Warm Welcome Magazine - August Issue by Ryan Leon Media

August Issue Upgrade your corporate clothing with RK Styles

Independent Hotel Show is back!

Kingsland Drinks Group makes move towards being employee owned

Pages 22-23

Pages 28-29

Pages 36-37

warmwelcomemagazine.com

Contents 4

Hotels

Upcoming Shows & Events

Uniforms & Workwear

Contract Lighting

Food & Drink

Travel

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

Stay in one of Britain’s most secret homes De Vere Latimer Estate has recently undergone an extensive £7m refurbishment project...

Set in the heart of Buckinghamshire is De Vere Latimer Estate which was once one of Britain’s most secret homes. During WWII, the property played an integral part in British history as it housed German Prisoners of War, captured German U-boat submarine crews and Luftwaffe pilots, who were inadvertently revealing secrets of great military importance whilst being held in the stately home. Claiming the title of Britain’s most secret home, Latimer is considered on a par with Bletchley in the role it played in helping the British win the war. Over 10,000 prisoners’ conversations were bugged between 1942 and 1945 creating over 100,000 transcripts - which still survive today in the National Archives. Unaware that they were being recorded, German prisoners and generals would talk freely giving away plenty of war secrets, with up to 90 people employed to listen to every word. The secret listeners at Latimer overheard prisoners discussing Hitler’s powerful missiles, the V1 and V2, leading to an order from Churchill who was a regular visitor to the property, to bomb the missile development sites. Without this, London would have been destroyed, with Hitler planning to fire 300 missiles a day at the city. Post-war the house was turned into a training centre before becoming a hotel in 2006.

Hotels

However, the secrecy surrounding Latimer remains with rumours that it was a training school for MI6. When the house was sold in the 1980s a clause was added that a wall in the basement with a secret tunnel behind it could not be touched for 50 years. Today, De Vere Latimer Estate has recently undergone an extensive £7m refurbishment project, bringing 21st-century comfort and style within 30 acres of grounds with a restored Victorian Pond and specially commissioned sculptures by artist Emma Stothard, in an area steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Guests can enjoy a warm welcome in the restaurant, bar, and outdoor courtyard, where they will discover locally sourced, seasonally inspired menus, or opt for the hotel’s delicious afternoon tea in the Library Lounge. De Vere Latimer Estate is a five-minute drive from Chalfont & Latimer station, just a 30-minute journey from London. The station is located within London Transport Zone 8 and is on the Metropolitan line providing direct access to Baker Street, Liverpool Street and Finchley Road. For further information and to book, visit devere.co.uk/latimer-estate or call 01494 412312.

Hotels

Significant event bookings for 2021 despite roadmap delays Wyboston Lakes Resort is the largest, independently owned business and leisure destination in Northern Europe...

Wyboston Lakes Resort in Bedfordshire has confirmed a series of major bookings for conferences and events for July and August onwards. The resort’s Woodlands Event Centre is busy with events for a wide mixture of international brands, associations, consumer, and corporate organisations including Spa Life, trade association HBAA and Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine. All these events have been rescheduled because of the recent four-week delay to the government’s ‘roadmap’ for lifting restrictions on activities. In addition, the venue has secured several hundred thousand pounds of event bookings for global pharmaceutical brands due to take place in the autumn. The first event to take place at the conference, training and leisure complex was Utopia 2021, a Doctor Who annual convention organised by Fantom Events for avid fans. The sold-out gathering was held from 9th-11th July. Spa Life International UK Convention will take place on 2nd-3rd August. Mike Fitch, Director of Spa Life International, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming up to 250 delegates from the spa and wellness industry for Spa Life International UK 2021, in accordance with the latest government guidelines. We chose Wyboston Lakes Resort because of the high-quality facilities and excellent customer service we have

Hotels

experienced at previous events. It is also a very Covid-secure venue having hosted training for the emergency services during the pandemic.” The HBAA Annual Forum and Dinner will gather the meeting, events, and accommodation industry’s association’s members on 17th September, preceded by a charity golf day at Wyboston Lakes Resort’s course on the day before. Juliet Price, Consultant Executive Director of the HBAA, said: “Wyboston Lakes Resort and Woodlands Event Centre offer spacious, modern and well-equipped event venues, ideal for social distancing, with extensive outdoor spaces in line with the latest guidance as well as being an award-winning sustainable venue.” The Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) Agency Forum on 25th October will bring together around 60 event organisers from agencies with up to 30 venues and destination representatives for two days of networking, one-to-one meetings, and teambuilding activities. Steve Jones, Managing Director of Wyboston Lakes Resort, said: “It is great to see the UK events industry reopening. We are really looking forward to welcoming these events to Wyboston Lakes Resort in the coming months.” For more information visit wybostonlakes.co.uk

Down Hall to open new restaurant The Garden Room Luxury Essex country house hotel Down Hall announces the opening of a new modern British restaurant this month, The Garden Room, which opened on 14th July with new Executive Chef Graham NoonanChatham at the helm, prioritising microseasonality and home-grown produce from the hotel’s new kitchen garden.

best seasonal ingredients to the table. For those ingredients that they cannot grow themselves, Down Hall will work with select and sustainable local producers and growers

Set within the hotel’s 110 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, the 1,161 sq ft restaurant will house 60 covers and has been reconceptualised and designed by Rumana Swinton. In an extension of the restaurant’s horticultural surroundings, bold, botanical colour scheme blends with feature wall marble topped tables, organic shaped lighting and wall panels depicting naturalistic landscapes.

The à la carte menu will feature starters such as poached Norfolk lobster with Bedlam farm squash, salty fingers and trout roe; a main course of Risotto Primavera packed with the garden’s freshly picked vegetables and herbs; and desserts including Manjari dark chocolate ganache with pistachio and candied ginger ice cream. A seven-course tasting menu will offer a masterclass in micro-seasonality, with dishes such as summer gazpacho with smoked almonds; treacle cured longhorn beef fillet and stout braised short rib with shallot purée and hispi cabbage; and roasted pineapple with spiced rum, lime meringue and Earl Grey ice cream.

The Garden Room’s daily-changing menus will centre around the produce grown in the hotel’s own kitchen garden, with an emphasis on fresh and clean flavours. Head Gardener David Parkin will work hand-in-hand with Graham, using organic growing methods to bring the.

The classic cocktail list showcases local gins, with a drinks list featuring the Clover Club, Rhubarb Collins and Down Hall Signature. An extensive wine list, with 15 vintages available by the glass, will sit alongside a wide selection of local gins, beers and spirits.

Hotels

General Manager, Ken Flockhart, comments: “This has been such an exciting time for Down Hall and we are delighted to see The Garden Room finally come to fruition. By bringing a contemporary design into our historic building and showcasing the produce cultivated in our new kitchen gardens, The Garden Room will bring the outside in and offer the perfect backdrop for Graham’s hyper- seasonal menus.” Executive Chef Graham Noonan-Chatham adds, “It is such a joy to come on board at a time of change and development and I can’t wait for our guests to see the incredible new restaurant that we have created. The team find such inspiration in our spectacular surroundings and that is very much the ethos of The Garden Room – we are championing our landscape and bringing it to the heart of everything we do.” The Garden Room at Down Hall – fresh and refined British cuisine. For more information please visit: www.downhall.co.uk

Whittlebury Park offers student work placements Placements offer thorough insight into hospitality industry...

Whittlebury Park in Northamptonshire is offering a number of paid work placements to students interested in a career in hospitality to help them gain valuable skills and an in-depth understanding of the industry.

In addition, the hotel can provide opportunities to practice interviewing techniques, training on industry leading technology and an insight into how the industry works.

Beginning in June 2021 the placements are available to second year students who have completed the first two years of a relevant university course.

Charles Sargeant, Managing Director, said: “At Whittlebury we believe talent should be grown from within and view placements as the start of building our talent pipeline of the future.

It is hoped that some of the students who take part in the placements will go on to become permanent employees of the hotel.

A placement at Whittlebury Park is a place to practice new skills, learn from the experts and be immersed in the industry, and we hope that many of the students who enrol with us will consider making us their workplace of choice when applying for a graduate role.

Placements run for a minimum of 48 weeks and are designed to offer a comprehensive hospitality industry experience, from serving afternoon teas to providing silver service in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant; from making beds to dressing a wedding venue for 500 people and dealing with thousands of campers on the Grand Prix weekend. Students will become part of the team during their work placements and will receive a competitive salary along with a range of other benefits including paid annual leave, free meals while on shift, free gym and golf membership, discounted food (50 per cent for tables up to eight and 20 per cent on tables up to 20), discounts on spa treatments and products, plus discounts on overnight stays for friends and family. There is also staff accommodation available for those that live further afield.

