George Denning

Culloden Estate & Spa Completes £500,000 Guestroom Investment

Following a year of continued growth, Culloden Estate & Spa has announced the completion of a £500,000 investment in its guestrooms, reinforcing the 5-star property’s commitment to the ongoing enhancement of its luxury guest experience.

The investment has delivered a stunning upgrade to the fourth floor Garden Rooms, with views across the estate grounds, and has included new soft furnishings, lighting, seating and décor alongside a complete refit of guest bathrooms.

Bold colours of heritage-inspired tones of deep green and terracotta have been paired with soft, atmospheric lighting to create a calm and considered sense of luxury, while the bathrooms have been finished in striking marble-effect stone finishes, brushed brass detailing and walk-in rainfall showers.

The investment follows a strong year of growth for the estate, which has included a marked increase in visitors from both the Republic of Ireland and American markets over the last 12 months.

“We are delighted to unveil our newly upgraded bedrooms, which have been thoughtfully designed to reflect the character of the estate while balancing timeless luxury with contemporary comfort. Our bedrooms play a central role in the guest experience, and this investment underscores our commitment to creating restorative spaces where guests can relax, from elegant interiors to beautifully finished bathrooms, with wellbeing at the heart of every design decision.  

2025 was a great year for the Culloden, with continued growth across key markets and sustained demand for luxurious, experience-led stays. Ongoing investment in our bedrooms, facilities and our team ensure we are well positioned for the next phase of growth. We look forward to continuing to evolve the Estate as a destination defined by timeless elegance, intuitive service with a deeply personal approach to luxury whilst exceeding the expectations of our guests.”

 

by George Denning

Mitchell & Cooper applauds latest Defra legislation

Mitchell & Cooper, an established UK manufacturer of foodservice equipment since 1879, has welcomed the Government’s latest Animal Welfare Strategy announcement that legislates against the inhumane act of boiling lobsters and crabs alive, in recognition of crustacean sentience.

“We commend Defra’s leadership in advancing animal welfare and applaud its readiness to acknowledge crustacean sentience. Mitchell & Cooper highlighted the issues around boiling crustaceans over 7 years ago and committed to pioneering a superior option that renders lobsters and crabs insensible in under 0.5 seconds and dispatches them in under 10 seconds. Today, our British manufactured Crustastun, from Bonzer®, is a world-leading electro‑stunning device that targets the neural centres of lobster, crabs and crayfish to eliminate suffering and provide a humane, consistent and reliable alternative to both boiling and skill‑dependent methods like split‑venting. It has already been adopted by leading restaurants, hotels, seafood processors, fishmongers, retailers and Michelin kitchens around the world.

Defra’s announcement aligns closely with our own pioneering efforts and we would like to thank organisations such as Crustacean Compassion the SAGB, Chefs forum, Supermarkets and high profile chefs. who have campaigned to validate electrical stunning as a more humane, repeatable, and operationally robust method for crustacean dispatch. We look forward to working with the industry as they adopt higher welfare standards.”

The Bonzer Crustastun isn’t just compassionate, it also enhances food quality, improves texture and flavour, and extends shelf life by killing harmful bacteria, allowing safe storage for up to 48 hours. Its user‑friendly design requires no specialist training and fits neatly into busy kitchens, providing staff with a fast, efficient, and ethical method for dispatching crustaceans. The Crustastun features a compact, countertop design and is both quick and easy to use, utilising a simple two button operating interface. With no special skills or training required to operate the appliance, kitchens can work with increased flexibility and staffing.

