Kilworth House appoints new GM

Kilworth House Hotel and Theatre has recently announced the appointment of new general manager Craig Routledge. Routledge has joined the hotel after spending the past nine and a half years with Eden Hotel Collection, where he started as house manager at Brockencote Hall, before holding GM positions at The Kings Hotel, Brockencote Hall and The Greenway Hotel and Spa. Kilworth House has been without a permanent general manager since the passing of Elizabeth Payne, who died in December 2023. She joined Kilworth six months prior to its opening and had been the only GM since opening in 2003. Today, Kilworth House comprises 44 bedrooms, plus two restaurants, four private dining rooms and six conference rooms. The open-air theatre, with a capacity of 550 seats, is set in a wooded glade beside a lake and has long been nationally recognised as one of the foremost open-air theatres in the UK, both for the standard of its productions and the high quality of its facilities. On his new appointment, he said: “I am delighted to have joined the fantastic team here at Kilworth in its 21st anniversary year. Kilworth is truly a unique property, boasting not only its acclaimed luxury hotel but also its exciting outdoor theatre set in the woodlands of the estate. “For me Kilworth is so much more than a luxury hotel; it’s full of vibrant spirit which is exuded by the great team here and those who come to stay. Teamed with its aspirational yet welcoming sense of grandeur, Kilworth makes for a wonderful special occasion venue that also hosts some of the finest events the UK has to offer. Kilworth is already well established in the Midlands hospitality scene, however I’m excited to spread the word so people far and wide can come and enjoy everything that this inspiring property has to offer.” He continued: “I have always been passionate about people, and I relish the opportunity to lead the Kilworth team with this vigour, to help them reach their own potential and create the best experience possible for our guests. The opportunity to join Kilworth as we embark on this next exciting chapter is truly an honour and I look forward to welcoming visitors old and new as we head into this summer’s theatre season.” Grade-II listed hotel Kilworth House was acquired by Richard and Celia Mackay in 1999, who restored the building into a hotel and launched it to market in 2003. An open-air theatre was added in 2007. Following Celia’s retirement, the business is now solely owned by Richard. Mackay added: “I am delighted to welcome Craig to Kilworth just in time for our very busy theatre season. Craig brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Kilworth having worked for many years in GM roles for a prestigious country house brand. I know these attributes will drive Kilworth to even greater heights of quality and standards.”

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Kilworth House appoints new GM

Craig Routledge previously held positions as house manager at Brockencote Hall, and as GM at The Kings Hotel, Brockencote Hall and The Greenway Hotel and Spa

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