Celebrate in Art Deco Style at Thistle Marble Arch this December!

Why not treat yourself and some guests to a wonderful Christmas shopping trip and overnight stay at the Thistle Hotel at Marble Arch.  Experience some true 1920's glamour and have afternoon tea in the fabulous Art Deco lobby above or enjoy a fabulous cocktail or pre dinner drink in the only Glenn Miller bar in the UK.  Experience for yourself all the vintage American memorabilia from the days of the big bands!   For further details on Christmas packages and breaks please contact us@newgatetravel.co.uk or call on 0207 680 6525

Best Corporate Team Building - The West London Shooting School - Just 12 miles from London

The West London Shooting Schools' excellent one to one tutition is no better way to entertain clients or employees than learning a new skill as well as enjoying a shooting party or multi acitivity day at the school. And if you fancy something completely different you could try a MacNab day, in which three colleagues or clients could turn poachers in a challenge to local landowners.  You will use a shotgun in the grouse butts, learning the skills of a .270 rifle on the range and also be taught the delicate art of fly-fishing in the lake, what better way to entertain. 

This fabulous School sits in 160 acres of wonderful grounds - just 12 miles from London. Newgate Travel were fortunate enough recently to visit this fabulous location and explore the grounds as well as experience the one to one expert tuition.  The grounds are perfectly set up for all types of shooting and not surprisingly has twice been voted "Best shooting ground in the country".   For entertaining clients or entertaining or team building with employees - this school has it all.    

New Year's Eve Gala Dinner at One Whitehall Place

This year why not celebrate the New Year with a fabulous view of The Thames and the Fireworks by attending a gala dinner at the Royal Horseguards Hotel - One Whitehall Place.   This fabulous 5 star hotel, steeped in history, has been a London landmark for over 100 years and is the only place to be on New Year's Eve, with first class food and drink and breathtaking views from the private terraces at the hotel.

A wonderful champagne reception, accompanied by a live band awaits you upon arrival before a stupendous 6-course dinner.   As the countdown to the New Year begins, hear big Ben strike Midnight and toast 2013 with a glass of chilled champagne from the private terraces of the hotel.  Take in the breathtaking spectacular of the fireworks display as you sip your champagne, what could be nicer!

World Travel Market 2012 - Best Ever!

Newgate Travel recently attended the World Travel Market the global event for the travel industry, held at the Excel Centre. Although it felt like it was miles from anywhere, once on the DLR with all the other visitors and you got a sense of excitment with fellow travellers looking forward to the event.   They would not have been disappointed!  WTM had put together a compelling programme of conferences, seminars and events for WTM 2012.

On the two days we visited, Tuesday and Wednesday, the place was buzzing with conversation and a hive of activity.  All the stands were full of people deep in conversation. The seminars were full to capacity with some, such as National Graphic presentation, standing room only!  Surprisingly the presentation on Travel Marketing is Dead - drew an enormous crowd to the Technology Presentation Suite with over 100 plus people crammed into the space, although the presenter lost a fair few of us as the presentation progressed with some of the jargon he used, still we can all say we heard it first at the World Travel Market!

There was a presence from every corner of the globe and more at World Travel market, whatever your association with travel, whether as a supplier, buyer, exhibitor, travel agent or travel operator, with stands on travel holidays, travel destinations, new and old concepts, literally everything that you would associate with travel was there for you to find at the WTM. Bus tours, coach tours, day tours you name it, it was exhibiting.

And if the above exhibition didn't confirm that the travel market is far from dead and is clearly showing no sign of a recession yet, far from it. According to the Daily Mail  the past 12 months confirmed the market is very much alive and thriving!

At the Daily Mail's UK inbound stand specially commissioned wrap round copies of the Daily Mail were given away with some interesting statistics on holidays. In particular its readers spent more on hoildays both in the UK and Overseas than any other news brand in the past 12 months.   Some £7.6 billion was spent on holidays or short breaks with 1 in every 5 pounds spent by a Mail reader.   Over 6.7 million trips abroad were taken in the last 12 months by Mail readers - representing 18% of all overseas visits and last but not least, over 10 million British holidays or short breaks representing 17% of all UK holidays taken by Mail readers. 

