At last Spring is here and with the Easter break soon upon us many UK tourism businesses are currently preparing in readiness for what we all hope is a busy Bank Holiday weekend and on-going season. 

An air of optimism does seem to be permeating through business in general and I was heartened to read about Chester MP Christine Russell’s visit to Chester Zoo this week - the most visited wildlife attraction in the UK - to mark British Tourism Week, a VisitBritain initiative now in its fourth year. While being shown round the Zoo by Simon Mann, Development Director, Mrs Russell heard further details of the Zoo’s planning application for its Natural Vision project, part of Chester Zoo’s £225 million long term master plan that will see it become the largest conservation, animal and leisure attraction of its kind in Europe. This is indeed great news particularly for the Northwest and Chester Zoo should be commended for both the key role it has played in the regional visitor economy for many years and also its unstinting commitment to future growth and development.  Another iconic Northwest attraction, the University of Manchester’s (UM) Jodrell Bank Observatory has also submitted plans for the creation of a new discovery centre. The ‘live science’ visitor attraction aims to attract thousands of extra visitors to the observatory, showcasing research ‘as it happens’ and inspire a future generation of young scientists which is great news and will further underpin Jodrell Bank’s reputation for being at the forefront of research into astrophysics.”

Upbeat reports too for the UK pub and restaurant industry that according to the Coffer Peach Business Tracker showed sales up 3% on Februrary 2009 and trading up by 18% compared with January 2010.  Pubs, restaurants, attractions and accommodation providers rely on good accessibility so congratulations to Directors at Cumbria Tourism who this week set about an innovative spring clean in partnership with Cumbria Highways that involved sprucing up hundreds of road signs along a 30 mile stretch of the A591 between Kendal and Keswick - the only major road running through the heart of the Lake District National Park and voted one of the best drives in Britain and in Europe’s top three.

So, much like the news I have focused on, here at Rode Hall and Gardens we are determined to think positive and embrace the coming year with great enthusiasm.   Although the number of visitors to our annual snowdrop walks are down on last year, (due undoubtedly to the weather) we have seen a flurry of activity in the last fortnight, with our busiest Farmers Market on record this month (with over 2,500 visitors) and lots of interest in our forthcoming blue bell and spring flower walks that we hope will attract a good number of visitors in the coming weeks.

Finally, may I wish everyone a very happy and successful Easter and, if you have the time, I hope to see you at the much-acclaimed Rode Farmers Market on Saturday 3rd April.

Model makers have used 11,126 bricks over a six-week period to painstakingly recreate the iconic Grade II listed Midland Hotel in Manchester.

The hotel came out on top of an online vote by Manchester Evening News for landmark buildings that should be included in a new Lego attraction in the Trafford Centre.

Blackpool Tower and Manchester Cathedral will also feature after coming second and third in the poll – which also included Beetham Tower, Urbis and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Mike Magrane, general manager at The Midland, said: “We were delighted to find out that people consider The Midland to be a landmark representative of the north west.

“The hotel opened back in 1903 and has become a major part of the north west’s history and heritage.

“Over the years The Midland has seen the Beatles thrown out of its French restaurant, it has hosted both the Labour and Conservative party political conferences and was also the place where Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce shook on their partnership to found Rolls Royce.

The mini Midland was built by the Lego Master Model Builders in Windsor, Berkshire, and is as faithful to the original hotel as possible.

It will feature in the Miniland display at the Trafford Centre’s £7.5m Legoland Discovery Centre, due to open on March 22.

Neil Crittenden, general manager of the discovery centre, said: “We wanted to make sure that the people of the north west were involved with choosing what is featured in the attraction.

“The Midland is a stunning building and it will be a real challenge for our Master Model Builders to recreate. I can’t wait to see the final model.”

The programme which will be for just 25 current and future business leaders is designed to inform, to create time to think, create the opportunity to network, to inspire, to exchange thinking and to help these leaders understand the implications of shifts in the UK and European market.
This five day residential course will span the implications of the new government, current economic trends and macro-economic effects, social technology developments, leadership, lifestyle and design, finance and management, customer management, organisational psychology and planning for change. The emphasis will be on leadership issues over the next three to five years.

The programme which will include a presentation from Christopher Rodrigues CBE, Chairman of VisitBritain will feature business units lead by some of the luminaries of thinking in the UK including regular BBC contributor Professor Carl Williams, Robin Williams (Director of Digital PR and Social Media at McCann Erickson) , Customer Management expert Professor John Murphy, global traveller and design legend Peter Saville who will be addressing issues around hotel design and defining luxury, Professor Peter Jones, Professor Peter Kawalak and Dr Mark Batey alongside leading industry figures who can provide operational perspectives. New names are being added to the programme on a weekly basis.
The programme will include evening dinners and receptions and will be based at the five star Edwardian Radisson Hotel in Manchester. The Course will run from midday on Monday 12th July to early afternoon on Friday 16th July 2010.

The cost of the programme is £4,500. An early bird discount of 15% is available when booking before the 30th April.

For further information please contact Howard or Louise on 0161 456 6007 or email howard@worldclassservice.co.uk louise@worldclassservice.co.uk

A Cheshire gastro inn has been nominated for a top industry award less than a year after opening.

The five star Bear’s Paw in Warmingham, Sandbach, has been nominated in the Best Newcomer category at this year’s Northern Hospitality Awards.

The Bear’s Paw opened last May following a £2m restoration project after a devastating fire destroyed much of the 19th century building.

Within two months it had been awarded an AA Dining Award and a five star rating, in recognition of its outstanding food and accommodation.

The gastro inn is up against establishments from Lancashire, Liverpool, North Yorkshire and Harrogate.

Phil Britton, manager of the Bear’s Paw, said: “To be nominated for such a prestigious award in our first year is incredible and is testament to the hard work of the entire team.”

The Bear’s Paw boasts luxurious furnishings throughout, including fourteen boutique rooms, which feature complimentary wifi and media hubs.

Executive chef Leigh Myers, who has worked at some of the country’s most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants, serves the very best in seasonal, local produce and the bar boasts cask ales from six local microbreweries.

The winners will be decided by a panel of industry experts and are to be announced next month (April) at a ceremony at the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester.

TV chef and author Lesley Waters was the guest speaker at the inaugural Women 1st mentoring workshop in Manchester held last week, Wednesday 10th March. The event was aimed at examining the causes behind a shortage of women in leadership roles in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism (HLTT) sector and highlighting the steps needed to address this shortfall. The brainchild of the sector skills council for HLTT, People 1st, Women 1st is a government funded initiative designed to support women in the sector to fulfill their potential.

Sharon Glancy, Business Solutions Director at People 1st and the Champion of Women 1st comments, “Our research revealed that whilst nearly 60% of the workforce in hospitality is female, only 6% make up senior board and director level positions. The study found that a lack of suitable role models and mentoring opportunities were amongst the reasons why women were being held back from senior posts.”

Funded by the Learning and Skills Council North West, the workshop in Manchester was attended by women who were dedicated to taking proactive steps to help themselves and their own female staff accomplish their career aspirations. Leadership and management experts from BusinessLink North West conducted an interactive session with attendees on business and management skills needed to run successful organisations in the sector.

Lesley Waters has made regular television appearances on Ready Steady Cook, Great Food Live and This Morning. She was also a former head tutor of Leith’s School of Food and Wine. The author of several books, Lesley currently runs her own cookery school.

Lesley Waters says, “I wanted to be a chef at the age of 12 and was inspired by my great grandmother who was head-cook at a Victorian household. She taught my grandmother who in turn taught my mother. I’ve also been lucky enough to have some great mentors over the years to guide me through my career. It was this level of support that made a crucial difference to me. It is a shame that most women in our sector don’t have that level of support. That this is why the Women 1st initiative is an invaluable lifeline to us all.”

Ros Young, HR Director of ABode Hotels who also spoke at the event, added: “We have had 12 women from ABode Hotels take up the Women 1st programme and we are already noticing the benefits. The course has instilled confidence in them to know that they can realise their ambitions in the hospitality sector. Joining forces with Women 1st has been a huge success to ABode Hotels.”

What is your job title key responsibilities and roles?
I’m a waiter/bar person at the Alvanley Arms in Cheshire. I meet the customers needs, greeting, escorting them to the table, taking food and drinks orders, looking after them and making sure everything is ok. I also serve behind the bar and look after cellar management. I also “buddy” new members of staff and make sure that the restaurant and bar area ready for opening,

Could you start by telling us a little bit about the Alvanley Arms?
The Alvanley Arms is a 16th century coaching inn, located in the heart of the Cheshire run by Alistair and Janet King. It is a traditional country pub serving home cooked food also offering 4 star accommodation. We have just recently finished a complete refurbishment of the pub, and I must say that I am very proud to work there.

You won the award for Individual Excellence in Customer Service at last years CATS Awards, what is it that you think you bring to the role which led you to be selected for this award?
I am committed to providing an enjoyable experience for each individual customer, through remembering customers’ names, preferences and going that extra step to ensure this happens. I’m also very happy in my job which I believe makes a big difference to the service given.

What does the award mean to you?
It shows recognition of my hard work, which gives me a great sense of achievement. I will continue to develop the skills and qualities needed for this award. But mainly I feel very appreciative towards the staff and Janet & Alistair at the Alvanley Arms for all of their training and support!

When, how and why did you start work in the hospitality and catering industry?
I started working at the Alvanley Arms in May 2008 waiting on, this is my first job. I believe that there are a lot of different opportunities within this particular industry to progress.

