Friday evening at the Millhouse Restaurant

The Millhouse restaurant is somewhat of a well-kept secret in North Bedfordshire. Away from the hustle and bustle of the village centre, this venue lies on the banks of the River Ouse on the edge of Sharnbrook. Many may have only found it through a wedding or event invitation, which is exactly how we came to find out about it. At the event we only got to see inside the marquee, which is absolutely idyllic for a wedding reception, so this time we decided to try out the restaurant.

We booked our table for two on the Friday morning and reserved the last table of the evening. On arrival we were warmly greeted and offered a drink before taking our seats. The tables were roomy and there was no danger of knocking the table behind you when you got up.  The room was pleasant with nice views over the river and quiet enough to enjoy our conversation without having to listen to other people.

We opted for a starter and main leaving the potential for a dessert on the table (excuse the pun) if we could fit it in. There was a nice menu for both, with us opting for prawn cocktail and chicken and liver pate to start and rump steak and shoulder of lamb for mains.

The food was good, although my medium steak was more well-done without any hint of pink, and you must remember to order vegetables as a side if you want some.

Neither of us could manage a dessert but the choice looked really good – maybe next time we will opt for the dessert as opposed to the starter, but the prawns were delicious and not to have been missed.

We had a really nice evening with good food, finished with a coffee. There are lots of other dining options, not just the A la Carte menu we had; they also have special evenings, Sunday Roast and alcohol themed events. We will definitely revisit the Millhouse Restaurant in the future, and may even visit one of the monthly Pudding Nights they run to make sure we try out the desserts!

Our “Chanel” Shopping Experience

This weekend we have been shopping! One of our most favourite pastimes and one of things we like to do for our clients, and it is always good to try out different shopping experiences so we can give recommendation and suggestion.

We went with a mission – to buy a pair of shoes for the owner’s teenage daughter, Tiffany. But not just any pair of shoes:

“Chanel Classic Pumps”

Chanel Classic Pumps are a totally must-have accessory for any female who requires versatility, comfort and style; chic enough for the office but just as fabulous with a pair of jeans or cigarette trousers.

We decided to visit the New Bond Street store as it was well located for the rest of our client shopping list and we knew it would deliver an overall ‘better’ shopping experience.

And arrival at this store is always a personal affair and one that never lets you down. You are immediately enveloped into the warmth of the store, welcomed along your journey to the department you require and personally assisted throughout. We knew where we were heading but took some time to look at the latest edition pieces. Once at the shoe department Tiffany was looked after by a very helpful assistant who brought out a number of coloured options and complimented and suggested when required. We were seated and offered drinks; the Chanel shopping experience is one where you can take a considerable amount of time making your selections and receiving advice on the collections.

As predicted, she did choose the Classic Pumps, and the rest of the purchasing experience remained very personal. Once paid and the items have been beautifully wrapped and prepared for you to take home, the assistant will carry the bag for you until you are ready to leave, just in case you spot something else on your exit.

The packaging is immaculate and was a talking point in many other retailers we visited, which added to her experience and made her feel even more special.

The Chanel shopping experience is the ultimate in luxury and very personal, and one which we would highly recommend to our clients.

Lost & Found Cocktail Bar – Bedford

I love cocktails – who doesn’t, I sometimes think however it’s not all about the cocktail (I say that lightly) but about the atmosphere too. I have found something Fresh, imaginative and quirky and I’m willing to let you in on it!

It was a Saturday evening and I had been invited out for a cocktail evening. Something told me it was going to be good when she said “I’ve booked us in for 9pm” Booked?? Yes Booked!

On arrival I could see why, Lost & Found cocktail bar was quaint – not small – Quaint! Décor summed the place up, Earthy, resourceful and creative. Everywhere you turned there was something interesting to admire.

