Warm Welcome Magazine - November Issue

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

Now Open - Sun Street Hotel London

Brand new five-star property, Sun Street Hotel officially opened its doors today. The hotel is the latest addition to multi-awardwinning hotel brand, Bespoke Hotels. The boutique hotel is situated on the borderline of Shoreditch and the City of London and is only a five-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations.

Sun Street Hotel pairs a sensitively restored Georgian terrace with eclectic interiors that evoke timeless sophistication and acknowledge the old and new of the two contrasting areas of the capital.

Bedrooms & Suites

The core aesthetic of Sun Street Hotel is elegance personified, with extravagantly beautiful décor and finishes. Internationally renowned interior design firm, Bowler James Brindley have expertly designed 41 guest rooms, including 7 suites, where guests can choose to spend the night in either Georgian or modern styled suites. Creating the perfect blend of luxury and comfort,

all bedrooms have king-size beds, Oxford pillows, illy coffee-machines, airconditioning, twice-daily maid service and Penhaligon toiletries.

Gastronomy

Chef Stuart Cauldwell, previously known for his work at Borough Market’s Roast Restaurant, has created a stunning menu with a focus on seasonal, fresh produce from carefully curated suppliers. The intimate wood-panelled 40-cover restaurant offers modern British cuisine and an extensive wine list. The outside Courtyard is a buzzing space on warmer days for drinks and al fresco dining, and the glorious hidden Sun Deck is reserved exclusively for residents and members to enjoy on crisp summer evenings. The sunlit Orangery is perfect for breakfast, morning coffee or predinner drinks and there’s a labyrinth of chic, comfortable stylish lounges and bar areas.

Service

The service at Sun Street Hotel is notably

discreet - guests are greeted by the elegantly uniformed doorman, and there is intuitive five-star service with attention to detail throughout. Unlike many central London hotels Sun Street Hotel offers plenty of intimate spaces, so whether on your own or with a small group of friends, family or business associates, guests will be able to find a space that is perfect for the moment.

Jake Greenall, General Manager comments; “Sun Street is a hotel with a heartbeat, a place where guests are treated like part of the family, not just a room number. It’s a home away from home for our guests, but with the added benefits that a luxury five-star hotel can bring”.

Nightly rates at Sun Street Hotel start from £250 on a room only basis when booked direct. Sun Street Hotel, 5-15 Sun Street, London. EC2A 2EP.

For more information call, T: 020 456 7890 or visit the website: www.sunstreethotel.com

The Runnymede on Thames Hotel & Spa Introduces Its Festive Offerings

Tis the season to get into the spirit at The Runnymede on Thames where a host of festive offerings await. From foodie feasts and Yuletide getaways, to bottomless fizz and soothing jazz, this glorious hotel has something for everyone this Christmas.

Alongside fabulous facilities, seasonal workshops and indulgent dining experiences, the four-star hotel is located just 10 minutes from Windsor, Surrey, making it the perfect base to explore some of the area’s best festive attractions. Kids and adults alike will love Windsor Great Park Illuminated, promised to light up the season with its dazzling trail of reimagined installations, and the botanical world of seasonal cheer at Christmas at Kew, with its sparkling tunnels of lights and dancing lakeside reflections. Take a trip to Legoland where the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with snow-dusted trees, or head to the Royal Borough for some last-minute Christmas shopping.

Book your visit to The Runnymede on Thames now and enjoy a host of Christmas activities and experiences:

Festive feasts, magical movies & a visit from Santa: Seasonal Getaways – (for couples, friends and families)

Whether celebrating à deux, with friends, or with the little ones in tow, feel the magic of Christmas and experience a festive break to remember. Arrive on Christmas Eve and enjoy an early check in before wrapping up warm for a visit to The Runnymede’s airstream to indulge in delicious mince pies and mulled wine or cider. Leave just enough room for a fabulous afternoon tea (with an obligatory glass of fizz for adults!) before donning your finest for the evening. Listen to smooth jazz from the in-house saxophonist as you dine on a light buffet supper – with wood-fired pizzas for the kids. Enjoy a merry Christmas Day with all the trimmings; from breakfast with a riverside view to soothing spa facilities, and not forgetting the legendary Christmas carvery lunch

where guests will be sure to pull a cracker or two. For those with children, Santa and his reindeer visit The Runnymede and make sure they leave a gift for every child; a wonderfully memorable way to start the day, followed by warm pancakes and waffles. Don’t get your tinsel in tangle as there is plenty of time to explore the local attractions or, you can simply kick back and enjoy a selection of Christmas movies with a charcuterie, cheese and wine supper (and plenty of delicious treats for children, too). Boxing Day can start as early or late as desired, with a complimentary 2pm checkout.

At The Runnymede on Thames the celebrations continue into the New Year, with a fabulous adults-only New Year’s Getaway; filled with plenty of bubbles and live music, this jam-packed package is a great way to start the New Year in style. Toast 2023 with a celebratory banquet buffet before you dance the night away with live entertainment from the Royal Beats. Expect power-house harmonies, champagne and a fabulous feastthe perfect way to close the year.

Couples Christmas Package | From £900 per room for two nights, based on double occupancy.

Family Christmas Package | From £1,050 per family room for two nights.

New Year’s Getaway | From £1,050 per room for two nights, based on double occupancy.

Bottomless fizz feasts & divine dessert tables: Festive Dining (from late November to late December)

Indulge in an assortment of Christmas delights this winter, with The Runnymede’s selection of delicious foodie feasts on the banks of the Thames. Treat yourself or those dearest to you to a festive afternoon tea - think roast turkey and stuffing finger sandwiches, and chestnut tart, with winterberry mousse – complete with a glass of a Robert Rose Champagne or Thomson & Scott Noughty (0.0% abv). Let Santa’s helpers take the hassle away from hosting and book a festive lunch or dinner at the Leftbank restaurant, with bookings of six or more enjoying a complimentary glass of fizz. Or, why not make your Sunday’s even more special this December and try the Bottomless Fizz Feast? Get into the Christmas spirit and expect nothing less than all the trimmings, with a selection

of tasty starters, a traditional roast turkey and a dessert table filled with seasonal showstoppers. Of course, this would not be a fizz feast without your bubbly being topped up for the whole 90 minutes of your visit.

Afternoon tea | £32 per adult, £20 per child (aged 3 – 12) (28th Nov – 22nd Dec)

Festive lunch | From £25 per adult (Monday to Friday, 5th – 22nd Dec)

Festive dinner | From £32 per adult and £16 per child (Monday to Thursday, 5th –22nd Dec)

Bottomless Fizz Feast | £55 per adult and £30 per child (Sundays, 4th, 11th & 18th Dec)

Resident DJs & noel novelties: Christmas Party Package (from 21st Nov – 23rd Dec)

Make Christmas 2022 one to remember with a dazzling party package, designed for 50-250 guests. Celebrate with your colleagues and enjoy the fabulous festive three-course menu, complete with roast turkey, gingerbread cheesecake and mince pies, plus Christmas novelties and an evening of dancing to the beats of the resident DJ. If that’s not enough, why not make a night of it and extend the celebrations with an overnight stay, where you can enjoy the spa facilities and a delicious breakfast with riverside views.

Christmas Party Package | £55 per person.

Winter Spa Package – Available from November to February

Treat yourself or a loved one to a Christmas treat with The Runnymede’s new Winter Spa Escape. Available from November to February, this indulgent spa package includes a one-night stay in a cosy double room, a choice of 40-minute seasonal spa treatments, dinner at Leftbank, full use of the spa facilities and breakfast the following morning. After checking in and making yourself at home, feel your stresses melt away with a dip in the indoor swimming pool or Jacuzzi before enjoying the complimentary treatment. Treatments include: ESPA Aromatherapy Facial, ESPA Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage, Manicure, or Pedicure. Both dinner and breakfast will be served at Leftbank, the hotel’s renowned buffet restaurant with views over the river.

The Winter Spa Escape is priced from £340 for two.

Nightly rates at The Runnymede on Thames start from £190 for a Standard Double Room, on a Bed and Breakfast basis. For more information or to book, please visit www.runnymedehotel.com, email info@therunnymedehotel.com or call 01784 220600.

As the Countdown To Christmas Begins

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa Introduces Festivities for a Magical Christmas Season

Christmas is a magical time of the year. From celebrations with family and friends, to relaxing and enjoying a festive escape, Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa is a wonderful choice. Having been recently transformed following an extensive refurbishment the hotel is the perfect location to unwind and enjoy the festivities with family and friends. From wreath making workshops and festive themed Afternoon Tea, to lunch with Santa, guests can count on Billesley Manor for a Christmas holiday to remember.

Magical Wreath Making

Those looking for creative ways to feel the Christmas spirit can attend the hotel’s wreath making workshops, either a festive afternoon or an evening learning how to make a Christmas door decoration - be careful not to get your tinsel in a tangle! Taking place at 1.30pm on Tuesday 6th December and 6.30pm on Wednesday 7th December, family and friends will leave Billesley Manor with a smile on their face, and a stunning handcrafted wreath fit for a winter wonderland.

*The wreath making workshop is £59pp.

Festive Afternoon Tea

As well as offering Afternoon Tea all year round, from 25th November foodies can rejoice with family and friends with a festive themed afternoon tea at Billesley Manor. Sink into the hotel’s luxurious soft chairs to the sounds of silverware on china and clinking champagne flutes in the grandeur of the Great Hall Bar or the Stuart restaurant to partake in the finest traditional serves of Afternoon Tea. The festive offering is complete with a selection of finger sandwiches, from cucumber to salmon, and endless sweet offerings from apple and cinnamon scones to mince pies. Those after an extra element of elegance can ditch the English breakfast tea and raise a glass of bubbly for a special treat. An alfresco option is also available to dine on the patio and take in the stunning ground views and ornate topiary garden.

*The festive afternoon tea is £25pp or £32 with prosecco.

Special Lunch with Santa

Those looking for something special can enjoy a meal with Santa himself. On Sunday

18th November, Billesley Manor will serve a special meal from 12.00 until 14.00, set in a wonderful historic setting. It might just be the perfect way to begin excitement amongst the little ones.

For a Christmas treat, the family can tuck into a three-course meal with Santa this year, with extra special gifts for children on the day for a fully festive dinner.

*The lunch with Santa is £29.95 per adult and £15 for children under 12.

Twinkle Party Nights

The celebrations don’t stop there, with Billesley’s Twinkle Party Nights guests can be treated to a wonderful evening of fine food and festive fun all throughout December. Enjoy a three-course meal, choosing from traditional Christmas dishes and other delicious options. Then party into the night with music from the hotel DJ.

*Rates start from £33pp.

Christmas & New Year Packages

Billesley Manor is the perfect escape for Christmas. Let the hotel do all the hard work while guests sit back, relax, and enjoy magical surroundings on an inclusive two-day getaway with a special festive package rate. Those seeking to bring in 2023 in style can make use of the New Year’s Eve package, with fantastic food and entertainment. Guests can celebrate with a welcome glass of fizz and canapes, followed by a fivecourse menu. Continue celebrations with a live band and DJ experience, to take the party through past midnight when a glass of fizz will be served to cheer in the New Year.

*The two night festive packages start from £395pp.

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa rates start from £160 per night B&B based on two people sharing, subject to availability. For more information about Billesley Manor Hotel and to book a stay, please visit www.bespokehotels.com, www.billesleymanor.com or call 01789 279955.

Business and leisure accommodation hotspot, Aptel East, celebrates successful first year of stays with sights set on next development

Business and leisure Aparthotel, Aptel East, is celebrating a successful first year of trade in the capital with ambitious growth plans in mind.

Martin Brage of Core Real Estate, opened the debut site, Aptel East, in October of 2021 with a vision for providing a high-tech yet comfortable leisure and business stay in the bustling East London.

Aptel East is located on Commercial Road, a short distance from Whitechapel, Shoreditch and Tower Bridge and comprises of 33 suites ranging from family rooms to executive suites.

The property has experienced good pick from a standing start in a slowly recovering hospitality landscape and is now achieving high occupancy levels, with the monthly average running at 80%. The sustained capacity throughout the year has resulted in

Aptel East developing a successful rate strategy, which is now running at an achieved daily rate of £150.

Following the successful year, the team has earmarked ambitious plans to open further locations in North, South and West London, bringing exciting competition to some of the city’s major growth hotspots.

Martin Brage, stated: “When designing and creating the Aptel brand, we envisioned a hub for both business and leisure travel in growing districts of the capital. The success of Aptel East in the first year has clearly supported our message as a business.

We have combined the service level of a hotel and the independence of an apartment. Utilising smart technology to allow guests the flexibility on how they engage with the property, from seamless check-in using smart phones to access

the property, through to fully managed reception and 24 hour guest service team on site.

Following an encouraging 12 months, we have identified the next site and formulating plans for new Aptel sites in the North, South and West of London, with the potential for further development across the UK. Alongside this, we are also committed to further improving our original East London site with exciting plans for retail and fitness facilities being put in motion.”

Aptel’s ambitious growth plans are forecast to begin in 2023 starting with improvements to their existing popular Aptel East site with further developments on other sites in due course.

For more information, please visit: www.aptel.co.uk

The Muddler to open a new site in Middlesbrough…

A FAVOURITE Tyneside restaurant has announced its first new site as part of its plans to grow its brand, with a major scheme for Middlesbrough.

A proposal to transform the former Kalinka bar and nighclub at the corner of Exchange Square into The Muddler is due to be submitted in the near future.

And if approved, the venue -in part of Commerce House – will become a 100 seater pan-Asian restaurant and cocktail bar, with a private dining area in the domed space on the top floor.

The ambitious scheme for the Grade II listed building also includes an outside mezzanine level at the back, with additional seating facing onto Exchange Square. It is hoped once planning and licensing applications are in place, that the venue will open in April 2023. Newcastle’s The Muddler is one of the city’s most popular restaurant and

occupies a prime location at Grey Street, opposite the Theatre Royal.

It’s authentic and high quality of dim sum, Asian style tapas and more substantial dishes have been a huge hit and it is hoped to replicate this winning formula in Middlesbrough.

Neill Winch, CEO of Danieli Group which owns The Muddler brand, believes it is a great move.

“When we sat the investment that has been made in Middlesbrough’s Historic Quarter and the real steps that have been taken to revitalise the area, we knew this was a great location for us,” said Neill.

“It fits perfectly with The Muddler brand and we hope that we will be something very different to the town in terms of both the food we offer and the high quality of the setting.

”We think Exchange Square is a great spot and hopefully our commitment will be a catalyst to encourage other good quality leisure operators into the area.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “Fantastic things are happening in Middlesbrough.

“We are winning investment, creating jobs and bringing new life and energy to the town.

“I’m really pleased to see this coming to the heart of our Historic Quarter and grateful to the people behind it for showing such confidence in Middlesbrough.

“I know that Teessiders and visitors to our area will love it.”

The Danieli Group is now currently looking at other sites across the region as part of its plans to expand into other locations.

The hotel is back. Great things will grow.

Taking place on 17 and 18 November at London’s Business Design Centre, Hotel Interiors Experience (HIX) will bring the hotel design community together for a true celebration of everything that makes hotels incredible. Returning bigger and better for 2022, with two days of networking, discussions, parties, installations and a curated exhibition of Europe’s leading brands, it’s free to attend, and the only place to find the entire hotel supply chain under one roof.

This year’s expanded edition features new spaces like Collection – a curated edit of 30 brands leading the way in European design including Moooi, Alamuir, Fritz Fryer, Muuto, Mater and Marset. Served by a dedicated pop up ‘mini bar’ and soundtrack, Collection is a boutique introduction to the wider show floor, where brands like Gessi, Northern Lights, Ligne Roset, Parla, Zonca, Chelsom, Hansgrohe and more will highlight the latest collections and interior trends.

At the centre of the show floor, the Mush Room bar designed by WeWantMore

will form the beating heart of HIX Social. Constructed from ultra-sustainable mycelium, the bar will host complementary HIX Drinx sessions across the two day social strand, including a late close Thursday party with DJ sets and complementary drinks as well as a series of stand parties from Roman, Roca, and Villeroy & Boch, and Friday’s Gen & Tonic midweight mixer, where rising hotel design stars can expand their networks and meet the industry’s leading lights before discovering a series of talks sessions exploring the future of hotel design.

Upstairs, the Kohler-sponsored HIX Talks programme will discuss topics ranging from the power of narrative and the net-zero design movement to metaverse hotels and members clubs. Featuring a keynote from iconic British designer Nigel Coates alongside panel speakers representing Accor, Baranowitz + Kronenberg, Conran & Partners, A Studio, Edyn, Roar, The actionable future-proofing advice to take into your next project.

Other House, Wunderman Thompson and more, HIX Talks is a forward-thinking hotel intelligence resource, and the place to hear check-in using smart phones to access the property, through to fully managed reception and 24 hour guest service team on site.

Following an encouraging 12 months, we have identified the next site and formulating plans for new Aptel sites in the North, South and West of London, with the potential for further development across the UK. Alongside this, we are also committed to further improving our original East London site with exciting plans for retail and fitness facilities being put in motion.”

Aptel’s ambitious growth plans are forecast to begin in 2023 starting with improvements to their existing popular Aptel East site with further developments on other sites in due course.

