Hotelier and Hospitality Design - January 2024

ELEVATING HOSPITALITY: WHERE EVERY STAY TELLS A UNIQUE STORY

JANUARY 2024

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

OFFICIAL OPENING OF ÉCOLE DUCASSE ABU DHABI STUDIO USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF CULINARY EXCELLENCE IN THE UAE [click here]

JANUARY 2024 26 Hotelier & Hospitality Design

hotelierandhospitality.com

CONTENTS 6 8

12

18

GRADUS TAKES XT STAIR EDGINGS TO THE NEXT LEVEL NAVIGATING SUSTAINABLE SEAS: THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF AI ON THE CRUISE AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY OFFICIAL OPENING OF ÉCOLE DUCASSE ABU DHABI STUDIO USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF CULINARY EXCELLENCE IN THE UAE ROMANCING THE FRENCH WAY: A DREAMY HOLIDAY FOR TWO IN THE HEART OF FRANCE

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

3

IDROFAN® 36XH HYBRID HYDRONIC TERMINAL

DESIGNED FOR HOSPITALITY

Hospitality

Energy savings

uk.info@carrier.com carrier.com/commercial/en/uk 01372 220220

Best-in-class individual comfort

High indoor air quality

EYE CATCHING LOUNGE FURNITURE Kempsey Chair shown

UPHOLSTERED LOUNGE FURNITURE Plaza

Bohemia

Malmo

Lotti

Clipsham

Stowmarket

EDEN FURNITURE offer a wide range of upholstered chairs, armchairs, sofas and footstools for lounge, dining and bedroom areas.

Traditional made furniture with solid beech frames finished in a choice of frame colours and any fabric for upholstery.

Wobbly tables can be a thing of the past thanks to the patented StableTable technology.

STABLETABLE is a unique patented fully automated solution which is hidden with the pillar of the table base allowing the legs to adjust to uneven surfaces.

Available for both indoor and outdoor use in a range of heights, shapes and sizes. Can be supplied as base only or complete with a stylish OnTop 12mm Compact Laminate top.

26 Hotelier & Hospitality Design

GRADUS TAKES XT STAIR EDGINGS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Gradus is proud to announce the launch of several new additions to our XT stair edgings range, the market-leading solution for reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls on stairs. Whether you are looking for a traditional, elegant look or a contemporary, modern effect, we have the perfect option to suit your project; particularly schemes within hospitality & leisure, residential developments or commercial office. The recent updates our XT range include: New XT Bronze range - a stunning collection of 14 stair edging profiles offered in Polished Bronze or Satin Bronze finishes, with configurations available to suit various floorcoverings and step shapes. Choose from Interior, Xtra-grip or our new metal castellated inserts and complete the look with our new welded corners and nap trim, also available in matching finishes.

New XT Aluminium finishes - the range has been further strengthened with the introduction of six new attractive finishes; Antique Brass, Antique Bronze, Black Anodised, Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome and Brushed Stainless Steel, in addition to the standard Aluminium finish. These finishes are available across all XT Aluminium profiles and perfect for schemes looking to create a more modern and minimalist aesthetic. Compatible welded corners and nap trims are also available in matching finishes.

New metal castellated insert - A durable and slip-resistant metal insert that can be combined with any profile from our XT Bronze or XT Aluminium ranges to provide an all-metal solution. The metal castellated insert features the unique insert design synonymous with XT stair edgings, which extends around the entire leading edge of the step to ensure that foot contact is always made with the slip-resistant element. Available in nine finishes that correspond with the aforementioned profiles, they enable the design freedom to either select a matching profile and insert finish or choose contrasting finishes to create your own unique effect.

New insert colours - an additional six Interior & Xtra-grip insert colours are offered across XT Bronze & XT Aluminium.

The six new colours mean that there is now a choice of 20 Interior Standard Finish and 18 Xtra-grip insert colour options available in total, meaning there is an insert colour and style for every environment.

Adam Hill, Product Marketing Manager at Gradus comments: “Our XT range is long renowned as being the ultimate stair edging solution when it comes to safety and performance, helping to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls on stairs.