For those of us in the travel industry the signs are all there that the market is showing no signs of decline, we just have to make sure we reach our target market and deliver goods and services required!

Oxford - a bustling market town full of students, tourists, film crews and Morse experts!

Oxford a bustling market town, a haven that draws in tourists from around the Globe, film makers from all corners and Morse fans - from afar afield as Australia!   I recently visited Oxford and stayed in the wonderful Oxford Spires - Four Pillars Hotel just a mile and a half from the centre of Oxford.  The hotel sits in wonderful grounds and is a quiet haven from the hussle and bussle of the city centre.

The Hotel offers fabulous accommodation ranging from classic rooms to suites.   I stayed in a classic room, although it had all that was required, it was a little small for two but would have been just perfect for one.  The bar and lounge areas were very comfortably furnished with an excellent bar and waiting staff.   The Hotel's main restaurant, Beacons, served a scrumptious breakfast with a buffett of choice.  Dinner was served in the same restaurant with silver service from an excellent menu.  The Hotel's many faciliities include a spa, swimming pool and gym along with beauty treatment saloon.   There are a number of excellent corporate meeting rooms for corporate and leisure events including seminars and conferences as well as cocktail receptions and weddings - two of which took place on my visit.

The centre of Oxford is just a short stroll and you can take a leisurely walk along the canal - watching the rowers training - or stroll through town over the bridge.   Oxford has many fascintating areas and you need a week to visit all of it!

Morse fans, that travel from, come to Oxford to experience the scenery and see where the filming of Morse episodes took place that Morse and his colleague Lewis did when solving "murders" in Oxford.   I did the Morse tour and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Our guide Elizabeth was a fabulous guide with not just information about Morse and his writer/creator Colin Dexter but also Oxford and the its University.  Oxford University's library for example has over 13 million books, the majority of which are stored over 3 floors underground!

Whether your next trip is business or pleasure - you can't go wrong if you chose Oxford and the Oxford Spires hotel as the destination.

Arguably the Most Famous Magistrates Court is Now a 5* Hotel!

The 5* Courthouse Hotel based just moments from Libertys Store was previously a West End Magistrates Court, arguably the most famous in the country, having played host to Keith Richards and Mick Jagger to name but a few.  The wonderful Carnaby Restaurant has a display of some of those celebrity guests visiting the Magistrates.   Now the hotel boasts of individually designed bedrooms, including former Judges' chambers now revamped into luxurious bedroom suites with a lot more lavish furnishings than probably the Judges had.

However, from the moment you enter the hotel, you know you are stepping into more than just a hotel, with its swanky reception area and lounge lobby along with its restaurants and The Hotel Bar it has not lost its former charm.  High glass ceilings with original windows and tiles and lights are still in abundance and can be clearly seen, especially in the former Magistrates Court which is now one of the hotel's restaurants.  The Judges bench in its original position along with the benches for the solicitors, clerk to the court and the jury are converted into serving areas with seats and tables to enjoy a sumptuous luncheon or dinner.   The Bar is housed in the original holding area/cells for defendants which still retain the toilets in the cells.   Although this hotel has kept a lot of its original features these have been incorporated wonderfully into the design and feel of this hotel.   On the lower ground floor you can relax and have a Sanook Spa and indulge in many of the treatments available or perhaps just a light soak and swim in the swimming pool.

This Hotel is a must for those coming to London to visit or overnight for a show or the theatre but also for a short visit as it is a wonderful  place to stop for relaxing afternoon tea after a day of shopping in the West End.  Perhaps a cocktail or two before dinner with friends or a welcome drink after a long day working.  Whatever you do, find a reason to visit this hotel, you won't be disappointed!  

The Washington Mayfair Hotel

Its website states " Welcome to the Washington Mayfair Hotel" and it really is a Welcome that you receive as soon as you walk through the doors of this fabulous 4 star deluxe distinguished hotel, just a few minutes from Park Lane.  This Hotel's history dates back to 1913 and its Art Deco origins.  It has a wonderful opulent feel as you wander through reception into the Upper Madison bar and restaurant with huge floor to ceiling windows which light bounces off the wonderful rich colours of the drapes, carpets and furnishings that entices one to linger and stop for a cocktail or afternoon tea.