Strawberry Daiquiri

We were seated by a host that waited on us all night. Never missed a trick (nor an empty glass). The cocktails where different – Tasty and it made you want to try another. I started on a Strawberry Daiquiri. Beautiful, could have drank them all night long but the menu was tempting me with more. I then fell in love with the French Martini’s; I never knew I was a Martini girl till then. I had one Mojito and it wasn’t for me (personal preference) my friend was into her Mojito’s so ordered another whilst I went back to the Martini.

French Martini

Whilst drinking you get to watch the barman make them – Talented he is! Does the whole shaking around thing and the dramatic pouring actions which is always received well. The music was just right, not too loud you have to shout over the table. The best part was not having to get my purse out to buy a drink every round you just pay at the end which I think adds a classy touch.

The only negative I could find (if being picky) was the Ladies room which is also the little boy’s room, you could saying I’m not the sharing type!

Mojito’s

Overall I rate Lost and Found 5 Stars!!! I thoroughly enjoyed my evening-Cocktails outstanding & service exquisite. As my friend said – “You don’t feel like you’re in Bedford”

O.W Concierge gives the big thumbs up!

A Day in the life of a Concierge

Being a Concierge is a privileged position, which requires innovative thinking and a very good book of contacts.

Monday 23^rd

05.30hrs – alarm goes off, time for a shower and to sort out my life before starting to sort other people’s!  Today’s agenda already includes a client dinner party to check final arrangements for, shopping for party bags, 6 private appointments to be made, a forgotten make up bag to recover from a spa trip over the weekend, and a new baby gift to be bought and shipped.

08.00hrs – calls and texts start coming in with any actions that have developed overnight.  First team meeting of the day– quick review of the tasks and out the door by 8.30 for the 9am meeting with the client to discuss an event that she wants fully hosting.

 09.50hrs – a client calls; she needs a mobile hairdresser with availability this weekend.  Now is a good time to find a coffee shop! A couple of calls to hairdressers, the booking is made. Next, ring one of the client’s Au Pairs and make sure they are fully briefed on the diary for the week ahead. Sort as many calls and emails as possible.

11.30hrs – pick up some dry-cleaning on the way to the next client meeting – a last minute organised wedding for August. She confirms me for the morning of the bug day to ensure everyone gets to where they need to be; being a mum of 5 she doesn’t want any added hassles that arise on the day. Start emailing chauffeurs with requirements as I leave so I should get some quotes by close of play.

13.45hrs – team catch up over lunch. Diary and task list updated, emails and texts checked and any sit-down based tasks completed. We don’t sit down a lot so we have to make full use of this time!

15.00hrs – drop into a client’s house that is currently being renovated– all ok and running on schedule. Make a list of the fittings now required. Head to the shops for various client-shopping requirements. Have a bit of a tight deadline for the gift send today so make use of the gift wrapping facility in one of the shops.

16.30hrs – quick team catch up, a client has rung in with an emergency need for tonight. After a quick call to a clothes store, run and pick up a couple of dresses, then onto her house to collect accessories, before dropping everything at her office.

17.50hrs – home for dinner and family catch up time.

21.00hrs – Final couple of hours of the day are reserved for catching up on emails, chasing bits, planning and getting a head start on the next day, which will undoubtedly be busy!

23.00hrs – bed!

Our “Matron of Honour” Service

Are you currently planning your wedding and wishing for another female to share in the highs, lows and excitement of planning your big day?

Does the lack of females in your life mean there is a vacancy for some support along the way; a MoH (Matron of Honour) type role perhaps?

Then we have the answer for you.

Our wedding MoH service offers any bride-to-be the perfect support package. From on the day help to full on pre-planning and follow-ups after the big day, we are here to make your day perfect! We will be with you every step of the planning way, help you to choose themes, colours, suppliers, venues and even the dress!  We can organise your hen night, organise the stag do, coordinate all guest relations – whatever you need we will be right by your side.

Don’t do things on your own; you’re worth more than that!We can be a part of the day or just a part of the background – whatever it is you need we can make sure you create fabulous memories in the build up and ensure your day goes perfectly.

