THE CHURCHILL BAR & TERRACE UNVIELS NEW COCKTAIL MENU, UNITY, AND SUMMER TERRACE
Marylebone-based The Churchill Bar & Terrace is excited to unveil its new cocktail menu, UNITY. UNITY promises to take guests on a thrilling journey of different cultures through ingredients, sensations, and stories, whilst honouring sustainability at its core. The bar, located on Portman Square moments from bustling Oxford Street, also reveals its new terrace design for the summer months.
Unifying three continents, the new menu UNITY is a celebration of the treasured traditions of the bar team’s respective cultures. The team were inspired to connect their roots, highlighting their respective heritages whilst also exploring local flavours and home-grown produce, honouring the importance of sustainable craftsmanship in mixology. The Churchill Bar & Terrace focused on combining unique flavours and championing special techniques to create a truly distinctive cocktail list that delights guests with both quintessential and surprising tastes. Throughout the menu the Churchill Bar & Terrace’s commitment to sustainability is seen through the specific ingredients carefully chosen and methods used, whilst simultaneously transporting guests on a boundless journey across the world.
UNITY presents twelve specially curated signature cocktails that explore innovative flavour and ingredient combinations inspired by the Americas, Asia and Europe. Separated into three sections, each chapter of the intriguing cocktail menu includes a creation derived from each location. The three drinks are followed by the UNITY cocktail, which is inspired by two of the continents. Each section is completed with a final cocktail, a celebration of a particularly special ingredient from the remaining continent, completing the unifying journey.
Through the UNITY menu guests will be able to travel to tropical Central America with the Mexica Empire, which uses Rum Copalli, an award winning Belize spirit sustainably crafted from heirloom sugar cane and rainforest-canopy water, mixed with "Limonada Especial", The Churchill Bar & Terrace’s take on the much-loved Mexican Aguas Frescas, which uses the entire cucumber and lime skin resulting in no waste. Finally, in true Mexican style, the drink is completed with Ancho Reyes chilli liquor, based on a recipe first seen in 1927.
One of the cocktails centering on European flavours, the Mama Maria is inspired by the Mediterranean’s fruit farming heritage. Lakes Distillery The One whisky is combined with a homemade juice of beetroot shrub and bell peppers, discarded from the kitchen. Evoking orchard fruits and smokiness from a warm day in Southern Europe, the Mama Maria is finished off with sweet vermouth creating a perfect balance.
Exploring Asia, the Ikigai cocktail reflects its title, which means ‘life purpose’. A mysterious, bright tasting cocktail that is reminiscent of fresh herbs or the scent of a mountain meadow after a rainstorm, the Gin Inverroche Verdant-based drink is infused with citrus fruits such grapefruits, oranges and lemons that are used throughout the menu. The fresh crisp cocktail works perfectly as an aperitif with its refreshing notes.
Named after Europe and Asia’s continent border location in the map, Longitude 40° UNITY cocktail combines the two continents, and in this instance celebrates the use of grapes across both cultures. Longitude 40° uses discarded Grape Skin Vodka, a zero waste, grape skin-based vodka using fruit leftover from wine making. This is mixed with a perfect balanced body of Umeshu, a popular Japanese wine and an Elderflower liqueur, garnished with fresh green grapes, echoing the wine making process.
The final cocktail of the section offers guests a taste of some of the finest spirits of the world. Take for example the Maestra Bertha, using Casa Dragones tequila, Angostura Bitter, Toasted Pecan Bitter, and Black Truffle Perfume. Clean, rounded and smooth with an entirely unique and elegant flavour profile, the drink is named after Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, the first woman to be a ''Maestra Tequilera'', the highest recognition in the industry. The award-winning Casa Dragones tequila is recognised for using the most sustainable method of tequila production in the industry, and demonstrates a combination of exceptional ingredients to create a cocktail like no other.
An exploration of heritage, UNITY champions intriguing twists on classic flavour combinations that play homage to the sentiment of global cultures, whilst bringing them together to show the power of collaboration.
