Warm Welcome Magazine - Issue 41

The Europa Hotel Unveils the £10m Investment for the Guest Rooms, Northern Ireland

The Europa Hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has completed a £10m renovation programme for its guest bedrooms.

100 front-facing Superior bedrooms, 80 Classic bedrooms and five Suites have been completely redesigned and upgraded and now boast stunning new furnishings and bathrooms, automated window blinds and are individually air-conditioned. The hotel’s Classic rooms have new King Cloud Bed and Superior rooms have Super King Cloud Beds.

Andy McNeill, General Manager of the Europa Hotel said: “We are delighted to unveil our latest renovation programme which has taken three years to complete and represents a £10m investment by Hastings Hotels.

The Europa is one of the world’s most famous hotels and whilst we have stayed true to our rich heritage, we have thoughtfully reimagined the design of our guest bedrooms to offer a new urban chic feel, which comes complete with bevelled mirrors and on-trend brushed brass. The Classic rooms also have a contemporary, deconstructed glass-panelled shower room with modesty curtain which elevates the modern look of the room.”

“The beautiful fabrics pay homage to the Europa’s location in Belfast’s Linen Quarter

and the textures and earthy tones help create a restful sleeping space. Soft geometrics and carpet design create a subtle backdrop to the rich, dark timber furniture with classic marble tops and the remote-control blinds mean that at the touch of a button, guests can lie in bed and enjoy the stunning city views,” Andy added.

The Europa Hotel worked with local companies RPP Architects and Interiors and Floor Design to create the vision and Graham Construction delivered the renovation programme.

“The Europa has been reborn and we are thrilled with the results. The feedback has been really positive from guests who have been enjoying the newly renovated rooms and we are confident that this new investment will ensure we continue to attract visitors from around the world as well as welcome guests from the domestic market,” Andy concluded.

The Europa hotel

+44 (0) 28 9027 1066) offers rooms from £180 on a B&B basis.

LEONARDO ROYAL HOTEL BIRMINGHAM REVEALS BRAND NEW £8 MILLION TRANSFORMATION

Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham has officially revealed its stunning new look after a £8 million refurbishment project, following the recent rebrand from Jurys Inn Birmingham.

The refurbishment will see all of the hotel’s interiors completely modernised, as well as a full transformation of the lobby and reception area, with a new guest relations desk and a comfortable, raised seating area for guests to enjoy prior to check-in.

Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham is now also home to the stylish and welcoming Leo’s Bar and Restaurant, boasting a new extensive menu which includes a selection of tasty light bites, main courses and desserts. Food can be enjoyed in the restaurant or hotel bar with a chilled glass of wine or refreshing cocktail.

Leo’s also hosts a breakfast buffet every morning with a great selection of cereals, fruit and hot food items, where guests can indulge in their favourite morning delicacies along with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. It also features a brand new ‘egg station’, where guests can order eggs to be cooked exactly the way they like them and even bespoke omelettes with their favourite fillings.

The hotel has also opened a new state of the art gym, which is fully is decked out with a range of professional cardio and resistance equipment which guests can access during their stay.

Renovations to the hotel’s 445 bedrooms began last year and all rooms now feature stylish décor, alongside 49-inch televisions with access to Chromecast, fully stocked mini fridges, luxurious White Company toiletries and Leonardo Hotels’ exclusive DREAM beds to ensure the utmost comfort and a great night’s sleep.

Melissa Lawlor, General Manager of Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham, comments: “The recent rebrand from Jurys Inn Birmingham to Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham has significantly helped to mark Leonardo Hotel’s impressive expansion into the UK market. Now, following this incredible £8m refurbishment project, we are extremely delighted to launch yet another Leonardo Royal brand into the UK and we can’t wait to welcome new and returning guests to experience the newly transformed hotel which boasts a beautiful, modern and stylish look.”

To learn more about Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham, please visit www.leonardohotels.co.uk/hotels/ birmingham

1 HOTEL MAYFAIR, THE SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY BRAND’S UK FLAGSHIP, IS NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS

1 Hotels, the nature-inspired luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, announces that its UK flagship and first European destination, located in the heart of London’s historic Mayfair, is now accepting reservations with an anticipated opening date of July 13, 2023. The nine-story sustainable sanctuary overlooks the stately trees and verdant lawns of magnificent Green Park, just steps away from the world-class galleries, sophisticated boutiques, first-class restaurants and renowned emporia of Bond Street, Berkeley Square and Piccadilly.

1 Hotel Mayfair consciously creates an unexpected fusion of sustainability and luxury in the fashionable heart of London’s most exclusive hospitality district. The hotel brings a fresh breath of air enlivened by a deep love of and respect for nature within easy strolling distance of capital highlights such as The Royal Academy, the West End theatre district, and Buckingham Palace.

“We are delighted to bring nature and our mission of sustainable luxury to Mayfair, the very heart of London, one of the most important travel markets in the world,” said Barry Sternlicht, 1 Hotels Founder and Chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts. “We are thrilled to bring our unique fusion of fresh comfort, conscious sustainability, exceptional bespoke service, understated elegance, wellness and nutrition to London.”

“We’ve reimagined the traditional luxury hotel experience for Mayfair by infusing our love for nature with effortless sophistication,” said SH Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer Raul Leal. “With this opening we celebrate our distinctive brand’s entry into Europe and the dynamic and culturally rich city of London.”

Opting for reconstruction over new construction, this urban oasis, built to BREEAM Excellent standards, utilised 80% of the existing structure, which was repurposed to minimise adverse environmental impact. Living green-trellised exterior walls transform former hard surfaces into natural vertical landscapes. A freshly cobbled and pedestrianised previous parking lot creates a harmonious outdoor public space, now

gifted to the neighbourhood, where passing Londoners can connect to nature and the surrounding community.

Atop the building, two new complete floors were added and introduce 35 stunning suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive outdoor spaces, inviting guests to entertain or relax while overlooking Green Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks. The double height Green Park Penthouse Suite features a sprawling footprint of 274 square metres which makes it the largest 1 Bedroom Suite in Mayfair. The Green Park Penthouse can be further expanded to 2 bedrooms at 304 square metres and 3 bedrooms at 340 square metres. It features a wrap-around terrace and retractable sliding doors that open fully to sweeping and dramatic park views. All 181 rooms including 44 suites invite guests to rest, revive and restore in an enveloping nest, warmly welcomed by walls lined with native British moss and more than 200 local and regional plant species thriving throughout the property. At every interior turn, guests encounter works exclusively commissioned from nature-influenced local artists designed to provoke a sense of closer connection to the venerable landscape of Britain.

Dovetale, the ground-floor restaurant from internationally renowned two Michelin starred chef Tom Sellers will feature seasonal, organic, locally sourced quality fare from hand-dived scallops to farm-raised lamb. The signature cocktail bar is named after Dover Yard, which has been painstakingly revitalised as part of the project. The menu offers creative concoctions rooted in local traditions. Neighbours Cafe offers light snacks and barista-made ethical fair- trade coffee at a central communal table. The Bamford Wellness Spa offers the best of bespoke treatments following in full faith Lady Bamford’s holistic approach to health and wellness.

1 Hotel Mayfair effortlessly fuses the finest natural sources, resources and artisanal products inspired by British heritage with the buzzy creativity and contemporary charm of 21st Century London’s most vibrant neighbourhood.

