Here at the Queens, we love the colourful world film director, Wes Anderson has created and we were beyond overjoyed to discover we are part of the Accidentally Wes Anderson phenomenon that has taken social media by storm.
Photographer Tom Benjamin submitted us to the site way back in 2019. We are delighted to feature on the map of 1,821 places highlighting the most beautiful, idiosyncratic and interesting places on earth.
Brooklyn-based husband and wife team of Wally & Amanda came up with the idea for AWA to develop a personal travel bucket list. First established on Instagram, their personal project quickly developed into a wide-reaching resource, providing inspiration for travellers and creatives across the world. Today their site has two million followers and there have been books and postcards produced.
With their puppy mascot, Dexter, by their side, the adventurous couple’s mission evolved from curating and researching interesting locations to bringing the Community along on virtual Adventures around the world. Their mission remains the same from the start – provide a daily dose of delight and inspire a sense of adventure and curiosity for all that wish to participate.
A viral online phenomenon, AWA has encouraged millions of people to view the world in a different way, celebrating a gorgeous colour palette and composition.
We are so proud to be part of this global phenomenon that inspires more than one million adventurers.
https://accidentallywesanderson.com/about/
https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/accidentally-wes-anderson-locations
We love this legacy art project from this year’s Portsmouth Pride and wanted to share a bit more information about the eye catching magenta coloured hoardings.
This year’s ‘Everybody’s Pride’ mural is a collaboration between Portsmouth based artist and trans activist Mister Samo and local creative studio FORM+FUNCTION – whose work in the city looks to connect communities through creativity.
The 45+ foot long hoarding close to the Queens Hotel car park, was beautifully positioned to be visible for attendees of the Pride Main Day Event.
And now it will be a prominent (hot pink!) legacy artwork – emblazoned with Mister Samo’s iconic ‘YOU ARE LOVED’ message – for residents and visitors to the city to appreciate.
The mural and its messaging demonstrates the power of collective, creative collaboration in support – and celebration of – Portsmouth’s wonderful, growing and PROUD rainbow community.
We are delighted to work with talented typographer and designer Sarah Fisher, who created The Portsmouth & Southsea Colouring Book.
The moment we saw the wonderful vector illustrations she created for her book, we knew we wanted to be able to offer children the opportunity to colour in Sarah’s delightful depiction of the Queens when they visit Restaurant 1865.
General Manager, Paul Playford, said: “We like to keep our younger guests entertained as they wait for their meal. Having such a great illustration of the Queens for them to colour in is just the icing on the cake.”
Sarah explained she had previously created colouring books for designer Cath Kidston and really enjoyed the process.
When she moved to Portsmouth seven years ago, Sarah had the idea of creating a colouring book for the city. In the process, she got to know her way round the landmarks and iconic buildings we all know and love.
“I illustrated 52 original drawings of scenes around Portsmouth for The Portsmouth & Southsea Colouring Book. I did this by working from photographs that I had taken. Then, I turned the detailed vector illustrations into an 80-page colouring book for grownups. I raised the money to self-publish the book via Kickstarter in Autumn 2017.” she said.
Copies of Sarah’s colouring book can be purchased from the reception team at the Queens. You can find out more about Sarah here.
Related articles: Queens Hotel working with Pete Codling, Ben’s colourful illustrations of the Queens Hotel building
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 popular Queens Hotel Winter Lodge makes a welcome return from Saturday 26th November. This year, it will have an enchanting festive feel that’s sure to leave you longing for a winter warmer.
Constructed in the hotel’s garden, the Winter Lodge is the perfect place to meet up for a cosy get-together.
Our Sunday Sessions will go under canvas for the winter and will run on 4 afternoons.
Our Seasonal songs will also make a comeback this winter. The tradition loved by many will take place in the Queens Hotel Winter Lodge on Wednesday 21st December.
General Manager, Paul Playford, explained: “Our Winter Lodge proved really popular last year and we are returning with even better plans for this year.
“There will be contemporary Christmas styling that’s bound to put you in the mood for the festive season.”
The Winter Lodge is also available for exclusive corporate hire on weekday evenings 17.00-23.00.
Plus, if you are looking for the perfect spot to bid farewell to 2022, look no further! We are opening the Queens Hotel Winter Lodge on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are just £10 per person and include a drink token (house wine, beer, single spirit and mixer). A donation will be made to our three supported charities from the cover price.
It will be open Fridays from 17.00-23.00, Saturdays from 12.00-23.00 and Sundays from 12.00-21.00
Areas can be reserved via the events team with a £10pp deposit.
Our popular Sunday Sessions will run on the following dates:
Photo credit: Habibur Rahman of the Portsmouth News