Sam Campbell – Monday 9 November 2026 7:30pm Theatre Royal Nottingham
www.trch.co.uk Box Office 0115 989 5555 I definitely don’t know what’s going on. I’m not even sure I know what’s happening anymore.BUT I cannot wait to come to your town and respect your traditions. I have been on tv over 5times.May I divulge a secret? I have purchased a large metal ring. I will use it to keep all of thekeys to the city that are given to me by the mayors I impress with my showmanship. Livecomedy is straight up amazing because people gather to watch it in a spectacular settingrather than ogling an evil phone screen in some horrid grey dank little corner. 00
TONY AWARD® AND OLIVIER AWARD®-WINNING OPERATION MINCEMEAT UNVEILS UK CAST TO KICKSTART LANDMARK WORLD TOUR
“One of British theatre’s great success stories and is packing out theatres in the West End and on Broadway… both spiffingly funny, in a Monty Python-esque fashion, and really quite moving”Hugh Montgomery, Metro “A little show with a very big future” David Benedict, Variety “The West End hit is still the perfect mix of ingenious, silly and moving…With a new cast, the Olivier Award-winning musical about the wartime operation is as terrific as ever” ★★★★★ Marianka Swain, The Telegraph “A miraculous musical that tells the entire story in a kind of accelerated farce that is part Mel Brooks, part SIX, part Hamilton with a side order of One Man, Two Guvnors.” ★★★★★Neil Norman, The Daily Mirror “The Brits have made the year’s funniest musical…Against the odds, the “Operation Mincemeat” gang has found its way to the big time.” Peter Marks, The Washington Post “The feel-good West End musical of the summer… The reviews for the show have been ecstatic… the overwhelming impression is of hopefulness, expansiveness, possibility and joy.”Alexis Soloski, The New York Times 88 ★★★★★ reviews and counting Following the seventeenth West End and fifth Broadway extensions, the Tony Award® and double Olivier Award®-winning musical Operation Mincemeat unveils the cast for the UK leg of its landmark world tour. Launching on 16th February 2026 at Lowry in Salford – the venue that first encouraged the writers’ extraordinary debut musical and hosted its first-ever scratch performance in 2017 – a 40-week run will play at theatres nationwide through 28th November 2026. Reprising their acclaimed roles, West End alumnae Christian Andrews (Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas, ITV’s D- Day 80 at the Royal Albert Hall), Seán Carey (The Play That Goes Wrong, BBC One’s VE Day 80, A Celebration to Remember), Charlotte Hanna-Williams (Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella; Bells are Ringing), and Holly Sumpton (Lovers Actually, BBC One’s VE Day 80, A Celebration to Remember) are joined by new recruit Jamie-Rose Monk (Rome & Juliet, (the) Woman) to form the cast, while Katy Ellis (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Sappho: The Poetess), Georgina Hagen (Only Fools & Horses, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Jordan Pearson (Back to the Future: The Musical, One Man, Two Guvnors), and Morgan Phillips (Babies, The History Boys) complete the company. SpitLip, the musical’s writers and composers, commented: “We’re so excited to see Operation Mincemeat heading out on a world tour next year, and the fact that it’s all kicking off at The Lowry, Salford – a venue who have fiercely championed us as theatre makers for over a decade, and where some of us made our professional debuts – is incredibly special. Having launched our show on Broadway this year, we know there’s an appetite (and a need) out there for shows which champion joy, and the power of small groups of people to change the world. We’re also delighted to be welcoming back our agents Christian, Charlotte, Holly and Seán, and welcoming our amazing new recruit Jamie-Rose, to kick off the UK leg of the tour – MI5 couldn’t be in more capable or more spectacularly stupid hands. Father’s never been prouder!” Following the UK leg of the world tour, Operation Mincemeat will travel across four continents, with stops including the USA, Australia, Canada, China, Mexico and New Zealand. UK tour tickets are on sale now from the Official Box Office at OperationMincemeat.com. Dates for other territories will be announced soon – sign up to the mailing list to be first in line when the show comes to your city. Keep an eye out for updates on new countries and continents! Operation Mincemeat is running simultaneously in London and New York, with the West End production at the Fortune Theatre extended for a seventeenth time through 27th September 2026, and the Broadway production now extended for a fifth time, running through 26th April 2026. It began as a tiny (and tiny-budgeted) production at the London Fringe New Diorama Theatre in 2019. The show quickly gained a devoted following, spurring sold-out runs at venues including Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. It finally premiered in the West End on 9th May 2023 at the Fortune Theatre, where it won the Olivier and WhatsOnstage Awards® for ‘Best New Musical’, alongside garnering 88 five-star reviews and counting, and has become the ‘Best reviewed show in West End history.’ The decision to write the musical was the last roll of the dice from SpitLip, a quartet of young British creatives after years of performing sketch shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and echoes the journey of Beyond the Fringe from the world-famous quartet Alan Bennett, Peter Cook, Jonathan Miller, and Dudley Moore, which premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1960, before moving to the Fortune Theatre and later to the Golden in 1962. In Operation Mincemeat, it’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), Operation Mincemeat tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII. The production is directed by Olivier Award nominated Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, National Theatre – Best New Musical Olivier Award winner), following providing directorial support for the Riverside Studios run, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. Also from Standing at the Sky’s Edge at the National Theatre on the creative team are: Olivier Award nominated Ben Stones (Sylvia, The Old Vic) as Set and Costume Designer, Tony Award, six-time Olivier Award and Bafta Award winning Mark Henderson (Girl From the North Country, Broadway & Noël Coward Theatre) as Lighting Designer and Olivier Award winning Mike Walker (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) as Sound Designer. Grammy Award winning and Tony, Emmy & 2024 ‘Outstanding Musical Contribution’ Olivier Award
MAJOR 2026 UK & IRELAND TOUR!
STARRING NATIONAL TREASURE HELEN GEORGE High Society The Musical ! Direct from a summer season at London’s Barbican Theatre,Helen George – known to millions over the past decade as Trixie in the hit BBC series Call The Midwife – will star as Tracy Lord in a major new six month UK & Ireland tour of Cole Porter’s musical masterpiece HIGH SOCIETY, beginning at High Wycombe’s Swan Theatreon 14 July. Tickets for the tour are on sale at HighSocietyMusical.com. This sumptuous new production is brought to life by an multi-award winning creative team, includingrenowned director Rachel Kavanaugh (currently directing Hugh Bonneville in Shadowlands at the Aldwych Theatre), legendary choreographer Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia, Kiss Me, Kate) with musical supervision by Stephen Ridley (The King and I, Anything Goes) leading a full orchestra, will immerse audiences in a dazzling world of champagne-sparkled evenings, razor-sharp comedy, and the timeless sophistication of Cole Porter in one of the great classic musicals of all time. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Arthur Kopit, this glittering new production promises a heady cocktail of romance, wit, mistaken identity and irresistible musical charm. Featuring Porter classics such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, I Love Paris, Well Did You Evah?, Just One Of Those Things, Let’s Misbehave, You’re Sensational, and the swooningly romantic True Love, HIGH SOCIETY will be the unmissable musical event of the year. Helen George, who will once again captivate the country this Christmas as the beloved Trixie in two one-hour specials of the BBC series Call the Midwife, said: “I am delighted to be returning to the stage in Cole Porter’s musical comedy masterpiece HIGH SOCIETY to play Tracy Samantha Lord in a brand-new production directed by Rachel Kavanaugh next year. Theatre is my first love and I adored playing the iconic role of Anna in The King and I, so I jumped at the chance to flex my musical comedy chops and play Tracy. Cole Porter’s musicals are packed with his signature wit, glamour and unforgettable tunes and High Society is no exception. I am thrilled to take the show on tour and can’t wait for audiences up and down the country to enjoy a sparkling evening of comedy, romance, and sheer musical joy.” Clear your diary, because you’re invited to the most swell party of the year, Cole Porter’s HIGH SOCIETY. Hot on the heels of Anything Goes and Kiss Me, Kate, next summer’s most eagerly anticipated production delivers another glorious dose of Golden Age musical theatre escapism across the UK and Ireland. Join the 28-strong cast, led by Helen George, for this lavish new production as plans for the society wedding of the year descend into chaos, with old flames and new flames vying for attention as a sharp-eyed tabloid reporter hunts for scandal at the waterfront