Sophie Weir - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers

1 min

Cotswolds Distillery Founder Daniel Szor installed as Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers

🥃 Daniel Szor, founder of Cotswolds Distillery, was installed as the 378th Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers on January 2026. The London-based Livery Company, established in 1638, promotes spirits trade excellence. Daniel joined as a Freeman in 2015, a Liveryman in 2016, and the Court in 2022. He founded the Cotswolds Distillery in 2014, and co-founded the English Whisky Guild. Daniel, passionate about sustainability, lives in the Cotswolds with his wife, Dr. Katia Cikurel, and their three children.

2 min

Lake District spa wins best in North West award

🏝️ Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa was crowned Best Spa in the North West at the 2025 Good Spa Guide regional awards in London. The resort, located on Windermere, was recognized for its outstanding guest experiences and world-class facilities. Judged by the Good Spa Guide's precise assessments and expert insights, the award highlights the resort's tranquil atmosphere and scenic views. Gary Tennant and Michael Kay of English Lakes Hotels praised the team's dedication and passion for achieving this prestigious accolade.

2 min

New Restaurant Opening: Cafe Kowloon by 6 of 1

🍴 This winter, hospitality group 6 of 1, founded by Frank Yeung and Abhinav Malde, will open Cafe Kowloon in East London, offering a modern take on Cantonese cuisine inspired by Hong Kong's dining culture. Wonton Charlie’s, an 18-seat noodle soup bar, will be part of the experience. Since 2016, 6 of 1 has opened restaurants like Mr Bao, Daddy Bao, Master Bao, and Good Measure. Cafe Kowloon marks their first venture beyond Taiwanese food.

2 min

Rediscover Balance and Serenity at Angsana Velavaru

🌴 Angsana Velavaru, in the South Nilandhe Atoll, Maldives, offers a holistic wellness journey led by Wellbeing Director Artemasius Harefa. The resort features Angsana Spa, emphasizing Asian wellness with natural ingredients like coconut and honey. Activities include aqua aerobics, sunrise yoga, and guided meditation. These experiences align with Banyan Group's Eight Pillars of Wellbeing, focusing on rest, movement, mindfulness, and connection, aiming to inspire balance and a mindful lifestyle.

2 min

Double Award Win for No.14 Bishops Stortford at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2025

🍴 No.14, founded by Ahmet and Mehmet Kabayel, won Best Europe Restaurant/Bar at the 2025 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, held in Dubai with 1,100 entries from 61 countries. TNN Studio redesigned the Grade II-listed building in Bishop’s Stortford into an Asian Fusion venue. Led by Tulin Naltekin, the design features natural materials and Art Deco influences. The restaurant offers dishes with Asian traditions and modern finesse, celebrating design and culinary excellence.

3 min

Des Gunewardena’s “D3 Collective’’ to Launch Three New venues at the Historic Pillar Hall as part of Olympia’s £1.3bn Transformation

🏠 Opening in Spring 2026, Des Gunewardena will launch three venues at the £1.3bn Olympia redevelopment. Located in the 30,000 sq ft Pillar Hall, the investment exceeds £10m. Idalia will seat 300, Pepperbird offers a 70-cover bar, and Upstairs at Pillar Hall hosts over 500. Executive Chef Samantha Williams leads the all-female kitchen team. Designed by Robert Angell, the venue blends historic architecture with modern design, celebrating Olympia's cultural heritage in West London.

1 min

Sip, Stir, Sparkle: Boxcar Bread & Wine Celebrates the Season with a Festive Matcha Collaboration with KOMA

🍵 Marylebone's Boxcar Bread & Wine partners with KOMA from Kyoto for a festive matcha collaboration in December. Two limited-edition drinks feature 100% organic matcha from Uji, Kyoto. The KOMA Yuki includes white chocolate and nutmeg, while the Matcha Dream blends matcha with jasmine tea and rose water. Personalize with matcha, Irish cream, or gin. Matcha gifts and sets available, beautifully packaged in Japanese style. Enjoy the special menu from December 1-31.

3 min

Vilnius Named European Hospitality City 2025

🏨 Vilnius, Lithuania, awarded the European Hospitality City 2025 on November 17 by the European Hotel Awards, hosted a gala at the Grand Hotel, Vilnius. The event recognized Vilnius’ creativity and growth in hospitality. Honorees included Radisson Collection Astorija (Hotel of the Year) and Evalda Šiškauskienė (Lifetime Achievement). The award highlights Vilnius' status as a thriving European capital. Vilnius hosts major events and offers easy access from London with frequent direct flights.

3 min

A Very Apulian Christmas & New Year at Borgo Egnazia

🎄 Borgo Egnazia celebrates Christmas in Puglia with festive markets, panettone workshops, and themed evenings. On Christmas Eve, guests make panettone; Christmas Day features traditional lunches. Markets run from December 27 to January 4 with themes like "The Colours of Wine" and "The Befana Circus." For New Year's Eve 2025, "Il Circo" event offers theatrical experiences. Rooms start at €480/night, providing an immersive festive experience blending tradition with modern flair. For more details, visit www.borgoegnazia.com.

2 min

Duke Street Boutique Hotel now re-open in Liverpool under new ownership

🏨 Duke Street Boutique Hotel reopened in Liverpool in December 2025, a month after its purchase by Golding Group for £2.25 million. Originally launched in 2021, the hotel briefly went into administration. It features 30 en-suite rooms, with three offering courtyard access. Refurbished to premium standards, it now provides full staffing, a redesigned reception with a resident's bar, and a Breakfast-To-Go service. Room rates start at £50-60 per weekday.

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