The introduction of new profiles, inserts and enhanced finish options, has enabled us to build on these foundations to create an offer that will appeal to sectors or projects

where there is a greater focus on aesthetics and appearance, whilst still maintaining the safety and performance benefits of XT.” All Gradus XT stair edgings have Bronze XT Metal Castellated Insert been developed in line with the latest legislation and guidelines such as Approved Document M (ADM) of The Building Regulations 2010, BS 83002:2018 and research from BRE (Building Research Bronze XT with Xtra-grip insert Establishment).

For an adhesive-only installation, we recommend installing using Gradus Grip GG290. The solvent-free, rapid-curing adhesive is suitable for bonding our XT stair edgings to most solid surfaces within internal environments, eliminating the need for mechanical fixings. Gradus also offer a free and accurate measuring service (UK mainland only) and a fabrications service for curves and welded corners. For more details call Gradus Technical Support on 01625 428922.

A new dedicated XT stair edgings brochure features all the recent updates and is available for download here: gradus.com/download/brochure-xt-stair-edgingsnovember-2023

Hotelier & Hospitality Design

7

Na Th AI In

2 eat.drink.sleep

avigating Sustainable Seas: he Transformative Impact of I on the Cruise and Hospitality ndustry The tourism industry is currently undergoing an exciting period of transformation and innovation, with a pace of change never seen before.

The time between the emergence of new trends and technologies capable of changing the rules of the game or necessitating a comprehensive update to stay competitive is shrinking. One of the latest innovative disruptions that promises to reshape much of what we currently do in the tourism and hospitality sector is Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Within this landscape, the cruise industry, with its high demand for efficiencies and concentrated experiences, stands as one of the subsectors most exposed to this change. At Les Roches, we are collaborating with some of the best luxury cruise companies to help shape the best talent with the skills not only to meet the high standards of customer experience management but also to handle and leverage the innovations the market offers to the sector.

Training the next generation in AI is not easy, much like any new technological innovation that begins to emerge in the market. The evolution of technology and its applications often outpaces the ability to update the knowledge/experience base, so the key we apply at Les Roches is the immersion of professionals in an ecosystem and work dynamics where they will interact and learn the latest. Above all, they will work on their analytical, prioritisation, and management competencies to navigate changing and uncertain environments, providing their projects with a differentiating factor compared to the market standard at any given moment.

The newly-launched Postgraduate Diploma in Cruise Management and a specific specialisation within the new Master’s in Hotel and Tourism Management with Specialisations also help complete the offering for professionals looking to seize the significant growth potential of luxury cruises today.

The curriculum covers both the business and operational aspects of a luxury cruise service, including the management of onboard areas such as accommodation, dining, and events, as well as commercial operations, sales and revenue management, and maritime law.

The Current AI Landscape in Cruises AI has become an essential tool for optimising processes and improving both passenger experiences and employee performance.

For example, AI can predict patterns and consumption trends of passengers, allowing businesses to understand their behaviour and adapt practices accordingly. It enhances the passenger experience by collecting data that enables the analysis of individual preferences and habits, resulting in personalised gastronomic and leisure recommendations.

AI also extends to areas such as safety and maintenance, predicting and diagnosing when equipment needs a review to reduce downtime, detect potential hazards and environmental issues, and enhance overall safety.

Click here to read the full article >>> Hotelier & Hospitality Design

9

...

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY FAILS TO TACKLE SMOKING: THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO SMOKE, ACCORDING TO PUBLIC HEALTH DATA Experts call on HR teams and encourage workers in the sector to consider smoking cessation to improve health, as the occupation smoking inequality gap widens by 5% in five years.

More than one in five employees in the hospitality sector in England smoke, according to data from the Office for Health Improvement & Disparities (OHID). That’s three times higher than other industries.

Figures reveal the employee smoking inequality gap has grown by 5% over half a decade. Routine and manual professionals are falling behind national trends for smoking cessation.

Smoking prevalence in manual roles means these employees are 65% more likely to smoke when compared to the average smoking rate in England. The data insights, collated

by Vape Club, highlight the need for equal smoking cessation support for all in society.

