INDUSTRY BACKS INAUGURAL PLAN B ‘ACCELERATING CHANGE’ CONFERENCE
Plan B, the mentoring platform designed to accelerate women’s representation on boards, has announced the launch of its first conference on October 5th in central London.
The conference, backed by 10 ‘Founding Partners’ including Greene King, BT Sport, The Restaurant Group Plc and Revolution Bars, is designed to help business leaders accelerate change in the C-Suite. Expert speakers and industry leaders will share both proven interventions and ‘work in progress’ strategies with a laser focus on creating the inclusive cultures where diverse talent will thrive.
Plan B was founded five years ago ‘out of frustration’ by industry professionals – Ann Elliott, Holly Addison and Emma Causer – with a mission to accelerate the promotion of women leaders to the board.
“Balanced boards are a commercial imperative” says co-founder and hospitality NED, Ann Elliott. “The evidence linking diverse boards with high performance is undeniable.”
“The compelling business case, combined with a huge talent shortage in the sector, has put our original mission at the top of the board agenda.” added fellow founder Emma Causer. “This conference is about sharing success and the art of the possible, bringing innovation and fresh perspectives from beyond the sector and accelerating the progress we’ve made” explained Holly Addison.
The conference is supported by diversity champion and one of the original driving forces behind the creation of Plan B, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality. Kate commented: “This conference is timely. Diversity and Inclusion is now a business-critical issue and I’m in no doubt that operators who grasp the opportunities that balanced boards bring will reap the dividends of their investment - both financially with stronger results, and culturally by attracting the best talent.”
The conference has attracted enthusiastic backing from the industry with 10 Founding Partners pledging support in record time. They span both operator and supplier companies and share Plan B’s mission and values - they are Greene King, BT Sport, Fleet Street Communications, Bidfood, The Restaurant Group Plc, Gusto, Punch, Revolution Bars, Rosa’s Thai and Stint. The event is also supported by venue partner Searcy’s, insights partner CGA and organising partner Peach 20/20.
The ‘Plan B: Accelerating Change Conference’ is a half day event being held on 5 October at 30 Euston Square, London. It is designed for C-level business leaders, founders and HR professionals seeking to learn how to make positive change in their organisations, the industry and by extension - society at large.
The ticket price includes a “plus one” to be shared with an up-and-coming talented colleague from an under-represented group, who may not typically be invited to attend such an event.
High profile speakers already confirmed include Kate Nicholls OBE, Mike Adams OBE, Emma Woods, Lorraine Copes, Robert Cook, Jane O’Riordan, Suzie Welch, Dena Brumpton, Jeannette Linfoot, Laura Harper-Hinton and Jo Fleet.
For more information on speakers, the full agenda and to book tickets click HERE.
ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL FOR ULSTER CARPETS
Ulster Carpets have been granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty The Queen.
The leading designer and manufacturer of bespoke carpets for the hospitality sector is based in Northern Ireland and has worked on some of the world’s leading hotels, casinos and cruise ships.
Nick Coburn CBE, Group Managing Director, said, “To receive the Royal Warrant in Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year is a real honour. This achievement has taken several years of dedicated work by our staff and it further underpins the huge success and progression of Ulster Carpets, particularly as we look forward to celebrating our 85th anniversary next year.”
Still based on the same site that Nick’s grandfather founded the company on, Ulster’s forward-thinking and innovative approach has helped them to grow globally.
Nick added, “Our ability to create stunning designs is what sets us apart around the world. We have developed our own patented weaving technology and continue to invest in new innovations to move this forward. This works in tandem with our talented designers, who have the artistic flair to meet the design expectations of the world’s best interior designers.”
Ulster’s integrated manufacturing process is also an important factor in the company’s success, alongside high levels of service to meet project deadlines.
“One of the key reasons behind this success is that we are the only fully integrated manufacturer of woven carpet operating entirely in the UK. From sourcing the highest quality wool and spinning and dyeing the yarn, through to the bespoke design and weaving of our luxury carpets, we have complete control over every step.
“We are continuing a significant investment programme to create and secure jobs in the UK, which will grow our business across the world.”
To mark this year’s Jubilee, the Northern Ireland Office have launched a competition for primary school children to design a rug, which will be manufactured by Ulster Carpets before being presented to The Queen.
Ulster Carpets are also continuing to work closely with the Royal Household to develop designs for Royal Residences.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts unveils limited-edition suites in collaboration with leading artist Claire Luxton
The Claire Luxton Suites in London, New York and Dubai have been curated by the artist to bring the heritage of the brand to life and celebrate the elegance of worldly travel.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, part of IHG Hotels & ResortsLuxury and Lifestyle Collection, has collaborated with acclaimed British artist Claire Luxton to unveil a series of fully immersive experiences at InterContinental London Park Lane, InterContinental New York Barclay and InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Bookable now through to mid-July, the experiences celebrate the joy of worldliness and the magic of global travel as told through a Claire Luxton lens.
The Claire Luxton Experience at InterContinental heroes limited-edition suites which have been designed and curated by the artist to depict her interpretation of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. Taking cues from her personal travels and inspirations, Luxton brings the brand to life through the natural flora and fauna signature to her artwork in combination with an array of sensory experiences, including a drawn bath, curated mini bar and soundscape. Every detail and room accent across the suites has been transformed to reflect the artist's style with features including bespoke artwork, soft furnishings, and oversized Great Purple Emperor and Emerald Swallowtail-inspired butterflies – which are suspended from ceilings – that represent InterContinental hotels in Japan and Southeast Asia, respectively.
A drawn bath experience with a curated soundscape, aromas and florals – including boat orchids as a nod to the more than 50 InterContinental hotels throughout China – enhances the stay for guests. Additional discoveries in the suites include a mini bar with varied drinks and snacks from InterContinental destinations such as Brazil and France plus a special playlist and coffee table books reflecting Luxton's travels.
Claire Luxton said: "I'm thrilled to partner with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts again, interpreting the brand's story of worldliness. Global travel inspires my work, and I hope it shines through in every detail of the collaboration, from the foyer florals and the hotel team's custom scarves to the drawn bath experience and the artworks themselves. Each flower and animal within my work for InterContinental reflects a hotel or resort from its past, present or future. In curating the design of these suites and experiences, I sought to explore the delicate equilibrium between humans and nature while celebrating the magic of wanderlust."
Luxton has brought her touch to other areas of the hotels too:
- Lobbies will be transformed with butterflies and vibrant floral installations that pay homage to distinctive InterContinental locales around the world. InterContinental London Park Lane has partnered with Moyses Stevens, Official Florist to HRH The Queen, to bring to life the beauty of the English countryside and celebrate InterContinental London Park Lane being the site of the childhood home of Her Majesty.
- At InterContinental New York Barclay and Dubai Festival City, Claire Luxton-inspired food and beverage offerings will be available, including a selection of cocktails, mocktails and afternoon tea.
- Additionally, specially curated uniform accessories will adorn hotel staff, with team members wearing floral silk scarves and pocket squares featuring the Indian Peafowl - a nod to InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort.
- An exclusive Instagram filter has also been created by the artist utilizing elements of the InterContinental commissioned artwork.
This collaboration with Claire Luxton builds on the brand's 75th Anniversary celebration. In December, Claire Luxton created an installation that was projected onto the façade of InterContinental London Park Lane. The artwork depicted the global journey of the pioneering luxury hotel brand – from motifs with a Blue and Yellow Macaw, representing the first InterContinental hotel in Belém, Brazil, to the Mediterranean Moluccella, spotlighting the brand's growing portfolio in Italy with InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace poised to open later this year.
Tom Rowntree, Vice President Global Marketing for Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: "InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has delighted worldly travelers by bringing luxury experiences to every corner of the globe for more than 75 years. As we redefine our ethos of discovery and modern luxury, we're excited to welcome visitors and locals alike with a fresh approach to the guest experience, starting with our collaboration with Claire Luxton. She's tapped into her own global travels to inform and inspire her interpretation of the brand's rich heritage and pioneering spirit. The result is a unique experience of discovery that captures the beauty and energy of InterContinental's far-flung destinations."
The Claire Luxton Experience will be available at InterContinental London Park Lane, InterContinental New York Barclay and InterContinental Dubai Festival City from June 2 until mid-July 2022. Rates at InterContinental London Park Lane from £3,950. Reservations are now being taken, with opportunities to book or earn points via the new IHG One Rewards program. To book, click here.
