A new restaurant has been unveiled at Tewkesbury Park, marking the final piece in the puzzle of a £10m, four-year redevelopment at the hotel on the edge of the Cotswolds.
Mint is the new destination restaurant at the family-run hotel which has recently completed an extensive four-year renovation costing nearly £10m, with the addition of nine suites, two new spa rooms, two meeting rooms, an orangery, a cocktail lounge and the Cotswolds suite, an events suite – complete with a wood-fired pizza oven and terrace.
The Floating Hotel – The Good Hotel
We’ve recently visited The Good Hotel – a floating hotel, situated on a fixed mooring close to the London ExCel Centre and London City Airport. Here’s an insight from Alex Jarvis into the hotel and what you can expect following his latest site inspection…
Floating Hotel location
The hotel is a short walk from Royal Victoria DLR, and is also a very short walk from the Emirates cable car over the Thames to the Millennium Dome if you fancy a different mode of transport for the day.
Situated on a lovely site on the former docks with views of the surrounding areas, which lends a charming peaceful atmosphere to the place.
Floating Hotel offerings
The hotel opens onto a large open lobby, with informal seating merging into a bar, lounge and restaurant. The Good Hotel’s meeting rooms are located off a corridor on the same floor, with four meeting rooms available and are all decorated in quite a minimalistic way. All meeting rooms have views across the water, and are small to medium-sized.
The hotel also offers a rooftop bar which can either be completely privatised, or partially privatised. There’s fantastic views across the water and the nearby developments. There is also direct access to avoid entering through the hotel should you wish.
I thought the location and nature of the hotel (being a floating hotel) are two great draws for the property. Albeit it was a lovely sunny day when I visited, but the area around the hotel was nice and pleasant. The large docks and the Thames nearby created a charming scene. I thought the hotel could work well for London-based companies perhaps looking for a change of scene whilst still being within close reach of Zone 1 & 2.
The Good Hotel also has a key focus on CSR (the origin of the hotel’s name). A great drawing point for some customers.
New events apprenticeship website launches
The ongoing growth of the Event Management Apprenticeship programme marks a new milestone with the launch of its new web portal. At the same time a new name is applied to the programme, now known as Get into Events, and can be seen here www.getintoevents.org.uk.
This hub of information will be further developed in the coming months, providing a central resource of information for employers, apprentices, and industry stakeholders.
The launch of the website also marks the establishment of an industry Community Interest Company that will own and develop the apprenticeship programme in partnership with industry. Sarah Wright, Director of the company and a founder of the Event Management Apprenticeship Programme said “we have massive ambition for the development of this apprenticeship programme, setting a new training route for our industry, and providing access to a new pipeline of industry talent”.
Currently over 80 apprentices are employed and enrolled in the Government’s Trailblazer Event Assistant Apprentice Standard. Mark Riches, Chair of the Event Management Apprenticeship Programme said “We have achieved our first goal of having more than 50 event management apprentices within the first 18-months of launching the scheme, but we want more than 200 within the first three years. Additionally we need more industry involved in shaping this programme, particularly as we develop the higher apprenticeship standards”. The current standard is a Level 3 apprenticeship, but the scheme’s ambition is to develop levels through to 6 and 7, which are equivalent to foundation degrees (full bachelor’s and master’s).
The new industry body that launches this week is a community interest company, designated as a not for profit, and will hold its first meeting at the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane on Thursday 8th November. The meeting is open to all industry stakeholders and invitations to become Board Members are on the Get into Events website. Simon Hughes, Vice Chair of industry body BVEP, is a founding Director of the new body and says “there is a lot of interest by industry in developing the apprentice training route, hence establishing this independent company to own this scheme and drive it’s growth. Now is the opportunity for industry to become involved and help shape this programme, either by attending our meetings, or by joining the Board.”
