Warm Welcome Magazine - May Issue by Ryan Leon Media

May Issue Rooftop dining in the ‘era of experience’

New expansion plans for The HLF Group

Personalised name badges from Badgemaster

Pages 12-13

Pages 30-31

Pages 38-39

warmwelcomemagazine.com

Contents 4

Hotels

Outdoor Solutions

Contract Furniture & Furnishings

Uniforms & Workwear

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

Dorsett Hospitality International Launches Dao by Dorsett brand, With First Opening in West London Leading Asia-based hotel company, Dorsett Hospitality International, is delighted to be launching a new brand as part of its growing portfolio: Dao by Dorsett. The brand will join Dorsett Hotels, Silka, and d.Collection and will provide an antidote to the traditional hotel formula with an aparthotel model, the group’s first foray into this sector of the hospitality industry. The first Dao by Dorsett property will open on 1st June in West London, centrally located in the lively neighbourhood of Shepherd’s Bush. Dao by Dorsett will bring socially driven and locally minded aparthotels to guests in central locations across the world, offering guests their own custom living space and the

chance to interact with their neighbours and local environments. Each Dao by Dorsett property will be situated in the heart of its community and will comprise high quality fully serviced apartments, catering to guests looking for longer stays or just wanting to immerse themselves in their destination in a home away from home accommodation. The apartments will offer guests independence and encourage them to get out into the local area to explore, without compromising on the service and hospitality that Dorsett is renowned for. With slick and chic city interiors, Dorsett bespoke beds, and all the amenities guests need to make their stay as seamless as possible, guests will feel at home as soon as they step through the door.

Hotels

Translating into English as ‘the way’, the brand’s name Dao emphasises its goal to lead the way and pave the way for individuals to explore the community and for locals to interact with guests and visitors in a harmonious and uplifting way. Dao will be a social brand, providing not only a place to stay but creating opportunities for shared encounters both within and without the apartments. The Custom Fit mantra means each stay and space is catered to each individual guest, and staff prioritise a guest-first mentality, ensuring they are receiving hotel level service with all the benefits of their own apartment.

All apartment units in Dao by Dorsett properties will come in either one or two bedroom configurations with multifunctional kitchenettes, living space to work and relax, and in some cases private outdoor terraces from which to take in the sights and sounds of the local area. There will also be accessible studios available. The brand’s first opening, Dao by Dorsett West London, is set to open on 1st June and will comprise 74 high quality fully serviced apartment units overlooking Shepherd’s Bush Green, just a five-minute walk from the underground station and Westfield London, as well as the vibrant White City area. The site of the first Dao by Dorsett property is one with a rich cultural history that dates back to 1910 when it was opened as the Shephard’s Bush Cinematograph Theatre. Over the subsequent decades the property changed hands but maintained its cultural ties with cinematography. Today, Dao by Dorsett West London seeks to continue the building’s connection with the local community by creating a property that champions the local area and encourages visiting guests to explore the wealth of activities and culture on the property’s doorstep. Dao by Dorsett West London offers easy access to West London’s highlights, including Kensington, Notting Hill and the West End, as well as great transport links to Heathrow Airport. Of the launch of Dao by Dorsett, Dorsett Hospitality International President Winnie Chiu comments: “The world has changed incredibly quickly in the last two years of the pandemic but it has also reaffirmed the value of connection. The Dao by Dorsett experience will be tailored from arrival, offering a new way to travel which is intrinsically linked to the local community and the flexibility to custom-fit each stay. Being able to provide a longer-stay option with thoughtful services and amenities will enable our guests to get the most out of their time reconnecting with friends and loved ones as travel resumes.” Book your stay at Dao by Dorsett West London with an exclusive opening offer of 15% off Flexible rates and 20% off NonRefundable rates when booked by 31st May. Visit www.daobydorsett.com to make your reservation.

Hotels

Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant, in Cumbria joins Pride of Britain Hotels Pride of Britain Hotels is delighted to announce that Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant, near Brampton, in Cumbria, has joined the exclusive hotel collection. Serenely located in the exquisite Cumbrian countryside, within six acres of secluded gardens, the privately-owned hotel dates to the 16th century, and is a paradise for nature lovers and walkers. The wonderfully sculpted grounds are sheltered by 100-year-old trees with access to the unspoilt North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall. The magnificent Lake District is less than an hour’s drive away. Farlam Hall boasts 13 exquisitely appointed rooms and five luxurious cottages. Several of the rooms feature views of the glorious gardens and one – The Hay Loft – is housed

in the old barn in Farlam’s extensive grounds, offering guests the utmost in peace and privacy. The cottages sleep two to six guests, with comfortable living areas including wood burners, fully-equipped kitchens and private terraces. The hotel’s two AA Rosette dining space, the Cedar Tree Restaurant – led by Executive Chef Steven Pott – with high ceilings, opulent décor and calming views over the ornamental lake and fountain – provides an indulgent culinary experience. A la carte and tasting menus are sourced very locally, from the finest seasonal ingredients found in the area’s bountiful natural larder (many handforaged by the knowledgeable team), as well as from the hotel’s own walled kitchen garden. Dishes include delights such as English asparagus with duck egg, truffle, watercress, wild garlic and gremolata; local

Hotels

saddle of lamb with Lyonnaise potato, and lemon and thyme meringue tart with garden raspberry ice cream. A finely-curated wine list partners well with the menu. Afternoon Tea is served on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the hotel’s stylish Victorian-era dining room. The traditional Sunday Roast Dinner features carefully sourced ingredients from the very best local suppliers – all beef, lamb, pork and chicken are sourced within a 20 mile radius of the hotel. The beautiful, wide-open spaces of Cumbria mean that there are a number of fantastic golf courses locally to Farlam Hall. The links course at Silloth on Solway is regarded as one of the best in the country; this hidden gem is set in stunning surrounds on the Solway Coast, with striking sand dunes and the waters of the firth bordering the

challenging course. There are also championship courses at Slayley Hall and Matfen Hall – and three completely different, great courses within seven miles of the hotel. Close by is Brampton, which is hilly but beautiful, and the Carlisle and Eden courses are both worth seeking out for golf enthusiasts. Farlam Hall is steeped in history; its origins are found in the 1500s. In the 19th century, the former manor house was under the ownership of a local industrial family, the Thompsons, who built up many local businesses in and around the Kirkhouse area to support the local coal mines. The house was originally turned into a hotel in 1975, and was sold to its new owners, Joseph Walter and Kathy Mares – who had fallen in love with the hotel over 20 years of repeat visits – in 2019. Over the last two years, the hotel has undergone a complete refurbishment whilst retaining its sense of history and tradition and is now one of the very finest small hotels in the North of England. Says Max Winder, Resident Manager, Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been accepted into this wonderful collection of hotels, and to sit alongside the very finest in British hospitality.” Says Kalindi Juneja, CEO, Pride of Britain Hotels: “We are delighted to welcome Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant into the Pride of Britain Hotels collection. This beautiful and characterful family-run hotel is a great addition to the collection. Owners, Kathy and Joe have lovingly restored this beautiful house, working closely with local suppliers and tradesmen through the last couple of years. The location is an ideal and peaceful stopover between England and Scotland.” Lead-in price: A Standard Double Bedroom with Garden View (two sharing) costs from £149 per night off-peak and from £229 per night during peak season, including Full English Breakfast. Cottages cost from £295£950 per night, with a minimum three-night stay. To book, please call Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 or visit: www.prideofbritainhotels.com

Hotels

De Vere Cotswold Water Park unveils grand transformation of event spaces De Vere Cotswold Water Park, part of the De Vere collection of historic mansion house estates and distinctive contemporary hotels and event destinations, has unveiled the results of a £700,000 refurbishment to its Kingfisher and Drake event suites.

host up to 370 or can be split into three for smaller groups. The space offers 300 metres of flexible floor space and can easily be tailored to suit any event. The space also offers its own entrance to ensure planners can make the space their own, with privacy and exclusivity for guests.