The government has set a target of reducing the number of smokers to 5% of adults in England by 2030. To achieve this, encouraging hospitality workers to use smoking cessation methods will be key. The UK government launched a world-first ‘swap to stop’ scheme, in which 1 in 5 of all smokers in England will be provided with a free vape starter kit to help them quit.

A recent trial by the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the NHS Stop Smoking Service found a vape starter kit helped 42% of participants quit within a month. A further 15% had quit after 12 weeks.

Which areas are workers in routine and manual industries impacted most by high smoking rates?

In Manchester, Islington and Mer-

10 Hotelier & Hospitality Design

ton – the three worst-affected areas – people working in routine and manual roles are around three times more likely to smoke than the average person in England.

In all 20 areas with the highest smoking rates in such roles, the probability of these employees smoking is at least twice as high as the national average.

There are just eight areas in England where routine and manual employees are less likely to smoke than the average person. In Sefton, the rate of smoking among these workers is around 8%.

Dan Marchant, managing director of Vape Club, says: “We know that people quitting smoking need all the help they can get: it’s far from easy. And we know just how effective smoking cessation tools like vapes can be. It’s vital that everyone has the same access to support and nobody in society is left behind.

“Falling rates of smoking are rightly celebrated, but we can’t ignore the kind of inequality this data shows. HR departments in routine and manual sectors have to step up and address the issue, offering people greater support to quit smoking.

“Any success they might have won’t just benefit individuals. After all, ex-smokers are usually healthier people, physically and mentally, than smokers. That means fewer days off and greater focus on their roles, so the business wins as well.”

Bethany Smith, HR advisor at boiler suppliers and installers Heatable, says: “HR teams could help encourage smoking cessation by adopting a smoke-free policy in the workplace, this means smoking on-site, the parking area and doorways is prohibited.

This simple step is very impactful and by making smoking that little bit more inconvenient, it can be a constant reminder to break the habit.

“We have also found that moral support has also been helpful and although this is likely more difficult to achieve in larger companies, we have found that casual conversations and offering support to smoking members of staff has had an impact.

“Supporting employees in adopting a healthy lifestyle shows that you care about their health and wellbeing, which itself improves morale and overall productivity. A healthy workforce performs far better and is also less likely to be absent due to illness and stress. Ultimately, this is an extremely easy and efficient way for the company to save money and time.“ To find out more about the research, visit: www.vapeclub.co.uk/ how-to-vape-guide/work-and-smoking-employee-health-report ata sourced — Office for Health Improvement & Disparities — fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/tobacco-control

OFFICIAL OPENING OF ÉCOLE DUCASSE ABU DHABI STUDIO USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF CULINARY EXCELLENCE IN THE UAE

L to R – Amit Arora, Shaikha Al Kaabi, Alain Ducasse, Elise Masurel

12 Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Today marks a momentous occasion for the culinary landscape in the Middle East, as the legendary chef and founder of École Ducasse officially opened the doors to École Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio.

Nestled in the historic Al Hosn site, this stateof-the-art studio represents the first of its kind in the region in partnership with Erth Abu Dhabi. École Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio boasts an excellent culinary team trained by École Ducasse Paris Campus executive chefs. These culinary maestros will guide students through a comprehensive curriculum, encompassing the foundational techniques of French culinary and pastry arts, as well as the captivating nuances of Emirati cuisine. From mastering the delicate art of macarons to crafting traditional Emirati desserts, the studio promises an immersive and enriching journey for every aspiring chef.

Chef Alain Ducasse said: “At École Ducasse, we are extremely privileged to have the opportunity to share our vision of gastronomy with talented individuals from all over the globe.

Mutual inspiration happens when passion is shared and we are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute in raising the culinary scene and talents in Abu Dhabi.”

Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio internal

Shaikha Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Erth Abu Dhabi, the visionary force behind the studio’s creation, echoed Chef Ducasse’s enthusiasm. “This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of nurturing culinary excellence in Abu Dhabi,” she explained. “École Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio represents a platform for cultural exchange and innovation, empowering the next generation of chefs to become culinary ambassadors for the region.

We are confident that this studio will serve as a beacon of culinary inspiration for the UAE.”

East region, and we are very happy to contribute to enriching the local gastronomic scene and encouraging culinary talents to flourish.”

Qasr al-Hosn Fort, and engaging corporate events, creating a vibrant space where excellence, culinary new trends and traditions converge.

The doors of culinary excellence are now open, with École Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio welcoming eager students to book their courses and explore the diverse programs. From personalised amateurs cooking classes to comprehensive programs for professionals, the studio caters to every level of culinary aspiration, making it a haven for those who dream of turning passion into plate.

In this melting pot of cultures, the studio aspires to be a catalyst for culinary diplomacy, where the world converges to savour the exquisite blend of flavours, textures, and stories that make Abu Dhabi a truly global culinary destination.

École Ducasse Managing Director Elise Masurel commented: “The launch of École Ducasse Studio in partnership with Erth Abu Dhabi is a great milestone for us in the Middle

Beyond the intimate classrooms, École Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio extends its reach through its welcoming café with a fantastic rooftop and breathtaking view on Hotelier & Hospitality Design 13

Without the talented, hard working music creators, they’re just instruments...

By purchasing TheMusicLicence you are supporting the future of music by ensuring those people who write, perform, compose, record or publish music are fairly paid for their work.

Support the future of music!

0800 0868 801 (Mon - Fri, 8am-6pm)

pplprs.co.uk

Plants Are Key To A Luxe Look On A Budget

phs Greenleaf’s Stephen Dieppe shares his top tips for boosting your curb appeal without breaking the bank The benefits of using plants in hospitality designs are well known but, with costs soaring, how can hospitality businesses create a luxe look that attracts customers and boosts sales on a budget? phs Greenleaf has been providing planting and grounds maintenance services to the hospitality sector for over 20 years. Managing Director Stephen Dieppe shares his advice for low-cost biophilic design.

“My best advice for a smaller budget

is to go big on plants for the exterior,” says Stephen. “Curb appeal is extremely important in hospitality and a great looking exterior can really help drive footfall.”

“Studies have shown that when we see healthy-looking plants thriving and growing in a space, we subconsciously feel that it is somewhere that we can thrive, be healthy and feel good in too. It’s known as biophilia.

“It’s why everyone wants a hotel room with a view, why people like a table by the window in restaurants and why everyone loves a great beer garden. We like to be close to nature, and tapping into that successfully can increase bookings and sales

for hospitality businesses.

“How your business looks from the outside will often be a key deciding factor on whether a customer chooses to visit. An attractive looking restaurant or pub with fresh, vibrant greenery outside is always more appealing, as is a well-kept, luscious-looking hotel front.

“Focus on creating the most impressive exterior you can with the budget you have. Our teams have spent decades making every penny work its hardest for our customers so they can see maximum benefits from their investment.

Click her e to read the article in full > Hotelier & Hospitality Design 15

WHY STOCK AMERICAN CRAFT BEER IN 2024 With the craft beer world becoming ever more competitive, what makes a beer stand out from the crowd and worth stocking in 2024?

American craft beer that wins top honours at high profile, international beer competitions is a good place to start, such as: Brussels Beer Challenge The 12th edition of the Brussels Beer Challenge took place in Turnhout, Belgium in October 2023 and attracted 1,811 beers from 37 countries judged by 92 independent beer experts.

American craft breweries were awarded 33 medals in total, eight more than last year. Medals comprised: nine gold, 11 silver and 13 bronze including Breakside Brewery’s ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ Imperial Stout aged in Apple Brandy Bourbon & Rye Whisky Barrels which was voted ‘Best American Beer of the Competition.’

European Beer Star

Japan International Beer Cup

One of the most recognized beer competitions in the world, the European Beer Star Awards, is committed to the traditional European art of brewing. It recognizes high quality, authentic beers that are genuine and distinctive, and is limited to beer categories that originate in Europe.

Hosted by Japan’s Craft Beer Association, the International Beer Cup is Japan’s largest international beer competition and was established in 1996. It provides a valuable opportunity to compete and gain awareness in a leading export market for American craft beer. This year’s competition received 1,215 entries from 296 breweries across 17 countries.