HOAR CROSS HALL UNDERGOES GYM AND FITNESS OVERHAUL WITH £150,000 INVESTMENT AND CONSULTANT PARTNERSHIP
Barons Eden, the luxury hotel and spa group, has invested £150,000 into refurbishing the gym and modernising the fitness offering at its Staffordshire property, Hoar Cross Hall Hotel and Spa.
As part of the renovations, the guest experience has been optimised and streamlined, with the addition of functional fitness equipment to support new classes, the introduction of durable impact resistant flooring, and a dedicated leisure desk at the spa reception. Further elements of the interior have also been updated to increase space and security as well as enhance the class environment.
Designed to introduce a more modern approach to group fitness at Hoar Cross Hall, in-line with current trends, a new programme of fitness classes has been developed by renowned master trainer and consultant, James Golden. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, James has worked with a number of high-profile clients throughout his career, including George Michael and a member of Coldplay.
Launched at the beginning of May, the new group fitness programme has seen the introduction of a range of classes, including Reformer Pilates, TBT, Tabata and new concept classes exclusive to the Barons Eden group, LIFT and Hybrid. These classes sit alongside the classics of Yoga, Fitness Pilates, and Ride to form a balanced class timetable.
Barons Eden Director, Edward Law, said, “This investment has allowed us to modernise our health and fitness offering at Hoar Cross Hall, and we are thrilled to be able to offer our guests a new range of innovative fitness classes. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to James Golden, who has played an integral role in developing our group fitness programme and his experience has been invaluable; he has a wealth of knowledge and expertise and we know our members are going to reap the benefits.
“We are committed to helping our guests improve their health and wellbeing, and as part of this are always seeking new ways to develop our offering. We are delighted with the outcome of this investment.”
To find out more about Hoar Cross Hall’s new fitness programme, please visit the website.
Nominations open for the Independent Hotel Show Awards 2022
11 May 22: The Independent Hotel Show Awards, which celebrate the hoteliers driving innovation and excellence in the boutique hotel sector, have opened for entries.
Since launching in 2012, the Independent Hotel Awards have become coveted accolades, shining a light on some of the industry’s brightest and best hotel professionals.
There are two categories:
- The Independent Hotelier award recognises an excellent independent hotelier with a reputation for pushing boundaries and creating exceptional guest experiences.
- The GM of the Future award, in partnership with The Master Innholders, recognises a rising star in the hotel industry, someone who consistently goes the extra mile and has a commitment to inspiring others.
The Independent Hotel Show will also be partnering with The Good Hotel Guide to celebrate the winners of the coveted César Awards, 10 of which are awarded each year to hotels demonstrating consistent excellence in their field.
David Morgan-Hewitt FIH MI, chairman of The Master Innholders, commented: “Now in its third year, the GM of the Future Award has been a major success in showcasing and celebrating talented young hoteliers, and we are delighted to present this award once again in partnership with the Independent Hotel Show. Our organisation cares deeply about nurturing young talent in hospitality and keeping the industry alive for passionate future generations, and this award is another vital step in helping us achieve our goals.”
Shortlisted hoteliers will be decided by a panel of industry experts before being opened up to a public vote which will be combined with the judges votes to determine the winner.
Glenn Wallace, Independent Hotel Show Event Manager, commented: “We can’t wait to welcome our independent hotelier community back to Olympia London and to shine a light on industry professionals who are passionate about innovation, guest experience and driving meaningful change in the sector for our 10th Independent Hotel Show Awards.”
Joanne Taylor-Stagg, General Manager of The Athenaeum and winner of the 2021 Independent Hotelier award, said of the accolade: “I was extremely delighted and honoured to have won the award for Independent Hotelier 2021. Especially since the hospitality industry had gone through so much with Covid-19 and Brexit. But time and again, our industry has also proven that it is resilient and creative and can keep innovating.
“The Independent Hotel Show puts on such a brilliant event every year, and it’s a fantastic place to create connections and build on existing relationships with clients and suppliers. Besides the people side of things, you also learn about new technology, upcoming trainings and sustainability, just to name a few. I, personally, can’t wait to see what’s in store for us this year.”
If you believe someone deserves to be awarded for their contribution to the industry, their creativity or future leader potential, please look at the nominating procedure and nominate by 13 June. Self-nominations are also accepted.
The winners will be announced in the awards ceremony on the first day of the Independent Hotel Show when it returns on Tuesday 4 October.
The Independent Hotel Show takes place on 4-5 October 2022 at Olympia London. For more information about the show or awards, please visit independenthotelshow.co.uk.
