This year so far has already brought countless professional achievements and milestones, which showcase the passion and dedication of our incredible staff. We’re proud to take a pause and celebrate the people who make our hotels, restaurants, and spas so special.
To stay up to date with all the latest stories, celebrations, and behind-the-scenes moments, be sure to follow our hotels, restaurants, and spas on social media!
Qualifications &
Achievements
At The Royal & Fortescue Hotel, a wave of academic success has swept through the team. Yasmine, Halle, and Kaitlyn have each passed their Food & Beverage qualifications with distinctions. Emma has also excelled in her Chef de Partie qualification by earning distinctions in 2 out of 3 categories!
In Head Office, Nicola has successfully completed her Level 2 Accounts and Finance Assistant apprenticeship and Kayley has completed her Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship with flying colours!
Over at Saunton Sands, Liam Bailey has reached an impressive milestone by completing his level 4 Management apprenticeship.
The Park Hotel has its own shining stars, as Louise has recently completed her Hospitality Team Member Reception apprenticeship and in the kitchen, Lesley has passed his Chef de Partie Level 3 apprenticeship with a distinction!
Rob at The Imperial Hotel has also achieved his Chef de Partie Level 3 qualification with distinction.
Well done to all for their hard work and determination!
Welcoming New Faces
At The Royal & Fortescue, Tom has joined as the new Executive Head Chef and has already produced dishes that have had incredible feedback so far!
At Saunton Sands, we're thrilled to see Tia return to the team as the new Source Spa manager. Also joining the team at Saunton is Winsons, who has taken on the role of Head Pastry Chef.
The Royal Duchy Hotel has also welcomed a new addition - Callum, who joined in May as their new Head Chef!
Charity
We are incredibly proud of Anthony, General Manager at Saunton Sands Hotel, who ran the TCS London Marathon in memory of his mother. He raised funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a cause close to his heart.
Meanwhile, Nicola from Head Office laced up her walking shoes for the North Devon Hospice Night Walk - an event she has proudly taken part in for several consecutive years.
Weddings & Engagements
Love is in the air at The Barnstaple Hotel.
Marisa, the hotel's Reception Manager, tied the knot in April. Earlier this year, Jeven, Senior Assistant Manager, also got married with Ryan, the Barnstaple Hotels Assistant Manager, standing proudly as his best man.
Celebrating Long Service
Marta & Jenifer at The Carlyon Bay Hotel have recently celebrated 20 years with Brend Collection this month. Starting together in the restaurant, Marta now serves as Deputy Manager and Jenifer leads as Head of Pastry.
At Head Office, Dave Powlson marks an incredible 25 years of service, from beginning as a kitchen porter at The Barnstaple Hotel to his current role as Estates Manager.
A very special milestone was reached at The Royal Duchy Hotel, where James, the hotel's beloved doorman and porter, celebrated 40 years. James is cherished by guests old and new, many of whom remember him from decades ago.
The Imperial Hotel has a trio of service milestones to honour. Ewelina, the hotel's Executive Housekeeper, celebrated 15 years, Simon Evans, their Maintenance Manager marks 20 years and Corey Blight in the kitchen rounds out the list with 10 years of service.
New Arrivals & Growing Families
In joyful family news, Lucy, Deputy Hotel Manager at The Royal & Fortescue and Georgie, the hotel's receptionist, both welcomed baby boys. We send our warmest congratulations to the both of them.
The Barnstaple Hotel is celebrating exciting news as well. Roni from the restaurant team is expecting a baby boy this month!
At Saunton Sands, Ethan not only welcomed a daughter in February but also got married 2 months later. Kiara, the hotel's spa receptionist, tied the knot in January and is expecting a baby girl in August. Topaz from housekeeping is also expecting and preparing for a baby boy in November.
Chloe, the Victoria Hotel's receptionist, is going on maternity leave in July. We wish her the best during this new, exciting chapter.
The Imperial Hotel is celebrating Kerry, the hotel's head receptionist, who recently gave birth to baby Charlie!
Promotions
The Royal & Fortescue's Hotel is growing from strength to strength with Yulia's promotion to Assistant Housekeeping Manager and Halle celebrating not just a qualification but also a promotion to Assistant Manager.
At Saunton Sands Hotel, several big changes have taken place. Lisa, the hotel's very first Spa Manager and a pioneer to the hotel's wellness journey, has now become a Spa consultant. In her new role, she will be mentoring and supporting Tia, who has taken over as Spa Manager.
Jessica has become Saunton's new Guest Relations Manager, succeeding Kim Davey, who dedicated over two decades of service at Saunton. Meanwhile, Ryan has taken on the position of Bar manager, supported by Marcio, who has been promoted to Assistant Bar manager.
At The Park Hotel, Fran has gone from strength to Strength, progressing from her receptionist role to becoming the new Events manager and at The Royal Duchy Hotel, Paige has been promoted from Housekeeping Supervisor to junior assistant manager. Well done to both for their incredible milestones!
The Imperial Hotel promoted Beth Gough to Junior Assistant Manager and Abby Atkins to Senior Receptionist.
Paige at The Royal Duchy Hotel has been promoted from Housekeeping Supervisor to Junior Assistant Manager. Well done Paige!
The Imperial are celebrating a double promotion. Beth has been promoted to Junior Assistant Manager and Abby to Senior Receptionist. The Belmont Hotel is proud to see Freya move into her new role as Junior Assistant Manager after previously working in the restaurant.
Well done to everyone, and we are excited to see you excel in your new job roles.
