Introducing Chelsea Grill, a new neighbourhood restaurant on King’s Road, within the Sloane Stanley Estate, is due to open on Tuesday, 18th November.
Chelsea Grill is built around three key elements – fire, smoke and top-quality ingredients. The menu is simple, centred around our bespoke grill and designed for sharing.
The kitchen team, led by Anton Vasilyev – previously Executive Chef of Basque restaurant Sugaar in Paris – sources exceptional cuts from the UK and Europe, butchered and aged in- house to ensure the highest quality, alongside day-boat fish and seafood grilled to perfection.
Hannah Grievson, Property Director at Sloane Stanley, commented: “The Chelsea Grill reflects Sloane Stanley’s continued focus on securing and working with some of London’s most exciting dining concepts. This opening will enhance the local culinary landscape, underscoring our commitment to creating a vibrant hub of pioneering, high-quality F&B operators within one of Chelsea’s most iconic destinations.”
The menu will also include dry-aged fish, seasonal vegetables ash-cooked overnight, Poussin brined overnight and dried for a whole day before being cooked over fire in our manual rotisserie, and homemade cherry pie, with all pastry made in-house by the sous-chef, Tyler Jennifer.
A curated wine list complements the food, featuring bold reds for the meat, crisp whites for the fish, and a handful of old-world surprises.
The cocktails will be classics with seasonal twists. Mickey Robinson, Bar Manager at Chelsea Grill, highlights his personal favourite – the Green Apple Gimlet – crafted with fresh Granny Smith apples.
Opening times:
Starting with Tuesday to Saturday dinners with Saturday and Sunday Roast lunches coming later.
Reservations are open via enquiry form on the website
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Strengthens Supply Chain Operations with ArrowStream
CHICAGO, November 4, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– ArrowStream, Inc. (“ArrowStream”), the leading provider of end-to-end supply chain management software for the foodservice industry, announced today Lee’s Famous Recipe® Chicken (“Lee’s”), a name synonymous with delicious, home-style fried chicken, has renewed its partnership with ArrowStream to continue modernizing its supply chain performance and operational efficiency.
For nearly 60 years, Lee’s has been famous for its hand-breaded chicken that is prepared fresh daily. Starting as a single store in Lima, Ohio, Lee’s has grown across the United States and Canada to over 130 locations. With ambitious growth plans in the coming years, Lee’s continues to be supported by ArrowStream Central, a platform designed specifically for restaurant operators to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
With ArrowStream Central, Lee’s gains real-time visibility into its purchasing and distribution data, allowing its team to quickly identify issues, analyze spend, and uncover savings opportunities. The platform also enables Lee’s to manage supplier compliance, ensure accurate pricing, and maintain product consistency across all restaurant locations.
“ArrowStream has become an essential part of how we manage our business,” said Ryan Weaver, CEO at Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. “We operate a lean team, but because ArrowStream’s platform is so intuitive and easy to use, we’re able to fully leverage everything it offers. It’s a robust solution that gives us the visibility, control, and insights we need to make confident decisions, keep our supply chain efficient, and support our restaurants as we continue to grow.”
By centralizing data and improving communication across its network, ArrowStream helps Lee’s proactively address supply disruptions, quickly resolve product quality and service incidents through Foodservice Incident Management (FSIM), and stay ahead of market shifts. This partnership ensures the brand can maintain high-quality standards, resolve issues efficiently, and deliver a consistent guest experience, even as supply chain demands evolve.
“We are proud to continue supporting Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken,” said Jay Moon, Chief Customer Officer at ArrowStream. “Our goal is to help operators like Lee’s simplify the complexity of supply chain management through better data, stronger partnerships, and smarter decision-making. Lee’s success demonstrates how technology and collaboration can work together to drive performance across the entire supply chain.”
Lee’s is part of a growing group of restaurant brands using ArrowStream to optimize sourcing, maintain quality compliance, and manage costs more effectively. From large national franchises to emerging regional chains, ArrowStream provides foodservice operators with the tools and insights needed to stay competitive in a fast-changing industry. That is why brands like IPC Subway, Topgolf, and Noodles & Company trust ArrowStream to elevate their supply chain.
Cardrona Distillery celebrates a milestone 10th birthday on Wednesday, 5 November, marking a decade of crafting extraordinary single malt spirits in the Cardrona Valley.
This celebration coincides with a leadership change that positions the business for its next chapter of international growth.
Desiree Reid, Founder and Managing Director, is moving into the role of Global Sales Director with International Beverage, relocating to Scotland to focus on driving global growth for all International Beverage brands.
Henry Caulton, Cardrona Distillery Chief Financial Officer since 2022, will take over from Reid, moving into the role of Acting Managing Director. Caulton is a fully qualified Chartered Accountant and brings to the role extensive strategic and financial experience to guide the next decade of growth.
Caulton’s leadership has been instrumental in securing Cardrona Distillery’s long-term future with International Beverage, positioning Cardrona alongside some of the world’s most respected spirits brands.
Honouring A Founder’s Vision
“Desiree founded Cardrona Distillery with the dream of creating a single malt whisky that would stand tall on the world stage. In only a decade, she has achieved that and more,” says Caulton. “I’m honoured to be taking the reins from such an inspiring founder and look forward to the next decade as we continue to bring a touch of Cardrona magic to the world.”
Sarah Elsom, Master Distiller, now has full responsibility for all production and operations. Elsom continues to honour Reid’s founding vision for Cardrona Distillery by crafting world class spirits that speak to their raw ingredients and to the environment in which they are forged.
“It has been an incredible experience working alongside Desiree the past ten years to build Cardrona Distillery into what it is today,” says Elsom. “As we celebrate our 10th birthday, we have an immense sense of pride for all we have accomplished and excitement for what lies ahead as we continue to bring our extraordinary spirits to the world stage.”
A Decade of Extraordinary Spirits
Since its establishment in 2015, Cardrona Distillery has grown from a founder’s dream into one of New Zealand’s leading distilleries, recognised internationally for its dedication to traditional methods and exceptional quality.
To mark the anniversary, Cardrona Distillery will host a private celebration, bringing together private cask owners from around the world to honour those who believed in Reid’s dream from the very beginning.
Looking ahead, 2026 will see the highly anticipated release of Cardrona Distillery’s first 10-year-old single malt whisky, along with the start of an ambitious expansion project that includes new whisky warehousing, cellar door and restaurant at the Distillery’s home in the beautiful Cardrona Valley.
Following the success of the Bar/Giani cocktailware collection, NUDE Glass debuts its latest innovation: the Bar/Giani Double Pour Mixing Glass, a category-defining design that sets a new standard in cocktail preparation.
The glass features three precision spouts, including a ground-breaking dual-pour side – a world first that enables two cocktails to be served simultaneously with consistency and balance. Its unique silhouette and innovative form are engineered to deliver both speed and finesse, qualities essential in both professional and home bar settings.
The unique concept was conceived by Giorgio Bargiani, Assistant Director of Mixology at The Connaught Bar in London and one of the world’s leading bartenders, and developed by NUDE’s team of technical designers. A celebration of elegance and precision, the Bar/Giani Double Pour Mixing Glass embodies NUDE’s commitment to design-led function, fusing minimal aesthetics with the needs of modern mixology.
“The double pour design is about elevating efficiency without compromising on craft. The innovative form brings a touch of flair to each pour, making it as captivating to watch as it is functional. It’s for moments when every second matters, but so does every detail.” – Giorgio Bargiani, @giorgio_bar_giani
Continuing the Bar/Giani legacy, the launch reflects NUDE’s dedication to creating glassware that enhances the art of cocktail making – shaped by insight, refined by expertise, and driven by design.
The collection will be available from February 2026.
Two thirds of people with learning disabilities say their employers have not asked about what they need to succeed at work
New research from Hilton shows that two thirds (66%) of those with a learning disability say their employers have not asked them what they need to succeed in their roles. As a result, nearly six in 10 (57%) feel like the company they work for isn’t equipped to support them.
The research of more than 2,000 people in the UK, including 500 people with learning disabilities such as Down’s Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and their carers, gives a clear indication as to how employers can improve experiences and prospects of those questioned.
Those with a learning disability cited a number of reasons as to why keeping a job was difficult, but relationships were at the heart of the challenges; almost half (49%) said they did not have the right support from their employer while 44% said they did not get the right support from their team/colleagues.
George Griffiths, Culinary Assistant, Hilton
Counsel to employers
There is also clear counsel from those questioned to employers when it comes to improving workplace support. Over half of people (56%) want more on-the-job training, and 38% say they would like to see the introduction of a mentor or buddy system for additional support.
Partnerships are key
Working with industry partners has been integral in enabling Hilton to improve workplace support across its UK hotels. For example, Hilton’s 10-year partnership with Aurora Foxes, a hospitality college and training hotel supporting young people with learning disabilities, has provided bespoke training, work experience and employment opportunities to 89 people across Hilton, with 19 former students currently building careers within Hilton’s hotels.
Similarly, Hilton’s long-standing partnership with the Down’s Syndrome Association’s WorkFit programme has opened doors for talented individuals, resulting in 55 individuals receiving work placements across the UK with 43 individuals currently working at Hilton hotels.
Alban Koxha, F&B Assistant, Hilton
Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: “The key to unlocking the power of people with learning disabilities, and allowing them to really excel in the workplace, is the strength of our partnerships. Our Team Members feel supported by our partners, who offer their expertise on how to integrate team members into the work force. From introducing buddy systems to train and support new team members, to offering flexibility with shorter shifts and part-time roles, their advice has been invaluable. Working together with our partners, we are committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities, and we hope it inspires other businesses to do the same.”
Hospitable workplaces
The study also reveals when it comes to the industries where people with a learning disability and their carers think they can succeed – retail (44%) and hospitality and tourism (43%) come top. Three in five (61%) individuals with learning disabilities also note their previous roles in hospitality, underlining the sector’s valuable role in improving employment outcomes.
Public support for better opportunities
The research also clearly shows that the public believes better career opportunities should be offered to people with learning disabilities. Eight in 10 (82%) believe companies should give access to better job prospects to people with learning disabilities.
The latest Mencap figures show that there are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities in the UK, but just 5% are currently employed.
George Griffiths, Culinary Assistant, Hilton
Moreover, 94% of respondents who have interacted with a person who has a learning disability in a service setting said it was a positive experience. A further seven in 10 (69%) say that their experience inspired them to think differently about people with learning disabilities and the overwhelming majority (86%) think someone with a learning disability can excel in the workplace.
Alison Thwaite, head of employment services, Down’s Syndrome Association, said: “Employers play a crucial role in creating the right environments for people with learning disabilities to thrive at work. Having systems in place like mentoring support resources and training can ensure that your existing employees and new colleagues who have disabilities will feel supported and can build on a solid foundation for success.
The positive presence of individuals with learning disabilities greatly enhances workplace culture and by working closely with employers, we can bring diverse perspectives and foster an inclusive community where everyone can flourish. We are delighted to see increasing numbers of employers embracing the opportunities to enhance their organisational health through effective supported employment partnerships like the Down’s Syndrome Association’s WorkFit programme.”
Alban Koxha, F&B Assistant, Hilton
George Griffiths, kitchen assistant, Hilton London Kensington, said: “I highly recommend a career in hospitality to anyone, including people with learning disabilities. Working has definitely boosted my confidence. I’m proud to be working at a fantastic hotel surrounded by kind and charming people. I feel more capable of going out and taking on responsibilities, and I’ve realised that I’m just as capable as anyone else.”
When asked about how the support he receives to help him succeed in his role, George said:
“I have been given enough time to finish my tasks and to slow down. This has helped in being able to do one thing at a time. The changes help me feel less stressed and more confident in my work. It also helps me not to feel burnt out.”
Air traffic controllers missed their paychecks Tuesday because of the ongoing government shutdown, and that has Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the head of the controllers’ union concerned that flight delays could multiply as increasingly stressed-out controllers call out sick.
Recent absences have led to a number of isolated delays around the country because the Federal Aviation Administration was already extremely short on controllers prior to the shutdown. The FAA restricts the number of flights landing and taking off at an airport anytime there is a shortage of controllers to ensure safety.
There’s no way to predict when or where delays might happen because even a small number of absences can disrupt operations at times. Sometimes the delays are only 30 minutes, but some airports have reported delays more than two hours long — and some have even had to stop all flights temporarily.
So far, most of the delays have been isolated and temporary. Aviation analytics firm Cirium said that normally about 20% of all flights are delayed more than 15 minutes for a variety of reasons.
The data Cirium tracks shows there has not been a dramatic increase in the total number of delays overall since the shutdown began on Oct. 1. Nearly 80% of the flights at a sample of 14 major airports nationwide have still been on time this month.
Though a two-hour-long staffing-related ground stop at Los Angeles International Airport made national news on Sunday, a major thunderstorm in Dallas that day had a bigger impact on flights when only about 44% of flights were on time. Cirium said 72% of the flights out of LAX were still on time Sunday.
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But Duffy and the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association Nick Daniels have continued to emphasize the pressure that controllers are feeling. They say the problems are likely to only get worse the longer the shutdown continues.
“Air traffic controllers have to have 100% of focus 100% of the time,” Daniels said Tuesday at a news conference alongside Duffy at LaGuardia Airport in New York. “And I’m watching air traffic controllers going to work. I’m getting the stories. They’re worried about paying for medicine for their daughter. I got a message from a controller that said, ‘I’m running out of money. And if she doesn’t get the medicine she needs, she dies. That’s the end.’”
Controllers gathered outside 20 airports nationwide Tuesday to hand out leaflets urging an end to the shutdown as soon as possible. Worrying about how to pay their bills is driving some to take second jobs to make ends meet.
The number of controllers calling in sick has increased during the shutdown both because of their frustration with the situation and because controllers need the time off to work second jobs instead of continuing to work six days a week like many of them routinely do. Duffy has said that controllers could be fired if they abuse their sick time, but the vast majority of them have continued to show up for work every day.
Air traffic controller Joe Segretto, who works at a regional radar facility that directs planes in and out of airports in the New York area, said morale is suffering as controllers worry more about money.
“The pressure is real,” Segretto said. “We have people trying to keep these airplanes safe. We have trainees — that are trying to learn a new job that is very fast-paced, very stressful, very complex — now having to worry about how they’re going to pay bills.”
Duffy said the shutdown is also making it harder for the government to reduce the longstanding shortage of about 3,000 controllers. He said that some students have dropped out of the air traffic controller academy in Oklahoma City, and younger controllers who are still training to do the job might abandon the career because they can’t afford to go without pay.
“This shutdown is making it harder for me to accomplish those goals,” Duffy said.
The longer the shutdown continues, pressure will continue to build on Congress to reach an agreement to reopen the government. During the 35-day shutdown in President Donald Trump’s first term the disruptions to flights across the country contributed to the end of that disruption. But so far, Democrats and Republicans have shown little sign of reaching a deal to fund the government.
PARIS (AP) — The dragnet tightened around the Louvre thieves on Thursday. Five more people were seized in the crown-jewels heist — including a suspect tied by DNA — the Paris prosecutor said, widening the sweep across the capital and its suburbs.