Hotels

We encourage all employees to immerse themselves in the business and challenge themselves to find a role where they can build a future.” The award-winning Whittlebury Park resort in Northamptonshire includes five food and beverage outlets, a 254-bedroom hotel, 36-hole championship golf course, luxury spa, and extensive conference and events facilities. To find out more information on how you can secure student work placement at Whittlebury Park head over to www.whittlebury.com

Picturesque historic inn reinvigorated with £1M investment The Filly Inn has reopened following a £1M transformation by independent pub operators Punch Pubs & Co, with experienced Management Partner Nick Ranhem taking the helm. Set against the majestic backdrop of the New Forest, this charming 16th Century country pub has been lovingly restored and has recently reopened, welcoming guests to their new home from home. Nestled in tranquil surroundings, the Filly Inn is a regular haunt for ramblers and dog walkers alike. It boasts open fireplaces, polished dining areas, cosy corners, and a spacious and verdant rear garden. Guests can expect a warm welcome in this idyllic hideaway decked with walnut timber panelling, soft velvets and buttoned leather upholstery seating and eccentric finishing touches.

Operations Director, Robin Belither says, “The Filly Inn is an absolute gem in the stunning New Forest. This £1M investment has created a cracking backdrop for guests to relax and stay the night in this reimagined traditional coaching inn. The outside space is epic with stretch tent, fire pits, wildflower meadows and fabulous dining terraces. This amazing space can be enjoyed by guests as wild New Forest ponies roam by. We believe the pub now nestles seamlessly into the idyllic Great British countryside, and we’re so pleased that the Filly Inn is truly right back where it belongs. At the heart of Brockenhurst.”

The Filly Inn also features seven brand new en-suite rooms, that together with New Forest walks, cycling tracks and sailing on its doorstep, creates the perfect location for day-trippers and staycationers alike. The pub’s menu is bursting with home-cooked food, and locally sourced seafood specials are the order of the day. The eclectic menu sees quintessential British classics rub shoulders with modern bistro dishes, as well as plenty of small plates for nibbling on with drinks. For the seasoned drinker, there is a wellstocked bar of local beers, quality real ales, liveners, and pick-me-ups. If your tipple is something sweeter, a carefully curated cocktail will quench your thirst. The pub also offers a broad wine list to suit all tastes. Nick Ranhem brings a wealth of impressive pub experience to the Filly Inn and has reopened the pub with the help of General Manager Sean Murphy. Nick says, “We are thrilled to be reopening this iconic pub, and it feels great to be welcoming guests back to the Filly once again. This huge investment has truly restored the pub to its former glory, retaining its unique charm and quirky character that the community are so fond of. We’re looking forward to showcasing everything this great pub has to offer and creating plenty of memories with locals and visitors alike.”

Hotels

Escape to Brabazon Lodge located within The Belfry Hotel & Resort Stay at the Brabazon Lodge, a luxury home away from home with space for up to eight people, priced from £450 per night... Located down a private driveway next to the legendary 10th hole of The Brabazon course, the private lodge offers four large bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and all the essential amenities to ensure a relaxing stay. Guests can sit back and unwind in the charming and spacious lounge area which overlooks the garden or enjoy an evening outdoors on the terrace and in their very own hot tub. With a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, guests can choose to dine in the lodge or take a short walk to the hotel to enjoy The Ryder Grill, offering dishes created from only the highest quality locally sourced ingredients. The Belfry Hotel boasts a range of on site facilities for all the family to enjoy safely throughout the stay. Explore The Belfry’s extensive outdoor space with a stroll through their interactive woodland walk, where little ones can go wildlife spotting and discover bug hotels, or let the kids try the new Woodland Adventure Zone, with zip wire, tree house, climber, puzzlewood and more. Guests can also spend some time at the onsite Toptracer Range which offers a fun

Hotels

experience for any level of golfing experience from beginners and non-golfers to frequent players. Alternatively, adults can follow in the footsteps of some of golf’s greatest legends by booking a tee time on one of The Belfry’s three world-class golf courses, including The Brabazon and The PGA National. To ensure a safe stay for guests and a safe working environment for their teams, The Belfry has launched their ‘Our Pledge To You’ initiative to showcases the resort’s commitment to meeting the highest standards cleanliness procedures and protocols across all areas of the resort. The Belfry has also been awarded the ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard which recognises that The Belfry has followed government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring processes are in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social/ physical distancing. For more information on how to book your next escape, please visit: www.thebelfry.com T: +44 (0) 1675 238600 E: enquiries@thebelfry.com

Hotels

After more than a year of uncertainty for hospitality, Caffè Culture 2021 is here to showcase the very best the industry has to offer Caffè Culture 2021 returns with an unmissable event for the cafe and coffee bar market. Featuring over 100 brands, showcasing products ranging from speciality tea and coffee, artisan food, bakery and chocolate right through to equipment, technology and packaging. Free to attend and taking place at the Business Design Centre, London, this year’s show features include a 4-stream talks programme with 70+ expert speakers, a new speciality coffee Batch Brew Bar, a Speciality Tea Hub, two days of SCA barista competitions, a Roasters’ village plus much more. Head to caffecultureshow.com to register for your free trade pass. What’s on… Re:connect with Victoria Arduino Re:connect is Victoria Arduino’s new concept for 2021 and will play host to some of the UK’s finest speciality roasters. The theme for VA’s 2021 show feature is Re:connect. In a world where we crave contact with others for support, wellbeing and entertainment, the challenging times we face are taking their toll. Victoria Arduino will welcome visitors to be part of this change and show support for the coffee community. They will showcase educational opportunities available for coffee professionals, such as The Coffee Knowledge Hub, an education networking platform that launched earlier this year, and The Youth Academy, a funded education programme for young people wanting to build a career in coffee. The Youth Academy is now in its second year, and has offered the students an opportunity to progress in their career with each other as support. Roasters represented this year are: Hasbean; Ozone; Curve Coffee Roasters; Cupper’s Choice; TAF Coffee; Caravan Coffee Roasters; Ue Coffee Roasters; London Grade Coffee; 200 Degrees Coffee Roasters; Crosby Coffee, Common Coffee and Pact.

tea cocktails, tea and food pairing, cold brew and nitro tea. You can also learn more about their new education initiative, the Tea Certification Programme, which will offer universally recognised and respected certification in a wide range of subjects delivered by its partners across Europe. A new concept ESTA is introducing is that of the Tea Barista which aims to explore why we should be just as skilled, knowledgeable and passionate about tea just as we are about coffee. Batch brew bar In partnership with Swedish Brewer 3TEMP, the new speciality coffee Brew Bar will host some of the UK’s most talented coffee roasters. The feature will offer visitors the ultimate guide to batch brew coffee with a series of live brewing sessions, masterclasses, and takeovers. Each roaster will be profiling and brewing their coffees and serving it to visitors, who will get to vote for their favourite brews, with the two finalists going head-to-head. If you are interested in the science of coffee, 3TEMP will also be demonstrating the functionality and versatility of the Brewers in some ad-hoc educational events. Talks Programme People and culture New this year, the People and Culture stage will highlight crucial conversations to promote a better future for the coffee

industry. Led by The Kore Directive, the panel discussions will cover many different topics. In Grounded Wellness, discussions centre on how to mitigate the effects on coffee professionals’ mental wellness in the wake of the likes of Covid and Brexit. This panel will feature Ariana Huecherig of Caravan Coffee and Glenn James of Coffix, moderated by Jordan Harvey of Kore. The keynote talk explores how to create a career in coffee for yourself and/or others while being well-versed in employee rights and responsibilities, and features Sarah Kern of Kore. The talk will focus on hiring, onboarding and providing support to an employee. This is then followed by a discussion on how coffee can be a vehicle for social change, moderated by Kore Chairwoman Camilla Morgan and featuring Aashifa Hussain of Well Grounded; Mat North of Raw Material Europe; Hannah Davies of Cup North and Essy Sparrow of Your Server Today podcast. In the wake of some of the biggest racial equity movements across the world in 2020, the panel discussion Seats At The Table aims to demystify what inclusivity is and includes panellist Keri Peters of 200 Degrees Coffee. Finally, Brewing Good Business is about equipping women in UK coffee with the skills, confidence and opportunities to progress their coffee careers, and features Sinem Kartal of Chapel Market Roastery; Tereza Vertatova of Curve Coffee Roasters; Izzy Austen of Baristas on Tap and Michaela Kyriacou of Bean + Brew London.