For further information please contact:
- Mark Riches, Chair, Event Management Apprenticeship Board: mark.riches@firstagency.com and 07976 269 210
- Sarah Wright, Employer Engagement Director, Event Management Apprenticeship Board: EMAP@wright-hq.com and 07921 865 534
- Simon Hughes, Stakeholder and Sponsorship Director , Event Management Apprenticeship Board: simon@mchassociates.com and 07730 064 222
BMA House, EDGE Venues+ Member, Award Winners
BMA House, an EDGE venues+ member has won the Hire Space prestigious Greenest Venue Award.
On Wednesday 24th October the BMA House events team saw the unveiling of the 2018 Hire Space Awards at Museum of London. This celebrated high achievers in the events industry within 15 categories. The team were shortlisted as a finalist in the Forward-Thinking Venues category for ‘Greenest Venue’, as well as the top senior sales and events planner, Hannah Anderson being nominated as ‘Unsung Hero’.
Up against strong competition from Lord’s Cricket Ground and ORTUS, they were lucky enough to win this prestigious ‘Greenest Venue’ award!
We are one proud events team! Winning this award has made all our efforts seem worthwhile. Our venue places sustainability at the heart of everything we do and we’ll continue to support sustainable events and encourage our organisers and delegates to do the same. Furthermore, achieving a Gold accreditation in Green Tourism in 2017, one of just five venues in London, was no mean feat for a Grade II listed building. This prestigious certification was awarded for our inspirational environmental ethos and excellent practices throughout the business. In turn this led to us winning this award. But for now, we’ll continue to celebrate this great achievement!
Rebecca Hurley, Venue Marketing Manager
The Hire Space Awards celebrate the very best of the events industry by recognising and rewarding hard working, innovative and forward-thinking venues and event organisers from across the UK.
Latest openings from NH Hotels
With more than 380 hotels in the NH Hotels Group, we’ve got everything you need to know on their newest offerings across Europe…
NH Essen – Germany
This new hotel with 182 rooms is located in the pedestrian zone of the city. Rest in one of its industrial looking rooms and contemplate the Essen skyline from the balconies on the rooms on the 6th floor.
nhow Marseille – France
This hotel was previously the NH Marseille Palm Beach but has been completely renovated and reopened as a nhow branded property, contemporary and design-led. It is on the waterfront, about 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre. The meeting space is multi-functional and the auditorium has capacity for 300 in theatre-style. There are terraces which can be used for dinners and receptions.
NH Collection Eindhoven Centre – The Netherlands
This hotel opened a year ago and has now become the first 5-star hotel in the city of Eindhoven. It is located in the city centre. There are 6 meeting rooms, with flexible space and a maximum capacity of 160 theatre-style in the largest configuration. The rooftop bar and terrace have beautiful views over the city.
NH Graz City – Austria
NH Graz City – Austria This hotel is located in the centre of Graz, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It doesn’t have any meeting rooms, but the Congress Graz is within walking distance.
Two more NH Hotels opening shortly…
The NH Collection Valencia Colon, will open on 15th November and it is right in the centre of Valencia. It’s a boutique property with 47 bedrooms, but no meeting space.
The NH Toulouse Airport will open in January 2019. It will have 12 meeting rooms and 148 bedrooms.
Want to know more? Find out what other NH Hotels have to offer here.
Hotel Principe Di Savoia Renovates Events Space
The Curtain Launches The Design Studio
A year on from its opening, The Curtain, a lifestyle hotel and members club in east London has launched The Design Studio, described as “an innovative new co-working space that mixes business with pleasure”. Open to The Curtain’s members and hotel guests, the Design Studio “functions both as a space to work and a cultural space, garlanded with beautiful artwork and a schedule of events and talks planned for the coming months”.
Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants opens its doors to London
The brand makes its UK debut with the opening of Kimpton® Fitzroy London
Kimpton® Fitzroy London, the first UK hotel from boutique luxury brand, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, opens its doors in London’s Bloomsbury neighbourhood. The hotel combines late-Victorian heritage with a quirky, modern vibe. The existing glamour of the building paired with Kimpton’s signature heartfelt service brings a new hotel offering to London that delivers exclusivity for everyone.
Set on Russell Square within an iconic Grade II listed heritage building dating back to 1898, design-led Kimpton Fitzroy London features 334 luxurious rooms and suites, a large ballroom, various restaurants and bars, modern meeting rooms and a 24-hour fitness centre.
A true homage to British history and design, the hotel is named after the original architect of the building, Charles Fitzroy Doll, a Titan of British architecture in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The interior features striking, contemporary design by lead designer Tara Bernerd & Partners that thoughtfully honours the building’s heritage. The bedrooms are decorated with Kimpton’s bold and playful edge and include unexpected touches such as unique, contemporary artwork and vibrant floral cushions, featuring a bespoke design by British textile artist Kit Miles.
Kimpton Fitzroy London offers Kimpton’s much-loved signature touches including in-room yoga mats, complimentary bikes to explore the city, tea and coffee to fuel up for the day, and welcomes pets to stay for free. In true Kimpton style, perks take on a local slant and the hotel will host a complimentary champagne hour – a daily social gathering for hotel guests.
“This hotel will bring a new luxury approach to the UK– a more inclusive style of luxury as opposed to museum-like spaces so guests don’t need to keep their voices down in the lobby, or wear a suit jacket to dinner. A defining trait for the Kimpton brand is the focus on heartfelt human connections. We want guests to enjoy the glamour of a historic iconic building but still feel free to be themselves. It’s an approach we’re excited to bring to London, as we know it’s what guests in this city are craving.”
Paul Walters, General Manager of Kimpton Fitzroy London
Kimpton Fitzroy London has an interior courtyard, the Palm Court, which provides a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of central London. Neptune restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a range of modern seafood dishes courtesy of duo Brett Redman and Margaret Crow in a stylish, yet relaxed environment. The 1920’s inspired Fitz’s is the spot to enjoy an evening cocktail while Burr & Co. coffee house awaits guests and locals throughout the day. Neptune, Fitz’s and Burr & Co. have all been designed by Russell Sage Studio.
Overlooking Bloomsbury’s Russell Square and only two minutes’ walk from Russell Square tube station, the hotel is located steps away from The British Museum, Lambs Conduit street and London’s West End, making Kimpton Fitzroy London the perfect base from which to explore all that the British capital has to offer.
Next year will see a continuation of the Kimpton brand’s momentum, with additional hotel openings in key UK cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. Kimpton first launched in Europe in 2017 with the opening of Kimpton De Witt in Amsterdam, and since then the brand has rapidly increased its global footprint following signings in Barcelona, set to open in 2019, Tokyo and Paris, both set to open in 2020 and Frankfurt due to open in 2023. In the next few months Kimpton Da An Hotel in Taipei will also open its doors, the first Kimpton hotel in Asia.
Lavish experience at Adare Manor
Adare Manor offers guests a lavish welcome and unforgettable hospitality in a spellbinding setting. The lush parkland and pristine woods of Adare Manor’s 840 acre estate provide a tranquil backdrop for this truly magical castle hotel, which overlooks the banks of County Limerick’s beautiful River Maigue. Every lovingly restored detail of the neo-gothic Manor House is a testament to the devotion to excellence and passion for beauty at the heart of the Adare Manor experience.
Dating back to 1832, the construction of Adare Manor was a labour of love for the Earls of Dunraven, and was cherished as their family home for generations. Today, it is one of Ireland’s most spellbinding luxury destinations. Each of the 104 guest rooms and suites combine authentic, immersive historical character and exceptional modern comfort. Guests will find air conditioning in every room, elevators to all floors, and seamlessly integrated technology designed to provide a fully personalised experience for every visitor.