MELIÁ WHITE HOUSE REVEALS SUPERIOR TRANSFORMATION OF ITS DISTINCTIVE 1930S LONDON LANDMARK

Following five-year renovation with £40 million investment

Featuring the upscaling of 581 bedrooms and repositioning bar and restaurant spaces

Plus, dedicated entrance for guests of its premium service: The Level, complete with inspired refurb of The Level’s superior lounge.

Meliá Hotels International has revealed that its extensive £40 million transformation is now complete for its flagship UK hotel Meliá White House; uncovering a new soul for the superior 4-star deluxe hotel that sits alongside Regent’s Park, neighbouring central London, and Primrose Hill.

Bringing out a new era for the iconic 1930s Grade II listed building, Meliá White House has been reimagined as a true destination hotel: upscaling its 581 bedrooms & suites, restaurant, bar, meetings spaces, lobby and members-style The Level service & lounge.

The architecture and interior project team, ASAH were behind the impressive renovation. ASAH reimagined the stately space to create a more modern and luxurious version of itself, whilst retaining the buildings original 1930s Art Deco architectural style.

Whilst Meliá White House remained open to guests throughout its renovation period of five years, the full extent of the transformation can now be experienced by guests. An important part of the renovations is the repositioning of the restaurant and bar, which are now accessible direct from the lobby as guests enter the hotel.

This was forefront of the project team leading this major transformation – each space has been designed to be part of one another; there are no doors, no barriers in the public spaces so guests are able to easily flow from one space to another. White marble flooring spans the entrance and ground floor to spread light throughout the grand space, contrasted with walnut wood fixtures. Delicate fabrics used in the bar are all Rubelli velvets, chosen in a wine-red colour that’s inspired by London’s love of theatre and musicals. The lighting and

furniture have been sourced from worldrenowned design teams.

Arado Restaurant is Meliá White House’s in-house restaurant with a Mediterranean inspired gastronomy. It’s headed up by F&B Director Alberto Jonte, who’s worked for Meliá for more than five years and previously served as Executive Chef at ME Ibiza, before heading to London.

’35 Bar & Lounge is a sweeping, modern bar and lounge that sits at the heart of the hotel, ideal for morning coffee, pre-dinner drinks or an evening nightcap. An extensive drinks menu is the essence of the social space, with a bar menu to complement. From high top seating, tucked away tables and larger tables for energetic meetings or drinks with friends – the 80-seat lounge has it all.

A unique offering at Meliá White House, and one of the most exclusive services in the heart of London, is The Level. Resonant throughout Meliá Hotels & Resorts, but a first for the UK, The Level premium service is for the most discerning travellers, providing a premium suite to stay with personalised attention and access to The Level lounge, offering complimentary drinks, snacks, tapas and more: a hidden gem in London.

The Level lounge was also part of the reimagined creation, bringing a bright and modern thoughtfully curated feel to the 80 seat premium space with aquamarine washed wood – a nod to its Mediterranean inspiration. The Level captures the true art of soulful living, and features inviting caldero velvet sofas to relax on, and social spaces to enjoy a bite to eat with family and friends, plus cool co-working areas. The Level boasts its own entrance for guests on Longford Street.

Helmed by the architect and interior team, the hotel’s biggest transformation can be seen across the 581 bedrooms including deluxe double and premium rooms and The Level premium rooms, family rooms and suites. With impeccable service, the Meliá White House guest service is designed to exceed even the highest expectations, with

expert staff ensuring residents feel entirely at home in London.

Meliá White House also features 111 longstay apartments, a 24-hour fitness studio and 9 meeting and events spaces, all versatile and supported with state-of-the-art technology and a professional events team.

Garry Fortune UK Director of Operations, Meliá Hotels International, said: “We are delighted to be able to finally reveal this fiveyear transformation, which has seen Meliá Hotels International invest £40million into our flagship UK hotel. Meliá White House is a London landmark, a distinguished 1930s building, that’s been given a new lease of life for these modern times.

“We’ve created a truly stunning hotel, restoring the art deco style, and bringing our main social and dining spaces to the front of the hotel. And our first-class service lounge, The Level now has an encapsulating Mediterranean-feel; Meliá White House is a true destination hotel.”

Meliá White House was born in 1999, when Meliá Hotels & Resorts took over the impressive art deco building, which originated as a forward-thinking, luxury apartment building – White House Apartments. At the time it was one of the most well-established prestigious addresses in London boasting an impressive entrance, restaurant, swimming pool, squash courts, bar, delicatessen, newsagents, chemist, hairdresser, valet and a roof top garden.

Meliá Hotels International’s commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company worldwide.

For more information and to book, visit here

Meliá White House, Albany St, London NW1 3UP @meliawhitehouse

Independent Hotel Show launches ‘Hoteliers’ Choice’ competition to highlight innovative brands

The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam, taking place on 16-17 October 2023

at Olympia London, has announced the launch of a new competition – Hoteliers’ Choice –designed to showcase innovative industry suppliers.

The show, which is the UK’s only trade event dedicated to the boutique and independent hotel sector, will be reaching out to its audience to nominate unique, stylish, innovative and industry-leading suppliers to the hotel sector which deserve to be celebrated and showcased at this year’s event.

A specially selected panel of hoteliers and event partners will shortlist 15 companies, after which the industry will have the chance to vote for five winning companies to secure a free exhibition stand at the 2023 edition plus an exclusive marketing package, together worth up to £5k.

Independent Hotel Show Event Manager Glenn Wallace comments: “With the launch of Hoteliers’ Choice 2023 we wanted to showcase the suppliers that are truly at the forefront of innovation in the hospitality sector, and who better to nominate the best of the best than the independent hoteliers themselves.

“This is a fantastic, unparalleled opportunity to not only get directly in front of key hotel

buyers, but also to stand out from the crowd as a trusted supplier and a true innovator in the eyes of the independent hotel community.”

Eljesa Saciri General Manager of The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, adds: “As hoteliers, being able to recognise the amazing teams and individuals that work alongside you to ensure your standards are being met, your guest’s satisfaction is continually excelling, and your team has the support of the people in the background is an outstanding opportunity.

“There are so many suppliers who play a part in the day to day running of what we do, yet often go unnoticed, this is a great opportunity to bring those people, and companies to the forefront.”

To find out more, and to nominate an innovative, quality supplier to the hotel sector, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk/ hoteliers-choice. Nominations close on Wednesday 28 June at 5pm.

Staff Planning Key To Bank Holiday Success, says Bizimply

“In the short term, however, many operators will be struggling to fill shifts over the Bank Holidays next month. These long weekends, combined with extended trading hours for the Coronation, are golden opportunities for our sector, and those businesses who can crack the staffing issue should reap the rewards.

“Ensuring that enough experienced staff are available for the peak trading periods, as well as scheduling shifts around team members’ own plans, will be essential to success.”

to another job, respecting their work life balance in this way can go a long way to motivating them and retaining them in your business.”

Bank Holiday staffing – Bizimply’s Top Tips

Despite a small dip in sector vacancies revealed in the most recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), most hospitality operators will still be facing serious challenges in finding staff across the unprecedented three Bank Holiday weekends.

Vacancies in the foodservice and accommodation sector, which includes pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels, were 139,000 from January to March, according to the regular ONS Vacancy Survey, compared to 140,000 from December to February.