For more information, please visit: www.aptel.co.uk

Lolly wins Restaurant & Bar Tech Innovation award

Hospitality specialist wins Tech Product of the Year

At the recent Restaurant & Bar Tech Live (RBTL) event, the hospitality technology specialist, Lolly, was awarded with the show’s Innovation Award for the Tech Product of the Year. The RBTL Innovation Award celebrates transformative technologies that are revolutionising the future of the industry.

Lolly demonstrated its latest products, which the judges were impressed with –especially its AI facial recognition system LollyVerify. This new tool helps hospitality providers automate the process of verifying a customer’s age. LollyVerify identifies the age of an individual who wants to purchase a product and recommends an age check if the individual is younger than the age required to purchase an age-restricted product (such as alcohol).

The judges also got to meet with the LollyBot, Fergus, which is now part of Lolly’s digital product portfolio. The robot waiter, launched following many months of development, has been designed primarily to support waiting staff in a busy hospitality environment. The LollyBot can operate for a whole evening, taking food from the kitchen to tables in a restaurant, navigating obstacles and people on its journey.

Peter Moore, CEO at Lolly, said: “It was great to demonstrate the new Lolly products to the RBTL judges, and we are thrilled to have won the award. Innovation is at the very heart of what we do. We are constantly working closely alongside our diverse client base, developing the perfect portfolio to meet market demand and support hospitality providers as their needs, and those of the industry, evolve.

“The LollyVerify and LollyBot robot waiter were well received at the show, confirming our movement towards underpinning our product portfolio with AI-based tools.”

The RBTL judges commented on Lolly’s win, saying, “The Tech Product of the Year award is a celebration of the products which have improved the efficiency, productivity and profitability of businesses through transformative technologies that are revolutionising the future of the industry and Lolly certainly ticks all of these boxes”.

Spokesperson – Sam Jeveons, co-founder, Nusa Caña Indonesian rum

The festive season is a real opportunity for operators to expand their offerings and to give customers something unusual and out of the ordinary that they can’t get at home. With so many rum expressions, there’s really something to suit all budgets and tastes, and coupled with the range of premium mixers on offer, drinkers can experiment to find their favourite combination.

Nusa Caña rums offer just that. Our appeal is attributed to the fact that we are an Asian brand from the exotic island of Bali, and that resonates with consumers. Our brand heartland is linked to bringing back the forgotten story of Indonesian rum, our flavour profiles draw on the island’s heritage of sugarcane and spice, and the eyecatching barong mask design on the bottle really adds shelf-appeal.

Our limited edition ‘Godfather’ (60 percent abv) is a luxurious and rare expression which showcases the origins of, and variety of styles within, today’s rum category. Sitting above our existing Island Rum range - Nusa Caña Spiced Island Rum and Nusa Caña Tropical Island Rum – the limited-edition Godfather expresses our heartland and what drives us forward – reigniting the forgotten role Indonesia played in the history of 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’.

A whole world of rum

The rum world is ripe for exploration and venues can stand out from rival venues this Christmas by offering rums from lesserknown regions to add interest and appeal to the back bar. There’s a real thirst for more enhanced and advanced drinks in venue. The spirits market is really evolving and we want to be a key part of this evolution by bringing Indonesian rum to the fore and educating operators and drinkers on its history, provenance and quality, winning them over with our award-winning taste.

Good quality rums are great for sipping, served neat or with ice, especially as a postChristmas dinner drink, and this is the place for more nuanced, complex rums, where drinkers may already have knowledge of their preferred taste profiles or may want to expand their palates and try something unusual.

We’re seeing that drinkers are prepared to trade up to something they know will bring excitement and interest to their evening out so offering something out of the ordinary can really enhance their experience.

Advice for the festive season

- As it’s the season of goodwill, credible, authentic brands with purpose, as well as taste, can work to entice customers and pique their interest in something unusual that gives back in some way. Drinkers care more about what they pour in their glass, taking a greater interest in the story behind the brand and take into account sustainability, care for the environment and communities, and materials used in production. Provide information on the region the drink is from, sustainability credentials and a back story to the brand to give drinkers as much information as possible before they make their purchase decision.

- The role of premium spirits is going to be even more important in venues over the busy festive season – operators are opting for drinks with fewer ingredients for more simple serves, meaning the spirits have to

work harder. This is where top shelf spirits really shine as they offer something indulgent and luxurious without complication – meaning ease of presentation for bartenders, and a straight up, quality drink for the consumer.

- Many rum drinks come to the fore as winter warmers. Rum and ginger is the future gin and tonic. The fiery warmth of ginger beer, or subtle spice in ginger ale matches perfectly with Nusa Caña rums, and rums in general, offering a warming highball serve this winter.

- Mulled wine and eggnogs can be elevated with the addition of Nusa Caña spiced rum, taking the traditional serve and giving it a warming twist. Coffee cocktails are delicious with rum too - Indo coffee is our twist on the Irish coffee – rum, coffee and cream, all ingredients stocked in a bar or restaurant. And of course, the neat or on the rocks fireside serves or rum to end the day and celebrate the season.

Find out more about Nusa Caña at www.nusacana.com

Categories, formats and occasions

Vermouth

It has been half a century since its last hay day, but make no mistake, it’s back. Perfectly positioned to capture consumers who have bought in to the spritz over the summer or graduated from gin, vermouth has stolen hearts and share with popular serves like the Negroni and Americano – which will prevail in popularity this Christmas – but will be enjoyed neat, too.

Even served neat over ice, it signals an elevated menu – one that places quality at heart but with its finger on the pulse. This winter, don’t make the mistake of thinking vermouth is a summer spirit.

Range it in classic cocktails with a festive twist; a classic Manhattan made with whiskey and garnished with an orange rind twist and a good-quality maraschino cherry.

Dark spirits

Winter is coming, and with it comes appetite for dark spirits which naturally lend themselves to the colder months and do well neat or at the heart of richer cocktails. It makes them a must for drinks cabinets and is an area of the category whereby consumers expect to pay more because sectors such have whiskey have worked hard to earn their higher price points.

We’ve worked to curate an incredible dark spirits portfolio which this Christmas comprises brands perfectly positioned to win at the forefront of profitable parts of the category.

West Cork Irish Whiskey, and Redwood Empire Whiskey, along with rums from The Salford Rum Company, Nusa Cana and Diablesse, are expected to flourish this winter, as they benefit from seasonal drinks strategies accessible to consumers and integrated comms plans.

Possibly led by popularity in the US, or its suitability for gifting, we also have our eyes on Cognac this Christmas. All signs point to it realising its potential, especially at the younger ender of the market who are discerning in their choices and looking to be ahead of the curve.

We have backed Bourgoin Cognac in a big way this year; it’s handcrafted, from a fourth-gen family estate and aims to appeal to a modern audience using the most natural means possible.

ØKAR Liqueurs launch in the UK hospitality sector via Ten Locks

ØKAR Island Bitter and ØKAR Coffee Mocha Liqueurs are available now to the UK hospitality sector for the very first time from purpose-led drinks firm, Ten Locks. Crafted on the land of the Peramangk people, who are the traditional owners of the Adelaide Hills, the liqueurs encapsulate the unique native botanicals and culture of Australia.

The two liquids will be the third and fourth products to join Ten Locks’ portfolio from Applewood Distillery, joining Applewood Coral and Applewood Gin, which have already proved a hit in the UK, having secured listings with Daisy Green Group and New World Trading’s The Botanist Fascia.

The duo of brands, produced by the leading distiller, form a growing collection of sustainable Australian drinks that exhibit a true passion for creating craft liquids that capture the unique heritage and natural resources of the country.

ØKAR Island Bitter uses some of the rarest and ancient ingredients on earth, all native to the coastal rainforests of Australia, to create a juicy, vibrant and bitter taste. Described as ‘bitter in the back and a party in the front’, it’s an Australian twist on traditional Italian Amari, and presents the opportunity to create next level Negronis at a time when the serve is being embraced by consumers on premise and at home.

ØKAR Mocha is the first truly Australian coffee liqueur. It oozes Australia’s café culture by blending an eclectic mix of Mexican, Brazilian and Papuan coffees with native Wattleseed, Cacao, Coconut and Davidson Plum. The outcome is a beautifully crafted liqueur that shakes up an Espresso Martini or can be enjoyed neat over ice.

ØKAR leads with integrity and has been awarded B-Corp status as a result. Its motto – “Here for a good time and a long time” – aligns perfectly with Ten Locks’ drive to strive forward focused on enacting positive change in the industry. ØKAR uses native Australian ingredients to create demand for plants that grow in the country’s harsh climates, works with local independent farmers to give back to the community, reduces logistic emissions and has invested in solar energy to offset its carbon footprint.

