Park Plaza introduces the X-Factor and Galvin at Windows goes express

15-Oct-2009 - Last updated on 29-Nov-2010 at 11:25 GMT

Traditional afternoon tea is given a Chinese twist at The Royal China Club

BigHospitality rounds up the promotions, offers and marketing ideas being run by restaurants, hotels and pubs across the country

The hospitality industry may be about providing food, drink, accommodation and service, but sometimes you have to go the extra mile to pull customers in. If you’re stuck for ideas on how to make your business more appealing take a look at what others are doing for inspiration.

Chinese afternoon tea

The Royal China Club on Baker Street is now serving a Chinese afternoon tea on Mondays to Fridays from 3pm to 5pm for £18 per person with Chinese treats replacing the traditional English style fare of scones and cucumber sandwiches. Chinese teas, that guests can choose from ancient tea chests, will be the main focus with staff preparing the tea at the table as is the custom in China. Guests will also be given the chance to try plum wine - Taiwan Shaohsing - which is warmed in the bottle in hot water before being served in porcelain cups.

Sing for your supper

Spectrum Restaurant at Park Plaza County Hall in London has taken inspiration from TV talent show X-Factor and is giving away a free bottle of wine to diners who can sing their way through the menu throughout October. Wanna-be stars are invited to sing main course dishes to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to land themselves a free bottle and must order a main course to be eligible.

Personalised fragrance

The Felbridge Hotel in East Grinstead, West Sussex, will be offering a new spa package from January 2010 that enables guests to blend their own scented oil. The £180 Personal Blend Aroma Spa Break includes a two hour workshop in which they can create their own body oil under expert guidance. They are then given the chance to enjoy the spa before having a full body massage using the oil they created. A three-course dinner can then be taken in hotel's Anise or Bay Tree restaurants. The price includes an overnight stay (based on two people sharing a room and breakfast.

Express lunch

Galvin at Windows has introduced a Bar Lunch Express menu to give time-poor customers the chance to eat a quick, light lunch while enjoying views across London. Chef/patron Chris Galvin and head chef Andre Garrett have created quick-to-serve dishes such as Risotto of Cepe Mushroom & Aged Parmesan (£6), Marinated Loch Duart salmon, Dorset Crab, avocado & pink ginger (£7) and Cotswold white chicken & sauce Albufera (£10) that can be eaten in the bar on the 28th floor of the Hilton on Park Lane.