Conor Shaw, CEO of Bizimply said: “Businesses across the hospitality sector will be hoping this small decrease in vacancies accelerates during the rest of this year and into 2024, creating a better environment for staff recruitment and retention after a long period of labour shortages.

Bizimply’s technology helps hospitality businesses to deploy the right team members in the right place, at the right time, so every shift runs as smoothly as possible. For sites that are running with a shortfall in staff, making sure that existing employees are working effectively is more important than ever.

Automating time-consuming tasks such as creating staff rotas and payroll benefits both business and employees. Managers and supervisors have more time to spend front of house: Bizimply customers report saving up to two days per month on rota creation, as well as more accurate payroll when staff hours are transferred automatically, with their timesheet software factoring in overtime and Bank Holiday rates.

Meanwhile, employees are given their shifts further in advance, are able to control their availability for work via the MyZimply app, and receive their wages more promptly. Shaw says: “At a time when many employees are working longer hours to cover staff shortages, and good ones can move easily

Plan for plans to change! Team members’ availability is likely to change, often at short notice, if they decide to go away for one of the long weekends, or watch the Coronation with family or friends. With three Bank Holiday weekend to cover, work with team members to ensure that shifts are fairly allocated, and keep an up to date log of staff who can fill any gaps that arise - or even better, let them record it themselves using the Bizimply app

Schedule multi-tasking teams: fill your rotas as much as possible with staff who can work across your business, so that they can be deployed flexibly depending on where you need help, and can moved even during a shift if required, if queues form at the bar, for example.

Make it fun: long, busy hours can still be fun for your staff. Coronations don’t come round often, so plan for them to watch the key moments on TV during their shift and think about an after-hours party for all the team to thank them for their efforts.

Hospitality businesses looking for a trading boost from May’s three Bank Holidays will need to work closely with key staff to ensure they have the teams in place to deliver on customer expectations, says workforce management specialist Bizimply.

Jimmy’s farm & wildlife park goes mobile and digital

Most leading visitor attractions recognise they cannot stand still and must constantly develop and innovate to maintain and enhance customer interest and the overall experience.

The Suffolk-based attraction, owned by farmer and TV presenter Jimmy Doherty, was keen to enhance the visitor experience. Recognised as one of South East England’s leading attractions, Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is celebrating its 21st anniversary.

Following a short initial consultation last summer, n-gage.io, based in North East England, was engaged to develop and implement a digital strategy to enhance the visitor experience and gain valuable insights into audience behaviour.

The company has been working alongside Stevie Sheppard, park director at Jimmy’s Farm, along with his team to develop and deploy attraction management software and mobile visitor app across the site.

Led by entrepreneur Bryan Hoare and incubated by GCV Labs – n-gage.io aims to transform audience experiences through a customisable, data insight driven SaaS platform with an integrated mobile-web application.

Within a couple of months n-gage.io helped launch the highly customisable n-gage. io platform and mobile visitor app to help transform the park’s approach to digital visitor engagement.

With more than 4,000 app downloads during the first few weeks of launch, the attraction is now benefitting from new ways to engage its audience both on and off site, while better understanding how people spend their time during a visit.

Stevie Sheppard explains: “We’d been looking for a solution to re-introduce mobile

technology to our visitors for some time, but we found it increasingly difficult to identify software in the industry that gave us the flexibility and control that we wanted. We’d had an app previously, but like many other attractions, found that with more recent technology advancements, and the changing expectations of our visitors, it was no longer fit for purpose.

“What attracted us to the n-gage.io solution was the highly customisable nature of the base app, and the feature rich operator platform behind the scenes that powers it. While the app itself has so many engaging features, it’s also what we can do with the platform to understand more about our visitors’ on-site behaviour that’s been truly eye opening.”

Incorporating low energy bluetooth beacons on-site, that communicate directly with the app and platform, has meant the attraction is now able to gain valuable insights data into visitor dwell time and other useful metrics. It also provides a more engaging and immersive experience, with triggered in-app content and notifications.

Stevie added: “The fact that we can now manage our visitor’s interactive digital experience day to day, means we’ve been able to be far more personalised in our approach, based on the data the platform and app is generating. And from an operational perspective, we’re able to help our visitors plan and manage their day more effectively, from integrating with digital ticketing through to interactive mapping and wayfinding.

“It’s really important for us to ensure that when we introduce visitor technology it doesn’t detract from the physical enjoyment of being with us, but enhances the overall experience, and with the new platform and app we feel we’re getting that balance just right.”

This digital approach and the site’s drive for sustainability has also helped to reduce the need for as much signage and be less reliant on things like paper maps and other printed information.

“We’re also seeing a benefit from a marketing perspective, with the ability to issue offers and special discounts in the form of in-app digital vouchers, not just for our attraction, but as we partner with other attractions in the area, for them too,” said Stevie.

The software app is also helping the team with education and spreading the conservation message. “With most of the younger generation being mobile first, what better way of helping reinforce our messaging than through the digital medium they use the most,” said Stevie.

Bryan Hoare, founder and CEO of n-gage.io added: “We’ve been delighted to work with the team at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park and see how our technology is beginning to make a difference, not just operationally, but the positive impact it’s also making across their whole visitor journey.

“We’ve also got some exciting plans to support more of their work later this year as we launch a second app for their KEEPERFEST event, the UK’s first dedicated festival for every professional keeper of animals.”

Software and mobile apps developed by n-gage.io are already in use at Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park (AWCP), in Gibraltar, and Northumberland Zoo, in North East England.

For more information about the technology: www.n-gage.io

Popular, nationally recognised visitor attractions like Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park are turning to mobile app technology to transform their digital visitor experience.

FATHER’S DAY PROVES A GIFT FOR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

In further good news for operators, cancellation rates were low, with four in five honouring their booking. The most frequent reasons for cancelling were given as Covid or chickenpox.

New insight from leading industry technology provider Zonal and the hospitality commerce platform Toggle, shows bookings for Father’s Day 2023 rose by 27% compared to last year, while a record number of dads will have been given gift cards for meals and drinks as sales of hospitality gift cards increased by 88%.

Compared to pre-Covid, reservations for Father’s Day in pubs, bars and restaurants were up 16%, with the most popular time to book being three days in advance, which accounted for nearly half (54%) of reservations. Many left it until the last minute, however, with 23% booking on the day.

At the same time, Toggle fulfilled sales of nearly £700,000 worth of gift cards in the run up to Father’s Day alone this year – an increase of 88% on 2022. In fact, the firm’s digital gift card sales have grown by a staggering 1,900% since Father’s Day in 2019, when total sales were £30,000 – showing how gift cards can generate additional revenue for operators.

The sales bring Father’s Day into the top three annual occasions when it comes to gifting, joining Mother’s Day and Christmas.

Olivia FitzGerald, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Zonal said: “These booking numbers are great news for hospitality operators and show that consumers remain willing to go out and treat themselves and loved ones

on big occasions, despite the cost-of-living crisis. Operators can make the most of the Father’s Day opportunity next year by promoting booking in advance, creating special Father’s Day offers and cashing in on a growing gifting opportunity for the industry. Not only does this drive incremental bookings and spend but helps operators to secure advance revenue and positively impact their cash flow.”

Bookings for Father’s Day up more than a quarter this year, while a record number of dads received hospitality gift cards

BENNETT HAY PARTNERS WITH LOLLY Hospitality services provider to underpin its continued growth after finding perfect tech partner

Bennett Hay, the UK’s leading bespoke hospitality services provider, has partnered with Lolly as its technology supplier.

