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Global hospitality company, Valor Hospitality, has been appointed by IHG to manage the new Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, including the launch of a new restaurant, Isca, at the hotel.
The new Isca restaurant at Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park opens as a celebration of local farmers, fishers and artisans from Devon and Cornwall, with a focus on “thoughtful dining” inspired by nature.
Isca, which has an emphasis on local and seasonal cuisine, has been developed by Savor, Valor’s food and beverage company. Savor is headed up by a team of culinary experts focused on kitchen and bar innovations.
The new restaurant features an open theatre kitchen and locally grown produce with dishes developed by head chef, Andy Short, who brings a background in environmental science to a seasonally-changing menu.
Valor Hospitality will manage the 142-bedroom hotel, which has been designed to operate entirely on renewable and solar energy. The hotel includes an in-house gym, gardens, meeting space and EV charging points for guests.
As part of its management, Valor Hospitality has recruited a local team of hosts that have undertaken extensive training to deliver “welcoming hospitality with sustainability considered at every touch point”.
Valor Hospitality’s partnership with IHG began in 2014, when Valor began managing 11 IHG-branded hotels in the UK. The relationship has since grown globally to include the delivery of multi-million pound renovations, rebrands and new builds.
Valor manages 40 hotels in the UK, forming part of a global portfolio of almost 100 hotels across 65 cities and 16 countries, including other global hotel brands and independent hotels.
Brian McCarthy, president of Valor Hospitality UK and Europe, said: “We were delighted to be chosen by Zeal Hotels to manage this fantastic hotel. It has been brilliant to work with the Zeal team and see the hotel and ISCA come to life over the past two years.
“The hotel and its food and beverage offering are testimony to the creativity, resilience, and vision of the owners. The hospitality is innovative and industry leading. It complements the beautifully simple, contemporary design. It will be a gorgeous place for our guests to stay. Thank you to Zeal Hotels for giving us the opportunity.”
Joanna Kurowska, VP, managing director UK and Ireland at IHG Hotels and Resorts, added: “With a growing number of travellers seeking responsible travel options, we are delighted to open Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park. The hotel will bring a new sustainable hotel offer to our UK portfolio and build on our commitment to provide exceptional experiences for our guests.
“Together with Zeal Hotels, Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park helps set the standards for net zero carbon hotels and marks a pivotal step towards a more sustainable future in hospitality, aligned with IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan. By inspiring both industry leaders and our guests, we are demonstrating how comfort and sustainability can successfully coexist, benefiting both the environment and the communities we serve.”
