On Sunday 1st March, Bleecker Burger will be donating all profits from its four restaurants to mental health charity Changing Horizons. It will be the third year running that Bleecker has supported a charity in this way, on what would have been the birthday of founder Zan Kaufman’s late brother Mark, who died in 2017.
As Zan Kaufman explains, “My brother Mark worked his entire life in hospitality. From being a room-service runner to managing restaurants, it was what he liked to do and where he fitted in. He spent a summer at Bleecker too. Mark was charming and funny and had a talent for commanding the attention of a room.”
“Mark suffered from mental illness and addiction. In April 2017, he overdosed and passed away at 35 years of age. Hospitality accepted Mark when other fields wouldn’t. It allowed him to stay himself whilst still struggling with this disease. For this I am grateful. Mark’s birthday is March 1st. On this day, Bleecker will donate all of its profits to Changing Horizons to help support and build awareness around mental health and addiction.”
Founded by Stu Skinner, a long-serving campaigner, consultant and instructor, Changing Horizons provides training which enables people to look after their own and others’ mental health through ‘Mental Health First Aid’ – spotting the signs of mental health issues, providing initial help, and guiding people towards support.
The funds raised on March 1st will be used to deliver as many two-day Mental Health First Aid training courses as possible to people working in hospitality, including Bleecker staff and street-food market KERB’s network of traders, to seed the training within the industry which Mark Kaufman loved.
Stu Skinner from Changing Horizons will give a talk introducing the charity and its work at 11am on March 1st at Bleecker Bloomberg Arcade. There will also be treats and giveaways for the first 100 customers at Bloomberg Arcade, kindly donated by friends of Bleecker.
Bleecker’s four restaurants, which are all participating, are in Spitalfields, Victoria, Bloomberg Arcade and Westfield London; addresses and opening hours can be found at bleecker.co.uk
The U.S. is teeming with awe-inspiring bucket list destinations and experiences, but beyond America’s most notable cities and regions are some truly remarkable emerging hotspots which look forward to welcoming European travellers in 2020. ‘Undertourism’ is a growing global travel trend, seen on both a local scale—for example, exploring up-and-coming neighbourhoods and boroughs in popular cities—and on a larger scale, where travellers are considering lesser-known destinations.
From low-key beach breaks to culinary-focused city stays, here Visit The USA highlights eight alternative destinations in the U.S. that are waiting to be explored too, through, and beyond the gateway…
For modern art and an award-winning food – Baltimore, Maryland
While Baltimore may have made its name as one of America’s most important port cities in the 1700s, today the Charm City is experiencing one of the most massive millennial booms in the country, with a growing class of entrepreneurs and artists. As a result, the city has a thriving food, drink and art scene. Art lovers should head to the Baltimore Museum of Art, home to the most extensive collection of Henri Matisse in the world, and to the American Visionary Art Museum, which showcases the work of self-taught artists, and encourages visitors to participate in walk-in weekend workshops. The city’s food scene has also enjoyed a culinary renaissance, with new food hall markets opening up such as the Lexington Market and restaurants with James Beard award-winning chefs at the helm including The Woodberry Kitchen.
For wilderness and adventure – Mammoth Lakes, California
Most visitors to California make a beeline for SoCal beaches, but those looking for an outdoor adventure combining picturesque scenery with excellent culinary options should make time for Mammoth Lakes, in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. During the summer, Mammoth offers wilderness camping, mountain biking, hiking and fly fishing, while skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing activities taking over in the winter months. Accommodation ranges from cool campsites and luxurious hotels to the Tamarack Lodge—Mammoth’s most secluded resort, where cosy cabins line the water’s edge of Twin Lakes.
For arts districts and craft beer – Dallas, Texas
Austin has long been favoured as Texas’ hip city escape, but visitors who head north to Dallas will discover a city with a flourishing arts scene, as well as some of the state’s best bars and restaurants. Downtown, the Dallas Museum of Modern Art features 22,000 works of art stretching over 5,000 years of history while in the leafy suburb of North Oak Cliff, the Bishop Arts District is home to independent shops selling locally designed jewellery, art and all-natural beauty products. Deep Ellum is the spot for an alternative night out; colourful murals line the streets, and craft-beer bars sit side-by-side with blues music venues.
For jazz and art deco architecture – Tulsa, Oklahoma
There’s more to Tulsa than its self-billed name ‘the Oil Capital of the World’ – although the wealth generated from the industry is what helped create its beautiful Art Deco downtown. Those keen to explore the ‘Deco District’ should start at Decopolis—a museum, souvenir shop and bookstore that gives out free walking maps highlighting the city’s magnificent architecture, including the Philcade Building, with its art deco architecture exhibit. Meanwhile, music lovers should head to the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame at Union Station to learn about music legends and attend Sunday jazz concerts in the concourse.