European speciality tea association Join a host of experts on the ESTA Speciality Tea Hub where you will be able to experience and learn about the six categories of tea and get to sample them with exhibitors including Yumchaa Tea, Jade Tea and Sunbird Rooibos Tea, and also experience the delights of matcha whisking,

Upcoming shows & events

Caffeinsights During the pandemic, industry consultant John Richardson and the Caffè Culture team created CaffèInsights to provide ongoing practical advice to owners and operators navigating the pandemic. They are continuing this theme at the event, looking forward while making sure that the lessons from the past year are passed on. Taking place on day two, there will be six panel discussions led by John with some respected operators and experts, including: 1. The lessons learned from Covid. Input from owners who managed to rework their operations and emerge with much stronger, more profitable and resilient businesses. 2. Branding. Analysis of how strong branding can make an impact, with examples from those who seized the opportunity to rebrand last year. 3.Current trends and the future. Detailed market research on what is happening now and a look at the future. 4.Social media. Covid taught us that strong social media use, over several platforms, was essential. We analyse what works, what doesn’t and what to focus on in the future. 5.Retail. Retail sales alongside traditional income streams have been profitable for many operators and we discuss the best ways to take advantage of this. 6.Recruitment and retention. Practical solutions from a panel on the chronic shortage of staff at almost all levels of the industry. Roasters’ forum As the coffee industry reconnects, there are many questions: What changes have we undergone? How do recent events impact coffee? And what does the future hold for the industry? This year’s Roasters’ Forum, sponsored by DRWakefield, will explore the past, present and future of coffee. Over a series of six engaging talks, presentations and panel discussions, the Roasters’ Forum will examine how trends, innovation, technology and discovery can stimulate change and development in coffee production, sourcing and roasting. The series will begin with a discussion on the concepts of coffee quality, looking at how trends can mould the idea of value, both in production and consumption, and how these change over time and geography. The talks will explore the cyclical nature of trends, how and where they are created, who they affect most, and how innovation and technology can influence how coffee is grown, sourced and roasted. The conversation will continue with a discussion of the genetics of coffee. Visitors can learn about various coffee species, from Robusta to Liberica, Aramosa and Stenophylla, looking at their history and the roles they may have to play in coffee’s future. The series will conclude with a conversation on sustainability, 14

exploring the multidimensional concepts of the term, discussing carbon neutrality, certification, price, environment, business and relationships, and their connection to the coffee industry moving forward. The Roasters’ Forum will be interspersed with interactive coffee tastings to showcase how coffee profiles have changed over the years and illustrate the diversity of coffee’s flavour across a variety of species, cup profiles and processing methods.

profit producing system – creating a business that doesn’t require you to ‘be there’. In his workshop, John will demonstrate the exact process he uses with clients to help rebuild their businesses in a more profitable way - but crucially in a way that is based on a system that will work, whether you are there or not. John will cover, with cases studies, how to build this profit producing system by re-working the four key levers you “pull” to create change in your business:

Coffee studies 2021 Coffee Studies continues its successful format of borrowing from the TED style presentation coupled with a curated panel to discuss in real terms contrasting and complimentary perspectives of the presented topic. This year, the discussions reflect on the last 18 months of lockdown and its impact on how the industry has responded to global supply chain challenges and evolving perspectives on sustainability. As always coffee studies will focus on real business stories, and challenging the prevailing narratives surrounding speciality coffee and its position within the framework of global trade. Each talk welcomes businesses of all sizes to participate through the engaging panel and audience Q&A sessions that follow the keynote speaker presentation moderated to constructively challenge the narratives of the day. Coffee Studies 2021 will also play host to the graduation and induction of the 2020 and 2021 Youth Academy students (a collaborative effort between Caffeina Consulting, VA Machinery and industry partners), giving students a chance to present and participate in discussions at a major industry event. Book a half day workshop with John Richardson Join John Richardson, from the Café Experts, in his half-day workshop – How to build a

Upcoming shows & events

Your menu - the biggest area to create increased profit and more control. There are nearly 50 areas within this that John will break down for you - all of which affect your sales and ability to run an “easy” business. Your signage and merchandising - how to seamlessly increase sales without “ upselling”. Your people - how to get them “on board” with any changes you’re making and not “kicking back” but also how to create a better working environment for them so they stay longer. Low staff turnover is critical to a profit producing system. Your promotions - you need a systematic social media process to build engagement and therefore allow you to make sales AND attract new customers. John has three full time members on his team working and analysing the core social media channels and the process has been refined down into just four types of post that need to be regularly rotated. There will be workbooks with templates, checklists and accompanying training videos available after the event. The workshop takes place on Thursday 2nd September, AM and costs £55 (+VAT) per person Remember, Caffe Culture Show is free to attend. Register for your pass today at www.caffecultureshow.com

Upcoming shows & events

Hotel 360 Expo Welcoming 4 - 5,000 hotel professionals this year, Hotel360 is ready to reconnect with the industry in-person. Taking place on the 28th & 29th of September at the ExCeL, London, this free to attend event will provide a 360 degree viewpoint of the hospitality industry encompassing 5 topical areas; business growth (finance & marketing), technology, operations, sustainability & design.

as an opportunity to differentiate oneself from the competition. Keeping this in mind, Hotel360 has carefully curated this year’s content by providing the information, solutions & tools necessary to stay ahead of the new playing field of 2022. With Panel debates such as:

These interactive panel debates act as an open stage for hoteliers to voice their opinion and to ask those pressing questions posing their hotel business. There will also be 150 inspirational seminars & industry influencing keynote speakers. Hotel360 has already announced three exciting keynote lineups, namely:

- Mastering the Art of Health & Safety: Protecting your Staff and Customers

- Andrew Robb - Chief Financial Officer of RBH: Discussing ‘Planning for expansion: when and how to invest’

With a transformed hotel sector, there was a shift in guests’ expectations. The new norm of the essential, ‘standard offering’ changed. Besides new sanitary measures, the reduction of human touch points accelerated a new age of hotel technological innovation, automation and digitisation of services. Furthermore, the heightened demand for hospitality staff, to the increasing need to reduce hotel emissions by 90% by 2050 according to the Paris Climate Agreement (Natacha Reymond, 2021), has created an array of new challenges for hoteliers.

- Workforce Management: How to Empower and Engage Your Employees

Although, if responded to correctly, these challenges could be the push to refresh one’s hotel offering and act

- Everyday Sustainability: Using Our Resources Responsibly

- Max Fenlon - Director of Commercial Finance from PPHE Hotel Group: Discussing ‘Financial Partnerships for Business Growth’

- Delivering the 5 Star Experience

- Gonzalo Carpintero Navarro - VP Operations EMEA and Head of Meetings and Events Transformation from Radisson Hotel Group: Discussing ‘Making your customer experience consistent’

- Marketing from A-Z - Everything you need to know

Chains and independents will receive a chance to get free training, a place to meet and teambuild!

- Keeping Sustainability at the Heart of your Hotel

Visit hotel360expo.co.uk to secure your free ticket to both shows today!

- The Technologies Shaping the Hotel of Tomorrow

Upcoming shows & events

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Welcome to the FFD Group Consisting of FFD Commercial Refrigeration, FFD Catering Equipment and FFD Grease Management Solutions, the FFD Group collectively addresses the requirements and needs of every aspect of a hospitality business. Supplying the commercial equipment that all businesses need to successfully operate, we deliver expertise, competitive prices and unrivalled customer service. The hospitality industry is firmly planted in the roots of every community around the country – nothing has highlighted its importance and place in people’s lives more than the events of the past 16 months. At the FFD Group we understand the significance of the sector and so are dedicated to supplying quality commercial equipment for every facet of a business to guarantee that whether you run a restaurant, bar, cafe, bistro or nightclub etc. you’re perfectly placed to deliver professional service to each and every one of your customers.

Also supporting the retail and service sectors such as supermarkets, convenience stores, takeaways, hospitals, prisons, military bases, schools etc. we have supplied commercial refrigeration, catering equipment and grease management solutions to key establishments across the UK. Having formed strong relationships with leading brands in the commercial refrigeration and catering equipment industry such as True, Foster, Osborne, Tefcold, Hoshizaki, Rational, Unox, Falcon and Winterhalter we offer highly competitive prices all with the guarantee that you’re investing in market leading equipment backed by professional support. With an extensive range of equipment available including everything your business could possibly need from commercial bottle coolers, catering fridges, multidecks and ice machines to commercial combination ovens, ranges, fryers, espresso machines and warewashers, we are confident that we can supply exactly what you’re looking for.

