Sophie Weir - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 4

3 min

Giorgia Fornaciari Wins the Altamura Distilleries Italia Cocktail Competition in Florence

🍷 Giorgia Fornaciari won the Altamura Distilleries Italia Cocktail Competition on November 2025 at Locale Firenze, Rome. Her cocktail, Anima Bruciata, reimagines the classic Clover Club using Altamura Distilleries Vodka, raspberry cordial, and charred pineapple soda. Giorgia will represent Altamura Distilleries in four major international events in 2026. Judges included Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan. Altamura Distilleries Vodka, rooted in Puglia's tradition, is rapidly growing globally, emphasizing authenticity and Italian craftsmanship.

5 min

The Hythe, A Luxury Collection Resort, Presents a Luxurious Alpine Escape in the World-Class Ski Resort of Vail

🏖️ The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail, in Lionshead Village, transformed with a $40 million renovation in 2021, offers 344 rooms, including 22 suites. Located 150 yards from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, it provides easy access to skiing and hiking. Features include a recovery-focused spa and four dining venues. Part of Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors, it includes 29,000 sq. ft. of event space, with the Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 1,000 guests.

4 min

Claro, St James’s: A Year of Seasonality, Soul and Remarkable Service

🍴 Claro, London, opened a year ago in St James’s, receiving Michelin Guide recognition. Chef Shadi Issawy and Chef Patron Ran Shmueli offer modern Mediterranean cuisine. The anniversary Berkshire menu celebrated local producers. Dishes included venison tartare from Vicars Game and a lamb platter slow-cooked for 15 hours. Head Sommelier Ron Bronfman paired wines like the 2022 Unterebner Pinot Grigio. Claro plans East Mediterranean–inspired holiday menus, embodying thoughtful hospitality and culinary excellence.

1 min

Benjamin Ferra Y Castell Appointed Executive Chef of Yannick Alléno London

🍲 Benjamin Ferra y Castell has been promoted to Executive Chef at Yannick Alléno London in 2023. He now oversees culinary operations at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, including Michelin-starred Pavyllon London and Bar Antoine. Benjamin joined Yannick Alléno Group in 2018 and played a key role in Pavyllon London earning a Michelin star six months after opening. His leadership has enhanced the restaurant's reputation with events like the Battuta summer pop-up and the Counter Culture chef series.

2 min

The Hidden Florence: Thirteen Mysteries Told Through Cocktails

🏨 Florence's hidden side comes alive at The James Suite Hotel, where the "Thirteen Mysteries" cocktail menu draws from the city's enigmatic past. In Piazza Santissima Annunziata, the Palazzo Grifoni's open window symbolizes eternal love, inspired by a Renaissance legend. Room rates at this unique experience start at €600 for double occupancy. Explore Florence's secret tales in a city where history, myth, and imagination blend seamlessly.

3 min

WatchHouse opens doors in Battersea Power Station

☕ WatchHouse opens a 240 sqm House with 81 covers at Battersea Power Station, London. Located on Electric Boulevard, adjacent to the new tube station, it features the brand's largest Espresso Bar. Designed by Deidra Hodgson, it blends industrial and cosy elements. WatchHouse, now with 24 global locations, including a recent UAE opening, launches a Festive Menu with seasonal specialties. CEO Roland Horne highlights its reflection of innovation and modern craftsmanship.

1 min

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate Celebrates Success At Mia Awards 2025

🍽 Executive Chef Robert Pearce of Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate in Essex was named Innovative Chef of the Year at the 2025 MIA Awards on November 6. His innovations over the past year include concepts like Woodland Table and Street Food menus, reducing food costs by 3% and eliminating 25 tonnes of waste. The hotel boasts a 94% staff retention rate and accolades such as four AA Red Stars and AA Hotel of the Year 2024/25.

3 min

Nova Maldives Presents “The Golden Age of Love” for Valentine’s 2026

🏝 For Valentine's Day 2026, Nova Maldives hosts "The Golden Age of Love" from 13-15 February 2026 in South Ari Atoll. Daily sunrise cruises through SAMPA, the Maldives' largest protected ocean reserve, offer intimate whale shark sightings. Romantic activities include champagne breakfasts, sandbank escapes, and coral planting. Events feature starlit beach dinners, cinema nights, and vow renewal ceremonies, promoting conservation and creating timeless memories. Visitors can book packages online for this cinematic celebration of love.

2 min

Chestnut Joins StreetSmart’s £1-on-the-Bill Campaign to Support Vulnerable People in the East of England

🍴 Chestnut will participate in the StreetSmart campaign across its 25 pubs and Big House Hotels in East England during November and December. £1 will be added to each restaurant bill, benefiting vulnerable regional residents. StreetSmart, since 1998, has raised over £13 million for UK homelessness. Chestnut's historic pubs, founded by Philip Turner, are revitalized community hubs. Key locations include North Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire.

5 min

Life is hard, Check into easy: City Lodge Hotels’ highlights of the financial year

🏨 City Lodge Hotels published its 2025 Integrated Report, detailing a 3% revenue increase to R2.0 billion. CFO Dhanisha Nathoo noted room rates up 7% and food revenue up 8%, offsetting a drop in occupancy to 56%. Profits rose 13% to R213 million. CEO Andrew Widegger highlighted the firm's 40th anniversary, strategic growth initiatives, and the closure of the Katherine Street hotel, sold for R68 million. The group focuses on innovation, culture, and expansion amidst challenging conditions.

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