Let’s face it, we’re all going to need a stiff drink after voting on Thursday. The parties are complex and inconsistent , the candidates in some cases are questionable , but as free citizens we all have the duty to cast our ballot and shape the political landscape for the next five years. I know, I know, we are getting heavy - that’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favourite ‘party’ cocktails so you can subtly fly your flag when you’re out and about on election day! Conservative For the tories out there, the Electric Iced Tea Cocktail is a conservative choice for those wetting their whistle. A combination of vodka, rum, tequila and gin, it’s zesty vibe is a sure fire way to reduce the strong and stable control you have on yourself on a night out. Labour For all the Corbynistas out there, the Strawberry Daiquiri is a hard-working delight that combines rum and lime juice into a truly magnificent fruity taste. It’s certainly charismatic, but after a couple you start doubting its true values and become concerned about what the future may hold. Lib Dem A real left-field choice that’s usually confined to your summer holiday, or a weekend at the beach, a Pina Colada is a real supporting option to the rest of your evening tipples. One is plenty enough but you never know how much power it might have ending up over you. The Green Party Who doesn’t love a hearty, healthy choice? The mojito brings with it refreshing vibes, and a true taste of mother nature. Best served extremely chilled, without the risk of (global) warming. It won’t be a winner on the night, but you may be glad you’ve chose it over all the options out there. Party politics is all fun and games; let’s face it, we can’t control what the future holds but we can control what the next drink in our hand is going to be. Show your colours proudly this election day, and be sure to make your vote (and beverage choice) count.
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World Book day is back and if you’ve got kids you may have found yourself up most of the night pulling together a last minute costume with any bits and bobs you could find! Here at GB Hospitality, we are big literary fans and love participating in the day in any way we can! But, seeing as we are a bit old too old to get dressed up as our favourite characters *sob* we thought we’d share with you our top hospitality reads that are perfect for those lazy weekends on the sofa with a glass of wine! Raymond Blancs ‘A Taste of My Life’ If you love a good read with a autobiographical spin, then sit back and relax with Blanc’s piece of literature. It’s perfectly detailed, informative and allows the readers to follow him on his journey from being a young boy right through to owning and running his own leading restaurants. He shares everything he loves about life (mostly food) and his defining life moments. We highly recommend. Rick Stein’s ‘Long Weekends’ One of the best things about travelling is always the food - and this is exactly what Stein captures in his book, Long Weekends. He’s travelled over 10 European Cities to create over 100 amazing recipes, including destinations such as Berlin, Lisbon, Vienna and Reykjavik. They are mostly quick, easy and delicious recipes that are perfect for the weekend and to make your guests feel like they’re on their holidays! A Feast of Ice & Fire Although this is obviously primarily aimed at those Game of Thrones Fans among us, this is one of those books that will make you go wow. The show is forever showing some of the most mouthwatering dishes around and nows the chance for us all to re-create something fantastic. Our favourite meal HAS to be The Wall recipe which is made up of a Rack of Lamb and Herbs, Pork Pie, Mutton in Onion-ale Broth: mulled wine: pease Porridge. Divine! History of World Book Day For those of you who might not have encountered World Book Day before, it’s a day that celebrates authors, illustrators and of course, the happiness reading a book can bring! For years, supermarkets and leading retailers have spent time encouraging schools to give every child the opportunity to read - and providing them with book tokens to allow them to buy a selection of books for only £1. The day was created by UNESCO back in 1995 mainly to promote copyright and publishing and has been a success ever since. The first original date was held on April 23rd - more commonly known as the anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Let us know what books you’ll be reading today over on Twitter! Brunching is one of the biggest trends to hit the hospitality industry in the last couple of years and is the perfect meal choice for those who want to embrace their weekend lie-in! With restaurants and cafes constantly creating new, exciting and intriguing menus (such as Bottomless Brunch) it's not hard to see why... The History of Brunch The idea of Brunch was first introduced by English Writer Guy Beringer back in 1895 when he defended those nursing their Sunday morning hangovers in his essay 'Brunch: A Plea'. In it, he discussed that people who had drank too much the night before should not be made to wake up early and be given a rich spread of meaty foods and this would be too much for them to stomach; but instead