The Summer Terrace
As The Churchill Bar & Terrace’s expert bar team take guests on a journey from the Americas, to Europe and to Asia, the Terrace offers guests the chance to step into a corner of Provence this summer. A spectacular summer sanctuary on the edge of Portman Square, guests will be enveloped in foliage bejewelled with oranges, and
luscious lavender plants throughout the terrace. Fitting with The Churchill Bar & Terrace’s sustainable focus, Amarante flowers will deck out the space using flowers that last, specially preserved to prevent daily wastage of floral displays. Terracotta plant pots and hanging flower baskets transform the terrace into a summer hideaway, the perfect spot to refresh and be whisked away to southern, sunny climes.
Pommery and Chateau La Gordonne will offer guests an exclusive menu of champagne and rosé to be enjoyed whilst imagining the south of France in central London. Accomanying the wines, in collaboration with the bar team, Chateau La Gordonne and Pommery have created two Summer Spritz’. Madame Pommery transports guests straight to the Mediterranean – a twist on the classic Royale, the team include Fig Liqueur and Umeshu. For guests looking for something on the citrus side, the Clementine combines Chateau La Godonne with Eldeflower liqueur, fresh oregano, topped with a citrus zest. Over Chelsea Flower Show between 22nd and 27th May, guests choosing to order a bottle of Pommery Rosé will receive a macaron bouquet along with a special surprise.
EVC Partner with Macdonald hotels & resorts
EVC have entered into an initial two-year exclusive partnership agreement with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts on a mission to make the EV switch simple. A mixture of fast and rapid chargers will be installed across the group’s portfolio of 36 locations, providing guests and other customers with convenient charging facilities for their electric vehicles throughout their stay.
"We're excited to announce our partnership with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts to install EV charging facilities across their portfolio. This collaboration not only signifies their commitment to a sustainable future but also enables Macdonald Hotels’ guests to conveniently charge their electric vehicles while enjoying their stay. With this partnership, we aim to create a seamless experience for EV drivers, knowing that reliable and accessible charging facilities are readily available, giving them peace of mind when travelling" - Nick Ballamy, CEO, EVC.
Hugh Cooper, Development Director at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with EVC to provide our guests with fantastic new charging facilities. It will greatly enhance the offering at our 30 hotels, giving guests reassurance that they can charge their EVs seamlessly, as they enjoy their time at our hotels, spas, golf courses, restaurants and other great amenities.”
EVC will be installing the charge points on a fully-funded basis, covering the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance of the chargers. This will be achieved by utilising spare capacity from the building supplies, as well as establishing new points of connection where necessary. Each site has different requirements and capabilities, which EVC have determined through their grid studies and site surveys throughout the UK. This ensures that each location will have the appropriate number and type of chargers installed.
Demand for EV chargers is already growing exponentially as electric vehicle sales rise year on year. EVC will be installing charging facilities to meet the current demand as well as ensuring infrastructure is in place for additional chargers to be installed, future-proofing the sites.
The partnership will see a large number of reliable EV charging facilities added to the network over the next two years to help meet the growing need for more EV chargers.
Euston Square Hotel and SuitePad Partner to Provide Digital and Design-Led Guest Experience
SuitePad, the leading provider of in-room tablets and expert in digital guest communication, announced its partnership with Euston Square Hotel in London today. With the installation of in-room tablets, the hotel aims to reach guests more efficiently, improve communication and generate additional revenue by digitizing room service orders and guided tour bookings.
Located in the heart of Central London, the Euston Square Hotel is an independently owned, forward-thinking boutique hotel that prides itself on its 87 stylish modern rooms and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Thanks to its superb location, visitors can effortlessly explore the city's best and return to MXO, one of London's first all-day restaurants and agave bars.
Patryk Gurtler, General Manager of Euston Square Hotel, comments: "As a hotel that values exceptional guest experiences, we are excited to optimize our communication channels. With SuitePad, we can extend our hotel's design and ethos to the tablets available in each room, creating a seamless and consistent experience from check-in to check-out."