For special events, international conferences, and weddings, the Grand Ballroom provides a spectacular reception venue for up to 350 people. The culinary offerings at Adare Manor have been created to showcase the very best of fresh, artisanal Irish ingredients, from a candlelit tasting menu experience in The Oak Room to the effortless elegance of The Carriage House and private dining spaces or the innovative cocktails of The Tack Room. Within the Manor House, opportunities for relaxation and entertainment include the private luxury cinema, captivating historical tours, and the first La Mer Spa in Ireland and the UK.
The 840 acres of Adare Manor’s beautiful, lavish estate include formal and walled gardens, woodlands and rolling parklands. Enhanced through loving restoration and landscaping, they are a dazzling environment for a huge range of exciting activities.
Adare Manor on-site activities
• 18 hole championship golf course
• Spa treatments by La Mer
• Falconry
• Archery
• Clay pigeon shooting
• Cycling
• Gun dog experience
• Fishing on the River Maigue
• Historical tours
• Walking and running trails
• Children’s fairy walk in the woodlands
For those in search of adventure further afield, Adare Manor can arrange horseback riding, game shooting, and other exhilarating activities within a short drive of the estate.
Adare Manor events and conferencing
Ballroom (Divisible by 3)
• Banqueting style: 350 guests
• Theatre style: 440 guests
• Classroom style: 216 guests
• Boardroom style: 120 guests
• U Shaped: 120 guests
Boardroom
• 30 guests
Cinema
• 28 guests
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park To Reopen Public Spaces This December
Concurrently, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Bar Boulud will reopen. The former, which will relaunch under the leadership of chef John Barber, promises classic French cuisine with a contemporary British twist. The latter, helmed by chef Ashley Palmer-Watts, will unveil a new selection of dishes while continuing to offer its famous “meat fruit” chicken liver parfait. The Rosebery, which offers an afternoon tea service and treats by executive pastry chef Paul Thieblemont, will also be open to the public.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park will partially reopen on Dec. 4, having undergone extensive repairs and renovations since a fire in June, after which the hotel was shuttered. The hotel will initially reopen revamped public areas, restaurants, the spa and event spaces. A full reopening, including the unveiling of all new guest rooms and suites, is slated for spring 2019. The updated public spaces include the transformed lobby lounge and reception areas created by designer Joyce Wang, both of which will be anchored by floral-inspired glass chandeliers. Restoration of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s event spaces — including the Loggia, Ballroom, Asquith and Balfour venues — has also been spearheaded by Wang.
Concurrently, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Bar Boulud will reopen. The former, which will relaunch under the leadership of chef John Barber, promises classic French cuisine with a contemporary British twist. The latter, helmed by chef Ashley Palmer-Watts, will unveil a new selection of dishes while continuing to offer its famous “meat fruit” chicken liver parfait. The Rosebery, which offers an afternoon tea service and treats by executive pastry chef Paul Thieblemont, will also be open to the public.
The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park will partially reopen on Dec. 4, having undergone extensive repairs and renovations since a fire in June, after which the hotel was shuttered. The hotel will initially reopen revamped public areas, restaurants, the spa and event spaces. A full reopening, including the unveiling of all new guest rooms and suites, is slated for spring 2019. The updated public spaces include the transformed lobby lounge and reception areas created by designer Joyce Wang, both of which will be anchored by floral-inspired glass chandeliers. Restoration of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s event spaces — including the Loggia, Ballroom, Asquith and Balfour venues — has also been spearheaded by Wang.
Concurrently, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Bar Boulud will reopen. The former, which will relaunch under the leadership of chef John Barber, promises classic French cuisine with a contemporary British twist. The latter, helmed by chef Ashley Palmer-Watts, will unveil a new selection of dishes while continuing to offer its famous “meat fruit” chicken liver parfait. The Rosebery, which offers an afternoon tea service and treats by executive pastry chef Paul Thieblemont, will also be open to the public.