Wishing all our friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year – we hope to see you in 2012! 
In the meantime its back to looking after a full hotel of relaxed residents who have all settled in for their special Christmas break – the hotel, as always, is looking wonderfully festive and there are plenty of treats in store for all our thoroughly spoiled guests! Best Wishes from us all!

The Mullion Cove Hotel Food and Wine Weekend drew to a close yesterday and has to have gone down as our best yet!  We kicked the weekend off with a cheery and fascinating tasting of Cornwall’s own Camel Valley wines hosted by the UK’s three time Wine Maker of the Year Sam Lindo.

Sam treated us to  a fabulous insight into his wines including the chance to sample his Camel Valley Pinot Rosé 2009 which has just been awarded the Trophy for International Sparkling  Rosé at Bollicini del Mondo for the second year in a row!  A true world champion!

On Saturday night we were treated to  a talk and tasting from our wine merchant (and local cricket hero) Mark Rowe.  Mark and his brother Andrew run Constantine Stores which has been a family business in the drinks trade for over fifty years and they boast one of the largest ranges of wines and spirits in the South West (they stock over 1000 different whiskies!)  As usual Mark entertained us all and treated us to a variety of wines from around the world and one of his whiskies!

The Chefs worked their magic all weekend culminating in a six course gala dinner on Saturday night.  Adam (the MCH in-house wine guru) skillfully matched the dishes to some fantastic wines to the enjoyment of all concerned.

Detox starts now!

It’s the time of year that all real ale enthusiasts from Cornwall and beyond look forward to – the 2011 Falmouth Beer Festival is almost upon us, running Friday & Saturday 21st and 22nd October.

Hosted each year by CAMRA Kernow (the Cornwall branch of the Campaign for Real Ale) the festival is the single largest event of its kind in the county. Admission is £3.50 (£2.00 to CAMRA members) including a souvenir glass. “A limited number of festival tankards will also be available for just a £1.50 upgrade” says Festival organiser, Gerry Wills.

“The Festival is always a fantastic event” says Gerry. “This year should be the best yet, with more than 200 real ales from all over the country, dozens of superb ciders and perries, and the ever-popular alcoholic ginger beers”.
Regular festival-goers will find a big change in the layout. “With the recent refurbishment of the Princess Pavilion we were able to take another look at the way we set out the festival”, explained Gerry. “There is a much bigger and improved entrance foyer, and we’ve moved the Beer Hall to the theatre (where the entertainment used to be), which will provide much more room around the bars than in the past. Cider and perry fans will still find the Cider Marquee out in the gardens.”

As usual the hugely popular token system for purchasing beers will be available.

“The token system makes buying beer at the Festival’s various bars simplicity itself, and gives the staff more time to chat to customers about the beers available” says Gerry. “The tokens can be bought upon entry and at various points throughout the Fest. Unused tokens can either be refunded or donated via the Fest to CAMRA Kernow’s chosen charity for 2011″.

And there’s a bit of good news for anyone who’s a designated driver for their lucky friends. “Just let us know at the entry desk that you’re a driver and we’ll sort you out with free soft drinks throughout the Fest” says Gerry.

CAMRA spokeswoman, Fran Brennan, says, “With more beers than ever this years festival is a must for both real ale aficionados and the general public alike. With so many different styles of beer to choose from there’ll be something to suit everyone’s taste!”

The Falmouth Beer Festival is always well supported both by locals and by people who travel from all over the country to be there. “We’re looking forward to seeing everyone come and enjoy themselves again this year” says Fran, adding “And if you’re on Facebook you can follow the Fest’s set-up progress via our official fan page: www.facebook.com/falbeerfest . You can even download a sneak preview of the Festival programme, which contains all the beer lists, and a floor plan of our new layout; so you’ll be able to find your way to the bars quickly!” Email: pressofficer@cornwallcamra.org.uk for more info”.

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The hotel garden team have been hard at work – and at this time of year things are really blooming.  Chris, our very own Percy Thrower, took these snaps of his handiwork last week…..Super stuff Chris – thank you!

A great Cornish Festival!

Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week has developed into the largest regatta in the South West, rivalled only by Cowes Week. It provides a racing schedule to challenge the most competitive sailors, yet retains a ‘fun and friendly’ feel which also attracts families and the less experienced.

Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week starts with the Falmouth Classics event, providing a special atmosphere and superb spectacle to kick off the week. Then follows six days of competitive racing for keelboats, traditional craft and dinghies in the waters of Falmouth Bay, the Carrick Roads and the Harbour, with a Champagne Day on Wednesday. Activity on the water is matched by a lively Shoreside programme of daytime and evening entertainment, culminating in a magnificent firework display over the Harbour. With a Grand Prize Giving party in the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club at the end of the Week.

This is the time to take to the water if the opportunity arises – simply perfect.  Have a look at the photos below:

Living on the Lizard we are sometimes guilty of taking things for granted – often it is our visitors who remind us how lucky we are to live and work where we do.  A regular hotel guest recently took these amazing photos of a peregrine and (below) a pair of Cornish Choughs.  Amazing scenes right outside our front door!

• Mullion Cove Hotel

Mullion Cove Hotel has won a 2011 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence!

TripAdvisor is the world’s biggest travel review website which allows travellers the chance to post their opinions about their holidays online.  This means that potential guests have the opportunity to read other peoples experiences of hotels and holiday destinations before they book.  We are very proud of our 95% approval rating as it comes from the people who really matter – our guests!  TripAdvisor awards this prestigious certificate to properties who consistently receive excellent ratings from its members – so thank you to all those who have taken the time to post their positive reviews on the TripAdvisor site.

Our local town of Helston held its annual Flora Day celebration on the weekend………with the help of our Kathryn in reception (dressed as a hedge!)   

Flora Day in Helston is considered to be one of the oldest customs still preserved in the British Isles.  The locals dress up in their finery and dance through the town in what is called the Furry Dance.

It is essentially a Spring Festival, the first after winter, when Nature’s seeming barrenness gives place to fertility and life. The dance is an expression of the joy at the triumph of life (spring) over death (winter).

Hal-an-Tow is another feature of the day is distinct from the Furry dance.  Many say that Hal-an-Tow is the oldest part of the day’s proceedings. The participants of the dance run around Helston blowing whistles and horns, chasing away all the darkness of winter and welcoming in the summer.

There is St. George and the dragon, and St Michael of Helston victorious over the Fiend, Robin Hood and his merry men, Spaniards, St Piran, ladies of the sea, dancing girls and ladies dressed in greenery as hedges!!  Great fun with plenty of refreshment on hand to boot!