be served lighter foods such as pastries. He believed that brunch was the perfect chance for friends to get together to talk over their activities from the night before, describing it as 'cheerful, socialable and inciting'. Good food and catching up with friends; what better reason do you need to head out for Brunch? Here's our top picks of Brunch from across the North West, enjoy... Leaf One of Liverpool's leading independent tea shops and bars, Leaf, offers one of the most delicious brunch menus around which is available from 9am-12 noon in the week; and 3pm at the weekend. They hold live band nights throughout the week and serve a range of spirits for guests to relax and enjoy - who won’t have to worry about being up too early the next day to miss out on their amazing breakfast! They picked up the Sunday Times’ award for the Top 25 Brunches in the UK and also the ‘Winning Tea Blend’ great taste award 2015. Address: 65 - 67 Bold Street, Liverpool, L1 4EZ And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon Although this cafe started out originally as a cupcake company, it’s very well known for it’s delicious treats and brunch! It’s so popular that if you’re thinking of heading here, book a table in advance. Their menu is a twist on some of the traditional Brunches - featuring Banana bread, granola and English Scones - what brunch dreams are made of! Address: 230 Burton Road, Manchester, M20 2LW Cafe Tabac You’ll find Cafe Tabac at the top of Bold Street in Liverpool. They are one of the cities oldest cafes - so it's fair to say they have got the breakfast down to a tee! It’s a real chilled environment where you can enjoy good food, and if you’re lucky enough to get a window seat, watch the world go by outside. It's probably one of the best ways to spend a Sunday morning! Address: 126 Bold Street, Manchester, L1 4JA Alabama’s All American Eatery The American inspired breakfast brunch offers a selection of traditional breakfast choices and also a pick for those looking for something different such as French toast, buttermilk pancakes or vanilla waffles. If you fancy a cheeky cocktail with your brunch we’d recommend trying their cocktails too- they’re incredible. Address: 10 Newton Street, Manchester Where is your favourite spot to Brunch? Let us know over on the GB Twitter. Staying in luxury hotel has a few essentials that need ticking off which include a super comfy bed, a stunning bathroom, an amazing restaurant choice and, of course, a room with a view! Although most of us might be happy with a room that overlooks the sea, there are some hotel rooms that offer some of the most exquisite backdrops that many of us may only see in films! Here we take a look at 5 of the best hotel views from across the world. But be warned, they might just inspire you to get searching for the next flights available! Plaza Athenee, Paris, France If you’re spending a romantic weekend in the city of love, it’s important that you get the perfect hotel setting. And what could be more perfect than waking up to a breathtaking views of the beautiful Eiffel Tower? The Eiffel Suites at The Plaza Athenee in Paris definitely offers the most incredible views; especially when it goes dark and you can sit back with a glass of champagne and experience the amazing Light Show from the comfort of your own room. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Peru Hidden away in the mountains of Machu Picchu lies the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. For those looking for the most breathtaking views in the world, this should definitely be on your travel bucket list! It offers spectacular views of the mountains, the looming peaks of Huayna Picchu and the beautiful Urubamba River. It’s the only hotel located around Machu Picchu and takes around for hours to reach by bus or train. The Omnia Zermatt Switzerland Switzerland is home to some of the most amazing scenery in the world. If you’ve ever travelled around the country by train or bus, you’ll have encountered places that look like they’ve filtered on an Instagram post! Here in the ski lodge resort of Zermatt, this boutique lodge has backdrop settings of the Matterhorn and also overlooks the valley. The Samling Hotel, Lake Windermere, England England is home to some of the most incredible views in the world and nothing is more perfect than the views in the heart of the Lake District in Lake Windermere. Relax in the stunning Samling Hotel and experience 67 acres of English countryside to look out onto in front of a log fire. Perfect! Arenal Kioro Suites & Spas, Costa Rica A favourite of the GB team has be to the tranquil views from Arenal Kioro Suites & Spas. Here, guests look out to see the incredible Arenal Volcano - one of the most active in the world that has daily lava flowers. It’s perfect for escaping reality and embracing the stunning setting around it. What is the best hotel view you've ever experienced? Let us know on Twitter! x In an increasingly competitive marketplace, it is important to ensure that you are catering for the needs of the younger consumers. After all, they are likely to be the people that will be using your service in years to come and much emphasis needs to be placed on creating a lasting impression. Here, we