Mitchell & Cooper manufactures the Crustastun and other industry-leading solutions under the renowned Bonzer® brand—a hallmark of British engineering and hospitality innovation for over 100 years. At Bonzer®, design is a direct reflection of our core values. Every concept, sketch, and prototype must embody these five principles through its materials, form, and purpose:

For more information on the Crustastun, please visit www.mitchellcooper.co.uk/why-crustastun.

by George Denning

The St. Regis London Announces Robert Aikens as Executive Head Chef for 2026 launch

19^th Jan 2026 - The St. Regis London announces the appointment of Robert Aikens as its Executive Head Chef, in advance of the named chef and restaurant as the hotel prepares to open in mid-2026. Under the leadership of General Manager Marco Novella, the team will bring to life a flagship property for the St. Regis brand—one that blends the cultural richness of London with the brand’s signature traditions of elegance, craftsmanship, and impeccable service.

With his upbringing in a small farming village in Norfolk, his mother’s wonderful home cooking and beautiful garden, his father’s wine business exposing him to upscale restaurants of France, Chef Robert Aikens was inspired to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Upon graduating, Robert moved to London to work with the famed Roux brothers for the next three years, including the three-star Michelin-rated restaurant, Le Gavroche.

In 1991, Robert continued his culinary path in the US at former Rockefeller Camp, The Point, and The Lake Placid Lodge, a sister property in the Relais & Chateaux network after which he joined Sanford Weill, CEO of Citigroup as his personal private chef.

In 2002, Robert returned to London to work alongside his twin brother Tom Aikens with the launch of his first restaurant, Tom’s Kitchen and Tom Aikens Restaurant before returning again to the US in 2008 to join the Starr Restaurant Group and then finding himself at the pinnacle of classic New York City fine dining, overseeing the iconic Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Centre as Executive Culinary Director.

After several stints in Mexico City at 3* Pujol and sister restaurant Criollo in Oaxaca, in January 2018, Robert returned to NYC and the Starr Restaurant Group as Executive Culinary Director for the re-opening of one of New York City’s most prolific restaurants, Pastis and as the Executive Head Chef of Veronika on Park Avenue South. During the pandemic, Chef Robert developed a Ghost Kitchen pop up called Ghostburger, which became a firm favourite of Washington elite and food critics alike.

Now, with his return to London, Robert will take on the role of Executive Head Chef in the soon to be announced restaurant at the St Regis London.

“I am honoured to welcome Robert to join the finest team at The St. Regis London as we bring this iconic brand to life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities,” said Novella. “We aim to create a destination that captures the spirit of Mayfair while celebrating the timeless elegance for which St. Regis is renowned.”

by George Denning

CHAPTER CHIANTI, OPENING JUNE 2026

Opening in June 2026, Chapter Chianti marks the second property in the Chapter Italia portfolio, bringing Marco Cilia's bold vision of contemporary Italian hospitality to the rolling hills of Tuscany. Set within a restored 16th-century medieval village just 45 minutes from Florence, the 82-room property challenges expectations of what a Tuscan retreat can be.

Where guests might expect rustic Tuscan charm, Chapter Chianti delivers something entirely unexpected. South African designer Tristan Du Plessis of Studio A has transformed the historic hamlet into a design-forward destination that challenges convention while respecting heritage. Rather than leaning into terracotta and antiques, Du Plessis employs clean architectural lines, exposed stone, sculptural lighting, and modern Italian design pieces to create spaces that feel more urban lifestyle hotel than countryside retreat, yet remain deeply connected to the landscape and history of the site.

The property features three restaurants and three bars celebrating both Tuscan tradition and international flavours, alongside a 500-square-meter spa that reimagines wellness as a communal experience. Curated activities immerse guests in authentic Tuscan life through truffle hunting, olive oil harvesting, and mountain biking, hiking, star gazing. The Mansion, a five-bedroom villa with a private pool, outdoor entertainment space offers the ultimate secluded escape.

by George Denning

Six Senses London Announces Opening Date and Founding Leadership Team

Six Senses London will officially open on March 1, 2026, marking the brand’s first destination in the United Kingdom and a key moment in its urban awakening. Located within The Whiteley in Bayswater, the hotel brings Six Senses’ wellbeing-led philosophy into a city setting, introducing a different rhythm for London.

