GREAT SERVICE FOR GREAT BRITAIN: UK’s first Academy of Hospitality Opens January 11th 2010 21 Jan 2010
So, where’s the next generation of Pierre Whites, Ramseys and Olivers coming from? Or, for that matter, the next Sir Rocco Forte?
Important questions asked by many catering luminaries, including one of today’s most influential men in the hotel industry, Richard Balfour Lynn - owner of the De Vere group. Typically, he didn’t just ponder, he did something about it - by founding the Academy of Hospitality of Great Britain, the first of which opens this week at De Vere Venues, Cheadle House.
Working in collaboration with the government sponsored Apprenticeships Service, the De Vere group’s mission for the Academy is to build an amazing talent pool of future hospitality stars. Now Chairman of AHGB, Balfour Lynn is a great believer in the boundless potential of young people. He aims to change the perception of the industry as a career, by training people in the ‘art of hospitality’.
“We will deliver the very best quality training,” pledges Balfour Lynn, “in a fantastic facility, with the sole intention of changing young people’s lives”.
It’s anticipated that Academy graduates will leave with a nationally recognized, prestigious qualification and be better equipped to shine within the industry in these difficult times. They can opt to continue in further education or potentially gain a position in the kitchens of one of the Malmaison, Hotel du Vin, De Vere or Village Hotels. From then on, the sky’s the limit, as bright young things progress to Michelin stardom and the potential to run restaurants, bars and hotels of their own.
Contact joanne.pilkington@ahgb.co.uk for more on the Academy
YOUR GOLF TRAVEL Named UK’s Fastest Growing Travel Company 21 Jan 2010
Your Golf Travel.com, widely regarded as Europe’s fastest growing golf travel company, has had its achievements officially recognized with a 15th-placed ranking in the 'Sunday Times Virgin 2009 Fast-Track Top 100'. The league table, published in December, ranks Britain's 100 fastest-growing private companies based on 3 years of sales growth. The top 100 are owned and run by entrepreneurs, achieving sales between £5m & £500m, with an average sales growth of between 50 & 400% per annum.
The performance of Your Golf Travel.com, since its inception in 2005, is simply remarkable and its lofty position in the prestigious guide is thanks to sales at the London-based company, which have grown 139% each year – from an annualized £541k (2005) to £7.4m (2008) to £16.1m (2009)! Founders, Ross Marshall and Andrew Harding, maxed out their credit cards to fund the start-up and today the business offers package trips to 3,000 golf-courses in 26 countries and books more than 120,000 travellers a year.
With the travel and golfing press full of high-profile operator collapses and industry downturn, Your Golf Travel.com is rightly proud of its 2009 Fast Track status - as well as being the only featured business from the golfing sector. "We are absolutely delighted...being named the UK's fastest growing travel company is a great honour and we look forward to continuing to grow in 2010."
www.yourgolftravel.com; 0800 043 6644 / 08700 330 550
SCILLY SPRINGTIME at HELL BAY, BRYHER: The Proud NEW Recipient of a Third AA Rosette! 21 Jan 2010
Vast skies, white sand beaches, wildflowers and soaring seabirds – all found on a God-given spot on the edge of the Atlantic - Bryher.
After its winter close, Bryher’s handsome Hell Bay reopens its New England-style shutters and heralds visitors back to enjoy its secluded beaches and azure waters, caressed by the warmth of the Gulf Stream all summer long.
A clutch of little houses designed as traditional Cornish gig-sheds accommodate fabulous suites – each with views of the Atlantic as it rolls in with the fresh catch of the day.
And if that wasn’t incentive enough, the ocean-facing Restaurant has just been honoured with its 3rd AA Rosette – making it the only Scilly restaurant to be recognized and one of just 11 UK-wide restaurants to receive their 3rd rosette this year. “Given the setting, it’s no surprise that fresh local seafood is a highlight”, reported the AA – to the delight of Head Chef Glen Gatland.
