34 hospitality LD Lines launches UK-Spain service
LD Lines has announced the introduction of a new UK to Spain service between Poole (Dorset) and Santander in Northern Spain.
Complementing LD Lines’ existing France to Spain route between St Nazaire, south of Brittany, to Gijón in Northern Spain, the service represents a major development to the company’s creation of an Atlantic ferry network, providing new links to serve the UK, French, Spanish and Portuguese freight and tourist markets and making regions such as the Algarve within even easier reach for UK motorists.
The new service provides two return sailings weekly between Poole and Santander with a crossing time of 26 hours.
Introducing the new Poole to Santander link is the Norman Asturias (pictured) with capacity
Tylney Hall Hotel shortlisted for award
Tylney Hall Hotel in Hook, Hampshire, has been shortlisted for ’Large Hotel of the Year’ in this year’s prestigious Beautiful South Awards.
The awards, which are organised by Tourism South East for businesses in the tourism and hospitality industry, are presented to companies which provide an exceptional level of service within their field.
Mark Robinson, Tylney Hall Hotel general manager, commented: “We pride ourselves on the exceptional service provided to all of our guests,
and are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. We are now looking forward to attending the ceremony and finding out the result.“
Set in 66 acres of glorious parkland, which boasts the longest uninterrupted view in Hampshire, Tylney Hall Hotel – part of Elite Hotels – is a Grade II listed building and remains an outstanding example of a luxury country house hotel that has never lost its old-world sense of charm.
for up to 500 passengers, 200 cars or 110 freight vehicles. On-board facilities include 120 cabins, bar, restaurant, shop, cinema and childrens’ entertainment area.
The Norman Asturias currently operating the LD Lines’ Saint Nazaire to Gijón route will be replaced by her sister ship, the Scintu. The introduction of a
two-ship service will increase the potential for integration and further improve efficiencies in LD Lines’ Atlantic operations.
Christophe Santoni, CEO of LD Lines, said: “This exciting new project will be a key addition to our existing route between France and Spain and establish an Atlantic network by providing new travel
and transport links for tourist and freight markets between Portugal, Spain, France and the UK. Significantly the timing of the introduction reflects growing confidence and evidence of signs of recovery for many European economies.“
The freight market will especially benefit from the new service by avoiding France’s weekend traffic ban and the planned implementation of the Ecotax for trucks from January 1, 2014.
The new service will also provide a major trade boost for the Port of Poole as chief executive, Jim Stewart, explains: “Poole Harbour Commissioners is delighted to welcome LD Lines to the Port of Poole and we look forward to working closely together to ensure the success of the new route.“
The Pig records 90% occupancy and wins prestigious award in first year
One of the most successful new openings in the past two years, Home Grown Hotels, has recorded a turnover of £3.6 million during its first full year of operation.
Parent company of The Pig – a new breed of mid-priced country house hotels – Home Grown Hotels has gone from strength to strength with the directors’ report for the 2012 annual accounts showing an operating profit of £428,128 and EBITDA of £900,000.
The financial success of the 26-bedroom Pig in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, which launched in July 2011 and was joined by the 12-bedroom Pig in the Wall, Southampton, in October 2012, was driven by an average occupancy of 90%, peaking during the year at 96% in August and October.
Average daily covers in the restaurant during 2012 was 146, with a high of 163 in August.
“Behind these excellent statistics lies the ability of the hotel’s management to efficiently handle such large numbers,“ said the directors, headed by chief executive Robin Hutson.
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Towards the end of 2012 Home Grown Hotels acquired the Manor House hotel in Studland, Dorset, on a leasehold basis from the National Trust for around £3m. The original 23-bedroom property is currently undergoing renovation and expansion and will will re- open as the Pig on the Beach in spring 2014.
In another noteable achievement, The Pig Hotel has been named Outstanding New Hotel of the Year 2013 at an awards ceremony held at the Independent Hotel Show. The award, presented by renowned London hotelier Jeremy Goring, aims to honour hotels in the independent, luxury and boutique sector which have demonstrated success in their first three years of trading.
Commenting on receiving the award, Robin Hutson, owner of The Pig Hotel, said: “We are delighted to be recognised for this award, especially as it is nominated by industry experts and voted for by our fellow peers.
“Since opening we have gone from strength to strength, I’m really proud of the team for all their hard work and dedication.“
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – DECEMBER 13/JANUARY 14
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