Becky Davies, Head of Commercial at Ten Locks, stated: “Set to be a trailblazer

in vermouth’s renaissance because of its taste and innovation credentials, plus its commitment to work in harmony with the environment, ØKAR is a perfect fit for conscious consumers that want to discover vibrant new spirit brands. Its authentic nature and clear conscience play perfectly into the growing wave of bars and venues working to create more eco-friendly drinks menus, offering a premium craft vermouth to draw consumers in.

“ØKAR is infectiously fun, from its innovative, fresh and modern branding to its bold flavour profiles that give classic cocktails a distinctive twist. Coupled with its drive to create beautiful spirits in a way that benefits everyone, it’s a natural fit for the Ten Locks portfolio - we’re excited to be part of the driving force behind its launch in the UK.”

Laura Carter, Managing Director at ØKAR, added: “We’re proud of the sunburnt country ØKAR calls home, which is why we’re on a mission to craft fantastic drinks that reflect Australia’s awesome continent and culture. UK consumers are on the hunt for brands that are authentic, and ØKAR

is the perfect solution. As a sustainable Australian spirit that works to improve agriculture standards, reduce energy usage and waste whilst also supporting the local community, it lends itself perfectly to decision makers seeking more eco-friendly – yet still playful – brands to stock. In Ten Locks we have a found a partner who shares our culture for doing things the right way.”

ØKAR Island Bitter (24% Abv – 700ml) and Coffee Mocha (20% Abv – 700ml) are available to the UK hospitality sector now via Ten Locks, with gift pack options also available in the lead up to Christmas. Visit www.ten-locks.com and www.okar.com.au for more details.

ØKAR joins premium drinks brands Savoia, EasyMixt, Sollasa, Ace + Freak, Cambusier, Bourgoin Cognac, Salford Rum, Mary White Vodka, Nusa Caña Rum, Applewood Gin, Diablesse Rum, Banhez Mezcal, El Tequileño, Langley’s Gin, Redwood Empire and West Cork Irish Whiskey in Ten Locks’ progressive portfolio of drinks brands with a difference.

The Garden Cider Company celebrate a record harvest of garden apples

After a summer of unprecedented heat, with temperatures hitting a record in the UK of 40.3c in July, The Garden Cider Company in Surrey has reported a record-breaking harvest, taking delivery of over 100 tonnes of garden apples at their Chiddingfold-based farm, which is almost double that of last year’s harvest. The apples are provided by residents from across the South East of England, as locals look to make use of their unwanted garden fruits. Celebrating a busy summer for the business, over 200 new members have also joined The Garden Cider Company’s membership scheme to receive free cider in return for their unwanted garden apples.

With their intake starting a month earlier than usual this year, over 20 tonnes were accumulated by the end of August, which

proved to be a positive start to the harvest season for the cider makers. This was then followed by an even busier September than usual, which saw The Garden Cider Company regularly receive 10 tonnes of garden apples per day.

Speaking on this year’s apple harvest, cofounder of The Garden Cider Company, Will Filby said “We are very thankful for our fantastic members, who have all contributed to an incredible harvest this summer. It was a very busy summer for all the team here at Mill House Farm, working through what have been some incredibly hot weeks. The team are currently creating our great range of fruitflavoured ciders, ready for our members and customers to enjoy over the coming months.”

In what has been an outstanding year for the company, last month it was announced

that the surrey-based cider makers would be running the second rollout of their products within Lidl stores across the UK.

There is still time to join The Garden Cider Company membership scheme and make something of your unwanted garden apples. Simply stop by the home of the cider producers at Mill House Farm in Chiddingfold, where the team will be happy to take your details and talk you through the process.

Click on the link below to shop the full range of The Garden Cider Company products –www.shop-thegardencidercompany-couk.myshopify.com

The Garden Cider Company, Mill House Farm, Petworth Rd, Chiddingfold, Godalming GU8 4SL www.thegardencidercompany.co.uk

ST Austell Brewery partners with New South West 660 Road Trip

St Austell Brewery, the southwest’s leading independent brewery and pub estate, has announced its partnership with brand new South West 660 driving route, an iconic road trip following the beautiful coastline of southwest England.

The 660-mile route runs from Poole in Dorset through Devon and Cornwall and finishes in Watchet, Somerset, passing Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Coastal sites as it hugs the sea. The route has been designed to encourage low season tourism, with visitors encouraged to enjoy ‘slow travel’ and a local perspective, away from busy roads and congested resorts. Although the route can be done in one motormarathon, it can also be split into 12 sections for those who are short on time but not imagination.

A selection of St Austell’s dog-friendly, cosy pubs with rooms offer atmospheric and affordable overnight stays en-route. Helpfully marked on the St Austell x South West 660 map for a stress-free planning experience, each St Austell property boasts character, authenticity and coastal charm as well as unrivalled locations and community spirit. Whether you end your day in front of a log-

burning fire or soaking up the sunset by the beach, there is something for everyone.

Here are three of our favourite road trip routes, taking in St Austell’s standout properties.

LYME REGIS TO EXETER

If you’re keen to head off the beaten path, take a detour through Devon’s winding high-hedged lanes and cliff-top roads. Start with a delicious lunch in Lyme Regis at the seaside bolthole, Rock Point, and follow the country roads through sleepy seaside villages and stony beaches to the picturesque village of Branscombe, where you can check-in at the freshly renovated Masons Arms and relax in front of the roaring log fire. Continue your adventure. along the seafront at the mouth of the Exe Estuary and head on to the bustling, artistic hub of Exeter, stopping for a scenic drink at Mill on the Exe.

ST AUSTELL TO PENZANCE

Packed with activities including the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Charlestown and, of course, St Austell Brewery, the trip begins in the brewery’s namesake town, St Austell. Set off from there through the riviera-style St Mawes and across the river on famous King Harry

Ferry to arrive for a stay at the waterfront Chainlocker in Falmouth. After strolling through the most authentic and mystic slice of Cornwall, Penzance, you will reach your final destination of Mousehole, the picturesque village where you can bask in front of the sea views with a traditional Cornish pub meal at the Ship Inn.

ST IVES TO PADSTOW

For more adventurous surfers, walkers, and keen explorers, the 60 miles of rugged coastline between St Ives and Padstow is the beaten path worth travelling. Overlooking the gorgeous harbour, the Lifeboat Inn in St Ives offers the perfect starting point, before heading on to Newquay for a delicious lunch of reinvented pub classics at the newly renovated and family-friendly Fort Inn . After fuelling up, rock up in Padstow to wrap up your trip with a restful night at The Old Custom House. Holding prime position in Padstow’s South Quay, it is the perfect setting to soak up one of Cornwall’s most renowned seascapes.

Local, affordable stays remain top of mind for holidaymakers this year and visiting the southwest during the quieter season means fewer crowds, cheaper rates and atmospheric landscapes as the seasons change.

Visionary chefs invited to compete in the prestigious Lumina Challenge

Returning for its fifth year, the Lumina Challenge, run by Alliance – New Zealand’s only 100% farmer-owned red meat co-operative – has announced the launch of its 2023 competition.

From 1 December 2022 – 16 January 2023, chefs from across the UK and Ireland are invited to submit their most exciting lamb recipes, for a chance to scoop the top accolade and an all-expenses paid trip to New Zealand.

For a chance to reach the professional pinnacle to which many aspire, chefs of all levels can enter their award-worthy recipes via the Lumina website. Images of the chosen dish are also required to be shared on Instagram, using the hashtags #LuminaChallenge2023, #LuminaLamb and #PinnacleofTaste, for a chance to win.

Helping to pick the top 20 recipes will be a panel of industry-renowned experts, including head judge Matt Owens,

Chairman of the Craft Guild of Chefs and development chef for Alliance; Mark Reynolds, Executive Head Chef at Tottenham Hotspur FC and Vice-chair of Craft Guild of Chefs; Ioannis Grammenos, Executive Chef at Heliot Steakhouse and the world’s first meatologist; and Kerth Gumbs, previous banquet finalist on Great British Menu and newest judge/co-host of MasterChef Juniors.

The judging panel will consider the presentation, innovation and creativity of each recipe, as well as the use of ingredients, taste, flavour and texture. And, the judges will be looking for chefs to highlight the outstanding quality of Lumina’s 100% free-range New Zealand grass-fed Lamb.

A two-stage semi-final will see finalists join the judges at a champagne and canapes networking event at Alliance HQ in February 2023 where they will receive samples of

T the Lumina product, learn more about the brand and speak directly with a Lumina farmer in New Zealand. Semifinalists will then be asked to submit a short video about what makes Lumina Lamb stand out from the competition, their recipe and what makes their dish so special.

he judges will then select just eight chefs to move on to the live final which will take place at Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) on 20 March 2023. An exhilarating one-hour live final will see contestants produce four dishes, with the winner announced in an Award Ceremony hosted exclusively at Chef HQ, the exciting HRC hub for Chef’s Magazine.

