March/April 2021

South East Glamping Event
CANVAS LODGE supplier, Clear Sky, is
hosting its first ever two-day glamping
trade event on 1-2 July at its headquarters
in Tonbridge, Kent.
Friends@TheFarm is a free two-day
event featuring glamping suppliers it has
worked with and can recommend and
allowing attendees the opportunity to
meet with experienced professionals.
According to Statistica, Google searches
for “glamping holidays UK” increased
by over 400 per cent in 2020. Clear Sky’s
intention with Friends@TheFarm is to
offer a dedicated space, providing all the
information, news and support needed
for those looking to learn more about the
flourishing market.
Sponsored by Open Air Business
magazine, exhibitors include Lotus Belle
Tents, Tree Tents International, Glamping
Fires, The Coal Bunker, The Septic Tank
Store and Social Media Sussex, each with
their own location on the farm to present
their services and accommodations in the
best light.
Organiser Mark Scott, managing director
of Clear Sky, said: “I’m really looking
forward to welcoming visitors from across
the UK to our farm. Whether they are
taking their first steps into glamping or are
looking to increase their business offerings,
we're looking forward to seeing them.”
Visitor registration is compulsory, please
visit www.safaritents.net/the-show-2021.
php for your free ticket.
Lodge Expansion at Cornhill Castle
SEVEN LODGES are under construction at
hotel and wedding venue Cornhill Castle in
Biggar, Scotland, in order to capitalise on
summer staycation demand while creating
additional capacity for wedding parties.
Set beside the banks of the River Clyde,
each lodge will be designed in a heritage
style to mirror the look and feel of the
castle rooms, featuring Chesterfield sofas,
stag head chandeliers and “luxurious
fixtures and finishes” throughout, reports
The Herald, Scotland.
Each lodge will sleep up to four and
includes private decking areas with hot
tubs and panoramic views of the Scottish
countryside.
Carlton Graham, operations director
at operator Manorview Hotels, said: “We
have been planning the development for
some time and we are confident now is
the perfect time to add to our offering at
Cornhill.
“The hotel has previously been
traditionally used as a wedding venue but
we are anticipating a big demand from the
short break market.
“By increasing our capacity for overnight
accommodation on site we can also
increase residential guests numbers for
weddings as well as offer flexible room
options for events and small celebrations.”
Leeds's Largest
Outdoor Covered
Drinking Area
SEVEN LOCAL independent
operators located on Merrion Street
have joined forces and plan to install
a 50m canopy over Merrion street
to create the city’s largest outdoor
drinking area.
Manahatta, MOJO, Verve, Mean
Eyed Cat, Roxy Ball Room, Yard &
Coop and Liv Bar are taking part in
the new venture, which will run until
17 May.
Inspiration for the idea came from
the hugely successful Merrion Street
Festival in the summer of 2020, which
saw bar and restaurant operators on
the street collaborate for a weekend
of live music, great food and drink.
Lisa Morris, co-Owner of Yard
& Coop, said: “Merrion street has
some of the area's best party bars
and restaurants all now with plenty
of outside seating and professional
covering, making it one of the largest
covered party areas in Leeds. Each
venue will be showcasing their best
drinks, food and good times. This is
going to feel like being on holiday in
the centre of Leeds – every weekend.”
6 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM