Dates for the Diary What to do, where to stay
The Guest Book This month’s top picks
2017 Edition 12
Burns and Night the
Scottish Highlands There’s only one place to be this January!
Jane The Austen Padbrook 200: UK Burger!
Celebrations
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CONTENTS
Inside Cover: Humber Bridge by FreeImages.com/Martin Gregory
Burns Night
4 5 6 7 8 9
The Guest Book Dates for the Diary Park Broom Lodge Citystay Serviced Apartments Infotel Business Lincoln Self Catering
Scottish Highlands
10 11 16 18 20
Holiday Inn Express London Golders Green
Burns Night Stays
Let the Food do the Talking Jane Austen 200
A Postcard from... Scottish Highlands
22 23 24 26 28
Top Picks in the Scottish Highlands Smithton Hotel The Infotel Specials Surya Hotels Featured Group Chef’s Corner
3
This month’s collection of Infotel properties to check-in to
Lakeside Lodge Golf Centre Huntingdon
Hillingdon Prince Reading
South Bridgwater
Appleby Inn Hotel
Forest View Hotel
Nethybridge Hotel
The Winchester Hotel & Spa Winchester
Swadlincote
London
Nethy Bridge
Cairn Hotel Harrogate
4
Walnut Tree Hotel
Headingley Lodge Hotel Leeds
Aztec Hotel & Spa Bristol
January
DATES FOR THE DIARY
What’s On? 2017
1 January London’s New Year’s Day Parade London >>
1 - 8 January Made in Hull Opening Event Hull >>
2 January Liverpool International Horse Show Echo Arena Liverpool >>
7 & 8 January Hammer & Tongue UK Poetry Slam Finals, Albert Hall London >> Until 8 January Leonardo da Vinci: Ten drawings from the Royal Collection, Glynn Vivien Art Gallery Swansea >> 25 January Donny Osmond Bournemouth International Centre Bournemouth >>
Where?
When?
23 - 28 January Dirty Dancing Theatre Royal Newcastle >>
25 & 26 January Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour Sheffield >>
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FEATURE
Park Broom Lodge Carlisle, Cumbria CA6 4QH
£45 01775 843413
From £55
Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
This guest house is about 20 miles from Hadrian’s Wall and less than 12 miles from Gretna, just over the Scottish border, and conveniently located for Northumberland’s Kielder Water and Forest Park which are only 20 minutes away. Generously sized comfortable twin, triple and family en-suite rooms are available, all with new bathrooms, fluffy white towels and views over open countryside or the pretty one acre garden.
“From the moment we entered we were made to feel like honoured guests and nothing during our stay changed that opinion.” A Trip Advisor Review
Each bedroom is stylishly furnished with carefully chosen statement pieces, flat screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities.
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40 On-site
Free WiFi Restaurant
Bar
Wedding Receptions
Private Parties
Airport Parking
Great for Hiking
Golf Nearby
Check In 4.00pm
Check Out 10.30am
FEATURE
Citystay Serviced Apartments Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB4 1SS
£126 01775 843413
From
Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
Citystay is the one of the best providers of serviced accommodation in Cambridge, offering one, two and three bedroom self-catering apartments across the City Centre. Guests have all the benefits of a hotel in a serviced apartment; large, modern and furnished to a high standard, with complimentary WiFi, a welcome pack and parking included in the price.
“A home away from home. Would recommend to everyone.”
The luxury welcome pack includes cereals, breads, preserves, milk, tea, coffee, sugar, mineral water, fresh fruit, juice, designer toiletries, washing powder and dishwater tablets.
1 Space On-site
Free WiFi
Kitchen
Serviced Apartments
CCTV
A Trip Advisor Review
Indoor Pool
Laundry Service
Check In 3.00pm
Check Out 10.00am
7
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FEATURE
Lincoln Self Catering Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN1 1QF
£60 01775 843413
From
Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
High quality accommodation at low prices and located within a conveniently short walk from Lincoln Castle, the railway and coach stations, supermarkets and restaurants. Each apartment has a kitchenette fitted with a fridge, ceramic hob, microwave, toaster and kettle. Bed linen, toiletries and towels are supplied and there’s a flat screen TV with Sky Sports and Movies, plus complimentary WiFi. If you don’t wish to eat in, there’s an excellent choice of restaurants on the Marina waterfront, just a four minute walk away.
“Simply brilliant and a great location” A Booking.com review
4 Spaces On-site
Free WiFi
Kitchen
Check In Serviced Apartments 1.00pm
Check Out 10.30am
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FEATURE
£77 01775 843413
From
Holiday Inn Express London Golders Green Golders Green, London N3 3JN
Situated by the A406 North Circular with direct access to the M1, M4 and M25 motorways, 19 miles from London City Airport and only five minutes drive from Golders Green and Finchley Central Tube stations for central London.
Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
“Rooms were spotlessly clean and comfortable, a large choice for breakfast with enough to suit all tastes” A Trip Advisor review
The recently renovated bedrooms are modern and spacious, simply furnished and have flat screen TV and desks with some rooms providing seating areas with sofabeds. A free continental or hot breakfast (and kosher breakfast) and parking is available plus a relaxed lounge bar and a business centre.
10
50 Spaces On-site £1
Free WiFi Restaurant
Bar
CCTV
24hr Wedding Reception Receptions
Private Parties
Air Conditioned
Luggage Storage
Check In 10.00am
Check Out 2.00pm
Burns Night Dust off your tartan and get the party started as Scotland raises a patriotic glass and recites the Ode to the Haggis in celebration of the country’s national bard, Robert Burns.
Tuck into a traditional Burns Night supper with neeps and tatties alongside the haggis and don’t forget the dram or two of single malt!
And when you’re ready to rest your head we have a canny collection for a super Scottish slumber!
BURNS NIGHT STAYS
Royal Highland Hotel Inverness, Inverness-shire IV1 1LG
A friendly, welcoming, Scottish hotel of magnetic character and charm awaits guests staying at this grand hotel, which along with superb hospitality, offers a classical culinary experience certain to leave a lasting impression, with locally caught fish and seafood taking a starring role on delicious menu.
Maryculter House Hotel Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB12 5GB
Located on the banks of the River Dee and overlooking the Petercutler Golf Course, Maryculter House Hotel is one of the most famous and historic hotels in Aberdeen. With a classic reputation for hospitality, from the building’s founding in 1227 by the Knights Templar, this location has been offering hospitality to travellers from far and wide for many years.
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BURNS NIGHT STAYS
Huntly Arms Hotel Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5HS
You’ll be following in the footsteps of Queen Victoria with a stay at the Huntly Arms Hotel, one of the oldest coaching inns in Scotland. Dating back to 1432, this charming property has been host to Jacobite leaders as well as royalty.
Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa Carnoustie, Angus DD7 7JE
From royal footsteps to a stay scoring famously with championship golfers such as Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomery, The Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa offers 81 luxury en-suite rooms with stunning views over the championship course, the sea and the local town.
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BURNS NIGHT STAYS
Murrayshall House Hotel Perth, Perthshire PH2 7PH
Hundreds of acres of woodland and parkland with deer, hares and wild birds greet guests at the award-winning Murrayshall House Hotel. With spectacular mountains providing a dramatic backdrop and the beautiful Perthshire countryside pleading to be explored, guests can enjoy horse riding, fishing, tennis and two championship golf courses at this 17th century stylish stunner.
Standing Stones Hotel Stromness, Orkney Islands KW16 3JX
Orkney lies only a few miles off the north coast of Scotland, yet this archipelago of 70 islands has an otherworldly quality and magnetism that will captivate visitors. Overlooking the Loch of Stenness, the Standing Stones Hotel is the perfect place to begin an Orkney exploration. Set back from the main Stormness to Kirkwall Road, the views of the loch never fail to impress, from midsummer sunsets to exciting winter horizons of drama.
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BURNS NIGHT STAYS
Sumburgh Hotel Shetland, Shetland Islands ZE3 9JN
Built in 1867 and a former laird’s home, guests can enjoy traditional Scottish fare at Sumburgh Hotel on the South Mainland of Shetland. Just a three minute walk from the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement, less than a mile from the ferry terminal and just over a mile from the airport, it’s ideally located for a Shetland stay, whether business or leisure.
Airth Castle Hotel & Spa Falkirk, Stirlingshire FK2 8JF
For a legendary stay, the Airth Castle Hotel & Spa was once owned by the family of Robert the Bruce and dates back to the 14th century. It offers plush en-suite rooms and suites, some with ancient four-poster beds, marble bathrooms, arched windows and exposed stone walls along with a new Velocity Fitness and Leisure Club, indoor pool and spa facilities.
15
FEATURE
Padbrook Park Hotel Golf & Country Club Cullompton, Devon EX15 1RU
ÂŁ65 01775 843413
From ÂŁ90
Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
Let the food do the talking Barry Lyness is Head Chef at Padbrook Park Hotel Golf and Country Club in Devon. With 40 bedrooms and the very best sporting, conference and leisure facilities, the hotel is the perfect place for business and leisure stays and only 15 minutes from Exeter International Airport.
16
INTERVIEW
How did you get into cooking? As a child I always enjoyed baking and decided to expand on it as an adult. I’ve now been a chef for 11 years, and for the last two months I’ve been at Padbrook Park.
Picture courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org
What’s proving to be the most popular dish on your menu this month and why do you think that is? Seared pork medallions. They’re sourced locally and are a brand new dish on our new menu. Who or what inspires your cooking? I don’t really have any particular favourite chefs so I tend to take my inspiration from my family, my team and former colleagues.
Which famous person, dead or alive, would you love to cook for and what would you serve them? I would love to cook for Roald Dahl. I’d serve him warm shell on shrimp, with garlic butter and crusty bread. What’s your favourite cuisine and why? I will try anything once and then a second time if I like it - my favourite though is European food.
If you were stranded on a desert island and allowed one item or ingredient from your kitchen, what would it be and why? I’d take the thickest recipe book I could find so I’d always have something to read!
The #shelfie - a chef’s five must have herbs and spices always available on the shelf! What are yours and why? Salt, pepper, thyme, sage and cumin are all essential because of their great flavours. What recipe have you chosen to share? I’ve chosen our homemade Padbrook Burger because they can be cooked to a guest’s specification and by making them fresh, as we do, they are consistently good on quality, texture and taste.
For the Padbrook Burger recipe in Chef’s Corner, turn to page 28
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JANE AUSTEN 200
Sitting with Jane
Jane Austen 200
2017 marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austen. Buried in Winchester Cathedral, the English novelist’s life and works will be celebrated and remembered with events and exhibitions across the world. The Bank of England is issuing a new £10 note bearing her portrait and a quote from Pride and Prejudice:
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“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading.” In Winchester, a trail of discovery using 12 of the writer’s quotes from her novels and correspondence will magically appear across the city centre when it rains! Running until the end of May, copies of the trail can be downloaded here or pick up a hard copy from Winchester Tourist Information Centre. Make the most of
JANE AUSTEN 200
Winchester’s celebrations and book a break at the sparkling 4 star boutique style Winchester Hotel & Spa. It’s only a 15 minute walk from the Cathedral, five minutes from the Railway Station and is perfectly placed for City exploration…come rain or shine! For the complete Winchester Collection >>
The Jane Austen Regency Week (17 - 25 June) in Alton and Chawton in Hampshire includes workshops, tours, walks, discussions and plenty of cream teas! If you’re looking for somewhere local to stay, the Swan Hotel in Alton is less than two miles from Jane Austen’s Cottage in Chawton.
Sitting with Jane takes place in Basingstoke from 17 June to 31 August. It’s a trail of sculptures of benches connecting visitors to the area where she grew up and her writing career began. Shaped liked an open book, each bench is uniquely designed and painted by a professional artist in a style inspired by the author’s life and times in Basingstoke, Steventon and the surrounding area.
Stay nearby Jane Austen’s House Museum >>
Basing yourself in Basingstoke couldn’t be easier. Audleys Wood Hotel has enjoyed a colourful history with owners and visitors, including the rich and famous! Today it is a 72 bedroom, 4 star hotel surrounded by woodlands and seven acres of private grounds… perfect for finding Mr Darcy! For a chapter in bed in Basingstoke >> 19
A POSTCARD FROM...
Scottish Highlands The
A mythical monster in Loch Ness, dolphins in the Moray Firth and the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis; just three of the many highlights this natural playground of adventure and discovery has to offer. Follow in the footsteps of Britain’s most suave secret agent with a visit to some iconic Scottish film locations. Marvel at the splendour of Glen Coe’s rugged peaks as you follow the same road 007 travelled along in Skyfall or visit Eilean Donan Castle, the Scottish headquarters of MI6 in The World is Not Enough. Recognised across the world, Eilean Donan has to be one of the most iconic images of Scotland. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands.
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A POSTCARD FROM... Equally impressive, the Dunrobin Castle (pictured right) is Scotland’s most northerly, largest and oldest continually inhabited house, dating back the early 1300s and home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland.
Forbidding mountains, thundering waterfalls and sparkling lochs set the dramatic scene for Scotland’s most famous glen. With millions of years fashioning the wild landscape, Glencoe is famous for its movie scenes, myths and menacing massacres. Start the day with a trip to the visitors’ centre to discover the history and take advice on suitable walks, from gentle rambles to more challenging ascents and descents, plus guidance on local weather conditions so you can keep safe.
The Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery is a unique experience blending the popularity of one of the UK’s most successful whiskies, The Famous Grouse, with Scotland’s oldest single malt whisky, The Glenturret, which is still hand crafted as it was over two centuries ago. There’s a range of tour experiences available; Tasting Experience, Warehouse Experience, Blending Experience and don’t forget to Bottle your Own straight from the cask!
Resembling a French chateau with its towering conical spires, the castle has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed the Houses of Parliament, and Sir Robert Lorimer. During WWI the castle was used as a naval hospital and as a boys boarding school from 1965 to 1972. Open from April to October, tour the castle and the Versailles inspired formal gardens before watching the Send a postcard from Scotland’s fabulous falconry displays. highest highland post box! But first you’ll need to take a mountain ride in Britain’s only gondolas! (pictured left) The journey takes you up 650m onto the slopes of Aonach Mor where you can walk along the mountain trails and enjoy panoramic vistas from the Snowgoose Restaurant and Bar or the Pinemartin Café.
It originates in the Highlands so there’s simply no excuse to leave without a piece of tartan! Found on the banks of the picturesque Loch Carron in Wester Ross, Lochcarron Weavers has a wonderful range of tartans, kilts and tweeds in the finest fibres, from cashmere, lamora, mohair and lambswool.
All aboard the Dolphin Spirit Wildlife Cruise for a trip around the inner Moray Firth to spot seals and dolphins or for something more fast and furious the Dolphin Mischief RIB Experience is an adrenaline fuelled ride around the Moray Firth for two hours of thrills!
Whatever you chose to do, wherever your begin your adventure, our Scottish Highland Collection provides an extensive range of accommodation to suit all budgets.
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TOP PICKS
Visiting the Scottish Highlands? Here’s our top picks for a place to stay >> Covenanters Inn, Nairn >>
Invergarry Hotel, Invergarry >>
Kinkell House Hotel, Dingwall >> Raigmore Motel, Inverness >>
Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness >>
Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness >>
Ulbster Arms Hotel, Halkirk >> Muckrach Country House Hotel, Grantown on Spey >>
Coul House Hotel, Contin >>
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Mercure Inverness Hotel, Inverness >>
View more >>
FEATURE
“Our room was comfortable. Breakfasts were very good and made to order. Very nice stay”
Smithton Hotel
Inverness, Inverness-shire IV2 7NN
A Trip Advisor Review
£50 01775 843413
From
Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
Ideally located for business and leisure guests, with the commercial and industrial heart of Inverness town centre just over three miles away, five miles to Inverness Airport and less than two miles from the historic Culloden Battlefield. The hotel has 16 stylish, spacious and comfortable bedrooms ranging from twin rooms, family rooms and an executive suite on the third floor which has uninterrupted views of the Moray Firth. Free Wifi and on-site parking for 40 cars is available and the bar and restaurant provide a relaxing place for breakfast, afternoon tea and a delicious menu of locally sourced and traditional Scottish dishes in the evenings.
40 Spaces On-site
Free WiFi Restaurant
Bar
24hr CCTV
Private Parties
Games Room
Check In 3.00pm
Check Out 10.30am
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SPECIALS
Queensberry Hotel & Olive Tree Restaurant
Ruxley Rooms
Gourmet dining package >>
Save £25 on stays before 31 Jan’17 >>
Surya Hotels Group
Coul House Hotel
£50 room offers at selected hotels throughout the UK >>
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Enquire now
Log Fire Breaks with free tea when you stay 3 nights >>
01775 843413
Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
SPECIALS
Crowne Plaza Nottingham
Hotel Port Dinorwic
Chy An Albany Hotel
Burnett Arms Hotel
Sky TV now available in all 8th floor executive bedrooms >>
Stay with Dinner >>
Enquire now
Discounted breaks up to 20% off >>
Save £20 on stays before 29 Jan’17 >>
01775 843413
Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
25
GROUP
Surya Hotels Ltd
One of the UK’s leading niche hotel groups with a rapidly expanding portfolio of outstanding properties, situated in some of the nation’s most idyllic settings, from historic towns and coastal resorts to picturesque villages.
Thatchers Hotel Guildford Leatherhead >>
Mill Hill >> Dukes Head Hotel >>
Dragonfly Hotel Bury St Edmunds >>
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester >>
View Collection >> 26
GROUP
Surya Hotels Ltd
Whether your trip is for pleasure or business, the group’s hotels have everything you need, at excellent value, together with the kind of warm welcome a family run business delivers.
Kingscliff Hotel >>
Dragonfly Hotel Peterborough >>
Farnham Hogs Back Hotel >> George Hotel >>
Dragonfly Hotel Kings Lynn >>
Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel >>
View Collection >> 27
CHEF’S CORNER
28
The Padbrook Burger
CHEF’S CORNER GROUP
Serves six
From Head Chef Barry Lyness
Ingredients Method
• 1kg minced beef • 1 medium onion finely diced • Fresh sage and thyme, finely shredded, to taste • ¼ tsp cumin • Salt & pepper to taste • 50ml white wine vinegar • 1 tube tomato puree • 2 eggs, beaten • 50gm breadcrumbs
Sweat the onions in a pan with a little oil. When cooked out, add the herbs, seasoning and spices. Add the white wine vinegar and reduce until dry. Stir in the tomato puree and allow to cool. In a large mixing bowl add the beef, eggs and breadcrumbs, followed by the cooled onion mix and thoroughly combine the ingredients together. Divide into six equal pieces; form into a ball shape and press flat. These can be fried in a pan, grilled or barbequed. Padbrook burgers can be topped off in different ways, try melted blue cheese, smoked cheddar, bacon, gherkins, chutney, fried onions or pulled pork!
To enjoy all of Barry’s menu, book a stay at Padbrook Park Hotel Golf and Country Club >> 29
FOR YOUR NEXT WORK OR LEISURE NIGHT AWAY
DISCOUNTED RATES & AMAZING OFFERS ON BUDGET TO LUXURIOUS HOTELS, SERVICED APARTMENTS & OVER
867,908 PROPERTIES
WORLDWIDE
01775 843413 Lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
OXFORD >>
NOTTINGHAM >>
READING >>
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Top 10 Romantic Cities & Yorkshire Pudding Day!