Today’s news in brief – 7/10/24
Vince Johnson, general manager of Redworth Hall Hotel, is retiring after a 42-year career in hospitality. Johnson began as a trainee waiter at The Old Ship Hotel in Brighton at age 17, quickly moving into management roles across various cities. He became Redworth Hall’s general manager in 2001, overseeing significant milestones like the launch of the Prince’s Bishop Suite and restaurant renovations. After briefly leaving in 2004, he returned in 2015, completing 23 years with the Cairn Hotel Group. Johnson attributes his success to strong teamwork and leadership. Cairn Hotel’s HR director praised his contributions and dedication to the industry.
The Wesley Hotel in London Euston has unveiled new restaurant, bar, and gym facilities following a major refurbishment. The eco-friendly restaurant, featuring artwork by Alice and the Ink, offers locally sourced dishes and caters to various dietary needs. The bar provides a range of beverages, while the 24-hour fitness centre includes state-of-the-art equipment. The Wesley’s general manager, James Barr, emphasised the importance of enhancing guest experiences, with the new amenities already proving popular among guests and staff.
Taj Bar and Kitchen in Prestwick has secured £1.14m in funding from Reward Funding to build a 10-room boutique hotel above the restaurant. The project aims to capitalise on the increasing demand for high-quality accommodations driven by golf tourism. Perry Uppal, director of R&J Uppal Holdings, highlighted the difficulty in securing traditional bank funding, while Reward Funding expressed pride in supporting the project, citing the broader impact on Scotland’s economy.
Caer Rhun Hall Hotel in Snowdonia has opened a new brasserie, restaurant, and bar on the ground floor of its main house. Head chef March Williams has curated a menu featuring classic dishes, Sunday roasts, and afternoon tea, with ingredients sourced sustainably from local suppliers and the hotel’s herb garden. Acquired by Tokyo Industries in 2021, the hotel plans to launch an extensive spa in 2025. Operations director Chris Bateson praised the transformation of the space and hopes the new offering will attract more visitors to the area.
