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Tag: DoubleTree by Hilton

Apprenticeship scheme a winner for North Somerset hotel

Feb. 06 2012 Employment, Latest News no comments

DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House Snow Apprenticeship scheme a winner for North Somerset hotelA top hotel in North Somerset is celebrating the success of its apprenticeship scheme as another of its participants secures full-time employment at the venue.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House currently has 11 apprentices working in all aspects of the business, some of whom may go on to full-time positions.

The latest success story, Carl Redwood, now works on reception at the four-star hotel, and is to be featured on a promotional video being made by Weston College, to encourage more youngsters to choose the route.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House general manager Colin Badcock said: “We find the apprenticeship scheme works fantastically well for us. Not only does it give young people the chance to get out there and gain invaluable experience within a business like ours, but we have met some amazing talent over the years and ended up making them a permanent part of the team.

“We employ apprentices in all areas of the business from the restaurant and the hotel to the health club and the spa. Carl is just one of our success stories but there have been many more and we are always looking for opportunities to take more on.

“Apprentices bring fresh energy and skills to our organisation and it has been great to work closely with Weston College on this scheme.”

The promotional video will be shown by Weston College to prospective students, parents and businesses to highlight how the scheme could benefit them.

For more information about the venue visit www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk

 

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New Group for Women in Business

Jan. 27 2012 Latest News no comments
Philippa New Group for Women in Business

Phillipa Constable

A networking and business support group for women is launching in North Somerset on February 28 at Cadbury House in Congresbury.

The North Somerset group of WomenMeanBiz is inviting local business women who are either running their own business, thinking of starting a business, or work in a senior or managerial role within a local company.

The group is being launched by Philippa Constable, founder member of WomenMeanBiz, who has previously started and currently runs other vibrant groups in Bristol and Bath.

Ms Constable is launching the group with the aim of nurturing the talents of women in business.

“I want women to achieve their goals and dreams in business and we offer a fantastic support network to help them.”

The group will meet once a month for a networking, boardroom-style meeting which features a guest speaker and a “business surgery” where members can brain-storm ideas and can get guidance from others in the group about a particular business issue.

To find our more information and to book to attend – http://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/weston-super-mare/BookingForm.htm

 

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Burns night at Cadbury House

Jan. 03 2012 Charity, Events no comments

DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House Snow Burns night at Cadbury HouseA traditional evening of Haggis, whisky and bagpipes in celebration of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns is taking place at the region’s premier hotel.

The charity event is taking place on Saturday 21 January at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in Congresbury where guests will not only be able to tuck into some delicious Haggis, neeps and tatties but enjoy the sounds of a 10-piece pipe band which will give the evening a true Scottish flavour.

Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotlandand his birthday, which is on 25th, is traditionally celebrated worldwide in late January.

The evening at Cadbury House, which is raising money for the Guide Dogs, will follow many of the traditions that has made Burns Night such an important date on the Scottish calendar.

After grace the supper will start with a traditional Scottish soup. This will be followed by the arrival of the haggis which will be brought in on a large plate by the head chef supported by the pipers.

The cutting of the haggis will be accompanied by Burns’ famous poem, Address to a Haggis with plenty of wee drams to help the proceedings go smoothly!

Colin Badcock, general manager at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House said: “Burns suppers are great occasions. There are lots of traditions and we hope to hold true to many of these during our own Burns night.

“To have a 10-piece piper band on hand will make the evening a spectacular affair and we of course want as many guests to wear kilts.

“It is also great to help support the Guide Dogs and we hope to raise as much money as possible for such a worthy cause.”

The evening will also include a puppy parade and conclude with a disco finishing at 1am.

For further information please visit http://www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk or call 01934 834 343.

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Former apprentice moves up the food chain to become head chef

Dec. 19 2011 Employment, Latest News no comments
Neil Wrigley Former apprentice moves up the food chain to become head chef

Neil Wrigley

Local man Neil Wrigley has successfully worked his way up the ranks to become head chef at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in Congresbury.

Neil has worked at the four-star hotel in North Somerset for the past six years, starting as an apprentice in the kitchen before being made a chef within the events department.

