Exquisite Cotswolds

In 2019, our principal, Emma Dupont, was featured in World Bride Magazine for her thoughts on the contrasting nuances of British and American wedding etiquette. Emma navigates through many conundrums throughout the article, shedding light on the subtle yet significant differences between the two cultural approaches to weddings. Topics covered were: 💍 Is it okay to request cash instead of a gift? 🎩 What's the dress code in the UK? 💍 Any fashion faux pas to avoid? 🎩 Do I have to buy a present from the gift list? 💍 What's appropriate small talk? 🎩 Rules on plus ones? 💍 How do you choose which friends to invite when you have a limited budget? 🎩 Are cash bars okay? 💍 What to do if you've had too much to drink and offend someone? To read the full article, please follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/eU7b9c5p

We are delighted to announce the official launch of our Exquisite Bride Experience in the Cotswolds. The four-hour package provides a luxurious experience and is crucial in ensuring that a bride feels exceptionally radiant on her momentous day. A bride's standard grooming process is essential, encompassing hair, makeup, and manicures. However, true inner confidence and poise hold equal significance, which is where our Exquisite Bride Experience shines. Our comprehensive four-hour programme is designed to go beyond superficial enhancements. We focus on refining deportment, the ability to effortlessly engage with guests, and the art of dining gracefully during the wedding reception. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the bride's experience is taken care of. Over the next few weeks, we will share the finer points of this experience, but if you wish to learn more now, please follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/eVR5AmG7

Today, we want to share why we are so passionate about upholding British traditions and etiquette. Contrary to what some believe when they hear the word 'etiquette,' it is not a classist set of antiquated and snobby rules. In fact, quite the opposite!   The primary purpose of etiquette coaching is to educate people on specific cultural rules, some written and others more subtle, so that they can feel confident in any social or business situation.    Etiquette, like cultures, evolves. For instance, the traditional gesture of a woman offering her hand to be kissed is no longer considered appropriate. However, understanding the rules of greeting by rank, respecting taboo conversation subjects, and avoiding cultural offence remain relevant and, moreover, essential in our multi-cultural society.   Acquiring this knowledge means we no longer need to feel unsure of ourselves in certain situations. Therefore, it lets us focus on others with empathy, consideration, and kindness, turning our metaphorical inner camera out. And if you ever experience etiquette being used to look down on others, you can rest assured it’s a misuse of its essence and is incredibly bad-mannered! That is not what we stand for.   Our commitment to a light-hearted and inclusive dining experience for international visitors in the Cotswolds is unwavering. We aim to highlight the unique and intriguing aspects of British etiquette, traditions, and our 'funny little habits', always with an underlying message rooted in kindness and acceptance of all people, regardless of background, race, and so-called ‘social class’.   To delve deeper into Emma's experience, please click the link below. https://lnkd.in/ebqpKPbh  

If you are a Cotswold hotel or restaurant that receives international guests and is eager to see your staff’s understanding of specific cultures grow and improve, our International Guest Experience Training Programme could be just the ticket. When hosting foreign guests in the UK, it’s crucial to demonstrate a basic understanding of your patrons’ home country’s customs. This can help avoid putting them in situations that may conflict with their religious beliefs or make them feel uncomfortable, ensuring they feel reassured and respected during their stay. Our principal has coached over 500 people from 48 countries, and this photograph was taken in 2016 when Emma delivered British business etiquette training to graduates in Beijing and Shanghai on behalf of The English Manner. In this section, she highlights the importance of making eye contact with everyone they meet in the Western world to build trust. This is entirely the opposite rule of many Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, and Native American cultures, where it is deemed highly offensive to initiate eye contact with those of higher rank. The adage of ‘when in Rome’ can always be argued, but just being aware of cultural differences can oil the clogs of relationship building and set your establishment apart from the many other venue choices available in our beautiful Cotswold region. Please follow the link below for more information about our cross-cultural training programmes, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. https://lnkd.in/eDxtZY5J   Photo credit: The English Manner

As we celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, we can't help but marvel at the enduring appeal of this time-honoured tradition, especially for our cherished international guests in the picturesque Cotswolds. What makes this experience so timeless? It's the enchanting allure of embracing old-world elegance, inviting guests to luxuriate in a leisurely appreciation of beauty and delicate tradition, set in surroundings that can't help but encourage us all to take a deep breath and slow down! The true star of the show is the sumptuous clotted cream, particularly the esteemed Cornish Clotted Cream, with its coveted Protected Destination of Origin (PDO) status. This exclusive status, unique to the UK, makes it a must-try for many of our international visitors, as their home countries do not boast a similar delicacy. As we prepare for the delightful ritual of spreading cream and jam on scones, the question remains: should it be cream first or jam? The age-old dispute between the Devonshire and Cornish methods promises to endure for generations! Our Afternoon Tea in the Cotswold Experience, which includes the story of how clotted cream came about, the strict protocols surrounding its use, and how to enjoy it in the correct British way, are all delivered in a light-hearted and fun manner. This approach ensures that all family members, regardless of age, can enjoy and appreciate the experience. For more information about our Afternoon Tea in the Cotswold Experience for international Cotswold visitors, please follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/eAbrz48r

