by James Balston | Oct 27, 2011 | Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Hotels, Pubs, Toilets, Travel
This is the way most tall stories begin, with the teller, glass in hand, propping up the bar of the village pub. Or in this case, seated by the fire, regaling a squirrel with Wealden tales. A squirrel? We are in the bar of the Bell, a soon to re-open pub with rooms in... 
by James Balston | Sep 5, 2011 | Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Hotels
The gradual refurbishment at Whatley Manor Hotel continues, albeit slowly. It’s a tricky dilemma for a successful hotel. Naturally you want the rooms to look their best, but then the lost revenue and disruption have to be considered. Is it better to close... 
by James Balston | Mar 24, 2011 | Hotels, Restaurants
I had to fight my way through the crowds in Chinatown on saturday, on my way to Spice Market. According to the restaurant’s American manager, it’s busier out there than in Times Square. I was back to shoot the private dining room (or PDR in PRspeak!) and... 
by James Balston | Mar 16, 2011 | Hotels
I first visited Whatley Manor on the edge of the Cotswolds, 7 or 8 years ago, on behalf of Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine. I have a lot to be thankful to that publication for, as it helped me gain access to several high profile hotels and restaurants such as... 
by James Balston | Jul 16, 2010 | Bathrooms, Bedrooms, Hotels, Travel
The gradual refurbishment of the Barnsley House Hotel continues. The famed Cotswold garden in which it sits, provides much inspiration to the designers, Fox Linton, in their quest to update the rooms. Set among the simple new furnishings, one is likely to find... 
by James Balston | Dec 18, 2009 | Hotels, Spas
I don’t need any excuse to go to the Cotswolds, so it’s always a treat to be asked to shoot a country house hotel there. The village of Barnsley is everything one would expect from a Cotswold village: picturesque stone cottages huddled around a pretty...