THE PARGATE HOTEL

DOCTOR BOB BALLOONS UNLIMITED

We literally can do anything with balloons...

Doctor Bob, creative director of Doctor Bob’s Balloons Unlimited has been in the magnetic Balloon World for over 30 long, hard but incredibly rewarding years with some amazing and comical memories! Working from the workshop and retail store in Barry- where he designs, consultants and creates balloon sculptures for every occasion, whether a family celebration or a big corporate event. Doctor Bobs Balloons Unlimited have been making events magical for over 27 years. With extensive experience of venues across South Wales, and the United Kingdom, dr bob will transform and enhance your venue.

As a renowned balloon artist, Doctor Bob began his balloon-twisting career whilst working as a train driver and involved with first aid at work back in the early 90’s. This is how he earned the nickname ‘Doctor Bob’ from incorporating balloons into his presentations and quickly fixing them when they popped - effectively, healing them and bringing them back to life.

Opening a retail premise in 1997, 25 years ago he then moved to a larger two storey premise in 2001. He has seen many businesses open and close throughout the years, but he has also proudly been a part of helping many businesses to open and grow! And assisting them to survive and adapt to a pandemic. Who would believe it! Doctor Bob has been

DOCTOR BOB

at the forefront of the balloon industry since becoming a ‘Certified Balloon Artist’ back in 2005. He began teaching for Qualatex, a balloon manufacturer and continued to teach within the industry ever since both for Pioneer and independently. He takes delight in sharing his skills and his knowledge with the next generation of balloon artists through both group training seminars and one-to-one teaching sessions. He has taught alongside other international instructors and as an ambassador of the brand through teaching and developing designs over the last two decades. He is so incredibly passionate about promoting and developing the balloon industry within the UK. In recent years he has hosted the first ever Public Balloon Art Festival, promoting the use of 100% pure natural latex, environmentally friendly balloons.

Led by Bob Armstrong AKA Doctor Bob, the Doctor Bobs Balloons Unlimited team is made up of industry leading, international awardwinning balloon artists. Theirs is an artisan, bespoke approach, which means they can offer unique, elegant designs that reflect your personal vision for that special day. “We offer a full balloon decorating service, specialising in the design, creation and installation. From intricate largescale balloon sculptures and various style arches, to balloon bouquets and table centrepieces, no idea or detail is overlooked,” said Creative Director Bob Armstrong. “We also offer a wide range of themes and colours, including customised colour creation using our colour matching service, again ensuring that every detail is perfectly executed.” Specialists in bespoke creations, with Dr bob’s the design possibilities are endless.

Dr bob’s can turn anyones vision or dream into a reality. Request and past balloons sculptures have varied from caricatures of people and pets to life-sized animals, characters, all forms of transport including steam locomotives. Sculptures have even been created to delight and wow crowds and audiences, created to stand with a unique presence using over 48,000 balloons ! Really being not just a focal point for an event but an attraction in itself. “ I would like to think my creativity is boundless”, “There’s a balloon for everything and everyone”… Doctor bob.

Make someone’s day unforgettable call 01446 730780 Email info@balloons-unlimited.com @doctorbob_balloonsunlimited @doctorbobballoonsunlimited www.doctorbobsballoonsunlimited.com To expand your future in training for the wonderful world of Balloons E mail bob@balloons-unlimited.com

A Luxurious Staycation in the Heart of London

The Royal Lancaster London is a hotel like no other, set in Hyde Park.

This mid-century architectural icon, famous for its skyline views and only minutes away from Paddington Station; Style of the city decided to try out this gem for ourselves and see what all the fuss was about. With only two hours on the train from Cardiff, getting to London is now quicker than ever, one of our favourite cities and getting to the Royal Lancaster couldn’t be quicker. A brisk walk and you're there, greeted by the most welcoming staff. Step through the revolving doors into a stunning white and gold marble floor lobby.