Revealing what the judges will be looking for from entries, head judge Matt Owens, Chairman, Craft Guild of Chefs, and development chef for Alliance, said: “Lumina is recognised globally for the world’s best and most succulent lamb –carefully curating the highest standard of excellence and care throughout the entire journey from farm to plate. This year’s challenge will invite chefs of all levels to match these high standards, let their creative juices flow and showcase their culinary skills and creativity to produce something both delicious and surprising. We’re excited to take the final to HRC 2023 for the first time, creating an exciting live final that will put our finalists through their paces, and treat attendees to an exciting display of culinary excellence.”

The winner of the Lumina Challenge 2023 will win an all-expenses paid trip to New Zealand in 2023, and be inducted into the Lumina Ambassador programme, joining the likes of Andrianos Poulis, Lee Ladislav Poustevnik, John Skotidas, and the illustrious Lumina Challenge judging panel. Their exciting adventure to New Zealand will include a visit to Lumina Farms, a chance to try the product on premium menus in the country’s best restaurants, a chance to cook alongside the best Lumina chefs from around the world, and an opportunity to experience the local culture and lifestyle.

The Lumina Challenge will open for entries from 1 December until 16 January 2023. For more information, visit the Lumina website at www.luminafarms.com/challenge-uk

Now open: Rails Restaurant & Little Bar

The latest addition to King’s Cross’s vibrant and varied dining and drinking scene is now open. RAILS Restaurant & Little Bar, a stone throw from the Eurostar and on the first floor of the Great Northern Hotel, offers modern and elevated British classics with subtle French accents in homage to its proximity to the Eurostar.

THE RAILS EXPERIENCE

Formerly Plum + Spilt Milk, the restaurant has been reimagined and the new menu, created by Executive Chef Stéphane Cerisier, features elevated yet accessible dishes made using only the finest seasonal ingredients, many locally sourced. With over 25 years of experience and born and schooled in France, Stéphane’s approach is rooted in quality above all else which is evidenced throughout the menu – delivering in flavour, flair and superb execution. New signature highlights include a hearty salad

of roasted red, yellow and candied beetroot topped with a tahini yoghurt dressing, finished with pomegranate seeds and lamb lettuce; and baked St Marcellin – a French goat’s cheese – drizzled with truffle honey and served with crisp sourdough toast.

Must-try mains include seared Cornish cod with buttered leek, apple and thyme dressing; roasted guinea fowl with sweet corn purée and chicken jus; and Moules Frites in a white wine, shallot and parsley sauce. From the grill and each cooked to perfection, tender free range pork chop is topped with fresh apple sauce and a crisp piece of crackling, whilst grilled lemon sole from Rye in East Sussex is served simply with a wedge of lemon and your choice of sauce. A large showstopping chateaubriand is ideal for sharing, served perfectly pink, and accompanied by your choice of two sauces and two sides.

Desserts are ooh la la with a classic tarte

tatin with vanilla chantilly, île flottante and chocolate fondant as well as a vegan plum cheesecake. Be sure to leave room for the cheese trolley - take your pick from an extensive choice of French and British cheeses, served alongside bread, crackers and chutneys and plenty of butter.

Located in the heart in one of the city’s largest transport hubs, the restaurant is ideally placed for business breakfasts or refuelling before travelling. The morning menu features all the classics from a full English, eggs benedict, royale or Florentine to avocado on sourdough toast, overnight oats, buttermilk pancake stacks and a selection of freshly baked flaky pastries.

What’s more, later this year, afternoon tea will be introduced followed by brunch and Sunday lunch early next year, transforming RAILS Restaurant into an all-day dining destination.

ELEGANT INTERIORS

The interiors are bright, airy and flooded with natural daylight thanks to large floorto-ceiling windows. Art is no afterthought with two striking and abstract paintings from multi-award-winning artist Ed Burkes proudly displayed in the restaurant. Famed for his intuitive and bold style that has seen him exhibited in several galleries across the UK, the large pieces bring additional colour and vibrancy to the main dining area. What’s more, beautiful and intricate illustrations from Laura Bourhill of Bourhillustration have been designed bespoke and are framed in Little Bar. Wooden panelling, foliage and pendant lights warm the space whilst delicate olive toned curtains reminiscent of a Parisian café complete the stylish look.

DRINK IT ALL IN

Located next to RAILS Restaurant, the inviting Little Bar is the perfect spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks with friends, as well as after-work sips and weekend catch-ups. The creative cocktails are French- inspired with a certain je ne sais quoi. The Sassy Negroni is a unique take on the much-loved classic, made with Suze Liqueur, Lillet Blanc Vermouth, Citadelle Gin and Sassy Cidre Poire; whilst the Fleur de Sureau sees El Jimador Tequila blended with St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Crème de Cassis and lime juice.

The menu also features an extensive choice of wines, half of which are French, as well as aperitifs,digestifs and liqueurs, from classic French vermouths and pastis.

Greene King teams up with local Burton-On-Trent chef to launch new Jamaican inspired dishes

- Monica Holton, Head Chef at Dattie’s Soul Food has helped create two new menu items that have been rolled out nationwide

- Monica was introduced to the business via Unity, Greene King’s employee led inclusion group for Black, Asian and minority ethnic team members

Pub company and brewer Greene King has teamed up with a local Burton-on-Trent chef, Monica Holton to create Jamaican menu items which are now being enjoyed across the UK.

The Head Chef at Dattie’s Soul Food runs a popular takeaway business in the heart of the midlands, serving authentic Jamaican cuisine to locals.

Following an introduction to the business via Unity, Greene King’s employee led inclusion group, Monica was invited to host a

cook-along to celebrate Black History Month in 2021, where she demonstrated her unique take on home cooked Jamaican classics.

Given the growing trend for Caribbean cuisine, the Food Development team at Greene King invited Monica to work with them to create two new exclusive dishes: Jerk Chicken & Ribs, and a classic Jamaican Chicken Curry, which have since made their debuts nationwide in Hungry Horse and Flaming Grill pubs respectively.

Monica Holton, Head Chef at Dattie’s Soul Food said, “My journey to becoming a chef started with my parents, watching my Mum set the table as a child in anticipation of a feast is such an important memory for me.

“Our goal at Dattie’s Soul Food is to share the wonders of Jamaican heritage and culture with the world, so we were delighted when Jason from Greene King invited me to cook with the team.

“It was fantastic to hear about the incredible work Unity is doing to celebrate diversity in all forms across the business. Encouraging people from different backgrounds and cultures to integrate fully at every level of Greene King has led to this fantastic collaboration, allowing us to launch two new incredible dishes”

Jason Marshall, business analyst and Unity lead said, “It’s really exciting that what started as Unity raising awareness of Black History month with a cook-along celebrating Jamaican heritage and cuisine, has now led to a great collaboration between Monica and Greene King.

Our food development team were really impressed with Monica’s dishes and could see the opportunity to add authentic Jamaican dishes to our menus.”

Unity, along with Greene King’s three other employee led inclusion groups, play an

important role in Greene King’s journey to everyday inclusion, helping to build and sustain a more diverse environment where all people are embraced and valued, so they are empowered to reach their full potential and thrive.

Most recently, supported by Unity, team members have been involved with Greene King’s Reverse Mentoring programme, where all members of the executive board were paired with team members from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to fully understand the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis.

Following the success of the programme, Reverse Mentoring has since been rolled out to more teams across the wider business.

For more information, visit: www.greeneking.co.uk/newsroom/ latest-news/promoting-everydayinclusion-through-reverse-mentoring-atgreene-king/

World Vegan Month – Foodie recommendations

With around 1.6 million people in the UK currently vegan, we’ve rounded up the best foodie spots in London to celebrate World Vegan Month this November. From banging plant-based burgers, corn ‘ribs’, ‘shrimp’ lollipops, vegan burrata and more, experience epic taste and texture sensations with options sure to tempt the staunchest of carnivores.

