Mercure Hotels Launches “1000-Hours of Local Flavours” Culinary Experience to Celebrate 1,000 Hotels Worldwide

Monday, October 28, 2024

Mercure Hotels, a global leader in hospitality, is celebrating a major milestone—reaching 1,000 properties worldwide. To mark this achievement, Mercure has launched an exciting new culinary concept, “1000-Hours of Local Flavours.” Over the course of 1,000 hours—equivalent to 42 days—selected Mercure hotels across the globe will showcase a unique dish or beverage crafted with locally sourced ingredients. This limited-time offer is designed to immerse guests in the flavours and culinary traditions of the destinations they visit, bringing Mercure’s brand promise of local discovery to life.

The “1000-Hours of Local Flavours” experience has been thoughtfully curated in collaboration with local producers and suppliers, ensuring that each dish or beverage reflects the distinctive tastes, techniques, and culture of its respective region. The initiative allows guests to embark on a culinary journey without leaving their hotel, providing an authentic taste of the local destination.

Celebrating Local Flavours in Australia and New Zealand

Mercure Hotels across Australia and New Zealand are taking part in the “1000-Hours of Local Flavours” campaign, offering a variety of dishes and drinks that celebrate the culinary diversity of their regions. Here’s a glimpse of what travellers can expect:

Townsville, Australia: At Mercure Townsville, guests can indulge in a Sweet & Sour Pineapple Chicken Penang Curry at Celsius Restaurant. This rich and aromatic coconut curry highlights the tropical flavours of North Queensland, with pineapples sourced from the local Accorsini Pineapple Farm and capsicums from Rocky Ponds Produce. To complement the meal, the Celsius Bar offers a refreshing Frozen Mango Margarita made with syrups from the legendary Solano’s Syrups, offering a delicious taste of the tropics.

Alice Springs, Australia: The culinary journey continues at Mercure Alice Springs Resort, where Barra on Todd Restaurant & Bar presents a Territory Tasting Plate featuring native Australian ingredients such as buffalo, crocodile, and kangaroo. These meats are expertly seasoned with Indigenous spices, offering guests a truly unique taste of the Australian outback. Paired with a locally brewed Almost Summer Ale from the Alice Springs Brewing Company, this meal provides a well-rounded dining experience that reflects the flavours of the Northern Territory.

Sydney, Australia: In Sydney, Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah introduces a spritz-style cocktail made with TANICA, a modern aperitif crafted from Australian botanicals. Founded in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and distilled in Melbourne, TANICA incorporates hand-harvested ingredients such as Davidson plum, strawberry gum leaf, and orange peel, offering a refreshing and distinctly Australian twist on a classic cocktail. Guests can enjoy this vibrant drink at the hotel’s Distrikt Press Café.

Brisbane, Australia: Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill brings local flavours to life with a refreshment station serving iced tea made from locally sourced loose-leaf tea. At breakfast, guests can savour honey from the local Two Busy Bees Honey, and later enjoy a cocktail featuring coconut and passionfruit from nearby suppliers. For dinner, the menu highlights a dish centred around Coconut Chilli Sauce from Langs Gourmet, offering a fusion of local ingredients and bold flavours.

Melbourne, Australia: Mercure Melbourne Doncaster’s participation in the “1000-Hours of Local Flavours” is a culinary celebration of both Mercure’s heritage and the local region. A special three-course menu pays tribute to Mercure’s French origins with a French-inspired entrée, followed by an Asian dish for the main course, and a dessert that honours Doncaster’s apple-growing history. Locally sourced apples feature prominently in breakfast dishes like apple pancakes and turnovers, and the bar offers an Apple Martini made with Yarra Valley apples and spirits.

Queenstown, New Zealand: Across the Tasman Sea, Mercure Queenstown is offering a delightful breakfast buffet that includes regional produce, local cheeses, and freshly baked goods. Guests can also enjoy a gin cocktail crafted with spirits from the nearby Arrowtown Distillery, paired with a Black Wagyu beef burger for a taste of New Zealand’s best.

A Global Celebration of Local Discoveries

Since its founding in 1973, Mercure has built its reputation on helping travellers feel at home, no matter where in the world they may be. With over 1,000 properties in 68 countries, Mercure’s expansive network allows it to offer unique, locally inspired experiences in every corner of the globe. This commitment to local discovery is at the heart of the “1000-Hours of Local Flavours” campaign, which highlights the importance of cultural and culinary immersion in creating memorable travel experiences.

Mercure’s attention to local detail extends beyond the dining table. The brand’s hotels are thoughtfully designed to reflect the character and spirit of their locations, from architecture and interior décor to curated guest experiences. With “1000-Hours of Local Flavours,” Mercure is bringing this ethos to the forefront by showcasing the culinary traditions that make each destination special.

A Journey for the Senses

For 42 days, guests at participating Mercure hotels across Australia and New Zealand will have the opportunity to savour the rich and diverse flavours of their region. The “1000-Hours of Local Flavours” campaign is more than just a celebration of Mercure’s global success—it’s a testament to the brand’s dedication to offering authentic, locally inspired experiences that resonate with travellers and locals alike.

Whether indulging in the tropical delights of Queensland, tasting native Australian meats in Alice Springs, or enjoying a spritz-style cocktail in Sydney, guests are invited to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the best of local culture. With each dish and drink carefully crafted to reflect the tastes of the region, Mercure Hotels continue to offer travellers a gateway to discovering the essence of their destination.

As Mercure looks to the future, the “1000-Hours of Local Flavours” campaign is a reminder that local inspiration remains at the heart of the brand’s hospitality. By collaborating with local producers and incorporating regional ingredients, Mercure ensures that every stay is a unique and memorable experience that brings the local culture to life.

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