The Hotel TerraVina Blog

Blogs galore and appreciation of a great team… Hotel TerraVina thanks one and all!

July 11, 2012
by Hotel Terravina

In recent weeks, we have been very fortunate to have received a number of raving review on all sorts of portals, including (the dreaded) Trip Advisor site and also from various journalists. One such fantastic review was from “BakersBunny”, a well known, Scottish based, food critic, food blogger extraordinaire and all round hotel and restaurant aficionado……http://Offthe EatenTrack.wordpress.com. Many thanks for such a kind and generous review and the photos look lovely too.

Lately, I have been travelling the length and breadth of the country visiting the sites that we have recently merged with and getting to know the teams at each restaurant. It has been a busy, hectic, but enjoyable, “round the restaurants” trip, but it has meant that during the week, for the past couple of weeks, I have been away from the hotel and only back at weekends- Suzi and team have risen to the occasion magnificently and have proved why we are so very proud of them- they have all been brilliant and ensured that in my absence, TerraVina continues to run smoothly, efficiently and the guests and visiting journalists have all appreciated their attention, care and professionalism- thank you Suzi and everyone- we are very proud of you all and it is great when guests all agree with us that you are a very special team of people…. Just as an aside, I wonder if it is merely a coincidence that so many positive reviews have been written at a time when I am not at the hotel- should I be worried??!!

I am off to spend some quality time with Romané and my mum in the sunshine for a couple of weeks- Gerard is in charge of the hotel, (actually Suzi is in charge, but we are pretending that GB is, so he doesn’t feel left out) the puppy and the washing machine; yes indeed I am very concerned about all of the above, but I am sure he will rise to the occasion and cope magnificently and if he flounders, my dad is on stand by to share puppy duties and washing machine dramas!

I will write next week’s blog with my toes dipped in  the pool and a cocktail by my side so I’m not quite sure how the spelling will be- apologies in advance.

‘Till next week

Nx

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Puppies, the ending of an era and an understanding husband- Hotel TerraVina explains all…

July 6, 2012
by Hotel Terravina

I thought it would be nice to talk about puppy dogs and children in this week’s blog….. Our puppy, Malmsey (of course she has to have a wine themed name), is now almost 6 months old and she is a joy. She has a great personality, is very funny and very loving and we have already been “expelled” (well politely asked to leave, but the same thing) from puppy training, as she was too full on in character! We all adore her and she repays our love and attention by being super affectionate and following us all around the house adoringly- she is a complete poppet and has Gerard wrapped around all four of her paws! He truly is besotted with her and she with him.

Romané, our son, who recently turned thirteen, is leaving his prep school this week. He started at his school when he was not quite 2 years old and so this is the ending of an era- he is being very brave and grown up about the ending of this chapter of his school days and it is in fact me that is feeling the wrench of leaving the school more than he. It’s not just about him leaving a school that has been so special in his life, where the teachers have nurtured him and loved him almost as much as we do, but also that it has made me realize how grown up he has become without me properly noticing- he will of course always be my baby- I have told him in no uncertain terms that he can’t leave home until he hits 40! But however much I try to believe that he is still not quite grown up, his demeanor and maturity make me realize that he is in fact a very grown up young man and one who Gerard and I are immensely proud of and no more so than in this past and last week of school, when he has won prizes, awards and tributes from his teachers and peers.

Whilst I am writing about my precious family, I cannot leave out my very understanding, albeit completely eccentric and dare I say, at times “prima donna” of a husband, Gerard. He is very understanding and never complains that now with my new role as MD of a larger company, I don’t have time to fill the fridge, or cook… although I do ensure there’s always dog biscuits in the house now…. He knows that if he fancies a snack there’s more chance of a tripe treat, organic and specially developed for sensitive dogs, than there is anything in the fridge for hungry husbands but he hasn’t complained or bemoaned the fact that the puppy has taken over our lives…. Instead he is just as lovely and special as usual, but with the added benefit of now having mastered how to work the dishwasher and he has found the route to Waitrose too!

