BALLOONS IN BLOOM
Beaverbrook brings back balloon dining as experiential hospitality trend continues to rise.
Luxury country house hotel Beaverbrook has unveiled the return of its seasonal hot air balloon dining concept for summer 2026, reinforcing the growing importance of immersive outdoor experiences in luxury hospitality.
After launching on 20 May, the “Balloons in Bloom” activation sees six stationary hot air balloons installed within the property’s Italian Garden, each transformed through a renewed partnership with British luxury tablescaping brand Summerill & Bishop. The collaboration marks the fourth consecutive year the two brands have worked together on the concept, following previous themed installations including Love is in the Air, A Sky Full of Stripes and Fanning The Flame.
Designed to appeal to experience-led luxury travellers, the 2026 concept places a stronger emphasis on botanical storytelling and destination-led design. The balloons have been dressed in Summerill & Bishop’s “Still Life 1815” print, featuring layered florals inspired by the surrounding Surrey landscape, with roses, peonies, irises, daffodils and ranunculus rendered in soft chalky tones and contrasted with darker chiaroscuro elements.
The activation reflects a broader shift across the luxury hotel sector towards highly visual, shareable dining concepts that combine culinary programming with immersive design. At Beaverbrook, the experience is positioned as both a food-and-beverage offering and a seasonal draw designed to increase destination appeal during the summer months.
Each balloon accommodates up to four guests for lunch or dinner service and is fully dressed with Summerill & Bishop linens and tabletop accessories. The experience is centred around Beaverbrook’s signature Japanese dining offering, with a menu featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Dishes include Hokkaido scallop tartare, rhubarb and sake kasu salad, and yakiniku-grilled Japanese A5 Wagyu sirloin, alongside cocktails inspired by the estate’s gardens and local producers.
Regional provenance remains a key component of the offering. Beverage partnerships include Surrey-based Albury Estate and Silent Pool Gin, while the cocktail menu incorporates floral and botanical influences intended to connect guests more closely with the surrounding estate.
Commenting on the collaboration, Seb Bishop, CEO and Creative Director of Summerill & Bishop, said the intention was to create an environment that “blurs the line between art and landscape”, allowing guests to feel immersed in “a living tableau of the British summer”.
The installation also demonstrates how hotels are increasingly leveraging design-led brand partnerships to extend guest engagement beyond traditional accommodation and dining. Seasonal activations of this kind have become an important tool for luxury properties seeking to drive incremental revenue, social media visibility and repeat visitation.
Beyond the Surrey estate, Beaverbrook is also expanding the concept’s visibility through its return to Royal Ascot in June 2026. Following a successful debut at the racing event in 2025, six branded balloons will again appear within The Royal Enclosure, offering trackside brunch and lunch experiences aimed at premium leisure and hospitality audiences.
The continuation of the concept highlights how experiential dining - particularly outdoors and tied to strong visual storytelling - remains a significant focus area for luxury hotels looking to differentiate in an increasingly competitive market.
APALEO LAUNCHES AI COPILOT TO EASE OPERATIONAL PRESSURE ON HOSPITALITY TEAMS
Apaleo, the API-first property management platform for hospitality businesses, has launched Apaleo Copilot, a new agentic layer embedded in the platform that simplifies hotel operations.
With a lightweight chat interface, staff can ask Apaleo Copilot to handle complex tasks, such as checking arrivals, extending stays, planning housekeeping, resolving overbookings, and assigning rooms, without having to switch between multiple systems or applications.
Built on Apaleo’s open, API-first architecture, Apaleo Copilot takes a scalable approach to AI adoption in hospitality. Rather than introducing a separate tool or isolated assistant, it provides a shared agentic infrastructure that can be shaped to fit how each business already operates. Hospitality businesses can upload plain-text standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal process documentation to train the infrastructure on their existing ways of working. This enables Apaleo Copilot to understand the context behind each request and autonomously follow the hotel’s established processes in the background. Because the same infrastructure can be adapted to different operating models, Apaleo Copilot can support a wide range of hospitality businesses, from individual properties to groups and brands.