For history and seafood – Portland, Maine
Portland, Oregon has been celebrated as a quirky holiday destination for years, but its namesake town on the east coast, Portland, Maine, has plenty to offer travellers interested in history and coastal cuisine. The port city was first settled in 1632, and its rich maritime heritage can be experienced through historical walking tours or a visit to the Maine Historical Society Museum in downtown Portland. Seafood lovers can enjoy a lobster roll from one of Portland’s many excellent quality seafood shacks, or opt for an elevated experience at the James Beard Award-winning Eventide Oyster Company, which offers some of the best seafood dishes in town served with a signature Bubbly Mary (a bloody Mary with cava).
For gastronomy and the great outdoors – Tucson, Arizona
Tucson—designated as the USA’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2016—has some of the best tacos in the country thanks to its location an hour’s drive north of the Mexican border. It also has so much to offer outdoors lovers, including hiking through the Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park, exploring three miles of passageways and caves at Colossal Cave Mountain Park or horse riding and rock climbing at White Stallion Ranch. Accommodation options in Tucson include Hotel McCoy—a colourful mid-century-inspired modern art hotel suitable for laid-back travellers, and Posada by Joshua Tree House — a serene five-suite inn located within 38 acres of forest, perfect for nature-lovers.
For beaches and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is just an hour’s drive north of Miami and has beaches and bars to rival its famous neighbour. The highly anticipated Seminole Hard Rock Hotel—a huge casino and hotel complex built in the shape of a guitar featuring 469 rock star-worthy rooms and suites, waterslides and live events—opened in late 2019. Fort Lauderdale is also one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the world and is home to the world’s first LGBTQ+ Visitor Centre, which showcases the attractions and bars that may interest visitors.
For dining and distilleries – Louisville, Kentucky
Home to the Kentucky Derby and the Muhammad Ali Centre, Louisville is ideal for an easy-going city stay with excellent restaurants. The city’s burgeoning food scene ranges from contemporary American cuisine with city-skyline views at the rooftop restaurant 8UP, to thick and cheesy Louisville-style pizza at Impellizzeri. Imbibers can enjoy the state’s national drink, bourbon, at their pick of distilleries and bars such as Gerstle’s in Crescent Hill, serving signature deep-fried cheese balls with bourbon and side of live blues and rock’n’roll, and Old Louisville’s 610 Magnolia, which pairs locally-distilled bourbon and wine with multi-course tasting menus.
Escape to winter wellness and luxurious seclusion in unexplored landscapes at the newly opened Husafell Canyon Baths located in the Icelandic highlands, less than two hours from Reykjavik. Planning a winter break or Valentine’s getaway to Iceland’s new hot spring hot-spot is easy with an introductory hotel package available until February 29th, 2020.
For over a thousand years Icelanders have visited the healing hot springs in West Iceland for relaxation and geothermal rejuvenation. This winter-wellness-season, visitors have a new hot spring hot-spot to relax and recharge the traditional Icelandic way. Introducing Husafell Canyon Baths: Iceland’s most authentic hot spring experience located in remote and spectacular nature less than two hours from Reykjavik in West Iceland.
Sustainably built in the traditional stone-bath style, soaking options include three geothermal pools 30-41°C (86-105°F) and an icy glacial stream 10°C (50°F) for those who dare. The remote nature baths are accessed on a new day-tour from Husafell which includes a short hike through unexplored landscapes and exotic sites like Iceland’s now extinct Okjokull glacier and Langifoss, a waterfall not found in any guidebooks or geo-tagged on Instagram.
Open year round, Husafell Canyon Baths appeal to wellness visitors and nature lovers seeking a refreshing Icelandic spa experience in a spectacular, off-the-grid landscape. Husafell Canyon Baths is part of the greater Husafell recreational area in West Iceland which includes 25,000 acres of nature reserve, 10 marked hiking trails, geothermal swimming pools, a 9-hole GEO certified golf course, the world’s largest lava cave and ice cave adventures on Langjokull glacier.
To celebrate the grand opening which took place on November 21st, Husafell Canyon Baths is offering a deluxe travel package in cooperation with 4-star Hotel Husafell, a boutique northern lights resort and member of National Geographic Unique Lodges.
HOTEL HUSAFELL & CANYON BATHS PACKAGE
The Hotel Husafell & Canyon Baths introductory package includes entry for two into the Canyon Baths, overnight at 4-star Hotel Husafell a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges, three-course dinner for two, free Northern Lights wake-up call, access Husafell swimming pool, buffet breakfast, Wifi, parking, gratuities and taxes. Package price for two: $399 / 362€ / 310GBP. Valid: up to February 29, 2020.
Stunning beachfront oasis in Anguilla inspires unparalleled tranquility amidst a breathtaking environment that draws on the natural beauty of the island
LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) collection of exquisite luxury hotels, recently announced Zemi Beach House as the brand’s first hotel to open in the Americas. LXR connects legendary properties into an exclusive network of hotels set apart by an unrivalled commitment to personalized attention and luxurious, yet locally immersive, experiences for their guests. The 76-key, beachfront hotel continues to be owned, operated and managed by the Goldstein Family of New York.
Set on a pristine beach, this discrete six-acre hideaway is nestled on the quiet and secluded Shoal Bay East on the northeast coast of Anguilla. Accessible from St. Maarten International Airport via a 20-minute sea shuttle or directly by private jets and small carriers into Anguilla’s International Airport, the stunning enclave continues to be recognized as a top hotel in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, TripAdvisor, and more. This year, the hotel was voted the No. 1 hotel in Anguilla and No. 2 in the Caribbean by U.S. News & World Report.