Till next week when I will be writing my blog from the poolside, as Romané, my mum and I are escaping to the sunshine for a couple of weeks and leaving Gerard, my father and the puppy all together to muddle through – oh my, it will be an interesting couple of weeks!

Nx

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Hotel TerraVina realizes what a precious commodity time is…

June 27, 2012
by Hotel Terravina

I am sorry that I missed writing a blog last Wednesday. My week unraveled and didn’t go to plan, to the point that I needed to juggle so many “balls” in the air all at once, that last week’s blog update was a “ball” that slipped out of my hands. This week has not started very much better. On Monday, I was at a place where mobile phones were strictly forbidden ….. but I had to be accessible to important and in some cases, urgent messages and so I had to flout the rules and text, e mail and whisper into my phone, whilst hiding behind trees, lurking around corners and generally acting furtively so as not to get caught. On days such as these, how I remember fondly the heady era of pre-mobile phones, laptops, i-phones and the like, when our time was our own, when we went to work, came home again and relaxed safe in the knowledge that we weren’t “on call” 24/7 and that once home we were off duty… not so in today’s fast paced and hectic world.

Time is very precious and it’s not until we don’t have enough of it to enjoy the important things in life, that we realize just how precious it is. I read a quotation recently that stated …… “Time is precious and so waste it wisely”, how true. At the moment, if only I had some time I would indeed relish wasting it wisely.

However, another day will bring a further 24 hours to get things done and so looking on the bright side, each new day brings potential new beginnings, new opportunities and new challenges. Life is an exciting rollercoaster…. If only there were 25 hours in a day all would be good!

Till next week

Nx

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Diversity is what makes life at Hotel TerraVina so enjoyable…..

June 15, 2012
by Hotel Terravina

I could never accuse my life of being boring- hectic, frenetic, diverse and exciting yes, but certainly never dull. It seems to me that what I pack into a week is often impressive and by the end of the week I wonder how I stretched the time to fit it all in. This past week is a case in point…..

On Sunday we drove to France to enjoy a night in Boulogne, where Gerard was presented with a prize, Maitre Sommelier, which recognized all of his many achievements and the role he has played as an ambassador of sommeliers- we had a lovely evening with some charming people. Back across the channel on Monday evening ready for meetings all day on Tuesday and dog training for the new puppy… this week was the 1st session and it has to be said that it didn’t quite go to plan or indeed very well. Malmsey doesn’t seem to like meeting other pups in a confined space and certainly made her discomfort known… so much so that we were relegated to a separate, fenced off area of the room and were not allowed to join the other pups, as her behaviour may have traumatized them…. never mind about the puppies, I was in complete trauma after an hour there and my nerves were frazzled to their ends. I felt as if I was a completely irresponsible puppy parent and as though I had been hauled before a headmistress…… one of the trainers in particular obviously preferred (well behaved) dogs to humans and so obviously had little time for either Malmsey or me….. however, I am determined to crack the issue and will go back to try again next week and if not I have the number of a great dog behavourist and a counselor for me!

The rest of the week has flown by with meetings, lots of driving back and to between 10in8 restaurants, visits to the vet, (the puppy has got over one infection only to catch another)… I feel like a very harassed new mother at the moment, teetering on the verge of losing the plot as time just seems to be slipping away. Added into the mix is helping to organise a funeral for my beloved grandmother- It would seem that it’s not convenient to pass away over a Bank Holiday as everything seems to take much longer to be organized and agreed- however the date has now been set for Monday and so at last she will be laid to rest in peace.

A busy weekend lies ahead with a full hotel, full restaurant and a Rose Road Charity wine dinner that we are hosting on Sunday evening, which will be lovely and which will hopefully raise some much needed funds for our chosen charity, Rose Road, based in Southampton- we are offering the proceeds of the evening to Rose Road as part of our annual contribution to them….. I have to say that when you visit the association and meet the children and wonderful staff who care for them it puts things in perspective and makes my grumbles about lack of time and being too busy pale into insignificance and the puppy training debacle seem merely a hiccup.

Till next week

Nx

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Proud to be British… Hotel TerraVina celebrates with the rest of the nation during the Jubilee weekend

June 6, 2012
by Hotel Terravina

There are many times when we can all grumble about Great Britain… there are sometimes when we can be proud of our nation and to be British and I think that this weekend was just one of those occasions.

The Monarchy are loved by many and on State Occasions such as the Diamond Jubilee, it is hard not to feel proud, sentimental and inspired by the greatness of Great Britain. The Queen may well be seen only as figurehead by many, but what a figurehead she is and this weekend was a fitting tribute to her long, unwavering and dedicated reign….. There is not perhaps quite so much greatness in Great Britain as in past years and we have as a nation many troubles and challenges to overcome, but this Jubilee weekend should make us all proud. From a hoteliers point of view and from a born organizer, just the logistics of it all was hugely impressive. The only disappointing factor in the whole impressive weekend of celebrations was the dismal weather and the slightly off key nature of some of the “stars” at the concert… the highlight of which has to be the Military Wives and the Kenyan choir, both of whom sang their hearts out in such a joyful manner.

I will personally also remember this week for other, more poignant reasons. My grandmother sadly passed away on Saturday. She was the same age as the Queen and within our family we all loved and respected her as much as the Queen is loved and revered by her own family and subjects. My nana was a very special lady and she will be sorely missed, but it is fitting I think, that she passed away during the Jubilee celebrations as she was an avid Royal supporter and loved the pomp and ceremony of all things Royal.

God Bless you nanny and rest in peace. We all loved you very much and will remember you with only the fondest of memories.

Till next week

Nx

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Lights, Camera and Action… TV stardom beckons (I live in hope!) at Hotel TerraVina

June 1, 2012
by Hotel Terravina

I am going to be a TV star!!!!! Well alright then, that’s an exaggeration of somewhat gigantic proportions, but I was filming this week for a TV show that is aired on the BBC… my slot will probably be transmitted in the Autumn.

The TV show is “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” and I had great fun filming with John Cameron, the show’s presenter… thank you John for being so kind to me and helping it all look so easy on camera- I very much enjoyed the filming. I bartered for a Dutch antique wine bottle, circa 17 hundred and something and which was plain, but pretty and with an interesting history to it. I think it will be a present for Gerard and may even spur him into collecting antique wine memorabilia, rather than just collecting even more wine books.

The crew were brilliant and the whole day went by in a flash.……. personally I think I may have missed my vocation and perhaps it’s not too late for TV stardom to still beckon!  (I’m only joking, as I would need extensive air brushing to ensure I don’t frighten the viewers if it were to be a regular occurrence)

For those of you who haven’t visited the forest recently, I must just tell you that Exbury Gardens is looking a complete picture of beauty with a riot of colours and blooms as large as dinner plates, so do try to visit soon and whilst in the area pop in for lunch or even better come and stay. Likewise we have donkeys galore, some foals and I even saw buffalo in Brockenhurst last week, so there’s wildlife aplenty on the many forest walks to keep you entertained…. If that all feels too strenuous, just come and laze by the pool with a G&T and soak up the sunshine.

Someone told me today that TerraVina provides “an oasis of calm” and that having arrived stressed and tired, they left feeling refreshed, energized and very relaxed- that made our day as that’s the whole point of why we do, what we do and it’s good to know the “TerraVina magic” is working

Till next week

Nx

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Awards galore and a very memorable event at Le Manoir- Hotel TerraVina has great fun with Raymond Blanc…….