This year’s competition took place for the 20th occasion in September 2023 in Nuremburg, Germany and attracted 2,355 entries in 74 categories which were judged by 149 beer experts from 31 countries. Of these entries, 64.5% were international and 35.5% domestic.

American craft breweries won 24 medals including nine gold, eight silver and eight bronze.

View winners here

16 Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Judging took place in Kanazawa City in September.

American craft brewers won 36 medals in the 2023 competition, including 14 gold, 12 silver, and ten bronze. Notably, both Bierkraft’s Grodziskie and Brick West Brewing’s Festbier were recognized as Category Champion Winners in their respective categories.

View winners here

Lotte Peplow, Brewers Association American craft beer ambassador for Europe, adds: “The success of American craft beer at prestigious global beer competitions is testimony to the skill, creativity and allround excellence of America’s small and independent craft breweries Garnering 93 medals in total across three highly competitive international competitions is no mean feat and I’m incredibly proud of all of them.”

www.brewersassociation.org Hotelier & Hospitality Design 17

ROMANCING THE FRENCH WAY: A Dreamy Holiday For Two In The Heart Of France

Picture a romantic escape amidst the rolling hills of France, where vineyards whisper tales of centuries past and quaint villages beckon with a promise of serenity. This article unveils the allure of luxury holiday homes in France, offering a canvas for crafting a dreamy holiday for two in the heart of this enchanting country.

Tailoring Your Luxury Experience: Searching on Dedicated Platforms Planning a dreamy holiday requires the perfect accommodation, and fortunately, there are platforms where you can search for luxury holiday homes france, depending on your preferences. These platforms offer a curated selection of exquisite properties, allowing you to tailor your experience to match your vision of a romantic escape.

From renowned travel websites to specialized luxury vacation platforms, the options are abundant. Filter your search based on desired amenities, locations or specific features such as hot tubs or A Luxurious Retreat: FranceComfort’s panoramic views. Whether you envision a cosy cottage in Provence Vacation Homes or a chic apartment in Paris, these platforms provide a plethora of Indulging in a romantic getaway in the heart choices, ensuring that your romantic holiday aligns seamlessly with of France becomes an enchanting experience your aspirations. Explore the offerings, read reviews and visualize when you choose luxury holiday homes. your dream vacation, all with the convenience of these user-friendly Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of platforms. both Central and Southern France, these opulent retreats redefine the essence Beyond Accommodation: Crafting Unforgettable Moments of a dream vacation. Immerse yourself Luxury holiday homes in France are not just about exquisite in the charm of the French countryside, interiors and breath-taking views; they serve as the backdrop to surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills and crafting unforgettable moments. All the way from savouring a quaint villages, as you unwind in the lap of candlelit dinner on your private terrace to exploring local markets luxury. hand in hand, these experiences elevate your romantic holiday to a You can find luxurious vacation homes by FranceComfort in Central and Southern France, each designed with meticulous attention to detail. From cosy cottages to spacious villas, these accommodations offer a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Enjoy private pools, lush gardens and panoramic views, creating an idyllic setting for an intimate escape.

18 Hotelier & Hospitality Design

new level of sophistication.

Immerse yourself in the local culture with wine tastings, cooking classes and strolls through charming streets. Indulge in spa days, take scenic drives through the countryside or unwind by your private pool. The beauty of luxury holiday homes lies not only in the opulent surroundings but also in the possibilities they offer for creating lasting memories. It paints a picture of love and luxury that will linger in your hearts long after you bid adieu to the French countryside.

get ready to be amazed Now with Dual Milk TopBrewer’s patented world’s smallest milk foamer makes perfect lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos.

Don’t buy a coffee machine for your business until you view this. >

The ultimate coffee experience for your customers. www.scanomat.co.uk

SmartSoft®

Sustainable, Responsible, Luxury Bathrobes, Towels and Spa Linen

65%

70%

less oil absorption than traditional towelling

Energy Saving

The SmartSoft® Collection includes new SmartKnit towels for all hotels, spas and laundries wishing to substantially reduce their energy with a responsibility towards the environment.

