Simply The Guest Award

Jamaica Inn is proud to announce that we have been awarded “The Best Countryside Hotel Award ” in the 2012 Simply the Guest Awards

This is an award issued by the Hotel Booking Company “ Laterooms”

This award is even more special because it was all based on overall  guest review scores of visitors here to The Inn over the past 12 months.Scoring in categories such as  room cleanliness, room quality , food quality, customer service , staff efficiency and friendliness and location quality.

It proves what we have believed for years that we are ” Simply The Best “

Beautiful Celtic jewellery

Last week, we talked about some brand new additions to the Jamaica Inn online gift store; our gorgeous Cornish canvas prints. However, that wasn’t all we added!

We’ve been very busy sourcing items which we think you’ll love and would make fantastic gifts. We’re pretty sure that our range of Celtic necklaces and earrings definitely fit both of those criteria!

Created by the fantastic Sea Gems, the Celtic necklaces combine traditional design with exceptional high quality, all for a very reasonable price. Each piece is plated with real sterling silver, ensuring that they will continue to keep their beauty for years to come.

Every one of our Celtic necklaces features a truly gorgeous design which oozes tradition and class. From knots and triskeles, to crosses and claddagh, you’ll easily be able to find that perfect gift for a friend, relative or loved one.

To complete the look or to create a touching gift set, we also have a wide range of matching Celtic earrings. Plated in the same, high-quality silver as the necklaces, they feature complementary designs which look incredible when worn with the necklaces.

Whether you love traditional Celtic design or know someone who appreciates beautiful jewellery, you’ll love our new range. Head on over to our online gift store to check it out for yourself and let us know what you think. Simply leave a comment below or chat to us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+; we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Beautiful Canvas Prints

Here at Jamaica Inn, we’re always looking for fantastic new items to expand our gift shop. Today, we’re really pleased to show you one of our newest ranges; beautiful canvas prints from the incredibly talented Kerris.

Born and raised in Cornwall, Kerris won a scholarship to the Penzance School of Art at just 14. After two years there, he decided to enter the world of commercial art and design and he eventually established himself as a master sign writer. Apart from serving in the RAF as a nurse for two years, Kerris build up a strong business and continued to paint whenever he got the chance.

In 1970, demand for his stunning paintings as so high that he decided to give up his sign-writing business and focus on his paintings full-time. Kerris would often hold exhibitions of his work in the village of Polkerris, from where he has taken his name.

Nowadays, Kerris’ paintings can be found across the world and even as far afield as Hong Kong and New Zealand. He paints beautiful landscapes like the waterways of the UK or the vistas of Kenya, India and more. However, he still works from right here in Cornwall in his cottage studio in Polkerris.

Known as the “Cornish Constable”, Kerris’ work beautifully captures the tranquillity and peace of Cornwall. But don’t just take our word for it! Head on our to our online gift shop to take a look for yourself.

Our wide range of Kerris’ canvas prints captures almost every part of Cornwall and I’m sure you’ll agree that each one is simply gorgeous! Each print is sent to you rolled in a tube to prevent any damage. They are then ready to be framed and, with a generous size of 53cm x 27cm, will create an eye-catching focal point in any room or a truly heart-warming gift.

Be sure to take a look at our range of Cornish canvas prints over in our online store, and let us know what you think! Just leave us a comment below or chat to us over on Facebook, Twitter or Google+!

Healthy Eating Award

I am pleased and proud to announce that Jamaica Inn has been awarded a Silver Award for both our Lunch and Evening Menus. This award is issued by Cornwall Council only to  restaurants with a 5 star Food Hygiene Award and whose menu delivers healthy eating options.

Our customers can always be assured of both Food Safety and Healthy Eating.

Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca

Two weeks ago, we looked at one of Daphne Du Maurier’s most popular novels: Jamaica Inn. That blog proved to be really popular, so today we’re going to look at her most famous work: Rebecca.