So, if you are missing an MoH for your big day call us – we will be with you from the moment you get engaged xx

Personal Property Renovations

Many of our clients hold a property portfolio of at least 2 properties that they rent out, on top of their own residence. And we are often tasked with overseeing the renovation work or improvements in between tenants or upon purchase. Here are my tips for renovations and property letting:-

1. Find a highly recommended letting agent; you need to be sure that this agency is going to care for your property. Read the entire contract and always ask questions. You also want somebody approachable and quick to answer your queries.

2. Decorators, always get them round. Never take quotes over the phone. Don’t go for cheapest, Go for most detailed.

3. Finishing touches – Do them! Don’t skip them as could make significant difference to your monthly rental.

4. Always check in on contractors. Ensure your getting the job done. If you’re using a letting agent (depending on your contract) they should do this for you.

5. Take pictures of your newly renovated property for many reasons. Proof of how fabulous it is, but also in case of any damage disputes in the future.

Unfortunately with property renovations this is just a tip off the iceberg. There is so much to consider when a tenant moves out and your property is due a makeover big or small.

If this all sounds like hard work then ring me for a chat and O.W Concierge can take care of all of this and more. We like to make the transition easy and as stress free for everyone.

Life Is Stressful!

We fit so much in it – we have so many things that demand our attention – the children, pets, family, friends, commitments, paid work, voluntary work

24hours in a day is not enough!!!!

How often do your children ask you to do something, and then ask you every day and you say you still haven’t had time to do it? Maybe something as simple as buying their friends birthday present or card or returning a school form for the trip they want to go on.

How many times do you say to them, sorry I’ll do it tomorrow – I promise – and then forget again? Do you Find yourself rummaging in the card box with not much to choose from then get well soon or happy birthday grandad?

How often do you get into bed and them remember the thing you forgot to do and then realise you don’t have time to do, so it’s probably Too late, such a shame!

Do you find yourself making last minute dinner cinema or theatre bookings and not getting the seats or venue you really wanted – not very impressive in front of your friends hey?

Don’t u just hate settling for second best?

When I mentioned this to my friend before, can you guess what her response was? You got it – “you need a wife”! Well, for most of us that just isn’t such a practical accessory, but what we can do it get some help in formats that are almost like a wife. A gardener, a housekeeper, a concierge, an assistant – anything we don’t have time to do or even want to do can be outsourced, which means an end to the chores and boring jobs, and helps to alleviate those moments of disappointment that you so often find yourself the cause of – your children will think you are super mum, your playground friends will wonder how you manage to juggle so much and still remember to send your child in a homemade fancy dress outfit on the right day and your family will love the fact that each gift and card is personal, on time and better than last year’s!

My Day At The YSpa

Last Friday I had the joy of spending the day at a Spa. I booked it for my friend’s birthday as a treat, and a treat it was indeed.

We got there at 10am and although I had booked us in for one treatment we decided to push the boat out and booked in for a back massage too. This was done with ease and no need to rummage for a purse as all would be settled up later (which does make life easier).

We were told to go through the glass doors to the cafe where we can have a complimentary drink and complete our health forms. As we walked through I began rummaging for a pen but I was handed one as soon as I stepped through.

I found the staff always one step ahead and very knowledgeable on the facilities.

We started with a back massage! We waited in the waiting room with sofas, stylish rocking chairs and a log burning TV. There were flowers along the hallways and blankets scattered around, along with the beautiful comfortable decor this spa really did ooze calmness. The massage was just right; earthy music, relaxing smells and pressure just right… exactly what I needed.

Shortly after we had a mud treatment where we stood in a private sauna/stream room and had various Muds for different parts of the body with different levels of heat and steam to help enhance the muds uses. The staff were organised as everything I thought of was within reach – towels, flannels and more mud. Drinks were brought to us if we got too hot and moisturiser left out for us once we had washed off. Although all treatments are a set time length I was never once reminded of the time or hurried in anyway.

