Panaz Hospitality News

Strega Waterfront Restaurant 1940’s Glamour

CKI Design Studio of Boston, MA and BKA Architects of Brockton, MA joined forces to create Strega Waterfront; a new 180-seat restaurant located in the heart of Boston, for owner Nick Varano of The Varano Group. Panaz Illusion sheers and Dupion drapes reflect the richness of 1940’s elegance and glamour.

Strega Waterfront brings fine Italian dining to Boston Seaport with a tradition of impeccable service, exceptional food and a vibrant dining experience. Nick Varano, Strega Waterfront’s owner, was quoted as saying “this is one of the most beautiful locations in Boston and we are excited to be part of Fan Pier”. Ashling, Inc. of Boston, Massachusetts was the general contractor for the project. The interior of the 4,000 square foot space was inspired by the glamour of 1940’s era transatlantic passenger ships as reflected in every aspect of Jerome CooperKing’s design for Strega Waterfront. These ships catered to the rich and famous who enjoyed the luxurious setting and fashion of ocean travel. This glamour and luxury is experienced throughout Strega in the marble and oak panelled walls, in the striking curved glass and wood wine display, in the rich tones of the baby grand piano, and in the stunning line of sheers and drapes by Panaz. At the same time CooperKing’s design pays homage to Strega’s origin using the warm gold and red color palette of the North End Strega and playing with the original logo to create a giant sculptural ring that dominates the central dining room. “Reflection was essential to the design,” says CooperKing, “not just physical reflections but emotional reflections. I wanted the design of this restaurant to reflect owner Nick Varano’s personality, with warmth, hospitality and great drama. Ashling, Inc. met every challenge my design presented, including curving glass. They didn’t miss a beat and they didn’t miss a single detail.” Photo courtesy of the Varano Group.

Craigatin House & Courtyard, Pitlochry

After 20 years of commuting in and out of central London, Martin and Andrea Anderson had had enough of their corporate lifestyles and decided it was time for a change of pace and a new lifestyle. “Andrea and I had busy sales jobs, travelling frequently and working long hours” says Martin. “We wanted a change of scenery and a new challenge”.

Having spent over five years searching for the perfect business and location they eventually discovered Pitlochry, and Craigatin House & Courtyard. Located just 70 miles north of Edinburgh, Pitlochry is a charming Victorian town encircled by the Highland Perthshire hills with a world famous theatre, two Whisky distilleries and plenty of castles. Martin and Andrea now own and run Craigatin House & Courtyard. Hidden away in secluded wooded grounds, this beautiful early Victorian house has now been transformed into a boutique bed & breakfast, providing a unique blend of the traditional with the luxury of contemporary design. City chic in a rural setting. The individually designed spacious deluxe rooms all have comfortable six foot wide beds and are decorated with stylish fabrics and furnishings. Designs for the rooms were put together by Cottonwood Interior Design using Panaz fabrics. All rooms have large HD LCD TV’s, Freeview and CD/DVD players. There is also free Wi-Fi access in the main house. For special occasions, the luxury suite has all of the above with the addition of a private sitting room complete with ipod docking station, two large LCD TV’s and Bluray CD/VDV player. Since taking over Craigatin House & Courtyard in 2007 Martin and Andrea have won two Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards. In 2010 they were voted the Best B&B in Scotland, 3rd Best in Britain and 4th Best in Europe!

The Icon Hotel Luton

The Icon Hotel Luton is a privately owned luxury hotel operated by Franco and Lefi Anacreonte. The opening is in four phases, the first one being in November 2009 followed by the second in December 2009. The final two phases are underway.

Franco and Lefi purchased two buildings which used to house the offices of insurance giant Zurich plc and the former Luton Chamber of Commerce. The buildings had been vacant for some ten years and although adjacent to each other they were not connected. Consequently joining them together proved an enormous technical and structural task. Franco and Lefi\'s quest was to provide a unique and welcoming ambience. The £6million project commenced in March 2009 and has been furnished in a themed, elegant and inspirational manner. Working with the curtain and furniture suppliers, Panaz were asked to supply a range of fabrics to enhance the bedroom and restaurant areas of the hotel. The Panaz fabrics which were selected for the bedroom areas are Boudoir Red/Gold (curtains), Chic Red/Gold and Canova Red (pillow covers and foot throw). The reverse of Boudoir Red/Gold was used for the cushion covers. The hotel\'s signature restaurant is aptly named Capello\'s - both the Greek and Italian word for hat, which Luton is famed for. The Panaz fabrics which have been used in this area are Taffeta Blackout in Claret and Beige. Franco and Lefi have purposely associated themselves with local businesses and engage in sponsoring community events. They aim to be recognised as Luton\'s best boutique hotel, offering a truly exceptional and unique guest experience at affordable prices.