discoverhogarthsSpecial Feature: Exciting times ahead at Hogarths Stone Manor see centre pages

+ inside...Star PerformanceIt’s official! Hogarths is simply outstanding all round - see p4 for details.

Marriages made in heaven

Tying the knot at Hogarths is simply

what dreams are made of - find out

more on p8.

Winter 2015/16

Regular Features...A Taste of Hogarths Hogarths Highlights Meet the Team Hogarths Happenings

A marriage made in heaven! Tablelinen to match your wedding colours.

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Hogarths Solihull has been our treasured baby for over a decade and continues to go from strength to strength. Now we’re delighted to welcome a new arrival to the family! We’ve recently become the proud owners of Stone Manor, a beautiful country house retreat located just outside Kidderminster, set in 27 acres of stunning landscaped gardens.

I have fond memories of visiting Stone Manor as a child and I’m excited that our plans to transform it into a luxurious

contemporary hotel while retaining its

unique charm and elegance, will shortly be

taking shape – allowing new generations to create memories as individual and magical as mine.

I hope that you enjoy discovering Hogarths as you turn the pages of this magazine. Inside you’ll read about some of the latest happenings at both hotels and get to know more about our staff, all of whom are committed to ensuring your visit not only meets, but exceeds your expectations.

Welcome to the first edition of our brand new magazine ‘Discover Hogarths’. We’re delighted to be celebrating all that Hogarths has to offer at such an exciting time.

welcometo hogarths Inside this issue...

Star Performance P4

Meet the Team P5

5* plans for Stone Manor P6&7

Marriages made in heaven P8

Conferences & Team Building P9

Hogarths Happenings P10

Hogarths Highlights P11

Discover Hogarths is produced by Barbryn Ltd. www.barbryn.co.uk susan@barbryn.co.uk

discoverhogarths2

Join us at either hotel for lunch during January and February and get one meal half price when eating from the main menu. Discount will be taken off the lowest price meal.

Special New Year Offer

Helena Hogarth

Alex Alexandrov, Head Chef at Hogarths Solihull, believes using the freshest ingredients is the key to success.

He says: “Sourcing fine local produce is a top priority of ours and we use seasonal produce wherever possible, sourced from trusted local suppliers.

“Our dairy produce, for example, comes from Grovewood Farm Dairy in Hopwood, we source bakery products from Wedges Bakery & Delicatessen in Hockley Heath

and our sausages come from family business, AW Lashford and Sons.

By sourcing produce locally, we can ensure it’s as fresh as

possible for our diners.

Orchard Eggs, the family-run business in

Chadwick End which supplies free-range

eggs, has seen demand from Hogarths

increase by more than 10 per cent each

month since 2014. Owners Angela and Jon

Cloke are now supplying up to 1,200 eggs a week!

Other top Midlands suppliers who provide Hogarths with high quality food and drink include wholesale catering butcher, Midland Foods in Bromsgrove;

Birmingham’s leading independent drinks

wholesaler, Swallow Drinks in Bartley

Green and wine retailer, The Perfect Cellar.

a tasteof hogarthsWhether you’re enjoying Afternoon Tea, a business lunch, a relaxed dinner with friends or a special family gathering, fabulous food and fine dining is always on the menu at Hogarths.

3Winter 2015/16

Lemon Sole and Mussel Broth (Serves 4)

Ingredients:1 green pepper (finely diced)1 yellow pepper (finely diced)1 red pepper (finely diced)1 fennel bulb (finely diced)1 courgette (finely diced)2 spring onions (thinly sliced)3 tomatoes (deskinned, deseeded and diced)50g chives (finely chopped)300g butter (cut into cubes)100ml fish stock50ml white wine20 mussels (cleaned and washed) - 5 per portion4 lemon sole fillets (deskinned and deboned)salt and pepper to taste fresh lemon juice to taste

Try this at home...

Method: 1. Place a pan onto a medium heat. When it’s hot, add the mussels, courgettes, peppers and fennel.