31%

10%

Less Drying Time

Less water consumption

For significant volume order discounts contact enquiries@bcsoftwear.co.uk UK & INTERNATIONAL enquiries@bcsoftwear.co.uk Sales: +44 (0) 845 210 4000

www.bcsoftwear.co.uk

The ultimate in luxury spa linen, robes and slippers for your hotel and spa

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DANGERS LOOM FOR RESTAURANTS IN 2024 AS GENERATIVE AI ADVANCES

2024 will see an increasing number of restaurant businesses in the UK getting caught out by the intellectual property (IP) pitfalls that exist from generative artificial intelligence (AI), predicts a leading business lawyer.

Marcus Collins, IP partner at Irwin Mitchell in London, says generative AI is a game changer for the sector and predicts that similar to the more established predictive AI which is already widely used, the technology’s usage will grow exponentially in 2024.

Generative AI is gaining momentum as a powerful technology that can revolutionise the hospitality industry. By autonomously creating new content, such as advertising copy, visuals, music, and website content, generative AI offers the hospitality sector the potential for increased efficiency, costeffectiveness, and fresh creative perspectives.

However, alongside the opportunities, Marcus Collins, says restaurant businesses must be aware of the legal implications

and intellectual property risks that come with using generative AI. The extraction and reassembly of information from existing works raise concerns about copyright infringement, design right infringement, and trade mark infringement must navigate the complex legal landscape to avoid potential disputes and protect their business interests.

other businesses in hospitality trade must adopt proactive measures.

It is crucial to ensure that the datasets used by generative AI platforms are free from copyright materials or obtained with the necessary licenses and permissions.

Businesses should also establish robust systems for reviewing and evaluating AI-generated content to verify its accuracy and legality.

Marcus Collins said: “Restaurants can leverage this technology to streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge. However, as generative AI becomes more widely used, there is an increasing risk that more and more will get caught out in 2024.

“Generative AI offers exciting opportunities, enabling hospitality firms to enhance their operations and engage customers in innovative ways. However, it is essential to be mindful of the intellectual property challenges involved. By taking proactive steps to navigate the legal complexities, companies in the sector can effectively utilise generative AI while safeguarding their business interests.”

“To harness the potential of generative AI while safeguarding their interests, restaurants and

Hotelier & Hospitality Design 21

KOPA DETAILS NEW RANGE IN REBRANDED CATALOGUE

KOPA Grilling Solutions has published a stylish new catalogue detailing its full range of new and existing ovens, grills and accessories to help consultants and specifiers better understand the sizes, functionality and technical specifications relating to its equipment.

It leads with details of its KOPA Charcoal ovens which can deliver everything a restaurant needs for the highest quality, authentic charcoal grilling experience. In addition to consuming 50% less charcoal than ‘traditional’ open grills, helping to reduce operating costs, KOPA Charcoal ovens also deliver 40% shorter cooking times compared to open grills and up to 66% higher throughput.

Heated by burning charcoal or wood, KOPA Charcoal ovens provide a working temperature of up to 450°C. The ovens are the ideal solution for grilling steaks, fish or vegetables and versatile for cooking in pans and much more. Due to less air movement in the oven chamber, food retains its moisture and doesn’t dry out, meaning the highest quality and consistent output with that unmistakable charcoal flavour.

KOPA Smoking ovens combine a traditional wood charcoal oven with the added speed, flexibility and precision of an electric oven. The versatile ovens can be utilised for both hot or cold charcoal smoking giving operators true flexibility and the power to expand their menus and foodservice offering. With the touch of a button, chefs can also turn their KOPA Smoking Oven into a South American

style barbecue smoker and easily prepare briskets, pulled pork, ribs, sausages, and more. They can also turn off the heat and just add authentic wood smoke, utilising their KOPA Smoking oven as a cold smoker to prepare fish or cured meats.

As well as ovens, the catalogue also details KOPA’s grills, including its Japanese Robata-style grills, built with high end steels and only high-grade insulation materials that, together with naturally ventilated housing, prevent excessive heat-up of external surfaces. Different layouts ensure a maximum adaptability of KOPA ROBATA in a kitchen.

The full range of Parilla, Hibachi and Yakitori grills is also featured, along with examples of KOPA’s custom-built ovens designed to any specifier’s design.

Miran Stirn, Managing Director of KOPA Grilling Solutions, says they are constantly innovating to meet the needs of chefs and kitchen consultants: “Consultants want to work with manufacturers who can design equipment around their needs, rather than the other way around.

Our mission is to create memorable dining experiences, but it is also to create memorable cooking experiences for those who use our equipment.”

To find out more about KOPA’s leading range of ovens and cooking solutions, visit www.kopaoven.com/products/.

22 Hotelier & Hospitality Design

Hotelier & Hospitality Design 23

Opening Summer 2024

NO.124 BY GUESTHOUS Opening Summer 2024 | The boutique hospitality group GuestHouse Hotels will open No.124 by GuestHouse, Brighton positioned right on the seafront. Formerly Regency-style townhouses looking out across the English Channel, the 32-room hotel will open with an outdoor terrace bar, Pearly Cow restaurant and a wellness concept.

24 Hotelier & Hospitality Design

For more information, click here very best of local talent and craftsmanship, No.124 is inspired by local history and heritage to be in-keeping with its surroundings.

SE, BRIGHTON As with all GuestHouse properties, to make it feel like home there will be luggage collection offering on arrival, a help-yourself pantry and record players in every room.

Design: Conceived by their in-house creative studio, the rooms are designed around the jaw dropping view of the sea and feel as though they’re floating above the water. The city’s personality will be felt throughout in the architecture and interiors, reflecting the energy of the cultural hub of the UK. Showcasing the

Location: Under 1.5 hours from London, the hotel’s location ticks all the boxes, where swimmers can dive straight into the water, shoppers can hit the lanes and kitsch-Britain lovers can be on the pier and in the arcade in no time.

About the brand: The group offers one-off hotels to historic buildings in Britain’s most desirable streets, with the visionary Guest brothers (Tristan, James and Tom), on a mission to develop a new generation of upscale hotels, combining easy luxury with the traditional guest house experience.

With this opening, the group will have introduced four new hotels to the British hotel scene in just over three years, with properties in York, Bath and more recently in Margate.

Lead-in rate: £295 including breakfast

Hotelier & Hospitality Design 25

JUMP INTO GINUARY WITH HAND PICKED HOTELS’ TOP-NOTCH GIN RECIPES This New Year, say goodbye to ‘Dry January’ and hello to ‘Ginuary’, as Hand Picked Hotels’ Head of Wine and expert sommelier, Louise Gordon, shares her top gin tips and cocktail recipes to spice up the first month of the year.

26 Hotelier & Hospitality Design

An ode to January’s dark and frosty winter nights, Louise’s recipes work perfectly with Hand Picked Hotels’ very own Rhinefield Gin. A delicious botanical gin, it is created by the on-site distillery, Hawkridge Distillers at Rhinefield House Hotel – part of the Hand Picked Hotels collection. Steeped in natural beauty and hidden deep within the New Forest National Park, Hawkridge and the Hand Picked team use local, seasonal ingredients as the inspiration behind its unique flavours.

Louise’s recipes closely echo the botanicals in the gin and include twists on classic cocktails which can easily be recreated at home with your favourite tipple. Alternatively, you can even make your own perfect bottle of flavoured gin with Louise’s guidance.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience from over 20+ years of working in the industry, Louise has garnered expertise developing delectable gin-based drinks and cocktails, alongside her role as an expert sommelier. She won the coveted Conde Nast Johanssons Best Overall Wine List of the Year Award in 2015 and 2016, and Most Innovative List Award in 2017.

Fruity Fizz G+T Lighter on the alcohol – a twist on a Gin Fizz • • • • •

45ml Rhinefield Gin 25ml Lemon Juice 10ml Honey Soda Top up Slice of grapefruit to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS 1.

2.

3.

4.

Place the gin, honey and lemon juice in a shaker and shake!

Pour into a hi-ball and add ice Top up with the soda Add a slice of grapefruit to garnish

Spiced Seasonal G+T

Making your own flavoured Gin This is a brilliant use of leftover Christmas ingredients and makes excellent gifts for family and friends! You can very easily make your own flavoured gin at home by keeping a Kilner jar of gin handy.

