We were recently invited to the launch of ​MGallery by Sofitel's 'Sensory Storytelling', which is a new concept that will allow guests staying at Francis Hotel, Bath; Castle Hotel, Windsor; and Queen’s Hotel, Cheltenham, to choose their own scent to help create memories that live on past their stay.

It has long been known that scent influences our memories, which is why MGallery by Sofitel has partnered with renowned scent historian Lizzie Ostrom from Odette Toilette, to create three new fragrance collections for each of its UK properties, inspired by the heritage, personality and unique story of each hotel.

Referencing each hotel’s unique positioning and drawing from archival research on eighteenth and nineteenth century perfume formulations, guests will be able to choose their fragrance as a finishing touch for their room or suite. Continuing their Sensory Storytelling journey outside the room, guests can learn about some of the individual notes and materials that make up each scent, via smell and taste through a specially-created cocktail and afternoon tea.

THE FRAGRANCE COLLECTIONS

Working with AccorHotels' perfumery team, Lizzie Ostrom has helped create nine fragrances that each tell a story and bring to life a moment from British cultural history – from the fashionable beauty products of Regency spa towns to a bouquet inspired by the Victoria art of ‘floriography’ and an aroma inspired by Windsor Great Park, each fragrance is grounded in English fragrance heritage.

​Francis Hotel’s ‘Regency Rediscovered’ collection references Bath’s evening cultures of balls, assemblies and entertainment with concoctions evoking signature drinks served at such events from the era. Queen’s Hotel’s ‘Reviving the Source of Her Heritage’ collection brings back the fragrances enjoyed by the cognoscenti of the early 19th century whereas Castle Hotel’s ‘Making a Mark on History’ collection feature recreations of original nineteenth century recipes directly inspired by the Victorian Royalty

SENSORY STORYTELLING GUEST EXPERIENCES

Ensuring the sensory journey does not end in room, each hotel has created a unique signature cocktail and Afternoon Tea heroing particular fragrance notes from its collection. Using key ingredients from Victorian baking, Castle Hotel Windsor’s afternoon tea features honey & orange delices and jasmine sponge cakes, whilst the signature cocktail playfully infuses jasmine and neroli within its serve.

Paying homage to the assemblies and parties that took place, Francis Hotel Bath serves up the ‘Beau Nash’ cocktail, a serve inspired by the man who made Bath society fashionable. In addition, orange blossom & almond cakes and nutmeg shortbread make up the ‘Capillaire High Tea’, which celebrates the ubiquitous Orange Flower used in Regency England. Rosewater was a key and expensive scent used by fashionable women in Cheltenham as a refresher during an evening out. This inspired the ‘Rose Drop’ cocktail which infuses rose syrup with Jinzu Gin served at the famed Montpellier Bar at Queen’s Hotel. Gin sorbet and cinnamon biscuits make up the unique ‘Eau d’Ange Afternoon Tea’, named after a popular fragrant remedy in eighteenth century, referencing Cheltenham’s position as a leading spa town.

​It has been a while since I've graced the terrace of the Sanderson Hotel, so I was excited at the prospect of seeing how they had transformed it for the launch of their Enchanted Hanging Garden.   When we arrived, we were amazed by how some simple lighting and gorgeous flora and fauna displays and living walls really uplifted the space.

My favourite combination was the addition of kaffir lime leaves to the Champagne, which was very fragrant and although it reminded me a bit of green curry, it was gorgeous.   To accompany our Champagne cocktails, we had a selection of tempura bell rock oysters with watermelon, coriander & mint; butternut squash risotto balls with cumin spiced mayonnaise; and salt baked beets with goat’s curd. 

​If you're looking for a great place to have a stylish after-work cocktail in the West End, then we definitely recommend that you head here for a Champagne cocktail or two. 

The Enchanted Hanging Garden runs until Jan 2017.

The Sanderson Hotel
50 Berners Street, London
W1T 3NG 

www.sandersonlondon.com

Wit​h the crowds of summer having subsided, autumn is an ideal time to visit Lake Como with temperatures hovering above 20C degrees and an abundance of delicious seasonal produce specific to Lombardy, including pumpkin pastas, truffles, porcini mushrooms, locally-produced taleggio and Bitto cheese and hearty soups and risottos.

In celebration of this special time of the year, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is introducing a number of mouth-watering gourmet initiatives overseen by the hotel’s prestigious culinary team including Italian icon Gualtiero Marchesi and Executive Chef Osvaldo Presazzi.  Guests will be able to enjoy cookery classes, wine tasting, vineyard tours, new seasonal menus and the local Tremezzina Gastronomic Festival.
 
In keeping with the current popularity of foodie programmes including MasterChef and The Great British Bake Off, Grand Hotel Tremmezzo has launched its own culinary masterclasses where Executive Chef Osvaldo Presazzi will share his secrets to creating an authentic Italian feast. At the end of the two hour class, attendees will have perfected bruschetta with tomato and basil, Tagliatelle with fresh cherry tomato sauce, a traditional Cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal chop) and a decadent zabaione dessert, all of which will be enjoyed at the end of the class accompanied by a well-deserved glass of wine.  The classes cost €200 per person and include recipe cards to take home.  
 
Learn about the best local wines with a personalised wine tasting session with knowledgeable sommelier Alberto who will guide guests through an exquisite selection of wines in the elegant L’Escale wine bar, boasting over 300 Italian wines. Wines are accompanied by a delicious selection of canapes including local cold cuts, pickles, Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh spaghetti with tomatoes and basil.  For those wishing to expand their knowledge even further, the concierge can arrange visits to exclusive vineyards in the neighbouring Valtellina, Piedmont and Veneto wine regions The visit includes an authentic lunch accompanied by their delicious wines.
 
In celebration of the delectable seasonal produce, the hotel has introduced autumnal menus and dishes including the new T Pizza gourmet party and Sunset Beach Dinner dining concepts featuring a tasting board with a choice of four different gourmet pizza slices including mushroom; bresaola; Bitto cheese; sausage or vegetable confit; Gorgonzola cheese and nuts and pears; prawns tartare; truffle and spinach.
 
Autumn also marks the annual Tremezzima Gastronomic Festival encouraging visitors to discover the many gastronomic delights of the region through their taste buds.  The 60 day festival began on September 23 with many local restaurants and hotels participating throughout the festival period, showcasing authentic autumnal dishes.  http://my.tremezzina.co/en/festival/taste-of-tremezzina/ .
 
Stay: Enchanting Autumn on Lake Como Package from €417/£357 based on two people including:
·         Luxury accommodation of your choice
·         Daily buffet breakfast at La Terrazza
·         Free room upgrade to the next room category (subject to hotel’s availability)
·         Early check-in and late check-out (subject to hotel’s availability)
·         Valid for stays from October 14th to November 5th 2016

http://www.grandhoteltremezzo.com/en/special-offers/