May 24, 2012
by Hotel Terravina

Why is it that you go weeks and weeks without any social engagements and then you have multi invites all for the same date? So it was on Tuesday 22nd May. I was in London as a speaker at the Boutique Hotel Summit and then had to travel speedily across town and to Oxford to attend a wine event at Le Manoir, hosted by Raymond Blanc and Gerard. They have been great friends for many years and the event was a perfect example of a convivial atmosphere, with great guests, fun hosts who were very relaxed and comfortable in each other’s company and fantastic food and wines to match. Both Gerard and Raymond were on their finest form and the evening passed by in a blur of funny stories and anecdotes of their friendship across the years- it was a great success and we and all the guests thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

At the same time, back in London, the Harpers Wine Magazine Awards were being held.. Mandy, our Business Development lady kindly attended on our behalf and I am thrilled to announce that we won the Best Drink Offering in a Hotel category… made even more special by the fact that we beat The Dorchester and the Connaught! AND just to add excitement to the evening, Suzi, our fabulous GM, was representing me at the Venus Awards, Celebrating Women in Business in Hampshire and Dorset. I was nominated and had got through to the final for the Lifetime Achievement Award (Hampshire), sponsored by Condor and I am amazed to say that I won!!!

Thus a double whammy of awards and a busy night overall. To top it all, on the same day, we also were pleased to announce that the 10in8 Fine Dining Group, the company that we merged TerraVina with at the beginning of the month, have taken over the running of the whole of the food and beverage operation of The Bear Hotel at Woodstock, a Macdonalds Hotel, housed in a magnificent 13th century coaching inn. We plan to refurbish the restaurant and bar areas and we will also add a Fine Dining Restaurant, in addition to the hotel’s main restaurant…. TerraVina will have a presence, with the addition of Laura and Gerard’s mark on the wine list, drinks list and the overall feel of the main restaurant will adopt the relaxed and friendly feel of TerraVina’s own restaurant style…. Exciting, busy and challenging times ahead and we are thrilled to be part of it all.

Till next week

Nx

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Teenagers, Puppies and Husbands- Another week in the life of Hotel TerraVina

May 18, 2012
by Hotel Terravina

Thirteen years ago today, on the 17th May, my life changed forever with the arrival of our son, Romané. He was a calm and contented baby, a happy toddler, an engaging child and today he became a teenager….. Gerard and I are in shock, as it seems only 5 minutes ago that he was a baby and now he is taller than me, with legs that seem to go on forever, feet bigger than his grandad’s (that’s not difficult, as his grandad’s feet are only size 5!) and still he is a calm, charming and engaging boy, who we are very proud of and love dearly.

In the intervening thirteen years of Romy’s life, we have had an eventful time, with the development and then sale of Hotel du Vin, the refurbishment and opening of Hotel TerraVina, the recent merger with 10in8 Fine Dining Group, my becoming Managing Director of the group, Gerard’s multi achievements, which are too numerous to mention, but reached their peak (so far), with his being crowned Best Sommelier in the World and being awarded an OBE for Services to Hospitality… but I was not content with all of these achievements and so ten days ago, we added a new puppy to the mix and my life seems as if it will never be the same again and I have come full circle… I have gained a teenager overnight and a puppy that requires my (almost) undivided attention, thus needless to say life is very hectic, fun and challenging at the moment!

Which brings me onto the husband part…. Gerard is in shock. His “baby” has grown into a teenager, I have added a new baby, (puppy) to the mix, who demands his attention and his wife is too busy to be his full time PA…. bless him, he is managing it all very well, but he is wearing a somewhat bemused expression. However, I just want to send him a message (I think he reads my blog!)…. Thank you Gerard for simply being you and thank you Romané for being such a fantastic son. Happy Birthday and love you lots.

Till next week… who knows it may even be a little less hectic and I might have a sense of calm about me (I wish)

Nx

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Hotel TerraVina has a hectic week…..