“Zemi Beach House is the ideal property, and Anguilla is the perfect destination to debut LXR within the Americas,” comments Feisal Jaffer, Global Head, LXR Hotels & Resorts. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Zemi Beach House in creating truly extraordinary and authentic experiences for all of our guests.”
Zemi Thai House Spa, set in an authentic 300-year-old Thai House boasting 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, rounds out the property’s wellness experience. The spa offers a sun deck for mud and salt body treatments, outdoor showers and a vitality pool. Spa facilities also include oversized private treatment rooms, a wellness boutique, outdoor rest areas with wave loungers, spaces for yoga and Pilates and a meditation garden where guests can enjoy classes on mindfulness and relaxation. A fresh juice bar at the ancient Thai Rice Barn features teas and cold-pressed juices made from fruits, herbs and plants from the spa garden.
“We are excited to join LXR’s growing collection of luxury hotels from top destinations around the world,” said Paulo Paias, General Manager at Zemi. “We look forward to sharing Zemi Beach House with Hilton’s global travellers and continuing to provide unforgettable experiences to our guests.”
Recently appointed executive chef Bruno Carvalho has curated new menus for the property’s two main restaurants — Stone and 20 Knots. Chef Carvalho oversees the hotel’s five food and beverage concepts to create an innovative culinary experience that offers a variety of settings and a diverse array of tastes. Dining venues at Zemi Beach House include:
Stone, a fine dining restaurant serving seasonal, locally sourced, sea-to-table cuisine along with a large international selection of carefully chosen fine wines served by Zemi Beach House’s in-house sommelier.
20 Knots, a casual “toes-in-the-sand” restaurant and beach bar offering an international menu with a variety of cuisines infused with the flavours of Latin America.
Rhum Room, a refined and elegant rum tasting room featuring more than 100 small-batch, single-estate rums that recall the Caribbean’s 18th-century sugarcane plantations.
Shoal Bay Zemi Beach Club, the resort’s casual “no shoes, no problem” atmosphere serving inventive cocktails against the backdrop of crystal-clear turquoise waters and towering palm trees.
The Bohio Bar & Lounge, the Zemi Beach House bar that serves pre- and after-dinner cocktails, champagne and wines by the glass for guests to gather and enjoy live music and conversation.
The property also features three extraordinary pools with cabanas accompanied by personal poolside service as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a grass tennis court, morning vinyasa flow yoga sessions and beach volleyball. Children can participate in a variety of activities organized by the Kids Club, including mermaid adventure experiences. The property also has multiple venues ideal for corporate meetings and wedding celebrations.
Zemi Beach House is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 17 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app.
As Hilton’s premier collection brand, LXR continues to grow its portfolio of extraordinary hotels in key global gateway cities as well as the most sought-after resort destinations. LXR targets properties known to provide sophisticated, luxury experiences in places where discerning guests want to travel. The brand is primed for growth with deals in various stages of development around the world.
Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 150 hotels and resorts open and welcoming travellers in 23 countries across the Caribbean and Latin America, with a robust development pipeline of approximately 95 hotels throughout the region.
For more information on the hotel and restaurants, visit www.zemibeach.com
Following more than EUR 10 million in investments, a historic five-star hotel is reborn as a Four Seasons experience. Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève,A Four Seasons Hotel, a cosy 41-room hotel located in the enchanting community of Megève, France, offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy Alpine ambience with easy access to the valley’s numerous leisure activities.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Rothschild family as we celebrate the opening of a second Four Seasons in Megève,” says Christian Clerc, President, Global Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “For decades the village and surrounding mountains have been a favoured getaway for lovers of the outdoors, and now, we are pleased to enhance the experience even further with this reinvention of a much-loved classic, introducing a new era of luxurious sophistication to Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois.”
Both Four Seasons hotels, and indeed Megève itself, are the legacy of the Edmond de Rothschild family. The meticulous restoration and refurbishment of Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois were personally overseen by Ariane de Rothschild, Chairwoman of the Board of the Edmond de Rothschild Group, in collaboration with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, famed for his interior design of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris.
With three unique buildings to choose from, guests may enjoy a stay that suits their style, whether in the classic luxury and refined atmosphere of Chalet Noémie, the bohemian chic of Chalet Alice, or the more traditional Chalet Eve. Both Chalet Alice and Chalet Noémie are available for exclusive buyouts. Next season, Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois will unveil the Suite Idéal, a very special accommodation high up in the mountain wilderness, fully serviced by Four Seasons.
Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois is also home to Prima, the Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Nicolas Hensinger and overseen by Executive Chef Julien Gatillon of Michelin two-starred Le 1920, located within sister property Four Seasons Hotel Megève.
Additional on-site facilities include a welcoming lobby lounge and bar; a spa with treatment rooms, hammam, sauna and indoor/outdoor relaxation areas; a heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool; and in winter, a skating rink adjacent to Chalet Eve. Guests of both properties enjoy seamless access to all facilities, including preferred seating at restaurants, signing privileges, and transfers.