Working closely together, Bennett Hay and Lolly will offer a wide range of solutions. These will include self-serve and access to the Lolly app – helping Bennett Hay’s diverse and growing client base to future proof their technology offering through a preferred and trusted partner.

Bennett Hay launched in 2010, with the vision to help the team, clients, guests and visitors benefit and grow from a holistic approach. This – in turn – delivers a balanced working environment through exceptional food and service.

Commenting on the partnership news, Zoë Watts, managing director at Bennett Hay, said: “We chose to partner with Lolly after scouting for a tech partner that would understand the nuances of our business, and our client base.

“We were impressed and confident with Lolly’s knowledge of the catering sector and more particularly workplace hospitality. Their tech integrates with our systems and the key touchpoints for our stakeholders, thereby easing and enabling an integrated pre-order, payment and loyalty solution.

“By working with Lolly, we can better access informatics which help us to both report and plan, as well as adapt to any short-term actions.

“We will be introducing Lolly to our clients so that they can potentially create new solutions with a focus on our media client base initially, as they have the biggest demand for technology in their workplace experience.”

Peter Moore, CEO at Lolly, added: “It is encouraging to see how impressed the team at Bennett Hay have been with our suite of integrated solutions, and how these will work together to create cutting-edge systems for their clients.

“Our initial customer installs have run smoothly and seamlessly, with all parties working well together. The team at Bennett Hay have a really strong understanding and focus around the role of technology, and how it should provide the end client with a frictionless and high-level service.

“We look forward to further roll outs across the Bennett Hay portfolio. Exciting times ahead.”

Star mC-Print3 integrated into SumUp Kiosk

International POS solutions provider

Star Micronics announces that global financial technology company SumUp has integrated the Star mC-Print3 packaged printer into the recently launched SumUp Kiosk, designed by Melford Technologies Ltd. Transforming how businesses process orders across retail and hospitality, the kiosk responds to the growing shift towards contactless ordering with minimal but efficient interactions.

Enabling customers to seamlessly order, pay and collect orders via self-order kiosks at quick-service restaurants and retailers, SumUp required a printer that offered a compact design, ease of integration and installation within a kiosk as well as enhanced connectivity for an efficient ordering and transaction process. The mC-Print3 met all these criteria and, with Star CloudPRNT™ technology, is able to receive orders from multiple channels including POS, tablet, web and cloud.

Designed to increase the speed at which both small and large-scale businesses can process orders, the kiosk has the potential to improve customer journeys and reduce queues whilst providing the opportunity for merchants to lower costs and focus on other business operations. Fully customisable with integration options for payments and point of sale as well as remote management, the SumUp kiosk has been successfully rolled out across the UK in a number of stadiums and venues thanks to SumUp’s partnership with leading sports and entertainment caterer Levy UK & Ireland.

Simon Martin, Director & General Manager, Star Micronics EMEA, comments: “Star is pleased that SumUp has selected the mC-Print3 for its recently launched kiosk. This integration illustrates the true versatility of the printer and how it is ideal for kiosk applications. Reinforcing Star’s commitment to providing reliable and flexible printing solutions, the installation builds on an established partnership which has seen a range of Star printers successfully integrated with SumUp POS solutions over recent years.”

Hotel Cleaning ahead of Summer Staycations

to replace your current model. A solid, well manufactured trolley with plenty of storage options and an effectively designed bin carry can drastically reduce the time required by cleaning staff to perform their tasks.

A great option when looking for a new cleaning trolley is the Eco-Matic Reflo range from Numatic. The trollies offer users a neat and tidy option with two shelves for transporting cleaning supplies between the various areas which require attention without the need for restocking. Furthermore, the wheeled design makes for easy transportation and the bin bag attachment is simple and easy to manage.

One key strategy all hospitality venues should have in place is a good housekeeping routine and range of products. We at Alliance Online have derived the following as key items which are occasionally overlooked by hotel chains when kitting out their housekeeping equipment.

One of the first essentials any hotel should have access too is a cleaning trolley, and this time of year is perfect if you are looking

Another key item for successful and efficient housekeeping is an easily transportable vacuum cleaner and in recent years cordless versions have proved the best. The reason for their rise in superiority is due to the improvements in battery life and reduction in battery charge times. Their cordless nature also lends themselves to cleaning rooms like bedrooms easily as instead of looking for a plug, or using one in the corridor cleaners can simply go from room to room without

needing to stop and start and each new area.

One great option which is brilliant for workers in hospitality is the RSB150NX Numatic Cordless Backpack Vacuum. The backpack aspect removes the irritable dragging whilst hoovering and can also remove the awkward bending in the lower back too. Moreover, it speeds up the vacuuming process and comes with the Numatic crevice tool meaning no dust is safe.

A must have which should always be available to cleaning staff are microfibre cloths, preferable high-performance options with a high wash rate. Microfibre cloths are a brilliant cleaning aid due to not leaving scratch or wipe marks on surfaces whilst also not leaving fluff or particles behind either. Another reason they are so useful is their versatility of surface they can clean, from wood to marble to glass all are easy for the microfibre texture.

One final item which has found prominence since the pandemic and are a nice touch when used, “Just Sanitised” labels. Now understandably these do not need to be plastered across every surface in the room but a visible dated label on a cleaning schedule can give your customers piece of mind that your hotel keeps a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness.

At Alliance Online we have been supplying the hospitality industry with commercial products for over 23 years and during this time we have collated both a vast knowledge of what the industry needs and a product range to meet those requirements. Visit www.allianceonline.co.uk today to view our huge offering or contact one of our customer support team either over the phone on 01270 252333 or on email at hello@allianceonline.co.uk

Following the winter period, the British tourism industry begins to look towards the summer period and the prospect of both international inbound tourists as well as those who’ve chosen to holiday domestically.

revenueincreaseofupto amassive40%

“I was sick of looking at my outdoor covers that couldn’t be used. Now it’s a joy to see them full and turning over all day!

What’s more, if it starts to rain, our customers don’t need to leave anymore.”

What are you waiting for?!

• Ability to book private events

• No need for costly extensions

• Better competitive advantage

• Free promotion with branding

• Year round weather protection

• Improved customer satisfaction

• Increased revenue

• Increased capacity

• Improved curb appeal

• Enhanced atmosphere

• Multiple dining experiences

• Wider audience reach

STEAKHOUSE BAR + BLOCK ANNOUNCES NEW OPENING IN BIRMINGHAM

Whitbread’s contemporary steakhouse brand, Bar + Block, has announced its latest opening in Birmingham, taking its portfolio up to 21 sites nationwide.

Bar + Block’s second site in Birmingham launched on the ground floor within phase two of the landmark Exchange Square residential development in the heart of the city. The new 6,000 sq. ft steakhouse features 170 covers inside, with an additional 48 covers outside and adjoins a 235-bed Premier Inn hotel.

Known for high-quality, 30-day aged steaks which are hand-cut to any size, the menus will follow Bar + Block’s all-day trading format, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. Alongside its signature steaks, menus will also feature fresh burgers ground on-site, salads, grills and sharing plates, plus a range of great value offers, including a lunch and early dinner menu with two-courses from £12.95, available Monday to Friday, and a Sunday Roast sharer for groups.

Open until 11pm (10.30pm Sunday), at the bar there will be a curated list of cocktails, with a two-for-one offer running every evening from 5pm-7pm, along with a list of

craft beers, wines and spirits. Exclusive to Birmingham, there will also be a signature Chock a Block cocktail, a sweet mix of Absolut Vanilia Vodka, Baileys Choc Luxe, salted caramel syrup and toffee sauce, inspired by the nearby Cadbury’s World.

Led by designer Harrisons, the interior will feature a statement bar with copper detailing, a large open kitchen for diners to catch the action and an eclectic mix of tables, including booths and high-top tables. This will be complemented by decorative finishing touches including the brand’s trademark neon wall calligraphy detailing the Bar + Block story, alongside contemporary artwork and foliage.

Rebecca Donaldson, Commercial Marketing Director at Whitbread comments: “We are delighted to announce the further expansion of Bar + Block as we continue to grow the brand nationwide. Marking our first Bar + Block opening of 2023, the steakhouse will be joining a brand-new retail and restaurant hub, located in the heart of Birmingham

and close to key transport hubs, and we are confident our mix of quality, expertly sourced steaks and accessible price point will appeal to locals and visitors.”

The new opening marks the continued expansion of Bar + Block across the UK, following on from the launch of two new sites in London last year.

Bar + Block Birmingham Exchange Square

5 Exchange Square, The Priory Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6FY

www.barandblock.co.uk/en-gb/ locations/birmingham-city-centreexchange-square

T: @barandblock / I: @barandblock / F: barandblock

For more information, please contact Megan Vigar and Claudia Delrio at Bar+BlockPR@rochecom.com or call 020 7436 1111

Outdoor Solutions

Kärcher UK highlights the importance of outdoor facilities management and its impact on indoor cleaning and maintenance.

On average, 80-95% of the dirt that exists inside facilities is brought in from outside by foot traffic. To help reduce the amount of dirt tracked into buildings, as well as present a professional and attractive exterior, it is vital to implement a preventative outside-in approach that keeps grounds neat, tidy and clean for incoming visitors.

Kärcher’s range of battery-powered professional landscape management tools are designed to meet the needs of professional gardening and landscaping teams to focus on this all-important outdoor maintenance. The range features a chainsaw, brush cutter, hedge trimmer, line trimmer, multi-tool, leaf blower, lawn mower, and backpack leaf blower.

Delivering a high level of performance with the convenience and flexibility of battery power, Kärcher’s landscape management range is lightweight, manoeuvrable and quiet, with zero emissions, so it won’t bother visitors or staff when in use. The robust Kärcher Battery Universe platform works across numerous Kärcher products, including the entire professional landscape management range, allowing easy transition from one product to another, boosting efficiency and helping to prevent downtime.

Well-maintained grounds that are kept neat and tidy will help to reduce the surface dirt that could be trodden and tracked through to building interiors, however there is more that can be done to minimise this.

PDIR (Preventative, Daily, Interim, and Restorative) is an effective process in safeguarding a clean front of house. Not only aesthetically pleasing, it ensures health and safety for facilities users as dirt build-up can cause slips and trips. PDIR also helps to minimise over-cleaning of interior spaces,

which can be time-consuming and costly. As growing demands are placed on facilities managers, efficient and productive solutions must be sought to expedite the cleaning process without compromising standards.

Here too, the right tools will help to deliver a thorough and powerful outdoor cleaning experience. The HD 4/11 Bp high-pressure cleaner is a standout option, as the first professional-level, battery-powered highpressure cleaner from Kärcher and featuring two powerful 36 V lithium-ion batteries.

When it comes to manual outdoor maintenance there is no substitute for manual cleaning tools to deliver a meticulous finish across tabletops, exterior windows and walkways. Kärcher tailored solutions ensure efficient and professional cleaning processes that meet the highest standards. The collection includes highquality, ergonomic manual tools to equip professional cleaners, including the ECO!Spray mop system, designed for the swift cleaning of smaller areas. It allows for easy dispensing of cleaning agents at the push of a button and comes with a 155 cm long handle, a 0.66-litre tank, mop holder, and telescoping handle. In addition, the double bucket cart, crafted from 100% polypropylene, is corrosion-resistant, highly mobile, and equipped with a mop press and two color-coded 25-litre buckets to ensure exceptional hygiene and effortless cleaning.

Maintaining a tidy and sanitary building exterior enhances the effectiveness of internal cleaning operations, reducing the accumulation of dirt by 66%. Additionally, incorporating cutting-edge technological advancements enhances productivity and cleaning efficiency, guaranteeing an optimal and consistent level of cleanliness throughout the day.

Horwood House Hotel’s Sumptuous Summer Afternoon

Tea

In an Idyllic English Country Garden Setting

Horwood House Hotel is thrilled to announce the launch of its Summer Afternoon Tea, offering a delightful culinary experience amidst the picturesque backdrop of their enchanting English country garden. From 15th June to 31st August 2023, guests can revel in a delectable assortment of handcrafted delicacies, specially curated to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the season.

Priced at just £35 per person, the Summer Afternoon Tea includes a selection of mouthwatering finger sandwiches, a perfect balance of classic and inventive fillings. A warm pea, asparagus, and pesto tart, expertly baked to perfection, showcases the finest seasonal produce.

No afternoon tea is complete without scones, and we serve them in true British style. Enjoy the light and fluffy texture of fruit and plain scones, accompanied by luscious strawberry jam and indulgent Cornish clotted cream, providing an authentic taste of traditional afternoon tea.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, our pastry chefs have created a selection of exquisite desserts that capture the essence of summer. Savour the delicate strawberry custard tart with a Champagne viola dome, adding an elegant touch to this fruity delight. Discover the harmonious flavours of our honey and lavender financiers, a treat that perfectly embodies the essence of the English countryside. Indulge in the apple, rose, and blackberry mousse, a refreshing and fragrant delight that embodies the vibrancy of the season. And don’t forget to relish the decadence of our chocolate and yuzu cremeux, complemented by a caramelised white chocolate crumb.

Horwood House Hotel recognizes the importance of catering to all guests, including the little ones. A specially crafted kids’ afternoon tea menu, ensures that everyone can enjoy the memorable experience of a summer afternoon tea.

Moreover, Horwood House’s English country garden setting adds an extra layer of charm to your visit. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of our manicured grounds, enveloped by blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and let the serene atmosphere transport you to a world of relaxation and indulgence.

allproductsavailablewith zerodepositleasingoptions

“The industry estimated that every outdoor seat was worth up to £6,000 a year to businesses in extra revenue.”

The Meetings Show 2023 empowers, engages and energises #eventprofs

The UK’s leading event for the meetings and incentives industry welcomed thousands of buyers and industry specialists through the doors at ExCeL London earlier today for the start of two days of inspirational learning, business and networking opportunities.

Opening keynotes delivered in partnership with speaker consultancy Spectrum saw Lucy Eden, founder of Be in Your Element invigorate the audience in Wellness for creativity while networking and faith exclusion expert Farah Hussain gave confidence tips for introverts in her session How to network when you’re an introvert.

There were interactive sessions in the Blank Canvas – a new space designed for experimentation and to provide a place where attendees can push boundaries and unleash creativity – including Let’s Talk, a ‘clubhouse’ style conversation around safeguarding and inclusion and mental health and wellbeing and Fail Like a Pro, a workshop delivered by Clowns Without Borders.

More than 600 exhibitors, including global destinations, venues, and suppliers met

with planners from some of the world’s biggest organisations and event agencies to demonstrate how they could support their next conference, meeting, event or incentive.