The hotel is ideal for business and leisure visits and can accommodate parties or groups from 15 to 350 people hosting business lunches and dinners, fashion shows, champage cocktail receptions, wedding receptions, product launches, press events, conferences and seminars. It has all the facilities you would expect of a top 4 Star rated London hotel with a spa and swimming pool on the lower ground floors, along with its state of the art presentation rooms.

The hotel rooms are luxury itself affording all the facilities such as wide screen tv, wi fi, hotel toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, that one would expect from a top London hotel.  Its great location gives the business or lesiure guest quick and easy access to the West End, Westminister and the City, whilst Park Lane, Piccaddily, Green Park and Oxford Street are all close nearby.

This hotel though is not just for the traveller but a haven for West End shoppers to pop in for fabulous afternoon tea or a well desrved glass of champagne or cocktail after a long day's shopping.  It is also a must for pre and post theatre drinks and dinner, enjoying the total ambiance of the hotel's relaxing surroundings whilst the hussle and bussle of the West End is just moments away.

A must visit for all business travellers, leisure guests and West End shoppers and theatre goers.     

travel news : Christmas Celebrations with a Difference!

travel news : Christmas Celebrations with a Difference!: For all those who have been tasked to organise client Christmas events for clients this year or Company Christmas parties, why not consider ...

travel news : Christmas Celebrations with a Difference!

travel news : Christmas Celebrations with a Difference!: For all those who have been tasked to organise client Christmas events for clients this year or Company Christmas parties, why not consider ...

Christmas Celebrations with a Difference!

For all those who have been tasked to organise client Christmas events for clients this year or Company Christmas parties, why not consider something different this year?  Perhaps a trip to the theatre? start with with a champagne cocktail reception in a four star hotel with delicious canapes. Post theatre, more drinks followed by a 3 course dinner in a top class hotel. For those with bags of energy, end the evening dancing in a fabulous nightclub.

Perhaps a trip to a Christmas market, there are so many to choose from, whatever part of the UK, you will find one taking place.  Perhaps something involving a little travel perhaps, experiencing how the other half - used to live - a trip on the Orient Express.  A day trip on the train to visit some Christmas markets or perhaps listen to some wonderful Christmas carols. Enjoy a fabulous 4 course meal on the train with sparkling wines and champagne.

If racing might be your clients' thing, why not take your clients for a wonderful Tingle Creek Christmas Festival at Sandown Park Racecourse on Friday 7th or Saturday 8th December to celebrate the start of Christmas season with some top class jump racing and festive entertainment.

Christmas though would not be Christmas without pantomines and what better than White Christmas - the Musical showing at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre or the wonderful The Snowman, as traditional as mince pies and Santa Claus showing at Sadler's Wells....

Whatever way you choose to celebrate Christmas you will want to ensure it all goes smoothly and not cost the earth... so please call the experts at Newgate Travel, who will happily take the strain and organise your event to your exact specifications: www.newgatetravel.co.uk
   

Square Meal Venues & Events

My colleague and I attended the SM Venues & Events Exhibition held at Old Billingsgate, EC3 on 19th and 20th September.  We found it was a great venue to network with so many hotel and conference providers, such as Four Pillars Hotels with fabulous venues from a Victorian Mansion to contemporary lakeside resort to a property in a prime city location as well as The Abhotels Collection with many great locations such as The Spa at Sopwell House, St Albans, the perfect place to take your corporate clients for a business weekend.  Have your  meetings and then relax in the spa, perhaps a dip in the swimming pool, retreat to the sauna & steam room before enjoying an informal dinner in the Brasserie.

Or if you work in the City how about The Arch London - London's finest contemporary boutique hotel.   Offering  Salon de Champagne, Cocktail Bar, Hunter 486 Brasserie plus 82 luxury bedrooms and suites.  Perhaps your clients would enjoy a Martini served straight or on the rocks in the Martini Library.   Esssentially whatever your requirements for entertaining guests, or colleagues, or sales and marketing events or promotional or launch events, even personal family events, it was all available at The Square Meal Venues & Events Exhibition!  

Corporate Hospitality at Christmas

Since our last blog about Santa Grotto's in stores in August Newgate thought we probably may as well start talking about Christmas now. Particularly with many businesses looking to find different and unusual ways to entertain clients and potential clients at Christmas as well as their colleagues to thank them for their efforts during the year.