A Year-Round Mountain Playground
A short walk to the pedestrians-only village centre, Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois is the perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy it all. Megève is home to international luxury boutiques, interesting art galleries, and a wide variety of restaurants and bars including several Michelin-starred establishments, as well as picturesque Alpine architecture, small churches and cobblestoned streets.
“We suggest a tour via horse-drawn carriage, bundled up in blankets while you take pictures of the village and surrounding mountains. Or, the historic Calvary Path is a lovely trail to hike or cycle, unique to Megève,” says Joachim Jacob, Hotel Manager.
Minutes from the village and Hotel, the Alps beckon with some of Europe’s best skiing as well as snowboarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more. To access more remote runs, book a Four Seasons Heli Ski Safari.
Christmas and New Year’s in Megève
Chef Nicolas Hensinger will offer festive menus at Prima on both December 24 and 31, 2019, while Le 1920 will once again celebrate Orthodox Christmas Eve, with Chef Julien Gatillon’s menu finished with a special surprise dessert by Chef Nicolas Lambert of Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg.
In celebration of its opening, guests of Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois may book the Grand Debut Offer, featuring 20 per cent savings on the regular room rate through April 5, 2020.
Megève is located just 70 minutes by car from Geneva, Switzerland.
The Hoxton has announced the newest hotel in its series, with Rome, Italy opening in autumn 2020. Coming as the 10th hotel from the brand, and the 6th opening in Europe, The Hoxton, Rome will boast 192 bedrooms, a large coffee bar and takeaway counter, a large light-flooded restaurant, and a beautiful outdoor terrace.
The Hoxton, Rome will be situated in Salario, a leafy neighbourhood just north of the centre and well off the city’s main tourist trail, filled with art museums, gourmet delicatessens and traditional trattorias. Here, guests are just a stone’s throw from Villa Borghese, Rome’s favourite park.
Ennismore Design Studio is working in collaboration with Fettle Design to transform the building into a Hoxton, taking cues from the building’s 1970’s design details and the rich local architecture throughout the Eternal City. The team took inspiration from the striking entryways of the buildings in the surrounding neighbourhood and their marble clad walls and vibrant terrazzo floors. The large, bright lobby space will feature a mix of comfortable seating with views of the open kitchen, and a fireplace to keep things cosy during the winter months.
The 192 bedrooms will feature rustic parquet flooring and bold colours, whilst local stones and lacquered timbers will reference classic mid-century Italian design. Each room will feature geometric timber wall panelling, a statement headboard and bespoke brass light fittings. Some of the larger rooms will feature original Murano glass chandeliers.
The Hoxton, Rome comes on the heels of a successful year for The Hoxton, with the openings of The Hoxton, Chicago (April 2019), The Hoxton, Southwark (London; September 2019) and The Hoxton, Downtown LA (October 2019), as well as the expansion of the brand’s co-working space, Working From_.
The Hoxton, Rome Largo Benedetto Marcello, 220, 00198 Roma RM, Italy thehoxton.com
Festive Afternoon Tea is served throughout December
Michelin-starred Chef and Restaurateur Jason Atherton has extended the offering at his latest opening, The Betterment at The Biltmore Mayfair, to include an indulgently British afternoon tea as well as an exclusive festive option. Highlighting artisanal and heritage produce from across the UK, the luxurious tea is served in the dedicated Tea Lounge. It can be enjoyed alongside a selection of fresh and dried infusions from The Betterment’s tea trolley or a celebratory glass of champagne.
Devised together with Head Chef Paul Walsh, The Betterment Afternoon Tea commemorates the best of British afternoon tea with Savouries, Scones and Sweet Delicacies, all detailed for guests on a beautifully illustrated map which highlights the region each component is sourced.
Kicking off the UK taste tour, Savouries include sandwiches such as Brixham Crab with Somerset Citrus Yoghurt on Rye and Hereford Beef with Horseradish Cream. Classic Scones are warm and delicate with Clotted Cream and Raspberry Jam while Sweet Delicacies are a jaunt across the British isles. Guests can enjoy Cranachan with Bruce Farm Raspberries, Whisky, Honey and Toasted Oats from the highlands of Scotland; Ginger Parkin, Hazelnut Cream, Salted Caramel and Milk Chocolate from the Pennine Hills; Dorset Spiced Apple Cake from the orchards of southern England. To finish, treats include a Silent Pool Gin and Tonic Cake infused with Lemon, Orange and White Chocolate and Earl Grey Tea Macaroons with Lemon and Lavender — the perfect accompaniment to a range of herbal, black and white teas from The Rare Tea Company.
To mark its first Christmas, Walsh has distilled the best of the season for a festive version of The Betterment Afternoon Tea, showcasing favourite Yuletide indulgences in miniature form. The Christmas Savouries section features sandwiches such as heady Truffled Brie from Wiltshire with Pickled Cucumber on Granary Bread and — to channel the Christmas morning breakfast — rich Smoked Salmon from Severn and Wye on London Ricotta, spiked with Lemon and Dill. A classic Christmas sandwich features thinly sliced Roast Norfolk Turkey, Herb Filled Stuffing and a Rich Cranberry Sauce.