So that we can help hard-hit hospitality businesses to build back better and stronger than ever, we offer a range of leasing options allowing you to put your equipment to use and start seeing returns, all whilst spreading the cost of purchases into smaller manageable monthly repayments. Together with our dedicated service and support we are determined to see the hospitality industry return to its former standing. Our History… Operating online for over 12 years, FFD began its journey with the supply of high-quality commercial refrigeration from renowned brands. Benefitting from decades of experience we rapidly cemented ourselves as a leading supplier to the industry. Quickly evolving to embrace the commercial catering equipment and grease management markets also, the FFD Group was formed to provide equipment solution for every area of hospitality. Focusing on a wide product range to suit every budget and offering honest impartial advice to assist our customers in finding their perfect piece of equipment, we continually develop our wealth of knowledge and expertise ensuring that we are able to use our experience to help businesses around the country to achieve the success that they deserve. Committed to delivering a comprehensive customer service, we have thousands of happy and returning customers that we continue to help. Based in Leicestershire in the heart of the UK, we are well positioned and easily accessible to meet all of our customer’s demands. Exciting Times Ahead… After the recent trying periods for businesses around the UK, big changes are happening at the FFD Group which the whole team are extremely excited for. With a move to new offices, complete with larger warehouse storage allowing us the space to continue our natural growth and evolution, we are also overjoyed with the imminent launch of our new website. Bringing all three elements of the FFD Group into a single multi store site we will be able to meet the refrigeration, catering equipment and grease management needs for every business and all from a one stop shop for total customer convenience and superior user experience. Allowing customers to easily shop and lease across all three FFD sites whilst using just one shopping basket and a single checkout, kitting out commercial kitchens, pubs and bars has never been simpler. To find our more about FFD Group please visit: www.fridgefreezerdirect.co.uk or call 01455 815200

Upgrade your corporate clothing with RK Styles In the Hospitality industry, making a good first impression is crucial... Hospitality is all about excellent customer service, and your customers will want to be reassured that your company is professional and can be trusted. An important element of this first impression is the appearance of your staff – particularly how well they are dressed for business. RK Styles supplies hospitality uniforms to UK businesses that they can rightly be proud of. Businesses of all types and sizes working within the Hospitality industry will find a huge range of smart, comfortable, and professional apparel across many Corporate Wear collections. RK Styles is able to stock ladies’ and men’s garments from leading brands such as Premier, B&C, Kustom Kit, and Russell, plus many more. The corporate workwear range is perfect for hotel front-of-house staff, housekeeping uniform, hotel reception staff, management staff, retail staff, security agencies, transport companies, restaurants, travel companies, and any other business that is looking for smart, practical and stylish corporate wear to complement their brand and ensure their staff are impeccably dressed at all times. Expert teams can help you to choose an appropriate, fit-for-purpose collection for your business, to ensure that your staff are dressed consistently, in keeping with your brand. RK Styles go the extra mile to help you get it right, so you can always be assured of quality and value. Many corporate and hospitality wear collections are available from stock and have been designed for the addition of your company logos and/or tax tags. With our inhouse logo embroidery and printing service, we offer a one-stop-shop solution for highquality branded workwear. Chef Uniform Chefs will find everything they need to look smart, keep safe and meet the unique challenges presented by the busy and hazardous kitchen environment. From comfortable and durable chef trousers, tough and protective chef jackets, ThermoCool chef hats, and stylish chef aprons, RK Styles can dress you smartly and professionally from head to toe. You can even personalise your chef uniform with bespoke artwork, embroidered and printed as part of their bespoke design and in-house logo service.

Uniforms & Workwear

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

Uniforms & Workwear

CH&CO Appoints Elis to supply and launder workwear and linen Contract caterer, CH&Co, has appointed Elis to supply and launder workwear and linen for over 300 sites in London and across the UK. Elis has supplied over 20,000 individual items, including chefs’ wear, front-of-house garments, kitchen linen, table linen, bed linen and event linen and is providing a nationwide laundry service. Its industrial laundries and delivery fleets are collecting, laundering, maintaining and returning the workwear and linen to the individual CH&Co sites. Katie Deem of CH&Co said: “We chose to work with Elis because, in addition to supplying high quality workwear and a consistent nationwide laundry service, they were also very proactive in recommending ways in which they could provide increased business benefits and create quicker lead times. Elis helped us streamline our product range of chefs’ wear, front-of-house garments, table linen and kitchen linen from over 7,500 SKUs to around 1,000 and RFID tagging was applied to all items to improve stock and cost control. “The switch-over from our existing provider was handled extremely efficiently, with timings to match their exit plan and 113 site installations completed during the first two months of the mobilisation plan, despite this being during the covid pandemic. We were kept fully up to date with progress and any additional urgent requests were dealt with immediately. Elis really understands our business and were able to provide expert advice and adapt the plan to meet unexpected circumstances, such as when sites opened or closed due to changing pandemic restrictions. “Outsourcing to Elis has meant that we have a high quality, consistent workwear laundry service with increased business benefits. The RFID tagging means we have full visibility of where our garments are and when they are being used, and this allows us to continuously adjust stock levels at a local and national level to ensure Elis is providing the optimum stock for our business.” Craig Easton of Elis said: “CH&Co are one of the UK’s leading prestige contract caterers

and this, together with their growth through the acquisition of Gather & Gather, means they are an exciting addition to our contract catering portfolio. CH&Co operate out of a large number of sites, and our UK spread of laundries, our own fleet of over 650 vehicles and the fact that we do not sub-contract any work, means we can meet national multi-site customer requirements.” Elis is providing CH&Co with workwear and linen items on a cost-effective rental arrangement, which provides flexibility for staff changes. Elis collects soiled items, professionally launders and maintains them and returns them to the same, allocated site. Elis uses the latest technology in all aspects of its service; items incorporate tiny radio frequency ID tags which help to deliver superior stock control and accountability, and the highest levels of reliability. Elis is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and holds the Carbon Trust Standard Certificate in recognition of its reductions in CO2

Uniforms & Workwear

emissions and water usage over many years. Elis has been operating its workwear supply and laundry service for over a hundred years. Its services also stretch beyond the UK, as part of a leading international provider of workwear and laundry services, operating in 28 countries. Craig Easton of Elis said: “Ensuring that organisations have the right workwear and linen, clean and where they need it, is an essential service that goes on behind the scenes to support many businesses. Our nationwide capabilities and focus on using the latest technology and the best systems help to ensure that our clients have the right support to meet their needs, not only now, but for the future.” For further information see uk.Elis.com or telephone 0800 616691.

Independent Hotel Show is back! Independent Hotel Show presented by James Hallam, the only industry event dedicated to the needs of boutique and luxury hoteliers, returns to Olympia London on 4-5 October 2021. After a tumultuous year, the industry is eager to get back to business and back to what it loves most, and Independent Hotel Show will once again be at the centre of the action as the first major post-lockdown event for the hotel industry.

The Innovation Stage, in partnership with eviivo and dressed by sofa.com, will once again be hosting a wide range of content sessions across the two days of the event, shining a light on some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing the independent hotel sector as well as the world of hospitality at large. Staffing, city breaks, destination gastronomy, the future of business travel and more will all be going under the microscope.

More than 300 carefully selected hotel suppliers will be on display at the show, showcasing everything from luxury bedding and furnishing products to the latest hospitality tech and customer experience innovations.

A new feature for this year’s event is the Tech Solutions Bar in partnership with HOSPA, the hospitality professionals’ association. The Tech Solutions Bar will provide objective and confidential tech advice to visitors in one-onone sessions and prescribe the products and services which can best suit their pain points.

New for 2021, The Concept Lab will bring together some of the more unusual and forward-thinking products and services which hint at the exciting future of the boutique hotel experience.

The Independent Hotel Show Awards 2021 will be partnering with Good Hotel Guide for a joint awards presentation on day one of the show, with the winners of Independent Hotelier and GM of the Future,

in partnership with The Master Innholders, being unveiled alongside the ten hotels receiving the prestigious Cesar Award for 2021. Peter Hancock, Chief Executive of Pride of Britain Hotels and Independent Hotel Show Ambassador, commented: “Wild horses could not keep me away from Independent Hotel Show this year, firstly because it’s one of the most informative events our industry has to offer and secondly because I am lucky enough to be involved in the awards presentations on 4 October. Wise hoteliers from all over the UK will be there to learn from their peers and from other industry experts in a stylish and pleasant setting. What’s not to like?” To learn more about the Independent Hotel Show London 2021, and to register for your complimentary pass, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk.

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Focus on: Hotel lighting Jo Plismy, Lighting Designer at Gong, has had the pleasure of designing lights for hotels worldwide and has built a strong reputation for herself and her company within the international decorating community. She shares her thoughts on how to achieve a beautiful hotel lighting scheme that will work on both a practical and stylish level. “Hotels are all about customer experience and lighting can really affect our mood so it is vital to spend the time to get it right” advises Jo. “A lighting scheme for a hotel requires many different types of light, some will be used to create the overall atmosphere, others will provide a functional level of general light and additional lights may be used for specific activities such as reading or close-up tasks like shaving or applying makeup. This means a design will usually involve the full lighting spectrum of floor and wall lights, ceiling pendants or chandeliers and table lamps too.

Gong’s Peggy Lights were used in the unique interior design of the Velona’s Jungle Hotel in Florence (pictured above). Comprised of four Luxury Suites, each one features an exotic jungle-inspired theme, lovingly created using many elegant objets d’art and furnishings dating from the midcentury which were collected by the family’s patriarch - a respected Florentine art dealer. Gong’s chic Peggy Floor, Wall and Bedside lights were selected for the hotel and worked perfectly, providing guests with comfortable spaces in which to relax or enjoy reading. The Peggy Lights are made of beautiful antique brass with a stylish coloured conic shade that complements its brass support. Classic black was chosen for the Velona’s Jungle Hotel, giving a timeless elegant feel. Jo continues, “It’s important to consider your surroundings when thinking about all aspects of interior design and this includes the lighting too. Consider the amount of natural light in the room and how it changes

throughout the day. Lighting is great for creating a certain atmosphere and in a hotel restaurant for example, you may wish to create a very different feel for the breakfast and lunchtime sittings as opposed to the evening service. Of course, having dimmerscan help with this.” “With the Atlantis Resort in Dubai (pictured above) the lighting scheme was about making a statement and fitting a theme. Their stunning White Beach Restaurant was designed with a nautical interior style and our Meduse Ceiling Lamps, with their shape resembling that of the Jellyfish, was an ideal addition. Hung in clusters they make quite a style statement and the rich silk shades give a luxurious feel. The light is softly diffused through the silk, providing a very relaxed atmosphere.” says Jo. Another example of lighting specified to fit into a specific interior theme is that of The Whistler Hotel in Paris (pictured above). This quirky hotel welcomes it’s guests in an unusual setting where the tiniest details subtly echo the legendary trains of a romantic, bygone era. The hotel was tastefully renovated by designer Sandrine Alouf who contacted Jo to discuss the project, before finally selecting Gong’s Tarya Wall and Ceiling Lights to complement her décor theme. Like something from an Agatha Christie novel, the Tarya Lights fitted the interior style perfectly. Handcrafted from antique brass with a choice of shade colours in either white, black, teal or full antique brass, the Tarya ceiling pendants are also available in a choice of square, round or rectangular shapes. Where size in concerned Jo suggests, “My advice is to not be afraid to go big and bold with your lighting. Contrary to popular belief, oversized lights or lamps look fabulous in smaller rooms, as well as in larger spaces. I often advise my clients to see their lighting choices as pieces of art. Bold designs, tactile textiles and sculptural shapes will provide interest to an interior design scheme, even when the light is turned off.” A good example of this can be seen in The Gallivant Hotel in East Sussex (picture below). Interior Designer, Sigrid Cragoe, specified the Benitier Silk Ceiling Lamp to make a beautiful feature in the hotel lounge area and measuring an impressive 90cm in diameter it really draws the eye. For more information please visit: www.gong.co.uk

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Vodka is back in business In a bar stocked with fruity gins, spicy rums, smoky whiskies and fiery tequilas, it can be easy for drinkers to overlook vodka. It’s a spirit that has faced fierce competition in recent years from other categories, but perceptions among bartenders and drinkers are about to change as the white spirit is experiencing a promising renewed interest. Here, Becky Davies, head of commercial at Ten Locks, shares her insights into the resurgence of vodka, vodka styles to stock, and how to bring customers back and entice new drinkers to the famed white spirit. Trading up The pandemic saw a huge shift in spirits consumption as Brits splashed out on drinking occasions in the home. As hospitality gradually re-opens, the main trend we’ve seen emerging is premiumisation – consumers are prepared to trade up to a premium drink when drinking in venue, which has led to an increase in demand for quality, elegant, high end vodkas. We’re seeing more characterful, flavourful vodkas appearing on the market to try and

invigorate the category and bring excitement back to vodka. There is a clear desire for new and interesting natural flavours in vodka, and botanical vodkas are making their mark, bringing a whole new range of sophisticated, nuanced expressions to the category. Bars should stock brands that bring customers up the price ladder with stories that enable bartenders to share why they command a higher price point. There’s an opportunity for lesser-known vodka brands to step in here; offering something out of the ordinary will appeal to those seeking more special experiences, build relationships between customers and bar staff, and establish outlets as a destination for something unusual and distinctive.

Historically, vodka is used in classic vodkabased cocktails such as Pornstar, Espresso Martini etc, but now it is beginning to be used more widely. It’s incredibly versatile and neutral in flavour so works well in fruitbased, or fruit infused drinks, spritzes, mules and punches. Alongside this, consumers are becoming more mindful in their choices, seeking premium brands with a story to tell, and an eye on sustainability – and they care about they what they put in their glass. That includes the mixer too. If you can offer a creative, craft mixer from a family brand, a local small business, or all-natural drinks, customers will remember it and come back for more.

Versatility of vodka Due to the renewed curiosity in vodka, bartenders are beginning to use it as a base for more unusual cocktails, and experiment with different flavoured mixers. The subtleness and cleanness of vodka makes a great cocktail, infusion and creative spirit mixer, where the flavour combinations can shine and complement each other.

Food & Drink

Belgium enters the vodka market While Belgium is famous for beer and chocolate, it has now ventured into vodka with newcomer to the UK drinks scene, Mary White Vodka. It celebrates the pioneering legacy of Mary White - the uncrowned queen of New York bootleggers - who turned the male-dominated world of alcohol production in the Prohibition era on its head.

To create its distinctive flavour profile, Mary White vodka (40% abv) uses malt as a base for distillation, which is then macerated in tailormade pure grain alcohol from rye and corn. The 100 per cent pure single expression is expertly refined and well balanced with cereallike notes of bread dough and a touch of lemon spice. The finished product is a refined, elegant balance of citrusy flavours and earthiness, suited to both classic martinis and experimental cocktails, and for sipping neat or over ice.  It’s a newer style of vodka, meeting desire to experiment, while retaining the purity vodka is renowned for. Mary White is a striking and luxurious addition to any back bar and its elegant foliated marble bottle will certainly stand out on shelf. One of our key vodka serving suggestions is a Bloody Mary White Ingredients 50ml Mary White Vodka 10ml Amontillado Sherry 75ml tomato juice 10ml lemon juice 4 dashes Henderson’s Relish (or any alternative) 1 pinch celery salt 1 pinch black pepper Hot sauce, to taste Method Build in highball glass, garnish with a celery stick and a lemon wedge, then serve. Vodka – the one to watch We predict the next year to be defining for vodka and we very much expect it to bite back at gin, as consumers branch out into other white spirits and come back to the vodka category. Vodka has long been an old faithful drink, but it’s finding favour again among drinkers eschewing fads and flavours, for stylish, elegant drinks with heritage and provenance, a story to tell, and that offer a quality, seriously great tasting drink with character. Mary White vodka is available from Ten Locks now so contact the team on  sales@tenlocks.com to find out more.   Website: www.ten-locks.com

Food & Drink

Kingsland Drinks Group makes move towards being employee owned Leading independent drinks firm Kingsland Drinks Group, including Kingsland Drinks, and newly established Ten Locks, has made a move to being partially employee owned. Current director shareholders, Andy Sagar, Karen Wilson, Michael Forde, and Mark Dixon have successfully managed the business for 17 years, investing significantly in capability and capacity and diversifying the business into new markets. After a period of careful consideration and planning, the owners have agreed that the time is now right to restructure the ownership model whilst recognising any changes in the stewardship of the business will need support and take time to transition. After reviewing all the potential options, the shareholders concluded the best outcome was to sell a majority of the shareholding into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) structure. The employee-owned (EO) business sector in the UK is growing, with over 100 businesses transitioning to this model in the last 12 months. Co-owned companies achieve greater sales growth, profitability and productivity compared to traditional business models. They also have lower debt risks on average, making them

more sustainable and resilient to external challenges. EO is a powerful, sustainable alternative to a trade sale as it is positive for the future of the employees, the legacy of the business and the commitment to the workforce and the local community. The shareholders will remain active in the business as Exec members of the Board and will retain an equity interest whilst moving the majority - 51 percent - of the company into the EOT, giving employees Indirect Ownership status. The remaining 49 percent will continue to be held by the owners. There will be a board of trustees, consisting of one external independent trustee, two founder trustees and two employee trustees, charged with looking after the best interests of the co-owners of the company. The business, including the Board of Directors and Senior Management Team, will continue to function as normal, with The Board of Directors/Leadership Team being accountable to the Board of Trustees. The company has also agreed new funding facilities in conjunction with its existing provider, NatWest, and a new partner, Wells Fargo. This provides the business with additional funding headroom and the