Companies in the US tend to be more generous to clients sending out personal gifts, such as items from Tiffanys, but we suspect in the UK this year even the Bankers will be looking to find ways to economise on Christmas events for their clients, although not wishing to cancel but perhaps look at ways to get additional value and come up with different themes.

Why not consider a client visit to a Christmas market in perhaps Germany or Estonia, travel by Eurostar or plane, a couple of hours in the market, followed by Christmas luncheon and return.  Or perhaps champagne reception and pastries at the fabulous new hotel at St Pancras, followed by Eurostar to Paris, perhaps fit in an hour or so of site seeing followed by lunch and return to the UK.   For those extra special clients perhaps include an overnight stay at a 4* hotel ( with partners) and host your Christmas corporate event in Paris, Barcelona or Rome, this will then allow you to invite those important overseas clients and business contacts.

Whatever ideas you may be thinking about for a corporate Christmas event why not drop www.newgatetravel.co.uk a quick email with your initial ideas and leave it to them.      

The Grand Hotel for Conference and Business Meetings

The Grand Hotel which Newgate Travel recently visited is the perfect spot for your sales conferences, business meetings.  The hotel is near to the Brighton Centre for sales teams attending conferences or if your company is hosting its own series of meetings/conferences, where better than at The Grand Hotel in Brighton.

With fabulous seaviews - from its restaurant and bar and lounge areas - it is the perfect setting to entertain clients and business colleagues with drinks and cocktail receptions.  For larger numbers you can book the Empress Suite rooms.  This hotel has something for everyone, whether you are coming here for business or conference meetings, leisure trips, weddings or celebrations, the Grand has it all.  

For all your corporate business conference or event requirements just contact www.newgatetravel.co.uk who will be happy to arrange everything for you.

Cedar Court Grand Hotel in York for senior Executives

If you or your business colleagues are planning any meetings in York or are thinking it might be nice to whisk the other half away for a romantic weekend then look no further than The Cedar Court Grand Hotel in York.  It truly is a fabulous 5 star hotel and the only 5 star hotel in Yorkshire.  It has a range of facilities such as the spa and gym in the lower ground floors, where a relaxing afternoon can be spent after trying out some beauty treatments before relaxing in the sauna.  For business the hotel is perfectly set up with rooms and suites geared for executives to host business meetings in formal settings.  The bar and lounge areas are perfect for informal meetings over coffee or drinks.   You can also host receptions and cocktail evenings for clients and business associates on the terrace or in the whiskey lounge which has over 200 different blends of whiskey.  But that is not all this hotel has to offer, if you wish to really impress your business colleagues or entertain your clients this is the hotel to do so in.  The meeting rooms all offer state of the art technology.  All of the rooms are named after former board members of the Nothern Eastern Railway Board as this Grade II listed building was formerly British Rail North Eastern Region's headquarters.   This great building, built in 1906, has a host of history steeped inside with wonderful staircases and entrance hall, the doors of many of the meeting rooms still show the numbers of the original offices.   The 2 AA rosette awarded grill room alongside the HQ restaurant is perfect for business lunches, afternoon teas or dinners.

And if you can tear yourself away from the hotel do go and explore the surrounding area of the hotel.  You are just five minutes from York Station, which itself is worth walking around admiring the interior building.  Or walk along the roman walls that overlook the hotel.  Just a few yards from the hotel you will find many interesting sites to see, perhaps take a boat trip or wander around the wonderful gardens or visit York Minister or the national railway museum.   For business or leisure York is definitely a place to visit.  Contact www.newgatetravel.co.uk and they will organise your business or leisure trip.      

Christmas in August!

yes sadly Christmas really has come early this year with ASDA having Santa Grotto's in its stores already and we have not reached September yet but sadly it has made me think about Christmas and what Christmas brings for travellers.   Great time to start  planning your shopping trip to New York now - don't want till the prices go up and everyone is booking - start looking now for great deals.   Likewise those lovely Christmas markets - in Germany and ever considered Estonia - great place for Christmas markets. No time to plan or research for best deals, no worries just go to www.newgatetravel.co.uk and they will do it all for you.