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The Gallivant Camber Sands, a boutique adults-only property located a short journey from historic Rye, has announced the appointment of Conor Sheehan as hotel manager.
Sheehan brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic approach to his new role. He joins The Gallivant from Tillingham Winery where his role as general manager saw him assume responsibility for the hospitality offerings and operational functioning across the estate.
In this previous position, Sheehan played an “integral” role in the property receiving a Michelin Green Star in January 2022, a listing in Square Meal’s Top 100 Restaurants in January 2023, bringing the business from loss making to profitability over his three year tenure.
His journey in the hospitality industry began at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, where he worked his way through the ranks before assuming a variety of leadership roles.
His career also includes a six-year tenure at Soho House, holding roles in iconic locations in both London and New York and, notably, serving as the opening general manager at Kettner’s Townhouse, a 39-bedroom property in the heart of Soho.
Assuming responsibility of The Gallivant’s operational runnings, The group said his “expertise, dedication to and personal interest in the food and beverage industry” will see him collaborate closely with The Gallivant’s head chef Nico Fitzgerald.
Working closely with founder and owner Harry Cragoe, his strategic vision for The Gallivant involves refining service standards, restructuring the menu with a continued focus on local suppliers, and enhancing the team’s wine knowledge.
Sheehan said: “I’m super excited to be joining The Gallivant at such a pivotal time for the company. Harry and Elise’s single minded drive to build on and improve what is already a great property and offering is infectious and I’m really looking forward to working closely with them.”
Sheehan’s appointment comes as Elise Roberts, previously GM of The Gallivant Camber Sands, assumes a new role as group general manager of The Gallivant Group. Over the coming six months, she will progressively hand the operational responsibility of The Gallivant Camber Sands to Sheehan and take on a wider, more strategic role in ensuring the Gallivant Group’s 2024 objectives are met.
She will lead the opening of the group’s new property, The Gallivant Littlestone Beach, scheduled for Q3 2024, continue to build the food and beverage experience at The Gallivant Camber Sands to ensure it is the dining destination in the South East, and launch The Gallivant brand to overseas markets in the US and mainland Europe.
Cragoe added: “I couldn’t be more excited that Conor has joined The Gallivant Group. Conor is brilliant at building teams that deliver exceptional customer experiences, most notably at Soho House, and with the opening of our second property later this year, I think his involvement will only help us make this a success. He has already started this recruitment drive and it’s exciting to see the level of talent that’s coming to us.”