The suites have been refreshed to include modern amenities and the latest technologies to bring them in line with the company’s innovative Smart Space meetings concept. Smart Space comprises nine service features including inspirational meeting rooms; a personal conference host; tech-savvy support; free super-fast Wi-Fi and access to a team of specialists to help ensure delegates get moving and remain motivated throughout the day.

The suite also offers direct access to an outdoor decking area and an indoor adjoining bar – perfect for delegates to network or socialise. The Kingfisher Suite provides all the technology you’ll need during your function with free superfast Wi-Fi up to 100Mb, a PA system, built-in projector, and built-in screen.

Situated amongst the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, De Vere Cotswold Water Park is surrounded by 152 lakes. The new design in both suites includes exposed Cotswold stone walls and feature panelling to complement the surrounding natural landscape and also bringing it in line with De Vere’s distinctly British aesthetic. The Kingfisher Suite, one of De Vere Cotswold Water Park’s largest spaces, can

The Drake Suite offers flexible seating options making it ideal for private dinners or smaller conferences for up to 126 guests. The space offers a built-in projector and screen, and a private breakout area to offer a welcoming spot for arrival drinks or portable bar, perfect for networking. Peter Sangster, Venue Director at De Vere Cotswold Water Park, said: “We are very excited to reveal the results of the refurbishment to the Kingfisher and Drake suites. The work has breathed new life into the suites while celebrating the beautiful

Hotels

natural environment surrounding the property and ensuring they offer the latest luxuries with 21st-century design and state-of-theart facilities. Whether guests are visiting us for a large-scale corporate event or an intimate evening celebration, our expert team will deliver an exemplary experience that is tailored to each guest’s unique requirements.” The venue’s Conference Centre comprises 21 meeting spaces and hosts up to 400 delegates. The flexible room layouts combine intuitive technology and first-rate catering. Clickshare has been installed to allow wireless mobile connection to screens, enabling presentations to be efficient and easy to navigate. Free, superfast Wi-Fi with a maximum bandwidth of 1GB is available throughout the hotel and up to a 100m perimeter within the hotel grounds. Situated in the heart of the Cotswold Water Park, just 5 miles from Cirencester, 20 minutes from the M4 and the M5 with Heathrow airport just one hour drive away, De Vere Cotswold Water Park is easily accessible for delegates and offers free parking. For further information on De Vere, visit www.devere.co.uk

Hotels

Valor Hospitality announces addition of upcoming Portrush Luxury Hotel and Spa to Global Portfolio The new hotel overlooks the world famous Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, home to The Open Championship in 2019 and again in 2025 Valor Hospitality Partners, a global, fullservice hotel acquisition, development, management and asset management company has announced it has been appointed to manage The Dunluce Lodge, a new build 35 room, five-star luxury hotel and spa. The hotel will be built overlooking the famous 4th fairway at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, with views of Portrush town, Donegal headlands and The Skerries. The nine-acre site, which was originally privately owned, is due to open in 2023 and has received both political and local support, as well as backing from 2011 Open Championship winner Darren Clarke, who

also resides in Portrush. The inspiration behind the plans for The Dunluce Lodge is to replicate the original house on the site and sympathetically blend into the landscape. The Dunluce Lodge comes on the heels of one of Valor Hospitality’s most recent management agreements, the renowned Scores Hotel in St. Andrews, Scotland further expanding the brand’s global portfolio. This development will be the first of its kind in the north coast region of Northern Ireland, with no other five-star hotel existing within a 60-mile radius. The five-star status for the area has been a need for many years, with Tourism NI, Causeway Coast and Glens Council all welcoming this investment to the region. The idea for The Dunluce Lodge was devised by the U.S. owners, Jonathan Harper and Robert Covington who established investors

Hotels

for the project through the Links Capital Collection. As true lovers of links golf, they visited the area many times and loved the spectacular links golf along the North Coast. They realised there was a gap in the market which they could fulfil, serving international travelers, golfers and locals alike. The Dunluce Lodge will bring significant economic benefit to Portrush and wider areas across Northern Ireland. The owners and management share their excitement to work and engage with the local community, with an emphasis to recruit a team of local professionals for the project and on completion, approximately 80 people will be employed. With more than 80 hotels in the Valor international portfolio, the company brings a wealth of global experience to the project and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the property.

Food and beverage will be at the core of excellence the property offers and given the uniqueness, style and vision for the hotel is without compromise, Valor will engage the services of its partner and UK head of culinary renowned Scottish chef, Roy Brett, owner and operator of the multi-award winning Ondine Oyster and Grill restaurant in Edinburgh. Roy will be instrumental in assisting in the design and development of the restaurant, whilst sourcing a well-known Irish head chef to take charge in creating a first-class dining experience for residents and locals to enjoy. Euan McGlashan, CEO of Valor Hospitality has also announced the recent appointment of Wilma Erskine, OBE, BEM, former manager of Royal Portrush Golf Club for some 35 years, as the brand ambassador for the company. Wilma’s knowledge of the golf and hospitality industry is a perfect fit for Valor, as this will be the first project for the company in Northern Ireland. Wilma is

well known in golfing circles, both in the UK and USA, and has a great commitment and enthusiasm to see the legacy of the 148th Open being achieved on the North Coast. Brian McCarthy, managing director of UK and Europe at Valor Hospitality, said: “We’re very excited about our plans for The Dunluce Lodge, not only for what it means for Valor’s growth, but also the opportunities it will bring to The Royal Portrush Golf Club and local area. With its five-star status, this resort will attract visitors from all over, and with our experience in managing luxury resorts around the globe, including golf projects in South Africa and in the U.S., we are more than ready to apply our expertise to our first development in Northern Ireland. “In 2021, Valor’s UK portfolio doubled in size, marking a real stake in the ground for our growth ambitions going forward. As we expand further, it’s particularly special to