Designed as a flexible, trainable agent, Apaleo Copilot will become more adaptable to each property over time. Businesses will be able to train it on their own processes and standards, tailored to a specific property, group, or brand. Third-party apps and agents will also be able to connect to Apaleo Copilot, enabling agent-to-agent (A2A) communication and bringing hoteliers closer to running a truly autonomous hotel.
The launch comes as hospitality businesses face growing pressure to do more with lean teams while adapting to new AI expectations. A study by NYU and BCG found that only 2.9% of full-time employees in travel and tourism possess AI skills, compared with 21%in tech and media. Separately, BCG’s 2025 global “AI at Work” survey found that regular AI use among frontline employees has stalled at 51%, but rises significantly when workers have the right tools.
Against this backdrop, Apaleo is taking a more practical approach to AI adoption. With Apaleo Copilot, AI is embedded directly into the workflows hotel teams already use, helping staff more efficiently utilise and navigate different systems across their tech stack through one interface. Its natural language design makes it intuitive for non-technical staff.
Use cases available today
Apaleo Copilot supports a range of complex, multi-step operational tasks, including:
Extending reservation
Handles OTA and direct booking extensions based on availability, checks pricing, and reassigns rooms where needed.
Smart room assignment
Reviews reservations, identifies available rooms, groups related stays, such as families and groups, considers guest preferences, and distributes rooms efficiently across the property. It can also flag rooms still requiring housekeeping.
Resolving overbooking
Checks reservations for a given property and date, identifies overbooked room categories, and automatically upgrades reservations based on rules such as prioritising the shortest stays
Housekeeping report
Provides an overview of room status, including clean, dirty, vacant, and occupied rooms, with a detailed breakdown of rooms that need cleaning or maintenance. It can recommend where teams should start based on the concentration of dirty rooms by floor.
No-show identification
Identifies no-show reservations, shows booking details and applicable fees, and can reactivate reservations for late arrivals by recreating the reservation context, retrieving folios if needed, and assigning the appropriate unit.
Morning briefing
Generates a daily operational summary, including arrivals, departures, overnight bookings, no-shows, upgrades, added services, and families with children.
Ulrich Pillau, CEO and Founder of Apaleo, said: “Hospitality teams are under constant pressure to move quickly, solve problems, and deliver great guest experiences. The last thing they need is another dashboard. We built Apaleo Copilot to be practical from day one, helping staff complete real tasks in natural language inside the system they already use. It is a much simpler, more natural way to bring AI into operations.”
With Apaleo Copilot, hospitality businesses have a foundation to scale AI in a way that supports staff rather than replacing them, as roles shift toward more guest-facing, higher-value work.
Ruby Makes Scandinavian Debut as Ruby Frida Opens in Sweden’s Capital
Ruby opens Ruby Frida in Stockholm. It is the brand’s first property in Sweden and an electric new addition to its ever-growing global portfolio. Located in the vibrant Stockholm district of Kungsholmen near Fridhemsplan, inspired by the city’s influential music heritage and the creative spirit of the swinging sixties, the 187-room hotel introduces Ruby’s signature character-rich, design-led approach to one of Stockholm’s most connected and fast evolving areas Ruby Frida combines dynamic social spaces, a design concept deeply connected to Stockholm’s cultural pulse, a 24 serving cocktails and barista coffee, and an effortless guest experience designed around what cosmopolitan travellers value most.
Housed in a transformed 1960s landmark, the building has been carefully reimagined into a mixed-use destination combining hospitality, offices, restaurants, and retail spaces. The hotel is located just 10 minutes from Stockholm Central Station via public transport and approximately 40 minutes from Stockholm Arlanda Airport via direct airport coach connections nearby. Guests are also within close reach of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s waterfront promenades, parks, cafés, and growing creative scene.
Ruby Frida reflects the brand’s focus on soulful, city-centre stays for cosmopolitan, lifestyle-focused travellers, combining central locations, distinctive design and seamless, tech-enabled experiences. Music is woven throughout the experience, from curated sound programmes to live acts in the evening and in-room Marshall amplifiers and Bluetooth speakers, connecting guests more closely to the city’s creative culture.
