globally inspired across four eateries-meet-watering holes, each offering

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individual character and authentic cuisine.

‘Copper’ is a smouldering urban brasserie shaped on ‘The Art of Fire’; where creativity is intertwined with the flames of the open fire grill. ‘Inca’ is a rooftop Peruvian restaurant-bar celebrating the breadth of Peru’s culinary heritage from The Amazon to The Andes and from Japanese to Chinese influences. Sociable sharing cocktails – including signature Pisco-based fusions, live music, events, and private parties make Inca the most sought-after night-time spot in Nairobi.

‘The Living Room’ is a 24-hour café-bar and coffee roastery, providing an informal hang out at the heart of the House, and ‘The Other Room’ is an indoor-outdoor farm-to-table dining room, serving breakfast and lunch buffets and all-day a la carte options.

Unconventional Interiors When entering The Social House lobby, guests are greeted by a life-size installation of a Masai Rafiki (friend) made from scrap metal astride a Harley Davidson motorbike, which is artfully hung in front of a backdrop of Robert Frost’s poem of

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‘The Road Not Taken’. Each of the three elements evokes a desire for travel and the freedom to roam. Corridor walls are adorned with passport stamps accentuating the wanderlust theme. In the back garden, characterful planters shaped in denim jeans house colourful local flora accompanying a living green wall which drapes across the outdoor dining space.

Other unique design elements include a wall made entirely of copper and a giant colourful mural displaying a whimsical interpretation of Peruvian life.

Bedroom design was inspired by three S’s: Simple, Stylish and Smart. The aesthetic is clean with natural tones and splashes of bright colour, in part provided by orange and red Smeg fridges. All bedrooms are highly automated, providing smartphone bedroom access and an interactive TV-hosted system that enables in-room dining, restaurant booking, temperature control and more. The bedrooms also offer sustainable Kenyan bathroom products, rainforest showers, Samsung Smart TV’s (49” and 55” screens) and king-sized beds. Areen Design was responsible for the hotel’s award-winning interiors,

recognised in the 2020 SBID Awards with a nomination in the Public Areas category and an award win in the Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design. The hotel was also nominated in the AHEAD awards in the Hotel New Build category.

UNEXPECTED EVENTS Guests can make use of seven dedicated but contrasting event spaces, each with cosmopolitan influences and a residential feel: The Shed, facing the greenery of the back garden; The Studio, highlighting colourful creativity; The Library, a calmer space offering a varied collection of literary work from Harry Potter to Homer. As a local art, business, culinary, fashion and music hub the House celebrates the best of both emerging and established Kenyan players, bringing unconventional events to the fore with those who aim to change the landscape in their chosen fields. From Coca Cola Africa to William Grand and Rhianna’s beauty brand Fenty, events see the biggest names in business passing through the House.

WHY NAIROBI? Beyond the House, guests can discover a colourful city, rich with vibrant people and a multitude of stimulating activities for city and nature lovers alike. Embark on a trip to the 120-square-kilometre Nairobi National Park: half an hour from the House, you can spot endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes and diverse birdlife with over 400 species recorded to date. Guests are free to explore the vibrant local coffee farms and tea plantations, visit the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage or stop by the Giraffe Centre, which supports the conservation of this endangered species.

Wildlife aside, Nairobi is host to a multitude of live music venues and clubs, offering local and Afro-fusion sounds, galleries such as The Circle Art Gallery, The Polka Dot Gallery and The Matbronze Art Gallery and Foundry and a plethora of buzzing local street markets.

Nightly rates at The Social House Nairobi start from $170 / £140 based on two people sharing For more information visit: www.thesocialhouse.ke

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Coming up next month in our August Issue, features on: Contract Beds & Bedding • Contract Flooring & Surfaces Contract Lighting • Uniforms & Workwear

As per usual we will be running our monthly editorial features on hotel openings, industry news, advice articles and travel locations.

If you would like to send us editorial content to be considered for submission then please send information to carol@warmwelcomemagazine.com.

The closing deadline for the August issue is 22nd July.

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