Hotels

be working on a project such as this, where we have been involved since its inception and we’re looking forward to seeing the development progress.” The appointed architects at The Dunluce Lodge are Maxwell and Company, Inverness, who are specialists in designing luxury resorts, castles and hotels such as the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, Glenborrodale Castle and Inverlochy Castle Hotel, with the lead architect being James Maxwell. Sustainability is at the heart of this project, and a key feature of the Valor brand. The project has been designed to meet building regulations that achieve the government’s nearly zero energy performance target. A decentralised energy supply system based on energy from renewable sources will also be employed for the spa, and the landscape design principles are based on the creation of improved biodiversity and regeneration. www.valorhospitality.com

Rooftop dining in the ‘era of experience’ Our leisure time has never felt more precious. Does this mean we expect more than a comfortable seat and tasty food when we dine out? Here Canopies UK examine how rooftops enable hotels to stand out amongst the competition and attract more customers. The experience economy has boomed over the past two decades as spending has shifted towards activities, experiences, and quality time with loved ones. This trend has upheld following the pandemic after our ability to experience life was restricted. It wasn’t consumer goods we longed for, but meals outs, holidays, trips, and drinks with friends. The era of experience is here People pay to experience something new and memorable, with 86% of consumers willing to pay more for a great customer experience, as reported by Forbes. Customers go out to enjoy good food and drink, but they also want to relish in the surroundings, service, and location. We have come to expect certain standards from hospitality venues. Customers want appealing decor, menus that cater to refined and varied palettes, and 5-star rated customer service. It is increasingly harder

for venues to differentiate in a marketplace where the standards are set so high. Location is everything. Customers want to feel like they are truly experiencing a city and venturing to its heart. They want to submerse themselves in their surroundings, making memories and taking the photos to prove it. The rooftop bar and restaurant has been born out of this desire to take it all in. The appeal of sky-high alfresco dining Dining outdoors is an age-old pleasure that cultures around the world enjoy. It is relaxing, rejuvenating and worth savouring. According to research by HGEM, 79% of people would increase their dwell time if they could dine al fresco, spending more in the process. The pandemic has only enhanced our inclination for outdoor dining as people found ways to safely socialise in groups. Rooftop dining is an extension of this appreciation of the outdoors, with the added drama of a skyline backdrop. The spectacle of exiting a lift or stairwell onto a rooftop with panoramic views is uniquely special and awe-inspiring. Rooftop views quite literally can’t be replicated – they are unique to that building, that locality, and that time of day.

Image credit Jack Hardy Photographer 12

Outdoor Solutions

Creating a sought-after destination Customers go out of their way to discover new rooftop venues and it makes sense. You only have to look up in a busy city on a sunny afternoon to see where the best rays are. Search engine entries around ‘rooftop bars London’ amass over 139,500 average monthly searches, going to show the growing appetite from diners. Venues with roof space can tap into this pool of potential customers by creating desirable rooftop destinations. The success of a rooftop bar and restaurant is ultimately in the design. The view takes centre stage, with space for customers to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Beautiful décor enhances the customer experience and helps market your venue to others. Customers sharing and tagging their snaps on social media draws the attention of wider networks of people online. Shelter and comfort are fundamental considerations. The customer booking a dinner three weeks in advance doesn’t want to worry about rain showers or chilly wind spoiling their meal. Venues that have mastered the rooftop dining experience invest in canopy systems to create flexible shelter. Open in sunnier weather and closed

during cold and wet conditions, retractable canopy systems enable venues to treat their rooftop as another full-time dining space. Roofs with a view The Sabine rooftop bar sits on top of The Royal Leonardo Hotel at St Paul’s, London. The bar describes itself as ‘an oasis from The City, allowing guests to transport to a hidden space away from the busy London streets.’ The Sabine offers exclusive views of one of London’s best loved landmarks, tapping into the experiential dining and drinking market. Another destination venue is the Savage Garden at DoubleTree by Hilton, Tower of London. The bar’s terraces provide 360-degree views of the skyline including The Shard, Tower of London, and The Gherkin. The Sora Sky Bar at Malmaison York overlooks the York Minster and provides unrivalled views of the historic city. The bespoke canopy systems installed at these venues enable them to offer the rooftop experience at every time of year. From private parties to dinner reservations and drinks, the customer experience will never be restricted by poor weather conditions. Paying a premium for luxury experiences Although a rooftop dining area is a significant investment, it is a new source of revenue. We’ve seen how a rooftop can reach more customers online, with increased social media exposure and search visibility. A rooftop dining area is also an opportunity to increase margins. Customers are willing to pay up to 13% (and as high as 18%) more for luxury services (Forbes). What could be more luxurious than a sunset cocktail with panoramic views? Offering customers an exclusive, luxury experience sets your venue apart from similar venues, and enables you to set your prices accordingly.

Image credit Jack Hardy Photographer

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. canopiesuk.co.uk | 01254 777 002 | info@canopiesuk.co.uk

Outdoor Solutions

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

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

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Outdoor Solutions

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Tackling dirt inside begins outside Colin Stokes, National Account Manager, Hospitality & HoReCa at Kärcher UK highlights the reasons why tackling dirt outside helps to support cleanliness inside, alongside different methods for facilities managers to combat dirt. On average, 80-95% of dirt that exists inside facilities is brought in from the outside by foot traffic. To help reduce the amount of dirt that enters buildings, it is vital to adopt a preventative outside-in approach. Adopting a PDIR (Preventative, Daily, Interim, and Restorative) cleaning method is a great way to achieve and maintain a clean front of house. Whilst it is aesthetically pleasing, it also ensures health and safety for facilities users as dirt build-up can cause slips and trips.

Focusing on outside pollutants in the Preventative stage of the PDIR method is crucial to minimising the over-cleaning of interior spaces, which takes up much needed labour time and increases costs. With growing demands being placed on facilities managers to ensure that buildings are safe for users, finding efficient and productive solutions helps to expedite the cleaning process without compromising standards. An effective solution for outdoor maintenance is to utilise vacuum sweepers. Available in a range of sizes, vacuum sweepers can be tailored dependent on the degree of outdoor space you have. From walk-behind sweepers, such as the KM 70/30 C Bp Adv, perfect for courtyards and

Outdoor Solutions

paths, to ride-on vacuum sweepers, such as the KM 100/100, ideal for medium-sized and large areas. Vacuum sweepers dislodge dirt from pathways and roadways using a combination of roller brushes and side brushes that deliver effective cleaning close to buildings and kerbs. The brushes lift the dirt from the surface using their rotational spin and surface pressure before the dirt is picked up by the suction fan and stored in the onboard waste container. Incorporating outside vacuum sweeping into a structured cleaning programme will significantly reduce the amount of grime that enters a premises by tackling dirt at its source.