Designed by AvroKO in collaboration with EPR Architects, Six Senses London will comprise 109 rooms and suites, 14 Six Senses Residences and Six Senses Place London, the brand’s first private members club. The hotel includes Six Senses Spa London, dining at Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Café, and spaces dedicated to wellbeing, sustainability and community.

The hotel is led by Nick Yarnell, General Manager, whose career spans more than 30 years in international luxury hospitality. He previously led the opening of Six Senses Douro Valley and currently serves as Regional General Manager for Europe, alongside leading the launch of Six Senses London.

“In all my years working in hospitality, this is the most talented team I have worked with. What makes this opening particularly meaningful is that everyone has joined organically, drawn to the values and culture we are building at Six Senses London.”

Ahead of the opening, Six Senses London announces its founding leadership team, united by a shared commitment to service defined by warmth and generosity.

The opening of Six Senses London has created over 300 roles, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to creating long-term opportunities in hospitality while contributing to the ongoing reactivation of The Whiteley London and its surrounding neighbourhoods of Queensway and Bayswater.

A Different Rhythm, Led in Practice

Six Senses London delivers its approach to urban hospitality through a small number of specialist roles that shape how the hotel functions day to day.

Wellbeing and ritual are led by Taffryn Kinsey-Ellis, Director of Wellness, and Charlotte Pulver, Head Alchemist. Together, they oversee spa, recovery and longevity while bringing hands-on alchemy into daily hotel life through plant medicine, distillation and water-led rituals.

Programming and community are shaped by Nico Eden, Director of Six Senses Place, and Ailsa Kerr, Director of Programming. Eden brings experience across conservation and community development, while Kerr, with over two decades in cultural programming, curates an evolving programme of talks, workshops and gatherings designed to help those reconnect in urban settings.

Food culture and fermentation are led by Eliano Crespi, Executive Chef, and Jelena Belgrave, Fermentation Expert. Working closely with hyper-local farms across the UK, they integrate ancestral cooking techniques, fermentation and seasonal rhythms across menus and experiences at Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Café.

Sustainability is led by Patrick Jones, Director of Sustainability. His focus is on embedding circular thinking into daily hotel operations and engagement through the Earth Lab, while overseeing community impact through the hotel’s Sustainability Fund in partnership with local organisations.

Together, these disciplines form an interconnected working model that defines how Six Senses London operates.

Leadership and Operations

Six Senses London is supported by a senior leadership team including:

• Antoine Gaillard, Director of Food and Beverage
• Stefan Mueller, Director of Sales and Marketing
• Jatin Shastri, Director of Marketing and Communications
• Astrid Deppisch, Director of Revenue
• Claire Frost, Director of Human Resources
• Etienne Romestaing, Director of Rooms
• Ruairi McDowell, Chief Concierge
• Ido Shitrit, Director of Engineering and Safety
• Sarah Tromans, Regional Director of Finance

Reservations are now open at sixsenses.com or via reservations-london@sixsenses.com. To enquire about membership at Six Senses Place London, visit sixsensesplace.com.

Follow @sixsenseslondon, @sixsensesplacelondon and @whiteleyskitchenbarcafe on Instagram for updates.

by George Denning

Mandarin Oriental Appoints Philippe Kronberg as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and AVP Operations across key European hotels

Mandarin Oriental is pleased to announce the appointment of Philippe Kronberg as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London & AVP Operations, effective from 12 January 2026.

Alongside managing Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Kronberg will be supporting Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Mandarin Oriental Paris, and the newly managed Mandarin Oriental Lutetia and Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam, which will be officially operating as a Mandarin Oriental Hotel from 14 January.

Philippe Kronberg brings more than 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, spanning operations, finance and commercial strategy. He joins Mandarin Oriental from Shangri-La, where he most recently served as Resort General Manager in Muscat, Oman, overseeing a multi-property beachfront destination comprising three hotels with more than 640 rooms.

