Christmas Bridge in the Heart of Bristol

23 December 2022

5 days from £599pp

This year, join First for Bridge and celebrate the festive season on this fabulous bridge holiday in the vibrant city of Bristol.

Bridge directed by Mark Hooper and hosted by John and Sarah Barker
Superb location situated in the heart of Bristol
Four nights of half board accommodation
Festive extras included at the hotel

Join us at the Mercure Bristol Holland House Hotel for a fantastic festive bridge holiday. This hotel boasts an enviable location in the heart of the city, close to the historic harbour. Enjoy easy access to shops, restaurants and attractions that this maritime city has to offer. Join us on our festivities which include a traditional Christmas Day Lunch followed by the Queen’s Speech. On Boxing Day, we include canapes and a glass of wine at lunchtime in addition to your evening meal later that day.

What to expect from this Bridge holiday:
Our Bridge programmes will vary according to the length of your break, and, in addition to playing Bridge, and we include an interesting seminar by your bridge director on a 4-night break

Your duplicate Bridge will be available every evening between 7.45pm and 11.15pm and we endeavour to vary these evening sessions, balancing between teams and pairs, with at least one Swiss style event during a two-week Bridge break.

Bridge will also be offered some afternoons between 2.30pm and 4.45pm. These sessions are normally given over to open pairs/teams.

During your Bridge holiday nothing is obligatory, and you can play in as many, or as few, Bridge sessions as you wish. We don’t forget you are on holiday and our Bridge programmes also allow time to relax and the opportunity for you to explore the surrounding area.

Full bridge programme directed by EBU qualified director Mark Hooper with seminars and varied bridge sessions
Masterpoints and prizes awarded
Services of our friendly bridge hosts
Fun bridge quizzes
Four nights in a four-star accommodation on a half board basis
Coffee, cake and welcome drink on arrival day
Mulled wine and mince pies on Christmas Eve
Traditional carvery Christmas lunch and evening high tea on Christmas Day
Glass of wine and canapes at lunch on Boxing Day

Mark Hooper

Mark is a bridge Premier Life Master, having played competitively for over 30 years. After retiring from a career in IT, Mark has been able to indulge his passion for bridge. While allowing time to play more bridge, he also threw himself in to other aspects such as bridge directing and teaching.

He is an EBU qualified tournament Director, and an EBU accredited bridge teacher, teaching beginners at his local bridge club. He continues to play lots of bridge at a high level, having represented Dorset in major competitions such as the Tollemache, the Corwen and the Pachabo. Mark can be seen at most of the major bridge congresses across the South of England.

John Barker and Sarah Marriott

Passionate about Bridge, John is a fully qualified professional bridge teacher and runs his own bridge club where he also teaches. He has worked within the travel industry all his life - Area Manager for Crystal Ski Holidays in the Alps, photographer on cruise ships and running his own very successful photography business. He plays regularly for Norfolk and is either playing or teaching bridge nearly every day of the week. Before bridge John also represented his county at both chess and field hockey.

When Sarah is not playing bridge she is an independent funeral and wedding celebrant. Prior to this she has been responsible for all the weddings in Norfolk and was also a school nurse. She brings her people skills and organisation to help make sure everyone has a fabulous holiday.

Overview

The hotel's distinct appearance reflects its ties to Bristol's rich industrial and maritime history. As a result, it has a wonderful sense of space and is flooded with natural light throughout. Its harborside location allows guests to explore the many nearby attractions that this vibrant city has to offer. This contemporary 275-room hotel is conveniently located in the city, with easy access to Brunels SS Great Britain, Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Bristol Zoo, as well as a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads railway station.