Meanwhile, festive scones are bejewelled with bright candied Orange and Cranberries and appear alongside a timeless Sherry and Almond Fruitcake Slice. In keeping with the festive spirit of decadence, The Sweet Delicacies celebrate the best of winter with warming notes of Stem Ginger, White Chocolate and Clementine Gingerbread, whilst the fairytale flavours of the Black Forest come next with Cherry, Milk Chocolate and Salted Caramel presented as a bauble. The traditional Christmas cocktail of Eggnog comes presented as patisserie laced with nutmeg and spiced pear, while Mulled Wine Macaroons are dusted with Cinnamon. No Festive Afternoon Tea would be complete without a Mince Pie, finished with a quenelle of Brandy Butter.
Speaking on the launch of both teas, Jason said: “Afternoon tea is a British institution and the perfect medium for us to showcase our ethos of deformalised fine dining as well as our passion for championing the best of the country’s produce. We’ve cherry-picked the very best of what the UK has to offer — from the Hebrides to Hereford. We couldn’t neglect to mark our first Christmas here at The Betterment too, so we have chosen British Christmas dishes we love distilled into an afternoon tea. From the nostalgic turkey sandwiches on Boxing day to the rich spiced mince pies which seem to punctuate our days until the New Year, Paul has captured the spirit of the whole festive period, and we can’t wait to present you with it.”
The Biltmore Mayfair combines exquisite contemporary accommodation, stunning views across the gardens of Grosvenor Square and innovative culinary concepts, creating the ultimate urban sanctuary in the heart of Mayfair and a must-visit destination for locals, London visitors and hotel guests alike.
Both Afternoon Teas are priced as follows:
£45 per person
With a glass of Moet & Chandon, Grand Vintage 2012 £60 per person
With a glass of Krug Grande Cuvee, 165eme, NV £80 per person
Available 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Festive Afternoon Tea will be available throughout December
One of London’s largest clubs, the 3,000 capacity Studio 338, has announced it will be implementing an array of different measures that aim to vastly reduce its environmental impact, including donating profits and encouraging artists to donate a percentage of their fees to the conservation charity Rainforest Trust UK.
The south east London venue will also be commissioning a huge ‘Tree of Life’ installation in the garden using reclaimed materials. Partygoers can then donate towards the tree which helps to place existing areas of rainforest under permanent protection via Rainforest Trust UK.
On top of this, Music and Events Director Dan Perrin says they also have a plan to remove all single-use plastics, non-biodegradable and environmentally harmful materials from the group’s venues where possible and are consulting with environmental specialists to improve their overall footprint.
Dan says:
We are creating a movement aimed at leading the way for sustainable clubbing, kicking off in Studio 338 with a view to starting a wave of change reaching far beyond London. We’re in the midst of a climate emergency. We all need to offset the detrimental effect of events and parties and our activities on the environment.”
‘The electronic music community has the potential to make a real impact if we can work together to change our behaviours and reduce our ecological footprints that are destroying the planet.’
Dan admitted: ‘Running events takes a lot of energy. From DJs and artist flights, to ground transport to lights and sound. We are conscious that we are leading the next generation in event standards and we feel it would be a good example to the rest of the events industry if we stop to take action to change our impact on the environment.’
‘It’s actually incredibly difficult for businesses to make that switch to greener energy as its not widely available outside of domestic supply. The government could be doing a lot more to make it more accessible and incentivise its use for businesses.’
Studio 338 pledges by their opening event of 2020 to:
Ban all single use plastics from the venue
Switch as much of their energy as is currently possible to renewable sources
Ban all environmentally damaging cleaning and chemical products from the venue wherever it is currently possible
Ban products containing palm oil from the venue
From February they will section off 1% of all products from the venue for the #treetree8 fund. This money will go to the Rainforest Trust UK
They will also be asking their partner brands, DJs and promoters to donate 1% of their fees to the fund as well.
They will also be building a ‘tree of life’ in their Garden area where patrons can donate any small change they might have towards the fund. Ban all single use plastics from the venue
They will send out a monthly newsletter on our efforts and progress which will also contain advice for how partygoers can make change in their own lives to help the planet recover.Ban all single use plastics from the venue
Rainforest Trust UK is a British conservation charity working in partnership with Rainforest Trust in the U.S. to protect threatened rainforests and other tropical ecosystems. In the wake of the devastating fires in the Amazon rainforest and other parts of the world, it is now even more vital to provide long-term protection for the planet’s remaining rainforests, as they play a vital role in the fight against climate change and are home to 50% of the world’s species. Ban all single use plastics from the venue
For further information or to check out the next events from London Studio 338 visit their website www.studio338.co.uk
Looking to float away the weeks worries or take some time out to relax and contemplate? The brand new float centre has now opened on Old Street, Shoreditch, East London.
For those who haven’t tried floatation therapy it involves letting your body float in a pod of body-temperature saline water with no interruptions from external light or sound. This has been shown to help reduce levels of stress hormones while boosting the feel-good hormones such as dopamine and endorphins associated with improving sleep, relaxation, pain relief and fast recovery from illness.