Previously, Kronberg was General Manager of Shangri-La Sydney, with oversight of the Group’s properties across Australasia. His international career also includes General Manager roles across Turkey, China, Thailand and Brisbane, reflecting deep experience across diverse markets and operating environments.

Recognised for his strategic vision, operational rigour and commitment to exceptional guest experiences, Kronberg joins Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London at a pivotal moment as the hotel continues to strengthen its position as one of the capital’s most iconic luxury addresses, seamlessly balancing heritage with innovation. In his new role, he will oversee all hotel operations, drive service excellence and further enhance the hotel’s reputation for refined hospitality, culinary excellence and personalised guest experiences.

A French and Australian national fluent in English, French, and German, Philippe began his professional career at London’s renowned Ritz Hotel after completing a Diploma in Hotel Management at the prestigious Swiss hospitality school Les Roches. He later earned an Executive MBA from AGSM, the postgraduate business school of the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney. A former paratrooper, Philippe holds a private pilot’s licence and enjoys aerobatic flying. A devoted family man with two teenage children, he is also actively committed to fundraising for charitable causes.

“We are delighted to welcome Philippe to Mandarin Oriental. He is an accomplished and highly respected hotelier with an exceptional track record across some of the world’s most prestigious luxury destinations. Philippe’s depth of operational expertise, strategic mindset and people-focused leadership make him ideally placed to lead Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, while also supporting our growing portfolio of landmark hotels across Europe. This appointment reflects our continued commitment to excellence as we strengthen our presence in key global cities.”

“I am honoured to be joining Mandarin Oriental and to take on the role of General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, alongside my wider operational responsibilities across Europe. Mandarin Oriental is synonymous with legendary service and timeless luxury, and I am excited to work with the exceptional teams to build on the hotel’s rich heritage while continuing to innovate and elevate the guest experience. I look forward to contributing to the Group’s continued growth and success across these iconic properties.”

by George Denning

SENSPA AT CAREYS MANOR HOTEL UNVEILS £100K SMART GYM UPGRADE – FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE NEW FOREST

Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa has unveiled a £100,000 smart gym upgrade for 2026, introducing the area’s first smart gym powered by Technogym technology and offering a highly personalised, luxury-led approach to training and wellbeing.

At the heart of the gym is the pioneering Technogym Checkup Tool, an AI-driven system that generates a personalised ‘Wellness Ageä’ offering a complete snapshot of physical and cognitive health. By analysing and tracking key metrics, including mobility, strength and cardio fitness, the Checkup enables tailormade programmes designed to evolve with the individual, making training more intuitive, effective and motivating whatever the stage of the wellness journey.

The upgrade also features Technogym’s state-of-the-art 'Excite' cardio range, including the Excite Run Professional treadmill, Excite Synchro Professional cross trainer, Excite Bike Professional upright bike and Excite Recline recumbent bike, bringing elite level training into a luxurious setting.

“SenSpa at Careys Manor has always had holistic wellness at its heart, and this exciting new upgrade to our gym offering is a response to what we’re seeing our guests and members prioritise: luxury wellness experiences backed by world-class technology and data insight. We want to support and motivate our members to reach their goals and we can’t wait to welcome new joiners who are embarking on the latest step in their wellness journeys.”

For more information, please visit:

 www.careysmanor.com/senspa/healthclub-spa-membership-at-senspa/

by George Denning

ELEVATE YOUR MORNING MEETING AT THE LANDMARK LONDON

In a city where mornings often mean takeaway cups and tight schedules, The Landmark London is offering a more intentional way to start the working day. Available at a special introductory rate of £32 (usually £40) from 5th–31st January, The Landmark London is redefining breakfast as a destination for business.

Set beneath the soaring glass atrium of the Winter Garden Restaurant, the hotel’s AA award-winning breakfast experience is designed for business breakfasts that demand space, calm and impeccable five-star service. No queues, no rush, just an environment where early meetings, client conversations and focused mornings unfold with ease.

