The shortlist has been revealed for the Independent Hotel Show 2019’s Independent Hotelier and Hotel Innovation awards. Celebrating the luxury and boutique hotel sector’s independently spirited hoteliers and the most innovative properties, the impressive collection of nominations was judged by an esteemed panel of top hoteliers and hospitality experts.
The Independent Hotelier Award “recognises an excellent hotelier with a reputation for pushing boundaries and creating exceptional guest experiences. The winner must be committed to the development of their team, the success of the establishment and the industry at large.” The nominations are:
Harry Cragoe, owner, The Gallivant, East Sussex .
Harry Cragoe’s mission is to deliver happiness to guests and to help remind people how good life can be and how well they can feel. He is inspired to positively impact the lives of as many people as he can, from staff to guests, and strives to create a holistic hospitality brand. He has developed a working environment with innovative approaches to maintain and increase staff happiness.
Mark and Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, owners of Swinton Park, North Yorkshire.
Building a unique enterprise, Mark and Felicity have combined heritage and tradition with innovation, whilst breathing life back into the rural community. In addition to renovating the Swinton Park hotel, cookery school and spa, they have launched the Swinton Bivouac Glamping Campsite, developed a holiday cottage business and brought beauty back to the deer park.
https://www.swintonestate.com/hotel/
Paula Ellis, Group General Manager, Retreats Group – Twr y Felin, Roch Castle, Penrhiw Priory, Pembrokshire
Since joining Retreats Group in 2015, Paula has spearheaded the development of three unique heritage properties located on the St David’s Peninsula in Pembrokeshire, including establishing Twr y Felin as Wales’ first contemporary art hotel. Twr y Felin achieved AA Hotel of the Year Wales 2017 – 2018, whilst Roch Castle was Recognised as Best Bed and Breakfast for Wales at the Welsh National Tourism Awards 2018 and all three properties have retained their Visit Wales Gold Awards for 2019.
Anton Fedun, owner of The Ampersand and Vintry & Mercer, London
Anton has shaped The Ampersand and Vintry & Mercer into one-of-a kind properties, where the design is rooted in the local neighbourhood. Both hotels are members of the Considerate Group and Vintry & Mercer, located in a modern eco-friendly building, blends historical artefacts with the latest gadgets. The Ampersand incorporates themes of botany, music, geometry and astronomy, inspired by the neighbouring museums.
https://www.vintryandmercer.com/
James & Fjona Hill, owners of Hampton Manor, West Midlands
Since taking over Hampton Manor in 2008, James and Fjona Hill have poured their soul into developing a dilapidated country house into a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms. Inspired by childhood memories of home-cooking and with a fully embedded sustainable ethos, James has also nurtured great talent at this property.
David & Charlotte Reiley, owners of Yorebridge House, Yorkshire
David & Charlotte Reiley bought Yorebridge House, a former grammar school and Headmaster’s House in 2006, and opened it as a 12-bedroom boutique property in 2008. Now it is an AA five-star highly commended Restaurant with Rooms, the only three rosette restaurant with an AA UK Breakfast Award in the Dales and was awarded Visit England Guest Accommodation of the Year in 2018.
https://www.yorebridgehouse.co.uk/
For more information on the awards.