Published in 1938, Rebecca tells the tale of Mrs de Winter, an American woman, who is the narrator of the novel. At the start of the book, she is visiting Monte Carlo and meets Maximilian de Winter and agrees to marry him after two weeks of courtship. She moves to England to live in his home called Manderlay, which was based on a real mansion called Menabilly in Fowey. When Mrs de Winter gets there, she finds that the housekeeper, Mrs Danvers, is still devoted to Maximilian’s first wife; Rebecca.

As time goes on, Mrs de Winter becomes convinced that Maxim is still in love with Rebecca and that he is hiding some a secret. I won’t spoil it for you here, but the book is incredibly gripping as the secrets of Manderlay are explored. In fact, the novel has won Daphne du Maurier many awards since its publication and is widely regarded as her best novel.

In 1940, Rebecca was adapted into a film by the master of suspense: Alfred Hitchcock. Starring Laurence Olivier as Maxim and Joan Fontaine as Mrs de Winter, the film is fairly faithful to the book. One point is changed, however, but I won’t say what as I’d hate to give such an important plot detail away!

The release of the film was actually delayed in order to be entered into the 1940 Academy Awards, where it was nominated for a massive 9 awards. Rebecca went on to win two of these: Best Picture and Best Cinematography. In fact, Rebecca is still regarded as one of Alfred Hitchock’s greatest films, often mentioned in the same breath as Psycho.

I know that Rebecca is my mother’s favourite Daphne du Maurier novel, but is it yours? Let us know what you think of the book and if you’re a fan of the film, too. As always, leave us a comment below or join us over on Facebook, Twitter or Google+!

National Food Hygiene Award

We are proud and pleased to announce that Jamaica Inn has been awarded the top award for Food Safety by The Food Standards Agency and North Cornwall Council .

We have achieved a 5 Star Rating in the Food Hygiene Award System

This is not an easy award to achieve and shows our commitment to ensuring that all of our customers are food safe when visiting our famous old Inn.

 

 

 

New to the gift shop: Signs!

Here at Jamaica Inn, we’re always on the lookout for fun new gifts to add to our online gift store. Today, we’re really pleased to show you our newest additions!

These fun signs all feature adorable artwork and amusing slogans; making them perfect for any occasion or relative. They’re all made from durable plastic, which means that they can be hung in your garden as well as your home.

Why not go for the Dedicated Gardner sign as a wonderful gift for your father, husband or grandfather? It would look fantastic hanging from the door of his shed or perhaps hung on trellis in his allotment!

If you have a special lady in your life who loves her chocolate, she’ll be a big fan of the Diet Tip sign, and I’m not sure I can think of an office worker who wouldn’t want to hang the Instant Human sign somewhere near their desk!

To check out our full range of signs, simply follow this link to head over to the Jamaica Inn Online Gift Shop. We love them! The only problem is not going mad and buying so many of them for all my friends and family!

Jamaica Inn Liqueurs

With 23° weather predicted in the South West for this weekend, I’m pretty sure that this means summer is finally here! While most people are thinking about and planning the food for their barbeques, I’m thinking about the drinks!

I like to think of myself as a bit of an amateur mixologist (or cocktail maker, if you’d prefer), so I was really excited when we started stocking some of our very own Jamaica Inn-branded liqueurs in our online gift store. They’re available in four varieties, and can be used in so many ways.

Image of Smuggler's Joy Liqueur from Friary VitnersMy particular favourite is Smuggler’s Joy; a blackcurrant-flavoured rum liqueur. After all, you can’t get more summery than rum! It’s great simply mixed with lemonade (And a dash of vodka if you like your drinks a little stronger) or poured over ice. If you don’t like your drinks too sweet, mix it with soda water and a dash of lime juice. You can even use it in cooking desserts like a black forest gateau, or poured over a fruit cocktail.

