Today’s news in brief – 5/9/24
SWG3 and Stallan-Brand have secured approval for a 142-bedroom hotel in Glasgow, at the intersection of Eastvale Place and Sandyford Street. This project, part of the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID), aims to invigorate the Yorkhill and Finnieston communities. It will feature restaurants, bars, co-working spaces, a gym, a rooftop terrace, and studios, creating over 100 jobs. The hotel will promote local culture, design, and sustainability, offering a vibrant hub for Glasgow’s creative scene. This expansion also aligns with the city’s broader regeneration efforts, including the new pedestrian bridge across the Clyde.
Apex City Quay Hotel and Spa in Dundee has partnered with the University of Dundee to train future hospitality leaders. Five staff members are pursuing an Honours Degree in Business Management through the university’s Graduate Apprenticeship Programme. The initiative allows employees to gain hands-on experience while studying, ensuring they are industry-ready. Apex Hotels’ general manager, Paul Mooney, highlighted the program’s benefits, fostering career growth and talent development. The partnership, which began in 2018, continues to grow, with more staff joining the program in 2024.
Edinburgh’s floating hotel, Fingal, has appointed two Galician chefs, Pedro Barreira and Andrea Sendon Alonso, to lead its culinary team. Barreira brings extensive experience from prestigious Scottish hotels, while Sendon Alonso has worked at top Edinburgh restaurants. Both chefs are committed to using locally sourced, seasonal produce and enhancing Fingal’s Afternoon Tea and dinner menus. They are also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of chefs, fostering skills and a passion for high-quality food.
James Perry has been appointed as the new general manager of The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, bringing over 30 years of hospitality experience. Perry’s career began in 1994, and he has held various management roles, most recently serving as GM of Rowhill Grange Hotel and Utopia Spa. Elite Hotels’ MD, Graeme Bateman, welcomed Perry, praising his expertise and leadership. Perry aims to build on the hotel’s strong reputation and enhance guest experiences. The Grand Hotel features 152 rooms, two restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a health suite with pools and treatment rooms.
