Why You Might Need to "Ask for Angela" in a Pub, Café, or Restaurant Over the Christmas Period

The festive season is one of joy, laughter, and celebration, but it's also a time when many of us find ourselves socialising more than usual—whether that's catching up with friends at a local pub, enjoying a cosy coffee date at a café, or indulging in a festive meal at a restaurant, or a work Christmas do.

However, not every social situation goes as planned, and sometimes, things can take an uncomfortable or even dangerous turn. 

That's where the "Ask for Angela" initiative comes in—a discreet code phrase that can offer an essential lifeline to anyone feeling unsafe.

What is "Ask for Angela"?

"Ask for Angela" is a safety campaign that was introduced in the UK in 2016 to help individuals discreetly signal that they need help if they are feeling threatened or unsafe. 

The idea is simple: if you're in a pub, café, or restaurant and feel uncomfortable—whether that's because of a bad date, a stranger’s unwanted attention, or just a situation that doesn’t feel right—you can go up to a member of staff and "Ask for Angela". Staff members will understand that this is a code for needing assistance and will then help you to leave the situation safely, either by arranging a taxi, offering a safe space, or even calling the authorities if necessary.

Why the Festive Season Can Be Riskier

Christmas is a time for celebration, and many of us use it as an opportunity to unwind and socialise. Unfortunately, the festive season also comes with increased risks:

Alcohol and lowered inhibitions: Many people drink more over the Christmas period, which can lead to poorer judgement and, in some cases, unwanted advances or inappropriate behaviour.

Busy venues: Pubs and restaurants are often packed during the festive season, making it easier for uncomfortable situations to escalate unnoticed by others. It's harder for friends to keep an eye on each other when crowds are large, and staff are often rushed off their feet.

Meeting new people: The Christmas season is a popular time for online dating, blind dates, and social gatherings with strangers. While most encounters go smoothly, the reality is that not everyone you meet will have good intentions. "Ask for Angela" offers a way out if your date takes an unexpected or unsettling turn.

Increased loneliness and vulnerability: Not everyone feels festive cheer during Christmas. Some people may feel lonely or vulnerable and, as a result, might end up in situations they’re not entirely comfortable with. Whether it's being pressured into staying longer than you’d like or dealing with someone who won't take "no" for an answer, it's important to have an exit strategy.

How "Ask for Angela" Works

If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, the process of using "Ask for Angela" is straightforward:

Approach a staff member: Find a member of staff behind the bar, counter, or at the reception area. It’s best to do this away from the person causing the discomfort if possible.

Use the phrase discreetly: Simply say, "Can I speak to Angela, please?" The staff should recognise this as a request for help and will take you aside to assess the situation discreetly.

Receive assistance: Depending on the circumstances, staff may offer to call a taxi, escort you to a safe area, or alert security or the police. They are trained to help you leave the situation without drawing attention to the fact that you're seeking help.

How Venues Can Support the Initiative

For "Ask for Angela" to be truly effective, venues need to actively participate. Here are some ways that pubs, cafés, and restaurants can make sure the initiative works:

Display posters: Visible signs in bathrooms, near the bar, or in seating areas can help remind patrons that this service is available.

Train staff: Employees should be trained on how to respond quickly and discreetly if someone uses the "Ask for Angela" phrase.

Create a supportive atmosphere: Encouraging a safe environment and zero tolerance for harassment can go a long way in preventing uncomfortable situations from arising in the first place.

Final Thoughts

The "Ask for Angela" initiative is an empowering tool that can help ensure everyone feels safe while socialising, especially during the Christmas period when people are more likely to be out celebrating. Whether you're meeting friends, family, or even new acquaintances, it's comforting to know that help is just a discreet question away.

So, this festive season, while you're out enjoying yourself, keep "Ask for Angela" in mind—not just for yourself, but for others who may need support. By raising awareness and using it when necessary, we can help make the holiday season safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Stay safe, and happy Christmas!