Company founder Tom Euinton, said, “After struggling with sleep apnea and insomnia for a long time, I received profound rest from floating that helped provide the deep recovery I wasn’t getting from sleep. Up to 50% of people in the UK suffer from insomnia at least once a week, and it has since been my aim to bring the best floatation therapy and support to those struggling with these conditions”.
The spacious pods at Float Hub are state of the art to provide the most immersive experience. Featuring 100% filtered saline solution, as well as blue light programming which mimics sunrise and sunset conditions, they promise to provide the best float therapy in London. As part of its holistic offering, Float Hub works in conjunction with sleep expert Dave Gibson to provide free consultations and create bespoke sleep programmes that improve sleep hygiene and well-being.
On 10th March, an exclusive vegan katsu burger is coming to London for one month only. Top plant-based burger restaurant Halo Burger has collaborated with MasterChef winner and Vegan Japaneasy author, Tim Anderson to create a burger that captures the satisfying crunch and rich umami tang of a classic Katsu, all whilst being 100 per cent plant-based.
The Vegan Katsu Cheeseburger sees a juicy deep-fried 1/4lb Beyond Meat patty encased in super crispy panko breadcrumbs paired with a deep-fried smoked Gouda style cheese slice, umami mayo, Tonkatsu sauce and shredded cabbage. Paying homage to a timeless favourite, the Katsu Burger is inspired by Tim Anderson’s desire to increase accessibility to Japanese food coupled with his ‘halo moment’ when trying Halo burger at the POP Brixton branch.
Inspired by his new book Vegan JapanEasy: Classic & modern vegan Japanese recipes to cook at home (Hardie Grant, £22). Tim Anderson has ‘Japanified’ the classic Halo burger, using key Japanese flavours to create an authentic twist on tradition.
The burger will be available Sunday-Wednesday from Halo’s Shoreditch site and will embody classic Japanese soul food flavours combined with the iconic meaty Halo style. Exclusively available from the 10th March for one month only, head down to Halo Burger and get a taste of the UK’s first plant-based Katsu Burger.
Europe’s largest speciality coffee event celebrates 10 glorious, caffeine-fuelled years in the Capital.
This April, The London Coffee Festival celebrates its 10th birthday with four fabulous days at Brick Lane’s Truman Brewery. Featuring artisan coffee, tastings & demonstrations from world-class baristas, immersive workshops, cocktails, street food, live music, DJs, art exhibitions, beauty and wellness, panel talks, a ten-tier birthday cake PLUS a whole lot of FREE coffee…. the party is ON!
The London Coffee Festival has grown to become Europe’s largest gathering of coffee enthusiasts and the tenth anniversary year is set to be the biggest celebration yet! With over 250 exhibitors and 35,000 coffee lovers expected to attend – this is an unmissable, multi-sensory event for anyone crazy about London’s vibrant coffee scene and its creative subcultures. This year will also see the roll-out of a new sustainability programme – complete with surprise perks for visitors that bring their reusable cups – so you can be sure you’re celebrating responsibly.
Remember life before smooth long blacks and glossy flat whites? No, we can’t either but whether you’re a coffee pro or an average Joe the festival offers something for everyone…
Taste artisan coffees from around the world and meet the baristas and roasters at the forefront of the specialty coffee scene. Dive into the awe-inspiring, Insta-friendly world of Latte Art Live, watching world-class specialists in action – expect throwdowns, showcases and hands-on workshops.
Coffee geeks take your seat and get ready to be amazed as Coffee Masters™ returns! This prestigious competition takes coffee to the highest level. 16 of the world’s top working baristas will go head-to-head over four days of competition for the coveted title of Coffee Master and a cheque for £5,000. It’s the ultimate test of skill, innovation and creativity and – let’s face it – a real crowd pleaser!
Brand new for 2020 is the people’s choice, London’s Best Coffee Shop Awards – think your local coffee shop deserves to win? Applications open soon and everyone who votes get the chance to win a year’s free coffee at their nominated shop, courtesy of the London Coffee Festival. Winners will be announced at the festival and one representative from each coffee shop will get flown to Brazil to attend the launch of the Sao Paulo Coffee Festival!
Want to get into the nitty gritty of the coffee scene? Want to learn how to make the perfect coffee cocktail at home? Considering a career in the coffee industry? Pop by The Lab for an exciting line-up of live interactive demonstrations, workshops, talks with industry pioneers and sneak peeks at the latest production innovations. With inclusivity and diversity at the core of the programme, there’s plenty of opportunity to learn about the industry, from bean to cup and everything in between.
To get you in the party spirit, there’s an incredible line-up of London’s most exciting musicians and DJs. Dance and socialise with an espresso martini in hand, shaken up with Kahlua and Löftbergs Cold Brew. The Bar is open all festival long, so make a pitstop for a quality cocktail at any time BUT the first 50 people to bring a reusable cup each day will receive a FREE espresso martini!