Exquisite Cotswolds is delighted to welcome Calcot & Spa to our preferred partner venue panel, meeting the necessary criteria to achieve our Exquisite 5-Star Rating™. The history of Calcot dates back over 700 years, with the building initially serving as a luxury hotel since its opening in 1984. The original date stone in the tithe barn, now transformed into the magnificent gathering and event space known as The Barn at Calcot, still bears witness to its longstanding heritage. Constructed by Henry of Kingswood in the 1300s, Calcot was originally the tithe barn annexe of Kingswood Abbey. It remained under the ownership of the church until the 16th century when King Henry VIII dissolved England's monasteries and granted the estate to one of his courtiers. For centuries, Calcot has been privately owned by the Estcourt family. The estate has grown to encompass a 16th-century manor house and several outbuildings, reflecting its rich history and enduring legacy. We very much look forward to collaborating to bring exquisite dining experiences to our Cotswold visitors.

We are thrilled to introduce our Debutante-Inspired Afternoon Tea experience. This elegant event is perfect for groups of international ladies seeking a special outing or wanting to create cherished memories together, such as mothers and daughters. It offers the opportunity to dress in delightful outfits and be transported back to a bygone era for a few hours at one of our preferred partner venues, hosted by our principal, Emma Dupont, a certified British etiquette consultant. The hit television series Bridgerton has sparked a surge in global interest in the "Social Season" as people become captivated by its allure and long for the grace and grandeur of this historical period. During this enlightening three-hour session, ladies and girls will have a hands-on experience of the world of a Debutante. They will learn the intricacies of court presentation, including the art of the curtsy and expected etiquette. They will discover the types of events that were part of this whirlwind of summer events and what would be expected of them in that era and now. Afterwards, they will enjoy a classic Afternoon Tea, where they will learn about the rich social history and how to enjoy all aspects of it gracefully. For more information on our unique dining experiences, please follow the link below: https://lnkd.in/eRPkyC7s

Did you know hotel and restaurant guests form their opinion of an establishment in just 7 seconds? This means the impression may have already been formed before exchanging words with a staff member. The human tendency to judge based on appearances may seem unfair, but it is a deeply ingrained behaviour that dates back thousands of years. Our ancestors relied on quick assessments to determine who belonged to their tribe and who posed a potential threat. When we evaluate Cotswold establishments for our Exquisite 5-Star Rating™ promise, we place significant emphasis on the initial impressions made within those first few seconds. If you're a Cotswold restaurant or hotel and would like to learn more about our Restaurant Service Consultations and how your establishment can elevate the customer's experience, please follow the link below. https://lnkd.in/eHmdivbs

Today, we would like to present one of our exclusive seasonal dining experiences specifically crafted for international families. We invite your guests to embark on a two-hour adventure with our 'To the Manor Born' experience, where every family member can actively engage and participate. We ensure a delightful start with an introduction to fascinating British traditions and a fun activity of mastering an English accent through entertaining tongue twisters that will bring laughter to the entire family. They will then learn how to bow and curtsy should they happen to meet Royalty during their visit and, of course, how to walk properly by balancing the book on the head, reminiscent of the Victorian finishing school style. To finalise the initial segment of the event, we'll host a competition in which each family member tries to identify the most 'posh' English word. The individual with the most accurate guess will be awarded a small prize. During the second part of the experience, your guests can savour a traditional British cream tea. This delightful experience involves learning to break a scone and expertly add the cream and jam correctly. Additionally, they will discover the nuances of enjoying tea in the classic British style and learn about other British dining etiquette tips and customs. Your guests will also have ample opportunity to ask Emma questions about British customs and traditions. Our principal, Emma Dupont, has delivered this session to American guests of several international tour operators since 2018, so she is confident your guests will love it, too. Please click the link below to explore our offerings further: https://lnkd.in/eRPkyC7s

Today, we would like to present one of our exclusive seasonal dining experiences specifically crafted for international families. We invite your guests to embark on a two-hour adventure with our 'To the Manor Born' experience, where every family member can actively engage and participate. We ensure a delightful start with an introduction to fascinating British traditions and a fun activity of mastering an English accent through entertaining tongue twisters that will bring laughter to the entire family. They will then learn how to bow and curtsy should they happen to meet Royalty during their visit and, of course, how to walk properly by balancing the book on the head, reminiscent of the Victorian finishing school style. To finalise the initial segment of the event, we'll host a competition in which each family member tries to identify the most 'posh' English word. The individual with the most accurate guess will be awarded a small prize. During the second part of the experience, your guests can savour a traditional British cream tea. This delightful experience involves learning to break a scone and expertly add the cream and jam correctly. Additionally, they will discover the nuances of enjoying tea in the classic British style and learn about other British dining etiquette tips and customs. Your guests will also have ample opportunity to ask Emma questions about British customs and traditions. Our principal, Emma Dupont, has delivered this session to American guests of several international tour operators since 2018, so she is confident your guests will love it, too. Please click the link below to explore our offerings further: https://lnkd.in/eRPkyC7s