A number of stands welcomed buyers to network informally over tea and coffee, or glasses of fizz and cocktails and others held competitions and exciting activations with everyone invited to toast the end of a successful day at The Meetings Show Networking Drinks in the Central Lounge.

The show continued on 29th June with yet more opportunities for learning and connecting.

Discussions on sustainability and technology will kickstart a day of inspiring talks, while the Blank Canvas will give event professionals the chance to get more hands on with a DIY recruitment workshop.

Later in the day, The Business of Events, which ran a sector-wide consultation in early 2023, will bring senior industry stakeholders together to discuss policy initiatives and explore how they will form part of a wider

Event professionals have been empowered, informed and inspired to think, connect, plan and live differently during day one of The Meetings Show 2023.

agenda to develop a comprehensive plan in Government Policy Initiatives for the Events Sector.

A wide range of sessions covering pertinent topics – from AI to data – will continue through the day finishing with Jumpstarting Your Career in Events. The panel discussion, part of The Meetings Show’s support for the future of the industry, will explore how aspiring professionals can launch their careers in events.

Business Travel Show Europe, said: “We’ve had an incredible first day of The Meetings Show 2023 and it has been wonderful to see thousands of members of the business meetings and events community #TakeTheTime to join us. There has been an immense buzz around the show floor with thousands of meetings and networking events happening on stands. Our reenergised education programme has been a huge hit with event planners and we can’t wait for more tomorrow.”

For more information and to attend day two visit www.themeetingsshow.com

Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director, The Meetings Show, TEAMS Europe and

SEARCYS IS AWARDED TOP THREE STAR ACCREDITATION BY SRA

British caterer and restaurateur, Searcys, is delighted to have retained its three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

Awarded to businesses at the forefront of creating positive change across the foodservice industry, the accreditation showcases Searcys’ continued commitment to operate sustainably across sourcing, society and environment.

In residence at more than 20 venues in London and Bath, Searcys was applauded for the positive changes across its menus by introducing balanced, healthier dishes which benefit guests and the planet, with a 21% improvement since its pre-pandemic assessment.

Other areas highlighted in the appraisal included its staff benefits and retention, from introducing new employee perks and experimenting with working patterns for a better work-life balance, to expanding its training programmes with 43 apprenticeship schemes, along with enrolment into Searcys Champagne School.

Searcys has also committed to supporting local communities, raising over £175,000 for charity in 2022, its 175th anniversary year, through a range of initiatives. From a 175mile ‘Tour De Searcys’ bike ride to hosting the Searcys 175th Birthday Ball for hospitality leaders, the donations were shared across nominated charities, including hospitalityspecific ones, the Hotel School and Beyond Food Foundation.

Paul Jackson, Managing Director at Searcys comments “Sustainability is at the heart of the business and we thank the Sustainable Restaurant Association for its stringent process of certification, which has allowed us to take stock of our achievements, but most importantly, outlined our next steps and areas of focus. We are very proud of this great result, which is a true testament to the work of our people – from chefs developing the menus to our operational, procurement and support staff who are continuing to drive Searcys’ sustainability pledges.”

Looking ahead, Searcys has unveiled its new provenance pledges for 2023, which include focus on sustainable procurement of fish, guided by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) tarting, alongside working with regenerative farms and the stringent protocol to reduce food and non-food waste across its venues.

For more information, please contact Megan Vigar on at Roche Communications on 020 7436 1111 or searcyspr@rochecom.com

IN CELEBRATION OF 75TH ANNIVERSARY, NHS WORKERS EAT FREE AT 22 GAUCHO AND M RESTAURANTS

Celebrating 75 years of the National Health Service, NHS workers across the country were invited to eat for free on Wednesday 5th July 2023 at Gaucho nationwide and M Restaurants, in Canary Wharf and The City, as thank you to those working tirelessly to treat over a million people a day in England.

A longstanding champion of the NHS, Rare Restaurants supported frontline healthcare workers throughout COVID19, providing over 1000 meals a week during the pandemic and hosting a dinner of appreciation at M Threadneedle St, inviting over 300 nurses and doctors from the NHS to give thanks to these incredible people.

Guests can enjoy up to three courses from the Gaucho’s Set Menu - featuring ceviche starters, carbon neutral steaks and decadent desserts whilst at M their Sustainable Set Menu is on offer, showcasing regeneratively farmed British beef and other ethically sourced ingredients.

Available for both bookings and walk-ins at all venues, free meals for NHS workers were redeemable on the 5th July, by showing proof of work via NHS ID card, from 12pm to 6.30pm.

“At Gaucho and M Restaurants, we are delighted to celebrate NHS workers with this gesture. Restaurants, when at their best are an integral part of the community and thus we are proud to support our amazing NHS heroes and hope other restaurants will follow suit to do the same.” Gaucho and M Restaurants, CEO and Founder, Martin Williams.

CREATING THE PERFECT ESPRESSO COFFEE

Fracino’s 1, 2 or 3 group Retro lever espresso machine evokes the 1950’s coffee bar buzz. Finished in highly polished stainless steel, its Design and Function is very much for the modern coffee bar.

Retro is available in Electric or Dual Fuel powered versions – perfect for espresso on the move. Lever groups provide the barista with lots of control during the extraction process for creating their own perfect espresso.

Lever espresso machine.

Each group has optimum temperature control.

Our stunning P.I.D. – the fusion of technology and contemporary design; the individual group boilers and state of the art electronics offer precision and control to ful l the expectations of the most discerning barista.

Available in 2 or 3 group versions, the P.I.D. features temperature controllable hot water dispense and boasts all the power, technical qualities and reliability synonymous with Fracino products.

HERALD INCREASES ECO-FRIENDLY COFFEE CUP AND EXTRAS SUPPLY

The move reflects the increasingly fast turnaround on these items that the company is experiencing and the rising popularity of its quality, greener ‘to go’ cups.

Herald has allowed for extra warehouse space in order to accommodate further stock. By storing more product, the supplier can guarantee early delivery, keeping existing customers happy and attracting new business. Available hot cups include a variety of triple wall ripple cups, double wall cups and single wall paper cups in black, brown and white (depending on cup choice), in a full selection of sizes, along with lids to fit.

In the last 12 months, orders have increased across Herald’s complete ‘coffee to go’ range, including CPLA eco sip lids, birchwood stirrers and white and brown sugar sachets and sticks. The sugar is available by the case, which means it can easily be added on to orders for the cups, lids and stirrers, completing the requirement for any hot drinks on the move offering.

Herald has cultivated this complete range with the ultimate goal of providing a single source supply of disposable cups and supplementary goods for cafes and food

‘to go’ establishments. Managing director of Herald, Yogesh Patel comments: “We’ve always sold on variety and choice but, this year, we’ve worked hard to address supply issues and to ensure we can deliver to meet demand. Some companies have experienced stock shortages due to a volatile supply chain and market uncertainty.

“Rather than expect our customers to go without certain products or to settle for lower specification items, we have put strategies in place. We have the warehouse space to hold stock in reserve and we’ve bought in greater bulk. We believe Herald is now in prime position to be the ‘go to’ supplier for those looking for the convenience of a single source solution.”

Herald’s eco range also includes a full range of bagasse items comprising of square, round and rectangle plates, in varying sizes, along with bowls and hot boxes, chip trays, burger boxes, noodle boxes and other lunch boxes – all of which are in great demand.