Exceeding expectations
In a time where guests pine for a complete experience during an overnight stay, customer service is pivotal. We’re looking into how a venue can improve client relations through staff training.
Within the hotel industry, staff can be seen as the making of a business; which is why offering great customer service at your overnight venue is so fundamental. Whether it’s by providing information, advice, recommendations or helping guests feel comfortable, the role of a customer service department is to provide a positive experience to your visitors. In doing so, they will be able to associate excellent customer service with your property and therefore become loyal clients.
Not only is your customer service used to solve any problems or complaints your guests may have, it is also the reflection of your business. It is thus the main contributor to your guests’ first impression and continues to be available and present for guests before, during and after their stay.
“Customer service training is an ongoing process, it never ends.”
Lonny Hunt, Head Concierge at COMO Metropolitan London, thinks that the first and most important thing needed to provide an excellent concierge and customer service job is to build a personal relationship with guests.
Lonny said: “We ultimately want them to trust us and lean on us for tips and suggestions. If we do this brilliantly, then the guests will return to our property and will recommend our hotel to their friends and family.
“Secondly, being up-to-date and ‘in the know’ is key for us: 5-star hotel guests always want to try the newest and hottest bars and restaurants and visit the latest exhibitions. Due to their popularity, these are usually the most difficult places to make reservations for. Guests really appreciate it and are truly impressed if we are able to secure a booking for them. Of course, we try and test what we suggest to our guests, so the team go out and visit restaurants, bars and exhibitions.”
At COMO Metropolitan London Hotel, they require all new team members to attend their New Hire Orientation Programme. This is the fundamental starting point to learn about COMO Hotels and Resorts’ ethos and unique point of difference, as well as their approach to guest service. A complimentary overnight stay is offered to all new starters and they are strongly encouraged to enjoy this within the first two months of employment. This allows them to experience the COMO Metropolitan London’s guest experience first-hand and to have a better understanding of the bedroom types and overall facilities, which include a state-of-the-art COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa.
The COMO family strongly believes that to be able to provide top-notch guest service, one needs to have excellent product knowledge as well as soft skills around the delivery of the guest experience. All team members are trained on and required to learn the COMO service standards, as this is key to consistency.
“Being up-to-date and ‘in the know’ is key for us.”
Lonny believes that when working in the hotel industry, the learning should never stop; revealing there are multiple training procedures that the COMO team is taught to follow to give outstanding service. COMO Metropolitan London prides itself on investing in its employees with training and development opportunities provided to all of them.
Lonny added: “I give my team of concierge, porters and doormen training four times a year, whether it’s practical or theoretical.
“A doorman theory training would be a one-on-one with myself, going through COMO’s ‘standard operating procedures’ on guests arriving/checking out at our front door and car parking procedures.
“A practical luggage porter training would include one-on-one training with myself in a role-playing scenario. I would play the role of the guests just arriving at their room, and I would have the porter deliver the luggage and present the unique aspects of the room.”
Customer service training is an ongoing process, it never ends. The more effectively service standards and product knowledge can be unconsciously accessed, the easier it is for hotel team members to be able to focus their attention on developing the relationship with individual guests, learning about them and being able to deliver a truly personalised service that will create memorable experiences.
Hospitality in general really is all about building relationships. Having genuine conversations with guests will ensure they feel valued and not just another ‘bum on a seat’ as the saying goes.
Often, visitors don’t want a lengthy chat on arrival if they’ve travelled far and wide to reach their overnight destination, so introducing yourself to begin with can suffice. Once the introduction is complete, for those who aren’t feeling talkative, you can point them in the direction of more information in the sense of a book, leaflet or web link.
One venue which has capitalised on the importance of concierge and customer service, and is therefore an extremely reputable hotel, is The Ned. The Ned’s central city location means that museums, markets and galleries are just a stroll away from the front door. The hotel’s concierge team has curated the ultimate tips for a guest’s trip, from outdoor dining and local culture to activities around town. The Little Black Book can be picked up from reception or found in a guest’s bedroom, and makes the perfect guide for invitees who are staying and leaves a magnificent lasting impression.
Ultimately, providing responsive, efficient and quality customer service has become a necessity for properties. Satisfied guests are more likely to come back and be loyal to your hotel, as they will become true brand ambassadors.