2. Add the white wine and fish stock then cover with a lid and cook until the mussels are opened. This takes around five minutes. 3. Once the mussels are open and the vegetables are tender, add the butter a few cubes at a time, shaking the pan gently on the heat to make sure that the butter emulsifies with the mussel liquid.

4. Place the lemon sole fillets into the pan then turn the heat down to medium low and simmer for four minutes until the fish becomes firm to the touch. 5. Add the spring onions, chives, tomatoes, salt and pepper and lemon juice. Leave to cook for a further minute.

6. To serve, place five mussels around the bowl with a spoon of the vegetables in the centre.

7. Place the fish on top of the vegetables and pour in the butter sauce.

It’s official! Hogarths is simply outstanding all round.

starperformance

discoverhogarths

The hotel was awarded the coveted AA Four Silver Stars crown for the first time in recognition of its superior level of quality and high standards of hotel keeping including hospitality, service and cleanliness. Hotels must already hold an AA Rosette for the quality of their food, which Hogarths achieved last year.

The whole team at Hogarths Solihull was

selected as a winner in the 2015 Hotel &

Spa Awards for Hotel and Restaurant of

the Year in Birmingham. These prestigious

awards shine the spotlight on those who

endeavour to exceed their customers’

expectations with exceptional service.

Hogarths Solihull was named the Best

Luxury Hotel in the Midlands and the Consumer’s Choice Best Fine Dining for its Brasserie at the Global Product & Service Awards 2015.

For the fifth year in a row, Hogarths received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for consistently receiving outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site.

The Best Use of Innovation title was awarded to Hogarths at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

annual awards for its expertise in business and hospitality.

Hogarths was declared Hotel Restaurant of the Year in the Midlands category at the inaugural Food Awards England and Wales. The awards recognise culinary brilliance and are voted for by the general public.

Hogarths Hotels were shortlisted for Best Employers in Hospitality 2015 and are now ranked in the Top 30 Best Employers in Hospitality in the UK.

Hogarths was also highly commended in the finals of the Employer of the Year category of the Midlands Family Business Awards 2015 which celebrate the region’s family businesses.

Helena HogarthOur award winning service includes:

Bespoke Wedding Design & Co-Ordination | Wedding Day Management

Sourcing: Venue/Marquee/Suppliers | Venue Styling/Chair Covers

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Let Harmony Weddings plan yourmemorable event.

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During 2015, Hogarths Solihull has been awarded six regional, national and global

awards, as well as being shortlisted for a further two prestigious titles. These impressive

accolades are all in recognition of the outstanding excellence of Hogarths’ staff, its

hospitality, its food and dining, its service and the first class guest experience it provides.

4

Group General Manager, Steven Quick, has been leading our experienced and dedicated team at Hogarths Solihull for almost two years.

He says: “The key to any great hotel is the people – they are the keystone of everything we do. I am very lucky to work every day with a fantastic team of people who go out of their way to deliver great service in a genuine way to our customers.”

Steven, who has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, has run hotels across the UK and was previously Regional General Manager and Head of Business Development for Macdonald Hotels.

He was delighted to welcome former Macdonald colleague Beverley Molmans, who most recently managed the 4-red star Macdonald Windsor Hotel, as the new General Manager at Hogarths Stone Manor.

“I am very proud to be associated with this fabulous hotel and looking forward to playing my part in bringing it back to its former glory,” says Beverley.

“I am also excited to build on the experienced existing team, some of whom have worked here for over 30 years, whilst also bringing in new people to help us achieve the highest possible standards and levels of customer service.”

meetthe teamIntroducing our General ManagersWhatever your reason for visiting Hogarths, no-one is more committed to ensuring your stay is perfect in every way than our General Managers.

5Winter 2015/16

Our team at Hogarths Stone Manor combines the extensive experience of individuals like Salvatore Barranca, who’s been a familiar face in the restaurant for more than 30 years, with the passion and enthusiasm of fresh faces like our new Executive Head Chef, Paul Harris.

