Malmaison Aberdeen Strengthens Commitment to City’s Future with £1.8 Million Investment and Bold Transformation
Malmaison is proud to reaffirm its commitment to Scottish tourism with a £1.8 million investment made to transform its Grade-II listed Aberdeen hotel, demonstrating confidence in the region despite recent challenges in the local economy.
The investment has transformed the hotel’s guest rooms and public areas, including the Bar & Grill - one of the city’s top dining spots for enjoying signature dishes like Aberdeen Angus beef from local producer, Donald Russell.
In a bold departure from classic tartan, the refreshed rooms incorporate the brand's striking signature style, featuring vibrant design schemes and artwork inspired by cultural influences from Aberdeen, including iconic pieces that pay homage to Aberdeen-born singer-songwriter, Annie Lennox.
Martin Brown, General Manager at Malmaison Aberdeen, said: “Aberdeen is a city with incredible potential, and we are thrilled about what the future holds. Aberdeen is on the cusp of an exciting tourism revival, driven by the strategic investment in VisitAberdeenshire’s Framework for Growth which is helping set the stage for the region to become a leader in Scottish tourism. With the Port of Aberdeen set to welcome 40,000 cruise visitors in 2025 and exciting developments in tourism, Aberdeen is firmly back on the map. We're ready to embrace this momentum and continue delivering exceptional experiences for guests”.
Martin continues: "Whilst the hotel market has faced challenges, we firmly believe in the city's resilience and growth opportunities. Malmaison Aberdeen is poised to be at the heart of this revival, and we can't wait to welcome guests back to a refreshed, contemporary space that blends bold design with the warm Scottish hospitality we're known for”.
Scott Harper, COO for Malmaison and Hotel du Vin said: “I am confident that our investment in Malmaison Aberdeen represents not just a commitment to the hotel but to Aberdeen as a whole. Despite current challenges in the market, we believe in the city’s resilience and its future as a key tourism hub. With a significant refurbishment, we are determined to drive continued success through the exceptional guest experiences Malmaison is renowned for”.
For more information on Malmaison, please visit: malmaison.com
Photography: Malmaison Aberdeen Photography
Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Celebrates its 40th Anniversary: Four decades of excellence and timeless elegance
Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury is set to commemorate its milestone anniversary with a series of exclusive events, blending high fashion, gastronomy, and cultural celebrations.
Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, marking four decades as Mauritius’ most iconic resort. Since its opening in 1985, it has set the standard for refined hospitality, welcoming generations of discerning travellers. This milestone is not just a celebration of the hotel’s legacy but a tribute to the loyal guests who have been part of its journey. With a year of unforgettable experiences and special moments, Royal Palm reaffirms its commitment to excellence, ensuring that every stay remains extraordinary.
Patrice Landrein, General Manager of Royal Palm comments: “As Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury’s General Manager, I take immense pride in celebrating its 40th anniversary. For four decades, this establishment has embodied the very best of luxury hospitality in Mauritius, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Leading such an iconic institution is like a dream come true. This success is the result of the passion and dedication of our teams and the strong loyalty of our guests. We look forward to continuing to create unforgettable experiences for them.”
A Week of Festivities in October
From October 13 to 19, 2025, the hotel will host a series of celebrations to mark its anniversary, welcoming both in-house guests and local visitors wishing to take part in this exceptional events.
- Monday, 13th October 2025 – Fashion & Elegance: The celebrations will commence with a sunset fashion show around the resort’s iconic pool, curated by former model and designer Sloane Vian, founder of Sloane Mauritius. This immersive event will showcase a collection embodying bold tropical elegance, sustainable luxury, and impeccable craftsmanship.
- Wednesday, 15th October 2025 – Royal Grill on the Beach. Guests will gather for an enchanting evening under the stars, indulging in an exquisite grilled buffet of land and sea specialities. A signature Beachcomber performance will celebrate the rich heritage of Mauritian culture.
- Friday, 17th October 2025 – A Star-Studded Gastronomic Experience. A 10-hand dinner will bring together Royal Palm’s acclaimed chefs, William Girard and Pastry Chef Stéphane Baptiste, alongside Michelin-starred legends Richard Ekkebus, Michel de Matteis, and Chef L’Étang. This exclusive evening will revisit Royal Palm’s most cherished culinary classics.
- Sunday, 19th October 2025 – A Night of Mauritian Rhythms. A lively Mauritian-themed evening will feature a celebrated local band and an authentic séga performance. La Goélette restaurant will present an inspired menu of Mauritian delicacies, creatively reimagined by William Girard and his team.
- Sunday, 7th December 2025 – The Grand Finale Charity Gala. The grand celebrations will culminate in an extraordinary charity gala, beginning with cocktails by the pool, a fine dining experience, and an exclusive auction featuring artwork by renowned Mauritian artist Céline Le Vieux. Guests will also take part in a symbolic time capsule ceremony, set to be opened on the hotel’s 50th anniversary. The evening will conclude with a surprise performance, with all proceeds benefitting the Fondation Espoir Développement Beachcomber (FED) to support socio-economic and cultural initiatives in Mauritius.
Valmont at the Royal Palm Spa
As both Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury and its spa partner Valmont mark their 40th anniversaries, they unite to elevate the guest experience with exclusive wellness initiatives. During the week of 13–19 October, Valmont experts will host a masterclass at the hotel spa, offering beauty consultations and insights into the latest innovations. Valmont owner Sophie Vann Guillon will also be present for the celebrations. In November, guests can enjoy exclusive mini facial treatments, further showcasing Valmont’s expertise in cellular cosmetics and luxury skincare.
New Valmont Treatments at The Royal Palm Spa
To mark its 40th anniversary, Valmont introduces two new treatments that complements its exclusive range and enhance its wellness offerings:
- The Gentleman’s Awakening: This regenerating and energising facial treatment, specially designed for men’s skin, offers a unique experience of relaxation and revitalisation. It soothes irritations and reduces skin stress. With its precise techniques, it eliminates signs of fatigue and refreshes the eyes, restoring their youthful vigour.
- Glaciers Vitality: Designed to combat dull, tired-looking skin, this treatment revitalises the complexion by stimulating cellular oxygenation and reducing signs of fatigue. The result is a bright and glowing complexion.
Seamill Hydro Hotel unveils spectacular Firth Pavilion following £750k transformation
Seamill Hydro, the stylish seaside hotel on the stunning Ayrshire coast, has unveiled today (Monday, 24th March ) an exclusive first look at its completely reimagined Firth Pavilion wedding suite. With its 2026 Wedding Diary now open, couples dreaming of a breathtaking coastal celebration can now envision their perfect day within the hotel’s newly transformed event space.
Following a £750,000 investment in structural renovations and interior design, this extraordinary refurbishment elevates the award-winning RAD Hotel Group’s signature hospitality and sophisticated design. With floor to ceiling windows framing magnetic unparalleled views of the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran, the romantic space has been meticulously designed to create a showstopping setting for unforgettable coastal celebrations.
Designed to impress, the new Firth Pavilion wedding suite exudes opulence and grandeur, with sumptuous textures, rich tones, and refined finishes creating an atmosphere of modern luxury. Guests will be captivated by bespoke lighting, handcrafted detailing, and plush furnishings that seamlessly enhance the natural beauty of its panoramic seafront backdrop and Victorian grandeur.
The Seamill Hydro and its design team have placed future brides and grooms at the heart of their vision, crafting a warm and sophisticated space that seamlessly transitions from day to night, by the sea, whatever the season. Enhancing the guest experience for weddings, two new bars have been added to the function suite and ceremony room with brand new expansive sea views and comfortable luxe seating for wedding guests to enjoy those picture-perfect special moments throughout the day.