Authorities said three of the four alleged members of the “commando” team, as French media have dubbed the robbers, are now in custody.
The late-night operations in Paris and nearby Seine-Saint-Denis lift the total arrested to seven. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau told RTL that one detainee is suspected of belonging to the brazen quartet that burst into the Apollo Gallery in broad daylight on Oct. 19; others held “may be able to inform us about how the events unfolded.”
Beccuau called the response an “exceptional mobilization” — about 100 investigators, seven days a week, with roughly 150 forensic samples analyzed and 189 items sealed as evidence.
AP AUDIO: 5 more arrests as Louvre jewel heist probe deepens and key details emerge
AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on the latest arrests in the Louvre museum heist.
Even so, she said the latest arrests did not uncover the loot — a trove valued around $102 million that includes a diamond-and-emerald necklace Napoleon gave to Empress Marie-Louise as a wedding gift, jewels tied to 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, and Empress Eugénie’s pearl-and-diamond tiara.
Only one relic has surfaced so far — Eugénie’s crown, damaged but salvageable, dropped in the escape.
Beccuau renewed her appeal: “These jewels are now, of course, unsellable… There’s still time to give them back.”
Experts warn the gold could be melted and the stones re-cut to erase their past.
From Louvres to the Louvre: Planning a 4-minute crime
Key planning details have snapped into focus. Nine days before the raid, a mover who owns a truck-mounted lift — the kind movers use to hoist furniture through Parisian windows — was mysteriously booked for a “moving job” on the French classifieds site Leboncoin, a site similar to Craigslist, Beccuau said Wednesday.
When he arrived in the town of Louvres, north of Paris, around 10 a.m. on Oct. 10, two men ambushed him and stole the lift truck.
On the day of the heist itself, that same vehicle idled beneath the Paris museum’s riverside façade.
Online observers have noted a remarkable coincidence: How a plot that began in Louvres ended at the Louvre.
At 9:30 a.m. the basket lift rose to the Apollo Gallery window; at 9:34 the glass gave way; by 9:38 the crew was gone — a four-minute strike. Only the “near-simultaneous” arrival of police and museum security stopped the thieves from torching the lift and preserved crucial traces, the prosecutor said.
Security footage shows at least four men forcing a window, cutting into two display cases with power tools and fleeing on two scooters toward eastern Paris. Investigators say there is no sign of insider help for now, though they are not ruling out a wider network beyond the four on camera.
The reckoning over security
French police have acknowledged major gaps in the Louvre’s defenses, turning an audacious theft — carried out as visitors walked the corridors — into a national reckoning over how France protects its treasures.
Paris police chief Patrice Faure told senators the first alert to police came not from the Louvre’s security systems but from a cyclist outside who dialed the emergency line after seeing helmeted men with a basket lift. He acknowledged that aging, partly analog cameras and slow fixes left seams; $93 million of CCTV cabling work won’t finish before 2029–30, and the Louvre’s camera authorization even lapsed in July. Officers arrived fast, he said, but the delay came earlier in the chain.
Speaking to AP, former bank robber David Desclos characterized the heist as textbook and said he had warned the Louvre of glaring vulnerabilities in the layout of the Apollo Gallery. The Louvre has not responded to the claim.
Who’s charged already
Two earlier suspects, men aged 34 and 39 from Aubervilliers, north of Paris, were charged Wednesday with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy after nearly 96 hours in custody. Beccuau said both gave “minimalist” statements and “partially admitted” their involvement.
One was stopped at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algeria; his DNA matched a scooter used in the getaway.
French law normally keeps active investigations under a shroud of secrecy to protect police work and victims’ privacy. Only the prosecutor may speak publicly, though in high-profile cases police unions have occasionally shared partial details.
The brazen smash-and-grab inside the world’s most-visited museum stunned the heritage world. Four men, a lift truck and a stopwatch turned the Apollo Gallery’s blaze of gold and light into a crime scene — and a test of how France guards what it holds most dear.
BANFF, Alberta, November 3, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Banff Sunshine Village officially opened yesterday morning, Sunday, November 2, making it the first ski resort in Canada to welcome skiers and riders for the 2025/26 winter season. This potentially marks the earliest opening in the resort’s 98-year history. This year’s opening for Banff Sunshine Village is about a week earlier than both their anticipated opening day and last season’s opening day.
On Sunday, guests were encouraged to hit the slopes dressed in their Halloween costume. Strawberry Express and the Learning Area opened for skiers and snowboarders. All terrain of Strawberry Express is open, including the 7-feature terrain park with two jib lines – one small and one medium.
“It is so exciting to be the first ski resort in the country to open for the season,” shares Kendra Scurfield, VP of Communications at Banff Sunshine Village. “This is the earliest opening in our corporate memory – We are thrilled to welcome back skiers and snowboarders for another incredible season at Sunshine!”
To celebrate the early opening, Banff Sunshine Village invited guests to show their love for the Blue Jays by wearing a jersey or celebrating the spooky season with a Halloween costume. The Banff Sunshine Village team was onsite handing out $10 vouchers to those in costume or showing their Jays’ spirit. Over 100 vouchers were given away to happy skiers and snowboarders.
Located in Banff National Park, Banff Sunshine Village is known for having one of North America’s longest ski season. Just last week, Banff Sunshine was named SKI magazine’s Top 30 Resorts in the West and number 2 overall in the magazine prestigious reader’s poll for the second year in a roll. The resort features over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain spread across three mountains and 137 runs, featuring what is often called Canada’s Best Snow.
Early season ticket pricing is in effect until the resort opens more fully. Information on terrain and mountain updates can be found on the resort’s Instagram (@sunshinevillage) and Facebook (Banff Sunshine Village). A proud member of both Mountain Collective Pass and IKON Pass, for more details on Banff Sunshine Village, its offerings and how to purchase a lift ticket or a season pass, visit skibanff.com.
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About Banff Sunshine Village:
Perched at 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) above sea level, Banff Sunshine Village is nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park. Renowned for its all-natural snow, this world-class resort attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the globe during its impressive seven-month winter season, running from mid-November to late May. Come late June, the landscape transforms as summer arrives at Banff Sunshine Meadows, where Alberta’s native wildflowers blanket hundreds of pristine, protected alpine acres in a vibrant display of color. From carving turns on Canada’s Best Snow in the winter to hiking through breathtaking mountain meadows in the summer, Banff Sunshine offers an unparalleled year-round escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Contact Information
Kendra Scurfield VP of Marketing, Brand and Communications kscurfield@skibanff.com +1-403-830-7946
Anna Sebastian spotlights London’s influence on global bar culture
Greek premium mixer brand, Three Cents, has premiered the fourth episode of its Bar Attitude by Three Cents series. The bar-cumentary is a tribute to bar culture that aims to celebrate different cities’ nightlife through the eyes of iconic bartenders of the world. The latest instalment follows Anna Sebastian – founder of global consultancy agency, Anna Sebastian Hospitality, and non-profit organisation, Celebrate Her – exploring London’s famed bar scene.
The episode takes a journey through industry trailblazer Anna’s distinguished career; from her formative years at London’s most prestigious hotel bars to founding a global luxury beverage consultancy. The documentary examines Anna’s perspective on London’s bar industry, exploring the true meaning of hospitality and how legendary establishments, including the likes of The Savoy, The Langham and The Dorchester, have shaped the capital’s cocktail culture.