Food & Drink

capability to plan for future growth with its stakeholders. The funders have been fully supportive of the transfer of 51 percent of the equity in the group to an employee-owned trust, and the future business plans. Andy Sagar, Executive Chairman and Shareholder, said; “The four shareholders have put a great deal of thought into the succession of Kingsland Drinks Group as we have a strong legacy of partnership and a family ethic. We have always put employees at the heart of our business and the move to EOT allows our colleagues to feel even more connected to the company, and take pride in building for the future, having a real stake in the success of the business.” Ian Hiscock, New Chair of the Trust Board said; “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Kingsland Drinks Group as they embark on their employee ownership journey. Having spent my whole career working in and around EO businesses, I’m passionate about the benefits it can bring to a company and the people who make it a success: the employees.” To find out more about Kingsland Drinks Group and complete category solutions contact info@kingsland-drinks.com

Food & Drink

Get BBQ season-ready with Paley Farm’s delicious, ethical and sustainably farmed meats As the days become warmer and the Summer holidays are in sight, there is no doubt – the barbecue season is fast approaching. Now that social gatherings are back on the agenda, why not treat your and your guests’ tastebuds to the finest quality meat at your next get-together? Paley Farm, traditional livestock farmers and online butchers in the heart of the Kent countryside, offer ethical and sustainable meat which is bound to impress even the most demanding meat-lovers. Indulge in a delicious Rump steak; enjoy a flavourful rack of pork ribs; or savour Paley Farm’s speciality cheddar and herb-infused cheesy burgers. With a wide range of grass-fed meats available, you can be sure to find something for everyone to enjoy! Better still, an ethos to combine traditional values with a sustainable mentality, all the while delivering on wholesome and mouth-wateringly tender meat, underpins all of Paley Farm’s operations. Mindful of their livestock’s wellbeing, Paley Farm take conscientious care of their animals and the 800-acre pastureland on which they graze.

Food & Drink

The farm’s pigs – Welsh and Saddleback Sows – are fully free range, bred and reared, while their Romney sheep and native Sussex cattle are all certified Pasture for Life grazers. This comes via a rotational grazing system, maximising the potential and sustainability of pastureland while looking after soils and increasing biodiversity. Your taste buds, too, will benefit from such practices. Paley Farm’s beef is hung for at least 28 days to develop a deep, rich flavour, ensuring satisfaction from first to last bite. And for those wanting something a little different, its venison is provided by the wild herds of fallow and roe deer roaming freely through the local country. You can choose your Paley Farm products and order Paley Farm’s meat boxes on www.paleyfarm.co.uk for a direct delivery to your door. Alternatively, they can be collected directly from Paley Farm’s Shop, located Paley Farm, Paley Lane, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2LX, which is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 2pm on Saturday.

New summer spice blends from Lähde Chefs and caterers can spice up summer menus with five new seasonings from Lähde. On the menu are Sriracha, Smoky piri piri, Taco blend, Bajan BBQ and Hot Wings herb and spice blends, all ideal for street food-style dishes, informal dining and summer feasting. The blends are all dry mixes, making them highly versatile for use on meat, fish, vegetable and plant-based foods, and they are available in vegan, non-allergen, and organic formats. Lähde’s Thai-inspired Sriracha spice blend with chillies and garlic is ideal for chicken, pork and prawns for a zingy, spicy hit. It’s also great stirred into mayonnaise or hummus as a side, dip or accompaniment. Smoky piri piri is hot and aromatic with a hint of sweetness and is a great addition to barbequed, griddled or grilled foods, chicken wings, ribs and even pizzas. Consumers are familiar with standard piri piri seasoning so adding a hint of smoke brings a different dimension to the finished dish. Using authentic Mexican ingredients, Lähde’s Taco blend is perfect for prawns, pulled pork, chicken or beef taco fillings,

as well as meat alternatives and plant-based foods. It can also be used in other wellknown Mexican dishes such as fajitas and burritos – and even for grilled cheese and spicy sandwiches and baguettes. Hailing from Barbados, the Bajan BBQ seasoning is a unique blend of herbs and spices with scotch bonnet peppers for a fiery kick. It’s hot on the heat scale so is aimed at those with a taste for spice. While it can be used on BBQ foods, it can also be stirred into coconut rice or stews for a real taste of the Caribbean. Hot Wings spice blend is a dry rub designed for chicken wings – a popular food trend in causal dining and in high street takeaways. Sweet and spicy, this blend is available in mild, medium and hot varieties so operators can cater for wing fans of all ages and spice preferences. All the new Lähde seasonings can be mixed with oil for a marinade, used as a rub, added to sauces and dips, and sprinkled on chips, pizzas, vegetables, rice and noodles. They are perfect for plant-based dishes and can add international flavours to contemporary meat alternative burgers, sausages and kebabs, as well as jackfruit, seitan, and grainand pulse-based dishes.

The team can also create bespoke blends in varying heat strengths. Lähde is the dedicated foodservice brand from EHL Ingredients. Tasneem Alonzo, joint MD, says: “As venues re-open and welcome back customers, we know outdoor dining and informal foods are going to be high on the agenda. World foods are a really a lucrative market for the hospitality sector right now as consumers are happy to be experimental in trying new foods and seeking out exotic cuisines they perhaps haven’t tried before, especially as holidays have been restricted due to the pandemic. “We are here to make chefs’ lives easier by offering our versatile blends and seasonings that add flavour, are easy to store and use, and require little preparation time. They open the door to creativity and menu development and allow chefs to make their menus a real talking point among customers. “BBQ seasonings and sauces have really evolved and diners are looking for something unusual, exotic and spicier. Nowadays, consumers of all ages enjoy spicy foods and offering milder, as well as extra hot, dishes means chefs can cater for all taste preferences. “Our Lähde range is designed specifically for the hospitality and foodservice sector as we know chefs need versatile ingredients with multiple uses, reliable deliveries and full traceability. We pride ourselves on our experience in sourcing high quality, authentic ingredients from around the world, our fully traceable sourcing and supply channels, our technical support, fast response times, and our team’s knowledge. We are a one-stopshop service for chefs and caterers and we can be flexible to suit changing needs during these fast-moving times. “We can work with operators to develop new and unique herb and spice blends, adapt existing offerings and come up with new ideas – and at the same time we can cater for vegan, vegetarian, organic and non-allergen requirements. These are areas of growth and can boost your bottom line and attract diners following these lifestyles and contemporary diets, as well as those experimenting and keen to try these novel foods. The new blends are available under the Lähde foodservice brand to hospitality outlets, operators, caterers and chefs. To find out more about the full Lähde range from EHL Ingredients, visit www.ehl-ingredients.co.uk,

Food & Drink

Puratos launches UK-made sourdough International baking and patisserie business, Puratos UK is launching British-made living sourdough, to meet the current and future tastes and needs of consumers. The new sourdoughs will be made at Puratos’ factory in Simonswood. Demand for sourdough is growing, as consumers increasingly seek breads with natural ingredients and flavour. This growth in popularity for sourdough is supported by the findings of the 2020 Puratos Taste Tomorrow report, which showed that 21% of shoppers now look for sourdough in products. Sourdough is also of interest to people looking for more gut-friendly foods, as awareness of the importance of gut health is growing and some studies suggest sourdough may be easier to digest due to the slow fermentation time. The launch of UK sourdough sees Puratos combine its years of fermentation expertise, with its up-to-date consumer insights, to develop products that are designed for the British consumer. The sourdoughs are liquid, live and focused on delivering fantastic flavours, created with UK consumers preferences in mind. They can be developed to meet individual customers’ needs, with recipes and stories that will appeal to their consumers. This flexibility means Puratos

customers can bring unique sourdoughs with a signature flavour to market. The sourdoughs are gluten free and made with flours milled in the UK. James Slater, R&D Director, Puratos UK, who has developed the new sourdoughs, says: “As leaders in sourdough, we have been helping both industrial and artisan bakers develop high quality sourdough for over 25 years, so we are really delighted to be able to now create sourdoughs here in the UK. The new plant demonstrates our belief that the future of bread lies in its past and that sourdough will play a central role in the development of the bread category.” To help its customers develop and market winning sourdough breads, Puratos has conducted in-depth research to understand consumer perceptions and expectations of sourdough. The research has revealed that there are four clear actions that can be taken to grow the category: create more opportunities to try it, communicate the possible benefits, inspire consumers with ways to use sourdough, and offer different sourdough flavour profiles to appeal to a wider audience. The launch of the local sourdough range and consumer research adds to the existing range and expertise that