 

Image of Smuggler's Spirit Liqueur from Friary VitnersOur next liqueur is the Smuggler’s Spirit, which mixes a black cherry wine with vodka. Like the rum, it’s great with lemonade (And some extra rum!) or poured over ice. However, like most vodkas, it can be added to such a wide variety of mixers. Energy drink or orange juice are the easiest two, but I think it would be great fun to experiment with!

 

Image of Smuggler's Surprise Liqueur from Friary VitnersMoving on, we come to Smuggler’s Surprise, which contains mead wine and fine Scottish whiskey. It’s perfect for when the sun starts to set and the evening starts to get a little cooler. Yet again, orange juice or lemonade are the simple mixers and Peach Schnapps or run give it a little more of a kick. You could even try it with pineapple or apple juice too.

 

Image of Smuggler's Delight Liqueur from Friary VitnersFinally; one for the winter as Smuggler’s Delight is a mix of ginger and Scottish whiskey, making it the perfect ingredient in a Hot Toddy! Honey and lemon have always been touted as a great cure for those sniffles and sore throats caused by cold weather, so mix them in some hot water with a dash of Smuggler’s Delight for the perfect winter warmer!

 

Whatever your particular tipple is, I’m sure that one of our Jamaica Inn Smuggler’s liqueurs would be their perfect partner. At 18%, they’re just strong enough to enjoy with a mixer, but could still be mixed with other spirits without taking your head off! As mentioned, they could also be ideal for cooking with. Each liqueur comes packaged in a fantastic Jamaica Inn-branded bottle, which also makes them wonderful gifts, and they’re available now from our online gift shop.

If our liqueurs have got your creative juices flowing, why not share some of your own cocktail recipes? Simply include one of our Smuggler’s liqueurs, post them on our Facebook timeline and we’ll share the best ones in a future blog!

Ghost Hunts at Jamaica Inn

Places are selling fast on our fantastic Paranormal Investigation Nights! If you’ve been reading some Cornish ghost stories mentioned in our last blog, and feel like becoming a ghost hunter yourself, then book soon!

Our investigation nights are led by the amazing Haunted Happenings, and run from 8pm until 4am. Included is a 2 course carvery dinner and you can even choose to extend your visit with an overnight stay in one of our rooms.

The Paranormal Investigation Nights run once a month and places are still available for the 16th June and onwards. However, these places are limited and are selling fast! To see more dates or to book, head over to our Ghosts page, or to get a more in-depth look at what our evenings entail, have a read of our previous blog.

Trust us when we say that you do not want to miss a Paranormal Investigation Night at Jamaica Inn!

NEW: Delicious Cornish Biscuits!

We’re adding new stock to our online gift shop regularly, filling it full of great clothing, fascinating books, beautiful prints and, most recently, delicious treats! These gorgeous biscuits are an authentic taste of Cornwall and are the perfect partner to a cup of tea.

Image of Cornish Fairings Biscuits – Original from Furniss

Fairings biscuits are well-loved across Cornwall, and Furniss make theirs to an original recipe that dates back to the 1880s. They have a delicate spice to them and they’re wonderfully crunchy making them ideal for dunking!

Image of Cornish Clotted Cream Shortbread from Furniss

The Scottish may have invented shortbread, but the Cornish definitely perfected it when they added clotted cream! This adds a gorgeously creamy texture to the biscuits, and the cream and butter is sourced from a local, family-run Cornish dairy.

Image of Cornish Gingerbread from Furniss

If you like your biscuits with a bit more of a kick, you can’t go wrong with gingerbread. Furniss’ gingerbread reaches the perfect balance between spice and flavour, so that it isn’t overpowering. The biscuits are also blended with plenty of butter to add an extra dimension to their flavour.

We’re delighted to be able to offer these fantastic biscuits in our online gift shop. They make perfect presents for anyone who appreciates traditional Cornish treats, or just has a bit of a sweet tooth!