Mar Hall Golf and Spa appoints new F&B director and pastry chef

Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort has announced a number of appointments to its F&B team, with Szilard Szentesi joining as new executive pastry chef and Vicky Black as director of food and beverage.

With an international reputation as a high-end dessert chef and chocolatier, Hungarian-born Szentesi joins the hotel as executive pastry chef, bringing a wealth of experience that will transform the dessert offering for guests. 

With previous senior roles across luxury establishments such as St Andrews Links, The Gleneagles Hotel, and Cameron House, and with several accolades to his name, Szilard joins the hotel with a “passion to create the most exquisite menus” of any luxury hotel in Scotland. In addition to desserts, his expertise will also transform Mar Hall’s afternoon tea experience, where guests can expect unique creations that celebrate Scotland’s larder. 

Alongside him, Jessica McKechnie joins the resort as pastry chef de partie. Having worked with Szilard for three years, she has followed in her mentor’s footsteps, winning ‘Dessert Chef of The Year’ at the prestigious Master Chefs of Great Britain Awards, where she also recently graduated from the programme.

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.

In addition, Chris Mullen has been appointed as head mixologist. Drawing on a wealth of experience in crafting bespoke cocktail offerings for luxury venues, he brings a “sophisticated” touch to the resort’s bars. His visionary approach will see a new menu that celebrates Scotland’s finest spirits, local distilleries, and whiskies, in addition to premium zero-alcohol options. 

Lastly, Mar Hall has appointed a new director of sales, Janette Napier, who joins with 35 years of experience within Scotland’s hotel sector, including Cameron House, Fonab Castle, and The Gleneagles Hotel. 

The new appointments will elevate the food and beverage offering at Mar Hall as the luxury hotel gears up to unveil a series of transformative upgrades from 2025, which will include a new arrival and reception area, reimagined bar and restaurant spaces, and redesigned rooms and suites throughout the estate. 

In addition, the resort will introduce 30 luxurious woodland lodges, nestled within the estate’s serene natural surroundings, and a brand-new spa with a spa garden and 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.”