Fat Hippo – Five Vegan Burgers, plus Sides + Sauces

Indulgent, delicious, dirty and vegan! Just opened in Shoreditch, Fat Hippo is serving up some of the best vegan burgers in town. Roll up your sleeves for the Notorious VFC 2.0 (£13.90), featuring southern-fried plant- based chkn, loaded with waffle fries, vegan cheese, lettuce, pickles, BBQ sauce and zinger mayo or the Oprah Sin-Free (£13.90) with a plant-based patty, vegan cheese, Cajun fakon bites, onion rings and Fat Hippo sauce. Every burger comes with fries as standard, but don’t miss vegan sides including frickles (fried pickles), wachos (waffle nacho hybrid) and trash browns. Enjoy select burgers and fries for £8 until 4pm Monday to Friday, as well as ‘Hippo

Hour’ - two courses for £16 and three for £18.50 from 5pm - 6pm on weekdays. www.fathippo.co.uk

Drake & Morgan – ‘Shrimp’ Lollipops and Vegan Burrata

Leading bar and restaurant group Drake & Morgan (The Sipping Room, The Folly, The Refinery Bankside) has welcomed a whole host of plant-based goodness to their menus.

Get ready to be blown away by the “Shrimp” Lollipops (£6.95), a one-of-a-kind seafood substitute made with from soy! There’s also the Mezze Board with chestnut hummus, harissa, burella (vegan burrata), flatbread and marinated beans (£19.95), or a warming Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli with vegan ‘Nduja’ cream, vegan feta, baby spinach and pumpkin seeds (£16.95). With 17 London locations, from Canary Wharf to Southwark, go green at Drake & Morgan this month. www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk

Haché – New Symplicity Vegan Burger

New to Haché’s line-up of beloved burgers

comes the limited edition plant-based Symple Frenchie (£14) – launched in collaboration with chef and Symplicity Foods founder, Neil Rankin. Proving to be the place to eat no meat this November, this meat-free marvel features a signature Symplicity burger patty topped with caramelised and crispy onions, pea shoots, Haché’s Rosemary Sea Salt Fries and finished off with French mustard, homemade Bloody Marie ketchup and a vegan tarragon béarnaise sauce.

A true treat for burger connoisseurs, the Symple Frenchie is served in a Sally Clarke vegan seeded brioche bun for a final French flourish! www.hacheburgers.com/

Available from 4th October – 30th November for dine-in and delivery

Little Planted Kitchen – Vegan Only Delivery Restaurant

Proving veg can be the star of the show is the London-based vegan delivery-only restaurant, Little Planted Kitchen. Tuck into takeaway treats such as small bites like Cauliflower ‘Popcorn’, Corn ‘Ribs’ or Impossible Chick’n Tenders, each served with your choice of sauce from barbecue, hot cayenne, buffalo or Rubies in the Rubble Mayo with Fresh Lime.

When it comes to mains, burgers and bowls are piled high with the freshest and highest quality ingredients - enjoy items such as the Little Planted Truffle – a Symplicity burger patty topped with lashings of Bloody Mary ketchup, caramelised onions, peashoots, truffle shavings and an indulgent truffle and black pepper sauce. www.littleplantedkitchen.com/

Happy Face – Vegan Pepperoni Pizza

For authentic Neapolitan pizzas in the capital, head to Happy Face Pizza in King’s Cross, Victoria or Brent Cross.

Renowned for its puffy light dough, punchy flavours and made using a 72-hour dough ferment to create a lighter, fluffier crust, opt for the Vegan Pepperoni pizza (£13) this November, topped with vegan cheese and olives.

King’s Cross, Victoria & Brent Cross www.happyface.pizza

What is the long-term impact Covid-19 had on our hygiene habits?

It’s almost three years now since the global pandemic turned our lives upside down and plunged us all into a ‘new normal’ way of living. Now, with restrictions all but lifted across most of Europe, have you ever stopped to think about the long-term impact that Covid-19 is likely to have had on our hygiene habits?

A recent survey has sought to answer just that question and its findings will certainly provide food for thought for the hospitality sector. It seems that Europeans are much more aware of the importance of proper hand washing and drying since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic – and they have become more exacting about the facilities that they expect when visiting washrooms away from home.

Survey highlights

Not only are people washing their hands more often, but they are also concerned about potential health risks associated with electric dryers and demanding paper towels for hand drying due to their excellent hygiene properties.

What’s more, almost half will take action if they don’t find their preferred drying option in public washrooms: writing a bad review, complaining to management or worse stillleaving and never coming back!

The survey, sponsored by ETS, probed post pandemic attitudes towards hand hygiene among men and women of all age groups from 18 to 80+. It explored how habits and preferences have changed and polled thousands of people across 10 European countries: Belgium, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and UK.

The findings make interesting reading for those working in hospitality and responsible for equipping washroom facilities in public spaces. While it’s hardly surprising that a prolonged pandemic will have served to change our hygiene habits, now, equipped with detailed information as to what customers want, HORECA and hospitality managers have the chance to make the necessary changes to meet customer expectations and ensure that their business continues to thrive.

Convincing statistics

Let’s take a closer look at the survey findings: A whopping 86% of people surveyed report having washed their hands more often since the start of the pandemic and more than half say that Covid-19 has also altered their preferred method of hand drying in public washrooms – particularly among those aged 35-50. The majority of people surveyed across all age groups believe that paper

towels are the most hygienic way to dry hands and prefer them to any other method.

And if paper towels are not available for drying hands in public washrooms then Europeans have some pretty ingenious ways of getting around the problem. Belgians, Germans and Poles prefer to shake their hands instead, while the Spanish dry their hands with toilet tissue.

Interestingly, almost 60% of people confirm that they are concerned about possible health risks associated with electric hand dryers due to the potential for bacteria to be blown into the air. Men are more concerned than women and younger people are significantly more concerned than older ones, with 70% of 18-34 year olds aware of possible risks or having read about them. The Spanish appear to be the most concerned and the Italians and British the least.

Two-thirds of those surveyed also admitted that if an establishment does not provide their preferred method of hand drying then it affects their overall perception of the place. And it doesn’t stop there. Nearly half said they would take action if the hand drying method that they favour was not available: some will leave a bad review – particularly the Finns and the Poles; others will leave the establishment immediately and never go back – particularly the Italians and Belgians; and almost 20% of men will report it to the management – especially the Poles, Finns and Germans. The British, true to the national stereotype, were the least likely to complain!

Conclusions

It’s clear that the crash course in hand hygiene that we all received during the Covid-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on the habits of Europeans. They have listened to the experts and heeded the lessons learned. As a result, they now have greater expectations of facilities in public washrooms. What’s more they are not frightened to speak out and make their demands heard.

The hospitality, cleaning and procurement industries will need to take note and reflect of the implications for their sector. Today’s customers are more aware and more vocal. They are looking for optimal hygiene standards in public washrooms – including the provision of their preferred method of hand drying: paper towels.

Sustainability, cobotics and hygiene habits

The Cleaning Show returns to London to highlight the latest trends and technologies transforming the cleaning industry.

Over the past two years, the cleaning industry has been thrown into the spotlight, and has proudly and professionally taken a frontline position as it demonstrates best practice in cleaning and sanitation processes. At the same time, consumers and business owners have developed a growing appreciation of the industry’s role in keeping people and places safe. With the pandemic firmly in the rear view mirror, and the ‘new normal’ transitioning into a familiar rhythm, the continued importance of enhanced cleaning regimes is clear.

It’s against this backdrop that The Cleaning Show 2023 returns to ExCeL, London, from 14-16 March 2023 to demonstrate the very latest advancements in cleaning technologies and provide unmissable learning and sourcing opportunities for the cleaning and hygiene sector, which together with the waste industry is one of the biggest sectors in the UK, worth nearly £59bn and employing 1.47m people.

The show, organised by the British Cleaning Council and Quartz Business Media, is set to attract more than 100 cleaning suppliers, with the likes of Jangro, Numatic, Makita UK, Karcher UK, Nilfisk and SC Johnson Professional among those confirmed to exhibit. And, with more than 7,000 senior cleaning professionals set to attend from across the contract cleaning, facilities management (FM), healthcare, hospitality, retail and public services sectors, it is no surprise that the event has become the largest and longest running exhibition in the UK dedicated to cleaning, hygiene and facilities management.

A chance to learn from industry experts

Alongside a growing list of Europe’s leading cleaning suppliers confirmed to showcase their latest technologies and innovations on the show floor, The Cleaning Show Conference will also return. Welcoming the industry’s leading experts, the conference will offer a place to discuss and debate the big issues affecting the sector. A full programme of speakers and topics will be announced in the coming weeks.

Also returning after a successful debut in 2021, the Cleaning & Support Services Association will once again host the CSSA Innovation Showcase. The dedicated pavilion is designed to highlight and celebrate the industry’s most innovative cleaning products, services and initiatives. Among the big trends anticipated to take the spotlight, the theme of sustainability will return to help operators minimise their impact on the planet. Cobotics and the evolution of robotic technology to support the cleaning process and tackle the ongoing resources challenge will also play a key role alongside healthy buildings, where the Internet of Things (IoT) enabled dynamic resource applications will transform operations.