Raising the bar…bell
As consumers continue to become more health-conscious by the day, we’re looking into why hotels should add a fitness and leisure aspect to their venue in order to keep up with the demand.
“There are people who will not book a hotel unless it has a gym.”
With more people seeing physical and mental wellbeing as a priority in their lives, hotels must present a selection of services that place health at the centre. Now, guests are keen to maintain their daily fitness routine whilst abroad and, for many, travelling allows for a greater chance to reconnect with the mind, body and soul, and hotel offerings can certainly aid this.
Parklane's Director of Lifestyle, Paris Kounoudis, explained how the venue works to keep up with this heightened demand as guests who travel to Parklane know they’re able to access elevated fitness programmes.
Paris told us that over the past three years, Parklane has noticed an increased demand for dedicated fitness programmes which is why the hotel has launched its first six-day Parkfit programme, specifically curated to increase physical and mental strength and endurance.
“To elevate guests’ fitness levels, the programme includes a choice of four sessions of high-energy activities such as 1:1 personal training at the hotel’s Parkfit gym, and outdoor or indoor yoga or Pilates, as well as private tennis coaching on either clay or lawn tennis courts and football lessons on the hotel’s mini-football pitch. Each programme is tailored to suit fitness levels, ensuring those starting their fitness journey have all the support they need to succeed.”
With rest and recovery being essential to any fitness journey, the Parkfit programme goes above and beyond as it includes one sports massage, one healing therapeutic massage and two Thalassotherapy experiences over the six days. The latter takes place in Parklane’s Kalloni Spa, home to four thalassotherapy pools.
Paris added: “The world of fitness is constantly changing, so it is important for hotels to keep up with current trends and respond to guests’ needs. Now, fitness and wellness spaces within a hotel must go above and beyond the expectations of guests.”
“If you can create unique experiences combining the local environment and culture, then that can make the stay even more memorable for guests. Guests return years later and will still be talking about our treetop yoga at sunrise.” Said Kate.
As we’ve all been through a very challenging time in the last three years, wellness now plays a bigger role in our lives than ever before.
At Middle Eight in Holborn they boast a beautiful gym available to guests, but that’s not all they offer in terms of mindfulness. Christian Graf, General Manager at Middle Eight said: “Our concierges can recommend a host of local walks. The Balcony is a very reflective space where people can read a book or a magazine, or simply relax alone or with loved ones.
“Wellness has become an increasingly important part of everyone’s life. Having somewhere people can continue their fitness regime when they are away is key. Some of our guests, particularly those in the suites, stay for an extended period of time and so it is important they don’t have to go off-site to train.”
Naturally, introducing a gym to an overnight stay venue will help you appeal to a broader audience and Christian agrees: “There are people who will not book a hotel unless it has a gym. Our guests also value the one-to-one PT sessions we offer.”
These days, more and more travellers are looking to maintain their fitness levels whilst away on business or holiday, making a leisure facility a key part of any hotel. Euan Miller, Head of Sales and Product at Primal Strength, recognises that not only does this make the hotel’s offering more appealing, but if they open a membership base it can add to the overall income.
“As the benefits of strength training become more widely known, people now expect to be able to train this way when they are away from home. We are seeing more hotels incorporate strength equipment into their gyms as a result.
“We have noticed that the ‘traditional’ hotel gym will no longer ‘cut it’for their guests. They are having to invest to match industry trends, upscaling the gym to allow all types of gym-goers to train.” Said Euan.
Trip Advisor has noted that over 52% of travellers will source a hotel with a gym. This proves that people are basing their decisions on whether a hotel has a gym and therefore if you can provide that, you are broadening your market appeal.
“Primal Strength’s full turn-key solution is perfect for hotels. We offer design, supply and fit and have ranges perfectly designed for hotel use; everything from space saving dual machines, flooring and free weight equipment.” Added Euan.
General Manager at Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Lindon Lovell, sees that having a gym in a resort is not enough anymore, people want the whole wellness package. Windjammer Landing has facilities that you wouldn’t necessarily expect when you think of traditional fitness: “We combine mind, body and soul into our offering. For example, we have a juice bar so guests can fuel their bodies after their workout, a relaxation room where guests can go to meditate and de-stress, a steam room which helps remove toxins from the body. This is in addition to our wellness classes and spa.” Said Lindon.
