Washingborough Hall Hotel

2013 Certificate of Excellence Winner

Ed Herring — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:23:44 +0000

TripAdvisor is delighted to recognise Washingborough Hall Country House Hotel with a 2013 Certificate of Excellence.

This prestigious award, which places us in the top-performing 10% of all businesses worldwide on TripAdvisor, is given to businesses that consistently earn high ratings from TripAdvisor travellers.

Trip Advisor Link: Washingborough Hall Country House Hotel

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European Olive oil ban

Ed Herring — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:47:50 +0000

Olive oil ban should not have come as surprise say European Commission and Government.

The Government has suggested that a forthcoming European ban on restaurants from serving olive oil in jugs or dipping bowls should not have come as a surprise, despite the fact that there is currently no official guidance on how to comply.

The news of the regulation, which comes into force on 1 January 2014, came to light earlier this week, causing outrage among chefs and restaurateurs (see below).

Restaurants will only be allowed to serve olive oil in pre-packaged, factory bottles with a “tamper-proof” dispensing nozzle, which adhere to EU labelling standards.

John Dyson, technical director of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) said the move had not been expected so quickly. He had only received word of the plans from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) at the start of this month, and had been expecting a consultation over the summer.

Meanwhile BHA deputy chief executive Martin Couchman said the regulations, which fall under the European Common Agricultural Policy and require no new legislation, were a “nonsense”.

“It is probably intended for good reasons but in practical terms it is overkill,” Couchman said.

But both the European Commission and Defra said the introduction of the regulations should not have come as a surprise.

A spokesman for the European Commission told Caterer and Hotelkeeper that the idea had first been floated last year as part of the Olive Oil Action plan, which aims to safeguard olive oil producers from unscrupulous businesses putting lower quality olive oil into branded bottles.

The European Commission also cited “hygiene” as a reason for the move, although when contacted, the Food Standards Agency said it did not hold any documented records of hygiene incidents involving olive oil.

A Defra spokeswoman added: “When the proposal was first published in September 2012, the 1 April 2014 implementation date was suggested. In January 2013 the ban on non re-usable bottles in the catering sector changed from the being an option to a requirement. At the same time the proposed implementation date changed to 1 January 2014.

“The proposal as a whole was officially voted through by a majority of member states on 14 May. We kept stakeholders, including the British Hospitality Association, informed at each stage and sought their feedback.”

As yet, it is not clear how the UK Government will help businesses ensure that they comply with the new regulations. A spokeswoman for Defra said that the department would: “seek views from the industry on the guidance they would like to see”.

No other types of oil are affected by the forthcoming regulations.

Source: www.catererandhotelkeeper.co.uk

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I feel compelled to put paw to keyboard…

Helen Bates — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:42:58 +0000

Please take a read of our latest canine review…

To all at Washingborough Hall.

Following our stay at Washingborough Hall Hotel 21^st – 23^nd April 2013, I feel compelled to put paw to keyboard to thank you all for the marvellous time I had.

On arrival, I noticed the well kept grounds and of course the chickens. I was ready to explore, but I had to supervise the checking in of my family.

The humans at the check-in desk were very nice, and of course observed my good looks. After the obligatory tap bang wallops on my head, I took my family to room number 14, which was very spacious, I found the ideal spot to put my bed and made the necessary drinking water arrangements in the bathroom. Lovely. I had a short rest and a nice walk before my evening bowl of food – I sent the family up to have their food before bedtime. Apparently they had a wonderful meal, with a bottle of wine. After my pre bedtime duties we all slept marvellously, all night.

Breakfast was a similar arrangement followed by a photo session in the garden. I do not know why we do this but I go along with it. (See attached) After breakfast we all walked, yes walked to Lincoln and back. A long day but I enjoyed myself enormously.

Back at Washingborough Hall I had another sleep, just like at home. Anyway you get the idea…..

Please pass on my sincere thanks to all those I met and those behind the scene. I look forward to the time when my family will return to entrust ourselves to your care.

Tail wags and Licks

XXX

Khaos

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500 LIKES on Facebook…!

pstafford — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:04:22 +0000

We have now managed to reach 500 LIKES on Facebook!

To celebrate this, we offered one lucky WINNER who was our 500th Follower. A Luxury Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two!

Our very lucky winner is Lynne Hodgson from Facebook, who we’ll be letting her know that she will be joining us very soon at Washingborough Hall Hotel. Look forward to welcoming you to collect your voucher. Please bring some ID with you!

Now, for our 1000th Follower!!!

If you are the next lucky winner, to be our 1000th follower. We are offering the chance to WIN A Luxury Bed & Breakfast Stay for Two in our Four Poster Bridal Suite!

So, let the challenge commence, for our 1000th new LIKE to our page, a night in our beautiful bridal four poster with breakfast in bed! Only another 500 to go…

So get LIKING us and tell your friends to LIKE US too >> www.facebook.com/washingboroughhall

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Perfection

pstafford — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:34:32 +0000

Perfection!
Our wedding day 7th March 2013. Where do I start from the moment we found Washingborough hall on mothering Sunday 2011 me and andy knew this was the place for us. Finally in September 2012 we met with Lucy to talk about our wedding, the moment we sat down with her I knew no where else would even come close.

so after 48 hours we decided to go ahead and book and from that moment on Lucy and the fantastic team took all the pressures away. In Jan 2013 we met with Dan the incredible chef and tried our wedding menu and the fabulous frank talked us through all our options and wine that would compliment our choices. As we got closer to the wedding the team liaised with all out outside services which helped massively.