May 10, 2012
by Hotel Terravina

Following the news of our hotel merger with 10in8 Fine Dining Group and the announcement of my new role as Managing Director for the group, I would just like to say many thanks to all who have sent such lovely messages of congratulations, kind words and enthusiasm on hearing the news.

Suzi, all the team and both Gerard and I are very excited, as this merger will enhance our strategy, as we intend to develop the TerraVina concept wherever 10 in 8 has a fine dining restaurant. We will also create a world-class Cookery and Wine School based in the New Forest, at Hotel TerraVina, that will further strengthen the already established 10in8  Fine Dining Academy…. Thus please do follow developments both on our websites and here on the blog as the group develops.

This week we have missed Sophie, or assistant manager, as she has been in hospital… no doubt she is whipping the doctors and nurses into shape and charming them with her infectious laugh- Get well soon Sophie. We all miss you and want you back very soon, well and healthy.

Malmsey, our new puppy has settled at home brilliantly… she is sleeping through the night, is almost completely house trained and can already sit, hold out her paw and walk very nicely on her lead (I sound like a new mother!)… in fact, I am sure she is a “Mensa” dog and one thing is for sure she has completely thrown our lives into disarray, caused turmoil at home and we have all fallen hopelessly, truly, madly, deeply in love her.

Off to puppy training soon, armed with treats, scoop bags and ear plugs- puppies are very noisy when they are socializing!

Till next week and don’t forget to watch this space and the group’s websites for up to date news of what else is developing soon

Nx

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Exciting News from Hotel TerraVina- Mergers and New Arrivals…

May 2, 2012
by Hotel Terravina

At last we can divulge some very exciting news which has been very hard to keep a secret. We are delighted to tell all of our blog followers that we have merged the hotel with 10in8, The Fine Dining Group, (comprising The 10in8 Collection of restaurants: L’Ortolan, La Bécasse, Paris House and The Angel) founded by famous Michelin star chef Alan Murchison.

Alan Murchison and Gerard have been friends for a number of years.  We all feel that there is great synergy between both companies.  Our aim is to continue the expansion plans of 10in8 together, with the exciting development of The Fine Dining Academy, as well as the creation of a world class Cookery and Wine School.

I will now officially become Gerard’s boss, (most people already knew I was anyway!), as I am becoming the Managing Director of the Group- a busy and fulfilling role for me to take on board and I am relishing the challenge.

Gerard and I and the whole TerraVina team are delighted to join forces with Alan, Richard and their team. This merger will open up many great opportunities for the talented teams that already exist in both businesses. They will all play a vital role in the development of the group and we are delighted for them as well as for us.

As some of you may remember, we have already worked with 10in8 informally on a couple of joint projects, (Our Michelin “pop-up” being the most recent one) and it was clear that the mix of Gerard’s wine skills when combined with Alan’s culinary expertise created a potent mix of talent and of course it means that Suzi, Chris and Sophie will be able to take charge without me interfering quite so often, (at long last I hear them say!)

In addition to all of that excitement, Gerard, Romané and I have become the new family for the most adorable puppy…. We were supposed to go on Sunday to choose a puppy, which would be ready for us to have at home with us in 5 weeks time. However, when we got there, although the pups were lovely, we fell in love with a slightly older one, who was 12 weeks old and she ended up coming home with us then and there, (after an interview and at least 2 hours of being observed with her). Of course, I had nothing ready for a new pup as everything had been ordered and planned for an arrival 5 weeks hence….

However we are managing very well and she has settled in beautifully. She is a Boxer and her name is Malmsey and whilst she will never replace our gorgeous dog, Merlot, who we lost 2 years ago, at 12 years old, she will be a very welcome addition to the family and we are all completely in love with her- she is simply adorable and the house feels right once more with a dog living with us.

Malmsey has already proved she is a well behaved pup and a people friendly dog as on the first day we had her she sat in on the final merger meeting and behaved beautifully

Till next week

Nx

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