PoB Hotels, the collection of Britain’s finest independent hotels, theme, Now & Then presents its 2026 ‘Handle’: a delightful journey through history, with a twist. Here, the past is more than a memory; it’s a feeling, vividly brought to life in the present. Now & Then creates a dialogue between eras, where timeless stories and contemporary moments intertwine. At PoB Hotels, history isn’t simply preserved – it’s lived. From ancient
tales and striking architecture to enduring traditions and masterful craftsmanship, every detail reflects a rich heritage.
In celebration of Now & Then, PoB Hotels intimate, immersive experiences presents
Meet the Makers running throughout the year, a collection of where craftsmanship and storytelling come together.
The inaugural gathering eponymous restaurant at on 21 May features The Capital Hotel in renowned chef Tom Brown Knightsbridge earned its coveted, whose Michelin star in February, less than a year after opening guest speaker Paul Beavis, CEO of Wild Idol.
Tom and his team, producers of hand will host alongside crafted, naturally alcohol free wine, for an intimate afternoon of food, conversation and discovery. With capacity limited to just 26, Tom Brown at The Capital will be reserved exclusively for the occasion, creating a relaxed and immersive setting where guests can, quite literally, ‘meet the makers’.
For the lunch, Brown will create a three-course menu reflecting his signature style: precise, produce-led cooking with seafood at its heart. Dishes will be paired with Wild Idol’s alcohol-free sparkling wines , including its elegant White and delicate Rosé . Crafted using traditional winemaking methods from carefully selected grapes such as Müller Thurgau and Merlot, these offer a sophisticated alternative to traditional sparkling wine.
Attendees will receive a specially curated goody bag, offering a thoughtful takeaway from the day, including an exclusive stay offer for guests wishing to extend their experience overnight at the hotel.
Taking place during the week of the Chelsea Flower Show , the lunch is well timed for those visiting the city for the globally renowned horticultural event, held just a short distance from the hotel. It also reflects The Capital’s long-standing appeal among the exhibition’s attendees.
This gathering marks the beginning of a wider Meet the Makers programme across PoB Hotels, bringing a calendar of thoughtfully curated occasions to some of the collection’s most characterful settings.
On 8 September, Gravetye Manor will host Ettinger , the distinguished British leather goods maker renowned for its craftsmanship and timeless style. Present at the lunch will be a live embossing machine, while an Ettinger expert will be present to share insights into the brand’s heritage, production processes and evolution since its founding in 1934.
24 September will see Northcote welcome Lock & Co. Hatters , the historic London hatter, founded in 1676, whose heritage and sense of occasion promise a standout autumn event. Guests will have the chance to explore the craft up close with their Master Milliner, including an original Victorian head-measuring device available for those wishing to purchase on the day. The event will also include a sit-down lunch prepared by
Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Executive Chef of Northcote’s Michelin-starred restaurant.
Interest in both can be registered here. Full details of further events in the series will be announced in due course, with additional updates shared on the PoB Hotels’ Now & Then page throughout the year. Tickets will also be listed here as soon as they become available, Comments Kalindi Juneja , PoB Hotel s’ Chief Executive : “PoB Hotels has always been about character, individuality and a true sense of place, and Meet the Makers brings that to life in a wonderfully authentic way. By partnering with like-minded British brands who share our passion for craftsmanship, heritage an d quality, we’re creating something that feels both meaningful and genuinely special for our guests.
“It’s an opportunity to connect more deeply with the people, stories and talent behind these brands, while experiencing them within the setting of our hotels. As part of our Now & Then series, it’s a natural expression of that balance between heritage and modern creativity, celebrating where we’ve come from, while keeping things fresh, relevant and inspiring today.”
Read the full Now & Then story in ‘The Handle ’. Complimentary copies can also be ordered here.
Tickets for Meet the Makers: Tom Brown at The Capital are priced at £65 per person and are available to purchase here.
