Charity and Volunteering

The Chesterfield

A huge round of applause goes to Dee, who took on a personal squat challenge in support of Cancer Research UK, raising an impressive £659. Combining determination and generosity, Dee’s fundraising effort perfectly captured the spirit of giving back and has been an inspiration to us all.

Well done, Dee!

The Rubens

Shristi proudly represented Red Carnation Hotels at the Golden Keys Gala Dinner, hosted at the iconic London Hilton Park Lane. It was an evening filled with celebration, connection and a shared appreciation for the excellence that defines the hospitality industry.

One of the most meaningful moments of the night came through supporting Hospitality Action, whose ongoing work continues to make a profound difference for so many in the sector. Thanks to the generosity and spirited participation of everyone in attendance, an outstanding £23,395 was raised for the charity.

A truly inspiring event that not only honours the very best in hospitality, but also brings the community together to uplift those who need it most.

Hospitality Action

Red Carnation Hotels are delighted to share the latest results from the £1 guest donation programme across the London hotels and 100 Princes Street. Thanks to everyone’s continued enthusiasm in championing this initiative, an incredible £27,880.98 has been raised for Hospitality Action over the past four quarters – and the very same amount has been donated to Starlight Children’s Foundation, helping bring comfort, joy and much‑needed support to seriously ill children and their families.

As a reminder, for every £1 contributed by a guest, RCH proudly matches the donation, with all proceeds divided equally between these two remarkable charities.

The Chesterfield

Giving back to the local community remains a priority for the Chesterfield team, with six colleagues volunteering their time at The London Soup Kitchen during Q1. Fiachra, Jake, Jurgita, Dee, Loris and Robert generously stepped forward to support those in need, offering friendly conversation and meals for over 150 people on each volunteering session.

The Ashford Estate

The Ashford Castle team proudly selected Pancreatic Cancer Ireland as their Charity of the Year, and over the course of 2025 they delivered an extraordinary year of fundraising and community spirit. A standout moment came on 8th November, when colleagues gathered to welcome Mr Rochford home after completing his epic Cork2Cong walk. The return of Soccer Aid and the unforgettable rise of the Gregonis added even more fun and momentum to the campaign.

Overall, an impressive €35,665 was raised in 2025, marking a truly meaningful contribution to Pancreatic Cancer Ireland.

Looking ahead to 2026, the team have chosen COPE Galway as their Charity of the Year. Their mission – “to make a difference by empowering people, creating change and strengthening communities” – guides vital work supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse and older adults across Galway. Stay tuned for upcoming activities and ways to get involved throughout the year.

Summer Lodge

A wonderful crafting workshop was recently organised by Jevgenija Tjurina, bringing colleagues together for a creative and uplifting afternoon. Jevgenija curated a session filled with colour, inspiration and hands‑on fun. The team thoroughly enjoyed the chance to unwind, connect and explore their artistic side.

The Oyster Box

The Oyster Box team recently visited Isiqal’esihle Day Care and Orphanage Home, where they were deeply inspired by the dedication of the educators and caregivers supporting the children each day. Together with Executive Chef Daniel and his culinary team, they delivered freshly baked treats, while the People & Culture Department contributed a wonderful selection of toys that brought joyful excitement to the little ones.

In a touching moment of appreciation, the children and the Day Care Team performed a heartfelt song for their visitors – a beautiful reminder of the power of compassion and community. The visit reaffirmed The Oyster Box’s commitment to supporting local initiatives and nurturing meaningful relationships that make a genuine difference.

The Twelve Apostles

In early March, members of the 12A team spent the day volunteering with the Amy Biehl Foundation at a school in Gugulethu, supporting the Foundation’s after‑school programmes by helping to serve meals, engaging with children in the classroom, and joining in joyful activities such as lively marimba lessons. This inspiring collaboration highlights the team’s commitment to meaningful community involvement, and as part of a structured plan for 2026, 12A team members will continue dedicating voluntary hours every second month to ensure consistent, sustainable support and a strong ongoing partnership.

Sustainability

EarthCheck

An EarthCheck audit is an independent sustainability assessment that verifies a hotel or organisation’s environmental and social performance against the EarthCheck Standard. It typically includes benchmarking data checks (energy, water, waste, carbon, chemicals, community impact), an onsite review of practices, policies and risk areas and interviews with key team members to confirm compliance. The audit highlights successes, identifies areas for improvement and supports certification levels such as Bronze, Silver or beyond. It ultimately helps organisations prove genuine sustainability efforts, reduce their impact and support long‑term responsible operations.