Life is all about balance, so this year there are heaps of new and exciting beauty and wellness immersive features. Festival goers looking to cool the caffeine buzz must try the multi-sensory Mindful Coffee Tasting experience. Learn to appreciate coffee in a brand new, mindful way – with meditation brought to you in partnership with Just Breathe.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a birthday without a cake! Saturday will see a surprise special guest celebrity baker creating and cutting a whopping ‘ten- tier for ten years’ coffee cake masterpiece!
With so much on offer, the festival is the perfect weekend hangout, so bring your mates, a date or fly solo and get ready to immerse yourself in London’s world-renowned coffee scene.
Jeffrey Young, Founder of The London Coffee Festival, says: “The London Coffee scene has changed dramatically over the last ten years, but one thing is for sure, London loves coffee more than ever! We have a fantastic packed programme for this, our tenth year and our birthday wish is for festival goers to join us ready to party, armed with their own reusable cups in an effort to help save our planet whilst enjoying everything the festival has to offer!’
For its 10th anniversary, The London Coffee Festival will launch Stage One of its new Sustainability Scheme in its mission to fully implement a Zero Waste festival strategy by 2024. This year the festival will require exhibitors to use compostable packaging only, reward visitors for bringing their reusable cups, and operate a comprehensive composting and upcycling scheme throughout the site.
The festival is a unique opportunity for branded coffee chains, roasters, independent cafes,, roasters and industry suppliers to collaborate and celebrate the success of the industry while giving back to an extremely worthy cause. 20% of ticket sales are donated to Project Waterfall, which helps deliver clean water projects in coffee-producing countries around the world. Last year, over £120,000 was raised at The London Coffee Festival.
Thursday and Friday sessions are reserved for trade only. On Saturday and Sunday, there are brunch, lunch, teatime and VIP full day sessions. To purchase tickets or for more information on what’s on, visit www.londoncoffeefestival.com.
Ahead of the April launch of the new James Bond film, No Time To Die, Rabbie’s has created a private tour itinerary for 007 fans. Gadgets, cars, castles and tipples will give fans the full Bond experience.
On a two-day round trip tour from Edinburgh, this private tour itinerary features highlights such as seeing a collection of Bond memorabilia, including a BMW 750 used in ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’; scenic drives through areas and naval bases used in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ as well as a visit to the headquarters of MI6 in ‘The World Is Not Enough’. The itinerary weaves the theme into cuisine with lunch dates at Miss Moneypenny’s Diner and a trip to a whisky distillery to sample one of the spy’s favourite drinks.
Rabbie’s offers one-off itineraries and experiences. The specialist team will help travellers with itineraries based on the things they love, for a once in a lifetime experience. Each private and personalised tour has a dedicated guide, an expert in storytelling, local insights and historic tales.
Running an exclusive discount until the end of March, Rabbie’s offer the chance to book a tour for £465, seating up to 16 passengers on a mini-coach with a guide for a whole day.
Corinthia St Petersburg announces new Signature Suites. The stunning new suites in this five-star hotel represent modern European luxury, sophisticated art and impeccable comfort in the Russian cultural capital.
The two-room suites are full of light and delightful colours, creating a soft, playful ambience to welcome sophisticated travellers with modern, stylish luxury and trendy European design.
The Signature Suites were designed by QP interior design, an international company renowned for creating sophisticated and tailor-made design schemes that are as practical as they are beautiful. Comprehensive details such as an extremely comfortable living room with chic marble tables, a beautiful bedroom with luxurious king-size bed and furniture covered by soft fabric, an exquisite bathroom with an elegant grand bathtub and spacious shower, provide guests with excitement and harmony. Large windows open to stunning views of the Nevsky Prospect, which elevates the luxury details of these beautiful suites.
“The exquisite ambience of our new Signature Suits highlights the feeling that our guests stay in a modern grand hotel in the very heart of St. Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital. We are very happy that today Corinthia St Petersburg offers its guests this new esthetic experience, truly unique and supported by exceptional service and the sincere warmth of the hotel team,” says Corinthia St Petersburg’s General Manager, Eric Pere,
The two new Signature Suites are the Design Suite and Art Suite.
The Design Suite has a wide collection of books on Modern Design. It’s unique style, which combines luxury and comfort, classic and modern, art and technology, takes guests to the tempting world of impeccable pleasure and sophisticated lifestyle.
The Art Suite introduces guests to the exciting world of art and offers selected books on Modern Art. Contemporary paintings in abstract style on the walls of this suite balance with classic architecture of historical buildings on the Nevsky Prospect, which can be seen from the windows.
All the luxuries which discerning travellers expect from a grand, five-star hotel, can be found in the Signature Suites. These include a complimentary buffet breakfast in the magnificent Imperial Restaurant, a Nespresso coffee machine, LED TVs with over 70 channels, Wi-Fi, working table, evening turndown and 24-hour access to the fitness centre with sauna. Signature Suite guests have complimentary access to the city’s only five-star Executive Club Lounge, which offers breakfast, snacks and drinks throughout the day.
The Signature Suites join the hotel’s Royal Suite, Presidential Suite, Nevsky Suite and suites of other categories totalling 52 suites at Corinthia St Petersburg.