The Sound of Stockholm
The design story behind Ruby Frida is inspired by Stockholm during the swinging sixties, a period when the city was redefining itself culturally, creatively, and architecturally. While modernist buildings reshaped the Swedish capital, a new music movement emerged in parallel, laying the foundation for Sweden’s future influence on global pop culture.
The area surrounding the hotel played an important role in Stockholm’s music evolution, with influential recording studios and creative spaces helping shape the city’s growing international music scene. Just around the corner from the hotel stood the legendary Cheiron Studios, which later became one of the world’s most influential pop music studios and home to globally renowned producers and songwriters.
Throughout the interiors, Scandinavian modernism meets the unconventional energy of the era. Warm wood finishes, geometric forms, vintage inspired details, textured materials, curated vinyl references, softly layered lighting, and intimate lounge spaces create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. The design balances restraint with creativity and tradition with reinvention, reflecting the contrasts that defined Stockholm throughout the 1960s.
A great pop song feels effortless. Three minutes, perhaps less. A chorus arriving at precisely the moment your heartbeat has already decided to follow. Yet behind that apparent simplicity lies a meticulous process of editing, precision, and restraint. Knowing what to leave out is often just as important as knowing what to include.
The same philosophy shapes Ruby's approach. At Ruby Frida, the experience is not about having more, but about choosing with intent.Every element serves a purpose, every detail earns its place. Like a carefully composed piece of music, the interior design brings together distinct elements in a cohesive arrangement. Furniture sets the rhythm, lighting creates atmosphere, and the bar serves as the social heartbeat. Service at eye level adds a human melody to the experience, introducing warmth, character, and personal connection. Together, they create an experience that feels both effortless and curated.
Guest rooms are available in categories including Cosy, Lovely and Wow, each designed to maximise comfort while maintaining a clear focus on what truly matters to modern travellers. Selected rooms feature private balconies overlooking Stockholm, while thoughtfully designed windowless rooms offer calm, cocoon-like retreats in the heart of the city, creating an unexpected sense of tranquillity amid the urban buzz. Each room combines Scandinavian aesthetics with signature Ruby features including big cozy beds with fluffy duvets, rainfall showers, signature Ruby bath amenities and curated design details inspired by the city’s creative heritage.
Room rates start from SEK 1.100 per night excluding breakfast. For more information or to book a stay, visit the hotel’s website here or follow on Instagram. IHG One Rewards members can also book directly using the IHG One Rewards mobile app.
For images, please see here.
Founded in Germany in 2013, Ruby’s 40* open and pipeline global properties predominantly span Europe’s largest and most prominent cities, with Ruby Lilou in Marseille opening in late summer 2026. Beyond its U.S. expansion with recent signings in Chicago and New York City, Ruby’s 2026 global signings to date include a first hotel in Belgium and new properties in Germany and Italy. These additions further the Ruby brand’s ambition to grow to more than 120 global hotels during the next decade and more than 250 during the next 20 years.
The Ruby brand is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts. Ruby Frida’s development, design and operations will be run by Ruby Group, an independent company that created the Ruby brand before selling it to IHG in 2025, and which is known in the industry for uniquely combining characterful and individual guest service with highly efficient operations, also thanks to its proprietary systems innovations.
*Numbers as of Q1 2026
SOPWELL HOUSE LAUNCHES 40TH ANNIVERSARY DELEGATE AND SUMMER BBQ PACKAGES
Make your summer event one to remember at Sopwell House with its new 40th anniversary Delegate and Summer Party BBQ packages, offering event planners and businesses more reasons to meet, celebrate and connect.
Set within 12 acres of countryside and with capacity to host up to 380 guests, the luxury country house is home to a range of versatile event spaces, each fully equipped for every need and summer-ready for conferences, meetings, away days and parties.
Marking 40 years of timeless hospitality, meet in style with Sopwell House’s new ‘£40 Delegate Summer Meetings’, available on bookings taking place from 1st July – 28th August. Throughout the summer months, every 10th delegate booked will receive a reduced rate of just £40, applicable to both day delegate packages and 24-hour residential stays.
For those ready to party, Sopwell House has also launched its Summer Party Package from £84 per guest. Complete with private garden hire, a welcome drink on arrival and a tailored BBQ menu, the package is ideal for corporate summer parties, team celebrations and networking events.
