Q&A with Founder & CEO, Ang Jones

Our winning formula at Harrad & Bloom has always been the personal connection we have with our clients and homeowners, and it all began with Ang and her love for luxury hospitality - and “people-pleasing personality”. So we thought we’d sit down with her (no mean feat, given her schedule!) to find out more about the woman behind the brand, and how the lines between her work/life balance are completely blurred, but that’s actually a good thing! 

What do you love most about this industry?

The thing I love (and have always loved) more than anything - is helping people. From doing several volunteering projects in my late teens/early twenties - fast forward 15 years and I have built a business that helps guests, homeowners, agents and freelancers and suppliers. Despite being in the shiny luxury world, the ‘currency’ that drives me is gratitude, respect & fulfilment - and that ethos has resulted in the organic success and growth of Harrad & Bloom.

It's exceptionally rewarding to dedicate yourself to creating unforgettable memories for your clients, knowing that your personalised touches are what will make their time with family truly special. Generally, when people are on holiday, they're the best versions of themselves; excited to come together with family and friends, and to think about how best to spend their well-earned downtime. This is a people industry, and as a perpetual people pleaser, having built a business around my own personality means it never feels like work.

What are the latest trends in luxury travel, and do requests change much from year to year?

If I had to name the most recent trend, it would be last-minute bookings. This year has seen a record number of bookings made within 24 hours, with the average lead time for a property booking across the board has been under three weeks! Guests are also moving past wanting to be seen somewhere on Instagram. It's now about unique, curated experiences - memories that will stay with them forever (not just on their insta story!).

What are the must-haves for a week in the Cotswolds?

In my opinion, Cotswolds estates don't naturally lend themselves to self-catering, so a must have for a week in the Cotswolds is a chef and host/housekeeper to help create a hotel-style experience. That way a stay in the countryside becomes completely seamless and just lets you relax. These homes have such unique offerings and spaces within the property and grounds, so having a host do the thinking for you is invaluable - as we’ve all been away with friends and on departure day realised we only used half the space (and mainly sat around in the kitchen!).

Sunny weather? The host may set up croquet and Pimm’s on the lawn for you to return to after a Cotswolds tour. Rainy day? Board games out and fires lit, with popcorn at the ready to finish with a movie night in the cinema room?

Another must-have is a Range Rover. Car hire is one of our most popular requests, as it's the preferred way to get around the Cotswolds - with specialist driver/guides for those days you want a hands off experience (and to enjoy that extra glass of wine or two at lunch of course!).

The main secret ingredient’ -  insider knowledge: the best cosy country pubs (and ability to secure tables!), unique hidden gems - and how to stay away from the crowds where possible.

What goes on behind the scenes to create the perfect evening "at home" for guests?

For our guests, everything should feel seamless and effortless: the chef arriving, apron on, calm and organised, with a friendly host whose only concern seems to be whether you'd like lemon or lime in your gin and tonic. Behind the scenes, we've carefully considered every guest preference through our shopping lists and profile questionnaire.

Our chefs typically spend several days planning the menu, often with many revisions for dietary requirements, and making sure the best seasonal produce has been sourced, and the host has gone to about four shops for that last minute request of specialist tequila three hours before arrival. There's a lot of itinerary planning, shopping time, checking if the property has the right table decorations for the theme, curating playlists - and making sure the ice machine is working!

Craziest guest story?

There are too many to choose from, as you can imagine. Last Christmas, we were tasked with finding a Nativity play performance that could incorporate an American client's pet pygmy goats. Not your average request, but (with a little research!) we made it happen, and it truly was a spectacular event! 

‘Yes’ is always the answer, and you worry about the ‘How’ later.

Where is top of your travel bucket list, and what are your top tips when booking a trip?

Personally, I like to get as far away from our everyday culture as possible. I spent many years in my twenties exploring Asia, including spending three months in India. Most recently, I've visited Kenya twice, and it has become my new favourite place. Africa remains my number one location, combining its warm, friendly culture with the magical feeling of being among nature on safari. I can only describe a safari as a car wash for your brain. (Does that make sense to anyone else, or just my neurodivergent brain?!). To stop in the middle of nature, the jeep engine turned off, binoculars in hand - literally, your only job at that moment is trying to spot a lion. 

It’s a shame I have to travel to the other side of the world to switch my brain off, but - I’m working on it!

You run a company with an all-female team. What obstacles have you come across, and how has it worked in your favour?

I'm a strong believer in female empowerment, and working in a male-led property industry has only strengthened that belief.

 As service providers in the hospitality industry, we're highly emotionally intelligent and attuned to guests' needs, before they even know they have them. That sixth sense means we've considered every possible outcome (did somebody say overthinking?), and this ‘female touch’ is what really brings our service to life. 

If there were one obstacle to an all-female team, it could be that sensitive, overthinking nature we can all be guilty of. But in a business dedicated to anticipating every possible need of our clients, it really is our superpower, and it's why Harrad & Bloom plans to remain an all-female team. (In the head office, I mean! Of course we have many fabulous male chefs & suppliers who we value tremendously!).

Cotswold style: what to wear to really look like the Lady (or Lord) of the manor? Is a Land Rover the best car?

Funnily enough, when I moved to the Cotswolds five years ago, my parents gave me a welcome pack: a Barbour jacket and a pair of Dubarrys. I love living in muddy boots, whatever the venue. I've never been one for tweed, but it has its time and place, and the Cheltenham Races is the one. As for the car, you can't go wrong with a vintage Defender. Muddy boots and a vintage car: what more do you need for the Cotswolds?

Favourite places in the Cotswolds?

I have a few absolute favourite country pubs. My go-to is The Fox at Broadwell, perfect for a lazy Sunday of Scrabble and a long roast dinner with a glass of wine. I love The Woolpack in Slad for its quirky, bohemian character and exceptional food, a nice contrast to some of the more renowned, trendy North Cotswolds hot spots. The spa at Estelle Manor is second to none. And we love the team at The Cotswolds Distillery, who we've worked closely with for many years, and their new outdoor pop-up spaces. Our favourite hidden gem is Dryhill Vineyard, their award-winning sparkling wine is delicious when enjoyed on the piazza, with expansive views across the valleys, and their warm hospitality making every visit truly special.