Whilst getting used to adjusting the programme may take some time, Kärcher’s EASY-Operation concept ensures that, regardless of the user, the same productive clean will always be achieved. EASYOperation enables users to easily select different programmes for quick and efficient cleaning. This helps facilities managers to easily train new staff on how to use equipment, as the machine can be quickly set up ready for use. Without this setting, incorrect operation of the machines could result in a poor cleaning result, meaning dirt will continue to enter the premises from outdoors. Another solution suitable for outdoor use is a pressure washer to eradicate unwanted surface materials. Hot water pressure washers are best suited for those who are time-poor, as hot water quickly loosens and dissolves dirt, solidified oils, and fats more quickly – saving on average up to 35% cleaning time when compared to cold water pressure washers. Selecting machines with a focus on sustainable practices is an increasing priority for facilities managers. The HDS 7/10-4 M hot water pressure washer from Karcher is one of a number of pressure washers in its range that come with a built-in eco!efficiency mode. Eco!efficiency enables users to conserve fuel and water usage by keeping the machine in the most economical temperature range (60OC) to complete the job. For times when a higher temperature is required, the eco!efficiency mode can be easily turned off to blast away any stubborn dirt. When cleaning dirt off walls or in car parks, the vast surface areas can place unnecessary strain on the user. To help overcome this, it is important to consider ergonomic solutions that allow users to clean for longer and prevent any downtime caused by injury. The EASY!Force Trigger Gun from Kärcher has been designed with this in mind; the trigger utilises the pressure of the water to push the trigger handle into the palm allowing high pressured water to come through the nozzle. By removing the requirement to forcibly hold down a trigger, users can safely clean for longer without the risk of hand and finger strain or injury. Keeping building premises clean and hygienic outside increases cleaning efficiency inside and helps to reduce dirt build up by two thirds. Plus, utilising the latest technological advancements will boost productivity and cleaning efficiency, ensuring an effective clean all day, every day.

Outdoor Solutions

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.

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.

Outdoor Solutions

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

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AeroKit™’s new Surefill Innovative Refill System is a BIG win for Business AeroKit™, the new premium first aid kit with a Surefill™ innovative refill system from Aero Healthcare, is a four pouch tent refill system that organizes its premium quality contents for maximum protection and accessibility. The entire kit has just one expiry date, enabling simple, easy replenishment with just one refill pouch. Directly addressing consumer data which strongly highlights the ‘uselessness’ of first aid kits with plasters that do not stick and end-user complaints relating to disorganised first-aid kits; AeroKit™ is already welcomed by business customers across the globe. Comprising of the ‘worlds stickiest plaster’ AeroPlast™ with its SupaBond™ extra strong adhesive, along with an array of enhanced first aid staples, AeroKit’s practical solution saves time and simplifies the management of first aid provision in the workplace.

The uniquely comprehensive Surefill™ refill pouch meets the regulatory requirements for many different industry sectors, and the range includes British Standard First Aid Kits, HSE First Aid Kits, Eye Wash and Burns Kits, Body Fluid, Protection and Travel Kits. Aero Healthcare really do make it better and are committed to helping businesses simplify the first aid process and save time. As a global first aid and healthcare leader, the fully harmonized range and surety of supply spans the higher premium market with AeroKit™ and the economy market with the lower-cost A-care range. For more information and Aero Healthcare’s AeroKit™ range go to www. aerohealthcare.co.uk/products/aerokit email sales@aerohealthcare.co.uk or call 01403 790704. Downloadable information resources are available on www.aerohealthcare.co.uk

New expansion plans for The HLF Group – the leading supplier of contract standard furniture We speak to the CEO Rachel Conroy to hear about their recent expansion.

Who are the HLF Group? The HLF Group are the fastest growing manufacturer and supplier of contract standard furniture to various sectors. Their largest customer base are within the holiday park and leisure sectors including many lodge manufacturers and multiple park operators. They are preferred supplier for many well-known management companies including Sykes and Hoseasons. The other sectors they supply range from Social housing units, retirement living, Build to rents, interior designers and hotels. They have seen huge growth in these areas in the last 18 months leading to their recent expansion. Their USP is that they supply contract standard furniture at direct from factory prices. They adapt all models which are manufactured here in the UK to ensure they meet the regulations relevant to that particular sector. The regulations are constantly changing and thus they have in house specialists who are on hand to fully advise their customers.

‘HLF have experienced a huge period of growth over the last two years. Because the factories produce on a mass scale for large commercial retailers, we have been able to weather the storms everyone has faced with Brexit, covid and shipping costs increasing. We are really proud to have been able to continue to supply quality contract standard furniture at a very competitive price within very short lead times even in the most challenging of times. We really aim to build a lasting working relationship with our customers so they decide to come back everything they need furniture. The design studio The group have recently expanded their team and moved into a large 7,000 sq/ft purpose built headquarters which includes their offices and a large design studio and show room. Rachel explains the reasons behind their move: ‘It was becoming increasingly clear our customers needed to see, feel and test out

more of our products. We supply many sectors from social housing units right up to 5* hotels and we needed to be able to show the range of products we offer. We have carefully designed 25 room set ups to show how our furniture would work in different settings – a hotel room, a log cabin and even an entire studio apartment for example. We have over 250 products on show here in our design studio. We are keen to stress that we are very much direct from the factory and have trade prices. However, we are now able to offer the retail experience as customers can come and spend as long as they like browsing and choosing their furniture. We have interior designers within our team that will show them around and help them choose. An important part of our customers journey is education. We really spend time explaining how our products are contract standard, the density of different foams and the rub count and fire retardancy of the fabrics. Our customers can make an informed decision and safe in the knowledge that their furniture is built to last’ Areas of expansion The HLF Group have plans to continue their growth including recruiting more staff, broadening their product offering and building a warehouse on their site. The HLF Group are embarking on more production lines including 7 brand new living and dining ranges made here in the UK. These will be available for their account holders within the next 4 weeks. They are keen to keep ahead of the trends and for their products to be aesthetically pleasing but also they must be contract standard and be able to withstand heavy usage. Get in touchIf you would like to book in to visit their show room or discuss any furniture projects, get in touch with a member of their sales team today: HLF Group Whiteley Road Blaydon NE21 5NJ sales@thehlfgroup.com info@thehlfgroup.com 0191 5700036 07890437677 www.thehlfgroup.com

Contract Furniture & Furnishings

Suppliers of quality bespoke and “off the shelf” contract furniture. Connect Contract Furniture sources, manufacturers and supply’s quality furniture within the Hospitality, Leisure and Educational sectors. Working with Restaurants, Pubs, Hotels, Café’s, Golf Clubs and other Sporting Venues as well as Universities and Colleges. We believe that furniture can define your business, so we take the time to understand our client’s needs, goals and budget, to ensure we deliver furniture that exceeds expectations, on time and within budget. Have you got a project or simply looking for a few items then give us a call on 0330 113 7899 or email info@connect-furniture.co.uk

Tel: 0330 113 7899 | Email: info@connect-furniture.co.uk | Web: www.connect-furniture.co.uk