take a look just exactly how leading hospitality brands are engaging with their younger audience, and some of the benefits of it Brand promotion through influencers Across many sectors, marketing teams have been working closely with influencers to promote their products, lifestyle and brand for many years; and the hospitality industry is no different. The younger generation of today - millennials - are very different to their predecessors. They are no longer interested in traditional forms of advertising such as newspaper marketing or television ads; they are more inclined to turn to social media platforms to find out where the latest ‘influencer’ is staying, eating or drinking. They put value into what these celebrities, bloggers or the elite are doing and brands are able to promote themselves much more naturally. It’s a new and increasing popular way of engaging with new audiences to show that anyone can live like an influencer. With the constant influx of social media apps and updates - such as Instagram stories or Facebook live - these influencers are inviting everyone on a journey with them and allowing you to experience the moment with them and subtly encouraging you to know that you can do the same. Marketing travel as a lifestyle With the continuous rise of well connected flights and budgeted accommodation around the world, it’s not hard to see why millennials are heading around the globe to create their own travelling adventures. Most of the younger generation have put careers and investing in a house on the backburner and packing their bags to explore new cultures, embrace new food and drinks and be involved with experiences that they’ll never forget. Many hospitality companies have already tapped into this and have very cleverly marketed travel as a way of life. They’ll use content across blogs, websites and on social media to really connect with their new audience sharing inspirational messages to obtain interest from younger travellers. Hotels have come away from simply sharing pictures of their rooms and are sharing experiences that have been created within it which is much more moving and motivational than just a bed! Allowing the younger generation to promote business Across the younger generation, it’s extremely normal for them to whip out their phone to snap a picture of their food or drink, upload it straight onto social media, tagging who they are with and where they are. Hospitality industries are embracing this and encouraging their guests to take photographs of their establishment and post it on social media. One way they are getting people to do this is through having quirky decor, great art-work, cool cutlery - and most importantly access to free Wi-Fi. In return, they are gaining online promoting for free - a very clever tactic! These are just some of the ways that hospitality industries are really engaging with the younger audience, Let us know your thoughts on what makes the younger audience tick over on Twitter! x When creating your visual brand strategy, it's important that time is set aside for considering what you want to achieve and how you can get key messaging across to your audience. It's vital that every image that is produced is consistent and carries the same tone of voice, styling and colouring so people will associate that with the brand. The overall aim is to reach out to your audience and take them on a journey with you to allow them to be part of the moment that you are creating. There are numerous ways to achieve this and we wanted to share our top three tips on how it can be done. Create an inspiration board If you are working in a team, it’s important that together you have one image of what you want to achieve from your photography. It could be anything from the layout of the products, to the lighting, styling or just simply to the overall feeling of it. To help make sure you are all on the same page, you could take research around what you like and create an inspiration board between you that can round up everything you want to see come to life. Pinterest is one of the easiest and quickest ways to find new inspiration which can hold thousands on pictures and ideas on. When it comes to shooting, you can draw on your favourite parts of the board and incorporate it within. It will also help ensure that what you are creating is on brand and that it will resonate with your audience. Consider where the images will be used On any photoshoot, there will be hundreds - if not thousands - of images being created. Use this opportunity to ensure there's a mixture of images that are different sizes, shapes and filters that can be used across all promotional channels. You should consider taking images that might used on social media platforms that might need content adding into it which would require a smaller background image, or a large image that could be used on the website, for example. You should always ensure each image is optimised for every unique channel. Express who you are Even if you are taking photographs that might be quite formal or for marketing material, it's still important that you should allow your brand's personality to shine through. Take behind the scenes photographs of what's happening that you can share on social or in a