Under a determined Scilly sun, bask by the heated outdoor pool, practice your putt on the 9 hole par-3 golf course or venture out along the coastal paths, spotting puffins and seals, whilst the kids run free, creating adventures of their own.
Reopens March. Look at www.hellbay.co.uk for a host of new 2010 deals
NEW OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FOR KIDS at BEDRUTHAN STEPS, Cornwall 21 Jan 2010
Perched on the cliff-tops overlooking beautiful Mawgan Porth in North Cornwall, Bedruthan Steps is the ultimate family getaway, where every generation is carefully and creatively catered for. This year the hotel introduces a host of new and highly sociable activities to drag the kids away from their computer games to the wild and wonderful outdoors!
Five day getaways see kids, with parents closely in tow, mastering bush-craft and survival skills (with local expert, 'Spanner'), tackling abseiling, coasteering and the thrill of a cliff-top zip wire!
Utilizing highly experienced instructors, the family can take to the chilly waters for surfing, swimming and sea kayaking courses. Paddling on surfboards or powered by kayak, they explore deep caves, spot seals, sun fish and even dolphins, before returning to shore where warm towels and hot chocolate awaits.
The fainter hearted (and young siblings) can sing, dance and cavort in the Samba School and Musical Workshops, which round-off with a rip-roaring performance for parents!
Bedruthan’s ‘Apartments’ or newly refurbished ‘Villas’ are spacious and colourful with stunning sea views (and private patios) for families to sprawl out in. Situated on the lower floors, they’ve direct access to the outdoor kids play area with its ice-cream parlour, outside and indoor swimming pools, Children’s Club and Teenagers Den, whilst parents have their Ocean Spa...phew!
5-night Bedruthan family breaks (based on a family of four) cost from £1378.95, including luxury half board accommodation. www.bedruthan.com
Kenya’s Golden Triangle: SAMBURU – MASAI MARA - NAIROBI: SAVE 20% (£490pp)! 21 Jan 2010
Combine the three Kenyan properties from the Mikey & Tanya Carr-Hartley collection and receive a 20% discount in 2010. Kick start the safari in Sasaab, northern Kenya, where you’ll see the Samburu ‘Special Five’. With panoramic views and private plunge pools, Sasaab is a luxurious lodge and spa with a big conscience - working closely with the local community, which makes up 70% of its staff.
Then head to Sala’s Camp for 4 days at a traditional mobile safari of just seven luxury tents. Stay July to September and witness a wildlife wonder with over 1.3 million migrating wildebeest.
Final stop is Nairobi and the quirky 1930s Giraffe Manor - modelled on a Scottish hunting lodge. There are just six rooms and nine resident Rothschild Giraffes that like to share your breakfast!
Prices from £2575 pp (A SAVING OF £490 PP) for 7 nights Full Board, including flights & transfers, game drives, park fees & lodge activities.
20% OFFER Valid 1st Feb – 14th Dec 2010.
Book through www.thesafaricollection.com; +254 20 (0)251 3166 / www.tamimiea.com
BLACK TOMATO’S ‘TOP 10 FOR 2010’ 21 Jan 2010
Thanks to itchy-feet and incorrigible curiosity, the brains at Black Tomato have created another inspiring list of the emerging and most exciting destinations for 2010…
VENEZUELA – Jungle to Coastal Cool (£3,500pp, 14 days): The South American hot tip for 2010 with giant waterfalls, awe-inspiring Jurassic Park jungle, deserted islands and dreamy beaches. Adrenalin junkies get their fix with canyoning and water-rafting in the Andes.
