Cookie Policy

1. Introduction & Statutory Framework

This Cookie Policy explains how Flats Above Main (“we”, “us”, or “our”) employs cookies, tracking pixels, and local storage technologies across flatsabovemain.com. Our practices comply strictly with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) read alongside the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. What Are Cookies & Local Storage?

Cookies are compact alphanumeric text files downloaded to your internet-enabled device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) when visiting our digital publication. They enable web servers to recognise your device across browsing sessions, authenticate user states, retain navigation preferences, and compile aggregated statistical metrics regarding publication performance.

3. How We Categorise Cookies

In accordance with Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) guidelines, we divide all cookies operating across Flats Above Main into three distinct classifications based on technical function and necessity: Strictly Necessary, Functional & Preference, and Performance & Analytical.

4. Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly necessary cookies are indispensable for the core operation, cybersecurity, and delivery of our digital platform. Under Regulation 6 of PECR, these technical identifiers do not require user consent because the service requested by you cannot be provided without them. They verify session integrity, enforce HTTPS encryption, and remember your cookie consent decisions.

5. Performance & Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies allow us to gauge readership metrics, track article popularity, and measure page loading latencies. We deploy privacy-preserving analytics that truncate and pseudonymise IP addresses before ingestion. These cookies operate exclusively following your explicit affirmative consent granted via our cookie management interface.

6. Functional & Preference Cookies

Functional cookies allow our web platform to recall choices you make while browsing our resort directories, such as your filtered destination selections (e.g., London, Bath, Cotswolds, Highlands), active resort amenity filters, and layout preferences. They are non-essential and will only activate if consent is provided.

7. Editorial Tracking & Outbound Referrals

Flats Above Main is an independent editorial review platform. Where our articles contain outbound links to hotel booking engines or destination concierge services, an anonymised referral tag may be appended to the destination URL. This tag verifies that traffic originated from our editorial reviews without transmitting personally identifiable data.

8. Third-Party Embedded Technologies

Certain editorial features, such as interactive destination maps, typography stylesheets (Google Fonts), or multimedia players, may rely on trusted third-party providers. These external entities may set independent cookies when you interact with their widgets. We recommend reviewing the respective third-party privacy notices prior to engagement.

9. Session vs. Persistent Lifespans

We classify cookies by temporal duration into two categories: Session Cookies, which exist temporarily in volatile browser memory and are deleted automatically when you close your web browser; and Persistent Cookies, which remain stored on your hard drive until their predetermined expiry date or until manual cache deletion.

10. Comprehensive Active Cookie Inventory

11. How We Obtain Valid Consent

When you first access Flats Above Main, our UK-compliant cookie consent banner appears before non-essential cookies are initiated. We do not utilise pre-ticked checkboxes or deceptive dark patterns. You may freely select “Accept All”, “Decline Non-Essential”, or configure granular preferences per cookie category.

12. Withdrawing Consent & Re-configuring

Your consent decision is never permanent. You may revoke or modify your cookie consent at any point during your visit by clicking the “Cookie Preferences” link situated in the footer of every page, which instantly restores the preference dialogue.

13. Browser-Level Controls

In addition to our on-site consent banner, modern web browsers offer native controls to inspect, block, or delete cookies. You can manage cookie storage directly through your browser settings:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Third-party cookies.
• Apple Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Prevent cross-site tracking.
• Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Enhanced Tracking Protection.
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Manage and delete cookies.

14. Impact of Disabling Non-Essential Cookies

If you choose to reject performance or functional cookies, your core browsing experience remains fully accessible. You can read all hotel reviews, examine photo galleries, and access editorial criteria unimpeded. However, directory filter selections and previous search criteria will reset upon refreshing.

15. Scheduled Policy Review & Updates

The digital advertising and privacy ecosystem evolves continually. We conduct semi-annual audits of all technical scripts operating across Flats Above Main. Any changes to our cookie architecture will be documented immediately in this policy with an updated effective date timestamp.

16. Data Protection Officer & Contact

For questions regarding our use of cookies, technical telemetry, or your statutory privacy rights under UK legislation, please contact our editorial compliance team: