Mar Hall expands team amid multi-million-pound refurb

Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort has announced its latest string of senior appointments as part of its multi-million-pound redevelopment. To elevate its food and beverage offering, Mar Hall has appointed Hungarian-born Szilard Szentesi as executive pastry chef, Jessica McKechnie as pastry chef de partie, Vicky Black as director of Food and Beverage, Chris Mullen as expert head mixologist, and Janette Napier as director of sales. With an international reputation as a high-end dessert chef and chocolatier,Szentesi has previously worked in senior roles across luxury establishments such as St Andrews Links, The Gleneagles Hotel, and Cameron House. In addition to desserts, Szentesi’s expertise will also transform Mar Hall’s Afternoon Tea experience. Meanwhile, McKechnie, who joins the resort as pastry chef de partie, has worked with Szentesi for three years. McKechnie will use her skills and “innovative approach” to elevate Mar Hall’s dessert and Afternoon Tea offerings. Beyond the kitchen, the resort also announces the appointment of Black as director of Food and Beverage, bringing extensive expertise in managing high-profile food and beverage operations. In her new role at Mar Hall, she will oversee all food and beverage services across the resort, including leisure dining, conferences, and events. Additionally, Mullen, who has been appointed as head mixologist, brings a “sophisticated touch” to the resort’s bars. His approach will see a new menu that celebrates Scotland’s “finest spirits”, local distilleries, and rare whiskies, in addition to premium zero-alcohol options. Mullen’s immersive, theatre-style cocktail experiences will be a “central feature” across Mar Hall. In addition to senior appointments across the food and beverage offering, Napier joins as director of sales with 35 years of experience within Scotland’s hotel sector, including Cameron House, Fonab Castle, and The Gleneagles Hotel. From early 2025, Mar Hall will unveil a series of transformative upgrades which will include a new arrival and reception area, reimagined bar and restaurant spaces, and redesigned rooms and suites throughout the estate. As part of the refurbishment, the hotel will also feature a screening room. In addition, the resort will introduce 30 woodland lodges, adding 48 bedrooms to the resort. The expansion will also feature a brand-new spa with a spa garden, complete with an outdoor pool. Joe Gallacher, general manager at Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort, said: “As we continue with the redevelopment of the resort, our focus remains on enhancing both our product and our team to offer an unparalleled five-star luxury experience. From world-class culinary offerings to bespoke events and exceptional leisure activities, we are working with the best in the industry to bring our vision for Mar Hall to life, and we are excited to share this journey with our guests.”