Sixty event professionals from corporate companies, event agencies and overseas hotels were among the first in the industry to find out about the latest news and developments at The Lygon Arms Hotel.

Gathering at the Iconic Luxury Hotels’ boutique hotel in Broadway, on January 23, the group were there to network, meet and relax as part of the DBF/BNC MICE Forum partnership under DBF Events’ excellent ‘Be Our Guest’ programme.

The first part of the two-day event involved one-to-one agency/supplier meetings whilst BNC VIP members arrived at their leisure late afternoon. A cocktail reception started the evening off before we headed to the magnificent Grill restaurant for a three-course dinner.

In the morning, it was the corporates’ turn to have one-to-one supplier meetings before using the afternoon to work from the private spaces at the property or return to the office.

At the cocktail reception hosted by Lisa Lernoux-Dock, ILH Group Sales Director, The Lygon Arms Hotel’s Deputy General Manager, Darren Connor, announced some exciting plans.

Celebrity chef James Martin, who already partners with Iconic’s Chewton Glen, will now have his famous dishes on the menu at The Lygon Arms.

James will use local, ‘artisanal and seasonal produce’ to serve a blend of ‘traditional and authentic dishes’ transforming the property’s ‘iconic’ Grill restaurant.

Signature treats will include favourites such as his  dry-aged longhorn beef wellington and white chocolate and whisky bread and butter pudding, there will also be ‘the James Martin afternoon tea’ and the opportunity to dine with the chef himself.

Other news ahead for the property are additional bedrooms and suites adding to the eclectic choice of 86 that already exist, plus a new-build conference centre, in keeping with the area.

Already on offer for meetings and events are several meeting and boardrooms that mix stately appeal with Cotswold charm, such as the 16-seater Cromwell Room, a space steeped in history where Oliver Cromwell stayed the night before the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Although written into the history books The Lygon Arms has a very modern day, natural and easy feel to it which leant itself well to a two-day business event.

Although the property is expertly run and the service impeccable it was never over the top, we were made to feel very much at home at all times, adding that extra special feel to our exclusively booked event.

Whether we were holding one to one meetings or relaxing in the bar, or catching up on emails or visiting the pool, everything flowed effortlessly. There’s a lot to see and enjoy at this intriguing property, and that’s even before you walk out into the chocolate box looking high street or stroll through the Cotswolds.

BNC Club members who attended the event positively on the event, enjoying the relaxed networking appeal and the chance to do business at such a charming hotel. High-up on their lists of ‘likes’ were ‘being back in person meeting people in the industry again felt great’ and ‘the location was great, and the hotel and facilities were amazing. It was nice to connect with so many people outside of London.’

For details on the next event go to: www.thebnc.co.uk/networking-events

www.lygonarmshotel.co.uk