DESIGN • EXPERTISE • SERVICE

UPHOLSTERY, CURTAINS & BEDDING FOR HOSPITALITY INTERIORS WITH A GREAT RANGE OF ANTIMICROBIAL FABRICS

sales@skopos.co.uk

| Tel: 01924 436 666

| www.skoposfabrics.com

Down Hall announces £2.8 Million refurbishment to lounges and grounds 110-acre country house hotel and spa, Down Hall in Essex, continues its £2.8 million investment in the property with the development of its bar, lounge and outdoor facilities. The refurbishment is part of a continued commitment to develop and elevate the property following an extensive refurbishment of the hotel’s West Wing in August 2019, along with the reception area and Garden Room restaurant last year. Having begun work during the pandemic, externally a one-acre kitchen garden and apple tree orchard have been planted whilst a new landscaped wedding garden has been established. The hotel’s tennis facilities have been expanded with a new padel tennis court while a woodland trim trail experience has also been opened. A new 120-cover al fresco dining terrace will follow in May 2022, as an extension of the hotel’s recently renovated restaurant Garden Room. Overseen by design agency, BESPOQE, the project will see the hotel’s bar and lounge renovated to create a luxurious and elegant

space that respects the rich history of the Grade II listed Italianate building, which can be traced back to the 10th century. Alongside carefully restoring and spotlighting the property’s period features, the new interiors will include a rich colour palette, bespoke furniture, new flooring, lighting and soft furnishings throughout. The reimagined bar features a scheme of rich blues and dark woods with pops of red and orange detailing. An illuminated 12-foot-tall bar takes centre stage whilst custom-made furniture includes chairs upholstered in soft leather and plush sofas finished in Italian velvet. In the adjoining lounge, a complementary palette features accents of a lighter periwinkle blue and rose pink, with bespoke banquette seating finished in premium French leather. The original antique marble fireplace has been carefully restored and a stunning art wall nods to the hotel’s expansive grounds with paintings of wildflowers, mythical creatures and a giant pear tree.

A spokesperson for Down Hall says: “This latest phase of investment is part of our longstanding commitment to establishing Down Hall as one of the finest countryside hotels and wedding venues in the UK. The property goes from strength to strength and we are determined to ensure that our food and beverage credentials are in keeping with tour established premium accommodation and events offering. Our new bar and lounge, alongside our recently renovated restaurant Garden Room headed up by Executive Chef Graham Noonan-Chatham, which will include a 120-cover al fresco terrace by May of this year, ensure we are well on track to help us meet this goal, and we are excited to unveil our beautiful transformation in time for summer.” Down Hall Hotel & Spa Matching Road, Hatfield Heath Essex CM22 7AS T: 01279 731441 www.downhall.co.uk Twitter: @downhall_hotel | Facebook: DownHallHotel | IG: Down_Hall

Contract Furniture & Furnishings

Leading Supplier of Luxury Mattresses, divans and headboards to the Hospitality Market

Respa Contract Beds Kellett Group, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Ireland www.respabeds.ie/hospitality +353 49 854 1488 37

Upgrade your corporate clothing with RK Styles In the Hospitality industry, making a good first impression is crucial...

complement their brand and ensure their staff are impeccably dressed at all times.

Hospitality is all about excellent customer service, and your customers will want to be reassured that your company is professional and can be trusted. An important element of this first impression is the appearance of your staff – particularly how well they are dressed for business.

Expert teams can help you to choose an appropriate, fit-for-purpose collection for your business, to ensure that your staff are dressed consistently, in keeping with your brand. RK Styles go the extra mile to help you get it right, so you can always be assured of quality and value.

RK Styles supplies hospitality uniforms to UK businesses that they can rightly be proud of. Businesses of all types and sizes working within the Hospitality industry will find a huge range of smart, comfortable, and professional apparel across many Corporate Wear collections.

Many corporate and hospitality wear collections are available from stock and have been designed for the addition of your company logos and/or tax tags. With our inhouse logo embroidery and printing service, we offer a one-stop-shop solution for highquality branded workwear.

RK Styles is able to stock ladies’ and men’s garments from leading brands such as Premier, B&C, Kustom Kit, and Russell, plus many more. The corporate workwear range is perfect for hotel front-of-house staff, housekeeping uniform, hotel reception staff, management staff, retail staff, security agencies, transport companies, restaurants, travel companies, and any other business that is looking for smart, practical and stylish corporate wear to

Chef Uniform Chefs will find everything they need to look smart, keep safe and meet the unique challenges presented by the busy and hazardous kitchen environment. From comfortable and durable chef trousers, tough and protective chef jackets, ThermoCool chef hats, and stylish chef aprons, RK Styles can dress you smartly and professionally from head to toe. You can even personalise

Uniforms & Workwear

your chef uniform with bespoke artwork, embroidered and printed as part of their bespoke design and in-house logo service. Bistro & Bar Workwear Whether you’re looking for ladies’ or men’s long-sleeved or short-sleeved bar shirts, unisex waistcoats, or colourful bar aprons, RK Styles have it all. Stocking leading industry brands – from stylish Bargear shirts to Premier’s smart waistcoats and unbeatable range of bistro and bar aprons, ensuring that your bar staff are kitted out in workwear apparel of the highest quality. Whether you are looking for a single unique item, a logo design for your hospitality uniforms, or an entire custom workwear range designed specifically for your company, RK Styles can offer innovative and inspiring solutions that will reinforce your brand and bring your team together. Head over to RKStyles.co.uk to see how our team can supply a specialised solution for your business. Contact us via 0121 358 8300 or email sales@rkstyles.co.uk

THE

COUNTY COLLECTION UK Made Aprons

Kylemark introduces its County Collection. A range of aprons, shirts, trousers and waistcoats; we are sure you’ll find a style to suit your theme. Featuring the range of classic UK made cotton canvas aprons from Apron Factory, you can really see the quality of this product. And when matched with our collection of hand picked shirts, trousers and waistcoats you’re sure to get a your style. Working with some of the biggest and prestigious names, the likes of Tom Kerridge, Mellors, Restaurant Associates, Pepsico and Jim Beam, we are confident of handling anything that comes our way.

Combining Kylemark’s County Collection with the Urban and Casual Dining Range gives you the freedom to choose from the most up to date styles. This range of aprons, shirts, trousers and waistcoats have proved very popular and we’re happy to expand this in 2022. Combined with our well established Leather, Denim and Canvas Aprons we are sure you’ll find a style to suit your theme.

THE EASY WAY TO CHOOSE YOUR UNIFORM

Kylemark can help you choose the perfect uniform. We will help you through every step - from concept to sampling to branding. But a great way to get some inspiration is to check out our ready made looks. Or, with one click you can buy the full look. COUNTY CLASSIC LONG BIB APRON CHECK LONG SLEEVE MANDARIN COLLAR SHIRT DENIM MENS MAX SLIM JEANS