Bringing an elevated twist to the British BBQ, menus put a spotlight on seasonal produce and can be tailored to suit individual event needs and dietaries. Expect dishes fresh from the grill including chilli and garlic prawns; 6oz minted lamb burgers; bourbon marinated chicken; Indian spiced asparagus with paneer cheese; and pork cutlet in a Southern-style rub. Light salads run from the classics of potato salad with bacon and chives; and couscous with mint, olive and roasted vegetables; to watermelon and feta, whilst sweet treats include a mango crème brûlée; and passionfruit cheesecake.
Set within the hotel’s manicured gardens with space to play, organisers can enhance events further with range of team building add-ons for away days, from garden games and office Olympics to laser shooting experiences. Whilst for those wishing to continue celebrations into the evening can hire additional spaces, including the Octagon Bar for a networking and cocktail reception.
Available to book throughout the summer season, Sopwell House’s new 40th anniversary Delegate and Summer Party BBQ package provide the perfect opportunity to bring teams together to meet and celebrate in style. Enquire now at www.sopwellhouse.co.uk, whilst details on the £40 delegate offer is available here.
Sopwell House
Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ
Hotel Indigo Coventry appoints new Hotel Manager & Head Chef
Hotel Indigo Coventry, operated by Castlebridge Hospitality, has recently appointed Madan Rathore as Hotel Manager and Hugo Correia as Head Chef.
Madan joined Hotel Indigo Coventry in April, bringing with him more than 20 years of hospitality experience and a proven track record of operational excellence across leading international hotel brands. Prior to joining Hotel Indigo Coventry, Madan served as General Manager at Ramada Encore by Wyndham in Leicester, where he successfully led hotel operations for over 6 years. Before this, he held the positions of Operations Manager with InterContinental Hotels Group and Director of Rooms at Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport.
In his new role, Madan will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of hotel operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences while continuing to develop and support the hotel's talented team. He is widely recognised for his passion for customer service, dedication to team development, and sharp business acumen, qualities that align closely with Hotel Indigo Coventry's commitment to delivering memorable and distinctive guest experiences.
Hugo returns to Hotel Indigo Coventry following a successful period working at other hospitality venues. A highly professional, multi-skilled, and creative chef, Hugo has built an impressive career over more than 8 years in the hospitality industry. Prior to his appointment, Hugo served as Head Chef at Weston Hall Hotel. He also held the position of Senior Sous Chef with Niche & Bespoke and previously worked as Sous Chef at Hotel Indigo Coventry, making his return to the hotel a natural and exciting progression in his career. Earlier roles include Sous Chef at Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts in Birmingham.
In his new role, Hugo will lead the hotel's culinary team, overseeing menu development, kitchen operations, team training, and the continued enhancement of the food and beverage offering. His experience managing busy hotel kitchens, combined with his commercial awareness and operational expertise, will support the hotel's ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences.
Samantha Dunion, Cluster General Manager said: "We are delighted to welcome Madan and Hugo to Hotel Indigo Coventry. Madan’s extensive experience, leadership skills, and customer-focused approach make him an excellent addition to the team. We are confident that his expertise will help drive the continued success of the hotel and further enhance the guest experience. We are also thrilled to welcome Hugo back to Hotel Indigo Coventry as Head Chef. Having previously been a valued member of the team, he understands the culture and standards of the hotel and brings with him significant experience gained across a variety of hospitality environments. His creativity, leadership, and passion for exceptional food make him the ideal person to lead our kitchen team into the future."
Hotel Indigo Coventry opened in January 2024 after the completion of a multi-million-pound project. The hotel, which has 101 bedrooms, also features ‘Cogs Bar and Kitchen’ which celebrates the growers’ and producers in Warwickshire and the British Isles. Hotel Indigo Coventry is situated at Friargate, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 2GN, UK. For more information, please visit https://coventry.hotelindigo.com
SUMMER AT TEMPLETON GARDEN: LIVE MUSIC, ST-GERMAIN® SPRITZ’ AND THE GARDEN GAMES
This summer, Templeton Garden, the townhouse hotel in Earls Court, will embrace the season in its garden oasis. From a programme of live music through to classic games, the garden will become the ultimate retreat in West London.