He soon became head chef in events and has now been appointed as the head chef at the exclusive Marco Pierre White eatery.

Neil, who lives in Weston-super-Mare, trained at Weston College, studying Pro Cooking and undertaking an NVQ course in Hospitality Management.

He said: “Working in the kitchens at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House has taught me a lot about catering at a very high standard. It is a four-star boutique hotel so the food always has to reflect that and I love creating dishes that people expect to find in venues like ours.

“My passion has always been for food and cooking so it’s a huge honour for me to now be head chef at such a fantastic restaurant and to be working under a culinary legend like Marco Pierre White.

“The thing I love most about my job is creating the interesting and delicious seasonal dishes for our specials menus. It gives me the chance to be creative and play around with flavours. I am very lucky that at Marco Pierre White’s I am able to use the best fresh local produce.”

Food and beverage manager Sarah Warren said: “It is fantastic that Neil has worked his way up from an apprentice to the head chef position. His flair and creativity as well as his skill in the kitchen is proving a massive hit with customers already and we are looking forward to seeing what he’s going to do next!”

For menus and further information on the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill Bristol visit www.mpwsteakhousebristol.co.uk or call 01934 839 019.

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Two new members of staff join club team

Dec. 07 2011 Employment 1 comment
Anna Montgomery and Sarah Cleave Two new members of staff join club team

Anna Montgomery and Sarah Cleave

The region’s premier health club and spa has appointed two new members of staff to help with its on-going growth and membership.

Anna Montgomery and Sarah Cleave have joined the team at theclub at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House which has enjoyed continued success throughout 2011.

Anna who comes from Worle has joined the award-winning club as sales advisor while Sarah, who comes from Bristol, has joined as senior sales advisor.

Sarah, has previous experience in the health and fitness industry, previously working as a membership consultant at Esporta in Bristol and a fitness instructor and sports administrator at the Centre for Sports Exercise and Health at the University of Bristol. While there she also completed an MSc in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health.

She said: “I’ve always had a passion for sports and health and fitness. I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering, coaching and playing sports so to work for a big player in the industry is great.

“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in to my new role. I’ll be concentrating on generating corporate business sales but I think it will be an easy sell as theclub has some really fantastic facilities.”

Anna began working at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House as a shift leader on the reception desk of the hotel. Since moving over to the health club, her Business Studies HNC course has been helping her with all aspects of the business.

She said: “I have always been a keen gym-goer so when the health club sales position came up I had to have it! I’m really passionate about keeping fit so I have been loving every minute of my new role. I will be working closely with the hotel team and the web team to try to expand the business and of course I’ll still be popping to the gym in my spare time!”

One of the largest independent health clubs in the UK, facilities at the award-winning club include state-of-the-art gym, 20 metre pool, spa, salon and bistro.

Manager Jason Eaton said: “We have had another fantastic year in 2011 with more members joining and upgrades throughout the club. To support our continued growth we have enlisted Sarah and Anna, who each have backgrounds within the industry.

“At theclub we are constantly upgrading our facilities and equipment with the latest technological advances. This is what makes us one of the leading health clubs in the region and so it is important for us to have the right team to back it up.

“We’re very excited to have Sarah and Anna on board and we’re looking forward to an even healthier 2012!”

For further information on theclub at Doubletree by Hilton, Cadbury House please call 01934 834343 or visit www.theclubandspabristol.co.uk

 

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Cinders returns to Cadbury House for Christmas Pantomime

Nov. 24 2011 Events, Latest News, Leisure no comments
DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House Snow Cinders returns to Cadbury House for Christmas Pantomime

DoubleTree by Hilton

DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House will be filled with magic, fairytale and fun this Christmas as its award-winning health club puts in place plans for the annual Pantomime.

Taking place on Wednesday 28 December this year’s production is to be the much loved classic – Cinderella.

The show is being staged by Castaway Pantomime Company in thegreatroom at thehotel between 12 and 2pm or 3 and 5pm, with children of all ages welcome.