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KYLEMARK U N I F O R M S

Newton Mill, 45 Green Street, Ayr KA8 8BQ

01292 618344 | sales@kylemark.co.uk

www.kylemarkworkwear.co.uk

PureH2O Ltd launches space-saving drinking water purifier A British manufacturing first, RODI+ offers greater choice to consumers and businesses. Innovative developments continue at PureH2O Ltd, manufacturers of worldleading water purification systems, as they announce launch of RODI+™, their British built, space-saving Reverse Osmosis drinking water purification system. The slimline 4-stage water purifier delivers significant improvements on traditional Reverse Osmosis (RO) and reverse osmosis with de-ionisation systems (RODI) hitherto available from the USA. RODI+™ is, worldwide, the most water-efficient purifier in its class. It delivers far higher production rates and vastly reduced waste-water compared to non-UK manufactured systems. This makes RODI+™ the most sustainable choice of drinking water purifier after the market-leading PurityPRO™, PureH2O Ltd’s existing 3-stage RO system. RODI+™ produces up to 20* litres of drinking water per hour, compared to 5 litres or 2 litres from standard American and Chinese systems, respectively. And whilst US manufactured systems waste 30 litres per 5 litres of purified water, and Chinese systems a shocking 100 litres, RODI+™ produces

just 10. PureH2O systems are manufactured in Great Britain; RODI+™ racks up just 250 miles in CO2 footprint, compared to 4,425 and 9,120 with American and Chinese systems. As PureH2O Ltd M.D. Roger Wiltshire says: “We are delighted to manufacture truly British RO & RODI drinking water purification systems in the UK; we use WRAS-approved storage tanks, solenoids, pipes and fittings that set us aside from imports and we are the only manufacturer to integrate leak detection with automatic shut-off for peace of mind. All this means specifiers and consumers can be confident the British-built PurityPRO™ & RODI+™ offer superior quality and lifelong value.” RODI+™ builds on the principles on which PureH2O was founded on in 1991; to provide customers with exceptional quality drinking water in the most sustainable way, thereby reducing their environmental impact by avoiding single-use plastic bottled water. In fact, water produced by RODI+™ and PurityPRO™ is purer by far than any bottled water. 99% of inorganic and 99.99% of organic contaminants and impurities are removed, including PFAOs (recently discovered to be breaching UK water

standards), nitrates, microplastics, pesticides such as metaldehyde, fertilisers, heavy metals, hormones and more. With a significantly smaller footprint than other water purifiers at just 9 x 33 x 41cm, RODI+™ can be installed in a kickspace to free up cabinet space. Three models offer incrementally higher water outputs (5 / 10 / 20* litres per hour) and combine with water storage tank options from 4 to 100 litres to meet the needs of any premises whether homes, offices, restaurants, hotels or commercial kitchens. The option to rent or purchase will appeal to those keen to explore the taste, health and sustainability benefits of pure water. PureH2O Ltd provide a standard faucet with their water purifiers, but both RODI+™ and PurityPRO™ are designed to integrate seamlessly with the Quatreau® range of multifunction boiling, chilled and sparkling taps. PureH2O Ltd recently announced these are KUKreg4 certified and are now available in an incredible 200+ colours with their #TapToMatch bespoke colour service. RODI+™ also integrates with steam ovens, icemakers and coffee machines. The all new RODI+™ and Quatreau® taps can be ordered directly from PureH2O Ltd, who welcome trade and consumer enquiries alike.

Wash Series

Connect to your on-premise laundry dosing system like never before SEKO’s Wash Series multi-machine laundry dosing systems allow operators to manage their equipment wherever they are in the world courtesy of IoTenabled remote access.

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Data on demand • Connect to multiple SEKO laundry systems remotely via the SekoWeb smartphone app • Configure up to 10 washer extractors with 16 chemicals and as many as 50 formulas • Access live and historical chemical and equipment performance data 24/7 • Adjust programmes at work, at home or on the move for immediate efficiency improvements

Scan to arrange a meeting with a SEKO product specialist at Interclean 2022

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Celebrate HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with these royalty-inspired holidays and trips. Sparkling celebrations at a Royal Warrant hotel in London – from £868 per night with Pride of Britain Hotels London and Buckingham Palace will be a hive of activity for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The Goring, located close to Buckingham Palace, has been welcoming royalty since opening in 1910 and is the only hotel in the world to have been granted a Royal Warrant, in 1990, by HM The Queen. It’s a firm favourite of the Royal family, with the Queen Mother formerly a regular visitor and the Duchess of Cambridge staying there before her wedding to Prince William. The Goring will commemorate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a sequence of celebrations, including a Platinum Jubilee Afternoon Tea (£60 pp/£70 pp including a glass of champagne; 19 Apr.-2 Oct.), a Coronation à la carte menu (dishes from £19 pp; available now), a Jubilee Fizz gold leaf

champagne cocktail (£28 pp; available now) and The Goring Jubilee Stay, which includes the Platinum Jubilee Tea, Jubilee Fizz cocktail with regal canapés, a three-course Coronation-inspired dinner with Champagne and full English breakfast (from £868 per night; two sharing; two-night stays from Apr.-Sept.). Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929. www.prideofbritainhotels.com Balmoral for the weekend, anyone? – Devon, £114 pp with Canine Cottages It may not have the stateliness or proportions of Her Majesty’s Scottish abode, but Balmoral - Ilfracombe (sleeps eight, plus one dog) is a very spacious and stylish open-plan apartment – somewhere really special to make memories with family and friends over the elongated weekend – in the seaside resort of Ilfracombe. Only a short walk away are the Victorian Tunnels Beaches, which are

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steeped in history and where you can bathe in what was once the ladies’ pool. A threenight self-catering stay arriving Friday 3 June costs £114 pp (£905 total). £20 supplement for a dog. Visit Canine Cottages. www.caninecottages.co.uk Bag a bit of Highgrove – Gloucestershire for £356 pp with holidaycottages.co.uk Whilst bagging a stay at Highgrove House – private residence of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall – might be out of reach for most us, you can still celebrate all that is royal this Platinum Jubilee weekend with a visit to the Highgrove Shop nearby, on Tetbury High Street. With products designed exclusively for Highgrove, you’ll find luxury food and drink, gardening accessories, stylish textiles and soft furnishings. Stay at the aptly-named Apartment 2 – The Crown (sleeps two), a contemporary ground-floor property tucked

away in the heart this vibrant Cotswold market town. It’s a perfect base for exploring this part of the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and steeped in local history… or for simply cosying up together to watch the Jubilee pageantry on TV. The large lounge area has high ceilings and beautiful wooden floors. A three-night self-catering stay arriving Friday 3 June costs £356 pp (£712 total). Visit www.holidaycottages.co.uk Royal steeds in Suffolk – from £165 per night at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa Originally built as a Georgian hunting lodge for the Duke of Bedford, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa sits in manicured gardens in Newmarket, the birthplace and global centre of thoroughbred horse racing. The Queen’s love of horses – and horse racing – is well known, though less well known is the fact that her horses have won many prestigious races at Newmarket over the years, including her home-bred colt, Tactical, which saw success at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile in April 2021. Take a horseracing-inspired visit to Newmarket to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, where the Jockey Club will be marking the anniversary with a celebratory line up of racing events including a Festival of Suffolk