Sicily-born Salvatore joined the team at

Stone Manor 33 years ago and says he

simply loves it! “I’ve really enjoyed working

at Stone Manor

over the years

– that’s why I’ve

stayed so long

– and I’m very

excited about

the changes

happening in

2016.

“Both the building and the people here will always have a very special place in my heart.”

Executive Head Chef, Paul Harris, started at Stone Manor in April 2015, coming from Alveston Manor Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he successfully maintained the restaurant’s prestigious AA Rosette.

Paul’s style of food is modern British, with a simple twist, and his personal favourites include Shoulder of Lamb Ballotine wrapped with Oxspring Ham, Roasted Fennel and Salt-baked Celeriac.

Paul, who married his fiancée Carolann earlier this year, but had to postpone his honeymoon because he was busy starting work at Stone Manor, says: “Stone Manor

is an amazing place. It’s such a beautiful building with so much history attached. I’m delighted to be here and to be a part of its future.”

Familiar and fresh faces at Stone Manor

At Hogarths, we understand that service is key and we love to reward our staff members who really go that extra mile for our guests. If you feel that a team member has exceeded expectation, please let us know and we will reward them with a golden ticket and a prize for delivering great hospitality.

Guests reward the team

5* plans forstone manorIt’s time to put the historic Stone Manor Hotel back on the map!That’s the view of General Manager, Beverley Molmans, who says she couldn’t be more excited about plans for the luxury Worcestershire hotel, which became part of the Hogarths family earlier this year.

A major refurbishment programme will begin in the New Year, with the emphasis on celebrating the rich history of Stone Manor whilst ensuring a more classic, contemporary feel in keeping with the modern aspirations of today’s guests.

Stone Manor originally dates back to the Doomsday book but was rebuilt in 1926 after being destroyed by fire. It stands proudly in 27 acres of stunning woodland grounds which are providing much of the

inspiration for the makeover. Trevillion Interiors, who have already brought classic elegance to Hogarths Solihull, are the design experts behind the transformation and a palette of greens, aubergine and charcoal has been selected to bring the colours of the fabulous gardens inside.

“Our overwhelming influence is the gardens because they’re just so beautiful,” explains Design Director,

Frances Blackham. “We’ll be introducing lots of glass to the rear of the hotel to really show them off.”

Beverley adds: “So many people in this area have such fond memories of special times at Stone Manor and we are very excited about our plans to restore the hotel to a standard of which Kidderminster can be truly proud.

“I am very much looking forward to welcoming people back to Stone Manor, perhaps after many years, as well as introducing new guests to this historic gem of a hotel as it continues on its journey to becoming one of the finest Country House hotels in the UK.”

discoverhogarths6

7Winter 2015/16

The exciting plans include:• A new-look reception, with an area for couples to discuss wedding

their plans

• A more inclusive dining environment, with a new private dining area

• Refurbishment of the majority of the 56 bedrooms and suites

• Restoration of many original features throughout the hotel, such as antique fireplaces and timber panelling, to enhance its unique character

The hotel will remain open throughout the refurbishment, which is expected to be completed by end of May 2016. Pop in as usual – and let us know if you’d like a tour around!

Business as usual!

www.mandmr.co.uk

M&MR enjoy working in partnership with Hogarths to deliver quality corporate events in and around their stunning venues.

Whatever you're looking for - conference production and audio visual support, leadership and management events, team building activities, communication exercises,

activity days, corporate entertainment or event theming – M&MR can offer the ideal solution.

If you have an enquiry, please call us on 01295 770933, or email enquiry@mandmr.co.uk and one of the team will be delighted to assist you.

Award winning wines from £8 at Perfect Cellar,

Curator of the hidden gems from around the world.

Receive £50 off your First Case!

Visit www.perfectcellar.com

marriages

discoverhogarths8

Tying the knot at Hogarths is simply what dreams are made of.

We had an amazing day! It was perfect in

every way.Louise and Tom Forrest

Regular Wedding Fayres and Open Evenings are held at both hotels.

Visit www.hogarths.co.uk for details.

Come and get inspired!