estate. Further casting for the tour will be announced soon. HIGH SOCIETY – UK AND IRELAND TOUR 2026 19 May – 11 July Barbican Theatre 14 – 18 July High Wycombe Swan 21 – 25 July Cardiff New Theatre 28 July – 1 August Southend Cliffs Pavilion 11 – 15 August Belfast Grand Opera House* 18 – 22 August Birmingham Alexandra Theatre 25 – 29 August Leeds Grand Theatre 1 – 5 September Glasgow King’s Theatre 8 – 12 September Edinburgh Playhouse 15 – 19 September Norwich Theatre 22 September – 3 October Salford The Lowry 6 – 10 October Bromley Churchill Theatre 20 – 24 October Dublin Bord Gais Energy Theatre* 27 – 31 October Canterbury Marlowe Theatre 3 – 7 November Nottingham Theatre Royal 10 – 14 November Eastbourne Congress Theatre 17 – 21 November Dartford Orchard Theatre *Helen George will not be performing Website: HighSocietyMusical.com Facebook: @highsocietymusical Instagram: @highsocietymusical Youtube: @highsocietymusical TikTok: @highsocietymusical Also based on the Turner Entertainment Co. Motion Picture “High Society” 00
British Garden Centres welcomes Dronfield Garden Centre, Derbyshire as its 74th site following Ferndale acquisition
British Garden Centres is delighted to announce the successful acquisition of Ferndale Garden Centre in North Derbyshire. The centre officially joined the group in early January and will now trade as Dronfield Garden Centre, bringing the group’s total number of sites to 74 and marking another significant step in the company’s ambitious growth across the UK. Ferndale Garden Centre has been a cherished part of the Sheffield and North Derbyshire community for decades, first established in 1982. Operated by Neil and Linda Grant, and Helen Watson, the centre earned a strong reputation for high-quality plants, expert gardening advice, and friendly service. Known for its passionate team, impressive horticultural knowledge, and product offerings, as well as its popular coffee shop, Ferndale is a go-to destination for gardeners across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. Following the owners’ retirement, British Garden Centres is proud to continue their legacy and ensure the site remains at the heart of the local gardening community. Neil Grant, Managing Director of Ferndale Garden Centre, said: “After many rewarding years building Ferndale into a thriving local hub for gardeners, Linda, Helen, and I are excited to see it join the British Garden Centres family. We have every confidence that Charles and the team will nurture the community spirit and take it to new heights as Dronfield Garden Centre.” Charles Stubbs, Founder and Director of British Garden Centres, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Ferndale Dronfield Garden Centre team into the British Garden Centres family. Ferndale has long been admired for its quality and community values that align perfectly with our own. We are excited that the Ferndale team will continue delivering the same excellent and even better service, plants, and products customers love. We look forward to investing in the site, supporting the team, and continuing to offer customers a truly outstanding garden centre experience.” Neil will also continue to play an active role in the wider garden industry through his work as HTA Board Director and as Chair of the HTA Retail Committee, and will also remain a familiar voice to listeners in the Yorkshire region with his regular gardening slot on BBC Radio Sheffield, Leeds and York. 2025 was a year of expansion for British Garden Centres, highlighted by the acquisition of key sites, including former Dobbies sites (Shinfield, Gosforth, Heighley Gate, Rugby, Havant, Northampton, and Gloucester), as well as Hayes Garden World, alongside significant reinvestments in its existing operations. The addition of Ferndale Garden Centre as Dronfield Garden Centre strengthens the group’s presence in Yorkshire and reinforces its position as the UK’s largest family-run garden centre group. British Garden Centres plans to enhance facilities in the coming months to make the centre even more enjoyable for new and returning customers. British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 74 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by the Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.BGC was launched in 1990 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018, it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres, allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now, with 74 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham. The group has a team of over 3000 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar. 00
Darts World Champion, Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler will Face Off in Derby against some of the best players in the world on 31st October 2026!
Littler will be co-headlining the event with Nathan Aspinall, Gary Anderson and Adrian Lewis, with Rapid Ricky Evans completing the epic lineup. If that’s not enough, the GOAT Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor will be here on the night doing a meet and greet, plus an exclusive interview. Local players Harry Ward, Peter Burgoyne and Conor Marshall will also be in action and will also get a chance to Face Off against one of Littler, Aspinall and Anderson. It’s going to be an epic night, so why not make the most of it and enhance your experience? You can meet the players, there’s an opportunity FOR YOU TO PLAY AGAINST ONE THE PLAYERS, enjoy Live Lounge food and drink…the list goes on! For more, take a look at what’s on offer Tickets Platinum Meet and greet Floor Seat Balcony Parking There is a large provision of car parking within the city centre ring road, with around 5,500 spaces within a 10-minute walk of the venue, including the 11 disabled parking spaces within 100m of the site at present. Our recommended parking is at Derbion Shopping Centre, a short walk away. If you’re driving into Derby, Derbion offers convenient parking just a short walk away from the venue. Located in the heart of the city centre, Derbion provides three secure car parks with over 2,700 large, undercover spaces. From Derbion, it’s a short 5-minute walk to the venue via St Peter’s Street, Victoria Street, and Becket Well Lane. Parking at Derbion also places you steps away from a range of restaurants like Wagamama, Nando’s, Pizza Express and Carluccio’s as well as a wide variety of grab and go choices in our Food Terrace which can be enjoyed pre-show. Arriving in the evening? Take advantage of Derbion’s evening parking rate—just £2.50 after 5 pm in the Centre and Basement car parks. This makes it a great option for those attending evening performances any day of the week. For more details on parking rates and facilities, visit their website. 00
Trainee Solicitor qualifies with Timms and starts exciting new chapter in 2026
Timms Solicitors is delighted to announce that one of its trainee solicitors has officially qualified as a solicitor. Emily Facer will join the Wills and Probate team in Swadlincote – marking a significant milestone in her legal career. Before joining the business, Emily graduated in Law from the University of Derby and went on to study the LPC LLM, which she completed in 2023. Emily joined Timms as a paralegal in the conveyancing team and worked across the firm’s offices in Derby, Burton, Ashby and Swadlincote. Last year, she secured a training contract with the firm and completed seats in Public Family Law, Wills and Probate and Private Family Law. Timms Managing Partner, Fiona Moffat, said: “We are delighted to celebrate Emily’s achievements, and we hope that 2026 is going to be an extremely exciting year for her. Our firm has a solid reputation for serving our local community, but we can only continue to grow and develop when we have the very best team. Emily’s willingness to learn and ambition to achieve in her career has been wonderful to watch and we already know what she will bring to the business. I would like to personally congratulate Emily, and I am excited to see her progress.” Timms Solicitors has been providing legal services across the Midlands for over 130 years and has offices in Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Ashby and Swadlincote. Emily said: “I am really pleased to qualify as a solicitor, and I would like to thank all my colleagues for their support and encouragement over the years. I can not wait to see what’s in store for me in 2026, and I am grateful for all the experience I have gained at Timms since I started working for the firm in 2022. Developing my career is really important to me and I feel really proud to work at Timms.” Out of work, Emily enjoys going to concerts, travelling and watching a good TV series. +40
Severn Trent partnership brings life back to damaged moorland landscapes
Since the time of the Industrial Revolution, the moorlands of the Peak District and South Pennines have been suffering from the legacy of centuries of pollution from the coal-fired factories that once surrounded them. However, these precious landscapes are gradually being brought back to life, thanks to organisations working in partnership to reverse this damage. And, while this work has achieved great improvements in the last 20 years, there is still work to be done to ensure these habitats can look after themselves Once-desolate hilltops have become green again, thanks to a combination of keeping them wetter and planting moorland plants. This landscape-scale transformation couldn’t have happened without human intervention, funded by a range of partners, both public and private. But the work isn’t complete yet. Vast expanses of bare peat may largely be a thing of the past, but only by continuing the work to re-store wetter conditions and by planting the amazing sphagnum moss in these restored areas can they begin to look after themselves. Since 2015 Severn Trent have been part of a partnership, restoring life to large areas of the Peak District and South Pennine moors. These precious moorlands were damaged by the pollution of the Industrial Revolution and it is through partnership working that these habitats have been brought back to life. Around eight million people across the Midlands receive their water and sewerage services from the company, activities which lay the foundation for Severn Trent’s extensive work in the conservation of landscape and biodiversity. 