This hotel oozes understated luxury, rich with fresh on-trend décor, far from ostentatious it is intimate and homely. Taken up to the park suite, as soon as you enter, you realise just how special this hotel is, the views were spectacular. Looking over the beautiful skyline of Hyde Park, high in the clouds, it’s as if all your cares have been taken away, as you absorb the relaxed ambience with cosy slippers and robes in tow. The decadent bathroom, adorned with ‘The White Company’ toiletries and a stunning bath to soak in, really stood out. And the bedroom area with the cosiest bed to add to this infusion of luxe. There are two main restaurants and a gorgeous in-dinning menu to feast on. We went for the Nipa Thai, authentic Thai cuisine that truly surpassed expectation. Each dish rich with flavours, choosing a choice from their A La Carte menu, the vibrant chicken and Thai aubergine curry is one I highly recommend.

Although Royal Lancaster is not a spa hotel, the experience of a spa is taken care of via their Royal Nuad Thai sanctuary. An array of treatments, from deep Thai massages to manicures and pedicures to ensure your overall wellbeing. At breakfast no choice was spared, from pastries, fruits, cereals, or a choice of traditional English for your choosing. So what was the verdict on the Royal Lancaster? To put it bluntly, the most luxurious hotel city break with views that will stay with you forever.

For more information and to book your stay, Visit www.royallancaster.com

THE PARKGATE HOTEL

Experience the Glamour of The Parkgate Hotel

A stylish new spot to drink, dine, and relax in the heart of Cardiff

The Parkgate Hotel is a chic new hotspot in the heart of Cardiff, within touching distance of the Principality Stadium, central railway station and the city’s vibrant café culture. A heady mix of classic-meets-contemporary luxury, The Parkgate Hotel breathes new life into two of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings, the former Head Post Office, and the old County Court. Echoing the elegance and glamour of its rich history, this luxurious destination is the perfect place to get together for cocktails, dinner and drinks, or a leisurely lunch while exploring the city centre.

DRINK AND DINE IN STYLE Set in the striking surroundings of the old Post Office is The Sorting Room brasserie. With glittering chandeliers and plush leather sofas, it brings a true touch of style and glamour to Cardiff’s culinary scene. Whether you fancy an elegant lunch while shopping in the city, after work drinks, a decadent date night or girls’ night out with champagne and cocktails, The Sorting Room has it all. Amidst its oldworld charm and atmosphere, enjoy delicious dishes from the British-inspired menu, alongside a selection of fine wines, Brecon craft beers and signature cocktails, paying homage to The Sorting Room’s Post Office roots. And nowhere says ‘meet me in town’ better than The Cwrt Lounge. Elegant and intimate, it’s the ideal spot to rendezvous with friends or family for a glass of champagne or a catch-up over coffee. Alternatively, treat yourself and a friend to an indulgent afternoon tea, with a glass of something sparkly. With delicious hand-made pastries, pâtisserie, and freshly baked scones, The Definitive Collection is confection perfection in a class of its own.

THE PARKGATE HOTEL

A SANCTUARY IN THE SKY Meanwhile, escape from the city’s hustle and bustle and seek solace in the rooftop spa at The Parkgate Hotel, a secret sanctuary with panoramic views over the stunning Cardiff skyline. With the finest luxury treatments from Elemis, this boutique spa setting is the ultimate space to relax and unwind. Feel peaceful and pampered with a revitalising Thermal Spa Experience. Take a soothing dip in the stunning hydrotherapy infinity pool with a bubbling spa bath, heated volcanic zones and massaging water shower, with time to unwind in the restorative sauna and steam room and calming relaxation room with soothing heated beds.

STAY IN THE CITY Enjoy a glamorous getaway in the heart of the city, where the beautiful bedrooms are as individual as The Parkgate Hotel itself. The stunning rooms and striking suites are styled in-keeping with the hotel’s historic architecture, with sophisticated style and ultra-luxe touches all part of the experience. An exceptional stay at one of the city’s finest hotels, bed and breakfast for two starts from £129, or make it an occasion to savour with elegant brasserie-style dining at The Sorting Room restaurant, combined with a luxurious overnight stay and breakfast for two from £189.

For more information and reservations, visit www.theparkgatehotel.wales.