The first images of the Firth Pavilion offer a first glamorous glimpse into the luxurious details that await later this spring. To celebrate, the hotel is inviting brides and grooms-to-be to enjoy an exclusive preview experience this April, complete with a complimentary glass of fizz as they soak in the opulent interiors and breathtaking coastal views.
The RAD Hotel Group’s commitment to impeccable design has been brought to life by hospitality interior specialists, Lucid Interiors, who have worked closely with Vivien and Robert Kyle, independent owners of The RAD Hotel Group, to realise their vision for an exceptional, contemporary wedding venue.
Vivien Kyle, co-owner of The RAD Hotel Group said:
"We wanted to create a space that feels as special as the moments our couples will celebrate here at Seamill Hydro. The Firth Pavilion has always been a breathtaking setting, made even more magical through thoughtful design that blends timeless elegance with those incredible, showstopping seafront views.
"Every little detail has been designed with our brides and grooms in mind, from the soft, luxurious fabrics we’ve chosen, to the warm glow of the lighting that shifts seamlessly from day to night. We can’t wait to welcome couples in for a glass of fizz and help them picture their dream wedding by the Ayrshire coast."
Beyond the wedding suite transformation, The RAD Hotel Group has announced ambitious plans to renovate Seamill Hydro’s spa facilities, with work expected to commence next year, further reinforcing its status as one of Scotland’s premier luxury hotel and wedding group.
Couples can now be among the first to tour the new Firth Pavilion wedding suite, experiencing the stylish seafront setting first-hand while enjoying a celebratory glass of fizz.
The 2026 Seamill Hydro Wedding Diary is now officially open, with availability for exclusive private viewings of this spectacular new Firth Pavilion. To book a tour, simply head to https://seamillhydro.co.uk/weddings/book-a-showround/
LEEDS’ OWN URBAN OASIS: TAKE A FIRST LOOK INSIDE NEW LATIN AMERICAN ROOFTOP RESTAURANT AND BAR
As the doors set to officially open on Leeds’ new Latin American rooftop bar and restaurant, for the first time, developers have offered a look inside Azotea, the highly anticipated restaurant set to open in Leeds this March.
The new venue will be located on the 12th floor of the new Hyatt hotel in Leeds city centre, offering sweeping skyline views and sun-soaked rooftop terraces, perfect for celebrations from day to night.
With an interior that carefully blends traditional and authentic elements, Azotea promises to be an immersive experience, decorated with vibrant, contemporary touches to capture the essence of Latin American life. This design embodies the energy and experiences that define the region’s rich cultural heritage, paired with food and beverage offerings that reflect its diverse flavours.
Carefully designed to offer guests a transformative experience, Azotea features plaster walls which serve as the perfect backdrop for standout artwork and unique artefacts, alongside key design elements, such as sculptured timber joinery and terracotta blocks, which further enhance the character of the venue.
The restaurant also features a striking lobby with patterned wallpaper and leather hanging pendants, as well as a show kitchen crafted from reclaimed cladding and featuring an oversized pestle and mortar as a striking focal point.
Moving outdoors, each external terrace is thoughtfully dressed in soft seating and ambient lighting, creating an intimate atmosphere for al fresco drinking, dining, and dancing.
Jared Webb, Head Chef at Azotea, commented: “Azotea will offer something brand new to Leeds, and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of creating such a unique concept. Extensive work and research went into the menu, which has been carefully crafted to include the authentic dishes, bold flavours and traditional cooking styles which underpin the culture of the Latin American region.
“It’s been fascinating learning more about the region’s heritage, not only when developing Azotea’s food offering, but also through watching the venue come to life. The design seamlessly integrates with the diverse cuisine on offer, creating a holistic space which will transport diners to a Latin American haven.”
Lauren Milner, Co-founder and Creative Director at Studio Two, the designers behind the project, added: “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working on this project, collaborating with other consultants and the construction team to truly immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture that Azotea embodies.