70% of the drinking water in the UK begins its journey into reservoirs from remote upland areas like the Peak District. For the past decade, Severn Trent – which has been part of the Moors for the Future Partnership since 2015 – has invested in the condition of the habitats within the Bamford Catchment – the area around the Derwent Valley and Ladybower Reservoirs – which sits within the protected landscape of the Peak District National Park and the South Pennine Moors Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This has included working in collaboration for shared outcomes with multiple partner members of Moors for the Future Partnership, including the National Trust. This collaboration has seen landscape-scale outcomes achieved for nature recovery in the High Peak through successive projects including, most recently, the Moor Water project (2020–25). The project set out to build on the achievements of earlier collaborations to restore blanket bog, re-establishing the characteristic plant and moss diversity of these habitats, and thus providing a better home for nature on the moors. Bringing life back to the moors also brings other benefits: it improves the quality of the water running into the reservoirs and slows the flow of water from the hills during storm events, contributing to water security and natural flood management in a changing climate. Before the works began, blanket bogs in this area had been badly damaged by 200 years of atmospheric pollution, as well as a host of other factors. This had led to a severe loss of vegetation on the moorland plateaux, resulting in vast areas of bare peat exposed to the elements. Thanks to this essential project, the moors are being revived for generations to come. The Moor Water project began in 2020 and in the last five years, the Partnership has: Following the success of the Moor Water and Great Big Nature Boost projects, the Partnership is looking forward to a new, five-year period of moorland restoration, science & monitoring and communications, which will begin in the coming weeks and months. Matt Scott-Campbell, Partnership Manager at Moors for the Future Partnership said: “Through our Partners’ ongoing commitment to collaborative working the Moor Water project with our Partners Severn Trent has enabled the Partnership to continue its work towards our shared vision of a sustainable and resilient upland landscape for the Peak District and South Pennines. This successful collaboration has once again seen positive investment into the long-term recovery and improving condition of a significant area of degraded blanket blog, building on our shared achievements to date. Our collective efforts for nature, people and place remain vital in the face of climate change, and we look forward to working in close Partnership Severn Trent Water into the future as we continue together.” Samantha Wilson, Environmental Comms Lead at Severn Trent said: “We’re proud to have played our part in restoring these incredible landscapes over the last decade, which are vital for nature and water quality. Healthy moorlands don’t just look beautiful, they help store carbon, slow the flow of water and protect the habitats that make the Peak District so special and an integral part of our community. It’s a real privilege to continue to work collaboratively in this way and means we can achieve so much more together. We’re committed to continuing this work so these moors thrive for generations to come and look forward to this ongoing this valuable partnership.” 00
Disco, K-Pop, and legendary rock and pop coming to Derby Arena
An exciting new lineup of shows is heading to Derby Arena next year, bringing a mix of disco fever, nostalgic rock and roll, the global sensation of K-pop, and the symphonic magic of ELO back to the stage. Get ready to step back into the era of glitter balls and groove as Lost in Music returns on Saturday 30 May with a brand-new, high-energy show that is bigger, bolder, and more dazzling than ever. Join us for a spectacular night of non-stop disco anthems as a sensational live band, powerhouse vocalists, and vibrant production bring the magic of the seventies back to life. Feel the rush as the dancefloor is reignited with iconic hits from Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chic, Sister Sledge, and many more. This is the ultimate disco celebration, from the infectious joy of I Will Survive to the euphoric energy of Le Freak, celebrating the golden age of disco like never before. The celebrations continue with the 40th anniversary of the legendary touring show, That’ll Be The Day, on Sunday 31 May. This unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and comedy features timeless hits from the fifties through to the eighties. This special performance will also mark Trevor’s farewell tour, giving audiences a chance to celebrate this milestone and say goodbye to the show’s star after four decades of entertainment. It’s a showcase of the energy, passion, and talent that has made this the UK’s longest-running touring theatre show. Riding the biggest wave influencing the world live on stage is K-POP All Stars on Sunday 5 July. The stage will be transformed into a vibrant explosion of sound and colour, showcasing everything fans love about the global phenomenon. Powered by a phenomenal cast with brand-new choreography created exclusively for the show, every performance hits with incredible precision and energy. The setlist is packed with the biggest names in the genre, including Blackpink, BTS, NewJeans, Itzy, Twice, Stray Kids, Jung Kook, and more, paired with stunning lighting, bold visuals, and the electric atmosphere that only K-pop can bring. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the magic for the first time, this is your chance to experience the music, movement, and artistry that continues to shape pop culture worldwide. Finally, experience the breathtaking tribute show, ELO Again, on Sunday 8 November. As the number one tribute show, ELO Again provides a dramatic taste of what a legendary ELO concert would have been like back in their heyday, professionally re-enacted with amazing sound reproduction, light show, and visual effects. They perform all the big hits, including Mr Blue Sky, Livin’ Thing, Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Roll Over Beethoven, and Don’t Bring Me Down, plus many more. Come along and relive the age of Glam Rock as ELO Again pays tribute to the beautifully crafted songs of Jeff Lynne. You will revel in ELO’s unique symphonic rock style and hear some of the most unforgettable classic rock and pop songs of our generation. More information about the shows and how to book tickets is available on the Derby LIVE website. 00
Check out your brand new local business, why not give one of their brand new clay workshops a go in the new year? it might become a new hobby! get in touch with Jenny and Vikki to book yourself on!