With a focus on creating the Future of Cleaning, businesses and organisations operating throughout the industry can enter their innovations via the CSSA website by 30 November 2022. Prior to The Cleaning Show, the CSSA will hold an Innovator’s Pitch with a panel of leading industry experts who will review and interview all entrants and select those to be exhibited at

the Innovation Showcase itself. For further information on submitting an entry, visit www.cssa-uk.co.uk

Speaking about the CSSA Innovation Showcase, Paul Ashton, Chairman of the CSSA, said: “The CSSA Innovation Showcase represents the Future of Cleaning and provides genuine insight for our members and the wider industry into how we can use innovation to create positive change. We specifically focus on highlighting ways our membership can tackle the operational challenges being faced with the evolution of customer demands. There is no doubt that technology has a key role in the future provision of safe, clean environments.”

Jim Melvin, Chairman, British Cleaning Council, said: “The importance of the work of the cleaning, hygiene and waste sector – which is one of the ten biggest industries in the UK - has been highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic, with cleaning and hygiene operatives continuing to play a vital, frontline role keeping keyworkers and the public safe, healthy and well.

“The Cleaning Show brings the industry together to celebrate our crucial work, as well as reflecting on key issues, the latest trends, and the most exciting innovative and technological developments.

“We’re very excited to welcome both new and returning exhibitors to the ExCeL, London where the latest product launches will come to life. It’s an unmissable three days of exciting networking opportunities, with a hotbed of education for visitors to enjoy.”

Paul Sweeney, Event Director, The Cleaning Show, added: “As we look ahead to our return to London, we’re excited to bring the industry back together as we embrace and explore this new normal for the cleaning industry. Cleaning professionals have now firmly taken their place in the public eye, with consumers increasingly acknowledging and excepting that places of work and public areas are cleaned with the utmost care. The show will help cleaning professionals discover the latest technologies to help their businesses do this in the most sustainable and effective way.”

Registration for The Cleaning Show 2023 will open on 1st November 2022. To register your interest to attend and find out more about this year’s event, visit: www.cleaningshow.co.uk/london/

Turn Words into Action with Product Personalisation

A look into how leading manufacturer, Glasdon, offer advanced levels of product personalisation to help their customers turn powerful messages into positive action within their organisation.

Responsible waste management and recycling is critical to the environment, and recycling programmes undoubtedly be required to adapt over time. Which is why Glasdon offer their customers the opportunities to create, design, and shape their waste management solutions to their requirements.

The inclusion of a logo, slogan, colour change, brand name, mission statement, or just a simple evocative message to invoke a positive reaction can transform a simple waste solution into an invaluable ally within a recycling programme.

It is the ideal way to convey a green message and the perfect way to encourage the use of the unit, and therefore increase recycling efforts within the organisation.

How Can Product Personalisation be used to Improve Recycling?

Whilst personalisation is the ideal way to advertise or extend the organisation’s brand identity, it can also prove to be an effective means to increase the use of the product and convey a clear and concise message of the organisation’s environmental efforts or intentions. This can in turn improve recycling efforts within an organisation by creating a core principle to reduce their negative environmental impact.

The inclusion of a waste management solution that is attractive, bright, informative,

and engaging to use can offer a much more user-friendly experience and encourage correct recycling. Signifying what exactly can and can’t be recycled instantly helps users and most importantly reduces and can even eliminate the cross-contamination of recyclable waste.

With Net-Zero targets in the minds of many, now more than ever is the perfect time to demonstrate green intentions. The introduction of a personalised product is a great way to raise awareness and contribute towards zero carbon emissions on the NetZero journey.

A prime example would be to include a powerful message, statement, facts or figures that will help encourage a reduce, reuse and recycle motive. Another idea would be to include unique graphics of

designated waste streams that can be easily identified by the users. Listed below are some key components that can be included or adapted to enhance an organisation’s environmental efforts and help meet Net Zero targets.

Waste Stream Graphics

Creating and implementing your own unique waste graphics combined with brand colours and original fonts can carve out a clear message for how your organisation is going to recycle. Glasdon recommend opting for something recognisable and identifiable to ensure users know instantly where and which waste they can deposit.

Logos

Adding the organisation’s logo is a simple way to build a sense of ownership and commitment around a waste management programme.

Colour Schemes

If their wide range of standard colours aren’t quite what you are looking for, Glasdon offer the option to choose many of their products in a variety of non-standard colours - which is a great way to co-ordinate with a brand identity or internal colour scheme.

Full Body Graphics & Wraparounds

A truly impactful way of making your recycling bin stand out, encouraging use, and improve recycling efforts. Completely change the look and feel while boosting the purpose of the unit through a full-body vinyl wrap.

Polycarbonate Plaques, Poster Frame Kits & Sign Kits

Another way to personalise is to utilise the optional signage options available on many of their litter bins and recycling stations. Polycarbonate plaques, poster frame kits and rear fixed sign kits all offer the opportunity to add graphics, logos, messaging and more to really boost visibility of your scheme or advertisement.

Looking to create something completely unique? Contact Glasdon today.

Take a look at our quick and handy guide to Personalisation and Branding with Glasdon. www.uk.glasdon.com/faq/guide-topersonalisation-and-branding

Karisma Hotels & Resorts receives 13 travel weekly Magellan Awards

Boasting an impressive portfolio of properties in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, award-winning luxury hotel collection, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Grupo Lomas, has received 13 prestigious 2022 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, including eight Gold Awards and five Silver Awards.

From design to marketing to services, these prestigious awards recognise the best of the travel industry across a broad range of categories, including: Hotels and Resorts, Travel Destinations, Cruise Lines, Online Travel Services, Airlines and Airports, Travel Advisors and Agencies, Tour Operators and Car Rental and commends the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.

The recent accolades awarded to four properties across the collection’s portfolio — Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Palafitos Overwater Bungalows and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya in Mexico — are in addition to the four Gold and four Silver Awards received last year, an

increase that represents Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ continued dedication to a high standard of excellence within the travel industry. The celebrated categories include: Overall All-Inclusive Resort, Overall Family Resort, Luxury Five-Star Presidential Suite and Upscale Four-Star Restaurant Design.

“Karisma Hotels & Resorts is honoured to celebrate these esteemed recognitions,” said Frank Maduro, President of Premier Worldwide Marketing, the worldwide sales and marketing representative for Karisma Hotels & Resorts. “We would like to take this time to thank our valued team members and industry partners whom, without their support, we would not be able to garner such coveted awards. We look forward to continuing to pave the way for the tourism industry and to providing unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the globe.”

Travel Weekly has been curating the Magel lan awards since 2008. These highly cov eted travel industry awards are judged by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel profession als representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry.

The awards Karisma Hotels & Resorts have received are listed below.

2022 Magellan Awards Gold Winners:

- Hospitality - Overall-All-Inclusive Resort/Hotel Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

- Hospitality - Overall-All-Inclusive Resort/Hotel Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya

- Hospitality - Overall-Family Resort/Hotel Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana

- Hospitality - Overall-Luxury Hotel/Resort Palafitos Overwater Bungalows

- Hospitality Elements - Upscale (Four-Star)Penthouse Design

The Pineapple Suite at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya

-Hospitality Elements - Upscale (Four-Star)Standard Room Design Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya

-Hospitality Elements - Upscale (FourStar)-Restaurant Design. The Boathouse at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

- Hospitality Elements - Luxury (Five-Star)Presidential Suite The Jimmy Buffett Suite at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

2022 Magellan Awards Silver Winners:

- Hospitality - Overall-Family Resort/Hotel Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya

- Hospitality - Overall-Beach/Resort Hotel Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

- Hospitality Elements - Upscale (Four-Star)Penthouse Design

The Lair Suite at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya

- Hospitality Elements - Upscale (Four-Star)Standard Room Design

Beachfront Swim Up at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

- Hospitality Elements - Luxury (Five-Star)

The Pineapple Villa at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana

For more information about Karisma Hotels & Resorts, previous awards or accolades, or to book, visit www.karismahotels.com.

Mama Shelter announces six new global launches

Mama Shelter, the bold and cuttingedge hotel collection offering affordable hospitality, have announced their expansion plans for 2023 and 2024. The brand is adding six new Mamas to their collection by the end of 2024. Each hotel will pay homage to the local culture, while maintaining the fun and creative characteristics Mama prides itself on. The lifestyle hospitality brand is as popular as ever in France and abroad thanks to its offbeat, warm and truly authentic concept.