Guests are invited to settle into an expansive buffet that champions quality and abundance, from Scottish oak-smoked salmon, artisan yoghurts and freshly baked pastries to seasonal fruits, fresh smoothies and plant-based dishes; all enjoyed in a setting that encourages conversation rather than congestion.

The experience is completed with a selection of made-to-order hot dishes, including Eggs Royale, classic Full English favourites, Belgian waffles and pancakes, delivered by the hotel’s attentive team to ensure meetings run smoothly from first coffee to final course. For those looking to celebrate sealing the deal, Champagne pairings from Taittinger are available from £22 per glass.

Breakfast at The Landmark London – where morning meetings matter.

To book, please visit: www.landmarklondon.co.uk/winter-garden/restaurant

The Landmark London

222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ

www.landmarklondon.co.uk

F: @TheLandmarkLondon| I:  @The_Landmark_London| TT: @thelandmarklondon

by George Denning

REVAMPED SOLOS COLLECTION JOINS RAFT OF NEW HOLIDAYS IN SECOND EDITION HF HOLIDAYS 2026 BROCHURE

HF Holidays, Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative specialising in expert-led guided walking holidays, has introduced a revamped Solos Collection for 2026, alongside an expanded Overseas Programme and new Guided Walking with Sightseeing holidays in the UK and Ireland.

These new additions – included in the second edition 2026 brochure - build on product launches already announced for this year, including new pilgrimage trails, challenge walking holidays, cruise and walking holidays and twenty new specialist interest holidays offering guests the chance to learn something new.

EXPANDED SOLOS COLLECTION

HF Holidays is a popular choice for solo travellers with the tour operator seeing strong repeat bookings from solos who love the sociable nature of the experiences. To cater for this demand in 2026, HF Holidays is launching solos holidays in Europe and adding additional solos dates at a selection of its HF Country Houses in the UK. These trips bring together like-minded people, with small walking group sizes, shared dining experiences plus a welcome drinks reception and farewell gathering to give guests the opportunity to connect.

NEW solos holidays include:

1. Based at the newly re-opened and refurbished HF Country House Dolserau Hall in Southern Snowdonia, HF Holidays’ seven-night Best of the Meirionnydd Coast Path for Solos is a great way to meet people and make new friends whilst exploring one of Wales’ most memorable coastal trails. Steeped in Welsh history and folklore, the Meirionnydd Coast Path has Snowdonia’s rugged mountains as the backdrop and an abundance of historical sites and wildlife to spot.

Priced at £1,449pp including full-board accommodation at HF Country House Dolserau Hall in Southern Snowdonia; cream tea on arrival; guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders; all transport to and from walks; welcome drinks reception and farewell dinner with drinks. Book hfholidays.co.uk / 020 3974 8865

1. HF Holidays has a brand NEW small-group solos overseas holiday in Malta limited to no more than 16 guests. The seven-night guided walking holiday; Complete Malta for Solos, will take place in the mild winters of this central Mediterranean island. The trip takes in all that the island has to offer in terms of culture, history and scenery – including the historic city of Valletta and its stunning harbour, megalithic temples (Hagar Qim), WWII history and the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

Priced from £1,379 per person the seven-night guided walking holiday includes flights, baggage and transfers, half-board accommodation, guided walks with local leaders, HF Tour Manager, all in-destination transport, plus welcome and farewell drinks receptions. Book hfholidays.co.uk / 020 3974 8865.

EXTENDED OVERSEAS PROGRAMME

1. As Madeira is one of HF Holidays’ most popular European destinations, the operator has added a much requested seven-night Festive Walking in Madeira getaway departing on 21 December 2026. With a centrally located hotel in Funchal, 180-degree views of Funchal Bay, easy access to the capital’s Christmas festivities, lights and market, guests will enjoy the mild winter temperatures and a choice of scenic trails led by local leaders.