A Magical Christmas in a Small Boutique Hotel

As the crisp winter air fills the streets, and twinkling fairy lights adorn the trees, there’s something enchanting about spending Christmas away from home.

Instead of the usual hustle and bustle of large hotels or the stress of hosting at home, why not escape to the charm and warmth of a small boutique hotel? 

A holiday retreat like this offers a serene yet festive atmosphere, making Christmas feel as special as ever.

Cosy Atmosphere, Personal Touch

One of the greatest joys of a boutique hotel is the personal touch that larger chains often lack. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with warmth not only from the roaring fireplace but also from the welcoming staff. They often take the time to get to know you and create a homely experience, which makes all the difference during the festive season.

Small hotels are typically run with care, each detail carefully curated, from the festive decorations to the local artisan treats offered in the room. The lobby might boast a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and the scent of pine mingles with mulled wine or spiced gingerbread, adding to the festive ambience. Every corner exudes charm, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas storybook.

Festive Feasts and Local Delights

What’s Christmas without a feast? Many boutique hotels pride themselves on offering local, seasonal fare, and during Christmas, the culinary offerings are even more delightful. Instead of a standard buffet or rushed service, imagine a candlelit dinner with locally sourced ingredients and traditional Christmas dishes served with flair.

In a small hotel, meals often feel more intimate and special. Whether it’s a full-on Christmas roast with all the trimmings, a freshly made Yule log, or a glass of the finest freshly made eggnog, everything feels thoughtfully prepared. Some boutique hotels even collaborate with local farms or artisans, adding a unique flavour to the Christmas experience.

Peace and Quiet, Away from the Crowds

Large hotels can be hectic during Christmas, with throngs of travellers bustling in and out. Boutique hotels, on the other hand, offer a much-needed refuge from the chaos. Tucked away in a quiet village, or hidden within the serene countryside, or in a secret part of a small market town, these small havens provide the perfect backdrop for a peaceful Christmas. 

You can spend time in the hotel’s cosy common areas, sipping hot cocoa by the fire, or take a wintry walk through nearby woods or lanes, experiencing the beauty of nature in winter.

Without the rush of large crowds, you’ll find it easier to truly relax and appreciate the moment. It’s a chance to unwind, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones, far from the distractions of daily life.

Thoughtful Festivities and Traditions

Another delightful aspect of a boutique hotel Christmas is the unique festivities they often organise. Many of these hotels go out of their way to offer bespoke Christmas experiences, from intimate carol singing around the fire to horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow. Some even invite local choirs, musicians, or storytellers to add a local flair to the celebrations.

Whether it's waking up to stockings hung on your door, participating in a Christmas Eve wine tasting, or gathering with other guests for a fireside reading of A Christmas Carol, these little touches make your stay all the more memorable. Boutique hotels are often embedded in their communities, so you might also be treated to local customs or traditions, adding an authentic and heartfelt layer to your holiday.

A Personalised Stay

The best part of staying at a boutique hotel is how personalised your experience can be. Unlike the uniformity of big hotels, boutique accommodations often cater to individual preferences, meaning your Christmas stay can be tailored to your liking. Whether it’s the decor of your room, the activities you wish to engage in, or even the food you prefer, you’ll find that the staff are more than happy to accommodate.

For those who wish to embrace the Christmas spirit fully, some hotels even offer the option of personalising your room with festive decorations or leaving a small gift by your bedside. It’s these details that create a truly magical and unforgettable experience.

A Christmas to Remember

Choosing to spend Christmas in a small boutique hotel is choosing to embrace the season in a way that’s intimate, cosy, and memorable. It’s an escape from the rush of modern life, a chance to slow down and savour each festive moment.

Whether you’re after a quiet retreat in the countryside, a charming coastal escape, or a festive village stay, a boutique hotel promises to deliver a Christmas full of warmth, character, and unforgettable experiences. After all, sometimes the best Christmas memories are made in the most unexpected of places.

This year, why not treat yourself to something a little different and magical by spending Christmas in a boutique hotel?

Christmas at The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa

The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa, Bordeaux’s luxury Palace hotel, will be celebrating the upcoming festive season with a unique collaboration with Repetto, France’s original ballet brand and favourite flat to the stars, to design a magical Christmas Tree.

Reflecting the same values of elegance and synonymous with impeccable style and cultural heritage, The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa are delighted to announce their Repetto Christmas Tree this 2011. Repetto will dress the Christmas Tree in the lobby, at the heart of the hotel, with a beautiful ballet theme to create an enchanting centrepiece for hotel guests and local Bordelais clientele to enjoy.

An ode to the art and décor of ballet, the impressive Christmas Tree will be sprinkled with enchanting Repetto touches and fairy-tale trinkets including pink and black satin ballet shoes, golden medals and Repetto-wrapped presents! Situated in La Place de La Comédie square overlooking Le Grand Théâtre, The Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa was designed by Victor Louis in the 18th century, the same architect who created the renowned opera house three years earlier. Their neo-classical facades offer a mirror effect across the square. Repetto’s Bordeaux boutique is located a stone’s throw from the hotel on the Cours de L'Intendance.

Madame Rose Repetto first created her ballet shoe in 1947 for her son in a tiny workshop near to the National Opera of Paris, and her ballet slippers have gone on to be worn by dancing greats from Kirov to Cendrillon, and have become much-loved by glamorous leading ladies, including Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve and Kate Moss. Repetto ballet shoes are displayed in the Selfridges’ shoe galleries.

Rates for a superior room at The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa start from €464, including daily breakfast. BA flies from London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester to Bordeaux daily.

Located in France’s South-West region, The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa, overseen by Yan Vacher, is situated in the centre of the city, in La Place de La Comédie square overlooking Le Grand Théâtre. The hotel offers its local and international clientele a gastronomic experience in the Michelin-starred ‘Le Pressoir d’Argent’ fine-dining restaurant headed by Pascal Nibaudeau; the ‘Brasserie L’Europe’ restaurant with outdoor terrace; and ‘L’Orangerie’, a buzzing space in the heart of the hotel. Les Bains de Léa spa, offers treatments by acclaimed French beauty brand NUXE.

Bathed with natural light throughout, the spa leads out onto a terrace, offering exceptional views across the rooftops of Bordeaux. Originally designed by Victor Louis in the 18th century, The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa re-opened at the end of 2007, after a full redesign overseen by internationally acclaimed interior designer Jacques Garcia. Bordeaux’s Palace hotel, The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa, boasts an unparalleled level of luxury and elegance in the city, steeped in cultural heritage.
www.ghbordeaux.com/uk/index.php

The Taste Of Christmas At Hotel Okura Amsterdam

The 5 star Hotel Okura Amsterdam's culinary team (www.okura.com) at the award winning Serre Restaurant and the hotel's two star Michelin star French restaurant, Ciel Bleu will be preparing their favourite recipes over the festive season. Located on the banks of the Amstel Canal, the hotel currently holds three Michelin stars at its four restaurants and two bars, making it the ultimate place to stay and dine in the heart of the Dutch capital over the Christmas period.

Serre Restaurant takes its inspiration from Ciel Bleu, where the quality and style that the two Michelin starred restaurant is renowned for presenting is delivered with a lighter touch, enabling a wider audience to get acquainted with the essence of Ciel Bleu's cuisine.


Chefs at the two restaurants have put together a selection of special Christmas menus to include "Golden Oyster & Onno's Favourite" at Ciel Bleu and "Smoked salmon with Dutch shrimp, Crème fraiche and Quail egg" at Serre Restaurant.


Guests at the hotel can take advantage of the special Christmas packages for both restaurants. The "Serre restaurant" package offers a one night stay in a superior room with Christmas lunch, breakfast, and late checkout and cost from €190.50 per person, based on double occupancy. Alternatively, the "Ciel Bleu" Christmas package offers a one night stay in an Executive Junior Suite for €342.50 per person based on double occupancy and includes Christmas dinner at Ciel Bleu, room service breakfast, free entrance to the health club and the executive lounge.


