Human Resources

🏠 Michael Davern appointed as General Manager of five-star Seaton House, St Andrews, set to reopen early 2025 after restoration. Seaton House, operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, plans to hire 70 staff. Davern, awarded 'World General Manager of the Year' in 2016 by Preferred Hotels and Resorts, previously managed Marker Hotel, Dublin since October 2021. Seaton House to feature 42 luxury bedrooms, including five suites and three junior suites.

🍳 Bundobust, an Indian street food group, will close its Birmingham restaurant located in a Grade II listed building on Bennetts Hill on 14 July. Founded in 2013 by Mayur Patel and Marko Husak, the Birmingham location opened in summer 2023 and is their fifth site. The closure comes despite community support due to insufficient consistent trade. A third of the Birmingham staff will be relocated to Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool venues, ensuring job security for teams across other locations.

🏨 The Manner, a 97-key luxury hotel by Standard International, is opening in Manhattan's Soho this September. Conceived by executive chairman Amar Lalvani, it features design by Milan-based architect Hannes Peer. Amenities include marble bathrooms, integrated audio systems, and dining options like the Otter restaurant and Sloane’s cocktail bar, with contributions from James Beard nominee Alex Stupak.

📈 Jennifer Burgess-Wright promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Digital Strategy at Coury Hospitality, Dallas, Texas. With a 17-year tenure, starting in 2007, and multiple advancements, including Vice President in 2023, she has shaped the brand's engagement and online presence. Her strategies have contributed to the company's industry recognition and strong community connections. Burgess-Wright's career began at Colcord Hotel, Oklahoma City, and has been pivotal in recent brand refresh initiatives.

🏡 The Glencarse Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland, family-run for 11 years, is now for sale with a freehold asking price of £495k. Located on the A90 between Perth and Dundee, this 18th-century hotel includes five en-suite rooms, a public bar, and a restaurant. It features a beer garden and a large developable area, plus a three-bedroom owner's accommodation. Christie and Co highlighted its potential for growth through additional letting rooms and development of the land.

🍕 Capdesia exits after 4 years with Toridoll, launching Marugame Udon in the UK. CEO Keith Bird steps down, replaced by interim leader finance director Sam McIntyre. Marugame Udon expanded to 10 London sites in 3 years, won R200 Best Value Restaurant in 2022. Toridoll and Capdesia continue as co-investors in Fulham Shore. Takashi Sugiyama, EVP & COO of Toridoll, cites joint development of best practices. Bird confident in the brand's future growth under McIntyre.

🍕 L'Ortolan, a prestigious restaurant in Shinfield, is closing after 38 years. The current management, in charge for 23 years, announced the closure with 'a heavy heart'. The site, dating back to 1840, was converted into a restaurant in 1978 and received its first Michelin star in 1982. Under various chefs such as Nico Ladenis and John Burton Race, it earned two Michelin stars. Financial strains cited for the closure include Brexit, the lockdown, and the cost of living crisis.

🚂 Robert From appointed as Chief Growth Officer of a European train booking brand, overseeing B2C strategy including customer acquisition and growth. Set to enhance the booking experience on website and app by early 2025. From, with 15 years of experience, previously led WHIM to 650,000 customers and 25 million trips, and held leadership roles at Google, impacting YouTube monetization in Finland and the Nordics. Rail Europe's CEO, Björn Bender, expects From's expertise to drive B2C growth and improve customer experiences.

🏠 Cameron House on Loch Lomond has appointed Claire Meir as its new director of sales. Meir has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is returning to Cameron House after a previous 6-year tenure as director of sales for MICE.

🍴 Jack and Beth Bond, after joining as head chef and general manager/sommelier in January 2023, have acquired The Cottage in the Wood, a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms in Cumbria's Whinlatter Forest. They took over from Liam and Kath Berney, who retired after 22 years. The Cottage in the Wood was established in 2002, earned a Michelin star in 2019, and has retained it since. The Bonds are committed to building on the restaurant's sustainability initiatives and its legacy.