Food & Drink

is unique to Puratos. As creators of the world’s only Sourdough Library, where sourdoughs from all over the world are collected and preserved, Puratos has unrivaled insight into sourdough flavour profiles. This is complemented by its Quest for Sourdough, which encourages anyone with a sourdough starter to register details of their sourdough online and join a virtual community. Every year sourdoughs are selected from the online library to join the physical library at the Puratos Centre for Bread Flavour in St Vith. Puratos has a number of existing sourdough products, including fresh and living sourdoughs for creating authentic sourdough breads and stabilised sourdoughs for adding a signature flavour to breads. The range also includes O-tentic active bakery blends for baking delicious Italian style breads with just four ingredients: flour, water, salt and O-tentic. These are complemented by Puratos’ industry-leading clean label improvers and Softgrains and Sproutgrains that add great taste and texture, as well as some additional health benefits. As the interest in sourdough continues to grow, Puratos is investing to meet the UK’s sourdough demand and to ensure it can meet current and future sourdough needs.

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Holidays inspired by the Olympics The 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo started on 23rd July with the Opening Ceremony. Running until 8th August, there will be 33 sports featuring at 339 events across the Greater Tokyo area and the northern city of Sapporo. Go for your own PB on one of these Olympic-inspired trips from Travel PR: UK - Mountain biking campervan holiday in the South Downs – from £104 pn with Yescapa Cross-country Olympic mountain biking will make its 7th appearance at the Games this year in Tokyo. Taking your own mountain biking adventure by campervan allows you to strap on the bikes, get on the road and park up wherever the terrain looks the gnarliest, before retiring to your base each evening to relax around the campfire. The limestone gravel paths, undulating hills and striking panoramic views of the 160 km South Downs Way are made for off-road biking. Your home for the week is Nellie, a lovinglyconverted Ford LWB (sleeping four) based in Crawley, with fully-equipped kitchen, bike rack for four bikes, camping table and chairs and awning. The cost for seven nights is £732 including one insured driver, breakdown cover & up to 100 km mileage per day. Flexible cancellation policy up to 48 hours in advance. Bike hire not included. Contact Yescapa - yescapa.co.uk

Go for Gold! London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Tours with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide Whilst we may not be able to travel to Tokyo for this year’s Games, a professionally guided tour of the park that became so familiar during the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games is bound to strike Gold (Silver and Bronze) with your team. Available as a private itinerary for friends and family, or customised for special interest groups (including sports clubs and associations), a tour of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with a qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guide ticks all the boxes. Hear how this part of East London was transformed to host the iconic event, view the London Stadium (now home to West Ham United Football Club), visit sites such as the London Aquatics Centre and Lee Valley VeloPark, ‘Ride the Slide’ on the ArcelorMittal Orbit (the UK’s tallest sculpture) and pose for pics next to the Olympic Rings. A half-day tour costs from £176 per group, comprising up to 30 people. To book, visit toursof2012sites.com Tee off on a championship, original Victorian golf course at Luton Hoo – from £50 pp One of the one of the longest 18-hole championship golf courses in the UK, the Luton Hoo Hotel course spans 7,107 yards of inland links and mature parkland meandering through Luton Hoo’s beautiful 1,000-acre

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estate, with a stately backdrop of the Grade I listed mansion house hotel. The par 73 course has in recent years hosted Jamega Tour, EuroPro Tour and European Challenge Tour events, and offers various picturesque tee shots, including six holes with water hazards, as well as a driving range, putting green and chipping green. Tuition is also offered for adults and children with resident PCA Golf Professional Craig Ferris. Relax after a busy round of golf at Adam’s Brasserie, serving a delicious range of pizzas, salads, toasties and burgers. Tee slots costs start from £50 pp while tuition is from £60 pp. Call Luton Hoo on 01582 734437 - lutonhoo.co.uk Perfect your front crawl in the open waters of Britain’s beaches this summer – with the new Beach Check UK App (free) One of the most popular spectator sports at the Games, swimming has the secondhighest number of Olympic events (a total of 37) after athletics. Work on your chosen stroke in Britain’s beautiful coastal waters this summer, and refuel afterwards with some fish and chips and an ice cream on the beach. Using the new Beach Check UK app (free to download from Google Play and the Apple App store), you can check how busy the beach is before you arrive, so that you can find the best part area to swim with plenty of space and car parking nearby – choose from such gorgeous beaches as Camber Sands in East Sussex and Sandbanks in Poole.

The app is currently available in a range of locations across the south coast, with resorts nationwide being added. For more information visit englandscoast.com/en/ blog/beach-check-uk-app. Have a smashing time at Thurlestone – from £100 pp with Pride of Britain Hotels Badminton became an official sport at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games and this year’s Olympics in Tokyo will consist of men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Perfect your own volleys and smashes with a stay at Thurlestone Hotel this autumn; its many leisure facilities include a large indoor badminton hall – perfect on a rainy afternoon. The hotel also has two pools, tennis courts, a spa and a nine-hole par 3 golf course and is close to many of South Devon’s most glorious beaches. Stay overnight in October from £200 per room/£100 pp (two sharing) including breakfast. Call Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 prideofbritainhotels.com Holidays for horses, hounds and humans – Shropshire from £134 pp with Canine Cottages Equestrian enthusiasts keen to keep their hand - and hooves - in with their favourite Olympic sport, even while on holiday, need look no further than Hopton Gate House (sleeps six). One of several Canine Cottages properties that accommodates not only guests and their dogs but their horses too, this stylishly decorated farmhouse is set in a peaceful Shropshire hamlet with farreaching views across glorious countryside. There’s room for up to three horses, with full livery available. Saddle up and explore this delightful area on horseback before freshening up and heading to the historic market town of Ludlow (4.5 miles away), renowned for its fabulous restaurants. A seven-night, self-catering stay costs from £134 pp (£801 total) plus £20 supplement for a dog. Visit Canine Cottages www.caninecottages.co.uk Kayaking tuition at the new Llys-y-Frân Lake – Pembrokeshire from £25 pp First introduced at the Paris Olympics in 1924, kayaking at this year’s Olympics will consist of one, two and four paddler combinations. Be inspired by the Olympians and take to the water at the new Welsh Water Adventure at Llys-y-Frân Lake. Following a multi-millionpound refurbishment, the country park and reservoir has a new Outdoor Activity centre and Waterside Cabin. Visitors can book a 90-minute kayaking coaching session for £25 pp and hire a kayak for two hours from £15 pp. Other water sports include sailing, fishing, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, pedal boarding and coming soon, swimming. A campsite will open in 2022. Visit Pembrokeshire - visitpembrokeshire.com

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Rest of World- Diving in the Azores – from £1,122 pp with Sunvil Practice your straight, pike and tuck on the island of Terceira in the Azores, where there are a variety of excellent diving sites, known for their abundant sea life and clear waters. For underwater explorers, the Cinco Ribeiras diving site features a number of long and challenging interconnected chambers and the Dom João de Castro Bank is an underwater volcano emerging from more than 1,000 meters to just 15, where the dive starts. Stay at the nautical-themed Do Caracol Hotel, a chic hotel and a great base to explore the island.