Euston Square Hotel opted for SuitePad's in-room tablets because their award-winning hardware is specifically developed for hotels. In addition, the management was impressed by the software's ease of use, providing a familiar and comfortable layout akin to modern websites, completely adapted to the hotel's branding.
"We are always particularly thrilled to create installations for design-led hotels that have a strong visual identity and a clear tone of voice," says Moritz von Petersdorff-Campen, co-founder and managing director of SuitePad. "The collaboration with the Euston Square Hotel allows our state-of-the-art technology to merge with a bold and unique user interface, providing a truly contemporary guest experience.”
Independent Hotel Show launches ‘Hoteliers’ Choice’ competition to highlight innovative brands
The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam, taking place on 16-17 October 2023 at Olympia London, has announced the launch of a new competition – Hoteliers’ Choice – designed to showcase innovative industry suppliers.
The show, which is the UK’s only trade event dedicated to the boutique and independent hotel sector, will be reaching out to its audience to nominate unique, stylish, innovative and industry-leading suppliers to the hotel sector which deserve to be celebrated and showcased at this year’s event.
A specially selected panel of hoteliers and event partners will shortlist 15 companies, after which the industry will have the chance to vote for five winning companies to secure a free exhibition stand at the 2023 edition plus an exclusive marketing package, together worth up to £5k.
Independent Hotel Show Event Manager Glenn Wallace comments: "With the launch of Hoteliers’ Choice 2023 we wanted to showcase the suppliers that are truly at the forefront of innovation in the hospitality sector, and who better to nominate the best of the best than the independent hoteliers themselves.
“This is a fantastic, unparalleled opportunity to not only get directly in front of key hotel buyers, but also to stand out from the crowd as a trusted supplier and a true innovator in the eyes of the independent hotel community.”
Eljesa Saciri General Manager of The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, adds: “As hoteliers, being able to recognise the amazing teams and individuals that work alongside you to ensure your standards are being met, your guest’s satisfaction is continually excelling, and your team has the support of the people in the background is an outstanding opportunity.
“There are so many suppliers who play a part in the day to day running of what we do, yet often go unnoticed, this is a great opportunity to bring those people, and companies to the forefront.”
To find out more, and to nominate an innovative, quality supplier to the hotel sector, visit independenthotelshow.co.uk/hoteliers-choice. Nominations close on Wednesday 28 June at 5pm.
Temple Spa expands partnership with The Eden Hotel Collection
An iconic British skincare brand exclusive to luxury hotels and the world’s most famous department store has expanded its partnership with The Eden Hotel Collection.
Temple Spa has partnered with the Elan Spa at The Greenway Hotel and Spa in Shurdington, Cheltenham, and its sister hotel Bovey Castle Hotel and Spa in Dartmoor, Devon.
Temple Spa is made in England but has a strong Mediterranean influence, and is only available in the best hotels, spas and its exclusive retailer Harrods Knightsbridge in London.
It first launched at The Eden Hotel Collection’s Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington last year, with an expansion to two more hotels within the boutique hotel group now following.
Both Bovey Castle and The Greenway, which underwent a major £1.2 million refurbishment and improvement programme earlier in the year, will offer now Temple Spa’s extensive menu of face and body treatments.
Natasha Gower, spa manager at The Greenway, said: “It is hugely exciting to be adding Temple Spa to our offering.
“They are a brilliant British brand with a fantastic reputation around the world and will be a great addition to our existing range, providing something for both males and females.”
Donna Bloomfield, spa manager at Bovey, added: “I’ve been in the beauty business for 32 years now but my experiences with them have always been memorable as they are vibrant and stand out from the crowd.
“They have a unique concept as their products often take inspiration from foods, such as their award-winning Truffle Moisturiser, so for us as a hospitality business this is the perfect link-up.”
Among the Temple Spa treatments offered at Elan Spa will be the 'Mediterranean Marinade' - a 55-minute soothing facial, packed with Mediterranean essential oils and vitamin boosters to calm and restore your skin. Other body treatments include 'Go Figure' - a detoxifying massage to firm, tone, and tighten the body, helping it feel re-invigorated.