Children’s imaginations will be captured by the story of Cinderella; they will meet all the usual characters including Buttons, Cinderella, the larger than life Ugly Sister and the Wicked Stepmother who will keep the kids booing and hissing throughout.

Cinderella is full of magical scenes, modern songs, spectacular costumes and a professional cast and crew. The show also features the Castaway mascot Chaz the Cat, who offers added entertainment.

Manager of theclub Jason Eaton said: “Pantomime is so much fun for all the family and is a great thing to do together at Christmas. Following last year’s success we’re really looking forward to this year’s performance.”

With a limited number of tickets available Jason is recommending anyone wanting to share the magic of the show to get in touch soon.

He added: “With comedy and adventure the children will be thoroughly entertained throughout the two-hour show. Interaction is guaranteed so expect lots of shouting, cheering and booing and from previous years’ experience the parents enjoy it as much as the children!

“This year there will also be a 30-minute meet and greet session after each performance, where children will have the chance to meet the characters from the show.”

Tickets for the show are £5 for members of theclub and £6 for non-members with children’s tickets costing £4 for members and £4.50 for non-members. The show lasts for two hours with an interval mid-way through the show.

Tickets are available from theclub reception. For more information please call 01934 834 343 or visit www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk

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Beans means bounce for Children In Need

Nov. 21 2011 Charity no comments
Beans Nov 2011 010 225x300 Beans means bounce for Children In Need

Accounts Assistant Cassie Glover

Staff at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in Congresbury have been on a mission to raise £1,500 for Children in Need through a series of yuk-inspiring stunts.

Accounts assistant Cassie Glover volunteered to sit in a bathtub of beans in the main reception, while male colleagues were specially selected for a complimentary chest wax.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House general manager Colin Badcock said staff have been pushing the bath out as part of the nationwide Children in Need beananza which is taking place today.

He said: “Cassie has just joined us and it’s something of a tradition here that our newcomers are offered first pick of our charity support schemes. She had her arm well and truly twisted to agree to be submerged in a bath of cold beans for half-an-hour – as long as we hit the £1,500 target!”

The kitchens at the four-star venue get through a massive seven tons of beans every year and just a fraction were needed to fill the bath – which will take pride of place in the main reception on the big day.

Colin added: “We get through a lot of beans here at Cadbury House and our suppliers Holdsworth have donated 150kilos to fill the bath.”

Guests can rest assured the used beans won’t end up on their plates as the sloppy slurry will be heading down the road to Stuart Warren a local pig farm as a winter treat for the pigs now that Cassie has completed her diabolical dunking.

Anyone wanting to donate can visit www.justgiving.com/cadburyhouse

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Thumbs the word for gym users

Oct. 26 2011 Latest News, Leisure no comments

Club Manager Jason with member1 Thumbs the word for gym usersParched fitness enthusiasts in North Somerset are now just a thumb print away from quenching their thirsts.

That’s because the region’s leading health club has introduced a vending machine with a difference.

Introduced at theclub at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House, in Congresbury, it is the first health club in the South West to install the Aquarino drinks dispenser which is operated by merely scanning in a thumb print.

The new self-service machine, introduced from Germany, means for a flat fee of £1.99 a week members can drink as much as they like.

“theclub has a reputation for always being among the first in the country to introduce innovative technology,” said manager Jason Eaton.

“The Aquarino self-service drinks station is no exception and is going to make a big change to the way members top up with liquids.

“With reportedly 80 per cent of gym-goers being poorly hydrated, the machine is going to make it a whole lot easier to stay refreshed.

“The machine is programmed to recognise thumb prints which means members can top up whenever they like.”

Described as ‘intelligent hydration’ the Aquarino IQ chrome drinks system is a light mineral beverage that contains added vitamins and comes in flavours including lemon, cherry, pineapple, raspberry and strawberry.

“Keeping hydrated when you’re working out is essential,” added Jason. “It means increased performance and reduced recovery time.

“Aquarino also has fewer calories than the main sports drinks and is said to be the most cost-effective mineral drink you can buy. It’s going to make a huge difference for our members and help them reach their goals far more effectively.”