Launching this June is ‘Soft Sets’: a programme of open-air music spotlighting emerging artists across jazz, neo-soul, R&B and beyond. Monthly from June through to September, the garden will come alive with ticketed performances accompanied by snacks from Templeton Garden’s neighbourhood restaurant, Pippin’s, while Sprout, the hotel's seasonally driven bar will pair cocktails to each set.
Placed within the greenery, Templeton Garden has partnered with ST-GERMAIN to introduce a pop up bar serving a capsule collection of cocktails. Expect a ST-GERMAIN Spritz: a refreshing mix of soda, prosecco and citrus; Frozen Mint Margarita comprising peppermint Patron, Dry Curacao, Cocoa;; Angels Envy Highball made with Angels Envy, Szechuan sauce, citrus and bubbles. The full menu can be found HERE.
Sprout will also unveil inventive cocktails inspired by nostalgic flavours, seasonal produce and playful culinary techniques, all of which are perfect for sipping on the bar’s terrace overlooking the garden. Highlights include the Gochujang Cobbler, with peach and gochujang spiced Remy Martin VSOP and clarified with Greek Yogurt, the Garni Gimlet with Botanist Gin, a refortified ‘house’ wine glaze and paired with either celery, basil, lemon-thyme or rosemary, the Kola Float topped with vanilla and honey ice cream, and the Tomato Collins made with San Marzano tomato consommé andstrawberry wine.
In keeping with English tradition, Templeton Garden’s lawn is home to the Garden Games; pick up a croquet mallet or try your hand at giant skittles. Then there’s Pippin’s elegant terrace: a retreat from the garden activity and the ideal spot for leisurely lunches, and warm evening suppers. Enjoy seasonal dishes, from freshly shucked Carlingford oysters; Burrata, Isle of Wight tomatoes and basil, to Tiger prawn linguine with chilli, garlic and lemon.
The summer season at Templeton Garden begins this June, through to September. Bookings for Soft Sets are required, and bookings for Pippin’s and Sprout is advised.
New hotel reimagined in Amsterdam Oost: The Manor Amsterdam by Leonardo Hotel Group launches June 2026
Due to open its doors on 9th June, The Manor Amsterdam is the latest property in Leonardo Hotel Group’s impressive global portfolio
Leonardo Hotel Group today announces the upcoming launch of The Manor Amsterdam, a Leonardo Limited Edition and its ninth property in Amsterdam. Located in the heart of East Amsterdam-Oost, one of the city’s most vibrant districts, known for its bustling markets, diverse culinary scene and cultural energy, the hotel is set within a striking architectural landmark steeped in history.
Originally opened in 1891 as one of the Netherlands’ most advanced civilian hospitals, the building was designed by renowned architect A.L. van Gendt, also known for the Concertgebouw. The site later served as a district office for marriage ceremonies before being thoughtfully restored and transformed into a hotel, preserving its distinctive character - including original features such as restored staircases - while introducing a contemporary design sensibility.
The Manor Amsterdam features 125 stylish guest rooms, each designed to balance comfort with modern elegance. Guests can choose from five room categories, including Superior King, Superior Twin, Family Room, Triple, and Junior Suite. Interiors combine soft cotton bedding, walk-in showers with sustainable amenities from Jean & Len, and carefully curated design details inspired by Amsterdam’s creative spirit. Each room also offers a thoughtfully prepared welcome tray, featuring a selection of teas, alongside coffee capsules, sugar and milk.
At the heart of the hotel sits Pepe Nero, an Italian restaurant and bar by Daniele Lauritano. Open to the public since 3rd April for dinner, the menu is a celebration of classic Italian flavours. Antipasti range from crispy octopus to creamy burrata, followed by primi such as risotto cacio e pepe and truffle tagliolini. Heartier secondi features dishes including slow-braised veal cheek and aubergine parmigiana, before finishing with indulgent desserts such as classic tiramisù and affogato with chocolate crumble.
Breakfast is also available for guests both staying at the hotel and outside for £25 - serving a signature breakfast, freshly baked breads and pastries, cheese & cold cuts, cereals, muesli & granola, hot breakfast favourites, spreads, toppings & sweet touches, fresh fruit & dairy, and favourites drinks including tea, coffee, juices and infused water. During the day, a 24/7 self service mini market with snacks, coffee and wine is available for guests.
