Family-friendly hotels
A new family policy has been introduced at all 21 of Barcelo UK's hotels with the aim of making life as simple as possible for guests with young children. Staff are briefed to 'engage and interact' with children as much as possible and hotels have an early dinner service, games and a 'tuck-in-teddy' service available for young families. A special overnight pack, featuring Barcelo's kids mascot Barcy and including an activity pack, a wash cloth and toothbrush, is given to young guests at check-in and they can also take part in a Barcy treasure hunt around the hotel. Two children up to the age of 16 are also allowed to stay at hotels for free if they share a room with their parents.
Djokovic-inspired menu
With Novak Djokovic's recent tournament success being partly attributed to his gluten-free diet, Little Bay restaurants have decided to create a special gluten-free menu inspired by the tennis player's dietary preferences. Gluten-free pasta, beer and strawberries and cream are being put on the menu at three Little Bay restaurants in London. “This menu will not only benefit those suffering from coeliac disease, but will bring Londoners a new healthy, yet tasty dietary option. If we can get Londoners to be as energetic and successful as Novak, London will be a much happier and healthier place,” said Little Bay restaurateur Peter Ilic.
Independence Day hot-dogs
Camden's live music venue and soul-food restaurant Blues Kitchen is bringing back its annual hot-dog eating contest on American Independence Day. Contestants have half an hour to eat as many hot-dogs as they can with the winner taking home £100 worth of Blues Kitchen vouchers. The venue is also offering customers a free hot-dog if they turn up wearing red, white and blue on the day and a free glass of wine, a beer or a spirit, if they are American and show their passport to prove it.
Electric car charging
The Nottingham Belfry, one of QHotels' UK hotels, has installed an electric car charging station and has launched two special packages for owners of Tesla electric cars to be able to use them. Drivers can charge their car up for £5 or have use of a hotel room complete with light refreshments and internet access for up to four hours for £30 while their car charges. The same is available as an overnight package for those who want to break up their journey for longer, but with a 10 per cent discount on the best room rate. QHotels has one of only 10 Tesla electric charging points currently in the UK and is planning to install another one at its Ashford International hotel.