Drink is dispensed in either 750 ml bottles or by the cup. The machine is programmed to allow the user to top up again after 30 minutes.

theclub, which is set within the grounds of the deluxe four-star DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, is a large air-conditioned gym fitted out with Technogym and Star Trac equipment.

For further information on theclub at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House call: 01934 834343 or visit www.theclubandspabristol.co.uk

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Marco Pierre White’s gift for festive party planners

Oct. 19 2011 Latest News, Leisure no comments

MPW Steakhouse Bar Grill b Marco Pierre Whites gift for festive party plannersOrganisers of staff and office Christmas parties across the South West will be able to dine in style in the New Year should they book their company knees up at the region’s premier hotel.

The mouth watering offer has been put in place at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in Congresbury and includes a complimentary table for two in the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill for organisers of staff Christmas celebrations*.

It will mean those in charge of staff festive frivolities will be able to re-visit the four-star venue and enjoy a sumptuous meal in the renowned restaurant which is located in the hotel.

Colin Badcock, general manager said: “Anyone who has organised staff office parties knows how difficult it can be, so we’ve put this offer in place as a thank you for all those who are in charge of making the arrangements this Christmas and put in all the hard work to make it happen.

“Christmas is all about celebration and we want all our guests to enjoy themselves to the max, including the organisers.

“The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill has already established itself as one of the region’s premier eateries and to have the chance to eat in a restaurant of one of the country’s most influential chefs is an opportunity not to be missed.

“Christmas at Cadbury House is a magical experience. We have a full programme of events which will fit most office requests from small intimate get-togethers to something on a much grander scale.”

With the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill now managed under the expert eye of Mimmo Pomo, those who make the most of this offer will be able to see for themselves why the restaurant is fast becoming one of the region’s most favoured eateries.

With the great man being a great advocate of locally produced, ethically reared and grown ingredients, much of the meat served is source from Somerset farms and his fish from nearby Devon and Cornwall. Even West Country cheeses and home county beers (Butcombe Blond) and ciders (Gaymers and Thatchers Gold) make an appearance.

For further information on Christmas events at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House please visit www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk/6/christmas

For menus and further information on the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill Bristol visit www.mpwsteakhousebristol.co.uk or call 01934 839 019.

* Offer applies for those booking a Christmas Party Night for 10 or more guests. Offer applies to bookings made during October. Three-course dinner to be taken in January 2012 from the daily menu and does not include wine / drinks.

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New sales chief makes herself at home at Cadbury House

Oct. 11 2011 Employment, Latest News no comments

Elaine De Paola sales manager DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House a2 291x300 New sales chief makes herself at home at Cadbury HouseHotel industry high flyer Elaine De Paola has been appointed as sales manager at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House near Congresbury.

Elaine, who has worked in the hotel industry since leaving college, has widespread experience across the UK and joins for four-star venue having worked for the Ramada Hotels chain.

She said: “Although I have worked all over the UK from Cornwall to Scotland I am  especially fond of the West Country and am absolutely delighted to have the chance to make a difference at Cadbury House.

“When the opportunity came from general manager Colin Badcock to come and work with him at Cadbury House it was just too good to miss.”

Elaine started in the industry straight after college working in Cornwall and Scotland for privately run hotels.

She then spent 12 years in Retail/PR for an American company before deciding she really missed hotels and applied to work with Jarvis Hotels in the Midlands.

Elaine added: “I stayed with Jarvis for 16 years and helped oversee many changes including the takeover by Ramada Hotels.

“Cadbury House has gained an enviable reputation across the industry. It is totally unique and is the only venue of its kind that can offer four-star accommodation, premier conference facilities, a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill and health club and spa all within the same grounds.

“In addition there is no other venue that can offer parking for up to 350 cars making it the ideal venue for many corporate conferences and meetings.

“I am already enjoying the role and the challenges it has already thrown up. As an independently owned venue it is very different from the Ramada portfolio and I am looking forward to seeing the sales grow!”

For more information please call 01934 834343 or visit the website at www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk

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