Corinthia St Petersburg is an internationally acknowledged luxury hotel, built from three majestic 19th-century buildings located at the heart of Nevsky Prospect, the city’s main thoroughfare. Corinthia St Petersburg houses 388 elegant rooms and suites, as well as 17 adaptable event spaces with a total capacity of up to 1,000 people. It caters for a variety of events, including international conferences, sumptuous banquets, private weddings and high-end events. Corinthia St Petersburg is the only five-star property which offers such a large number of rooms and event spaces in the historical city centre of St. Petersburg.
An overnight stay in a Signature Suite costs from £930 per night (two sharing), including breakfast and Executive Club Lounge access.
Getting lost within the crowd can be easy in a metropolis, especially if it’s filled with tourists like Prague. Maintaining a unique identity is extremely important to people today, which is why lifestyle hotels are becoming increasingly popular. The Emblem Hotel, this year’s winner of Luxury Lifestyle Awardsin the category of The Best Luxury Hotel in the Czech Republic, will make the trip to this wonderful country memorable, colourful and personal.
Located next to the Old Town Square, The Emblem Hotel merges the past, present and future of Prague into a home for travellers and a haven for locals. Since its opening in 2013, this hotel has been reflecting the city’s diversity to tourists from all over the world. The hotel boasts 59 exquisite rooms (including four junior suites and three luxury suites), a chill-out lounge with several “Living Spaces” (The M Lounge), a state-of-the-art restaurant and bar (George Prime Steak), and a spa (The M Spa) with an unbeatable rooftop terrace. Everything is designed to tell guests that Prague is one of the most beguiling and mystical cities in the world — because this is how the team members genuinely see their favourite metropolis.
“The whole team and management of The Emblem Hotel are honoured to be recognized by such a world-class award as LLA. We have been trying to create a unique concept in today’s well-established travel industry while maintaining the luxurious amenities and excellent service our guests expect to receive. The fact that the honourable experts of Luxury Lifestyle Awards gave a positive evaluation to all of our efforts means we now have more inspiration and energy than ever to reach new heights,” says Helena Valtrová, The Emblem’s General Manager.
The Emblem Hotel has always been intended to redefine the way people travel. While creating the most relaxing environment in the city centre, The Emblem is a venue for both locals and tourists to explore, discover and share. It was meant to be guests’ home-away-from-home in Prague, and it is now safe to say, this mission did succeed.
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of its first Radisson branded hotel in South Africa, the Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit. Radisson is Radisson Hotel Group’s fourth brand and 13th hotel to open in South Africa. This achievement brings Radisson Hotel Group’s African portfolio to almost 100 hotels in operation and under development.
Centrally located 2 kilometres outside the town of Hoedspruit, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit offers guests the chance to explore renowned tourist destinations such as the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon. Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit will be the only international upscale hotel in the Lowveld and in close proximity to the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park, the key driver of tourism in the area. This two million-hectare, world-renowned park, features 16 ecosystems and the Big 5 (Africa’s greatest wild animals, more specifically the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).
The new 138-room hotel is scheduled to open early 2022, comprising of rooms and suites, coupled with Radisson’s Scandinavian-inspired hospitality and unique brand features. Guests will be able to indulge in local and international cuisine at the all-day dining restaurant. Drinks can be enjoyed at the bar and coffee lounge overlooking the infinite and tranquil landscape as well as the pool bar and traditional lapa, with the majestic Drakensberg as a backdrop.
Guests will be spoilt for choice during their downtime with a variety of leisure facilities such as an Amani Health Spa, two swimming pools, a fully equipped gym, a kid’s club and an equestrian centre. In addition, there is a vast, untouched savannah for guests to enjoy through various outdoor activities such as game drives, hot air ballooning and horse rides, as well as abseiling and tubing which can be booked at the in-house activity centre.
Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Radisson Blu remains the largest upper upscale international brand in South Africa, thanks to the great efforts of our teams and the trust of our business partners We are thrilled to introduce the Radisson brand to South Africa with our first safari-inspired hotel in the country. The hotel will be the perfect complement for our other hotels in South Africa.”
Gerrit Jan van der Grijn, CEO of the Lowland Group, developer and owner of the hotel, said, “It is an honour to be partnering with the Radisson Hotel Group to introduce the Radisson brand to South Africa and welcome the first safari-style hotel to the Group’s African portfolio. The hotel will most certainly uplift the area with the credibility that the Radisson Hotel Group brings as the first international hotel brand in the region. We look forward to a flourishing and long-standing partnership with the Group and together opening the doors in 2022.”
The hotel will boast an expansive meeting and events area which will include contemporary and versatile venues, from a conference centre to various meeting and board rooms which lead onto a spacious pre-function area and a business centre.
Hoedspruit is a substantial urban node in the Maruleng Municipality. It includes an Air Force Base and civil airport, Eastgate Airport, with future developments including a state-of-the-art medical facility. It is a well serviced and connected area with a tourism/eco-tourism and agricultural (mainly citrus) economy.
There are three flights daily from Johannesburg and daily flights from Cape Town to Eastgate Airport, only a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The N12/N4 national highway provides access from Johannesburg (4.5-hour drive), while the R40 regional highway leads to Nelspruit and Phalaborwa.