Photographs courtesy of Prestige Photography

Thirty-seven years after her parents enjoyed their wedding reception in the Garden Room at Stone Manor, Louise Cotterill took her vows at the same venue during what she describes as “a perfect day”.

Louise married fiancé Thomas Forrest on 3rd October 2015 surrounded by her close family and friends.

“Stone Manor was an obvious choice for our wedding because my parents also chose it. We attended a wedding fayre there and thought

the new Pump Rooms

would be perfect for

our ceremony. You

approach the aisle

by walking through the

perfectly maintained gardens where

you meet your guests all waiting for you

surrounded by such beauty.

“The Patio Room overlooking the rose garden is stunning and has the elegance and romance I wanted to style my wedding around. We are a small, very close family and the Patio Room gave me the intimacy I was looking for, but in such grandeur.”

“Stone Manor didn’t just win Tom and me over - many of our guests have since returned for dinner and afternoon tea!”

9Winter 2015/16

Stone Manor is superbly located, close to J1 of the M42 and J4 of the M5. Birmingham City Centre is just 17 miles away, Worcester 13 miles and Bromsgrove 6 miles. There are also over 400 car parking spaces for delegates.

Don’t forget!

Delegates get their hands dirty at Stone Manor! Drift kart racing, archery and volleyball – these are just some of the fun outdoor activities corporate clients are enjoying at Stone Manor.

Call Mark on 01527 575 141 or email mark@marksmanleisure.co.uk

MARKSMAN LEISURE PROMISES AN EVENT ON TARGETHogarths Stone Manor proved to be the perfect venue for Birmingham Business Group’s annual Clay Shoot. Everyone agreed it was a superb location, followed by an excellent lunch.

• Laser Clay Shooting• Real Clay Shooting• Laser-Tag Combat• Archery Shooting• Rifle Shooting• Indoor Shooting Galleries

www.shooting4fun.co.uk

Private Parties - Works Parties - Stag & Hen Parties

Wedding Parties Product Launches - Exhibitions

Thank You Days - Christmas Parties - Office Parties

conferences& team building

Live event specialists, M&MR, who have worked with Hogarths for a number of years say Stone Manor is proving to be the perfect venue for team building away-days for their clients.

Business Development Manager, Paul Horton explains: “We have a longstanding relationship with Scrivens and we tailor events at Stone Manor to their needs. They have a meeting indoors in the morning and in the afternoon we provide all sorts of activities in the outdoor areas, such as motorised sport, knife throwing and archery, plus games like dodgeball, volleyball and space hopper football on the lawns. It’s great fun!

“Stone Manor is the ideal setting for this kind of corporate event. They have fabulous facilities and are very flexible in terms of how we make use of their indoor and outdoor space. They even enlisted the help of a local farmer recently to have a field cut in preparation for one of our events.”

Hogarths Sales Manager Robert Elliot recognises that being flexible is the key. “We know there’s no such thing as a normal event,” he says. “We are open to all ideas for meetings and conferences, team building events, business lunches and formal dinners. So please get in touch.”

hogarthshappeningsCombining first class entertainment with fine dining has proved the recipe to success for Hogarths and it’s no wonder that events are a sell out success.

“We visit the top showcases and the leading agents to source our entertainment acts,” says Operations Manager, Adam Bessant. “If we’re putting on a tribute show, you can be sure that the artist is one of the best in their field and our comedy acts are all well known names from the stage and screen.”

Recent successes at Hogarths Solihull have included New Jersey Jukebox who are now

on a world tour performing the timeless hits of the Jersey Boys, Europe’s number one Michael Jackson tribute concert, Forever Jackson, and the world’s no. 1 Tina Turner tribute act, Typically Tina, all the way from Los Angeles.

Quarterly comedy nights also attract the top names such as Joe Lycett from 8 out of 10 Cats and Gary Delaney from BBC 2’s Mock the Week. In fact, they’ve proved so

popular that they’ve now been launched at Stone Manor too.

All entertainment is combined with a delicious two course meal and, after the performance, a DJ and dancing until 1am.

discoverhogarths10

Visit www.hogarths.co.uk

for full details of upcoming

events.