NICARAGUA – Pristine Beaches & Rumbling Volcanoes (£2,599pp, 8 days): Largely undiscovered, Nicaragua is a playground for adventure seekers: volcano surf over warm ashes, zip-line above forest canopies, go on crocodile safaris and sunset kayaks
CHILE – Coastal Towns & Lunar Landscapes (£3,999pp, 10 days): One of the highest and driest places on Earth, the Atacama Desert is more akin to Mars with burnt oranges, pale pinks and azure blues. Stay in San Pedro and be surrounded by a thousand year-old oasis, volcanoes, dry lakes and salt flats.
SRI LANKA – Golden Beaches & Tea Plantations (£2,399pp, 10 days): A lush tropical island, Sri Lanka is a hive of energy and a hotspot for culture. Visit C5th fortresses, tea plantations and spread out on the golden beaches of Galle.
KYRGYZSTAN – The Secret’s Out: Dominated by the Tian Shan Mountains, it offers a truly unique Asian experience to test intrepid travellers. From heli-skiing virgin snow to camping in traditional yurts and eating with the locals, visitors will meet shepherds and eagle hunters, and even stumble across a game of Ulak (polo played with a dead goat)!
KAZAKHSTAN – Rugged Plains & Snow Capped Peaks (£2,499, 8 days): A strong sense of mystery surrounds this country that spans Eurasia from the Siberian north to the east of the capital, Almaty. Aside from the folk singing and training of golden eagles, there’s a little-known vibrant art scene and buzzing culture that’s being nurtured in the capital. A fantastic contrast to the surrounding rugged peaks and mystical Silk Route, explored on horseback.
DIJIBOUTI – Out-of-the-World Landscapes: A lunar landscape and wide open spaces, this tiny north-east African country is a total escape. Lake Abbe is a wonder of pink flamingos and pelicans living in 80° heat on dried-up mud plains dotted with craggy limestone chimneys, puffing out steam. From Oct-April it drops to 30° on the coast with the Indian Ocean and Red Sea promising great fishing and scuba-diving
LIBYA – Crumbling Ruins & Desert Caves: Undiscovered and jaw-dropping, Libya is a step back in time with crumbling Roman ruins and UNESCO protected mud houses. Visit the historic Mediterranean city of Tripoli and surrounding coastal oases and lagoons with nights spent in luxury under the stars in the desert
LEBANON – Untouched Gems & Boutique Boltholes (£1,105pp, 4 days): Just reopened to travellers, Lebanon is a destination of contrasts from the Bronze Age antiquities of Byblos to the vibrant capital of Beirut. In spring, ski the Mzaar region and then lope down to the Med for a little sun lounging
ISRAEL – Top City Break, Tel Aviv: Achingly hip, arty and party central, Tel Aviv is the must city break for 2010. With numerous boutique hotels, hip hang outs and galleries popping up all over - this city is changing fast. Late night jazz, electronic and indie parties are setting the scene and definitely worth experiencing before word gets out.
All sample prices include flights, transfers and activities. www.blacktomato.co.uk; 020 7426 9888
COMO’S Uma Punakha, Bhutan - Opens Autumn 2010 21 Jan 2010
Situated on a hilltop site on the mountainous upper reaches of the unspoiled Mo Chhu (Mother River) - Uma Punakha is a spectacular 4 - 5 hr (125km) drive from COMO Hotels & Resorts existing Bhutan property, Uma Paro. Low enough (1,200m) for fruit trees to thrive, this lush valley is dotted with sacred sites to visit.
Uma Punakha will consist of 11 rooms (from standards to suites with terraces) each with mountain and valley views. A floor to ceiling windowed restaurant (of 26 covers) with fireplace will serve seasonal produce reviving age-old Bhutanese offerings and modern interpretations of neighbouring cuisines. There will be a COMO Shambhala Retreat and a hot stone bathtub. The hotel will organise camping treks, day treks, mountain biking, white water rafting and special interest tours. www.uma.como.bz
CAMERON HOUSE & THE ‘BABY TOO! BOOTCAMP’ - with AMANDA HAMILTON, throughout January 2010 21 Jan 2010
Following the success of her Detox Boot Camps, TV’s Amanda Hamilton once again collaborates with Cameron House for a Boot Camp aimed at new mums wanting to get back into shape. And baby comes too!
A leading team of experts will guide Mums on fat-burning exercises, cleansing therapies and delicious detox cuisine whilst their children are looked after with top-quality childcare.
And for that all-important baby bonding there are daily outdoor “pramercise” sessions that embrace the stunning scenery of Loch Lomond shores, plus baby massage, yoga and play. After all that hard work, Mums get to indulge in some luxury spa time, with three tailored body buffing treatments and therapies. And it needn’t be ‘Mums only’ – a special rate on additional nights encourages Dads up for a romantic night or two.
Cameron House is Scotland’s premier 5-star family resort overlooking Loch Lomond, just 30 mins from Glasgow Airport.
SEARCY’S ESTABLISHES BRITAIN’S MOST PRIVILEDGED CLUB 21 Jan 2010
Since opening in July 2009, The Searcy’s of London Club has provided its privileged members with an extraordinary diary of forthcoming events that are both very special and very Searcy’s.
Held at some of the capital’s most prestigious and iconic venues (including the National Portrait Gallery, The Hurlingham Club, 40/30 at the top of The Gherkin and St. Pancras Grand), this unique Club offers its members exclusive events, packages and eclectic experiences, put together as only Searcy’s knows how - after all they are the UK’s leading catering and hospitality organization.
Created by top ‘lady gun’ and shooting columnist Claire Zambuni, The Searcy’s of London Club launch programme includes a wine makers’ dinner at Vintner’s Hall, a Shooting Society Dinner with Richard Purdey at Inner Temple, lunch with Sophie Dahl at 30 Pavilion Road and a Gay Icon dinner at the National Portrait Gallery.
The much sought-after Searcy Black Card will open up a world of exclusive offers and events with like-minded people from all the Searcy of London venues, sister companies and partners.
HOTEL DU VIN & MALMAISON MEGA DEALS, Winter/Spring 2010 21 Jan 2010
• ‘THE THREE TENNERS’
After the huge success of the ‘2000 and Wine’ promotion, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin come back for a highly anticipated encore...
Enjoy a fabulous meal at any one of the HdV Bistros or Malmaison Brassieres with ‘The 3 Tenners’: three great food and drink deals allowing you to play lunch or dinner your way: one note, two notes or three?
One Note: £10 for two tasty per person
Two Notes: £20 for two people
Three Notes: £30 for two courses with wine for two people.
• THE BIG FREEZE: Malmaison Is Caught In A Winter Price Blizzard!
As the snow falls tirelessly across the country - so do the prices at Malmaison!
Come in from the cold and enjoy divine dining in its sumptuous Brasseries, a glass or two of fine wine in the low-lit, cozy bars and an unforgettable night in sumptuously indulgent bedrooms.
Malmaison rooms are frozen at an incredible £80, and to help the thaw, tag on a wholesome meal with warming wines and coffee from just £110 for two.
Book at www.malmaison.com; call 0845 3654 247, quoting ‘Winter Wonderland' for room only rate, or ‘Eats' for dinner, plus room.
• CANOODLING & KISSING in KIMMERIDGE THIS FEBRUARY:
Special seasonal rate for HdV Poole and the pretty Dorset Coast – just £369 per couple!
At Hotel du Vin Poole, starry-eyed couples booking 2 night stays (with bed, breakfast and dinner) get to choose one of two romantic outdoor escapades:
• Two passes to the Jurassic Jaunts guided walk, along beautiful Kimmeridge Bay or around famous Corfe Castle, finishing with a Valentine’s Cream Tea
OR
• A 1-hour romantic canter along the Heathland at Studland Bay, with Studland Stables.
www.studlandstables.com / www.jurassicjaunts.co.uk
To book quote: Breeze du Vin ON: 01202 785570
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