The wedding Day – was fantastic I felt so clam and relaxed and the reception team where great especially ness even though I had flu they all massively looked after me all our friends and family commented on how special and intermit the day felt and warm and friendly. I can truly say that Washingborough is the most fantastic venue not only for weddings but for a special family dinner or a romantic get away. Andy and I are so massively thankful for all of your hard work and for making our special day even more special. Thank you again.

Nikki & Andy Hawkes

Trip Advisor Review: www.tripadvisor.co.uk

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“Perfect”

Helen Bates — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:42:11 +0000

We headed for Valentines dinner and the whole experience from start to end was great. We started off with a bottle of bubbly in the reception in the comfy seats by a very toasty wood burner. We headed in to the restaurant and ate the set menu, which was the only choice that night although there were 3 selections for each course. My wife is a strict vegetarian and there was a selection for her too. The dining room was busy, but we were seated a discreet distance from the other diners.

My only criticism is that the drinks were not poured for us apart from when they are opened. The wine was not opened at the table, which I don’t like. The wine menu was adequate and was handily split in to easy digest sections.

Ed & Lucy have done wonders with the Hall and we will certainly be heading back.
Sensibly priced and good service.

Stayed February 2013, travelled as a couple

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Bargain break

Helen Bates — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:25:48 +0000

Devine hotel which is well presented clean and charming. Last minute booking which offered ideal accommodation to suit my budget. Happy and pleasant staff who proved available but not intrusive. I’d certainly return and readily recommend.

Stayed February 2013, travelled solo

Link to Trip Advisor Review: www.tripadvisor.co.uk

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Hotel & Catering Show 2013 inspires and celebrates

pstafford — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:36:20 +0000

This year’s Hotel & Catering Show 2013 (H&CS) has been reported as a great success after delivering and engaging hospitality operators on every level.

New owner Evisstar, hosting its first H&CS, helped freshen up the show with a host of dynamic new features.

Senior hospitality professionals from independent and small businesses were in attendance at the Bournemouth International Centre to meet over 120 exhibitors in a vibrant “market-style” atmosphere.

Popular stands included Cheese Cellar; Purbeck Ice Cream and Cider Company; Villeroy & Boch; and Movenpick.

In collaboration with the Craft Guild of Chefs, the Chefs’ Kitchen saw Compass and Sodexo perform in individual chef team ‘pressure tests’, with the brief to plate up outstanding four-course menus for 60 VIP guests, including the Mayor of Bournemouth.

Alongside Chefs’ Kitchen, 12 practical business seminars delivered free, expert guidance on cutting-edge challenge for today’s hospitality operator, such as loyalty marketing techniques, food trends analysis, digital strategy, and the relevance and role of restaurant ratings systems, such as the Good Food Guide. Speakers included Tom Bell, editor of Alistair Sawday’s British Hotels & Inns, Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive of Visit Kent, and Peter Hancock, chief executive of Pride of Britain Hotels and Hotel Owner columnist.

Aspiring chefs were drawn to the Staff Canteen LIVE to watch interactive, master class-style demonstrations featuring Michelin-starred chefs Tom Kerridge, Simon Hulstone, Matt Gillan, Chris Staines, Russell Brown, Hywel Jones and Paul Ainsworth.

H&CS show director Richard Joslin said of the show’s success: “We’re overwhelmed with the impact H&CS has had on visitors and the feedback has surpassed expectation. Exhibitors are thrilled with the quality of the buyers walking the aisles and the reaction to our newly-introduced show features like The Staff Canteen LIVE and the seminar programme have been hugely positive. Hospitality operators attend shows like this to leave informed and inspired.

“I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone who was involved this year, from the exhibitors and sponsors, to the speakers and suppliers and of course, the visitors who came out in force to support the show. We look forward to building on this year’s success to make H&CS 2014 even better.”

The Hospitality & Catering Show 2014 will be held from 11 to 12 March 2014.

Source: www.hotelowner.co.uk

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Managers admit to overspending

pstafford — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:32:11 +0000

Four in five food and beverage managers admit to overspending

Almost 80 per cent of food and beverage managers admit to overspending on supplies and struggle with controlling costs, new research has found.

Commissioned by food and beverage technology expert Caternet, the survey discovered that 79 per cent of managers in the sector’s biggest pain was controlling spend and staying competitive. Spending too much time on admin and stock taking were revealed to be the second and third biggest bugbears respectively.

MD of Caternet Jerry Brand remarked: “To be honest, the results of our research are probably not a huge surprise for most, but are perhaps a gentle reminder of the daily pains we all face together as an industry.”

Source: www.hotelowner.co.uk

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Lincolnshire’s Best Kept Secret!

Helen Bates — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:07:24 +0000

We were met by a roaring log fire in the entrance hall and greeted like old friends despite it only being our second visit! This small family friendly-hotel is Lincolnshire’s best kept secret. The old hotel is tastefully decorated and our bedroom had recently been renovated to a high standard. We had dinner and the food was absolutely first-class with the staff really attentive without being over bearing. The following morning the breakfast was equally good. We will certainly be back as this has to be one of Lincolnshire’s nicest hotels.

Stayed February 2013, travelled as a couple.

Link to Trip Advisor Review: www.tripadvisor.co.uk

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