As the early 2014 relaunch of The Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, draws closer, the 21-bedroom country property’s operator, Gloucestershire-based Calcot Hotels, has announced the key appointments of Tommy Mark as general manager and Simon Hicks as head chef.
Tommy and Simon will take up their roles in early December at the forefront of The Lord Crewe Arms’ 20-strong pre-opening team, steering a £1.5m renovation of the historic property by Lord Crewe’s Charity in partnership with Calcot Hotels.
Tommy brings 13 years of experience – spent predominantly in the North-east – to his new role as general manager. He most recently managed The Blue Bell in Corbridge and two of its sister gastro pubs, The Queens Head Inn at Great Whittington and The Black Bull at Matfen. Tommy will be joined by his wife, Emilia, who will be responsible for the hotel’s local marketing activities and special events.
Simon – who was born and bred in Australia – brings his expertise gained from working as head chef at London’s Hix Soho to his new role. Simon’s seasonal menu will feature refined British classics that bridge London fine dining and The Lord Crewe Arms’ locality.
Next year’s relaunch of the Lord Crewe Arms will see the unveiling of Calcot Hotels’ fourth property, which will sit alongside the 35-bedroom Calcot Manor, the 18-bedroom Barnsley House and the six-bedroom Village Pub – all located in Gloucestershire.
“With these two leading appointments for The Lord Crewe Arms, the much anticipated relaunch of the hotel is becoming far more of a reality,” Calcot Hotels’ chairman, Richard Ball, says. “The experience, approach and personalities of both Tommy and Simon clearly highlights the tone and character that can be expected of The Lord Crewe Arms and how it will blend in alongside its sister hotels.
“We have already been enjoying working alongside Tommy as he has recently been based at Calcot Manor and then Barnsley House so as to work amongst our teams of staff and familiarise himself with our culture. I am delighted to be welcoming Tommy – plus Emilia, of course – and Simon to Calcot Hotels and know that their imprint upon The Lord Crewe Arms specifically will be distinctive and significant.”