“Guests want variety.” Added Lindon. Having a gym and a spa is a basic expectation now. Guests want the full spectrum, a variety of fitness and leisure facilities. Lindon has noticed there has been an increased demand for taking wellness outside and away from just the gym - providing a unique experience.
“We have introduced stand up paddleboard yoga which combines the peacefulness and tranquillity of floating on water with the meditative nature of the yoga postures, and results in a relaxing but fun class.” Lindon said.
One of Windjammer Landing’s most popular classes is ‘Hummingbird Yoga’ which is a yoga class that takes place in their beautiful gardens surrounded by nature, adding a totally different concept to wellness offerings.
It’s clear that keeping fit is so important to a vast amount of guests, so, by having added fitness and leisure features at your venue you will appeal to a much broader audience.
New hotel secures four-star grading within weeks of opening
West Wales’s newest hotel has achieved an impressive four-star grading from Visit Wales inspectors within a few weeks of opening.
Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront only opened in time for the Easter holidays on 8th April but was adjudged to have bedded in very quickly as it secured the high rating from its first assessment.
The quality of the housekeeping and the food in dulse restaurant scored the highest marks as the hotel and staff also achieved strong feedback for their hospitality and friendliness, service and efficiency, and the quality and maintenance of bedrooms and facilities.
The assessment highlighted the impressive “buzz and vibe” that had already been created in such a short space of time, and described the bedrooms as being well styled and furnished with quality beds, bedding and linen.
Of the dining experience at dulse, the hotel’s restaurant, the report praised the flavoursome, quality ingredients and how they had been sympathetically prepared and cooked by Executive Head Chef Simon Crockford and his team, to produce dishes that were technically excellent.
The assessment concluded that Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront was a very welcome addition to the Visit Wales portfolio and that the four-star rating was a remarkable achievement for a hotel that would go from strength to strength.
Hotel Manager Adrian Andrews said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved a four-star grading from Visit Wales so soon after opening.
“The high scores and feedback from the assessment surpassed our expectations and are a testament to how hard the whole team has worked to deliver on the vision behind the development of this fantastic hotel.
“It has been a very busy time putting the final preparations in place and then opening the doors to welcome our first guests but it has been an exciting time, too. We have also enjoyed some wonderful comments and thank yous from those who have come to stay and dine with us during our first month.
“We look forward to building on this brilliant start and continuing to deliver exceptional guest experiences at this beautiful location on Milford Waterfront.”
In partnership with the Port of Milford Haven, Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront is managed and operated by The Celtic Collection behind Wales’s iconic Celtic Manor Resort.
The majority of its 100 bedrooms, as well as every table in dulse restaurant and bar, enjoy breathtaking views over Milford Marina, where the hotel provides the ideal base to explore everything the Pembrokeshire coast and countryside has to offer.
Tŷ Hotel rooms are available to book now, with rates starting at £86 for bed & breakfast per room, per night. For more information and to book, visit the website.
Brakspear reopens The Bull on Bell Street in Henley
Brakspear has reopened The Bull on Bell Street in Henley-on-Thames after an extensive refurbishment, the first major investment within its managed estate since it was rebranded as Honeycomb Houses last autumn.
The makeover, devised by Brakspear’s in-house design team, has created a stunning, extensive outdoor space behind the pub, now called The Courtyard, with a water feature, outdoor fireplace and a retractable roof to ensure al fresco dining and drinking can continue, whatever the weather. The refurbishment has also created a new private dining and meeting room accommodating up to 22 guests, and added five bedrooms in an adjoining property, to complement the current four rooms in a townhouse behind the pub.
The new interior décor features bold floral and botanical wallpaper and fabrics, plants and flowers to create a luxuriant feel, while nautical stripes and paddles are a nod to Henley’s rowing heritage and designs featuring bees and honeycombs are a reference to Honeycomb Houses.
The new menu offers all day dining, with a range of dishes produced from top quality ingredients sourced primarily from the UK. Brunch, lunch and dinner menus are complemented by a changing specials board offering seasonal dishes and a Sunday Roast offer, as well as a dedicated children’s menu.
Drinks include Brakspear cask ales, a carefully curated wine list and a long list of gins and other spirits, as well as selected cocktails including the Honeycomb Houses Signature Cocktail, the Bees Knees. Mocktails, soft drinks and premium low/no alcohol drinks also feature.