What do you enjoy most and least about the industry?
I wanted to work with people, as I enjoy working in customer service. You get to meet a variety of different people working in a restaurant. The only thing that I’m not so keen on doing is mopping the kitchen floor at the end of a busy shift, although it has to be done!

How has the local community reacted to your success at the awards? I.e. has the awards increased the Alvanley Arms popularity?
I have found that all of our regular customers are very supportive and pleased with my award. Everyone I know has congratulated me!

What do you think are the key skills/qualities you need to be successful in a front of house customer service role?
I personally think that you must be approachable, polite, friendly, interested, willing to help in any way and that nothing is too much trouble. You must always make sure that the customer leaves feeling happy and satisfied.

What is the best way to deal with an awkward customer?
Always remain polite, calm, and professional and treat them like any other customer. Also try to accommodate them as best you can.

What are your ambitions for the future?
I definitely want to stay in this industry and would love to run my own restaurant!

Located on the banks of Lake Windermere, Cumbria, the majority of the four-star hotel’s ground floor rooms including the reception, Oak Room, Lakeview Restaurant, John Ruskin’s Brasserie, Lakeview Conservatory and the kitchens were overwhelmed by flood water as the lake level rose by three metres after two days of torrential rain.

Commenting on the re-opening proprietor Neville Talbot said, “While we undertook the essential refurbishment work to the ground floor, we have also took the opportunity to invest an additional £200,000 to enhance the hotel throughout including the upgrading of bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms.”

The fall represented a 15% decline in sales, with 30.52 million bottles imported, according to the Champagne Bureau.

The UK remains the largest export market for the drink but sales now sit at levels last seen in 2002.

The fall was not as severe as the 40% that some had predicted, according to the BBC.

And UK customers have still consumed as much of the drink as the US, Germany and Belgium put together.

Last month, France said that its overall exports of champagne had fallen by 28% to €1.6b last year.

Christie + Co has been instructed by Admiral Taverns, the UK’s third largest tenanted and leased pub company, to market 150 individual pubs, which are spread across England and Wales.

The sites, which have not previously been on the market, are almost all freehold and range in price from £75,000 to £600,000.

The pubs, which are spread from Newcastle in the North down to Plymouth in the South West, and from Lowestoft in Suffolk, across to Swansea, are available in small groups or individually.

Jonathan Paveley, Chairman of Admiral Taverns, said: “The decision to sell these pubs follows a review of the Admiral Taverns estate and, while they no longer fit the requirements of our business, they offer good opportunities to a variety of potential buyers with the skills to achieve their potential.”

Neil Morgan, Christie + Co’s Head of Pubs, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Admiral Taverns to sell this group of predominantly freehold pubs, which we expect to generate significant interest from regional and local operators, individual buyers and developers.”

Buyers from across the UK will attend an exhibition showcasing the wide range of Lancashire and Blackpool’s conference facilities later this month. The event is part of a major national marketing drive by the area’s tourism chiefs.

The Lancashire & Blackpool Venue Show 2010 will take place at Park Hall Hotel Leisure and Conference Centre at Charnock Richard, near Chorley, on March 25.

The event is a great opportunity to see the wide cross-section of conference and business meeting venues available across the area. It is part of a high profile campaign launched by Lancashire & Blackpool Conference & Meetings to highlight all it has to offer to the business sector.

And it follows hard on the heels of a highly successful promotion of Lancashire and Blackpool to the ‘not for profit’ sector at the prestigious Charities and Associations Exhibition in London last month.

Tony Openshaw, Director of Marketing at Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, said: “The Venue Show is playing a big part of our co-ordinated and high-profile campaign to highlight Lancashire and Blackpool to as wide an audience of businesses, organisations and societies as possible.

“We are providing an opportunity for decision makers to see the fantastic selection of conference venues we have across Lancashire and Blackpool.

“It’s an event that has proved extremely successful before and is something venues across Lancashire and Blackpool find extremely valuable as they get great results from it.

“From grand halls steeped in history like Burnley’s 13th-Century Towneley Hall to Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool, we are confident we have something to meet all requirements.”

Exhibiting venues at the show include Barton Grange Hotel, near Preston; De Vere Herons’ Reach Hotel in Blackpool; Oswaldtwistle Mills Business and Conference Centre in Pennine Lancashire; and Lancaster House Hotel in Lancaster.

The event has a “Camelot” theme in keeping with the popular visitor attraction at Park Hall and will take place between 2pm and 6pm and registration is free. Entertainment for visitors will include fire-eaters, jesters, wandering minstrels and knights on horseback.

The Venue Show is just one of a range of high-profile initiatives to promote the area and its fantastic offerings. They include the recruitment of 40 high-profile business leaders for an Ambassador Scheme to fly the flag for Lancashire and Blackpool.