“From the very beginning, we were inspired by the rich history and diverse influences of Latin American culture, which guided every aspect of the design process. It’s been a truly rewarding experience to see our ideas evolve into a space that reflects not only the energy and spirit of the region, but also offers a unique, immersive experience for everyone who walks through the door.
“We’ve worked closely with the team to create a space that feels both authentic and dynamic, from the design to the customer journey. Seeing it all come together has been incredibly fulfilling. We’re now looking forward to watching guests discover and enjoy the distinct menu offerings, each of which has been carefully curated to complement the atmosphere and concept as a whole. As Azotea opens its doors, we can’t wait to witness how the space will continue to evolve.”
Bookings, along with more information on Azotea, can be found here.
OCCA strengthens European reach with the launch of a new studio in Mallorca
The launch of Estudio de Diseño OCCA marks a significant milestone in OCCA’s global journey and reaffirms its commitment to delivering exceptional design solutions for luxury hotels and residences worldwide.
OCCA, the leading interior design, branding and procurement (FF&E and OS&E) studio, has announced its European expansion with the launch of its new Spanish studio, Estudio de Diseño OCCA, headquartered in Mallorca.
Experts in interior design, branding and delivering turnkey FF&E and OS&E solutions for hotels and luxury residential projects globally, the team at OCCA has successfully delivered and installed projects for major hotel groups, boutique hotels, and private clients for 20 years.
The expansion, prompted by new projects in the region, signifies OCCA's commitment to the Balearics and highlights the deep, personal connection of its Founder, Kate Mooney, to Mallorca. Staying multiple times a year over the past two decades, Mooney has developed a love for the unique blend of island living, natural beauty, architectural heritage and the vibrant design scene that it offers.
"We could manage these projects from the UK,” Mooney said, “but establishing OCCA's Spanish headquarters in Mallorca is about contributing to the region, not simply extracting from it. This move is a culmination of a longstanding personal ambition and a testament to the island's inspirational role in shaping my design philosophy over the years.”
The Mallorca studio will serve as both a creative hub and a gateway for OCCA to collaborate with the region’s rich network of designers, artisans and suppliers. This presence will allow OCCA to seamlessly integrate local craftsmanship and heritage into its designs while continuing to deliver world-class projects for clients such as Marriott, IHG, Hilton, Wyndham, and Accor.
It will also create a more sustainable, competitive free-trade European hub for OCCA procurement, delivering enhanced supply chain efficiencies, more diverse product access, and cost-effective solutions for its international projects.
For more information about OCCA, please visit: www.occa-design.com
RBH Strengthens London Portfolio with Two New Hotel Additions
Image Header: Aparthotel, Adagio London Sutton Point
RBH Hospitality Management has been appointed to manage two new hotels in London, further strengthening its presence in the capital. ibis London Sutton Point and Aparthotel Adagio London Sutton Point officially joined RBH’s portfolio on 14 March 2025.
This expansion represents a growing partnership with Accor, representing the fourth and fifth properties onboarded in the last two years under RBH management.
The ibis London Sutton Point, a 99-bedroom hotel, and the 59-key Aparthotel Adagio London Sutton Point mark an exciting step for RBH as it continues to grow its footprint in key UK cities. These additions highlight RBH’s expertise in managing diverse hospitality offerings, including serviced apartment hotels, following the recent signing of Staybridge Suites Dundee.
These two new signings also mark the start of a new partnership with ActivumSG, who acquired the properties in November 2024 with the deal representing Activum’s first UK hospitality-focussed acquisition.
David Hart, CEO of RBH Hospitality Management, said: “Adding two more properties to our London portfolio is a fantastic milestone for RBH further solidifying our position in one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets. It also strengthens our long-standing partnership with Accor as we continue to expand our portfolio across a diverse mix of branded, independent, boutique, luxury hotels and serviced apartments, supporting our strategic growth trajectory.”