Mama Shelter Rennes, France - opening March 2023

This property will be the ninth Mama in France, the 17th worldwide and home to the first ever Mama Skin Spa. It will disrupt Rennes’ hospitality scene with an entirely new offering, including the city’s first rooftop bar with sweeping views of medieval towers. The hotel will be centrally located just a few steps from Place des Lices and the famous rue de la Soif, a five minute walk to the Sainte Anne metro station and only 20-minutes to the TGV train station connecting Paris Montparnasse to Rennes in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Mama Shelter always seeks to open in cities and neighbourhoods that are on the rise. The hotel will also have 119 bedrooms,

five workshops, a restaurant, a swimming pool and several karaoke rooms.

Mama Shelter Dijon, France - opening in June 2023

Home to 120 rooms across five floors, there will also be a restaurant serving up a typical Mama menu: a mix of local flavours and signature dishes. A highlight will be the CineMama, the hotel’s very-own private cinema and a petanque court allowing guests to enjoy memorable moments with family or friends.

Mama Shelter Dubai - opening in late 2023

Mama Shelter is travelling to the Middle East for the first time. It will be a new offering for visitors of Dubai, with its affordable and energetic personality.

It will be home to 197 rooms and 204 apartments, a range of dining outlets, a terrace with four swimming pools, an outdoor CineMama and more. It will be a larger-than-life Mama that embodies the idea of a resort in the heart of the city, recalling the origins of the Trigano family who founded the Mama Shelter group and co-founded Club Med.

Mama Medellín, Colombia - opening in early 2024

Mama Medellín will be located in the heart of the El Poblado district. The first Colombian Mama will have 150 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, more than 3,000 m² of coworking space, 500 m² of meeting rooms, and a swimming pool located on the first floor of the rooftop.

Mama Shelter Nice, France - opening in June 2024

Mama Shelter will head to the French Riviera for the opening of Mama Shelter Nice, which will be located only 600 metres from the city’s mythical Old Port, in the central district of Riquier. The property will be connected to the rest of the city by tram and train and which has many local shops, and will have 102 colourful rooms.

Mama Shelter Zurich, Switzerlandopening November 2024

Mama Shelter will open for the first time in Switzerland with the forthcoming property Mama Zurich. With 178 stylish and design rooms, it will be located in the lively shopping district of Oerlikon known for the Hallenstadion, where concerts and major sporting events take place, the Messe Zürich exhibition centre and the Theatre 11 Zürich, known for hosting Broadway shows.

Faern, a new collection of lifestyle resorts in the heart of the Swiss Alps

December 2022 will see the launch of Faern’s two new properties located in Arosa and Crans-Montana, Switzerland

Faern, a collection of lifestyle alpine resorts in Switzerland are set to open two new properties; Faern Arosa Altein and Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia this December. Every guest will have the chance to explore both of the properties’ various captivating elements including a variety of wellness concepts, destination food & beverage outlets and ski-in-ski-out access to the unparalleled Swiss slopes.

The brand name Faern has evolved from the German ‘Feiern’, meaning “to celebrate”, and the English “fern”, an icon of mountain flora. Faern seeks to make every encounter a celebration; a joyful fellowship through the design, service, and familiarity. Built to craft caring encounters, whilst also inspiring and stirring the senses, travellers will experience a playful rebellion where spaces have been harmoniously curated to offer creativity and quality time.

Both properties will be home to many communal areas, encouraging a community

and celebratory atmosphere throughout. Break out spaces will include the likes of various games rooms, where guests can play board games, cards and use the pool tables. Guests will also have access to the cinema room, where you can indulge in bags of popcorn whilst watching a selection of classic films.

Faern will offer curated experiences for hotel guests, prompting exploration and memorable moments. These will range from picnics for the slopes, Strava-curated running and skiing routes, kite-making and flying workshops, and a variety of holistic wellness routines. Guests staying at Faern Arosa and Faern Crans-Montana, along with visitors will also have the opportunity to celebrate the season with Apres Ski DJ sets, paired with craft beers and cheese boards, as well as the chance to revel in the selection of homemade cakes and herbal teas.

Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia is an idyllic ski-in-ski-out resort, which can be found in unbeatable proximity to the ski lifts, boasting 140 kilometres of ski slopes on the doorstep. Located just two hours away from Geneva, the resort will offer a wide range of

activities throughout the year. During the winter season (December - April) guests will have access to an on site ski storage room with heated boot racks to make the process of getting onto the slopes even easier. Guests will be able to take advantage of the renowned ski and snowboarding routes, enjoy the sledging, snowshoeing and cross-country trails and those who dare, the snow parks. Throughout the summer season (June – October) guests will be able to experience the likes of hiking, mountain biking, parachuting and golfing, notably hosting the PGA Tour, all amongst the scenic mountain landscapes.

Offering postcard-perfection, Faern CransMontana Valaisia will be home to 134 rooms and suites, many of which with balconies overlooking the Swiss mountains. Those travelling with children below 6 years old will be able to stay for free and those travelling with dogs are actively invited to reside at the resort too with specific dog focused packages. The hotel’s facilities will also include an all day dining half board and à la carte restaurant, Eteila Brasserie specialising in local cuisine helmed by Executive Chef, Lionel Mathier. Guests will also be

encouraged to explore the speakeasy Sewi Bar & Social Club - Sewi derived from ‘Cave’ is where visitors and guests can sip on bespoke cocktails and enjoy the extensive wine menu and a selection of artisan snacks. For the summer season, the Sewi Pool Kitchen will also be available for guests, serving poolside drinks and snacks for those residing on the pool deck.

The resort was designed by award-winning interior design studio Run For The Hills, whose previous projects include design for Hilton Worldwide, Kricket, and Bondi. With Faern, they have collaboratively envisioned and expertly created a hotel showcasing a modern mountainous charm. With accents of urban vintage, the pantones were inspired by the seasons of the Swiss mountains with autumnal ochres, forest greens and knotted timbers, stylishly paired with retro artwork to create an environment for contemporary lifestyle living. The property also houses the town’s largest spa destination, offering a heated indoor pool, steam room, sauna, relaxation room, and access to massages and other treatments needed after a tiresome day on the slopes.

Faern Arosa Altein is a charming resort home to 126 rooms and suites located in Switzerland’s natural paradise, preserved in the national park of Graubünden. The property is ideally located to access the 225 kilometres of ski slopes through the winter, as well as hundreds of biking and hiking trails in the summer. Faern Arosa Altein will also be home to a signature rooftop bar and restaurant boasting of the unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps, and a luxury spa destination; all of which will be available to non-hotel guests.

Similarly to Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia, this property will also be open all year round. During the winter season guests will be able to take up skiing, snowboarding, sledging, cross country skiing and take on the snow parks too. Whereas the summer season guests will have access to a range of outdoor facilities, including two tennis courts, an outdoor pool, mini golf, table tennis and e-bike rentals for those keen to explore the impressive Swiss Alps landscapes.

The property’s rooms and suites vary from double rooms to family suites, offering either unobstructed mountain or village views; ideal for both couples, groups and

families looking as well as those travelling with dogs. Also designed by Run For The Hills, these spaces will showcase a sense of ‘grandeur’, showcasing the high altitude location with characterful curves inspired by boutique hotel concepts.

Mindful to be in keeping with nature’s surroundings, the design is minimalist and understated, yet celebratory and bespoke.

The decorative palette is organic and rich with timeless tones accentuated by the cosy, fresh and textural upholstery and Swiss designed throws and rugs.

In collaboration with the founders, Romain Semmel and Thibault Catala, and the Runs For The Hills design specialists, a design language was created for the suites which will enable them to effortlessly flow into the spaces of the hotel to maximise guest comfort in every sized room.

Set within a pristine alpine haven, the hotel is also set to unveil their half-board restaurant, Zus Brasserie serving breakfast and dinner presenting hearty and healthy dishes, along with their cosy library cocktail bar, Alchemilla Parlour where you will be able to try their creative drinks and delicious small plates menu.

Arosa Altein will also be home to their signature Alpensand Panoramic Social Club, overseen by Executive Chef Daniel Manzoni, boasting of uninterrupted views and unrivalled sunsets dotted with artwork by Aaron Slims vintage collection.

The top floor hangout will serve an a la carte menu which will present a selection of daily specials and sharing plates inspired by traditional Swiss dishes with a modern twist. Whilst dining, guests will also be able to listen to the beats from curated DJ sets . There will also be the opportunity for guests to dine in the private dining room upon specific requests.

For those seeking tranquillity and wellness, Faern Arosa Altein will house a dedicated wellness area, featuring a heated indoor pool with water rapids, massage, and neck showers, as well as a steam room, a flow river, two saunas, a relaxation room, infrared cabin, and a fitness room.

Various spa treatments such as massages will also be available to experience.

The starting rates including breakfast for Crans-Montana and Arosa start at 200 CHF. www.faernresorts.com

Coming up next month in our December Issue, features on:

Companies of the Year • Coffee Safety & Security • Contract Flooring & Surfaces

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 December issue is 28th November.