Old Manor Hotel Trowle acquired and to receive TLC – October opening for One Canada Square – Kudos launches café concepts at MediaCityUK in Manchester – Benugo win £20 million contract with the Royal Parks
Old Manor Hotel Trowle acquired and to receive TLC
The landmark Old Manor hotel in Trowle near Trowbridge has been snapped up by hospitality veteran Tudor Hopkins, who has been operating in the hotels sector for many years with an impressive CV which includes training at the Connaught and Grosvenor hotels in London followed by operating the Place at the Beach in Camber in East Sussex, the Gallivant in Camber and the Leonard hotel in Marble Arch.
The Old Manor is his first foray into the West Country since working in a Bristol cocktail bar during his twenties. He said: “We have family in Bath and I lived and worked in Bristol so taking over the Old Manor is very much a return to my roots.” Specialising in the refurbishment and re-launch of hotels, Tudor feels the Old Manor needs a little TLC rather than the JCB.
He said: “This is a wonderful 500 year old manor house with amazing potential. It’s just in need of a good shake.” Dating back to the mid 1600s, the hotel itself is a mixture of old and new. The rooms include four posters, small and interesting and large and spacious.
Mentioned in the Domesday Book as being part of the Abbess of Glastonbury’s estate, the present Manor House was originally built in classic Queen Anne style before being modified. There is plenty of old world charm with oak doors low ceilings, fireplaces and impressive part-panelled reception rooms.
Tudor Hopkins said the small scale refurbishment planned would include removing non-original features to return the Old Manor to its Tudor/Stewart splendour. Wife Lucy will design and supervise the new look and help steer the hotel toward the thriving wedding and conference market.
Colliers International Hotels director Simon Wells said: “The Old Manor is well-placed for both commercial and leisure trade with Bath and Bradford on Avon nearby.
“There is a good catchment for Tudor’s food and beverage offering and the Old Manor ticks all the boxes as a wedding and function venue.” There are 21 letting bedrooms to sleep 42.
For more information click here
October opening for One Canada Square
Mid-October will see the opening of the highly anticipated One Canada Square restaurant and cocktail bar in the lobby of its namesake, the iconic 800ft tower at the heart of Canary Wharf.
Modern European-inspired One Canada Square is the brainchild of Tom and Ed Martin of the award-winning ETM Group, and with interiors by renowned architects David Collins Studio, and former head chef of the Ivy Club Jamie Dobbin at the helm, guests will expect only the highest quality modern European food, drink and service set against the most elegant of backdrops.
Featuring a 30-cover bar and 100-cover restaurant with mezzanine floor, One Canada Square will be open Monday to Friday for breakfast, business lunches, post-work cocktails and relaxed suppers as well as leisurely Saturday brunches, Saturday night drinks, dinner and private parties.
For more information click here
For our Facebook page click here
For our Twitter page click here
Kudos launches café concepts at MediaCityUK in Manchester
Kudos, part of the Crown Group has launched two new café areas at MediaCityUK in Manchester. Each of the two areas are very different, in that one is a catering facility for TV and film industry professionals whereas the other is a café which is open to the public.
‘feed’ at MediaCityUK is the first stand alone café for Kudos. Having previously tested the retail concept at the Brighton Conference Centre, this new outlet at MediaCityUK marks the first independent retail café for the Group. With 48 covers, ‘feed’ is open five days a week and on occasional weekends to support special events, serving snacks along with hot and cold beverages.
In addition to the ‘feed’ café Kudos has launched The Lounge, a catering facility with 32 covers, for Dock 10; a major production company for the BBC which produces shows like Jeremy Kyle, The Voice, Question of Sport and Cbeebies.
Angela Robinson, Operations Director added, “Early indications show that ‘feed’ is on target to turn over £200,000 in its first year and The lounge should hit £250,000.”
Jon Pryce, Managing Director for Kudos, said “This is an exciting time to be launching both retail outlets at MediaCityUK. The whole area has taken-off with new production companies taking up residency for long term filming projects. There is a genuine buzz about the place.”
For more information click here
Benugo win £20 million contract with the Royal Parks
Award winning British restaurant, cafe and catering group, Benugo have announced their plans for a collection of restaurants, bars and kiosks in The Regent’s Park (including Primrose Hill). Having won the competitive tender, the 5 year contract with the Royal Parks is worth an estimated £20 million commencing in November 2013 with refits complete by spring 2014.
The new concepts have been developed and created by the Benugo team, led by founder Ben Warner and managing director Guy Kellner. Designed to revolutionise the catering offering across the 197 hectare space, appropriated by Henry VIII in 1532, the involvement of Benugo will transform the operation into recognised venues that enhance the experience any visitor, local resident or worker, might look for in the park.
Regent’s Bar & Kitchen
The Regent’s Bar & Kitchen (formerly The Garden Café) will be a family friendly restaurant that celebrates the best of British ingredients, serving a range of quality dishes including wood fired pizzas, salads, and a selection of natural, healthy options to take away. The refurbished venue will comprise new soft interior furnishings including reclaimed timber and cracked enamel tiling, along with comfortable banquette seating in the alcoves.
A second park restaurant (currently The Honest Sausage) will be a fast paced simple BBQ menu of ribs, buns and slaw, alongside vegetarian options, available to eat in or take away in biodegradable packaging. A smoothie and shake bar at The Hub sports facility will serve kids and adults alike, fun selections of fresh and healthy juices, shakes and light bites in the area by the sports fields.
Espresso Bar, kiosks and food truck
An espresso bar will take over the current Chester Road Kiosk, serving specialist single origin espresso, coffees, cakes and a small selection of sandwiches and baked goods. A kiosk on Marylebone Green and a Food Truck on Primrose Hill will serve hot dogs, sandwiches, ice cream and award winning Benugo coffee on the go. Additional kiosks will be positioned at Holme Green and Hanover Bridges.