Anna is joined by influential industry voices including Emma Murphy, Co-founder of Hacha and Mirror Margarita, and Sandrae Lawrence, The Cocktail Lovers Co-founder. Together they discuss the importance of diversity within the industry, with Giulia Cuccurollo, Head Bartender at The Langham, adding her take on fostering community within bartenders. The episode covers Anna’s work leading Celebrate Her, a non-profit organisation, dedicated to building a better industry through education, wellbeing and community.
Erik Lorincz features in the episode to give a glimpse into his career working as the Bartender and Founder of Kwant Mayfair, and how London’s hotel bars set the global standard for cocktail excellence. Lucia Montanelli, Bar Manager at The Dorchester’s Vesper Bar, also joins to share her view on the art of hospitality, delivering five-star service and how the team created the bar’s iconic martini.
The episode is available to view in full on the Three Cents YouTube Channel, with reels going live on both the brand and Anna’s Instagram channel centred on three distinct themes from the episode including, ‘London’s Spirit’, ‘Iconic Bars’ and ‘Women in Bartending’.
Anna Sebastian says “It was great to collaborate with Bar Attitude by Three Cents and feature on its London edition, showcasing the bar culture in my home town. London is truly a city where you can be whoever you want and that has also pioneered and influenced the global bar scene for decades. I wanted to use the platform to shine a light on topics and places that mean the most to me, from diversity and community in the industry to how hospitality is really at the heart of what we do. “
George Bagos, Co-founder and General Manager of Three Cents, adds “The Bar Attitude by Three Cents series was launched to give recognition to those who are paving the way in mixology, whilst also showing how their local cities have set global trends. We’re thrilled to give Anna the stage in the fourth instalment and shed light, not just on her successful career, but the important work she’s doing to make the industry a safer and fairer place for all.”
Made by bartenders for bartenders, Three Cents is committed to giving a voice to those that pioneer and develop the cocktail industry in their home city and beyond. The latest Bar Attitude by Three Cents episode marks the fourth instalment, with previous documentaries featuring Nikos Bakoulis in Athens, Dom Carella in Milan and Danil Nevsky in Barcelona. As part of Three Cents dedication to backing the best bars across the globe, this year it also announced a partnership as the exclusive mixer partner for ‘The World’s 50 Best Bars’. Lasting three years, Three Cents will serve its range of flavoured sodas and tonics at the prestigious industry awards.
Bistro Sablé is the latest addition to the Noble Inns collection of pubs and restaurants which includes the award winning Pig & Butcher in Islington.
Located at 63-69 Canonbury Rd, London N1 2DG and formerly known as The Smokehouse, Bistro Sablé opens on November 3rd and will be a welcome evolution for this charming neighbourhood spot where classic French bistro cooking and an unfussy ambience is soon to be the order of the day.
A 65 seater restaurant spread across two areas, on arrival guests are immediately greeted into the bar space where a handful of tables and chairs, and bar stools create a convivial space in which to enjoy an aperitif.
A lateral space, the dining area is demarcated courtesy of simple white tablecloths framed with bistro style chairs and intermixed with some banquette seating too. The open kitchen lines the back of the restaurant area creating a welcome and intimate space.
Multiple trips to the revered flea markets of Paris ensure that Bistro Sablé looks as French as it tastes. Witty sketches, pictures and cartoons cover the white washed walls evoking a stylish cheekiness and original artefacts such as polished copper pans and an original ‘Boucherie’ sign are far from gimmicky – just unashamedly Bistro chic.
An affordable and succinct menu is a delicious canter through all the French classics you would expect. Never too French for Sunday lunch, Bistro Sablé will embrace ‘Les Rosbifs’ offering a Sunday menu covering all the classics. Choose from Pork, Lamb, Beef or Chicken with all the trimmings.
An equally trustworthy wine list curated by former Mere sommelier, Alex Froslet offers bold reds, refreshing whites and of course rosé in varying measures. 95% of the wine list will be available in flexi-form, choose from a 75ml, 125ml, carafe or bottle. A coupe de champagne or house cocktail provides a perfect kickstart to any meal and craft beers as well as all the familiar classics are in abundance too.
Mild autumns and hot summers mean the garden located at the front of the Bistro is bound to be a popular spot, almost all year around. Verdant shelter and comfortable tables and chairs complete with shade, or heaters provide a perfect place to stay a while.
The neighbourhood bistro we all want on our doorstep, Bistro Sablé is the perfect setting to enjoy a drink and light bite, have a lazy lunch or a long and indulgent evening. A place to visit whenever you fancy, forget the airs and graces, it offers the simple pleasure of eating, drinking and socialising with ease – Bon Appetit!
The Luxury Hospitality Conference, organized by Teamwork Hospitality and chaired by Mauro Santinato, took place on October 30, 2025, at the Meliá Hotel in Milan, confirming for the fifth consecutive year its role as Italy’s leading event dedicated to luxury hospitality.
It was a remarkable success, with over 1,060 registered participants, 83 speakers, 52 partner companies, and 15 media partners.
The event offered a full day of learning and discussion, providing industry professionals with the opportunity to spot emerging trends, understand the evolution of demand, explore new approaches, and outline the future perspectives of the luxury hospitality segment.
“We are thrilled with the outstanding success of Luxury Hospitality Conference at the Meliá Hotel. With over 1,060 participants and the presence of high-profile international speakers, it proved to be an event of great significance for the industry. Not only did we highlight upcoming trends and challenges in luxury hospitality, but we also created valuable opportunities for dialogue and networking among professionals from around the world.” – Mauro Santinato, president of Teamwork Hospitality.
The event brought together general managers, investors, owners, tour operators, travel designers, destination managers, journalists, and hospitality enthusiasts, offering them the chance to exchange ideas and hear from some of the most respected national and international experts.
The conference featured panel discussions and seminars across three conference rooms, engaging numerous speakers, including renowned professionals from luxury hotels and chains, CEOs of international brands, and Michelin-starred chefs.
During the event, several highly relevant topics were addressed. The discussions covered Innovation & Trends, featuring insights and in-depth analyses from leading entrepreneurs and industry experts; Travel Experience, explored through the lens of travelers’ evolving needs, increasingly focused on authentic and personalized experiences; and Luxury Design, which included case studies on the creation of exclusive spaces. Sessions on Marketing & Communication provided an opportunity to discuss effective strategies for attracting and retaining clients through compelling brand storytelling.
The conference also delved into the impact of human capital in luxury hospitality, reflecting on how to attract top talent, foster leadership, and manage teams effectively. The luxury dining and wine experience segments featured testimonials and contributions from Michelin-starred chefs. There were also discussions on emerging technologies and the use of artificial intelligence, as well as analyses of the new digital traveler profile and developments in Luxury Retail.
During the event, THRENDS, a consulting firm specializing in data analysis and business intelligence for the Hospitality Real Estate sector, presented the 2025 edition of the “Luxury Hospitality Report.” The report, now in its fifth year, monitors the Italian luxury hospitality segment, providing data and insights on volumes, hotel chains and brands, revenues, profit margins, transactions, and CapEx.
The atmosphere of the day was enriched by the olfactory signature “Essenza Luxe”: a bespoke fragrance, meticulously crafted and created exclusively for the event, which offered participants a truly unique and immersive sensory experience.
As you approach Nakuru town, a glistening lake appears —one home to many species, including the famous flamingos.
This lake has been considered one of the greatest tourist attractions in the Kenyan Rift Valley, one of the seven Rift Valley lakes, and has a unique saline nature that attracts the fauna that depends on it.
Lake Nakuru is perfect for a day trip, allowing you to enjoy wildlife and beautiful scenery in one place. This guide helps you plan the perfect day trip to Lake Nakuru.
Here’s an overview:
About Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is one of the seven Rift Valley Lakes, which were formed during prehistoric tectonic plate movement. It is found in Nakuru town and makes up a big part of the Lake Nakuru National Park, which was named after the lake.