VIRGIN HOTELS EDINBURGH WELCOMES CONSTANTINE.. THE ARTIST AS THE NEXT ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
‘Constantine.. the Artist’, has been announced as Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s latest Artist in Residence, taking up the highly sought-after position from March to May.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the next Artist in Residence, Athens-born ‘Constantine.. the Artist’, who will take up residency from March to May 2025.
The three-month Artist in Residence programme aims to nurture creativity for Edinburgh artists and provide a platform to showcase their creations. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers free access to a purpose-built art studio, The Unicorn Room, nestled within the old India Buildings’ turret, and exhibition space for guests and visitors to view the artists' pieces.
Following a rigorous selection process, Constantine.. was chosen for this prestigious opportunity. Constantine.., whose work is deeply inspired by the mythological heritage of his hometown and his early surroundings, began his artistic journey while studying in Aberdeen. After a decade there, he moved to Edinburgh in 2018, drawn by the city's vibrant art scene.
Constantine.. isn’t limited to one medium, from experimenting with inks and acrylics, during his residency, he will be working with oil sticks and pastels. The creative process is guided by transferring the vision in his mind onto the canvas, with the image dictating the medium respectively. His breakthrough came with his series “FLUXUS”, which resonated with his artistic ambitions and has continued to influence his latest pieces.
Influenced by everyday experiences, self-portraits, and figures reminiscent of Batman, Constantine..'s work aims to provoke social and philosophical conversations, using bold imagery and colour, as well as humour and theatricality. Constantine..'s residency at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will allow him to expand his “VIGILANTE” series, first conceptualised in 2020 and partially exhibited in 2023. This is not a simple art series it's a satirical and introspective exploration of justice, power, and identity.
With the largest showcase of the “VIGILANTE” series alongside never-seen before works, Constantine.. the Artist will be in residency until Friday 30 May throughout Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to welcome Constantine.. the Artist as our new Artist in Residence. Constantine..’s unique perspective and thought-provoking work will undoubtedly captivate our guests and visitors. This residency will provide Constantine.. with a special opportunity to expand his 'Vigilante' series and engage with the vibrant creative community in Edinburgh. We encourage everyone to visit and experience the powerful messages behind his art.
“The Artist in Residence programme marks Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's commitment to supporting the creative community in Edinburgh, providing artists with a free gallery space within the hotel and the chance to sell their artwork, with all proceeds going directly to the artist. Applications are now open for creatives to apply for the next Artist in Residence vacancy.”
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will house the largest showcase of the “VIGILANTE” series to date including the creation of never seen before works created exclusively for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – selected works will be available for purchase.
Constantine.. the Artist, Artist in Residence said: “I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to be selected as the next Artist in Residence at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. This opportunity comes at a perfect time for me to delve deeper into my artistic journey and expand my 'Vigilante' series. The vibrant art scene in Edinburgh has always been a source of inspiration for me, and having access to The Unicorn Room will allow me to create some truly exciting new pieces.
“Coming from a non-traditional art background, this residency represents a unique chance to share my vision and provoke thought through my work. I am eager to meet the guests and visitors, to discuss my creative process, and to join me in the studio. I can't wait to begin this exciting chapter and I’m truly grateful for the resources provided to artists by Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.”
Offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at his process, Constantine.. will be available during for guests to witness the creative process within The Unicorn Room. Visitors interested in meeting Constantine.. the Artist or learning more about his work can find him at the hotel or reach out via email at constantine.artist@gmail.com.
Applications are now open for aspiring artists who would like to be considered for the next Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Artist in Residence spot. For more information please email: artist.inresidence@virginhotels.com.
Follow along with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on social media here: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
The Woodsman to host exclusive tasting evening with Welcombe Hills Vineyard!