Raceday on 14 May and a Cambridgeshire County Day on 23 June. Discover Newmarket is offering a new ‘Racing Royalty Tour’ – a walking tour of the town highlighting its Royal connections, followed by a private tour of Palace House, Charles I’s former residence and part of the National Horseracing Museum. The Museum itself will also be participating in British Racing’s National Day of Volunteering on 5 May, supporting charities and projects within the community combined with the Jubilee celebrations. An overnight stay at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa costs from £165 per night, including full English breakfast and use of the health club facilities. Visit www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk or call 01638 663175. A Scottish Highland fling – from £250 per night with Pride of Britain Hotels Nestled within the spectacular landscape of the Cairngorms National Park, The Fife Arms is an imaginative art-filled hotel close to Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish holiday home. The grounds, gardens and Ballroom at Balmoral Castle will be open from 1 April – 2 August this year and a special exhibition and Jubilee weekend afternoon tea will be available. The Braemar Gathering, or the Royal Highland Games – part of the

Scottish Highland Games – takes place five-minutes’ walk from the Fife Arms each September. Since 1848, the gathering has been attended by the reigning Monarch and members of the Royal Family. The hotel’s Victoriana Suites, where Queen Victoria once stayed, were inspired by the Royal Highland Games. An overnight stay at The Fife Arms costs from £250 per night (two sharing), including full English breakfast. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 www.prideofbritainhotels.com Platinum Jubilee Guided Walking Tour of Windsor with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide As preparations to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee gather pace across the land, Britain’s prestigious Blue Badge Tourist Guides are gearing up too, offering professionally guided tours of royal sites and fun, family-friendly itineraries to engage people of all ages in the significance of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Choose from an array of options that includes this Platinum Jubilee Walking Tour of Windsor, led by Barbara Askew. Starting on Windsor Bridge and ending at the Long Walk, you’ll hear about The Queen’s early life, her connections with Eton College, her role as ‘Seigneur of the Swans’ on the River Thames, and much more. The guided walk – which lasts 2.5 hrs hours and costs £180 for a group of up to 20 people – also includes a visit to the place where The Queen’s Accession to the throne was proclaimed in 1952. To book, call Barbara on 07702 224367 or visit www.britainsbestguides. org/guides/barbara-askew. Get the royal treatment this Jubilee weekend – Elite Hotels from £40 pp Celebrate the Jubilee ‘40s style’ at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in the heart of Ashdown Forest in East Sussex. Sip bubbles and raise a glass to the Queen, whilst enjoying a delicious Champagne Afternoon Tea on the sun-trap terrace, listening to the 1940s duo, Swing Time Sweetheart, playing ‘golden oldies’ from the Queen’s coronation years (price is £60 pp). Wave flags amongst the bunting and balloons at the Jubilee indoor street party at The Grand Hotel Eastbourne, where guests will lunch on fine British delicacies, quaff a glass of bubbly and dance to live music (price is £40 pp). Or get into the royal swing of things at Tylney Hall Hotel & Gardens in Hampshire with a celebratory Jubilee Afternoon Tea. Listen to live jazz and swing music in grand surroundings, and saviour the once-in-alifetime festivities (price is £46 pp). All events are taking place on Sunday 5 June. Guests can view the live televised events throughout the official Jubilee weekend including The Queen’s Birthday Parade and Trooping of the Colour (2 June), Thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral (3 June) and a

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Platinum Party at Buckingham Palace (4 June). Visit www.elitehotels.co.uk for further information. Europe Recreate a royal romance in Valletta – Malta from £668 pp with Kirker* Princess Elizabeth (as she was then) and her new husband, Prince Philip (a Naval Officer, serving on HMS Magpie), spent two blissful years (194951) as royal newlyweds on Malta, where they lived at Villa Guardamangia, just outside Valletta. Make your own memories of this magnificent Mediterranean island during a stay at the sumptuous five-star The Phoenicia. Set at the gateway to the Maltese capital, this iconic hotel enjoys spectacular views across Marsamxetto Harbour, and offers cool Colonial-style interiors, lush terraced gardens, an outdoor heated swimming pool, plus superb service. A threenight stay costs from £668 pp (two sharing), including flights (regional departures available), private transfers, B&B, and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book expert local guides or a table for dinner. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2288, www.kirkerholidays.com. Escape to peaceful Alonissos – Greece from £1,279 pp with GIC The Villa Collection* Make the most of the extra-long bank holiday weekend with a trip to the Greek islands.

With its private, forested hillside position, and just a two-minute walk down to the charming waterside, Katia’s House is an ideal retreat for couples. Overlooking the tiny fishing port of Kalamakia, when not relaxing by the private pool, feast on fresh fish caught that day from a selection of seafood tavernas. Want to explore further? Head to the nearby beaches of Glyfa and Agios Dimitrios (under a 10-minute drive away), or jump aboard a boat, which can be hired from the harbour to discover the island by sea. A seven-night stay now costs £1,279 pp (two sharing), including flights with 20kg hold luggage (Gatwick), ferry transfers and car hire. Departs 27 May. Call AITO* member GIC The Villa Collection on 020 8232 9780 www.gicthevillacollection.com Holiday in palatial royal splendour – Central Portugal from £1,747 pp with Sunvil* Stay in central Portugal over the Jubilee weekend and stop over at Quinta das Lagrimas, one of the most famous hotels in Portugal. Located between Lisbon and Porto, this fascinating 18th century property is steeped in history, tradition, and royal connections. The Duke of Wellington stayed here, and it’s the setting for a forbidden medieval love story between King Pedro of Portugal and Ines de Castro, leading to the hotel’s moniker - Estate of Tears. This handsome mansion is set in 20 acres of

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world class botanical gardens (including two trees planted by the Duke of Wellington himself) and retains many original characterful features, including lavish high ceilings and fabulous frescoes. Made up of tranquil garden- facing bedrooms, it has a knockout terrace and swimming pool with grand super loungers. The ‘Arcadas’ gourmet restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, along with an impressive wine list of the best wines of Portugal. There is a peaceful spa retreat with treatment rooms, modern indoor swimming pool, sauna and Turkish bath as well as a 9-hole golf course. A leisurely fifteen-minute walk away, Coimbra is well worth a visit with its UNESCO world heritage University, Baroque-era architecture and Roman ruins. A seven-night stay on a B&B basis is £1,747 pp (two sharing), including flights and 23 kg hold luggage (Gatwick) and car hire. Departs 1 June. Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8758 4722 www.sunvil.co.uk 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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Best European city breaks for reclaiming lost travel time with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts As travel picks up pace once more and Covid restrictions ease in the UK, Spring offers the perfect time in which to rediscover city breaks, with no crowds and low prices. With approximately 9,000 hotels worldwide, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has an array of properties for those looking to discover the buzz of culture, history, art and much more this year, from easy to reach European destinations to those further afield. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has shared some of its best hotels in Europe with exciting events in those much loved and missed city destinations for the year including: Wyndham Grand Athens, Greece - For Lovers of the Arts Wyndham Grand Athens offers the perfect spot for those looking to explore Greece’s vibrant capital city. Conveniently located next to Metaxourgeio metro station, providing an ideal base for business and leisure guests to visit the iconic landmarks and attractions. Boasting exceptional Mediterranean and International cuisine dining options to delight guests, the hotel also offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus hill and the Saronic Gulf from its impressive rooftop bar restaurant. After energetic days out, guests can enjoy breath-taking views with an aperitif in hand, by the magnificent outdoor waterfall swimming pool.