This lake is famous for its flamingo population, and is one of the three saline lakes that the flamingoes move between at different times of the year, depending on the algal bloom.
Other than having a high number of flamingoes, the park in which it is found is also home to many other species of flora and fauna. You can find animals like impalas, rock hyrax, waterbucks and bushbucks, and also get well-known carnivores like the lion, leopards, hyena, jackals and more. Giraffes, zebras, and buffalo are also present, and the park boasts a good population of primates. It is also considered an important bird area, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
The Lake covers a total of between 5 and 45 Square Kilometers, depending on the season, while the park is a total of 1888 square kilometers.
How to Plan Your Day Trip to Lake Nakuru
One of the easiest places to reach and explore for any visiting tourist or traveler in Kenya is Lake Nakuru. This is because it is a few hours away from the capital city, and can be explored in a day. You can also decide to spend a night in Nakuru town and leave the next day while having experienced all the park has to offer in just a day.
Getting to Lake Nakuru is easy. The lake is 3 hours away from Nairobi, and can be accessed by either driving down using your favorite travel company, or by flying into the Naishi airstrip, which is found within Lake Nakuru National Park.
The park is accessible through three gates and can be driven through in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to avoid getting stuck in any area. We recommend dressing comfortably and wearing comfortable shoes while traveling, to give you the best experience and help you explore comfortably.
Let’s look at some of the things you can do while at Lake Nakuru.
What to Do at Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru National Park offers a mix of adventure, nature, and serenity. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, photographer, or casual traveler, here are some must-do activities in Lake Nakuru that you can explore in a day.
The highlight of any visit to Lake Nakuru is a game drive through the national park. The park is home to over 50 mammal species, including buffalo, waterbucks, lions, leopards, and Rothschild’s giraffes. It’s also one of the few places in Kenya where you can spot both the black and white rhino, making it a top destination for the Big Five seekers.
Early morning and late afternoon game drives are the best times to catch animals when they are most active. The park’s roads are well-maintained, making it accessible even in a standard 4WD.
Spot Thousands of Flamingos and Other Birds
Lake Nakuru was once dubbed the flamingo capital of the world, and though numbers vary depending on water levels, you’ll still find thousands of these graceful birds along the lake’s shores. In total, the park boasts over 450 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
Aside from flamingos, look out for pelicans, African fish eagles, herons, and the rare maccoa duck. Bring binoculars and a good zoom lens if you’re a photography enthusiast; you won’t be disappointed.
Visit Baboon Cliff for Panoramic Views
For one of the best views of Lake Nakuru and its surroundings, head up to Baboon Cliff. It’s a popular lookout point located on the eastern side of the park. From here, you can get a stunning panoramic view of the lake, the vast grasslands, and even wildlife in the distance.
Keep an eye out for the baboons that frequent the area (hence the name). They’re curious and sometimes cheeky, so don’t leave food or belongings unattended!
Explore the Makalia Waterfalls
Located in the southern section of the park, the Makalia Waterfalls are a hidden gem often missed by rushed visitors. During the rainy season, the waterfall is especially beautiful, tumbling over rocky cliffs into a shallow pool below. It’s a great spot for a quiet picnic or a photo session.
The drive to Makalia is scenic and may offer unexpected animal sightings along the way. It’s also one of the quieter areas of the park, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
Lake Nakuru is more than just a stopover on a Kenyan safari; it’s a destination full of rich biodiversity, stunning views, and peaceful nature. Whether you’re there for the flamingos or the rhinos, or just to unwind in nature, Lake Nakuru will leave you inspired.
And the best part is, you can do all these in just one day!
Pega Tours makes exploring Kenya an unforgettable adventure without stretching your budget. The friendly team knows all the best spots – from stunning landscapes to incredible wildlife and rich local cultures. With custom itineraries, expert guides, and smooth planning, we take care of the details so you can just enjoy the experience.
Pega Tours makes exploring Kenya an unforgettable adventure without stretching your budget. The friendly team knows all the best spots – from stunning landscapes to incredible wildlife and rich local cultures. With custom itineraries, expert guides, and smooth planning, we take care of the details so you can just enjoy the experience.
Tucked discreetly beside one of the UK’s most celebrated zoological gardens, The Reserve at Chester Zoo offers something wholly unexpected: the atmosphere of a luxury African safari lodge, without ever leaving Cheshire. We stayed for two nights in August, and what unfolded was an experience as enriching as it was enchanting.
From the outset, the welcome was effortless. Check-in was seamless, every detail attended to with quiet precision, and the staff’s warmth never wavered. That first impression set the tone: here, service is intuitive, unobtrusive, yet consistently above and beyond.
The lodges themselves are a triumph of design. Spacious, contemporary, and finished with natural materials, they strike a balance between understated luxury and authenticity. Our veranda overlooked a shimmering lake, while others are oriented toward the giraffe habitat — views that transport you instantly to the savannah. Waking up to the silhouette of giraffes moving gracefully across the horizon is nothing short of magical.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo
But what truly sets The Reserve apart are its exclusive experiences, which cleverly blur the line between accommodation and adventure. The after-hours safari was unforgettable — wandering the zoo by twilight, children wide-eyed as we encountered the resident rhinos under the care of an expert keeper. Storytelling around the campfire later that evening, led by the Reserve’s rangers, added a touch of rustic intimacy that felt worlds away from everyday life.
Equally captivating was the giraffe encounter. While our children were too young to feed these gentle giants themselves, they delighted in preparing food for them — a hands-on, behind-the-scenes moment that made the experience deeply personal. These thoughtful touches transform The Reserve from a place to stay into a place to connect, with animals and with one another.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo
Dining, too, exceeded expectation: menus are seasonal, ingredients fresh, and the atmosphere relaxed yet refined. It felt less like dining at a zoo, and more like an elegant countryside retreat.
Underlying it all is Chester Zoo’s mission. As a conservation charity, every penny of profit is reinvested into protecting wildlife worldwide. Few destinations can credibly claim such purpose — staying here doesn’t simply indulge the senses, it supports a global cause. From combating illegal wildlife trade to safeguarding endangered species’ habitats, the impact stretches far beyond the boundaries of the zoo itself.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo
In an era when discerning travellers seek meaning as well as luxury, The Reserve at Chester Zoo delivers both. For families, it is a place of wonder; for couples, a romantic hideaway; for all, a rare chance to experience safari spirit in the heart of England.
Verdict: A stay that is at once indulgent, educational, and impactful — a new benchmark for wildlife-inspired escapes in the UK.
Legendary hotelier and entrepreneur recognized for his inimitable impact on the global hospitality industry
Ian Schrager, revered entrepreneur, hotel pioneer and nightlife visionary, received the SevenRooms Icon Award at The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 Ceremony, an evening that recognizes best-in-class global hospitality, last night in London.
Credited as the founder of the boutique hotel movement, Schrager has spent the last five decades pushing boundaries and creating one-of-a-kind spaces with a disruptive “luxury for all” mindset, all while making an undeniable impact on popular culture and the hospitality industry at large. Since the 1980s, he has consistently challenged the status quo through his ground-breaking work building iconic brands including Morgans Hotel Group, EDITION Hotels, and now PUBLIC, a cult-favourite brand built on four key pillars – great service, style, unique experience and fun.
Driven by his unrelenting ambition and hunger for innovation, Ian is poised to expand the PUBLIC brand beyond its NYC flagship to Los Angeles with the debut of PUBLIC West Hollywood on the storied Sunset Strip in early 2026. Showcasing a new idea for a new age, the hotel will be situated within a landmark building with design executed by Schrager in partnership with British architect and frequent collaborator, John Pawson.