As part of the partnership, Temple Spa has also been named as a sponsor of the award-winning Elan Spa Academy, the innovative apprenticeship scheme for talented and aspiring beauty therapists which serves across all hotels in the Eden Hotel Collection.
SHINE’S ENHANCED VENTILATION DESIGN OFFERS BENEFITS
Shine Catering Systems has updated its DW/172-compliant ventilation service, with enhanced system design and fabrication to provide additional benefits for contractors, facilities managers and chefs.
The introduction of a more modular system allows greater flexibility in design, which means Shine can get more filters within the filter banks to support compliance with DW/172, which sets the benchmark for safe and effective ventilation in commercial kitchens.
The new feature-rich design capabilities also allow for the inclusion of cooling spots, induction cooling and entrainment jets where necessary in ventilation canopies, as well as emergency lighting and access hatches for maintenance, which had not been possible with the previous fixed, non-modular designs.
Shine’s systems continue to be fabricated from Grade 304 stainless steel in compliance with DW/172, as opposed to Grade 430 stainless steel which doesn’t meet requirements of the standard. They also use the highest quality of fabricated grease separators, with or without spark arrest as required, to provide a sufficient fire barrier.
Julian Shine, managing director at Shine Catering Systems, said: “We’ve listened to feedback from the market and we’re designing enhanced ventilation systems that take into account the comfort of the chef, the maintenance of the system, energy use and consumables consumption, whilst still complying with planning and kitchen legislation.
“We continue to offer canopy only or full mechanical installation, with canopies fabricated in our state-of-the-art facility here in South Wales. But, by updating the design standards, our ventilation systems now offer a host of additional features and benefits, manufactured bespoke to suit any kitchen layout or building restrictions.”
Visit www.shine.co.uk.
ISLE OF MULL HOTEL & SPA WINS ‘BEST COUNTRY HOTEL’ FOR A SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
The Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa has been named as Scotland’s Best Country Hotel 2023 by the highly regarded Prestige Awards for a second consecutive year.
The four-star hotel, part of Crerar Hotels Group, achieved the accolade last year following an impressive £4million investment and retained the coveted title at this year’s awards ceremony on 23rd April 2023.
Scotland’s Prestige Awards was created to showcase and reward outstanding service within the hotel industry with all winners voted by the public – making the hotel’s win even more special.
The iconic Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa is a truly impressive country retreat with upgraded bedrooms and suites, superb dining spaces including Oran na Mara Bistro and the Driftwood Spa which offers relaxing ishga spa treatments, a Thermal Experience and the Wilderness Deck – an exclusive outdoor spa space overlooking Craignure Bay.
Gemma Coll, General Manager, said: “To win the title of Best Country Hotel at the Scotland Prestige Hotel Awards for the second year in a row is an incredible feat and its thanks to the wonderful team we have.
“I took on the role of General Manager in March this year and I am delighted to lead this fantastic team who inspire me every day. The award win is a real testament to the authentic Scottish hospitality we offer to all of our guests.
“It’s even more special that the award is voted for by the public, this assures us that our guests have had an exceptional time when visiting our island hotel whether this is for a rejuvenating spa retreat or a coastal getaway with loved ones - or both!”
Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa offers 75 fully refurbished rooms and luxury suites, a restaurant offering a menu of local produce, dishes inspired by the hotel’s location and a stunning sea-deck over-looking Craignure Bay which is perfect for al fresco dining. The spa hotel is popular with tourists looking to explore the idyllic island location whilst combining both adventure and wellness.
Driftwood Spa, designed to reflect and complement the beauty of the island’s nature and wildlife, launched in 2021 following the significant multi-million-pound investment with four treatment rooms and brand-new Sea-View and Retreat suites offering the ultimate luxury accommodation for a spa getaway.
The Wilderness Deck launched in summer last year, allowing guests to enjoy their own private sanctuary amidst the wilderness of Mull.
Driftwood Spa also includes a 17m swimming pool, a thermal suite with sauna and steam room, a relaxing foot spa, experience showers and a Rasul mud chamber.