Lunch time was an array of hot and cold buffet which was lovely as we looked over the lakes in our dressing gowns drinking the recommended champagne. The only negative I could pluck out was the pudding was far too healthy for me!

The afternoon we spent using all their facilities. Steam rooms, salty rooms, extra hot saunas and a wall of ice (which I didn’t fancy). We lay… yes lay in the pool with our padded head rests staring up to the sky. It was a lovely sunny day and for a split second one could believe they was somewhere else.

Doing nothing I found quite exhausting! However mad that sounds. I strolled off for a nap in one of many rooms with memory foam and waterbeds; for those that just wanted to chill there were also very comfortable pods with plenty to read.

Towels a plenty, parking for my slippers, very VERY helpful staff and straighteners to hand I can honestly say I would not only recommend but also book again. My friend felt utterly spoilt for her birthday but whatever the occasion it is worth a visit. Everybody needs a day for timeout and utter relaxation and this can definitely be accomplished at Wyboston spa.

At OW Concierge we like to try out places for our clients so when we recommend we base it on experience.

If anybody has a product or service they would like to us to review and recommend please feel free to contact us today.

Do you have a hangover?

Did you have a good weekend? Was it an exciting, alcohol-fuelled, late one! Was it great to start with but pretty rough the morning after?
If so, I bet it hurt, I bet it hurt a lot.

The dreaded morning after. The dry mouth, the headache, the nausea, oh the nausea! You couldn’t get out of bed for fear of the floor spinning beneath you, and every sound made your head pound! How long did you lay there that morning longing for someone to bring you a drink, some Alka-Seltzer or something to eat?

Wouldn’t it have been nice if that morning when you woke up feeling totally hung-over, sick, with a dry mouth, splitting headache and an inability to look at the light, if somebody could run down the shop and get you some chilled diet coke, paracetamol, a greasy bacon sandwich or a roast dinner?

Well, lay in despair no longer! Here at O.W. Concierge we are proud to present our ‘hangover helper’ service! All you need to do is register with us and we will do the rest!

We are your saviors the morning after!

I have spent a lot of time in hospitals recently!

Being ill is not much fun, and being in hospital is really unenjoyably. That may sound obvious but there are things you do not think of that make the whole experience much worse than it needs to be!

1. Attending any outpatient appointments is hard work – especially if walking is a challenge. The car park is the first hurdle, followed by over-running clinics, being sent to different places for different things, and if it’s the weekend you may not be able to get a cup of tea! Go with someone – it makes the patient journey much nicer.

2. Once you are admitted as an in-patient the real fun begins! Don’t take valuables – it is hard enough to stay awake once you get into patient mode let alone have to worry about where your stuff is. If you need to lock your case, get a number lock, not one with a key.

3. Being on a ward is awful – not only do you feel ill but you are also immersed in the illnesses being experienced by the other people in your ward. This is not like the salon – you get to know everything about them but it is usually the reason why they are there, not where they are going on their holidays – and it is totally not private!

4. And people snore, cough, pass wind, talk in their sleep – nighttime is gross. Take ear plugs.

5. Other peoples visitors are really annoying – the 2 per bed rule doesn’t make a bit of difference – if they are coming a long way then they expect to stay round the bed – and they are LOUD! They talk at the tops of their voices, their children continuously want to come in and out of the ward, they bring smelly food in, and they are in fact the germ spreaders!

6. The personal TV’s are really impersonal, not much fun when every bed is watching a different channel. Ear plugs are again useful, but headphones may help with this situation.

7. Need help? Then press the emergency button…… and nobody comes for ages. Seriously – you could die waiting. Alarms are going off all over the place – nobody bats an eyelid, or comes to sort it out. The sound of those alarms will be ringing in my ears for days. If you are really desperate ask someone else to find a nurse.

8. No matter how busy they are, the staff never seem to be in a rush.