“To me, what is even more important than success is getting the acknowledgement and recognition from people I respect in the industry and who I consider as contemporaries of mine” said Schrager in a video acceptance speech. “I want to thank you all for that recognition and acknowledgement, and I want to particularly thank The World’s 50 Best Hotels for looking at what we’ve done and giving myself and all the really incredibly talented people I worked with this recognition. It’s very meaningful to me, and very touching.”
Marking a bold new culinary chapter for the award-winning chef, BEAR by Carlo Scotto has opened in the heart of Beaconsfield, bringing a new level of fine dining to the area.
The intimate 14-cover restaurant is Carlo’s most ambitious venture to date. BEAR sees a sharper, more elevated expression of his signature style through an ever-evolving tasting menu rooted in the British landscape yet influenced by Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The result is a unique restaurant menu that combines an extraordinary commitment to foraged British ingredients with exacting technique and meticulous presentation, where every seat offers a front-row experience.
A Foraged Tasting Menu
With the spotlight firmly on British ingredients, every plate tells a story. Redefining the farm-to-fork experience, around half of the menu’s ingredients are foraged daily, showcasing Carlo’s commitment to connecting the food on the plate to its natural origins.
BEAR CARLO @lateef.photography
Working with the seasons and spontaneity of nature, no two menus are ever the same, with dishes crafted from the day’s harvest in the Chiltern Hills and local woodlands, from lung oyster mushrooms and burdock root from Hogback Wood to wild garlic sourced in Peterley Wood, and blackthorns and blackberries gathered in Roundhead Wood.
BEAR CARLO OCT 2025 @lateef.photography
Whilst the dishes evolve continually, diners can expect a selection of canapés such as Langoustine with kohlrabi, oyster leaf, shiso, sorrel, jalapeño, ättika and salad burnet; followed by an eight-course tasting experience. Sample dishes include Ike Jime Chalk Stream Trout with wild sea beets, green walnuts and Ardbeg; Agnolotti Pasta with rolet gem squash, black garlic, mascarpone and tagete leaves; and Miso-Glazed Duck with blue moon radish, girolles, damsons and Umeshu jus. Desserts currently include Quince Tart with St Helena, Beaconsfield honey and black truffle; and Apple with marigold, grapes and bergamot granite.
BEAR CARLO @lateef.photography
Foraged Cocktails & Fine Wines
The drinks list, created by Head Sommelier Matthew Wakeford, takes a similar approach with pairings designed to evolve in harmony with the menu. Foraged-forward cocktails in the elegant lounge bar set the tone for the evening with serves such as a Mushroom Old Fashioned, Wild Garlic Martini and a Rhubarb Negroni.
BEAR by Carlo Scotto Interiors @adashandasplashxCrazyBearOctober2025
Every tasting menu is accompanied by an optional drinks pairing featuring rare wines, artisanal meads, vintage sakes and spirits, with a non-alcoholic option also available. Guided by instinct and always evolving, pairings might include a Gàudio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016, a 2015 Hexamer Rheingrafenberg Spätlese and a Tedorigawa Kinka Daiginjo Sake. Guests can also order by the glass or bottle from an extensive list of wines from both English and international producers.
BEAR CARLO OCT 2025 @lateef.photography
Intimate Interiors
Interiors have been designed to take guests on a sensory journey from the moment of arrival in BEAR’s intimate lounge, with its wood-panelled walls, floor-to-ceiling windows and views over a tranquil pool, to the descent into the striking subterranean dining room.
Dressed in deep iridescent blues and golds with Philip Jeffries geometric wallpaper, aged brass wall sconces and statement amber glass pendants, the space centres around a dramatic 14-cover horseshoe-shaped Nero Portoro black marble counter. Here, diners watch Carlo and his team at work, creating a rare and unfiltered connection between chef and guest.
BEAR by Carlo Scotto Interiors @adashandasplashxCrazyBearOctober2025
With its uncompromising focus on foraged British ingredients, intimate design and boundary-pushing tasting menus, BEAR by Carlo Scotto is a restaurant defined by craftsmanship, storytelling and a rare sense of place.
BEAR by Carlo Scotto
Crazy Bear Hotel, Old Town, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LX
GREEN BAY, Wis., October 30, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Cruise the Great Lakes, the region’s cruise marketing program, announced today its forecast for the 2026 cruising season at a press conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The 2026 season continues the long-term growth of Great Lakes cruising, delivering more than 23,000 passengers, over 800 port visits, and a record-breaking $300 million (US) economic impact on large and small regional destinations.
Economic impact
The economic impact of cruising on the Great Lakes is expected to exceed $300 million (US) in 2026, a 25% increase from 2025. More passengers, more port visits, higher shoreside spending, and a rising price premium for Great Lakes cruises are critical drivers of this growth. The ongoing expansion of Great Lakes cruising continues to bring significant economic benefits to both large and small port communities throughout the region.
Cruise Lines and Ships
A new cruise line will enter the Great Lakes market in 2026–American Cruise Lines will bring ships to U.S. ports in the region. The itinerary highlights the growing variety of travel options.
In total, seven cruise lines are scheduled to operate on the Great Lakes in 2026, including: Pearl Seas, Ponant, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Victory, Viking, Hapag-Lloyd and American Cruise Lines. These lines will operate 10 ships cruising the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River in 2026.
Passenger visits
In 2026, Great Lakes cruises are projected to welcome over 23,000 individual passengers, a 5% increase from 2025. More than 800 port visits are planned, which is nearly 15% higher than last year. And the total number of cruise passenger visits across the region is estimated at nearly 175,000, up nearly 15% from 2025.
“Great Lakes cruising does more than delight passengers. It drives dollars to shorelines across the region,” said Wisconsin Tourism Secretary and Cruise the Great Lakes Chair Anne Sayers. “The expected growth means more travelers making lifelong memories, more passengers visiting businesses in port cities, and more economic impact in Wisconsin and across the Great Lakes region.”
“As we look to 2026, we’re excited to see continued growth in the Great Lakes cruise sector,” said Sally Davis Berry, Tourism Director of Cruise the Great Lakes. “We forecast this upcoming season to be even stronger than 2025, both in terms of passenger numbers, destinations visited, and economic impact, which underscores the appeal of cruising in the Great Lakes.”
Cruise the Great Lakes is the region’s cruise marketing program focused on attracting more passengers. It is a forum to bring together the States, Provinces, cruise lines, ports, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, associations, and others to work toward shared goals.
BANFF, Alberta, October 30, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– SKI Magazine announced the results of its Annual Readers Poll of ‘The 30 Best Ski Resorts in the West,’ with Banff Sunshine Village ranking as top Canadian resort and #2 resort overall.
Throughout the ski industry, SKI Magazine’s annual Resort’s Poll Reader’s Choice is considered the pinnacle of resort operation excellence. Each year, SKI Magazine invites readers across North America to rank their favourite ski destinations in its Reader Resort Survey, which gathers nearly 20,000 responses. Through the survey resorts are evaluated by skiers across 17 different criteria including core metrics like snow quality, and grooming and guest services to lighter elements like lodging, nightlife, and après-ski experiences. For a resort to make the list a minimum number of survey responses is required. For Banff Sunshine, the Alberta resort has now landed in Ski Mag’s top 5 resorts in north America for 4 consecutive winters. Over the past four years, Banff Sunshine has inched their way up, one spot at a time from #5 in 2022 to #2 in 2026. The full list of winners is available at: skimag.com.