Blending heritage with contemporary lifestyle, The Manor offers a range of amenities including a fully equipped gym, meeting rooms, guest parking, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Parking on-site is available for EUR 37,50 per night.
“With this opening, following the successful integration of Eden Hotels in 2024, we are proud to continue strengthening Leonardo Hotel Group’s presence in the Benelux while remaining ambitious about future growth opportunities and strategic partnerships both within and beyond the region,” says Alexander Kluit, Managing Director, Leonardo Hotels Benelux.
Part of the Leonardo Limited Edition collection, The Manor Amsterdam reflects the brand’s commitment to individuality and meaningful stays. With its rich heritage, contemporary design and community-driven spirit, the hotel offers effortless luxury with a distinctly local soul.
Room rates start from £163 per night.
For more information or to book, please visit: www.leonardo-hotels.com/amsterdam/the-manoramsterdam
For more information on Pepe Nero, please visit: Pepeneroamsterdam.nl
UK’s Top Culinary Talent Shortlisted for 2026 AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year
Peer-voted honour to be presented at this year’s AA Hospitality Awards
AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year 2026 shortlist
Top row (left to right): Kenny Atkinson, Adam Byatt, Hélène Darroze, Hrishikesh Desai, Mark Donald, Brett Graham
Bottom row (left to right) Roberta Hall-McCarron, Adam Handling, Angela Hartnett, Lorna McNee, Spencer Metzger, Clare Smyth
Finalists for one of the UK hospitality industry’s most respected culinary accolades, the 2026 AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year award, have been revealed ahead of this year’s AA Hospitality Awards in September.
Widely considered among the sector’s most prestigious honours, the award celebrates chefs who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and leadership over the last 12 months.
First launched in 1996, the honour is decided entirely by fellow chefs, with AA Rosette holders voting to recognise the peer they believe has made the biggest impact on the hospitality industry over the past year.
This year’s shortlist features some of the UK’s most respected culinary voices spanning celebrated fine-dining destinations and innovative regional restaurants continuing to shape the future of British hospitality. From five Rosette restaurants in London and Scotland to standout dining destinations in Cumbria and the North East, the prestigious list of finalists reflect both the calibre and diversity across the UK food scene today.
The winner of the AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year, sponsored by Woods Foodservice, will be announced at the AA Hospitality Awards on Monday 21 September 2026 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London. The event will also celebrate a major milestone for AA Hotel & Hospitality Services, marking 70 years of the AA Rosette award. To honour the anniversary, the awards menu has been reimagined, with three leading chefs collaborating on the menu for the first time.
Culinary leaders Steve Smith, Tom Aikens and AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year 2026 finalist Hrishikesh Desai will each bring their own style to what promises to be an exquisite menu. The awards, hosted by broadcaster, singer and presenter Fleur East, are set to welcome more than 1,000 leading figures from across the hospitality sector for an evening celebrating the very best of British hospitality.
Simon Numphud FIH, Managing Director at AA Media, said: “What makes the AA Chefs’ Chef Award so special is that it is peer recognition at the highest level. This year’s shortlist is a real snapshot of modern British hospitality, showcasing many different styles and perspectives, yet all united by the same passion, innovation and uncompromising commitment to excellence. From neighbourhood restaurants to internationally recognised dining rooms, the calibre of talent on this year’s list shows just how exciting and dynamic the UK food scene continues to be.”
The 2026 shortlist highlights chefs from across the UK who continue to shape and influence the country’s dining scene. The full shortlist is:
- Kenny Atkinson, Solstice by Kenny Atkinson (Newcastle)
- Adam Byatt, Trinity (London)
- Hélène Darroze, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught (London)
- Hrishikesh Desai, Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai at Farlam Hall (Cumbria)
- Mark Donald, The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant (Perthshire, Scotland)
- Brett Graham, The Ledbury (London)
- Roberta Hall-McCarron, The Little Chartroom (Edinburgh)
- Adam Handling, Frog by Adam Handling (London)
- Angela Hartnett, Murano (London)
- Lorna McNee, Cail Bruich (Glasgow)
- Spencer Metzger, Row on 5 (London)
- Clare Smyth, Core by Clare Smyth (London)
Voting for the AA Chefs’ Chef of the Year is open exclusively to AA Rosette holders and closes on Friday 31 July at 8pm. Tickets for the AA Hospitality Awards on 21 September are available to purchase here.
