Last weekend (30th September to 2nd October) saw our first Travel Trade Familiarisation trip, organised by our Sales Executive, Martina O’Loughlin. Nine Travel Trade representatives came along to experience what we at Tylney Hall and the surrounding area has to offer their clients.
Friday evening started with a full show round of the hotel followed by delicious Autumn Bramble Daiquiri cocktails and canapés on the Italian terrace, enjoying the warmth of the Indian Summer, before dinner in the Oak Room Restaurant.
Saturday started a little earlier than usual for some of the group with a traditional English breakfast and then the coach arrived to pick them up for a day out in the local area. First they visited the Watercress Line (www.watercressline.co.uk) and enjoyed a steam train journey through the Hampshire countryside, starting at Alton and finishing at Alresford. The group then moved on to Winchester and visited some of the country’s most historical sites, including the Great Hall which is one of the largest and finest in England, the ‘Round Tableof King Arthur', the greatest symbol of medieval mythology,(www3.hants.gov.uk/greathall) and Winchester Cathedral (http://winchester-cathedral.org.uk/).
Once back at Tylney Hall, guests had free time to enjoy the hotel’s facilities. A private dinner was held in our Newnham Suite with a menu especially prepared for the group by our Executive Head Chef, Stephen Hine, which included Crab Gateau flavoured with Indian Spices, followed by Pan Fried Fillet of Beef served with Glazed Shallots and Porcini Mushrooms Duxelle and Red Wine Sauce – simply delicious!
Sunday morning after breakfast, guests enjoyed a garden tour of our acre estate with our Deputy Head Gardener, Keith Fisher, before being able to spend the rest of the day as guests of the hotel at their leisure.
The weather could not have been more perfect for the weekend’s activities and our guests were able to enjoy Tylney Hall at its very best. Some even took the opportunity to use the outdoor pool during its last weekend of opening. Fingers crossed that from experiencing what we have to offer first hand, our Travel Trade guests will bring their clients back to Tylney Hall!
Anna Cluett - Tuesday 11th October 2011
