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The director of Cornwall’s five-star Headland Hotel and Spa Resort has been awarded Master Innholder status by the Worshipful Company of Innholders. Veryan Palmer is among just 10 industry professionals who have received the award this year in recognition of their “outstanding contribution to hospitality”.
Palmer’s family’s connection with The Headland began in 1979 when her parents bought the Victorian hotel.
She became a director in 2020 and has continued to support the multi-award-winning hotel, which features 86 five-star bedrooms, 39 five-star cottages, a five-bubble-rated spa, a six-pool AquaClub and four restaurants.
Palmer said: “I have been told that my first encounter with the Master Innholders would have been when I was less than 10 years old, when Hilary Metcalf, the first female Master Innholder (in 1979), joined The Headland Cornwall as General Manager in the mid 1990s. Little did I know then how various Master Innholders would come to guide my hotel career in the future.
“I am thankful to all who have supported me over the last two decades in the wonderful world of hospitality, and I look forward to upholding the aims of the Master Innholders for the years to come.”
The award will be made by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Innholders at a special Court presentation at Innholders’ Hall in London on 4 June.
Dan Rose-Bristow FIH MI, chairman of the Master Innholders, said: “To become a Master Innholder, you need to demonstrate great leadership qualities, what you stand for as a hotelier, your involvement in the wider hospitality community in terms of education and charity, and an appreciation of the heritage and traditions of the Worshipful Company of Innholders, who award the honour.”
“Our 10 successful applicants this year all demonstrated their passion and drive for our profession and were all committed to becoming an active part of our community. I am extremely proud to welcome all these inspiring individuals to our family, who will become Master Innholders when they receive their award from the Worshipful Company of Innholders in June.”