For more information visit, https://www.crerarhotels.com/isle-of-mull-hotel-spa/.
Scottish Guest House Now Ranks As Number 1 Destination For Small Stays In The Uk Following £300k Investment
A small guest house nestled away in the picturesque town of Blairgowrie, Perthshire, has been ranked as the number one destination for small stays in the UK, according to the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best Awards.
Owners Gary Hack and Nigel Robinson took over Ivybank Lodge in 2016 and set about completely refurbishing the Victorian property to its current five-star boutique status, with financial assistance of over £300k from the Cumberland Building Society.
The once-neglected guest house also ranks in third place in Europe, and 11th place globally, in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Bes of the Best Small Stays category, firmly putting the small Scottish town on the world’s map.
As of April 2023, Ivybank Lodge has almost 400 reviews on the travel rating site, with over 98% of those rating them excellent (five stars).
Gary said: “We are overwhelmed to have been awarded the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best Small Stay in the UK award. This is our first business venture, so to have achieved this recognition is just beyond our wildest dreams.”
The journey to success wasn’t easy, however. In fact, it took two rejected finance applications from high street lenders before the pair were even able to purchase the business with help from the Cumberland. Gary said: “We first saw the property in 2015 and knew quickly that it was the one for us.
“We tried to book an appointment with various high street banks to discuss the business plans and hopefully secure a mortgage, but none of them were able to offer us a face-to-face appointment. All of our appointments were over the phone, and they didn’t want to hear about our business plan, they only looked at how the business was performing at the time under its current management. The whole experience wasn’t very personable at all and was really disheartening.”
At the end of 2015, the pair booked an appointment with the Cumberland Building Society. Gary said: “From the outset, the experience with the Cumberland was completely different to that of the high street lenders.
“We were invited in for a face-to-face appointment with a commercial relationship manager who went through our plans to improve the business and considered other assets aside from cash throughout the process.”
The pair were granted financing with the Cumberland in order to purchase the business in June 2016 and got to work straight away making substantial improvements.
Aiding in their success was a reduction in interest rates granted to the pair by the Cumberland Building Society, at a time when bank rates are the highest that they have been in almost 15 years.
Steven Ret, Commercial Relationship Manager at the Cumberland said: “What Gary and Nigel have achieved at Ivybank Lodge is a real testament to their resilience and true Scottish hospitality.
“Back in 2016, other high street lenders didn’t have the appetite to invest in the hospitality sector which made it much more difficult for those running businesses in the industry to receive funding. At the Cumberland, we look at each case individually, assessing transferrable skills and how customers are planning to improve the business.”
He continued: “Gary and Nigel have continued to grow this business throughout a global pandemic which halted the tourism industry and are now weathering the current financial crisis. In fact, they’ve managed to grow the business some 800% since taking it on just seven years ago.
“The key to their success is a combination of a real love for the property and a keen eye for detail which keeps guests coming back to stay with them time and time again. They also have a fantastic understanding of the market and have the support of the Cumberland to offer counsel and additional funding or reduced rates through choppy waters.”
Since taking over the business in 2016, Ivybank Lodge has earned numerous awards, including the AA’s 2023 Breakfast Award, Guest Accommodation of the Year Scotland 2021, and several TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best Awards.
For more information, please visit www.cumberland.co.uk
IN-ROOM AMENITY TRENDS
What’s the first thing you do when you check into a hotel? At VANITY GROUP, it’s a race to the bathroom to see what brand is lining the basin.
Over the past eleven years, VANITY GROUP has proudly developed the innovative and progressive guest cosmetics solutions, elevating the toiletries line up to a luxurious experience.
Here’s our Essential Five top trends in hotel amenities today:
- FLOATING LARGE FORMAT BOTTLES
Over the past few years, large format bottles from reputable, distinguished brands have been a trending feature amongst hotels.
Floating Bottles are the latest innovation that offers a concealed bracket that is flawlessly secured to the wall displaying chic hair and body care. Designed for Housekeeping to replace with ease, the non-refillable floating solution is tamper proof, super hygienic and avoids the risk of cross contamination, has a discrete fill line, and requires minimal upkeep.