Simply add the peel or skin of an orange (or lemon or lime or anything else) after you eat it or use it in a recipe and keep the jar topped up with skin and gin. Keep it in a cupboard and shake it once a week. A brilliant flavour is clementine (from discarded skins) with a bay leaf or 2 added. Also, ginger is great – simply use the bit you would normally throw away.

Experimentation is encouraged, beetroot and chilli gin is a must try!

Bottle in sterilised jam jars for a nod to moonshine, or sterilised used wine and spirit bottles then hand write labels to tie around the neck with string.

For those chilly nights – a sweet & spicy twist on a G&T • • • • •

1 orange – sliced into rounds 4 sprigs fresh rosemary 1/2 tsp chilli infused Honey* 50ml Gin Tonic water to top up

INSTRUCTIONS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Heat a pan over a medium high heat. Char the orange slices for 2 to 4 minutes per side. Alternately you can grill them.

Toss the rosemary sprig in the same pan until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Muddle 1 orange slice and a bit of rosemary.

Add one or two cubes of ice, the honey and the gin and top up with tonic. Stir long enough to dissolve the honey.

Add more ice and garnish with a fresh charred orange slice and toasted rosemary sprig. *For the chilli honey simply place a few slices of fresh chilli in a runny honey and leave to infuse for a few days – adjust according to how much spice you like!

Hotelier & Hospitality Design 27

APP STREAMLINES MENUS FOR RE AND ALLERGY SUFFERERS An innovative app allowing restaurant owners to manage allergens is set to revolutionise the hospitality industry.

National chains including Bannatyne Health Clubs are already using the app to improve allergy response and information across their UK locations.

The AllergyMenu.uk app allows businesses to provide accurate and reliable dietary information to their customers.

The UK has some of the highest prevalence rates of allergic conditions in the world, with two million people estimated to be living with a diagnosed food allergy, and 600,000 with Coeliac Disease.

Customers with specific food preferences and requirements can access the app to Now solutions like Allergy Menu will take the pain away from select dishes and establishments which align businesses and allow customers to check allergens easily with their allergies and intolerances. before ordering.

The simple-to-use app mitigates the risk to The user-friendly interface allows customers to conveniently restaurants and is the easiest way to ensure access the allergy menu through the website, mobile phone, compliance with food safety and government or app. allergy regulations.

28 Hotelier & Hospitality Design

ESTAURANT OWNERS

Currently, UK law requires restaurants to display a paper-based food allergy chart.

These are often missed by customers and leave room for error.

The Allergy Menu app reduces the risk of errors, allows customers to search for specific allergies and is easy for restaurant owners to update in real time.

Juliet Moran, founder of AllergyMenu. uk `said: “Allergy Menu makes demonstrating compliance with the law easy to achieve, while also providing a platform to advertise a menu to customers so they can confidently make safe choices.

“Restaurant owners have a legal duty of care towards their customers, so if they fail in their duty of care in any way they could be sued for an allergic reaction.

“In a worst-case scenario, they could even be imprisoned for manslaughter if a customer made their allergic reaction known to staff.

“Navigating allergens is a real problem for restaurateurs and food providers – it is challenging to track ever-changing menus and communicate them safely and effectively to customers.

“Providing higher levels of transparency will not only show that businesses care about their patrons’ welfare but will also encourage new customers.

“The app is simple to use and accessible for everyone within the business as well as prospective customers hoping to browse the menu from home.

“It can be incredibly hard for businesses in the hospitality industry to keep on top of allergen information and safely communicate it with their customers.

“The digital allergy menu was designed to offer searchable, real-time allergen information for those with different dietary requirements, including vegans and vegetarians.

“Not only will it revolutionise the customer experience, but it will also reduce front-of-house staff mistakes and ensure allergen menus are always accurate and up to date.” allergymenu.uk

Hotelier & Hospitality Design 29

Romano The fusion of style, technology & contemporary design.

R

Beauty, we appreciate, is in the eye of the beholder.

Craftsmanship, we sense, is in the hand of the maker.

Perfection, we experience, is in the Fracino bespoke studio.

British pedigree in every detail – even to the choice of colour finish and trim.

www.fracino.com | sales@fracino.com | 0121 328 5757