For further information on Herald and its latest products, log on to www.heraldplastic.com or call 0208 507 7900 to order a copy of the new catalogue.

Quality disposables manufacturer and supplier, Herald has expanded its sustainable hot cups, lids and auxiliary product range in order to provide maximum choice.

A Natural Coffee Cup

High quality, eco-friendly, hot cups - for the authentic coffee lovers.

In the current climate, we all want to make kinder, better choices. Herald has extended its range of fully compostable cups to give your customers more options when it comes to an environmentally-friendly alternative.

Our single, double and triple wall compostable cups are available in brown, black and white, depending on your cup choice, and in a selection of sizes. With diameters to fit all lids currently available in our eco-friendly selection, our competitively priced, hot cups are perfect for today’s greener market.

See how Herald’s packaging can complement any gourmet produce.

0208 507 7900

sales@heraldplastic.com

www.heraldplastic.com

Paddy & Scott’s Launches Eco Coffee Pods

Leading coffee supplier to the hospitality sector, Paddy & Scott’s, is reinventing the coffee pod game with the launch of its new compostable Nespresso-compatible coffee pods.

For hotels already serving Paddy & Scott’s wholebean, bulk brew or Brew Bags, the new eco pods allow them to complete their range, while new businesses searching for a compostable pod alternative need look no further.

The fully compostable pods are on offer alongside Paddy & Scott’s original craft coffee and brew bags, allowing customers to access the full product range, as well as helping to reduce waste in hospitality venues.

These pods are part of Paddy & Scott’s Lunch Box programme - sales of which go to fund free school meals to coffee growing communities - the pods are available in three varieties, espresso, lungo and decaf and are perfect for hotel rooms..

“We’ve been trying to create the perfect eco pod for ages, and we’ve finally got it right: a compostable pod that tastes just as good as competitor products,” explains CEO Jon Reed. “Finally hotels and venues can take our full range and their customers can be happy in the knowledge that every time they brew

one of our pods in their hotel rooms, they are helping to fund school meals for coffee growing communities.”

Paddy & Scott’s is renowned for fueling the ambitions of coffee-growing communities and coffee lovers all over the world and its Lunch Box coffee is part of a world-first project to fund school meals for coffee farmers and their families. Every box of pods sold provides three school meals for children that need it most.

“Paddy & Scott’s has always been about more than just great coffee. We want to help coffee farmers thrive and give people opportunities. Lunch Box provides school meals for children in coffee-growing communities, so they can focus on studying,“ adds Jon. “Making these pods available to the hospitality sector allows us to expand our reach and fund even more meals through this programme.”

Paddy & Scott’s Lunch Box coffee pods are available in fuelling stations nationwide. For more information on Paddy & Scott’s visit www.paddyandscotts.shop

Focus Hotels appoints new C.E.O

Focus Hotels Management Ltd. is delighted to announce that Devin Grosse has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer.

Devin brings a wealth of hospitality management experience to Focus and is looking forward to working with the Focus team to support the development of the company from its existing strong base to a leading independent “White Label” management company in the UK.

Prior to joining Focus, Devin spent ten years as Vice President of Operations at Aimbridge managing an extensive portfolio of luxury hotels across the UK, forging excellent relationships with all the key hotel brands, and managing key stakeholders including owners, banks, asset managers, developers, board members and investors. The development of new hotels from feasibility through design and build to opening has been his speciality over the last 25 years.

Devin worked with Chardon Management before its sale to Interstate Hotels & Resorts and subsequent rebrand to Aimbridge, supporting the growth from 13 hotels

to the larger portfolio it has today. He spent his early career in country house hotels before joining Forte hotels and IHG corporate covering over 100 hotels across the UK before moving into several General Management and Regional Management roles.

Peter Cashman, Chairman of Focus said: “We are delighted that Devin is joining us to add strength and expertise to our already strong management team and underlining our commitment to the long-term successful development of the company”

Devin Grosse said: “I am thrilled to be joining Focus. I look forward to working with the Focus leadership team to support the future growth of the company and will be focussing on supporting the hotel teams to drive exceptional quality, revenues, and ultimately deliver the best possible returns for our owners”

Samujana in Koh Samui launches the ‘Ultimate Celebration’ package

Samujana, a collection of 23 stunning luxury villas in Koh Samui, has launched a brand new ‘Ultimate Celebration’ package for 2023, creating a super luxury experience for an unforgettable trip and memories to last a lifetime.

Ultimate Celebration 2023

The ‘Ultimate Celebration’ package includes a 7-night stay in a 4 bedroom villa including breakfast, transfers and all the below activities for £14,999 (or £1,875 per person based on 8 people sharing).

• 1 x Private DJ set for 5 hours with the sound system

• 1 x Firework display at the Beach Lawn in Samujana

• 1 x Fire Dance show at the Beach Lawn area in Samujana

• 1 x Full day cruise to Koh Phangan onboard Samujana’s Kindred Spirit Catamaran

• 1 x Arrival Thai Discovery dinner for 8 people - Guests will start their journey, discovering Thailand through its traditional cuisine. Served Thai family style, highlights of the menu include the famous Green Papaya Salad , Hot and Sour Thai Prawn Soup (Tom Yum Goong), Massaman Curry with Beef or Chicken, Stir fried Vegetables with Oyster Sauce (Pad Pak Ruammit) and finishing with Mango and sticky rice as well as a seasonal fruit platter.

• 1 x Celebration Gourmet BBQ for 8 people - The Gourmet Grill is a delight for foodies,, and is prepared with best quality products, that are locally sourced and freshly prepared. Cold options include: Rare Seared Salmon, Crispy Pork with coriander, mint, spicy & citrus dressing, Seafood

Ceviche in green chilli & mango, Pork Larb Salad with pineapple & grilled green beans, Mezze with marinated olives, hummus & baba ghanoush. Hot options include: Grilled Phuket Lobster in garlic butter, Thai Red Curry Spiced Tuna Steak with pineapple salsa, Grainfed Australian Beef Tenderloin in red wine sauce, Lamb Cutlets in lemongrass & mint, Italian Spiced Sausages, Grilled Vegetables in olive oil & sea salt, Roasted Baby Potatoes in lemon zest and basil, Steamed Jasmine Rice, Tropical Fruit and Banana Spring Rolls in chocolate sauce

The villas at Samujana are perfectly perched on a hillside overlooking a coral cove in the North East of Koh Samui. Villas range from three to eight bedrooms and combine the most spectacular views of Koh Samui with modern Thai architecture. The brand effortlessly unites contemporary luxury with Thai hospitality, offering unparalleled 5* services, a private Villa Manager dedicated to the individual properties, a tennis court and private beach access.

Each villa boasts beautiful infinity pools that stretch across the manicured gardens, breath-taking ocean views and state of the art leisure facilities. Select properties are home to other facilities including private gyms, cinemas, games rooms and a basketball court. Guests also have the option to hire private chefs, relax with spa treatments and book private fitness classes from Muay Thai to yoga.

For more information about Samujana please visit www.samujana.com

IDLIQ Hotels & Resorts offers affordable summer sun for the ultimate family getaway

Valid from now until the 31st August 2023, IDILIQ’s new summer sun deal offers up to two children aged 12 and under the chance to stay and dine for free when families book any B&B of Half Board basis stay at select IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts. This exclusive offer promises families a fun-filled summer holiday, with the exceptional service of a hotel paired with the freedom and flexibility of a residence in IDILIQ’s spacious lodges and apartments across a portfolio of some of the most sought after destinations, including the Costa del Sol, Tenerife, Turkey, Austria and the UK. Families can indulge in a rejuvenating escape, making cherished memories together in the sun without breaking the bank.

IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts are a long-standing family favourite, and the following properties have recently been listed in this year’s prestigious TripAdvisor 2023 Traveller’s Choice Awards. This recognition shows IDILIQ’s unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled experiences, top quality service and warm hospitality to its guests, making this summer sun deal the perfect choice for families this summer.

Set in an idyllic location in Tenerife, boasting stunning accommodations and exciting activities, Wyndham Residences Costa Adeje and Wyndham Residences Golf del Sur are perfect for a family getaway. The residences feature modern aesthetics, beautiful furnishing, and private balconies with panoramic ocean views, ensuring absolute comfort and relaxation. The resort itself has plenty of activities for all age groups, making for a peaceful family holiday and the perfect base to explore the striking island. Families can engage in fun water sports, explore nearby volcanic landscapes and embark on a remarkable adventure. Kids will be able to enjoy the many activities scheduled daily at the Mini Club while parents looking for a quieter stay can spend a day relaxing by the pool or indulging in rejuvenating spa treatments.

For the countryside lovers looking for somewhere closer to home, Wyndham Duchally Country Estate is a perfect match. This Scottish estate was built nearly two centuries ago and combines its historical charm with the modern comforts and amenities for a unique stay in the Scottish Highlands. This location is perfect for families who want to escape from their busy lifestyle and disconnect from city life. Parents can wander through nearby nature

trails or treat themselves to a spa day by relaxing in the hot tub or visiting the sauna, while the little ones can run around in the play area or splash about the children’s pool. After a day outside families can enjoy the flavours of Perthshire’ local ingredients and the award-winning Monteaths Restaurant.

With warmer weather than the rest of the UK, Wyndham Trenython Manor sits on the beautiful coast of Cornwall, overlooking St Austell Bay. Surrounded by 24 acres of beautiful views and landscapes, this is the perfect retreat for those seeking to relax, unwind and connect with nature. Families will be able to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the woodland trails, discover hidden gems by embarking on exciting beach and boat trips and engage in friendly matches of croquet on the pristine lawns. Featuring the brand new Da Kona restaurant, guests can experience the amazing dining offerings that showcases a fusion of international cuisines using local and fresh ingredients from the fishermen and farmers of the area.

As well as this, the following IDILIQ properties are also included in the offer. Wyndham Residences Kusadasi Golf & Spa, in Turkey, offers spacious residences, a golf course, a luxurious spa, and dining options. The hotel’s location allows easy access to attractions and beaches, creating lasting family memories. Wyndham Ramada Residences Saalfelden in Austria provides a backdrop for a memorable vacation. Families can hike, bike, and explore lakes and mountains. These modern Residences have comfortable bedrooms, balconies with views, and on-site restaurants offering diverse cuisine.

Finally, the four Residences in Costa del Sol featuring amazing accommodations and prime locations; Ramada Hotel & Suites

Costa del Sol, Ramada Residences

Costa del Sol, Wyndham Residences

Costa del Sol and Wyndham Grand Residences Costa del Sol are also included in the offer.

Summer Sun offer: Free accommodation and meals for up to two children aged 12 and under when booking a B&B or Half Board stay between 1st June and 31st August 2023. Guests that book direct will also enjoy the bonus benefit of a £10/ €10 food & beverage voucher to use on property. For further information or to book, click here

This year, IDILIQ Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to unveil an exciting summer promotion that promises an unforgettable family experience at an affordable price.

Wyndham Launches Registry Collection in Europe with Opening of Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort

indulgent as the hotels themselves. The Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort—owned and operated by Zeus International Hotels & Resorts—is the latest impressive addition to a portfolio of 16 Registry Collection properties across Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

Trademark Collection by Wyndham brands, and now Registry Collection Hotels. Zeus International owns and manages an additional 12 hotels spanning Greece, Romania, and Italy.

An Opulent Seafront Retreat

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels spanning more than 95 countries, today announced the opening of the Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort, its first Registry Collection Hotel in Europe. The 171-room, 5-star resort is located in Halkidiki, one of Greece’s most sought-after destinations known for its pristine beaches, Mediterranean forests and unique views of the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus.

Handpicked to deliver incredible experiences in spectacular destinations, Registry Collection Hotels combine individuality with thoughtful design and world-class service. From unique architectural details to dream-worthy locations, every stay with Registry Collection Hotels is meant to be as unique and

Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, commented: “Expanding Registry Collection Hotels to Europe enables us to further diversify our offering, giving our guests access to even more travel experiences and incredible destinations around the world. Zeus International Hotels & Resorts is a like-minded partner with many years of experience welcoming visitors and growing brands across Europe. Introducing the brand with them in Halkidiki, a renowned hotspot for its impressive nature, coastline, and culture, makes this launch even more special.”

The latest opening of the outstanding Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort also builds on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ longstanding collaboration with Zeus International Hotels & Resorts, currently covering 10 hotels in three countries, under the Wyndham, Wyndham Grand, Ramada, Dolce and

Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort, a Registry Collection Hotel is a stunning, beachfront hotel offering 171 luxurious rooms up to 85sqm, including 26 high-end private villas up to 580sqm and 92 exceptional bungalows up to 135sqm, most with private pools and all with breathtaking sea-views. The hotel offers five extraordinary swimming pools as well as access to nearby heavenly pebble beach. Built in an alluring setting of forests, where the natural tranquility and the traditional natural elements are prominent, guests can immerse themselves in the serene ambiance with leisurely strolls through the hotel’s lush gardens, which gracefully descend towards the tranquil waters of Agia Paraskeui. The hotel offers a unique culinary journey of local Greek, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine through its three restaurants that are supplied with fresh local fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as premium beverages, signature cocktails and carefully selected wines at its three bars.

Luxury resort on Greece’s dazzling Halkidiki peninsula marks latest addition to Wyndham’s prestigious portfolio in Europe

A nod to the great therapeutic tradition of the region, guests can also enjoy a one-ofa-kind designed Spa Center featuring an impressive outdoor pool and fantastic views, along with wellness classes on special decks by the beach. Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort also provides more adventurous guests two tennis courts, a basketball court and a beach volleyball court, as well as an adventure park and other great outdoor activities, making it the ideal luxury hideout for those seeking a stunning coastal getaway. Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort offers over 600sqm of venue space to host glamourous events and top-tier conferences, making it also an exceptional choice for guests in pursuit of the perfect venue for such occasions.

Haris Siganos, President and CEO of Zeus International Hotels & Resorts, added: “Opening the first luxury resort under Registry Collection Hotels in Europe is testament to Zeus International Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to innovating our offering and providing outstanding hospitality to our guests, in Greece and abroad. Our fruitful and growing collaboration with Wyndham enables us to maintain the unique individuality of the Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort, while opening its doors to travellers from all around the world.”

Wyndham hotels in Greece and around the world participate in Wyndham Rewards®, the award-winning hotel rewards programme offering approximately 101 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at more than 50,000 hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals around the world.

For more information about Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort, a Registry Collection Hotel visit www.registrycollectionhotels.com For additional details on franchising opportunities with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, visit www.whrdevelopmentemea.com.