Domestic business boosts Jubilee weekend bookings
Barbecues, brass bands, fifties-themed dances and Coronation menus are all playing their part in hotel celebrations this weekend as hotel groups predict strong bookings from the British public, encouraged by special offers to take city breaks.
At the Lanesborough hotel, near Buckingham Palace, barman Salvatore Calabrese has created a Golden Jubilee cocktail, made with gin, Parfait Amour liqueur, Goldschlager and Champagne. The hotel is also serving dishes from the Queen's Coronation menu, including consommé royale and filet de boeuf mascotte. Pastries garnished with edible 18-carat gold leaves will be served for afternoon tea.
Once home to the Crown Jewels in the 15th century, the Marriott St Pierre Hotel and Country Club in Chepstow, Gwent, will have a barbecue and brass band playing on its patio this Saturday.
At the Renaissance Derby Nottingham hotel, a Coronation dinner will be followed by a fifties party.
Lawrence Alexander, commercial director of Jarvis Hotels is predicting 100% occupancy at the group's six London hotels.
He said: "A high proportion of our London hotel business is from UK travellers opting to stay in the UK over the extended bank-holiday weekend."
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 30 May - 5 June 2002