Diary DatesThere’s always something exciting happening at Hogarths. Here’s a taster of some of the events we’ve got coming up...

Comedy Night with Joe LycettFriday 22nd January

Burns SupperSaturday 23rd January

Forever JacksonFriday 29th January

Typically Tina Live!Friday 19th February

The Dolly ShowFriday 15th April

Valentines at HogarthsFriday 12th, Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th February

11Winter 2015/16

Dog Lovers WelcomeEach year hundreds of dog owners stay at Hogarths and enjoy exploring the beautiful grounds and parkland which offer picturesque dog walking routes.

A number of packages are available for guests who wish to stay with their dogs and little treats are provided such as dog beds, doggy treats and dog bowls.

Local MP, Caroline Spellman is pictured with guide dogs in training Jeffery and Jerry, and Hogarths Group General Manager Steven Quick, at the launch of The Kennel Club’s annual Be Dog Friendly Awards.

New Outdoor VenueFollowing a £100,000 investment, a superb new corporate entertainment and wedding venue has been created at Stone Manor.

Built on the site of the old swimming pool, the Pump Rooms were completed in June 2015 and feature an ornamental garden and water feature, floodlit terraces and heated gazebos, with a sweeping walkway approach.

They can seat up to 120 people for a civil wedding ceremony and cater for up to 150 for a drinks reception and corporate events. The excellent sound system and neutral décor leave plenty of scope for dressing the venue and choosing entertainment to your personal taste.

hogarthshighlights

She said yes!The first marriage proposal has taken place at Hogarths Solihull’s new Lakehouse!

Developed in the summer, the Lakehouse is based on a South African Breeze House design which embraces the natural beauty of the outdoors to create an all year round outdoor venue.

It offers seating inside for 25 people, plus an outside decking area, which means up to 85 guests can be accommodated.

The Lakehouse overlooks a Victorian fishing lake and is accessed via a winding pathway through beautiful grounds. With such an incredible setting, it’s no surprise that it’s already been chosen as the perfect spot to pop the question!

If you’re planning to propose, make it unforgettable at Hogarths...

Ask for details of our exclusive lunch or dinner packages which include private hire of the romantic, candle-lit Lakehouse or Summer House at Hogarths Solihull or the beautiful Pump Rooms at Hogarths Stone Manor, your own butler and a delicious 3–course meal with cocktails, canapés and champagne.

2016 marks the 300th anniversary of England’s greatest gardener Lancelot

‘Capability’ Brown and Stone Manor is joining stately homes, castles and historic gardens across

the country to celebrate Visit Britain’s 2016 Year of the English Garden.

We have lots of exciting activities planned including:

• Creating a kitchen garden in the large walled garden

• Involving local schools with a scarecrow competition and garden art exhibitions

• Planning and implementing a garden gym so that guests can use the mile- long jogging track and exercise on various pieces of equipment along the way• BBQ and garden party events for all to

enjoy• Celebrating National days like Apple

Day with good old fashioned apple crumbles and a dollop of English custard

Keep an eye on our website for details and come along and get involved.

Celebrating our gardens

Hogarths SolihullFour Ashes Road, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8QEFor Sat Nav use B93 8NB T: 01564 779988 E: enquiries@hogarths.co.ukwww.hogarths.co.uk

Hogarths Stone ManorBromsgrove Road, Stone, Near Kidderminster DY10 4PJT: 01562 777555 E: enquiries@stonemanorhotel.co.ukwww.hogarths.co.uk

GET SOCIAL WITH US

Gift IdeasA Hogarths gift voucher is the perfect way to say thank you or to acknowledge a special birthday or anniversary.

Afternoon tea, lunch or dinner, an overnight stay or a monetary value for the recipient to use as they wish.

Vouchers can be redeemed at either Hogarths hotel.

t: 0121 772 2022 e: info@vauxhallprinting.co.uk

www.vauxhallprinting.co.ukPrinters for Hogarths hotels

Quick turn around at very competitive prices

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