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Derby’s Cathedral Quarter Hotel welcomes award-winning chef to growing team
He was just five years old when he started cooking with his mother and creating the tastiest food in their family kitchen. Now, chef Buddhika Dayananda, is serving up his culinary delights at the Cathedral Quarter Hotel in St Mary’s Gate in Derby – after travelling the world with his unique, mouth-watering menus. The 46-year-old from Sri Lanka, said: “I am honoured to be here in Derby and serving all our guests at the Cathedral Quarter Hotel. I have worked in many countries and in some very prestigious hotels, but my heart is in Derby now.” Buddhika is excited to bring his unique style of cooking to Derby diners and says he has received a warm welcome to the city. He explained: “It is an enormous privilege to be here, and I can’t wait to cook for you all. I want to meet new people and give guests a meal to remember. My Christmas menu is very exciting and I can’t wait for that.” Buddhika has introduced themed food nights at the Grade II-listed Cathedral Quarter Hotel and says bookings are busy. All day, every day, diners can enjoy a unique steak and wine combo – but on a Friday, Buddhika serves his speciality curries followed by a line-up of lovely pizzas on Saturday from 5pm. He said: “Right now, I am concentrating on giving people home cooked, gourmet food with authentic and original flavours. Everything is prepared from scratch, by me, and I want diners to put their trust in what I can do.” Buddhika has worked all over the world including Sri Lanka and the Middle East. He has cooked for dignitaries in Dubai and prepared meals for thousands of guests at a hotel in Bahrain. He said: “Wherever I go, wherever I work, I just want to cook for people in my kitchen. It’s what I do best, and I can’t wait to see where this exciting new chapter takes me. “When I was asked to join the team at the Cathedral Quarter Hotel I was really excited because I loved the look of the building. It is so different to where I have worked before.” Buddhika’s handcrafted menu for Christmas Day is now out and he has been heavily involved in planning the hotel’s Friday Night Club, which will offer themed events, specialist wine tasting, party nights and live music with Derby DJs. This year, the hotel is staying open at Christmas so people feeling lonely over the festive season can book a break. Residents can enjoy half price stays – complete with breakfast, lunch and a traditional, three course set Christmas menu. The three course Christmas Day set menu costs £45 per person and the restaurant is open from 12 to 5pm. A single room with full board over Christmas will cost £80 a night and a double room with full board is £90. Operations manager, Isuru Akalanka, said he was delighted to welcome Buddhika to the growing team. He said: “Our hotel is right in the heart of Derby, and we want to welcome everyone to the Cathedral Quarter Hotel. “We are building a great team here and now it is time for the people of Derby to come and see what we are doing.” In 2024, management at the Cathedral Quarter Hotel announced a major refurbishment of the hotel. Owners transformed all 38 en-suite bedrooms, with new beds and new 43-inch TVs, and installed a new Starbucks coffee lounge, which is now open to hotel guests and members of the public. Key public areas, including the lobby, restaurant and corporate meeting rooms, were also redecorated to enhance the building’s historic character. Isuru explained: “We are extremely keen to become an integral part of the community here in Derby. I want the Cathedral Quarter Hotel to be the place for people to meet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We want couples to book their weddings and for businesses to have their corporate events with us. Hopefully, our Christmas initiative will bring new visitors to the hotel too.” To book a table or make a room reservation, call the Cathedral Quarter Hotel on Derby 01332 850330. 00