blog post, short videos of preparing the shoots or close ups to show that there's real people behind the brand and that you want to encourage your audience to be with you on your journey with you to see the end result! Share with us your tips on a successful photoshoot over on Twitter @Gbhospitality! x Last week saw a sigh of relief across the country; the gin crisis has been averted! Back way back in October 2015, experts had warned that the main ingredient in gin, Juniper Berry, was being threatened by a deadly fungus known as Phytophthora Austrocedrae up in Scotland (where the majority of UK gin is made). Across the country, people expressed their concern of what might happen to their favourite tipple. Without the berry, gin would no longer exist... However, our saviours came in the form of a group of gardeners who work for the UK National Tree Seed Project. They realised what was happening and decided to collect all the juniper seeds from around the country to ensure they were protected away from the lethal fungus and stored them safely away in the Millennium Seed Bank in Sussex - phew! Although we know that storing them away will not prevent the disease in some of the areas they grow in, there are plenty being conserved for as long as possible, and keeping the chances of catching it at a minimal level. Today, gin remains of the one the country's most loved drinks and is set to take over the leading tipple - Scotch Whisky - by 2020. Over the past couple of years, it's become extremely fashionable especially among the younger generation! So much so, there's been an increase of gin parlours across the country - and even a real life gin school that's been established over in Ireland. We are just really glad to hear the news that our favourite beverage is safe for now. We might just go and celebrate with a gin and tonic... Let us know your thoughts on the gin crisis over at @gbhospitality! X Valentine's Day is nearly here and if you're looking at surprising your loved one with a romantic gesture, we've chosen some of the best places that you can celebrate in style! Enjoy... Cinema in the Palm House - Valentine's Special Independent Liverpool will be hosting two classic love stories over the romantic period in Sefton Park's Palm House. There will be two showings including Casablanca on the 13th February, followed by Romeo and Juliet on the 14th. Each night will provide entertainment, along with a Gin and Prosecco bar - and not to forget a range of delicious food from some of the best kitchens in Liverpool! Tickets are £12. Address: Sefton Park Palm House, Sefton Park, Liverpool, L17 1AP The Hard Days Night Hotel "All you need is love' this Valentine's Day at The Hard Days Night Hotel. Dine in the beautiful Blake's restaurant for £34.95 pp for a three-course meal, a glass of Prosecco and a gift for each couple. Or why not make a night of it? You can relax in one of the stunning Beatles inspired rooms that start from £85 and include a breakfast the next morning. Address: N John St, Liverpool L2 6RR Contact: 0151 236 1964 Make your own Gin If you fancy something different this Valentines, why not head to Manchester's Three Rivers Gin? You and your date will receive a guided tour on how it's made and its history. You'll then have the chance to make your own to take home. It's the perfect gift for those Gin lovers out there! Address: Manchester Three Rivers, 21 Red Bank Parade, Manchester, M4 4HF Contact: 0161 839 2667 Leasowe Castle Relax with your other half in the stunning Leasowe Castle this February. They have a number of exclusive offers on for guests which include a Valentine's Evening Menu for £75 that's made of a delicious seven courses. If you fancy a romantic break, you can book overnight to receive a meal and breakfast for two which will cost £250 on the 11th February or £220 on the 14th February. Address: Leasowe Road, Moreton CH46 3RF Contact: 0151 606 9191 The Mere Resort and Spa Whisk your other half away to the beautiful The Mere Resort for one of their special Valentine's Spa Packages. Opt for the Intimate Indulge for £89.00 per person to receive a glass of fizz, a 3 course lunch in the Spa lounge, a 55 minute massage lesson with a therapist, use of the spa and a gift per couple. If you're looking for luxury time together, treat yourself to the 'Time for us' package for a 55 minute massage, 3 course lunch and a Rasul Thermal Mud Heaven experience. For those looking for a sophisticated evening meal, be sure to discover the Valentine's Tasting Menu for £70.00 per person that's made up of a seven course gourmet dinner in Browns, complete with entertainment. Or book in during the day for an exclusive Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea for £24.95 per person. For the 'Ultimate Mere Valentine's Experience' for £295 per couple, you can receive prosecco, chocolates, a red rose, an overnight luxurious stay, use of the spa and a full-English breakfast in the morning. Address: Chester Rd, Mere, Knutsford WA16 6LJ Contact: 01565 830155 How will you be spending Valentine's Day? Let us know over at GB Hospitality! x Although alcohol is not often associated with a healthy lifestyle, there are certain spirits that have been scientifically proven to be good for us