Escape Exclusively devoted to our guests and teams
Summer Issue 2021
S tar t Afresh
Delicious dishes New menus and mouth-watering recipes
Your staycation just got better
By George!
Essex hotel unveiled after stunning makeover
LUXURY TRAIN JOURNEYS Experience the golden age of travel
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The best investment you will ever make is in yourself
TURNERS TURNERS TURNERS 71 71 71Crouch Crouch CrouchSt, St, St,West, West, West,Colchester Colchester ColchesterCO3 CO3 CO33EY 3EY 3EY FOR MEN 01206 01206 01206562699 562699 562699
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Tel: (01206) 562699 turnersmen turnersmen turnersmen @TurnersMen @TurnersMen @TurnersMen www.turnersfashion.com
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Turners Turners TurnersColchester Colchester Colchester
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ESCAPE MAGAZINE
Contents 41 Unwind by the Lake
LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
07 Style & Living
Indulge in some retail therapy with our luxury fashion and shopping ideas
22 Gardens, Birds & Vineyards
Make the most of your stay and visit our selection of super local attractions
29 Discover Sudbury
Explore a town that’s steeped in history
37 Top 10 Days Out
The Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel, Great Hallingbury, Hertfordshire
45 Exceptional Space and Service
65 Hotel Gift Voucher
HOTELS & LEISURE
65 Fryatt Hotel & Bar, Harwich, Essex
Introducing Rolex’s new Submariner range
10 Back to her Former Glory
66 Tom Peppers, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
20 Exclusive Offers
Don’t miss our great summer offers!
66 Bricklayers, Colchester, Essex
25 Teas in a Pod
BUSINESS & PEOPLE
Escape
52 Go Crazy for Korean Cuisine Work up an appetite for Surya Foods
55 In the Mix
Shake things up with these fabulous cocktails
29
17 Host with the Most
We shine the spotlight on Nick Wildman, GM of The George Hotel
18 Season, Taste… and a Little Bit of Love
The George’s new Head Chef, Aaron Skerrit, shares his greatest cooking hacks
EDITOR Anna Marie-Casas ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Debbie Taylor Chantell Keston PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR Lee Thomas MARKETING CREATIVE MARKETING MANAGER Dominic Littler
SURYA MAGAZINE 2021 issue 2 contents.indd 3
Check out these mouth-watering recipes
Treat someone special in your life with the gift of choice
Unveiling the revamped George Hotel, Colchester, Essex
New GM Garth Wray talks about his plans for The Mill Hotel, Sudbury, Suffolk
27 Spice Things Up
63 Dragonfly Hotels
60 A Deep, Enduring Bond
33 ‘Offering the Best Local Produce is Key’
Find out what’s cooking and try for yourself
48 ‘We’ve Missed that Buzz!’
54 The Duke’s Head, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
All aboard the Belmond British Pullman and experience the golden age of travel
A brand-new outside dining experience at Kingscliff Hotel, Holland-on-Sea, Essex
19 Chef ’s Corner
50 St Nicholas Hotel, Colchester, Essex
56 Destination: Luxury
We get the low-down from Luke Newton, the new Head Chef at The Mill Hotel FOOD & DRINK
Whatever the occasion, The Hog’s Back Hotel & Spa will meet your needs
We catch up with staff at Thatcher’s Hotel, East Horsley, Surrey
Make this summer extra special with our guide to some super days out in East Anglia
35 ‘My Heroes are the Unsung Ones’
PUBLISHING PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Clara Deeks MANAGING DIRECTOR Allistair Hunter OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Tracy Norton-Mead CONTACT Escape Magazine DS Media, 7 Faraday Close, Oakwood Industrial Estate, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex CO15 4TR
Advertising Enquiries: 01255 221322 Editorial Enquiries: editor@thedsgroup.co.uk Escape Magazine is published by DS Media on behalf of Surya Hotels. DS Media is part of The DS Group. The contents of this magazine must not be reproduced without permission. Escape Magazine is available FREE for guests and staff at all Surya Hotels.
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Idyllic Day Spa & Health Club
The Gainsborough Health Club & Spa is a stunning Day Spa Retreat & Health Club, set in the heart of the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Our facilities include all that you need to escape from the stresses and strains of modern life and enjoy some dedicated relaxation time. We are pleased to offer the Guest of Surya Hotels this exclusive Spa Day, designed for you to come and relax, unwind and be calm.
Surya Hotels Spa Day • • • •
Full Day use of the Spa Facilities Enjoy Complimentary Herbal Teas Robe & Towel Afternoon Tea
Choose a 50 minute Treatment To book please call us on
01787 279009
Please visit our website for details on Spa Days and Club Memberships
thegainsborough.co.uk
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• Inner calm Full Body Massage • Hot Stone Massage - Swedish - Aromatherapy • Espa Glow From Within Facial
£85 Per Person
21/06/2021 09:18
WELCOME
Welcome
After another difficult few months for all due to lockdown limbo, it’s with great pleasure that I welcome you back to Surya Hotels and our second issue of Escape magazine. The winter was a challenging and eventful period across the Surya Hotels estate and the UK. With further restrictions and lockdowns due to the pandemic, we have faced difficult trading conditions, as have most hospitality and leisure businesses. However, as the green shoots of spring appeared, we’ve been delighted to welcome back guests to our hotels that offer great outdoor space. For instance, our seaside Kingscliff Hotel taking in views over the Essex coastline, Dragonfly Hotel in Peterborough – perfectly placed on the banks of a rowing lake – and The Mill Hotel situated on the water meadows of Sudbury, Suffolk. We’ve also taken some time out to review our Food & Beverage offerings, working closely with our Head Chefs to bring you new and exciting dishes while, of course, keeping those firm favourites. I’m incredibly proud of our teams, who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure we continue to operate in a Covid-19 secure way, adapting and implementing all necessary safety measures as guidelines have changed. We’ve been looking forward to restrictions lifting further and safely welcoming back our leisure guests, who can look forward to refreshed décor, new, tasty menus and much more. In this issue, we showcase our new flagship – The George Hotel in Colchester, which has reopened after a huge renovation project returning her to her former historic glory! We also introduce some of our new team members, take a trip on the Belmond British Pullman and discover Rolex’s new, iconic Submariner range.
Welcome back – we’ve missed you! Ray Dowsett, Managing Director, Surya Hotels
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
Silk Hair Towel Wrap, This is Silk, £35.99 Wake up to smoother, shinier hair, which is frizz-free and tangle-free with a This Is Silk hair wrap. The pure, mulberry silk works hard to condition your hair with its own amino acids, while protecting it from friction, which causes damage and frizz. Shown here in Spirit Animal, the wrap comes in the brand’s gorgeous signature box. thisissilk.com
&
Domus Cafetière, Nick Munro, from £90
Style Living
Designed by award-winning British designer Nick Munro, whose design plaudits include the official London 2012 Olympic Games silverware and the Diamond Jubilee Teapot for the Queen, the Domus collection is available in 18/8 handpolished stainless steel and features either a classic wicker or insulated stainless steel handle. nickmunro.com
Nereus London Body Wash, £25
Ted Baker Men’s Brown Embossed Shoe Care Kit, Hurleys, £49 Keep your footwear favourites looking brand new thanks to this shoe care kit by Ted Baker. This handy set features an embossed fauxleather case which zips open to reveal a neutral polish, black polish, two wooden brushes, a shoehorn, and a black cloth. The ultimate addition to a modern gent’s essentials. hurleys.co.uk
Enjoy a luxury aromatherapeutic spa shower experience with this extra moisturising viscous body wash formulation featuring 100 per cent natural essential oils to leave your skin feeling soft and moisturised – and with the added benefit of being plastic free. Recommended for all skin types and those struggling with dry skin. Choose from Madagascan Ylang Ylang Body Wash or Madagascan Pink Pepper Body Wash. nereus.uk
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
Balance Collection, Dagsmejan, from £59.99 The Dagsmejan Balance Sleepwear Collection is lightweight, breathable and exceptionally soft. Packed with millions of nanocapillaries and integrated ventilation and moisture-wicking zones where needed, the patented NATTWELL™ fabric also means it’s six times more breathable than cotton, four times better at drawing sweat away from the skin and double the softness of cotton. The result? You’re kept at your optimum temperature for sleep and don’t have to worry about being hot or cold at night. dagsmejan.com
Mr A Limited Edition Trainer, Sans Matin, £140
Zaha Glasses, Cones & Rods, £374
The Mr A trainer is a new, sleek, handmade design featuring a premium, flat white, leather upper with a San Matin embossed flat white leather side strip, a contrasting black hide heel tab and black heel, grey cotton laces, and a white, 60 per cent natural rubber outsole and cushioned footbed for maximum comfort. Every pair comes with SM’s recycled shoebag made from PET (recycled plastic bottles) and recycled cotton from clothing. sansmatin.co.uk
These glasses with a Pewter frame and Rose finish provide luxury, scientifically inspired eyewear that is both sustainable and ethical, according to global standards. With an eye for change, each pair within the collection is designed and named after an inspirational person of Arab origin who has done something wonderful for the world. The Zaha is inspired by architect Dame Zaha Hadid; geometrical and iconic. conesandrods.com
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
Peony and Blush Suede Candle, FYG, £20 Fiaba Date, Maurice Lacroix, £795
Think fruits and soft florals meet rich musk and amber. Light this to indulge in the comforting, fragrant notes of apple, soft plum, fragrant peony, carnation and rose. 250g hand poured natural candle, up to 45 hours burn time and 100 per cent coconut and rapeseed wax with pure cotton wick. fyghome.com
Reims Refreshment Chest, Barlow Tyrie, £1,900 The Fiaba is a stainlesssteel, feminine timepiece with quartz movement. Fashionable and contemporary, yet with some classical touches at the same time, the design’s numerous charming details such as blue hands evoke thoughts of glamour and sophistication. mauricelacroix.com
The classically designed Reims Refreshment Chest is based on the traditional wine coolers found in 18th and 19th century mansions. Insulated and with an inner liner of polypropylene, it can easily accommodate twelve bottles of Champagne or other refreshments. Melted ice can be drained using the solid brass tap at the back of the chest, while the lid is supported by sliding brass stays. The Reims can be positioned using the turned teak and brass handles. Ideal for just chilling out! Approximate dimensions: 81cm (L) x 58cm (W) x 60cm (H). teak.com
Luna, Zatchels, £75 Traditional British craftsmanship, Zatchels’ new Luna handcrafted handbag comes with a push-lock clasp to keep your personal belongings safe, while also looking simple and sleek with a top handle and a detachable and adjustable crossbody strap. It’s available in dozens of colours and, for that extra personal touch, you can have it engraved (£10). zatchels.com
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DISCOUNT CODE: SUMMER21
HOTELS & LEISURE
Back to her former glory… The George Hotel, Colchester, Essex Historic hotel unveils stunning £10m revamp that pays homage to its heritage and heralds a new, exciting era.
THE BOUDICEA SUITE
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HOTELS & LEISURE
C
olchester’s historic George Hotel hast just reopened its doors following a monumental £10m renovation.
A hive of activity for more than 500 years, the historic inn closed at the end of July 2019 to undergo extensive restoration work. In this issue, we are delighted to unveil a series of stunning photographs showcasing its recently renovated, magnificent interior which includes: a large, open-plan lounge space – complete with cosy sofas, ornamental log burners, designer wallpapers and chic soft furnishings; an extended dining room; a Moroccan-style, partially covered secret courtyard; and a Victorianinspired, eclectic afternoon tea room titled T at The George.
carte dishes and daily specials served daily from midday to 9pm. Award-winning chef Aaron Skerrit, former Head Chef with hotel group Milsoms, has taken the helm at The George’s kitchen. Designer finishes Designer touches across the hotel include luxury Sanderson fabrics, designer fabric upholstered headboards and bespoke lighting from Northern Lights, with the overall concept brought together by Sudbury-based interiors specialists Amor Interiors. Discreet and powerful designer sound systems by high-end manufacturers
DISCOUNT CODE: SUMMER21
Bang & Olufsen are blended throughout the interior offering seamless, superior sound quality. Licensed prints by award-winning artist Alexandra Gallagher are visible throughout the hotel. The British artist, whose works celebrate the surreal and sublime, exhibits and sells internationally with the likes of Saatchi. Her imaginative works explore the realms of memory, dreams and fantasy. Natural wood flooring, mixed with mosaic tiles and subtle soft furnishings, against scattered, bold Brunswick green walls, add an elegant finishing touch to the newly renovated space.
Culinary excellence The George Hotel’s restaurant has a long-term association with culinary excellence and the site is returning with a superior food offering as it ups its effort to become Colchester’s ultimate dining destination. The historic coaching inn is now home to a stylish brasserie with excellent English a la
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HOTELS & LEISURE
T AT THE GEORGE Coming this Summer 2021 Connoisseurs of afternoon tea are in for a treat with the launch of T at The George which will be serving up a luxuriously chic afternoon tea, in sumptuous, arty surroundings inspired by London’s finest teahouses. An array of beautiful handmade and quirky cakes, fine artisan teas (served in bespoke, locally made teapots) and a matching Champagne and cocktail list has all been carefully curated to ensure the vintage tearoom becomes Colchester’s premier destination for a spot of afternoon tea with friends. Luxury rooms Highlights of the renovation across the bedrooms include the addition of seven spacious in-town suites featuring Emperor beds and up to 50-inch smart TVs. The remaining rooms are a mix of heritage doubles, twins and single rooms all featuring luxury king-size Hypnos beds as standard, as well as comfortable armchairs and workstations with access to high speed, complimentary WiFi, interactive 43-inch wall-mounted smart televisions (with Netflix) and modern bathrooms and shower suites. A rich history An architectural report into The George site, published in July 2019, revealed just how ‘nationally rare’ the building is, with architectural historian Leigh Alston stating: “The greatest significance of The George is the extent to which it illustrates the scale and complexity of medieval inns in the heart of a major town. The great majority of commercial buildings of this kind were entirely rebuilt in the 16th century or later, and even fragmentary examples of the 14th and 15th centuries are nationally rare’.
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Did you know? • The George was first mentioned in the trade directories of the 1790s as the George and Dragon. • The central portion of the building is part of a 15th century house which was built some time before 1494. • Preserved behind a glass wall are several layers of soil which show the old Roman street level. One layer, darker than the others, is purported to be ashes left by the fires that raged in the town when Queen Boudicca ransacked it in AD60. • The George was remodelled and enlarged during the reign of Charles II, and most of the timbers date from this period. • During the reign of Queen Victoria, the hotel was considered to be one of the ten superior inns and hotels in Colchester. • The George was refurbished in 1995 – during work experts were able to study the medieval framed structure and say that the building was originally only two storeys, with a third storey added later. • In the late 1800s, The George was the headquarters of Colchester Football Club. Courtesy of Gerald Rickword and Jess Jephcott, Local Studies Section, Colchester Library Resource Centre
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HOTELS & LEISURE
Many of the hotel’s important historical features have been preserved from woodwork and beams dating back more than 600 years to the hotel’s elegant Georgianised Victorian sash windows. Behind the hotel’s Georgian façade lies a timber-framed building which likely dates from the second half of the 14th century. The first known reference to the property as an inn occurs in 1494, although the hotel’s extensive cellars are likely older and feature the ruins of an ancient Roman gravel pavement – a chilling reminder of Queen Boudicca’s rampage that burned Roman Colchester to the ground in AD60. The exterior has been painted a beautiful and classic pale, sage green to meet historical guidelines for the Grade II* listed property.
THE SECRET COURTYARD PROVIDES AN ‘AL FRESCO’ MOROCCAN VIBE
The best of old and new In January 2017, Harwich-based developer Flying Trade Group, behind the Surya Hotels brand, announced plans for refurbishment and expansion of The George Hotel site. Plans included the complete refurbishment of the 47-bedroom George Hotel and the conversion of nearby St Nicholas House into a brand-new affiliated 44-bedroom hotel. St Nicholas Hotel opened its doors in December 2018, almost doubling the High Street rooms available to 91. The Grade II* listed George Hotel was in great need of modernisation, however; renovation work required the utmost care to protect the hotel’s rich history. Flying Trade CEO Suki Dulai says:
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HOTELS & LEISURE
Surya Hotels 116 High Street Colchester Essex CO1 1TD 01206 578494 reservations@thegeorgehotelcolchester.co.uk www.suryahotels.co.uk/thegeorgehotel/
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HOTELS & LEISURE
THE GEORGE SUITE
HERITAGE DOUBLE “We are very excited to finally be opening the doors of The George once again. We feel greatly privileged to have been tasked with bringing this historic site into the 21st century while respecting its amazing heritage. “Whilst we have brought the hotel back up to date with modern comforts, our focus has always been to retain the charm and ambience of this beautiful hotel and preserve the historical atmosphere of the building. “As such, we have not made any major changes to the fundamental layout of the property, because we are limited by the building’s historic nature, however, we have certainly added a wow factor with décor and furnishings and greatly improved modern comforts throughout. A significant part of the project has been
the re-wiring and re-plumbing of the entire hotel.” Suki adds: “We continue to invest heavily in Colchester with The George project along with St Nicholas House, Claudius Gateway and One Castle Park, with an emphasis on making the most of the town’s rich history. “We have exposed the great history of The George, so customers can feel and appreciate the warmth and depth of its past, while also enjoying the comforts and convenience of modern life, from air-conditioning to WiFi and cappuccino.” During the renovations Surya Hotels redistributed hotel staff across other local group sites. Many staff will now return to the site, led by The George Hotel General Manager Nick Wildman, who continues at the helm.
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HOTELS & LEISURE
‘Everyone is elated to see it being restored to its former glory!’ We catch up with Nick Wildman, General Manager of The George Hotel, as the monumental effort to transform the Colchester high street landmark draws to a close.
These are exciting times in the history of The George – tell us about the building’s past. The central portion of the building is part of a 15th century house which was built some time before 1494. There are still parts of the original George which Thomas Jopson owned in 1494. On the second floor of the hotel, there is an original hinge post with remarkable embattled capital which is now incorporated into a wall and can be partially seen at the top of the stairs. This was part of the middle truss of the hall of the original house. On that same staircase, there is also a section of the wattle and daub wall dating from the 14th century. The extensive cellars are also medieval, probably dating from 1450. Some of the niches in the brickwork in these cellars are later, about 1520. When did refurbishment start? Work began in in July 2019, with the pandemic hitting halfway through the project. Not knowing the situation and how it would unfold, the site closed and all trades were postponed. When lockdown was lifted in July 2020, getting the trades back in was very challenging as many of them had gone to other building sites to continue working. We have worked closely with Colchester Borough Council, the local planning and
listed building authority, to overcome challenges along the way. What has the project involved and what are some of the highlight features? The George has been part of a £10 million investment in the town centre over the last few years, including St Nicholas Hotel opposite which has 49 bedrooms. The interior design is by Jayne Nelson and the internal layout has been sympathetically improved while retaining the historical character of the building. Features include works by award-winning artists; there are murals designed by Lucy Tiffney and an ‘Instagrammable’ feature display by Alexandra Gallagher, plus London Art designer wallpapers and bespoke furniture made by Amor Interiors. What have been some of the main challenges? We had to retain and refurbish all of the traditional sash windows to a very high cost, and work with the listed building and heritage office to retain all the building features. Every room has bespoke furniture as all levels are out of place requiring a bespoke fit-out. We’ve created feature suites, replenished exposed beams, dealt with rotten windows and restored historic ones. We’ve also added air conditioning
while avoiding historic fabric damage, and the car park has been resurfaced and made more secure. How have lockdowns impacted the project? The pandemic has impacted the project both in terms of contractors and supply of materials, with contractor’s costs and materials lead times all increasing. The logistics of narrow corridors within the building presented challenges with social distancing, and all the changes of lockdown and reopening phases. It all extended the project by another year. What can guests look forward to when they step into The George? The outside has been painted in a heritage sage green which has transformed the look of it. All signage has been revamped and brass polished up, and outside doors painted an impressive glossy black. The interior design is just beautiful; there are stunning murals combined with feature fireplaces, old timber beams and historic features. We have a contemporary bar, lounge and restaurant with Moroccan accents, luxury bespoke furniture and rugs, and we’ve partnered with Bang & Olufsen to create high-end surround sound throughout the hotel.
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HOTELS & LEISURE
We shine the spotlight on our ‘host with the most’, Nick Wildman, General Manager of The George Hotel. “I’m fortunate to work in an industry that I’m passionate about, with my love for hospitality leading my career to roles within Milsoms Group, Elysium Group and Lifehouse Spa where I was the site opening F&B Manager.
There are seven beautifully and individually designed suites with designer wallpapers, some with feature baths and quirky features. Guests will also be able to have a B&O speaker in their rooms should they wish. Our heritage double/twin and single rooms all have a beautiful warm look created with designer wallpapers and headboards, and all rooms have bespoke furniture. The secret courtyard has been transformed from a soulless space to one with an ‘al fresco’ Moroccan vibe, featuring lemon trees, a covered pergola with heaters and lights, lounge seating and bar stools. Guests will be able to enjoy small plates, sandwiches and cocktails in this fantastic area. How do you feel seeing the project finally come together? The George was in need of major refurbishment and, having managed the hotel prior to it closing, I think it’s safe to say everyone in the town who has history with the hotel has been elated to see it being restored to its former glory. I have a lot of love and passion for the hotel as well as its customers. Hospitality is embedded in my background and I feel so excited to see the doors re-open. We hope our guests will thoroughly enjoy the new look and offerings.
It’s been a really tough time for the hospitality sector over the last year due to the pandemic – how are staff feeling about being able to welcome guests again? They are excited to come back to the new George and welcome the familiar faces, as well as new guests. The George is a major part of the high street and it will be fantastic to have the enthusiastic, passionate team on board to serve up our new menus and offerings. What’s new in the diary for The George as it starts a new chapter in its history? We will be serving brunches also in our courtyard with an ‘al fresco’ Moroccan vibe, which are new to the offering. The level and quality of food and drink offered has been raised with our new kitchen team. We will also be serving up freshly made cocktails in the new bar and mid-summer will see the opening of our new tearoom – T at The George. A Victorian, eclectic-themed afternoon tearoom offering fine brewed teas in bespoke quirky tea pots, freshly made scones, bespoke sweet treats and finger sandwiches #spillthetea Follow us on socials for more information and updates! #thegeorgecolchester
My career with Surya Hotels has taken me through several of our sites. I joined Surya Hotels in 2014 as Group F&B Manager based at the beautiful Mill Hotel in Sudbury. In early 2015, I moved across to our newly acquired George Hotel and we commenced our plans for restoring her back to her former glory. I have really enjoyed leading several of our refurbishment and reopening projects, like when I managed the Kingscliff through its refurbishment in late 2019. I love creating something new, finding new talent, forming the new team, and seeing our success grow and grow. I love working with enthusiastic, energetic and lively people who share my appetite for the industry. I can’t wait to unveil The George Hotel to our guests and welcome everyone back. When I’m not welcoming guests and leading the team, I can be found with a cold Chablis in a hot tub or racing down a dirt track on my mountain bike, living life to the full!” suryahotels.co.uk / 17
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HOTELS & LEISURE
Season, taste… and a little bit of love The George’s new Head Chef, Aaron Skerrit, shares his greatest cooking hack and talks about the inspiration for his dishes.
What are your earliest memories of cooking? Cooking with grandparents and wholesome, home-cooked food surrounded by family. When did you first realise you wanted to become a chef? I was a kitchen porter and was given an opportunity to start cooking, which I enjoyed with my nan. How would you describe your cooking style? Fresh, traditional and the best of British produce. What inspires you in the kitchen? No day is the same, seasons changing and making guests happy on special occasions and day to day. Who is your culinary hero? Too many, but old school – Escoffier is the master, the Roux brothers, Marco PierreWhite and Gordon Ramsay. Which one ingredient would you take to a desert island? Eggs – so versatile and we can use so many ways. What would be your ultimate menu showstopper? Either a whole fish to share – turbot, Jersey royals and asparagus – or Chateaubriand. Served and finished in the restaurant in front of customers for a big showstopper. Which is your greatest cooking hack? Season and taste – it’s all it takes. Oh, and a little bit of love! What’s your recipe for being a successful chef? Work hard, work smart, be and strive for the best, and use the best ingredients.
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HOTELS & LEISURE
Chef ’s Corner
Try this tasty recipe from The George’s Head Chef, Aaron Skerrit. Herb roasted chicken, asparagus, pea & spinach risotto (Serves 4) 4x chicken breasts Butterfly the chicken breasts in half, season with dried herbs, salt and olive oil, let marinade for as long as possible. In a hot pan, add come olive oil, and cook the chicken until cooked, getting a nice colour on all sides. Keep to the side, it’s important as we want the juice to add to the risotto for an extra taste. Ingredients: Risotto • Olive oil • 1/2 onion diced • 2 garlic crushed and chopped • 250g risotto rice • 100ml white wine • 1ltr chicken stock • 70g grated Parmesan • 40g butter • (Add extra Boursin cheese if you can get it) • Bunch of asparagus, cut and blanch in boiling salty water, refresh in ice water and drain quickly • 70g peas • Bag of baby spinach (washed) • 1/4 lemon juiced
Method 1. Heat a pan with some olive oil, sweat off onion and garlic until soft with no colour. 2. Add in risotto rice, season with some salt - it’s important to enhance the flavour from the start, stir for 30-40 seconds until all the rice is coated with oil. Keep the pan on a medium to hot heat. 3. Add white wine - when it has all soaked up, start adding chicken stock slowly always stirring the stock slowly as it dissolves, add more, keep adding until the rice is almost tender and has a small bite, take off the heat. 4. Add Boursin cheese this makes it creamy and tasty, add asparagus and peas and baby spinach, mix through all together. 5. Add butter and cheese and put a lid on top, let it steam and take all the flavour of the vegetables. 6. Add the tasty juices from the chicken you cooked earlier, mix well, season, add lemon juice, taste and season again if you need too. 7. Heat the chicken and serve, and enjoy!
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HOTELS & LEISURE
BOOK YOUR SUMMER STAYCATION NOW! Summer is on its way, so it’s finally time to get out and start exploring some of the best towns and villages in all their glory. We are offering our guests up to 2 nights free when you book an extended staycation directly with us, and we will even throw in breakfast each morning to prepare you for the day ahead.
Book 3 consecutive nights for the price of 2 Book 5 consecutive nights for the price of 3 Book 7 consecutive nights for the price of 5 Includes breakfast each morning, free Wi-Fi and parking. You can also add a 3-course dinner from our set menu to your stay when selecting your room type. Terms & conditions apply – please see our website for further details and use our SUMMER21 discount code.
Stay, Park & Fly For a limited time, enjoy free 7 days’ parking with dinner and bed & breakfast before your departure, plus a taxi to the terminal. This special offer includes: • 2-Course dinner from our set menu • Overnight stay the night before your flight • Cooked breakfast the morning of departure • Taxi ride to your departure terminal • 7 days’ parking at our hotel car park
Charge up at Surya Hotels We are delighted to offer several Electric Charging Points across some of our hotels. Powered by Pod Point, they are available at: • Duke’s Head Hotel, King’s Lynn, Norfolk • Kingscliff Hotel, Holland-on Sea, Essex • The George Hotel, Colchester, Essex • St Nicholas Hotel, Colchester, Essex • Dragonfly Hotel, Colchester, Essex • Dragonfly Hotel, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire And we have also introduced the new Tesla Supercharging Station at Dragonfly Hotel, King’s Lynn, Norfolk. Next time you’re in the area, stop by for a charge and a bite to eat.
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SURYA MAGAZINE 2021 issue 2 Offer.indd 20
All from only £99 using promo code: FLY21. Terms & conditions apply – please see www.suryahotels.co.uk for further details. Close to Stansted Airport, Great Hallingbury is a traditional, Tudor-style manor with a contemporary interior. Set in the beautiful countryside location on the Essex and Hertfordshire border, our hotel is ideally placed just minutes from the airport and a short drive from the bustling market town of Bishop’s Stortford. Great Hallingbury Manor offers: • On-site bar & restaurant • Room service • 24-hour reception • Private room hire • Bedrooms all en-suite • AA 4-star rating For further information, call 01279 506475 or email info@greathallingburymanor.co.uk
20/06/2021 21:52
SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER Take your listening to another level and enjoy the majesty of multiroom capability with the latest additions to the acclaimed Beosound speaker range. There’s a speaker for every room and requirement and all available with stereo pairing. From the dynamic acoustic performance and roomfilling sound of the Beosound Balance wireless speaker to the elegant Beosound Emerge that fits in anywhere but reaches you everywhere with full-range, ultra-wide, crystal-clear sound. Or the portable Beosound Level WiFi speaker that combines minimalistic design with maximum rich audio to perfection. Visit our showrooms to experience the Beosound range or contact us to arrange a private one-to-one demonstration.
Bang & Olufsen of Chelmsford 16-18 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0SP Telephone: 01245 266117 Email: chelmsford@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: bang-olufsen.com/chelmsford
Bang & Olufsen of Colchester 61 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1DN Telephone 01206 763344 Email: colchester@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: bang-olufsen.com/colchester
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
Gardener’s world
Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens is an inspirational venue comprising 7.5 acres of gardens harnessing ecological planting. Created by the late award-winning gardener, author and lecturer Beth Chatto OBE, her incredible work at the gardens began in 1960. She took an overgrown wasteland of brambles, parched gravel and boggy ditches and transformed it into an inspirational, informal garden using plants that thrive in different conditions: the right plant for the right place.
Water Garden The Water Garden includes a series of ponds and moisture-loving plants. It’s a fantastically serene area and deserving of a visit on a hot day as the temperature by the water is several degrees cooler than the rest of the gardens. Woodland Garden The Woodland Garden is full of shadeloving bulbs, perennials and shrubs planted underneath a dense canopy of tall oaks, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Reservoir Garden An open sunny area, redesigned recently in Beth Chatto’s riverbed style.
Beth oversaw the development of the site into her 90s and today the gardens remain a family-run business, managed by her granddaughter Julia Boulton.
Scree Garden For those who have problem areas in their garden, the Scree Garden provides the solution for many – a large collection of easy alpines emulating the growing conditions of stony, mountainous slopes.
There are five main areas of the garden – all dealing with challenging soils and aspects and showing what becomes possible when you work with nature rather than against it.
A special area has also been created to remember lost loved ones - the Reflection Garden offers a tranquil place where visitors can sit and reflect on their memories.
Gravel Garden Once a car park, the world-renowned Gravel Garden featuring drought-tolerant plants was originally established by Beth and her team as an experiment. Now, it is famous for the fact that it is never irrigated despite being situated in one of the driest parts of the country and with poor, free-draining soil.
Info
ESSEX
Adults: £9.95 Children: £2 each Booking is essential – please visit website for the latest opening hours and information. Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens Elmstead Market, Clacton Rd, Elmstead Colchester CO7 7DB 01206 822 007 bethchatto.co.uk
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
Wing your way Like the name suggests, it offers a fiesta of feathered friends – but Birdworld is home to everything fluffy and furry too! Birdworld has more than 2,000 birds and other animals, from guinea pigs and rabbits to goats, sheep and even reindeer. Penguins never fail to raise a smile and here you will find two species, with feeding sessions taking place twice a day. The humboldt penguins, which originate from the coastal regions of Chile and Peru, have been a popular feature at Birdworld ever since Penguin Island opened in 1982. Since that time, the venue has achieved huge success in breeding the species. African penguins (also known as Jackass penguins) are a more recent addition to the park. Their home, Penguin Beach, is a re-creation of Robben Island, just off the coast of South Africa. Entering the exhibit via the Robben Island ferryboat, you will find yourself on the quayside, overlooking the water with views back towards Table Top Mountain. Parrots, budgies, hornbills, toucans, waders, cranes, storks, rheas, emus, owls…this is a bird lover’s paradise and much more.
Info
For tickets, opening times and information, please visit website. Birdworld Holt Pound, Farnham Surrey GU10 4LD 01420 22140 birdworld.co.uk
EY SURR
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
It’s a corker
Giffords Hall is a family-owned vineyard in picturesque, open country at the heart of the upper Stour Valley in Suffolk. The sandy/clay soil produces quality grapes, high in natural sugars and acids, which lend themselves particularly well to both sparkling and dry aromatic still wines. Giffords Hall makes white, sparkling, rosé and red wines with a delicate floral character very typical of the region, and is particularly known for its Bacchus white and the rosé. A winner of many medals and awards both nationally and internationally for quality and consistency, this is one of the premier East Anglian vineyards mentioned recently in The Times ‘best 10 vineyards to visit’.
There is a a winery, shop and al fresco café, along with Barrel Hall for larger corporate and private events. Visitors are welcome every day except Mondays with regular private and group tours run throughout the summer. Group tours start at £19.50 per person, while private cheese and wine tours for two start at £98 taking in the vineyard, Barrel Hall, winery and a private, tutored tasting of three wines and three liqueurs accompanied by a local cheese platter.
Info
Giffords Hall Vineyard Hartest Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP29 4EX 01284 830799 info@giffordshall.co.uk giffordshall.co.uk
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HOTELS & LEISURE
DISCOUNT CODE: SUMMER21
Teas in a Pod? Kingscliff Hotel, Holland-on-Sea, Essex
Enjoy an amazing, brand-new outside dining experience with fantastic sea views or kick back in a beautifully curated lounge area.
T
he Kingscliff hotel underwent a £100,000 refurb in November to expand its restaurant offering with a brandnew ‘Lounge’ and outside dining experience, the ‘Pod’. Similar to the restaurant in concept and design, the Lounge is unique with wallpaper adorning the ceiling and high-end artwork as finishing touches. It also includes
a bespoke Bang and Olufsen sound system which doubles up as artwork. The Lounge offers a relaxed dining and drinking experience whether it be entertaining friends or celebrating a family birthday celebration. There’s a new menu launching for the summer which also includes a brand-new tapas menu letting you enjoy those tasty dishes in sharing portions with friends and family alike. New music and event nights are in the planning, so watch this space.
The Pod is an outdoor dining experience that caters for up to eight people in any weather. It has both heating and air conditioning, so come rain or shine, a booking can still go ahead. It offers a stylish and comfortable environment, with panoramic sea v iews – which nothing else in the area can offer. So far, the feedback has been amazing, with multiple bookings already in place.
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Creating the wow factor! ‘Hi, I’m Hollie, the general manager here at the Kingscliff Hotel. I’m really excited and can’t wait to welcome you all back to the hotel. As you may have noticed, there have been a couple of changes that we have worked really hard on over the past six months, including our Lounge and outside Pod. This refurbishment is a continuation of our main restaurant refurbishment which opened in summer 2019. The main purpose of the Lounge is to make our guests feel more comfortable and so that they have another space to eat and drink with their friends and family. It is also very exciting as we can hold live music nights and more
HOTELS & LEISURE
themed evenings without disturbing our main restaurant. The Lounge caters for around 40 guests, however, if the style is more relaxed, we can cater for more. The Pod came at the same time and launched in December 2020. It had a great few weeks before we had to shut, however, I am very excited to have this back open. It is the perfect space for private parties of up to eight people with a great atmosphere, lovely lighting, music and great views of the seafront too. The Pod is perfect for any guests, especially for groups of friends and family parties. We cater from our main restaurant menu, provide afternoon teas and also offer a bottomless brunch
menu. It is a great feature in the garden, it looks the part and creates a wow factor for anyone walking by. I cannot wait for the team and guests to come back and bring the buzz back to the Kingscliff Hotel.”
Pod hire fees (terms & conditions apply): 7-8 people £30 4-6 people £40 2-3 people £50
£50pp – 3-course meal, unlimited Prosecco/draught beers for 2 hours £30pp – Afternoon tea, unlimited Prosecco for 2 hours Book your pod via our website: www.thekingscliffhotel.co.uk/food-drink/pod-experience/ For any enquiries please call us on 01255 818 800 mev@thekingscliffhotel.com
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HOTELS & LEISURE
DISCOUNT CODE: SUMMER21
Kingscliff Hotel 55 Kings Parade Holland-on-Sea Clacton-on-Sea Essex CO15 5JB 01255 818800 info@thekingscliffhotel.com www.suryahotels.co.uk/kingscliffhotel/
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FOOD & DRINK
Spice things up!
Try these mouth-watering recipes, courtesy of the culinary team at Kingscliff Hotel. Ingredients Salmon fillet x 4 Madras Sauce Chopped tomatoes 500g Curry powder 1 tablespoon Coriander 1 bunch Cumin seeds 1 tablespoon Onion 1kg sliced Black onion seeds ½ tablespoon Red chilli 20g Garlic chopped 200g Madras curry paste 250g Water 250ml Bombay aloo New potatoes 400g (cooked & quartered) Kale 100g (shredded & blanched) Cumin seeds ¼ tsp Curry powder ½ tsp Garam masala ¼ tsp Turmeric ¼ tsp Ground coriander ¼ tsp
Salmon Masala (Serves 4)
Cauliflower puree Cauliflower 1 head cut into small florets Double cream 150ml Curry powder 2 tsp Garamasala 1 tsp Turmeric ½ tsp Crab pakora Crab meat 200g Red peppers 3 diced and cooked Self-raising flour 300g Eggs 3 Coriander 1 bunch Smoked paprika 1 tsp Chilli flakes 1 tsp Garam masala 1 tsp Lime zest x3 limes
Prawn Laksa (Serves 4)
Ingredients King prawns x 32 (shelled and deveined) Crushed garlic 1 tsp Chopped red chilli 10g Thai green curry paste 100g Red peppers 2 Onions 1 Coconut milk 600ml Noodles 4 nests (cooked) Coriander 1 bunch Crushed peanuts 40g Sesame oil 40ml Double cream 200ml
Method
To make the masala sauce, sautee the onions over a medium to low heat for around an hour, until all the onions are soft and translucent. Add the garlic, chilli and dry spices and cook out for a further 10 mins, making sure the mix does not catch. Now add the chopped tomatoes, curry paste and water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and allow to reduce for around 1 ½ hours, then add the chopped coriander and with a stick blender puree until smooth. To make the cauliflower puree, put all ingredients into a pan and simmer until the cauliflower is fully cooked (otherwise it will be very grainy). Strain the cauliflower, keeping the liquor and puree, slowly adding the liquor until nice and smooth, then pass through a fine sieve. To make the pakora, mix together flour, lime zest and spices. Add eggs and coriander to make a thick paste. Fold in the cooked peppers and crab (including the juices). Check consistency (add a splash of water if too thick or more flour if too thin) and season. To cook the pakora, deep-fry for 3-4 mins only (dessert spoon size) at 170 C. To serve, cover the salmon in masala sauce and bake for 8-9 mins. Sautee the potatoes with the kale and aloo spices.
Method
Slice, Sautee the onions and red peppers and put to one side for later. Sautee the prawns in sesame oil with garlic and chilli. Add Thai curry paste. Add coconut milk and double cream, bring to the boil to make the sauce. Then add cooked peppers and onions (including all the juices that have escaped). Add noodles and coriander.
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Dress as per photo and finish with crumbed peanuts.
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
Discover Sudbury
Make the most of your stay at The Mill Hotel and explore a town that’s steeped in history. suryahotels.co.uk / 29
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
Photograph by Dave Watts
I
ntrinsically linked to one of the greatest artists of his era, Sudbury in Suffolk is a picture-perfect destination.
It’s the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, who in turn inspired fellow master, John Constable, born just a few miles down the river. An area of outstanding beauty, Sudbury has a history that is both rich and fascinating.
Located near the River Stour on the border of Suffolk and Essex, this beautiful market town dates back to Anglo Saxon times at the end of the 8th century. Its name means ‘south borough’, distinguishing it from settlements to the north, such as Bury St Edmonds. Today, Sudbury has myriad attractions to offer the discerning traveller – from Gainsborough’s home and stunning architecture to a bustling market, shops, restaurants and cafes
to stunning meadow walks and mesmerising views. Built in 1841, the impressive, Grade II listed Corn Exchange Building houses the town’s public library and tourist information centre – an essential first stop for exploring the centre and surrounding areas. Gainsborough’s House, which originally dates back to around 1520, is today a public museum, gallery and garden dedicated to the life and
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
Sudbury Heritage Centre is housed within the beautiful Grade II listed Town Hall and traces the town’s past from the Iron Age to the present day – and you can even come face-to-face with Simon of Sudbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury beheaded in the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. Walk in the footsteps of one of England’s greatest painters ever and take in some breathtaking scenery on the Gainsborough Trail. The 12.4-mile loop of pathways will eventually connect the whole of the Sudbury area and offer the best of the surrounding countryside.
work of the artist (1727-88). The venue is due to re-open this summer after major redevelopment work that will create the largest gallery in Suffolk. Situated in the centre of town is the magnificent cultural venue of St Peter’s, a Grade I listed former church in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. While a church has been on the site since as far back as 1180, the current perpendicular structure dates from the 15th century.
The first section of the trail, the 3.5 mile-Meadow Walk encompasses the ancient Water Meadows, offering a rich source of biodiversity for a wide variety of wildflowers, insects, birds and mammals. The Talbot Trail, which takes its name from a breed of hunting dog featuring on the town coat of arms, takes in 14 statues along the route illustrating intriguing episodes in the town’s history. It offers a great way to discover ancient architecture and rich cultural and industrial heritage as one of the country’s leading wool and silk production centres. www.sudburytowncouncil.co.uk Bottom left to right: Gainsborough’s House; Salter’s Hall; Meadow Walk; (insert) Corn Exchange; (above right) Talbot Trail. Photography by Andy Longhurst, Bill Hiskett and Robin Drury
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HOTELS & & LEISURE LIFESTYLE TRAVEL
DISCOUNT CODE: SUMMER21
‘Offering the best local produce is key’ Garth Wray, the new General Manager at The Mill Hotel, talks about his plans for the beautifully converted watermill and why ‘local’ is at the heart of everything. The Mill Hotel, Sudbury, Suffolk
Locals and visitors may not be aware a mill has stood on this site for at least 1,000 years – it is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and probably dates back to the Saxon origins of the town. Behind The Mill, on the other side of Walnut Tree Lane, the ground level rises steeply to the site of a Saxon settlement. Stretching away below The Mill is Freemans Great Common which was given to the town by Richard de Clare in 1260 a nd where cattle still graze in the summer months. There’s no denying its superb location overlooking Sudbury’s ancient water meadows, says new General Manager Garth Wray. “It’s been successful as a hotel looking after residents and
guests, as well as our local people. I’m a big champion of local produce and working with Suffolk and Essex producers so we will try and get more involved with the community,” he says. “It’s exciting here, there’s so much potential…the beautiful setting and being on the edge of a lovely market town, this hotel has so much going for it.” Since he took over at the start of November, Garth and his team have used the lockdown to carry out a deep clean and refresh the rooms. “There are some very characterful bedrooms and we have added some finishing touches to reflect life in Suffolk...some pictures plus books and magazines,” he says. The whole hotel has been redecorated during the lockdown giving it a really nice fresh feel. “I have plans for the food offering and
have been talking to some chefs about an idea…watch this space, as they say. “What I can say is the menu will be reasonably priced, offering the best local produce – really good food, done well. We are using local butchers and local fresh vegetables wherever we can. “Already we have Nethergate Brewery’s ales, Edmunds Cocktails and Paddy and Scott’s coffee for our drinks offering.” A quick perusal of the current menu shows a local influence. Anyone for Suffolk Pork Tenderloin (a sharing dish for two), Locally Grazed and Sourced Prime Sirloin Steak or Nethergate Beer Battered Fish and Chips? Oh, and The Mill Rarebit boasts Stokes real ale chutney. Expect these regionally based dishes to remain but perhaps watch out for some interesting Pan Asian cuisine being added to a split menu.
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HOTELS & LEISURE
The Mill Hotel Walnut Tree Lane Sudbury Suffolk CO10 1BD 01787 375544 info@themillhotelsudbury.co.uk www.suryahotels.co.uk/themillhotel/
Garth’s career started in Essex at the Three Rivers Golf Club where he found his love of the industry, and a one-year university sandwich course in hotel management set him on his way to learning about food and beverage plus banqueting at the fivestar Langham. Wentworth, a private member’s club hosting some of the world’s top golf tournaments, further enriched his exciting start to work life giving him great grounding. “It was one of the industry’s leading lights, Willy Bauer OBE, who brought me to Wentworth. The brochure of the place matched the real thing, which really impressed me and I learnt a lot from Willy. He is friendly and open with people but always has great attention to detail. You knew that if there was something wrong in a room, something out of place, he would notice – and you would be sure to know about it at the end of a pleasant conversation, so you found yourself discreetly checking during every conversation with him. He was aware of everything and you had to be the same.”
sports stars. “The security surrounding Will Smith when he was there to play Tiger Woods was incredible – they really were the ‘Men in Black’.”
at Aldeburgh (having also been along the seafront at The Brudenell and The Crown in Woodbridge for them some years before).
It was at this stage that Garth met his Polish wife, Gosia (“my first and only blind date”, he says) and they went travelling for a year. On their return, London may have again beckoned but instead he went to the Bath Spa Hotel and then to the Manor House, Castle Combe, both in senior management roles.
Gosia is head of housekeeping at The Crown at Woodbridge and Garth’s 19-year-old daughter, Amy, has also entered the hospitality business with Milsoms. His son, Josh, 16, wants to be a pilot, so is somewhat breaking the mould.
Closer to home, he opened Milsoms Kesgrave Hall in his home town of Ipswich, helped launch The Northgate in Bury St Edmunds and, more recently, returned to the Hotel Folk group to take charge of The White Lion
Now somewhat a well-known fixture of the Suffolk hotel scene, Garth brings a wealth of knowledge and stability to The Mill and, for this cheerful and always learning hotel manager, an opportunity to take the property on its journey.
While at Wentworth, Garth played golf with Ernie Els and met many film and
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HOTELS & LEISURE
DISCOUNT CODE: SUMMER21
‘My heroes are the unsung ones’
We get the low-down from Luke Newton, the new Head Chef at The Mill.
About me: I’m a 32-year-old chef, who has a background predominantly in fine dining and worked most of my professional career in top hotels at 3 AA rosette level. Enthusiastic and ambitious are the two traits I find have made me relatively successful. I’m very familyorientated and would love to own a little charcuterie/wine bar one day. I’m a huge football fan and have a very close-knit family back home in the north-east. How I became a chef: I was studying A Levels and I got sick of having very little money. At a young age, having professional parents, I enjoyed cooking for myself as we all came home at different times, so we very seldom had family meals and I enjoyed using all of the ingredients in the house. Why I love my job: Every single day is different; the challenges of being a manager are tough and then with hard work you absolutely see the rewards. It’s a very challenging industry, but the buzz of service and making people happy with food is ultimately why I do my job.
Favourite style of cooking: Everything I enjoy is quick and simple, I love fresh dressings and simply cooked pieces of fish, light salads and all kinds of seasonal vegetables. The closer the food is to its original state is the best kind of food for me. Great ingredients need no work. Signature dish: Smoked pea and ham risotto, Parmesan espume, fresh truffle. Comfort dish: Minestrone soup, crunchy loaf of bread and butter. Secret hack: KFC chicken breast! A bit of flour and buttermilk, a lot of random spices – homemade KFC is incredibly easy and so, so good! Culinary heroes: Growing up, I had very influential head chefs and watching TV’s Rick Stein was the one I related to the most as he was passionate about fish and simplicity, and that struck home with me. But my heroes are the unsung ones; the chefs I am very much friends with now, that I learnt my trade with, and competed with on a daily basis. Those CDPs [Chef de Parties] who now their own kitchens and are successful head chefs in their own right are the ones who inspired me to be better than
them and, hopefully, I did the same to them. Healthy competition breeds a culture of winners and these chefs are my heroes and I owe a lot to them! Menu highlights: Lamb rump, Ratte potatoes, pickled Shimeji and pea, Little Gem lettuce. When I look around The Mill and see the grass and the landscape, this dish typifies our location and my style of food. There’s no ego here; it’s simply good ingredients married and paired with each other to give a light dish that’s very much packed with flavour and looks after the health conscious. Favourite menu dish: Cod loin mussels and Bombay potato – I love curry and I love fish, so again this is simple, fresh and packs a little heat. What else do you need? Summer recipe: Height of summer, it’s got to be an open mackerel sandwich – yes, it’s incredibly simple, but with a glass of white wine and the sun shining it’s perfect. Simple toasted homemade sourdough! A simple diced beetroot and potato salad, mixed with chives and light mayonnaise with a tiny hint of English mustard, buttermilk mackerel.
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20/06/2021 23:33
LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
10 TOP DAYS OUT
As lockdown restrictions are lifted and more venues begin opening their doors again, make this summer extra special with our guide to some super days out in East Anglia. LK SUFFO Ickworth House, Bury St Edmunds
With its classical Rotunda, East and West Wings forming the centrepiece, the stunning Ickworth Estate reflects the tenacious spirit of its former owners, the Hervey Family. Ickworth House was designed to impress; grand yet functional, austere and splendid and designed to entertain on a grand scale for favoured guests. It was built as an 18th century palace to showcase the many treasures and art collected by the Earl Bishop, the fourth earl of Bristol, and featured the earliest Italianate garden in England. Take your first steps into Ickworth’s story with one of the National Trust’s tours of the building or explore the tranquil parkland and gardens. nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth 01284 735270 The Rotunda, Horringer IP29 5QE
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, Layer-de-la-Haye
Photograph by Dave Watts
ESSEX
A wetland site of international importance for wildfowl, Essex Wildlife Trust’s Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park attracts up to 40,000 ducks, swans and geese each year. Excellent bird watching opportunities and fabulous, panoramic views are afforded over the huge expanse of England’s fourth largest reservoir with an area of 1,200 acres. Late summer brings the spectacle of large numbers of swans and ducks moulting – replacing their worn-out feathers – on the reservoir. Safety is vital while they do so because they replace all their flight feathers at once, which means that for a while they are unable to fly. Visitors can enjoy walks on the nature reserve, while taking in stunning sights across the reservoir from the three accessible hides. abberton@essexwt.org.uk 01206 738172 Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, Church Rd, Layer-de-la-Haye CO2 0EU
Snettisham Park, King’s Lynn
Nature lovers will thoroughly enjoy a visit to Snettisham Park where you can nurture your bottle-feeding skills with newborn lambs. Enjoy one of three trails around this working farm – the Farming Trail will take you on a fascinating stroll around the park and farmland, the Discovery Trail takes your through some of the 328 acres of beautiful Norfolk countryside – be sure to bring your binoculars if you’re a twitcher – and discover the site’s important Roman and Saxon roots on the Archaeology Trail. Get up close and personal with the park’s spectacular herd of red deer, which will be more than happy to feed straight from your hands, during a Deer Safari and much more. snettishampark.co.uk 01485 542425 Snettisham Park, Bircham Road, Snettisham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 7NG
NORFO LK
IRE IDGESH
Peterborough Cathedral
CAMBR
Peterborough Cathedral is one of the finest Norman cathedrals in England. Founded as a monastic community in 654 AD, it became one of the most significant medieval abbeys in the country, the burial place of two queens – and the scene of Civil War upheavals. The cathedral provides the final resting place for Mary, Queen of Scots (1587), while Katherine of Aragon, first wife and queen of Henry VIII, is buried in the monastic church. A tour of the upper levels of the 900-year-old cathedral is an unforgettable experience. Not only do you see the construction of the medieval building close up, but also you emerge to take in spectacular views across the city. If heights are not really your thing, the ground level Highlights Tour is just for you, exploring the key features of the building’s history and architecture. Please visit websites for further information, opening times, entry fees and the latest Covid guidance and restrictions. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich
One of Suffolk’s most treasured landmarks, this beautiful building built on the site of the Holy Trinity Priory, which was founded in the 12th century, is the jewel in the crown of Ipswich’s historic past. Boasting more than 500 years of history, Christchurch Mansion hosts a fine array of art from Suffolk artists including the biggest collection of Gainsborough and Constable paintings outside of London. You will love exploring the period rooms from the Tudor kitchen to the sumptuous Georgian saloon and the beautifully decorated Victorian wing. ipswich.cimuseums.org.uk 01473 433100 Christchurch Mansion, Soane Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 2BE
Colchester Castle
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If you love history, then a visit to Colchester Castle provides the perfect day out. The first of the great keeps and the largest built by the Normans in Europe, the castle was constructed on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, built when Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain. Guided tours will take you down into the Roman vaults and up on to the castle roof. Enjoy interactive displays and star exhibits like the Colchester Gladiator Vase and Fenwick Hoard of Roman treasure, or you can have a go at building a Norman archway or steering a Roman chariot. Afterwards, stroll around the beautiful grounds and head for nearby High Street for a delicious lunch or afternoon tea at The George Hotel or St Nicholas Hotel! colchester.cimuseums.org.uk 01206 282939 Colchester Castle Museum, Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1TJ
The Mill, Sudbury
Watch swans glide past a whitewashed mill, nestled on the riverbank by an ancient bridge, framed by weeping willows. Lush green water meadows stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a vision of perfection…The Mill Hotel, a beautifully converted watermill in the Constable country town of Sudbury, Suffolk. Visit some of the picturesque villages dotted around the loveliest countryside in scenes made famous by romantic artist John Constable, and then treat yourselves to a special lunch at this special venue. themillhotelsudbury.co.uk 01787 375544 info@themillhotelsudbury.co.uk The Mill Hotel, Walnut Tree Lane, Sudbury CO10 1BD
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL Nene Park, Peterborough Nene Park is a large area of parkland to the west of Peterborough and is the region’s favourite place to get outdoors and enjoy nature. It is made up of six different areas connected by the River Nene – Ferry Meadows, Orton Meadows, Orton Mere, Woodston Reach, Thorpe Meadows and The Rural Estate comprising parkland, meadows, woodlands and lakes.
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Photograph by Michelle Lee
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From walks and trails to watersports, Nene Park has so much to offer and one of the highlights is taking a trip around Overton Lake in the park’s electrically powered boat. Each trip is 30 to 45 minutes for up to 12 passengers and the service runs on weekends from March to October and during school holidays. nenepark.org.uk 01733 234193 Nene Park, Ham Farm House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU
Sandringham Estate
Treat your mum like royalty and take her to Sandringham, the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen and the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1864. The House is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate, 240 hectares of which make up the woodland and heath of the Sandringham Royal Park (open to the public free of charge every day of the year). The park has two waymarked trails for cycling or strolling, winding through woodlands and parkland with further unmarked paths for you to discover. Dog-friendly, it has a children’s play area and other facilities, including the Sandringham Shop for souvenirs and Terrace Cafe if the grandchildren are coming along too. sandringhamestate.co.uk 01485 545400 Sandringham, Norfolk, PE35 6EN
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Duke’s Head Hotel, King’s Lynn
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Just a few minutes’ drive from Sandringham in the quintessential market town of King’s Lynn is the imposing Duke’s Head Hotel – perfect for lunch, afternoon tea or glass of celebratory bubbly! Princesses, political icons…the historic Duke’s Head has played host to them all. Today, period charm meets contemporary chic enveloped in elegance, with the very best local produce on offer in the acclaimed Turner’s restaurant and the buzzing Massey & Co bar. The Duke’s Head is a dining destination for every occasion that never misses an opportunity to showcase Norfolk’s best, so what better way to make your day special than in a venue that’s fit for royalty? dukesheadhotel.com 01553 774 996 reception@dukesheadhotel.com The Dukes Head Hotel, 5-6 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JS
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HOTELS & LEISURE
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lose to Stansted Airport, Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel is a traditional Tudor-style manor with a contemporary interior, set in a beautiful countryside location between the Hertfordshire and Essex border. The proud owner of the Lakeside Restaurant and fabulous Garden Bar, this exceptional hotel offers mindfulness-inducing views of the lake and garden and the exquisite menus will ensure your meal will be top class.
Unwind by the lake
Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire Take a stroll around the water’s edge and sit back to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea or dinner while soaking up the stunning views. suryahotels.co.uk / 41
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HOTELS & LEISURE
Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel Tilekiln Green Great Hallingbury Bishops Stortford CM22 7TJ 01279 506475 info@greathallingburymanor.co.uk www.suryahotels.co.uk/greathallingburymanor/
Long, lazy lunches with friends, afternoon tea, a quiet dinner for two or a special occasion that calls for a special setting – the restaurant hosts them all in style. Great Hallingbury Manor is one of the finest hotels in the area, ideally placed just minutes from the airport and a short drive to the bustling market town of Bishop’s Stortford. Boutique style and elegant, it has 43 beautifully designed rooms and suites ranging from classic doubles
and modern deluxe rooms to luxury superior rooms – all of which are progressively stylish, immensely comfortable and pristinely maintained. It’s no surprise this hotel is award winning – in August 2017, Great Hallingbury Manor and its stable block were awarded 4 stars by the AA, while Great Hallingbury House is currently awaiting a review by the award bestowing organisation. Remember when flying from Stansted Airport, Great Hallingbury
Manor is the perfect place to stay, and there’s a great Stay, Park and Fly package offer (check our exclusive offers, p20) for you and your family to start your trip on a high! Conveniently located near the M11, A10 and Stansted Airport, Great Hallingbury Manor is also a prime location for business travellers and conference meetings. Whatever the occasion, you’ll want to come back.
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HOTELS & LEISURE
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The Hog’s Back Hotel & Spa
Exceptional space and service Whatever the occasion, The Hog’s Back Hotel & Spa, Farnham, Surrey will meet your needs.
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he Hog’s Back Hotel & Spa benefits from having a purpose-built, dedicated meeting and events space capable of accommodating from 10 to 200 guests in a range of suitably sized, fully airconditioned rooms. The facilities have a separate entrance to the hotel and a reception ‘break-out’ area with toilet facilities making them the ideal choice for clients seeking safety and security for their associates and themselves in the current climate.
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With an ‘out of town’ location yet with easy access from the A3, M3 and M25 and ample free car parking available on site – as well as the close proximity of mainline train stations at Farnham and Guildford with direct trains to and from London taking less than an hour – the hotel’s meeting facilities offer the perfect solution for ‘socially distanced’ gatherings.
HOTELS & LEISURE
Whether it’s weddings and private social events for up to 180 guests or providing healthy nutritious meals and snacks for hardworking business executives, the team regularly work directly with clients to ensure that, wherever possible, their personal preferences are catered for no matter how challenging these may be.
The meeting facilities are equipped with the ‘Click-Share’ presentation system and an extensive range of audio-visual equipment supported by a team of on-site professionals who are always available to ensure that events run smoothly and offer their assistance wherever required. The hotel also provides a range of inhouse catering services with all food freshly prepared on site by a team of dedicated chefs.
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Room revamp It’s been a busy time at The Hog’s Back Hotel & Spa with refurbishment of the hotel’s 96 rooms taking place. “The refurbishment work started months ago but, as we were operational, we could only take two rooms off at a time,” says General Manager Tim Hall, explaining that minimum inconvenience to guests was a priority. “Once completed, all 96 bedrooms in the hotel will have been refurbished but we still have 24 rooms left to do. “The refurbishment includes new bedroom furniture, decor, carpets and curtains and refurbished bathrooms. We are also redecorating and re-carpeting sections of the bedroom corridors and hotel stairwells at the same time to bring everywhere up to a similar standard.”
The Hog’s Back Hotel & Spa Seale, Farnham Surrey GU10 1EX 01252 782345 res@farnhamhogsbackhotel.co.uk www.suryahotels.co.uk/thehogsbackhotelspa/
Set high on a wooded ridge in the Surrey countryside, The Hog’s Back Hotel & Spa’s distinctive façade has been a welcome sight for travellers for generations. Resplendent in red brick, with refined good looks, it’s an imposing sight. Inside, the accent is on classic comfort, from the stylish restaurant and bar to the spacious, light-filled and now revamped bedrooms.
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HOTELS & LEISURE
‘We’ve missed that buzz!’ Thatcher’s Hotel, East Horsley, Surrey
Catering for key workers during the latest lockdown, staff at Thatcher’s Hotel cannot wait to get back to normal and welcome back all guests in much need of a great staycation.
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hatcher’s, like other Surya Hotels, continued to welcome permitted guests during lockdown, giving key workers and those with no other choice but to stay with us some of the hospitality many have missed during the latest pandemic restrictions. “This in itself has been a challenge with the limited and ever-changing nature of the service that we have been able to provide our guests,” reflects Operations Manager James Connolly, who has just joined the hotel’s senior team along with new Head Chef Antony Dadzie. “The team here are eager to get back to a more traditional form of hospitality and a relaxation of rules which should
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lead to that buzz that we all miss,” adds James, who says staff have been working hard to ensure the venue is ready to welcome back leisure guests for a muchneeded break. Head Chef Antony has been working hard on the menu, which includes some delicious new dishes, including White Asparagus, Poached Duck Egg, and Burnt Butter Hollandaise! Thatcher’s Hotel is a fabulous Tudorstyle property set in the heart of the glorious Surrey countryside. Just under an hour away from London, lying between Guildford and Leatherhead in the quaint village of East Horsley, it offers the perfect city escape and is well positioned to explore the many local attractions in the surrounding area.
Thatcher’s Hotel Guildford Road East Horsley Surrey KT24 6TB
There are 87 guest rooms, including double, twin, family and interconnecting rooms. For extra comfort and convenience, Thatcher’s also offers guests free onsite parking and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
01483 280 500 reception@thatchershotel.co.uk www.suryahotels.co.uk/thatchershotel/
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HOTELS & LEISURE
St Nicholas Hotel, Colchester, Essex
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olchester’s former St Nicholas House and church were refurbished as part of a major £10m project, revealing itself as a stylish 44-bedroom hotel set in the heart of the historic town.
St Nicholas Hotel High Street Colchester, Essex CO1 1DN 01206 578494 info@stnicholashotelcolchester.co.uk www.suryahotels.co.uk/stnicholashotel/
Forming part of The George Hotel, located opposite and completely renovated too, guests will be able to enjoy the benefit of both fantastic venues. Step inside St Nicholas Hotel and the accent is on modern comfort and spacious light-filled bedrooms with all the amenities you require to make your stay enjoyable.
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FOOD & DRINK
Booming popularity of Korean cuisine inspires new launch
Global foods leader Surya Foods to launch an authentic Korean range into national retail this summer. suryahotels.co.uk / 51
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FOOD & DRINK
The delights of Bibimbap (Rice Bowl), Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles) and Samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ) will soon be within easy reach of enthusiastic UK home cooks with the launch of Sun Hee’s Korean range into Tesco this summer. The launch puts classic Korean ingredients at the fingertips of UK consumers with the Sun Hee range spanning traditional Korean BBQ Sauce, Gochujang (sun-dried red chilli paste), Soy Bean Paste and Kimchi – probably the most recognisable traditional Korean food in the world made from spicy fermented cabbage. Harry Dulai, Surya Foods Managing Director, says: “We are excited to bring this much-loved cuisine to UK home cooks looking to recreate their favourite
Korean dishes at home. Sun Hee is a truly authentic Korean range, produced in Korea to traditional recipes, for discerning shoppers who are passionate about genuine flavours.” He adds: “Footballing superstar Son Heung-min and K-pop (Korean pop) have catapulted Korean culture into the spotlight in the UK, but food has also been a critical part of its rise to popularity. London has long had an established Korean restaurant scene, but its popularity is definitely gaining momentum with celebrity chef Judy Joo recently launching her Korean Street Food venture Seoul Bird in London – delighting foodies with her classic Korean style fried chicken. It is quite remarkable how UK consumers have embraced Korean cuisine with Korean venues popping up across the UK.
“We are delighted to be a part of this movement which sees more major supermarkets stocking key Korean ingredients and foods to give UK consumers easy access to this increasingly popular cuisine.” On the rise for several years, Korean food appears to have truly broken through during the last year with its arrival on the UK’s mainstream supermarket aisles. The new range includes: Sun Hee Korean BBQ Sauce; Sun Hee Gochujang; Sun Hee Soy Bean Paste; Sun Hee Kimchi. suryafoodsonline.com
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FOOD & DRINK
Method
Ingredients
Rice Sesame oil, 1 ½ tbsp White sesame seeds, 1 tbsp Soy sauce, ½ tbsp Powder stock, 1 tsp Salt, a small pinch Bean sprouts Thin carrot sticks, a handful each Spinach (or any leaf ) Egg x 1 Your choice of meat (optional) Kimchi, as you like Gochujang, 1 tsp Korean BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp
1. Cook rice 2. And while cooking rice… 3. Let’s make marinated vegetables And fry your choice of meat*! Mix all the together Boil vegetables... Carrots (2 min) Bean sprouts (1 min) Spinach (30 sec) Drain Mix vegetables & sauce Done! 4. Fry your choice of meat or *substitution with Korean BBQ sauce 5. Put rice in a bowl Add 2, 3, Kimchi & Gochujang Add raw egg yolk or an egg how you like it on top
Korean Favourite
Bibimbap
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HOTELS & LEISURE
Duke’s Head Hotel, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
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here can be few more imposing hotels in the east of England than the Duke’s Head Hotel. Its striking powder-blue façade, a study in Georgian elegance, is as much a part of King’s Lynn’s Tuesday Market Place as the stalls that have traded here for generations. It’s the quintessential market town hotel – a handsome hostelry with history at every turn, restored and restyled for the discerning 21st century traveller. Today, period charm meets contemporary chic; spacious rooms envelop you in comfort, and the very best local produce is served in an acclaimed restaurant and buzzing bar.
Dukes Head Hotel 5-6 Tuesday Market Place King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 1JS 01553 774 996 reception@dukesheadhotel.com www.suryahotels.co.uk/thedukeshead/
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DISCOUNT CODE: SUMMER21
Virgin Ginny Verdi
Apple & Spice
Strawberry Fizz
Espresso Martini
50ml Seedlip Citrus 25ml cucumber & cardamom syrup 3-4 lime wedges Dash of club soda 1 bunch basil 1 small bunch thyme
50ml Deadman Finger’s Coconut 75ml Eager Apple Juice 25ml fresh lime 50g sliced chilli
50ml New Amsterdam Vodka 50ml Prosecco 2 whole strawberries 15ml honey ½ lime
25ml New Amsterdam Vodka Double shot Paddy & Scott’s Espresso 20ml vanilla syrup 25ml Tia Maria
In the mix! Channel your inner Tom Cruise and try shaking things up with these fabulous cocktails, courtesy of the team at the Duke’s Head Hotel.
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
DESTINATION: LUXURY
From murder mystery lunches to unforgettable day and weekend trips through the countryside, the Belmond British Pullman evokes the golden age of travel and offers timeless luxury that stops you in your tracks. All aboard…
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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
knowledge of the history of the train adding to the experience.
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t ended 2020 with the accolade of being named the best luxury train journey in the world. The Belmond British Pullman was voted hands-down winner in the illustrious Condé Nast Travellers’ 2020 Readers Choice Awards. It is no wonder that highly coveted seats aboard this king of railroad history can sell out a year in advance. And with the nation and world beginning to emerge from lockdown limbo, it makes perfect sense to start planning your dream train journey now. Running regular departures out of London Victoria Station (and occasional departures from other stations around the UK), the British Pullman offers the discerning traveller a chance to step back in time and experience luxury train travel as it was – and should be. Golden age Featuring original, fully restored 1920s Art Deco carriages and exceptional service delivered by liveried stewards, the train evokes the golden age of travel when travellers dressed to the nines and had the time to soak up the experience. The exquisite design and workmanship of the carriages is legendary; period lamps cast a soft glow over the polished brass, veneered panels and glossy mahogany fittings, while plump armchairs provide a supremely comfortable and intimate dining ambience. The crew have more than two centuries of service with the Belmond British Pullman between them, their expert
History Belmond British Pullman carriages, once part of world-famous trains such as the Golden Arrow and the Brighton Belle, form the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress between London and Folkestone for journeys to Venice and other European cities. American industrialist George Mortimer Pullman is credited with introducing luxury train travel in the USA with his Pioneer carriage, built in 1864 and the first to be designed with passenger comfort in mind. Following a visit to England, the Pullman Palace Car Company was formed in 1882 and began running a boat train service taking passengers to France. Different services came and went, but by 1913 there were five daily boat trains in each direction, including eleven Pullman coaches. Due to the outbreak of World War I, civilian travel to the Continent ceased in 1914. After the war ended, the boat train service resumed and by 1924 an allPullman train ran from Victoria to Dover. In 1929, the Golden Arrow started operating and, five years later, the Pullman Limited Express was renamed the Brighton Belle. The 20s and 30s were the heyday of luxury train travel and the carriages built in that period were the most comfortable, elegant and luxurious ever seen. In 1936, the introduction of the Night Ferry provided another way to reach Paris from London. Specially constructed Wagons-Lits carriages could be transferred across the Channel by custom-built train ferries. World War II interrupted cross-Channel services when many carriages were damaged or destroyed. Although services resumed after the war, the growth of air travel triggered the decline of luxury train travel. In 1961, the last steam-hauled journey of the Golden Arrow took place and in 1972 the service ended, with the Night Ferry ceasing eight years later.
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Nestled in the hollows of its seven enveloping hills, the honey-hued, historic city offers passengers Regency splendour and a Jane Austen ambience. Leaving London Victoria behind, the 1920s carriages head west as brunch is served with a Bellini cocktail. Guests are able to choose a walking tour of the city, or enjoy free time to shop, visit the Roman Baths and enjoy the sights at leisure. Celebrity chefs Belmond British Pullman runs a series of celebrity chef pop-up dinners, a highlight of the train’s calendar. Revival In October 1977, American entrepreneur James B Sherwood bought two 1920s Orient-Express sleeper carriages at a Sotheby’s sale in Monte Carlo and set about reviving the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express service. He scoured Europe to find other carriages to create a full train. Seven Pullmans and two baggage cars were the first to be restored, ready for the train’s launch in 1982. These were joined by Lucille in 1986, Vera in 1990 and Gwen in 1999. Each carriage has a rich history, detailed in a booklet sent to passengers before they arrive for their journey. Audrey, for example, was a first-class kitchen car built in 1932 for the Brighton Belle and has carried the Queen and other members of the Royal Family as well as surviving a Blitz bombing raid. Cygnus performed a starring role in the Festival of Britain in 1951 and was often used to transport heads of state and part of Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral train. The inaugural journey of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from London to Venice took place on 25 May 1982. Later that year, a programme of day excursions throughout Britain was created. British authenticity Under the guidance of the train’s executive chef, innovative new menus
are regularly devised to maintain what is one of London’s most remarkable dining experiences. Chefs create exceptional cuisine within the tiny space of the train’s galleys and the beautifully presented food is nimbly served to guests as the train moves along. It’s an authentic British experience in every sense; for instance, the tea comes from the Tregothnan estate and the carefully curated cheeses served on board are all from UK suppliers. Murder Mystery Lunches This is one of Belmond British Pullman’s signature journeys and perfect for groups. Guests are presented with clues by a cast of ‘suspects’ and try to solve the ‘murder’ while enjoying a sumptuous fourcourse lunch of seasonal produce and regional dishes expertly paired with Champagne and wines.