Hotel Okura Amsterdam is situated on the edge of the city centre, close to a large number of cultural landmarks. The hotel has 301 luxury rooms, including the most spacious (485 m2) and luxurious suite in the Benelux countries.


Accommodation at Hotel Okura Amsterdam all provide panoramic views over Amsterdam, including 68 rooms located on executive floors, with access to the Executive Lounge and Executive Health Club. Facilities at the hotel include a traditional Japanese sauna & Shiatsu massage; health club and swimming pool.

To  book call Hotel Okura on 0031 6788 300 or visit www.okura.nl

Get yourself Aloft in London. New Aloft Hotel opens with Aloft London Excel

The world's fastest growing mid-market hotel brand introduces affordable, loft-style accommodation to London.

London – Aloft® Hotels have now launched in the UK with the opening of Aloft London Excel in the heart of London’s Docklands. The new destination sensation brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Aloft is created to shake up the staid and traditional mid-market hotel sector by delivering urban-influenced design and an energetic guest experience at an affordable price point.

In the same year that Starwood Hotels launched its world-renowned W brand in the UK market, the innovative hotel giant has brought a second new brand to London, Aloft. With prices starting at £120 per room per night, Aloft London Excel will feature 252 loft-like guest rooms, a buzzing bar scene, a grab-and-go food pantry and industrial design elements throughout.

Situated next to the ExCeL international exhibition and convention centre, Aloft London offers something new to savvy travellers tired of the bland, one-size-fits-all mid-market hotel model. With East London seeing much regeneration ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games, the hotel is perfectly situated within easy reach of the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City and The O2.

Aloft London Excel’s key features and guest facilities include:

• Stylish and spacious rooms designed by Rockwell Group featuring Aloft’s signature ceilings of nearly three metres high, oversized windows and platform beds
• Large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and complimentary Bliss Spa products
• 42” LCD TVs and plug ‘n play docking stations, allowing guests to link their computer and tunes straight to the TV
• Fast & free wireless access across the whole hotel, including all guest roomsre:mixSM lounge – an open, atmospheric space where guests can play a game of pool, enjoy drinks with friends and enjoy the free WiFi

• wxyzSM bar – the place to meet, mix & mingle, home to signature cocktails and regular DJ nights
• Quick and easy check-in with the touch-n-go kiosk – touch screen technology which allows guests to choose their exact room and floor, confirm rates, pick-up keys and even print boarding passes
• re:fuel by AloftSM – a one-stop, 24-hour grab-and-go food and beverage area, offering sweet, savoury and healthy food, snacks and beverages
• re:chargeSM fitness centre – open 24/7 for guests’ gym fix day or night
• splash swimming pool – an oasis of calm where guests can de-stress and re-energise after a hard day’s work
• tactic – a suite of five high-tech meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual, plasma TV and complimentary WiFi
• arfSM – Animals R Fun, an exclusive pet-friendly programme where furry friends can enjoy a stay with an Aloft-branded bed, bowl and complimentary treats and toys
  
  

FACTFILE:
Aloft London Excel is the second Aloft property in Europe following the opening of Aloft Brussels Schuman in September 2010. Aloft Hotels represents the fastest brand launch in hospitality industry history with the Aloft portfolio now including over 50 properties spanning six countries: US, China, Canada, India, Belgium and the UAE.

Aloft London Excel has been developed by ExCeL London’s parent company, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), also owners of Aloft Abu Dhabi, the Middle East’s first Aloft hotel, which is located adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Situated at ExCeL’s Eastern entrance at the Royal Victoria Dock, Aloft London Excel will have direct covered access to Prince Regent Station on the Docklands Light Railway, less than 30 minutes from the shops Oxford Street and the buzzing nightlife of Shoreditch, so this is an ideal hotel for use as a base for Chirstmas shopping and taking in the West End shows!

For details visit www.alofthotels.com.