RCH Newsletter: December 2024
Welcome to our latest newsletter, where we shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements and initiatives happening across Red Carnation Hotels.
18 Dec 2014
As the year comes to a close, we’re delighted to share the latest news and celebrate the remarkable achievements within the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the successes and joyous moments that have made this past quarter so special.
A festive message
We would like to invite you to enjoy a special festive video message from Vicki Tollman and Jonathan Raggett.
CHARITY AND VOLUNTEERING
XIGERA SAFARI LODGE
A team of Xigera guides have been working closely with Habu Village, partnering with residents and their families. Over the past few months, the Xigera team has taught school children about conservation and donated solar lights to the village. These lights allow children to continue their schoolwork after dark, as the village does not have electricity.
HOTEL D'ANGLETERRE
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the d’Angleterre team went above and beyond to support those in need. After months of growing out their hair, team members donated 10cm of hair to Fake Hair Don’t Care, a charity that creates wigs from hair donations. A local hairdresser generously donated their time to assist the team.
The team at Hotel d’Angleterre also volunteered in their local supermarket, collecting donations with Samedi du Partage, an organisation supporting over 50 charities. The team gathered non-perishables and basic hygiene products donated by shoppers, which were then distributed to charities helping those most in need in Geneva. Fantastic effort, team d’Angleterre!
GUERNSEY
The Old Government House and Duke of Richmond teams organised a raffle to raise funds for Guernsey Mind. Raffle tickets were sold for £1, with exciting prizes such as a spa treatments, a dinner for two, and a cocktail experience at The Crown Club. Together, the team raised an incredible £143 and are already planning another event to raise even more!
THE OYSTER BOX
The Oyster Box team has had a year full of meaningful charity work. Highlights include partnering with Open Air School to help students with disabilities explore careers in hospitality, and taking part in a winter blanket campaign, knitting blankets for those in need. The team also stepped up to support their community after a severe tornado, gathering donations of clothing, bedding, funds and food.
SUSTAINABILITY
THE CHESTERFIELD MAYFAIR
The talented chefs at The Chesterfield have embraced sustainability with their zero-waste vegetarian dish, Salt-Baked Celeriac. The whole vegetable is creatively used: its skin is salt-baked into a crispy crumb, while the trimmings are pickled or reduced into a luxurious, smooth sauce. It sounds delicious - well done, team Chesterfield!
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
THE MONTAGUE ON THE GARDENS
The Montague Hotel was nominated for the London Venue and Catering Awards and, among the tough competition, won silver in the Most Versatile Venue category. The team would like to thank everyone for their continued dedication and commitment.
The Montague is thrilled to celebrate James Hilton, Front of House Manager, who has been selected for the Master Innholders Scholarship. This prestigious programme offers career-changing training through a talent development course at Cranfield University. With limited places and a competitive process, James’s achievement is outstanding!
THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA
Congratulations to Luyanda Bushula, who has been awarded Wine Steward of the Year 2024 at the Showcook Competition. Luyanda also won a scholarship for ASI Certification 1, sponsored by Sommeliers Academy, and a two-week learning experience in Scotland. Congratulations Luyanda, what an achievement!
The Twelve Apostles celebrates Masibulele Makaula and Philile Stuma, who have earned their Professional Chef Certificates, and Tyreke Snyders, who achieved his Professional Chef Diploma. Starting as kitchen stewards and an intern, respectively, they have come so far in such a short time.
THE ASHFORD ESTATE
Congratulations to Liam Finnegan awarded Best Chef Connaught at the 2024 Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards. The George V team was also highly commended in the Best Wine Experience category for Connaught.
GOOD NEWS
GUERNSEY
At The Old Government House and Duke of Richmond, the teams celebrated National Stress Awareness Day and World Kindness Day in November. Thoughtful goodie bags, including stress balls, sweets, and handwritten notes, were handed out to raise awareness while staying sustainable by using newspaper wrapping.
SUMMER LODGE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL & RESTAURANT
The Summer Lodge team enjoyed a classic English-themed tea party in November, complete with Afternoon Tea, games like tea pong, and exciting prizes.
HOTEL 41
Jess, who began her RCH journey as a reception intern at The Old Government House, has officially joined the Hotel 41 team. After returning dreaming of moving to London, she found her perfect role at Hotel 41. Welcome, Jess, we’re excited to see you thrive!
THE ACORN INN
The Acorn team brought the glamour and mystery of the 1920s to life with a Murder Mystery Party! Flapper dresses, sharp suits, and a night of intrigue made it an unforgettable evening.
The Acorn Inn kitchen team has created an exciting new winter menu, featuring dishes like Sautéed King Prawns with Chilli & Orange Sauce, Curried Butternut Soup, and Dark Chocolate Mousse. It sounds absolutely delicious!
THE CHESTERFIELD MAYFAIR
Two regular guests brought sweets and a handwritten note to thank the Chesterfield team for their "exemplary" service, calling them "extraordinary" and "perfect." Fantastic work, team Chesterfield!
THE EGERTON HOUSE HOTEL
The Egerton has welcomed three new learners - Mark, Erin, and Imaan - who have already made a brilliant impact. From apprenticeships to management programmes, the team is excited to see their growth.
CHRISTMAS
SUMMER LODGE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL & RESTAURANT
The garden team at Summer Lodge has transformed the hotel into a winter wonderland, creating wreaths, trees, and festive magic.
The Milestone
While preparing for Christmas, The Milestone Hotel & Residences welcomed a special visitor. Enjoy this video capturing the magical encounter.
THE EGERTON HOUSE HOTEL
The Egerton has brought back its Nutcracker-themed installation this year, with stunning decorations and a Nutcracker Afternoon Tea inspired by scenes and characters from the story. It looks magical.
THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA
The team at The Twelve Apostles hosted their annual children’s Christmas party, complete with games, cake decorating, and a surprise visit from Santa.
THE ACORN INN
Sue and the team at The Acorn Inn have been hard at work transforming the inn into the perfect festive retreat.
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
This year our Annual Children’s Christmas Party was hosted at the wonderful Rubens at the Palace. Red Carnation employees and their children were treated to our returning children’s entertainer, the amazing Barrington, who brought excitement, laughter, fun and games all afternoon and of course lots of dancing too! Alongside a craft table for decorating baubles and an amazing spread of food, there was even a visit from Father Christmas himself.
We want to say a huge thank you to all the employees who attended and to The Rubens for hosting such an incredible party. We hope to have you all back next year for another amazing Children’s Christmas party.
LONDON
The London hotels celebrated with festive tea parties, great food, and visits from Vicki Tollman, Jonathan Raggett, and Liz McGivern. What a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!
