With the UK hospitality sector re-opening in July, we were very excited to welcome new and returning guests to our Chopin course with Warren Mailley-Smith this weekend. Despite the current uncertain climate, we ended up sold out with a lovely group of 8 Chopin enthusiasts!

As you can imagine, it was great to be back to “normal”, but with the necessary social distancing measures in place to keep staff and guests as safe as possible. So, what did we get up to?

Guests enjoyed al fresco dining in the private gardens of Finchcocks. Blankets and outdoor heaters were provided with hand sanitiser on the table, just to be sure! The food was as delicious as always – as was the wine!

Our beautiful Steinway was joined in our recital room by the generous loan of a Phoenix piano. This was to facilitate safe duet playing and teacher demonstrations during performance workshops and masterclasses. Phoenix pianos are the product of a partnership with highly respected German piano manufacturers Steingraber and Kent-based Phoenix pianos, combining established craftmanship with the latest technology in carbon fibre soundboards and much more. Guests really enjoyed playing our new addition – and the flexibilty it gave to our tutor sessions.

Breakfast in bed was a big hit. With the choice of homemade granola with yoghurt, a selection of pastries and Natalia’s American style pancakes, there was no danger of going hungry before elevensies.

And what else? Hand sanitiser was positioned at every piano with antiviral wipes at the ready too. Pianos were cleaned inbetween sessions and communal areas also. Perhaps just importantly, guests were able to enjoy themselves as usual, socialise at a distance, relax, play and learn from an inspiring tutor. Everyone deserves a break after the last few months of lockdown!

If you have any questions about our corona virus saftey measures, do get in touch with us. Email Jenny via our contact page and she’ll happily talk you through them and hopefully put your mind at ease!