“All I can say is THANK YOU SKI Magazine readers! Making SKI Magazine’s annual 30 Best in The West is something we strive for – by focusing on delivering the best guest experience possible throughout resort. Making the top 5, 4 out of the past 5 years in a row – is as sweet as the deepest powder we’ve every skied – coming in at #2 is literally the cherry on top,” shares Kendra Scurfield, VP of Communications at Banff Sunshine Village. “The annual readers’ poll is the industry’s most respected resort rankings. Our inclusion highlights the team effort and dedication to bringing the magic of Banff Sunshine to life. As a resort it’s our mission to deliver the best guest experience we can through a fun and safe experience. The accolade inspires us to keep working to wow our guests in all we do.”
Located in Banff National Park, Banff Sunshine Village is known for having one of North America’s longest ski seasons, offering ski-in/ski-out accommodations and world-class runs spanning three mountains of diverse terrain, featuring what’s often called Canada’s Best Snow. The resort has long been an innovator in the Canadian ski space, being the first resort to allow Snowboarding back in 1998, investing in a fleet of modern lifts including Canada’s first heated lift, Teepee Town LX, and the all new Super Angel Luxury Express featuring evo technology – the first of it’s kind in North America. This marks the resort’s fourth year being voted one of the world’s top 5 ski destinations, and the second consecutive year on the podium. In 2024/25, Banff Sunshine Village ranked third in North America.
The Annual Readers Poll of The 30 Best Ski Resorts in the West are published on skimag.com.
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About Banff Sunshine Village:
Perched at 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) above sea level, Banff Sunshine Village is nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park. Renowned for its all-natural snow, this world-class resort attracts skiers and snowboarders from around the globe during its impressive seven-month winter season, running from mid-November to late May. Come late June, the landscape transforms as summer arrives at Banff Sunshine Meadows, where Alberta’s native wildflowers blanket hundreds of pristine, protected alpine acres in a vibrant display of color. From carving turns on Canada’s Best Snow in the winter to hiking through breathtaking mountain meadows in the summer, Banff Sunshine offers an unparalleled year-round escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Awarded for its “Garden Cultural Revitalization and Communication Model,” redefining its Japanese garden as a hub for research, community, and skill development.
TOKYO, October 30, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo has received the Good Design Award 2025 for its pioneering Garden Cultural Revitalization and Communication Model, which redefines the role of Japanese gardens within contemporary hotel management. Recognized as one of Japan’s most prestigious design awards, the accolade highlights the hotel’s long-term commitment to preserving cultural heritage while connecting people, nature, and tradition.
Created in the Meiji era by statesman Aritomo Yamagata and later inherited by the Fujita family, the garden remains a symbol of living heritage. Through this award-winning model, the hotel has positioned the garden as a space for research, community, and training-an approach that stood out among this year’s entries.
The initiative began in 2020, when the hotel chose to expand, rather than reduce, investment in its garden, introducing experiential programs such as Tokyo Sea of Clouds. The creation of a dedicated Garden Management Department provides training for emerging gardeners, while collaborations with Ueyakato Landscape and Yushien Garden support specialized education and cultural continuity.
“At a time when many historic gardens in Japan struggle to survive financially, this project is pioneering in placing the garden itself at the center of its vision,” the judges noted.
“During COVID, when the hospitality industry was driven toward efficiency, the decision to invest in a non-revenue-generating garden-and to reform organizational awareness-was bold and forward-looking.
Rather than treating the garden as a backdrop, the project positions it as a foundation for experience and research, recognizing that a garden is a living, ever-evolving entity and finding cultural value in that dynamism.
Furthermore, in addressing the contemporary challenges facing Japanese gardens, such as the shortage of skilled gardeners and successors, the project redefines the garden not merely as a tourism asset, but as a place for training and the preservation of traditional techniques, which makes it all the more valuable.”
Earlier this year, the garden was also certified by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as a Natural Symbiosis Site under the Regional Biodiversity Enhancement Act, recognizing its efforts in biodiversity and eco-conscious management.
About Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels with over 70 years of history. The property includes 265 guest rooms/suites, eight restaurants, an executive lounge, 38 meeting/banquet rooms, and a full-service spa with a Japanese onsen. Its award-winning garden has a wide variety of botanicals, including more than 100 cherry trees and 1,000 camellia trees. The standout feature of the garden is the ‘Tokyo Sea of Clouds,’ a recreation of the natural phenomenon that can usually only be found in the mountainous regions of Japan. The hotel is owned and managed by Fujita Kanko Inc., a publicly-traded tourism industry corporation headquartered in Tokyo.
New Boutique Hotel Opens With Upscale Amenities, Equestrian-Inspired Design, Destination Dining and Rooftop Views Unlike Any Other in Chico
CHICO, Calif., October 30, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– The Oxford Collection, a family-owned and operated portfolio of boutique and suite-style hotels across the West Coast, has officially opened Hotel Katerina in Chico, California. Located at 1930 Baney Lane, this four-story, 112-room property blends refined design and modern comfort with the signature hospitality the Oxford Collection is known for.
Hotel Katerina is the third boutique hotel in the growing Oxford Collection portfolio, which includes the award-winning Oxford Hotel Bend in Oregon and Arctic Club Hotel in Seattle, Washington. Thoughtfully developed by the Oxford Collection, the property marks a sophisticated new chapter for Northern California’s lodging scene. Drawing inspiration from equestrian tradition, it features rich leather details, classic black-and-white tiling, and curated artwork that reflects a timeless yet inviting California lifestyle.
Elevated Experiences: Dining, Views and Gatherings
Hotel Katerina features Rancher’s Daughter, a restaurant showcasing locally sourced ingredients and an inventive take on modern California cuisine. Guests and locals alike can enjoy an approachable yet elevated menu in a warm, inviting setting that pays homage to the region’s agricultural heritage.
The hotel also includes a rooftop bar offering panoramic foothill views and an experience unlike any other in Chico. With hand-crafted cocktails, a curated wine list, and a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, the rooftop bar provides a memorable setting for both intimate evenings and lively gatherings.
For special events, weddings, and corporate functions, Hotel Katerina offers more than 5,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space – among the largest in Chico. Supported by state-of-the-art technology, customizable catering from Rancher’s Daughter, and a dedicated event services team, gatherings at Hotel Katerina are designed to be seamless, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Designed for Comfort and Connection
Spanning more than 83,000 square feet, the hotel combines unique amenities that surprise and delight. Guests enjoy spacious King and Two-Queen suites, an outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, sauna, and steam room, along with a lobby lounge designed for both productivity and relaxation.
Distinctive in-room touches include Crosley turntables with curated vinyl records, Fellow pour-over kits featuring locally roasted Stoble Coffee, and a soap menu offering handmade bars from local artisan Karita’s Soap. Complimentary cruiser bikes, in-room dining, and cozy design elements throughout encourage guests to slow down, reconnect, and savor their stay.
A Commitment to Community and Growth
“We’ve spent years planning and dreaming about what this property could bring to Chico,” said owner Curt Baney. “Hotel Katerina reflects the values we hold dear: exceptional service, thoughtful design, and deep ties to the communities we serve.”
With its grand opening now complete, Hotel Katerina expands the accommodations available under the trusted Oxford Collection brand. The portfolio now includes 17 properties across Oregon, Washington, California, and Idaho. Each location complements the spirit of its surroundings while delivering a consistently remarkable guest experience.
Oxford Collection is an independent, family-run hotel group with properties in Oregon, California, Washington, and Idaho. Visit www.oxfordcollection.com for more information.
Traveling to Kenya for business or for a short time, and would still love to explore? A day safari to Hell’s Gate National Park would be the perfect thing for you. You can experience the beauty of a safari and explore a bit of the country, all in a day.
