It was delightful to attend the Wedding Industry Awards ceremony for the South Central region – and walk away as winners.
Against stiff opposition, our events team were proclaimed regional winners. Now we go on to contest the national title in January.
Nationally, more than 1000 entries were received for the high profile industry awards. Thousands of bridal couples had their say and voted for the entrants they thought most deserved to be honoured.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, which was held at Old Thorns Hotel and Resort at Liphook, Head of Sales, Marketing and Events, Nicole Morris, said: “It is really exciting for The Queens Hotel to receive this recognition.
“We are lucky to be chosen by an increasing number of couples as the place they want to hold their wedding and celebrate their marriage. We really enjoy making their special day a memorable one.
“It is always a team effort involving every department of the hotel working together to create the perfect wedding day.”
General Manager, Paul Playford, said: “It is brilliant to be regional winners and we look forward to the national finals.
“Every couple that chooses to celebrate their wedding with us is special to The Queens Hotel team. We really enjoy working with them to ensure their special day stays in their memories forever.”
Thank you to all the brides and grooms who voted for us. You helped us to win this award. We really appreciate you taking the time to complete the feedback forms.
The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth have presented the Queens Hotel with a Freedom of the City certificate in recognition of the community work carried out during the first Covid lockdown.
This work saw the hotel cooking up to 600 meals a week and delivering them to vulnerable people. The hotel also welcomed frontline NHS staff who stayed at the hotel during the first wave of the pandemic.
Head chef at Gunwharf Quays Brasserie Blanc, Anghel Niko Nedelcu, joined forces with Queens Hotel Managing Director , Farid Yeganeh, to create up to 600 meals every week. General Manager, Chris Gilmore, and Head Chef, Paul Playford, from the hotel’s sister establishment, the Royal Beach, also joined them.
Thousands of pounds were donated to ensure the meals could be created for those most in need. Suppliers and city based companies such as PMC Construction and Southsea butchers, Buckwells, also donated to the cause.
Farid explained: “None of us could just sit back and wait. We wanted to help in a practical way and we are really enjoying cooking for our community.”
“The meals prepared at the Queens Hotel were really special. Receiving one was such a treat,” said Clare Martin, Director of Community Projects at Portsmouth Football Club.
Her team of volunteers worked with the strategic partnership of the HIVE Portsmouth to deliver meals and food parcels to the vulnerable.
“One person burst into tears when our volunteer arrived with food for them; they were so delighted.”
Commenting on the Freedom of the City honour, Farid added: “We are delighted to be recognised in this way for the work we did. We see ourselves as the hotel at the heart of Southsea and this has underlined that position.”
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