The Ickworth Reopens Following Extensive Refurbishment
Suffolk family hotel unveils redesigned guest experience across accommodation, dining and wellness facilities
The Ickworth has officially reopened following a major refurbishment programme that has transformed the historic Suffolk estate while preserving its heritage character.
Located within 1,800 acres of National Trust parkland near Bury St Edmunds, the Grade I-listed property has undergone a comprehensive redesign encompassing guestrooms, public areas, dining venues, wellness facilities and family-focused spaces.
The refurbishment was led by interior design studio StudioJill, which sought to balance the property's Italianate architecture and historic features with a more contemporary aesthetic. The redesign incorporates a mix of vintage and modern furnishings throughout the hotel.
Among the updated public areas are the Drawing Room, Library and Conservatory, which have been reconfigured to provide flexible spaces for relaxation, socialising and events. The hotel's 37 guestrooms have also been redesigned, while larger accommodation options, including The Dower House and Butler's Quarters, continue to cater for multigenerational stays, group bookings and special occasions.
Wellness facilities have been enhanced as part of the redevelopment, with the spa featuring treatment rooms, relaxation spaces, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and Nordic-inspired hot tub. The spa is scheduled to reopen on 22 June.
Food and beverage offerings have also been refreshed, with menus focusing on seasonal ingredients and locally sourced Suffolk produce. The hotel will continue to offer a range of dining experiences, including breakfast, afternoon tea and family dining.
Family travel remains central to The Ickworth's positioning. The Four Bears Den Kids Club has been redesigned and now features toys supplied by partner brand Scandiborn. Additional facilities include dedicated spaces for tweens and teenagers, a cinema room and a range of family-oriented amenities.
The reopening marks the next phase for The Ickworth as it seeks to strengthen its position within the UK luxury family hospitality market while retaining the distinctive character that has made the estate a longstanding destination for leisure travellers.
Institute of Hospitality Appoints Katherine Price MIH as Editor of IoH Magazine
Katherine Price MIH has been appointed Editor of the Institute of Hospitality Magazine and will succeed Catherine Chetwynd MIH when she retires from the role in October after six years leading the publication.
Katherine brings extensive editorial experience across the hospitality and tourism sectors and has worked with the Institute of Hospitality as a freelance contributor for the past two years. Earlier in her career, she served as News Editor at The Caterer.
She will join the Institute team in June to work alongside Catherine on her final edition before formally taking up the role on 8 October.
Speaking about the changes, the Institute’s CEO, Robert Richardson FIH MI, said: “Working with the indomitable Catherine Chetwynd has been one of the greatest joys of my time at the IoH. She has taught me so much, and when it comes to signing off on her final magazine, I think I will have something in my eye! The successful growth of our magazine is in no small part thanks to Catherine’s professionalism, dedication and editorial expertise, and on behalf of the Institute, I wish her every happiness for the future!
As we look ahead, I am over the moon to welcome Katherine Price to the role of Editor of the Institute of Hospitality Magazine. She brings a wealth of editorial experience, knows the Institute well and has a strong understanding of our profession. Having had the privilege of working with Katherine on other projects at the IoH, I am confident she will build on the magazine’s success and continue to provide engaging and relevant content for our members, and wider profession.”
As she prepares to step down from the role, Catherine Chetwynd MIH said: "Editing the Institute’s Magazine has been rewarding and stimulating. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Institute team and with so many talented and passionate people from across the hospitality profession. It has been a privilege to help tell their stories and support the magazine’s development over the past six years. I leave knowing the publication is in excellent hands and wish Katherine every success in the role.”
Katherine Price MIH said: “It’s been such a privilege to work with Catherine over the last two years and, although daunting to step into such shoes, I’m looking forward to continuing the great work she’s been doing and working with Robert and the lovely IoH team to keep producing a great magazine members can be proud of.”