including our ultimate favourite, Gin! Believe it or not, years ago it was actually used as medicine and has since evolved into the drink we know and love today. So, if you're wondering whether you should that mid-week tipple, we've pulled together a few reasons why you should! Skin will improve Instead of spending money on expensive anti-aging creams, a glass of gin will give you all the goodness your skin needs. Gin is made with Juniper berries that are full of antioxidants that help restore your skin, keeping it fresh-looking youthful and wrinkle-free. It's diet friendly! As we all know, alcohol is one of the fastest and easiest ways to put weight on *sigh*. BUT, there is some good news...Gin has the least amount of calories in any alcoholic drink (yippee)! If you're watching what you eat and drink, you'll be fine sticking to a glass of Gin which only has around 100 calories in. It’s good for the digestive system Gin is made with herbs that help with the digestive enzymes allowing food to be broken down quicker, helping it improve digestion. And as it contains antioxidants it reduces that bloated feeling that comes on after a couple of drinks keeping your stomach flatter. Helps with illness Well seeing as it's practically a medicine, it's been noted as a great cure for bugs that we might pick up! Juniper berries are supposedly good for helping prevent chest problems in the lungs and coughs as the oil in them helps clean out mucus that might be lurking around. And apparently drinking Gin moderately will reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The ingredients within it have been proven to help with the inside of the body such as making your veins stronger and stopping your arteries being clogged. So there you have it...Gin really is good for us! Now if you're deciding what to have yours with, make sure you check out our gin cocktails post here. Booking a holiday or weekend away usually means saving up for that luxury hotel with perfect views. In some cases we might even push the boat out and upgrade to a superior room or pay for room service! For the millionaires and celebrities among us, they tend to check into the most amazing hotels, ones that we could only dream about staying in! If you feel like splashing the cash, we've pulled together some of the most expensive hotel suites and suites that you can stay in around the world... Hotel President Wilson - Geneva If you’re looking for the best views of Geneva, then you need to book into a room at the world’s most expensive hotel in the world, Hotel President Wilson. Here you can hire a 12-bedroom suite that takes up the whole eighth floor for a staggering £60,000 a night. It’s catered for numerous celebrities including Hollywood legends Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. Guests can eat, drink and bathe in luxury whilst taking in the most spectacular views over the stunning Lake Geneva and the Alps. For this price, guests will be waited on by their own personal butler and chef and not to forget your own personal security team! It has its own panic room and bullet proof windows which has allowed political leaders to relax here too. Hotel Plaza Athenee - Paris Paris, aka the City of Love, is the perfect destination for romantic strolls, gourmet dining and stunning architecture. If you’re looking at whisking your other half away, then why not book into the Hotel Plaza Athenee? It was built back in 1909 and remains one of the most famous Parisian hotels around. For £23,000 a night you can enjoy a four-room suite that's styled with traditional French Regency furniture. It overlooks the Eiffel Tower and comes with champagne to make the stay extra special. Hugh Hefner Sky Villa Palms Resort - Las Vegas Fancy a glimpse into the playboy world? Then book into Hugh Hefner's Sky Villa Palms Resort in Las Vegas. Hire the two bedroom pad for £30,000 a night for a rotating bed, a really large spa bath, a private bar, an indoor waterfall, a poker table and plenty of bunny-inspired paintings chosen by Hefner himself. It’s the ultimate party pad! Ritz-Carlton Suite - Moscow Russia is known for its extravagant builds and interior designs made of golds and whites. There are plenty of hotels across the country that offer rooms and suites that could make you think you’re on a movie set! One of the most expensive hotels within the capital Moscow is the 19th Century Ritz-Carlton Suite which offers an imperial Russian feel which can be booked for around £12,000 a night. Here, you’ll have views of the Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral. Not only that but the windows are from ceiling to floor, how amazing! For this cost, you’ll have your own private dining space, heated flooring and your own library for those cosy cold Russian nights. Ty Warner Penthouse Suite - New York If you’re heading to the Big Apple for a shopping spree, why not book into the luxurious Ty Warner Penthouse Suite? For £36,000 a night you'll enjoy a stunning 360 degree views of New York! You’ll be able to live like the stars...you’ll receive your own chauffeur, personal trainer and butler. New York, anyone? Tweet us and let us know your favourite most expensive hotel over on Twitter! |
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