The Woodsman Restaurant, located within Hotel Indigo Stratford upon Avon, is to host an exclusive tasting evening with wines from Welcombe Hills Vineyard on Thursday 3 April. The special event will feature a carefully curated 7 course tasting menu, paired with 5 exceptional wines produced just 3 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. Diners will be able to discover what makes Stratford-upon-Avon such a perfect location for wine production and the secrets behind their celebrated vintages.
The Woodsman, which has 2 AA Rosettes, is headed up by restaurateur Mike Robinson, co-owner of the Michelin-starred Harwood Arms in Fulham. Led by Executive Head Chef Greg Newman, The Woodsman delivers an exceptional dining experience with focus on sustainability, seasonality, and locally sourced produce. Welcombe Wines Vineyard has been a cornerstone of the local wine scene for the past 20 years, earning accolades and a reputation as one of the UK’s premier wine producers.
The menu will feature snacks on arrival, followed by wild garlic & Spenwood “Chelsea buns”, ‘Fish & chips’, Wye valley asparagus, Chalk stream trout, and Creedy carver duck breast, followed by ‘Rhubarb & Custard’ and Brown butter Madeleines.
Executive Chef, Greg Newman said, “Our tasting menu will be expertly paired with wines from Welcombe Hills, known for their award-winning range. The unique wine pairings will highlight the best of local flavours and diners will get the chance to delve into their rich history and taste the fruits of their labour.
Spaces for this event are limited. The price is £130 per person. For more information about The Woodsman please visit https://thewoodsmanrestaurant.co.uk/. For more information about Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon please visit https://stratford.hotelindigo.com/
THE CUMBERLAND JOINS FARESHARE IN GLASGOW TO HELP TACKLE FOOD POVERTY
Members of The Cumberland Building Society’s Commercial team gave a helping hand as they partnered with FareShare to help address food poverty across the Glasgow city region.
The Commercial team attended FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland’s distribution centre on South Street, where they assisted in unloading and repackaging essential food items for redistribution to community groups who provide meals to vulnerable individuals in the area.
With the building society celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, the partnership with FareShare forms part of The Cumberland’s Kinder Banking approach, which puts people at the heart of what it does.
It’s an approach which the Commercial team has held throughout its 20 years of supporting hospitality businesses, and with The Cumberland providing every colleague with a day a year to volunteer with an organisation of their choosing, the team chose to support FareShare in tackling the issue of food poverty following the charity’s urgent appeal for volunteers.
The largest redistribution charity in Scotland, FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland supports those who are affected by food insecurity, providing quality surplus food to organisations including schools, homeless hostels, and community centres.
With its regional centre managed by Move On, a charity which supports people to achieve personal goals, FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland covers 13 local authority areas, containing 52% of the population in Scotland, and reaching over 80,000 beneficiaries each week.
The Cumberland’s support on Monday is the latest in an ongoing partnership which has seen the building society support FareShare.
Since June 2023, The Cumberland has donated £500,000 through its ‘Kinder Kind of Kitchen’ initiative between FareShare Lancashire and Cumbria, and FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland, to help serve hot meals and provide food to people in those regions who are experiencing food insecurity.
As well as helping to provide surplus food, the initiative also saw pet food, toiletries and baby food distributed to those in need.
In partnership with FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland, The Cumberland’s Kinder Kind of Kitchen initiative marked World Kindness Day in November last year by seeing 300 cups of tomato soup handed out at its Annan branch, while volunteers delivered a further 100 to workers at nearby businesses.
The recipe for the tomato soup came from Inna Dorofeieva, who fled Kiev in 2022 with her teenage son to escape the Russian-Ukraine conflict, before settling in Dumfries and becoming a volunteer at Kate’s Kitchen.
Scott McKerracher, Head of Commercial at The Cumberland, said: “At The Cumberland, our Kinder Banking commitment is all about making sure banking goes beyond financial transactions—we believe it should actively contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.