The trip is priced at £2,149pp and includes flights, baggage and transfers, four-star accommodation at the Hotel The Views Baía on a half-board basis and a buffet-style Christmas Gala Dinner with drinks on 24 December. Book hfholidays.co.uk / 020 3974 8865.

2. HF Holidays NEW seven-night Walking the Picos de Europa & Asturias holiday on the lush, green, mountainous and still, relatively unknown, northern coast of Spain’s mainland, provides guests the opportunity to explore the Camino del Norte routes, traditional villages and stunning landscapes of the region from the scenic four-star coastal hotel of Silken Gran Hotel del Sella in Ribadesella.

Priced from £1,549pp, the trip includes half board accommodation, flights, baggage and transfers and a choice of two walks on walking days led by local leaders. Book hfholidays.co.uk / 020 3974 8865.

3. HF Holidays is adding this stunning NEW seven-night holiday; Guided Walking in the Dolomites & Lake Garda. With a choice of two guided walks per day on walking days, guests can choose from challenging mountain hikes to lakeside strolls along Lake Garda and Lake Nero with turquoise waters and olive groves.

Priced from £1,479 pp on a half board basis, with wine at evening meals at the small, family run hotel of Hotel Regina Elena in the heart of the medieval village of Caderzone Terme, including flights, baggage, transfers and a choice of two guided walks per day on walking days. Book hfholidays.co.uk / 020 3974 8865.

4. Due to popular demand for Italian food and hike trips, HF Holidays has added the seven-night Emilia Romagna Food & Hike.  Guests will enjoy staying in the mountain-located, wellness hotel Hotel Firenze in Fanano. An expert local guide will lead them around visits to the Pavarotti museum, a full day in the food capital of Bologna, produce tastings of cheese, meats, pasta, a cooking demo and a mountain BBQ. Walks will take in cultural sites, mountains and lakes.

Priced from £1,699pp to include return flights, baggage and transfers, accommodation, seven breakfasts, four lunches and seven dinners, an interactive cooking demo, local produce tastings and guided walks with local leaders. Book hfholidays.co.uk / 020 3974 8865.

5. With Sri Lanka a trending destination for 2026, HF Holidays is launching its first 14-night Walking with Sightseeing in Sri Lanka for guests to take in many highlights that ‘the pearl of the Indian Ocean’ has to offer. Led by expert local guides, explore UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa and the cave temples of Dambulla and walk part of the famous Pekoe trail in the Central Highlands, awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its extraordinary range of flora and fauna and endangered species such as the Sri Lankan leopard. The trip also includes a tour of Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with an expert botanist and an unforgettable climb to the summit of Sigiriya through the impressive lion-shaped gateway of a ruined 5th-century palace.

Staying at premium hotels in scenic locations, the trip is priced from £3,349 pp with flights and accommodation, 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 13 dinners, one high tea, expert local guides, all sightseeing, excursions & entrance fees. Book hfholidays.co.uk / 020 3974 8865.

DISCOVER MORE OF UK & IRELAND

Due to popular demand, HF Holidays has expanded its partner holidays range for the UK and Ireland, where the operator partners with hotels in incredible locations that reach beyond HF Holidays own Country House estate. New additions for 2026 include a NEW five night Dorset Guided Walking with Sightseeing break with half day walking and half day sightseeing priced at £1,139 pp; a NEW six night touring holiday Discover More along Hadrian’s Wall for £1,559pp which provides full-board accommodation, some entrance fees and small-group executive mini bus transport; a NEW seven-night, small group Western Ireland: Guided Walking With Sightseeing holiday priced at £1,909pp on a half-board basis staying at the Kenmare Bay Hotel  with entrance fees and flights included and a NEW five night Dartmoor Guided Walking with Sightseeing priced at £1,089pp including full board accommodation, guided walks, transport and some entrance fees.

by George Denning