Finally, a new Honeycomb Houses coffee blend created by artisan coffee experts Wogan Coffee is an invigorating 100% Arabica blend that tastes great and does good, thanks to a partnership with Teach a Man to Fish, a charity equipping young people in the developing world with vital life skills.
Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said: “The aim of this refurbishment was to turn The Bull into a haven away from the busy High Street, offering guests a space to enjoy a brunch, a coffee, a bite to eat, a pint after work or a special occasion meal.
“We’re delighted with the results, which make The Bull the perfect embodiment of the Honeycomb Houses ethos of ‘Our House, Your Home’, where guests are made to feel completely at home the minute they step through the door, thanks to an informal, welcoming environment and relaxed, attentive service offered by the team members.”
The Bull has recruited an additional 12 team members, who have all received full training so they can deliver the Honeycomb Houses service to guests.
The Bull on Bell Street was Brakspear’s first managed pub when it opened in 2013 and stands on the site of the original Brakspear brewery, dating back to 1779. The Honeycomb Houses division was launched in November 2021, bringing together Brakspear’s managed pubs with a strong overall identify while retaining each pub’s individual character. The estate includes 10 pubs in the Cotswolds and in locations around Brakspear’s Henley heartland, as well as The Gyll Manor near Horsham, West Sussex, purchased in February this year.
Gaggia Milano
Coffee Machines for the Visionaries
Please introduce the brand?
The Gaggia story dates back to 1930s Milan. In 1938, one barista – Achille Gaggia – signalled a revolution in coffee making when he discovered a new way to extract the aromas from coffee, allowing us to taste the perfect espresso, complete with its “crema” for the very first time.
Gaggia’s craftsmanship and flair are still evident in the machines that bear his name today.
Nowadays, Gaggia Milano’s professional coffee machine range encompasses a variety of traditional espresso machines as well as La Radiosa, the brand’s first super automatic machine that offers barista-style coffee with foamed milk.
What does Gaggia strive to achieve within the hotel sector?
Gaggia (along with its sister brands under the Evoca Group umbrella, Necta and Saeco) have the coffee day covered, from La Radiosa - an automatic machine that can be used for a self-service breakfast option, through to La Reale, La Precisa and La Decisa – stunning flagship espresso machines that any barista serving coffee in the restaurant, lounge or bar, would be proud to be associated with. Combined with the opportunities presented by serving coffee to delegates at conferences, to guests wanting a leisurely mid-morning drink or in-room coffee, Gaggia and its sister brands have the entire day covered.
Gaggia Milano professional machines are designed with baristas in mind. Italian flair runs through the heart of every machine – they combine style and sophistication with state-of-the-art technology. Each one is packed with features such as cool touch steam wands, quarter turn valves, super quick power up out of eco mode – these are just some of the characteristics designed to make the barista’s life easier. Visionary machines that meet every need.
In a time where ‘perfection’ is sought after during a hotel stay by both hoteliers and consumers, how can Gaggia coffee machines align with this in order to provide a seamless experience?
In a post-pandemic world, consumers have returned to travel more hungry for great experiences than ever before, as they seek to make up for lost time. Beautiful machines, creating stunning drinks that are pleasing to the eyes and to the tastebuds – this is the perfect combination to meet the needs of the most discerning guests.
The work of the barista is to create coffee, in the same way as an artist would create a piece of artwork. Indeed “The Art of Perfection” is Gaggia’s mantra. Gaggia professional espresso machines are available in a variety of different colours to match any hotel’s décor – from the sophisticated red La Precisa, to the sleek white La Giusta or even the stunning La Reale with its copper-coloured accents. Two groups or three, standard height or tall cup options are available across the range – to fit any size or space. Italian design flair means that choosing Gaggia is like having a piece of artwork on your counter-top.
Providing great coffee is becoming more and more popular when guests are searching for a hotel, why is it so important for hoteliers to get it right and how can they do so?
With coffee nowadays being an intrinsic part of our daily lives, from breakfast through to dinner, a bad coffee experience reflects negatively on the entire hotel stay. Many a guest has suffered with the bitter after taste of a coffee that doesn’t live up to expectations. Why should the breakfast or after dinner drink experience be the part of the stay that lives long in the memory – for the wrong reasons?
Well, with simple to use, barista-friendly machines – paired with the “right” coffee partner, of course – Achille Gaggia’s vision for coffee perfection is within the grasp of every hotel in the country.
The hotels that respond to this will be those that stand to gain the most in this brave new world.