In this article, we look at Hell’s Gate National Park, a world heritage site and a great destination only 2-2.5 hours away from the national capital, Nairobi. We’ll also give you a few tips on what you need for the trip, and recommend other things you can do during your day trip.
Here’s an overview:
What Is Hell’s Gate National Park?
Hell’s Gate National Park is one of the unique game parks in Kenya. It is situated in Naivasha town, which is also famous for one of the Rift Valley lakes- Lake Naivasha, and covers a total of 68.25 km² (26 sq mi). This region is famous for its intense prehistoric and modern tectonic and volcanic activities, including volcanic eruptions, active geysers and more.
The uniqueness of this region gave rise to the Hell’s Gate National Park, whose name is very unique. At the moment, the origin of the name ‘Hell’s Gate’ is contentious, with some people saying that it was named by the local Maasai tribe, whose tribesmen were buried alive when the nearby Mt.Longonot erupted. Local legends say that after the tragedy, the tribe called the area ‘Enee Meneng’a’, which was later translated by settlers as ‘Hell’.
Another school of thought says the name comes from two late 19th-century explorers, Fischers and Thompson, who, when they saw the narrow cliffs in the geyser- and gorge-filled park, felt they looked like a gateway to Hell.
Regardless of the name’s origin, Hell’s Gate is considered a park unlike others in Kenya for its beautiful landscape, geysers, cliffs, and geothermal steam rising from cracks in the ground. Making it a beautiful place to visit.
Did you know: Hell’s Gate National Park inspired the imagery for The Lion King, especially Pride Rock. No Lions can currently be found in the park, though.
What You Need to Keep in Mind for Your Day Trip to Hell’s Gate National Park
Before going to Hell’s Gate National Park, there are a few things to tick off your checklist. These include;
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing: As you are going to a park, it is highly recommended that you wear comfortable clothing. Ensure you have shoes with a good grip, preferably hiking shoes, a hat, and comfortable shorts or pants. Since the region is a bit warmer than other places in the country, remember to carry your sunscreen and a light jacket for your trip back.
Check the season: Hell’s Gate is known for its prehistoric river, which has carved out a beautiful gorge. However, this gorge can also be a dangerous hike during the rainy season and it can experience flash floods that have caused injury and death in the past. It is important to check the season and what activities you can experience comfortably while in the park.
Carry cash for food, tips, and souvenirs: While Kenya is technologically advanced as compared to many countries, you will still need to have some cash at hand, preferably in the local currency. This will make it easier for you to make purchases like souvenirs or even tip the local traditional dancers and staff.
In case you have any questions, always remember to ask your travel guide or staff at the park.
Getting to Hell’s Gate National Park
Hell’s Gate is approximately 120 km away from Nairobi, and 102 km from Nakuru. The drive will take you a maximum of 3 hours, if you include stops.
If you are coming from Nairobi, your tour provider will drive you to Naivasha town. The drive is picturesque and includes stunning views of the Great Rift Valley, a deep crevice in the earth’s surface caused by faulting which runs from Mozambique to Syria in Asia. During the drive, you will also see shops selling souvenirs at various viewpoints, which allow you to shop while taking in the beauty of the Rift Valley.
You will see various towns, including Limuru, and observe the different activities that occur along the way, including farming and the vending of products. 1.5 hours later, you will get to Naivasha town, famously known as the ‘Happy Valley’ during colonial times. The town is also home to the major flower farms in Kenya and is one of the main flower suppliers in the world.
Once you reach the town, you will keep going until you reach your final destination, Hell’s Gate National Park.
Things to Do at Hell’s Gate National Park
With its dramatic scenery, towering cliffs, gorges, and geothermal features, the park offers a range of thrilling activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Cycling Safari
One of the most unique experiences at Hell’s Gate is cycling through the park, making it the only park in Kenya where you can bike through. Bikes are available for rent at the park entrance, allowing visitors to ride along dirt roads flanked by zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and warthogs.
The terrain is relatively flat, making it suitable for most fitness levels, and the ride offers an intimate way to experience wildlife up close.
Rock Climbing
Hell’s Gate is a rock climber’s paradise. The park is home to two iconic volcanic plugs, Fischer’s Tower and Central Tower, which are popular for climbing. Fischer’s Tower is especially well-known for beginner-friendly routes, while more experienced climbers can take on challenging ascents up the cliffs and towers.
Local guides are available for hire, and equipment can be rented nearby. Remember to carry your hiking gear and comfortable wear if you are interested in this activity.
Hiking the Famous Hell’s Gate Gorge
The dramatic Hell’s Gate Gorge, carved by water and wind over thousands of years, offers guided hikes through narrow rock passages, past hot springs, and small waterfalls.
The gorge is famous for its rugged beauty and was a filming location for Disney’s ‘The Lion King’. Some parts can be slippery or steep, so guided hikes are recommended for safety and context. It is also prone to flooding and would require working with the local guides to help you decide when and where to hike.
Wildlife Viewing
Though Hell’s Gate lacks large predators, it hosts a variety of wildlife. Visitors can spot gazelles, buffalos, elands, baboons, and over 100 species of birds, including vultures, eagles, and the rare lammergeier. The absence of carnivores makes it safe to explore on foot or by bike, offering a more interactive safari experience.
The park is part of the East African Rift Valley, known for its geothermal activity. Visitors can explore hot springs and steam vents, especially near the Olkaria Geothermal Station. The steaming landscape adds a surreal element to the park’s natural beauty and highlights Kenya’s renewable energy efforts.
Whether you’re cycling beside zebras, scaling volcanic cliffs, or trekking through ancient gorges, Hell’s Gate National Park offers an unforgettable adventure that blends outdoor activity with raw natural beauty.
Additional Activities You can Check out Near Hells Gate National Park
Beyond Hell’s Gate National Park, Naivasha is packed with exciting activities that highlight its rich landscapes, wildlife, and geothermal wonders. Here are some other experiences while visiting the area:
Visit Crescent Island Game Sanctuary
Located on Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island is a peaceful haven for wildlife and nature lovers. You can walk among free-roaming animals like giraffes, zebras, impalas, and wildebeests in a predator-free environment. The island also offers fantastic birdwatching and scenic lake views, making it ideal for photography and quiet nature walks.
Explore Olkaria Geothermal Spa
Situated within Hell’s Gate National Park, the Olkaria Geothermal Spa is the first of its kind in Africa. The naturally heated pools are rich in minerals and known for their therapeutic properties. After a day of outdoor adventure, soaking in the warm waters is the perfect way to unwind while enjoying views of steam vents and the surrounding Rift Valley landscape.
Tour a Local Flower Farm
Naivasha is Kenya’s flower capital, producing millions of blooms for export. Several flower farms offer guided tours where visitors can learn about greenhouse farming, hydroponics, and the export process. It’s a fascinating and off-the-beaten-path activity that also supports local agriculture and employment.
Getting Back Home
After a day at the park, you can head back to your destination using the same route or request the alternative Mai Mahiu route if you’re heading to Nairobi.
A day’s visit to Hell’s Gate National Park is a great way to explore Kenya if you’re pressed for time.
Pega Tours makes exploring Kenya an unforgettable adventure without stretching your budget. The friendly team knows all the best spots – from stunning landscapes to incredible wildlife and rich local cultures. With custom itineraries, expert guides, and smooth planning, we take care of the details so you can just enjoy the experience.
Pega Tours makes exploring Kenya an unforgettable adventure without stretching your budget. The friendly team knows all the best spots – from stunning landscapes to incredible wildlife and rich local cultures. With custom itineraries, expert guides, and smooth planning, we take care of the details so you can just enjoy the experience.