These special events showcase the chefs’ signature cuisine, with a multicourse menu paired with wines. Following a Champagne reception at Belmond British Pullman’s private lounge in London’s Victoria Station, guests board for an evening of theatrical dining and entertainment. The train makes a round trip through stunning countryside, returning to London Victoria during these exclusive evenings for just 100 passengers, allowing guests to spend quality time with their favourite chefs. belmond.com
Those who solve the murder are awarded prizes for guessing the ‘culprit’ correctly. Channelling the razor-sharp wit of Miss Marple and the expert reasoning of Hercule Poirot, the journey feels like a voyage into the pages of an Agatha Christie novel set in the bucolic Kent countryside. Day trip to Bath Another of Belmond British Pullman’s signature journeys is a visit to the handsome Georgian city of Bath – the quintessential day out.
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2
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Unlocking the Power of Composites for Gardens, Patios and Outdoor Spaces adverts.indd 9
22/09/2020 14:42
LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL
A DEEP, ENDURING BOND
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Rolex has unveiled its new Submariner range, the iconic watch worn by everyone from professional divers to the world’s most famous secret agent.
hen it first went into production in 1953, few could have predicted the global cult following that would be clocked up by the Rolex Submariner over seven decades. The iconic Rolex Submariner Reference 6538 was worn by actor Sean Connery as James Bond in Dr No in 1962, followed by From Russia with Love, Goldfinger and Thunderball. Aside from its long association as the watch of choice for a movie legend, the Submariner truly set the standard for diver’s watches and became a titan of timepieces. The new generation Now, Rolex has introduced the new generation Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date. Both watches feature a redesigned, slightly larger 41mm case and a remodelled bracelet. They are equipped with movements at the forefront of watchmaking technology – the Submariner with calibre 3230 and
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the Submariner Date with calibre 3235, offering both time and date functions, and used in the range for the first time. True to its aesthetic heritage, the new Submariner in Oystersteel (£6,450) has a black dial and rotatable bezel with a matching, high-tech ceramic Cerachrom insert. A yellow Rolesor version (£11,450) of the Submariner Date, combining Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold, presents a royal blue dial with a rotatable bezel and a blue Cerachrom insert. Two versions of the Submariner Date, one in Oystersteel (£7,650) and the other in 18ct white gold (£31,850) bring original colour combinations, with the dial and Cerachrom insert in different hues. The first watch blends a black dial with a green bezel, while the second offers a black dial and a blue bezel.
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Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Submariner Date carry the Superlative Chronometer certification ensuring excellent performance on the wrist.
forms – triangles, circles and rectangles – enable instant and reliable reading, preventing any risk of confusion underwater. The Submariner and Submariner Date also feature a Chromalight display, incorporating a luminescent material.
An extraordinary history The creation of the Submariner is closely linked to the development of deep-sea diving. In the early 1940s, the exploration of the deep marked a significant turning point with the advent of scuba diving.
Time confidence Rolex played a pioneering role in the development of special ceramics for creating monobloc bezels and bezel inserts.
At the time, Rolex played an important role in the development and manufacturing of waterproof chronometer wristwatches, thanks in particular to the Oyster case, patented in 1926. As the brand wanted to create a watch that met divers’ practical needs as closely as possible, in the 1950s it began an experimental process that involved many successful collaborations with diving pioneers. The experiments carried out and subsequent technical advances led to the introduction in 1953 of the Submariner, the first diver’s wristwatch waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Just a year after its launch, the waterproofness of the Submariner was increased to a depth of 200 metres (660
On these versions of the Submariner and Submariner Date, the uni-directional rotatable bezel is fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in black, green or blue ceramic that allows divers to confidently monitor their dive times. feet). The watch was soon fitted with other technical innovations, such as a luminescent disc on the hour hand to clearly distinguish it from the minute hand, and a crown guard. In 1969, Rolex unveiled the Submariner Date, adding the date function. Its waterproofness, then guaranteed to 200 metres, was extended in 1979 to a depth of 300 metres (1,000 feet). The waterproofness of the Submariner achieved the same depth in 1989. Over time, the appeal of the Submariner and Submariner Date has extended well beyond the marine world. With their proven performance, these tool watches have become archetypes of the action watch on land as underwater.
The moulded, recessed graduations and numerals are coated with platinum or yellow gold via PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). The bezel’s knurled edge offers excellent grip, to comfortably set dive time even when wearing gloves. Almost seven decades since its inception, the timeless Rolex Submariner’s sublime aesthetics and superlative technology have created a bond with fans the world over that’s deeper than ever. www.rolex.com
Clear and precise When diving, being able to read the time with absolute certainty is a matter of survival. The dial of the Submariner and Submariner Date is designed to be clean and unambiguous. The hour and minute hands, clearly differentiated in size and shape, and the hour markers in simple geometric
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HOTELS & LEISURE
DISCOUNT CODE: SUMMER21
Dragonfly Hotels
In four key east of England locations, our Dragonfly Hotels deliver comfort, convenience, and efficient, switched-on service, sensibly priced so you can do more with your trip – whether you’re staying for business, leisure, or a little bit of both. Relax in the remodelled restaurant and bar, Barley + Graze, or recline in the spacious confines of your room, enjoying the award-winning Hypnos beds, Freeview channels and complimentary WiFi. There’s free on-site parking too and all sites have electric chargers..
Dragonfly, Colchester, Essex Newly refurbished, Dragonfly Colchester provides a relaxing haven just outside of town, where the A12 meets the A120. Colchester’s historic centre is minutes away and escaping to the Essex countryside from here is a breeze. Castles, zoos and Constable country are all on your doorstep. 01206 230900 enquiries@dragonflycolchester.co.uk A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction Colchester, Essex CO7 7QY www.suryahotels.co.uk/ dragonflycolchester/
Dragonfly, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk The Bury St Edmunds hotel is a newly refurbished restful retreat set just outside of town, off the A14 and A134, in close proximity to Cambridge, Ely and Newmarket, making it an ideal base from which to explore the charms of East Anglia. Bury St Edmunds’ historic centre is minutes away, and visiting the town’s award-winning restaurants, fantastic shops, annual festivals, and stunning park couldn’t be easier. 01284 760884 enquiries@dragonflyburystedmunds.co.uk Symonds Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7DZ www.suryahotels.co.uk/ dragonflyburystedmunds/
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HOTELS & LEISURE
Dragonfly, King’s Lynn, Norfolk Dragonfly King’s Lynn is newly refurbished and provides the ideal setting just outside of town, where the A47 meets the A10. King’s Lynn’s historic centre is minutes away, with its rich and fascinating maritime heritage, while the unspoilt North Norfolk coast beckons. 01553 771707 enquiries@dragonflykingslynn.co.uk Beveridge Way Hardwick Narrows, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 4NB www.suryahotels.co.uk/ dragonflykingslynn/
Dragonfly, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire The Peterborough hotel provides the ideal setting for a short break or business trip and overlooks a serene lake, which is home to the city’s international rowing course. Located just off the A47 with great transport links to the local area, local attractions nearby include Peterborough Cathedral, Hamerton Zoo Park, Nene Valley Railway and Nene Park. 01733 564240 fd@dragonflypeterborough.co.uk Thorpe Meadows Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE3 6GA www.suryahotels.co.uk/ dragonflypeterborough/
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DISCOUNT CODE: SUMMER21
Fryatt Hotel & Bar, Harwich, Essex Located on the North Sea coast, Fryatt Hotel & Bar is a newly refurbished traditional hotel and bar, located a stone’s throw away from the ferry terminal and beach. The name stems from Captain Charles Algernon Fryatt – British mariner, Master of the Great Eastern Steamship and local Harwich hero. Fryatt Hotel & Bar offers flexible accommodation with two cottages, set at the back of the guest house sleeping up to four guests each, plus there are 16 rooms with Free Wi-Fi. The pub offers a great selection of drinks and fantastic menu, and there is free on-site parking.
Fryatt Hotel & Bar 65 Garland Road Harwich Essex CO12 4PA 01255 240770 info@fryatthotelharwich.co.uk www.suryahotels.co.uk/ fryatthotel/
If there’s someone you know who also appreciates the finer things in life, why not treat them to the gift of choice?
CHERER A GIFGTIFVTOVUEOOUNCEH E A R SOMOMEON FO S FSO ECPIEACLIAL PR S
Beautifully presented with a personalised eVoucher, it’s valid for a year after purchase at any Surya Hotels venue, giving plenty of time to choose how they want to spend it and plan ahead. Surprise someone special with an unexpected afternoon tea or make a real statement and pair it with a well-deserved night away. Decisions, decisions…
Gift vouchers are available to buy online with instant delivery: www.suryahotels.co.uk
suryahotels.co.uk / 65 59
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Beer & BWR Bricklayers, Colchester, Essex
Enjoy the sunshine and the beer garden while eating the best food in town – the Bricklayers Arms has teamed up with Burgers, Wings & Ribs! The new and improved Bricklayers Arms is a traditional, family-run public house in the heart of Colchester with a beer garden that provides an amazing sun trap. Now you can soak up the rays while tucking into delicious food from our friends at BWR and enjoying beer, wine, spirits or cocktails.
Bricklayers 01206 852008 facebook.com/bricklayersarmscolchester/
Tom Peppers sports-themed bar is the perfect place to watch all the sporting action. Whether you’re cheering on your favourite football team, or simply enjoying a few drinks with friends, you can catch all the latest action here.
Tom Peppers, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex Tom Peppers 01255 423199 facebook.com/tompeppersclacton/
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Stay. Explore. Discover.
We are now accepting enquiries for
Christmas 2021 Over the festive months it will be a pleasure to welcome you & your guests to celebrate this magical season with us at Surya... we have some celebrating to make up for!
CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS FESTIVE LUNCH & DINNERS TWO/THREE NIGHT CHRISTMAS BREAK CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA BOXING DAY LUNCH TWIXMAS STAY NYE CELEBRATIONS NYE GETAWAY *all offerings are subject to site
Please keep updated on our website & socials for all our festivities and releases on our Christmas brochures, menus & packages- for any enquiries please fill in our form on our website www.suryahotels.co.uk
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