The Parkgate Hotel Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DA +44 (0)2922 745595 parkgatehotelenquiries@celtic-collection.com

HOLM HOUSE

HOLM HOUSE

Holm is where the heart is…

The chic boutique hotel based at the heart of Penarth Pier offers coastal luxury in abundance and thanks to its restaurant, Holm House, has long been considered the jewel in the crown of Penarth’s dining scene. Vale locals and city folk alike flock here in the summer for al-fresco dining in the picturesque garden, one of the largest the city/vale has to offer. Whilst in colder months it’s the cosy log fires that set the scene. We recently visited to sample dishes from the al-a-carte menu and we weren’t disappointed. Much of the menus inspiration is derived from the coastal setting with plentiful fish and seafood options to choose from. For starters I chose the classic, calamari. It arrived piping hot and crispy - just how I like it, the mayonnaise dipping sauce had a nice hot kick that perfectly complimented. Meanwhile my dining partner went for the chicken satay skewers and advised they were equally delicious. For mains I had King Prawn and Crab linguine served in a chilli lobster bisque sauce. For me this was the highlight of the meal, super tasty and fulfilling and the king prawns top quality. The fillet steak was also good, served with proper home cooked triple cooked chips which is a must. For dessert (at this point I was already pretty full but it would be scandalous not to try) we sampled the vanilla creme brûlée and lemon tart, the former was a little too creamy for me but my partner enjoyed, however the lemon tart was absolutely perfect, the texture was spot on.

The service was also attentive and polite without being too formal or stuffy and the wine menu is pretty impressive with a great selection of good reds and whites. On this occasion we opted for our favourite bottle of Provence rose, Whispering Angel and finished the evening with an espresso martini. Highly recommend this warm and welcoming hotel for a spot of lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. The food, setting and service does not disappoint.

Visit the website www.hotel house hotel.co.uk to book a table and follow their Instagram for latest news and gossip.

The city luxury we’ve been waiting for

Our founder Rosie Harris took a trip to Cardiff’s newest spa and gives her review.

Amongst the backdrop of our familiar city sights, an old building has been given a new lease of life. You may be forgiven for not yet being accustomed to this gorgeous spot, head to Westgate Street and you cannot miss the beautiful Parkgate Hotel. I thought I would give the spa a try, I mean what could be better than indulging in a luxurious spa, situated on the top of a building? An opportunity I couldn’t miss.

As you enter the grandiose surroundings, you get a real sense of excitement. The opulence engulfs you in a way that feels stylish yet refined. It’s a Tuesday and the weather as you can imagine is grey. A wellbeing spruce up was just what the doctor ordered and to my pleasant surprise is what I got. Enter the spa; The smells of aromatherapy and their signature Elemis products, takes you away from city ‘drab’ and straight into an oasis of relaxation. Walking into what can only be described as ‘selfcare heaven.’ Immersing myself into the infinity pool, with the warm soothing waters, overlooking our capital city, taking wellbeing to another level.

The 90-minute thermal suite with its hydrotherapy bubbling spa and massaging water showers, was a feature that really stood out. Maybe because you are so high up that the escapism adds to the feeling of wellbeing. The views were spectacular, I could almost envisage hearing the Welsh national anthem, as you take in the fabulous stadium views. To everyone’s relief not one line of the anthem came out. That takes me to another spa feature, gone are the days of cramming yourself into a spa pool, the infinity pool allows you to book your slot, so you can basically indulge in your privacy.

I enjoyed a full body Elemis deep tissue massage, perfect for alleviating high stress levels and muscle pain. I’m not sure if I floated out of the treatment room or walked! Either way it was very much needed and worked a treat. Feeling revitalised, I headed to the Sorting Room restaurant and indulged in a succulent lunch. The food tasted gorgeous as was the ambience, a real decadent relaxing vibe. I opted for the sea bass although the lunch selection gives you different options to choose from, and reasonably priced. I figured a chocolate treat was on the cards and the sticky toffee pudding topped with fudge sauce, was the ultimate parting gift. Would I come back? I think it’s safe to say I’ve already booked in my next treatment.