- PROGRESSIVE BRANDS
Guests love walking into a hotel bathroom and recognising or discovering a progressive brand.
Hotel guests now have incredible access to information across digital platforms, which makes researching brands an exciting experience. It also boasts serious therapeutic kudos when a guest sees the brand has a loyal following or is hitting the headlines as a new brand in the market.
By aligning with a highly sought after brand, like London born fragrance house IIUVO who have recently partnered with Madonna, to Tik Tok’s most influential beauty brand Merci Handy, the shower ritual becomes an unforgettable experience for guests.
- ROOM TO RETAIL PROGRAMS
Hotels also have the opportunity to set up a ‘room to retail’ program with their amenity partner, enabling the guest to take an element of the hotel home with them.
This could come in the form of an exclusive discount when a guest of the hotel visits a flagship store, a value add when booking a skin or hair appointment as a hotel guest, or a bespoke discount code that’s shared as part of post stay communications, allowing the guest to access local benefits reserved exclusively for them.
- PACKAGING MADE FROM OCEANBOUND MATERIAL
At the forefront of sustainability, OceanBound Material refers to plastic waste that is at risk of ending up in oceans. The waste is collected, recycled into reusable pellets, and manufactured into the packaging that makes up some of the world’s most iconic hotel collections from the likes of KARL LAGERFELD, Jo Loves by Jo Malone CBE, Temple Spa and KEVIN.MURPHY.
- BRAND COLLABORATIONS AND GUEST EXPERIENCES
Guests are seeking one-of-a-kind experiences while on their travels, hotels have the opportunity to combine forces with their amenity partner to broaden their cultural relevance to guests.
VANITY GROUP has hosted pop up salons, created in-room styling channels, and coordinated food & beverage experiences inspired by a brand’s fragrance notes and ingredients – every activation has elevating the guest experience at its core.
These collaborations, will ensure the memories of a hotel stay continue well beyond returning home.
vanitygroup.com info@vanitygroup.com
Sustainable luxury
Luxury hotel toiletries shouldn't be costing the earth. Discover Bath House, a niche British brand that's really making a difference.
Bath House is an independent British brand that has been making natural, artisan toiletries for over 25 years. All their products are made from scratch using only the highest quality, eco-certified ingredients. Customers who regularly visit Bath House stores can attest to the quality of the formulations used in their products. And now, with the launch of their Bath House Hospitality Collection, your guests can enjoy these luxurious toiletries during their stay.
The Bath House Hospitality Collection includes two of their best-selling scents. Bamboo and Jasmine is fresh and invigorating, and Patchouli and Black Pepper, which has a more sophisticated and sensual fragrance.
One of the key benefits of Bath House’s hospitality range is that it is vegan-friendly. Your guests who follow a vegan lifestyle can enjoy luxurious toiletries that meet their ethical standards.
Another important benefit of the range is that they are packaged in recyclable aluminium and glass bottles accompanied by stylish white wall brackets. This means guests can enjoy the products without worrying about their environmental impact. As your hotel refills the 2.5 and 5lt containers, you’ll significantly minimize your impact on the environment.
For personal use, hotels can provide guests with 60 ml glass bottles that can be taken home after their stay. Unlike traditional miniatures, these bottles are larger and offer more product for guests to take a part of their hotel stay home.
By sourcing from a British business, hotels can reduce their carbon footprint and choose products that are made closer to home. The fact that these products are made in Cumbria, a beautiful part of the country, only adds to their appeal.
The Bath House Hospitality Collection offer a range of benefits that make them the ideal choice for hotels that want to provide their guests with the best possible experience. With their natural ingredients, recyclable bottles, vegan ingredients, and luxury fragrances, these products are sure to delight guests and leave them feeling pampered and refreshed. Hotels can reduce their environmental impact by choosing Bath House hotel toiletries. So, why not offer your guests a little luxury while also being kind to the planet?
thebathhouseshop.co.uk