When the sun is out, the beach is buzzing with bronzed volleyballers competing professionally or for fun, and there’s tuition and nets available for hire for anyone who wants to get involved. Try it for yourself on a two-week tour of Brazil, starting off with three nights at the PortoBay Rio International Hotel in an ocean-view room overlooking Copacabana, before spending time in the Amazon rainforest, the Brazilian Pantanal and Igaucu Falls. The tour costs from £5,090 pp (two sharing), including BA flights (Heathrow), transfers, 14 nights’ B&B and excursions. Call AITO member Sunvil on 020 8758 4774 www.sunvil.co.uk

Featuring a panoramic restaurant with ocean views, a stunning semi-circle outdoor pool (open all year), a wellness centre with heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi and massage room, the hotel even offers its own dive site. A sevennight B&B stay costs from £1,122 pp (two sharing), including return flights (Heathrow via Lisbon) and transfers. Sunvil offers a Peace of Mind promise. Call AITO member Sunvil on 020 8758 4758 www.sunvil.co.uk Charter your own yacht for a sailing holiday in the original home of the Olympics – from £316 pp with SamBoat Sailing has been one of the sports to be included ever since the start of the Olympic games in Athens, 1896 (though it was cancelled that year due to severe weather). Channel GB’s Giles Scott and Hannah Mills on your own sailing holiday, taking it back to the Games’ roots in Athens. Within just a two-hour boat ride there’s many idyllic islands to cruise between, such as the Saronic islands of Hydra and Aegina, the charming car-free island of Spetses, or the under-the-radar Cycladic island of Kythnos. Your vessel for the week will be the Fluid 1 Bavaria 39 Cruiser, a 12-metre three-cabin sailing yacht sleeping six, featuring solar panels, GPS plotter, fully-equipped kitchen, two toilets and shower. Available throughout Jul.-Sept., a seven-night bareboat hire costs from €367 (approx. £316 pp) based on six sharing. SamBoat offers a Covid-related insurance policy (additional cost). To book, visit www.samboat.com Beach volleyball on Copacabana – Brazil from £5,090 pp with Sunvil Thought to have originated on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii in 1915, beach volleyball reached the sun-soaked shores of Rio de Janeiro’s beaches in the 1930s and has been an Olympic sport since 1996. Copacabana is a mecca for the sport and hosted the matches at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

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Ascott launches discoverasr.com to unify 14 lodging brands on one global online travel booking platform One-stop access to 400 properties in over 30 countries worldwide, including 50 properties across key European cities

maximise their membership privileges. ASR members can also easily redeem their ASR points to offset the total cost of their stay.

redeem ASR points, perform mobile checkin and check-out, and make contactless payments.

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has launched discoverasr.com, unifying its separate brand websites on one single global online travel booking platform. Throughout Europe, discoverasr.com provides guests with one-stop access to approximately 50 Ascott properties with more than 5,500 units in eight countries. This includes Ascott’s two main brands, Citadines and The Crest Collection.

Philippe Mettey, Vice-President Sales & Marketing Europe, The Ascott Limited, said: “As part of Ascott’s ongoing digital transformation to support our fast-expanding business and to improve our guest experience, we are leveraging Ascott Star Rewards to unify our brands on one single global online travel booking platform. We look forward to reaping greater marketing synergies, onboarding new properties more easily and widening our online and loyalty offerings as we continue to grow our portfolio. discoverasr.com and ASR are two of our most important direct-to-customer touchpoints, set to strategically position Ascott to capture market share not only when travel rebounds, but also beyond.”

The app’s latest features include allowing guests to customise their stay by sharing their pre-arrival and in-stay requests; earn ASR points if they opt out of housekeeping service as part of Ascott’s Go Green initiative; and share feedback on their stay through a pulse survey in the mobile app. The app’s features will be progressively rolled out to more properties.

Worldwide, discoverasr.com gives guests access to more than 400 serviced apartments, hotels and co-living spaces with a total of about 77,000 units, across more than 130 cities in over 30 countries. It features Ascott’s 14 award-winning lodging brands: Ascott The Residence, The Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, lyf, Préférence, Vertu, Harris, Citadines Connect, Fox, Yello, Fox Lite and POP!. With a cleaner and more intuitive user experience, guests can easily find their home away from home with Ascott as they discover their next travel destination. Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty members can quickly identify and book the best deals to

Discoverasr.com will complement the Discover ASR mobile app, which was launched in October 2020 to provide ASR members with greater convenience and flexibility. The app has received over 177,000 downloads since its launch. Through the mobile app, ASR members can search for deals, manage their membership and

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Leading apart’hotel brand Citadines has five properties in the UK: Citadines Barbican, Citadines Trafalgar Square, Citadines South Kensington, Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden, and the newest addition to the portfolio, Citadines Islington. The Crest Collection brings together four unique residences for discerning guests looking for authentic and refined experiences, three in central locations in Paris: La Clef Louvre, La Clef Tour Eiffel and La Clef ChampsElysees, and one in the heart of Châteaux de la Loire in Tours, Château Belmont. To sign up for complimentary ASR membership or for more information, please visit: discoverasr.com/en/sign-up

JW Marriott Southgate Spritz Extending the olive branch post Euro 2020, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, Italy, has announced complimentary upgrades for all England fans who book a stay by 15th August. Giving heartbroken England supporters the chance to fall in love with Italy again, the offer is valid on all bookings to stay at the property before the end of this year. England fans will feel right at home at the resort, where mixologists at the iconic ‘Rose Bar Lounge’ have created a special cocktail for England fans – the Southgate Spritz – a cheeky take on the ever-popular Aperol tipple. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is an oasis away from Venice’s labyrinth of canals and bridges, with lush green spaces and wide open areas where guests can spend days exploring the finest wellness and dining experiences on offer at the resort. All of this just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Venice, making it just a short boat ride away to St Mark’s Square for those wanting to explore the city’s cultural attractions. Families will also be well looked after with a range of activities to enjoy, from the dedicated family pool to Venetian biscuit making at the Sapori Cooking Academy. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa’s 266 rooms and suites are split into

two separate accommodation experiences; the JW historic main building with its rooftop pool, and the JW Retreats – a cluster of residences set apart from the main hotel offering another level of seclusion with their own private gardens, with select properties including private pools.  Located on its own private island, Isola delle Rose, the resort benefits from a mild microclimate that provides a uniquely verdant habitat in Venice – an idyllic retreat away from the crowds where guests can enjoy a true Venetian escape. Built in the 1920s as a sanatorium, the buildings of this resort are elegant seaside resort rather than classic Venetian. But the recent refurbishment – to a design by Matteo Thun – has given them a breezy sharpness outside and a cool, contemporary, minimalist feel to reflect the lagoon’s spirit – water, tranquillity and peace. Nightly rates at JW Marriott Venice start from €450 for a double room. In order to secure their upgrade, England fans must quote ‘Italy’s Olive Branch’ upon booking with the hotel directly. Upgrades subject to availability. For more information on JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa and to make bookings please visit www.jwmarriottvenice.com

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Beach staycation with a ‘Twist’ Fagin’s Den: a quirky, Dickensian themed holiday cottage in South East Kent...

If you are searching for an escape this Summer that offers a different holiday experience then take a look at “Fagin’s Den” in sunny Broadstairs! A quirky, Dickensian themed holiday cottage in South East Kent - named after the character Fagin from Oliver Twist! Charles Dickens really loved Broadstairs and for 20 years he often ventured down to the coast to holiday. Dickens spent a vast amount of time in Broadstairs; he is even said to have written one of his famous books ‘David Copperfield’ there. This cottage really is a one off experience transporting you back into the Victorian era! For over 30 years Phil & Bev have been managing the business ‘The Fishermen’s Holiday Cottages’ in Broadstairs and when given the opportunity to renovate another local property they decided they wanted to create something totally unique! The traditional cottage has been completely refurbished in a victorian style for families, friends and Dickens enthusiasts alike to enjoy! The choice of furniture, memorabilia, books, games and artwork really does create the perfect ambience of the Victorian era. For those looking to dive right into this experience to make it even more authentic - guests are able to dress up as an Oliver Twist character in the costumes provided! Guests can completely immerse themselves in adventure as there are two fun and informative treasure hunts available.

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There is a treasure hunt for adults and an alternative version for children to find Fagin’s hidden stash! Based in Church Road, Broadstairs - the traditional cottage dates back as far as the 1860’s! The cottage also has easy access to several surrounding Blue Flag beaches, local shops, award winning restaurants, family pubs and wine bars that are only a stone’s throw away. A truly activity packed coastal holiday for all ages and best of all - it is in the UK! Fagin’s Den has two bedrooms and can comfortably sleep four guests. The team are also happy to take reservations for those looking for an escape with their dog. For those looking to venture further out, just a few miles down the road you will also find Margate which hosts the famous Turner Museum, Dreamland the Vintage Theme Park and the historical Margate Caves giving plenty of activity options! Ramsgate is another town nearby to venture out to, just a few miles in the other direction, a stunning half hour coastal walk away which boasts a beautiful royal marina, harbour, interesting war tunnels and King George VI memorial park. Be sure to follow @thefishermenscottages on instagram to see more content on Fagin’s Den and immerse yourself in the traditional victorian cottage before booking. Head over to www.holiday-cottages-broadstairs.co.uk for more information on how to book your next staycation with a ‘twist!’

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Coming up next month in our September Issue, features on: Beer & Wine • Commercial Catering Equipment Commercial Cleaning & Hygiene • Interior Design and Décor

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 September issue is 23rd August.

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