“We’re thrilled to give our support in Glasgow. Our team had the opportunity to get involved and help make a real difference in addressing food insecurity across the city, as well as witness the incredible work FareShare does every day to tackle hunger and reduce waste.
“We’re incredibly proud of the strong relationship we have with FareShare and the assistance we can give to help prevent people from going hungry.”
Jim Burns, Director of Operations at Move On, said: “The Cumberland’s support is so important to us and makes a huge difference as we look to reach those in the community who are affected by food insecurity.
“Not only have they assisted us through the Kinder Kitchen initiative, but they get involved with hands-on support which is invaluable.
“We are hugely grateful to everyone from the Commercial team who volunteered at our Glasgow depot, they have made a big difference to those across the city who rely on us for support.”
For more information visit: https://www.cumberland.co.uk
IT’S A LUX LIFE AT KARMA SALFORD HALL
Vale of Evesham Hotel, Karma Salford Hall, is delighted to announce that it has won another leading hospitality industry award for its overall Hotel offering.
The 27 bedroom Listed Hotel, part of the worldwide Karma Group, which includes 44 worldwide resorts, has been awarded LuxLife magazine Best Luxury Hotel in Warwickshire.
Recognising the finest providers of cocktails, cuisine and nightlife experiences across the UK, the LuxLife awards look to recognise restaurants and bars which allow consumers to enhance their special occasions and expand their culinary horizons.
A statement on the LuxLife website, from the awards body, goes on to say: “The incredible experiences many local venues are now offering can rarely be matched by experiences at home.” A huge supporter of the creativity shown by the hospitality industry, the awards body goes on to say “whether an outing is casual, formal, or entirely spontaneous, consumers can expect to find an abundance of options in the venues of our LuxLife winners. These businesses reflect the desires of today’s ever more discerning consumers. The offerings from restaurant & bars are becoming even more varied & innovative, making the market intensely competitive, but favouring consumers who now have more choice.”
“We are really proud and pleased to put the Vale of Evesham on the map and receive this fantastic, hard won, award from LuxLife,” said Cameron Taggart who has recently started as Operations Manager at the 15th Century Hotel.
Having lived in and around the Stratford area for the past 25 years, Cameron has enjoyed a varied hospitality career working for other leading Hotel groups throughout the country, including IHG group, Marriott, and the Celtic Manor Resort. He’s now bringing his knowledge and experience of looking after guests to bear at Karma Salford Hall, which is, as he calls it, “quintessentially English.”
“Our success in various award schemes has contributed significantly to the business’ profile over the past few years, letting our customers know that we are both ambitious and creative when it comes to our food and beverage offering, and are at the top of our game for service,” he said.
“We also pride ourselves on the Hotel’s overall facilities and offering. All guests, whether day visitors in for a drink and a bite to eat, or those staying on a short break, are looked after to an extremely high standard.”
Cameron, who is local to the Cotswold area, continued by saying “I’d like to thank the food & drink team, led by our extremely talented Head Chef, James. Our food excels as it’s highly seasonal, locally sourced, and based on UK classics with a twist.”
“When it comes to our elevated drinks offering, the LuxLife Judges recognised that Karma Group is all about specially curated experiences, right down to us having our own range of wines and spirits, including Karma Group Gin and Whisky,” said Cameron.
“Karma Group owner, John Spence, is a huge wine aficionada, with access to incredible vineyards. He loves to introduce special wines which our guests can enjoy in our hotels and resorts, often being able to buy a bottle to take home too.”
Cameron finished by saying that Head Chef James had won a recent competition to go to India on a culinary learning experience.
“James is in India at the moment, observing and learning from some amazing Indian chefs. He will come back from this trip inspired and ready to incorporate his wealth of knowledge into yet more culinary creations.”
“Buoyed up by this latest award, we are looking forward to a busy spring and summer season at Karma Salford Hall, with events such as Mother's Day and Easter just around the corner. All those who come to dine or stay with us at these times are in for a real treat.”