What to do in Athens this year: Those staying in Athens this year can be sure to enjoy the Athens Epidaurus Festival, following the success of its launch last year. The Open Plan festival offers a variety of captivating artistic and educational initiatives with art and fashion shows, theatre, and dance workshops, as well as radio plays. An experience to suit all the families’ interests. Through June and July, those seeking live music experiences can look no further than Release Athens Festival, which will be hosting a variety of live music acts in Water Square to satisfy all genres from rock, hip hop, dance and more. 2022 rates start from approximately £266 (€230) per room per night for two people and are subject to availability. Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce by Wyndham, Denmark - For Culture Lovers Those looking for a holiday base in a city not short of activities should look to stay at Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce by Wyndham. Situated in the vibrant Nordhavn district, the hotel offers a spectacular harborside stay overlooking the Sound waterway. The 484-room hotel is conveniently located next to the metro and the airport, ideal for those wanting a quick getaway. Must-see attractions including The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg palace, and Tivoli Gardens are just a stone’s throw away.

After intrepid days out, the hotel welcomes guests with contemporary guest rooms and suites, a well-equipped fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, and on-site parking. What to do in Copenhagen this year: Tivoli Summer Season, should be on the list for those seeking adventure – as the world’s second oldest amusement park and one of Denmark’s most famous attractions, Tivoli, is packed with crazy rides, green oases, gourmet food, rock concerts, and much more. Every Friday during the summer season, Tivoli Gardens offers a different music genre live from one of its many stages. It’s open from 8th April – 25th September 2022. Beer lovers should look to make a visit to the Copenhagen Beer Festival from the 11th – 22nd May 2022 for one of the city’s most festive events. 2022 rates start from approximately £126 (1,132 DK) per room per night for two people and are subject to availability. Super 8 by Wyndham Hamburg Mitte, Germany - For Foodie Lovers Travellers looking for the best foodie hotspots can do so from the heart of Hamburg, at Super 8 by Wyndham Hamburg Mitte this year. Perfectly positioned for easy transport access to both the airport and the metro, it is ideal for getting around the city. The Reeperbahn and St. Pauli Piers are within easy reach, and Michel and Alster Lakes are also nearby. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay at the trendy hotel, with free Wi-Fi and a Café-Bar to plan days out over a coffee and snack. What to do in Hamburg this year: Hamburg DOM, those looking to celebrate can do so in Spring DOM, Summer DOM and Winter DOM which run through their perspective months throughout the year and have a host of activities for each season that range from medieval villages and pirate dens to cosy Christmas markets and even a tropical beach bar in summer. Foodie lovers can delight in Osterstrassenfest, Hamburg’s most popular street festival that treats visitors to live music, food trucks and a flea market in central Eimsbüttel due to run from 23rd-24th April 2022. 2022 rates start from approximately £61 (€74) per room per night for two people and are subject to availability.

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Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Milano, Italy For Fashion and Art Lovers Guests can stay in comfort and elegance in Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Milano, with a relaxing atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, balconies, and modern styling. Those looking to stay active during their trip can make use of the hotel’s fitness centre, or use the sauna, steam room, and whirlpool to unwind. The hotel also offers a free continental breakfast to set guests up for days out exploring the beautiful Italian city, with attractions in close proximity due to the central location of the hotel. What to do in Milan this year: During the month of March, Milan becomes a visual and cultural hub for modern and contemporary art with an extensive calendar of events covering both Milan March Art Week, 28th March – 3rd April 2022, and Miart. Museums, art venues, private foundations and design spaces offer a packed programme of exhibitions, initiatives, performances, inaugurations, and special openings. Of course, it wouldn’t be worth mentioning Milan without mentioning fashion, and so the famous Milan Fashion Week will run from 20th – 26th September 2022 with a host of powerhouse fashion brands exhibiting. 2022 rates start from approximately £110 (€133) per room per night for two people and are subject to availability. Ramada by Wyndham Budapest City Center, Hungary - For Music Lovers Guests can immerse themselves in the old-world charm of the Hungarian capital while enjoying the contemporary comforts of Ramada by Wyndham Budapest City Center this year. With a host of live music events and festivals taking place in the city this year, the hotel is perfect for travellers as it sits just next to the airport. Just minutes from attractions like Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian Parliament Building can be explored with ease. Ramada by Wyndham Budapest provides the prefect hub, with buffet breakfasts of international favourites to kickstart adventure days out, and respite after at their rooftop restaurant with awe-inspiring views of the city. What to do in Budapest this year: Budapest Spring Festival, one of the greatest Hungarian annual cultural festival’s with over 100 events and a focus on contemporary forms of art is back for April 2022. Those in need of further entertainment in the Summer can attend Sziget Festival, Budapest’s iconic music festival on the “Island of Freedom” is back during 10th-15th August, with an over-the-top line-up of live music acts and art performances. 2022 rates start from approximately £78 (€94) per room per night for two people and are subject to availability.

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Luxury all-inclusive family retreat Fodele Beach & Water Park Resort opens in Crete with stunning new sea front rooms Fodele Beach Hotel & Water Park Resort, the Cretan coast’s favourite family escape, is gearing up for another holiday season which officially begins on the 3rd May 2022. Awarded by Trivago as one of the world’s best hotels with its own waterpark, this season the family retreat is unveiling new accommodation with a selection of stunning Sea Front rooms to keep the most discerning guests satisfied all summer long. The new Sea Front rooms are situated right in front of the property’s long stretch of private beach and enjoy idyllic sea views over the Cretan archipelagos. The new rooms have been designed with sustainability in mind and are made with materials that keep the rooms cool, reducing the need for air conditioning and helping to conserve energy. The colour palette is based

on soft neutrals and inspired by nature with plenty of wood accents. Sitting on a glistening cliffside on the Cretan coast in Heraklion, the hotel features over 400 guest rooms. Rooms have been designed for families with a variety of different bedroom options including twostorey maisonettes with two bathrooms, family suites with private terraces and standard rooms with multiple bedrooms. The hotel is a haven for families, with a fantastic waterpark that is set against the picturesque backdrop of the stunning Cretan Sea and has adrenaline-pumping slides for both adults and children alike. The hotel is also home to many activities from water sports to beach sports and features an excellent kids club suitable for children from 4 to 12 years old. In addition

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to its beautiful beachfront position, the hotel also has six swimming pools, so there is no shortage of places to choose from when taking a refreshing dip. Wellness seekers can spoil themselves with treatments in the aptly named, Smart Spa and fitness centre and spend some time relaxing in the infinity pool or using the top of the range fitness equipment. As part of the all-inclusive package, there are five different restaurants to choose from, serving up a variety of international cuisines including Greek and Italian and dishes that all the family will enjoy. All restaurants have lovely outdoor terraces so diners can sit outside and enjoy the view. Bookings are now open for stays starting from 3rd May 2022. Rates start from £130per room per night in May.

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Coming up next month in our June Issue, features on: Coffee • EPOS Housekeeping & Laundry Equipment • Interior Design & Decor

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 June issue is 18th May. 54

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