The Chesterfield

February was a positive month for sustainability at The Chesterfield Mayfair, with the Sustainability Committee presenting key initiatives to the wider hotel team, alongside the much-anticipated EarthCheck audit. The sessions highlighted ongoing efforts, collective responsibility and meaningful progress across departments, reinforcing sustainability as a shared journey with a clear path forward. Thank you to all involved.

The Egerton

In February, the team welcomed an external auditor to review their sustainability practices as part of the EarthCheck accreditation process. They were delighted to achieve Silver status, a recognition that reflects the many small but meaningful efforts taking place across the property.

The review also offered a valuable moment of reflection – particularly around how environmental work is communicated and how effectively the wider network of partners and stakeholders who contribute to the Egerton experience are engaged. It served as a timely reminder that genuine progress in sustainability depends not only on action, but also on openness, collaboration, and a continued commitment to learning and improving.

Hotel d’Angleterre

Following the Egerton’s successful EarthCheck audit, the Green Team at Hotel d’Angleterre also had the pleasure of welcoming the external auditor for their annual sustainability review. The visit offered a valuable opportunity for the team to showcase the thoughtful initiatives underway across the hotel and to highlight the collective commitment behind their environmental efforts.

The Oyster Box

At the recent Town Hall, the team received a brief update on the hotel’s ongoing EarthCheck progress, highlighting how the programme helps The Oyster Box monitor key sustainability areas such as water, energy and waste. The message focused on steady year‑on‑year improvement and the importance of operating responsibly as a hotel known for its quality and heritage. EarthCheck continues to provide a clear framework to guide the team’s efforts, supporting more efficient use of resources while reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to responsible, sustainable practices.

Awards and Achievements

Hotel 41

Hotel 41 is celebrating an extraordinary milestone this year, having earned the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five Star rating for the tenth consecutive year. This decade‑long achievement reflects the hotel’s unwavering commitment to exceptional service, heartfelt hospitality and the countless thoughtful touches that make every guest feel truly at home. With just 28 rooms, Hotel 41 continues to shine not through scale, but through its dedication to creating unforgettable, personal experiences.

This remarkable success is a testament to the outstanding team whose warmth, intuition, and consistency define the essence of Hotel 41. Every welcome, every detail and every act of genuine care has contributed to ten years of sustained excellence. As the hotel proudly raises a glass to this milestone, it also looks ahead – inspired, motivated and ready to make year eleven just as exceptional. Bravo, team 41.

The Twelve Apostles

The 12A team proudly celebrated International Bartenders Day, honouring the remarkable talents behind The Leopard Bar – Richard, Prosper, Thulani and Samkelo. With an extraordinary 45 years of combined service, these four gentlemen have become much more than bartenders; they are skilled craftsmen, storytellers and the warm, welcoming heart of the bar. Every cocktail they create reflects not only precision and artistry, but also the genuine hospitality that defines the 12A experience.

Their dedication has shaped The Leopard Bar into a place where exceptional moments are crafted with care – sip by sip, smile by smile. The team raises a well‑deserved toast to Richard, Prosper, Thulani and Samkelo for their passion, professionalism and the unforgettable memories they continue to create. Here’s to many more years of excellence.

The Montague

The Montague on the Gardens is delighted to have been announced as a finalist at The Christmas Party Awards, earning recognition in two categories: Best Hotel and the Industry Choice Award. These nominations reflect the hotel’s exceptional service, festive creativity, and the unforgettable Christmas experiences delivered each year – particularly through its much‑loved Ski Lodge.

Being shortlisted among leading venues across the UK is a testament to the dedication and passion of the entire Montague team. They now eagerly await the final results, with fingers crossed for a winning outcome. Stay tuned for updates following the awards announcement!

The Ashford Estate

The Irish Accommodation Services Institute has recognised outstanding talent within our teams this year. Sylwia Wandzel was awarded 5‑Star Accommodation Assistant of the Year, pictured proudly with Madeleine Dermody, President of IASI.

Both Ashford Castle and The Lodge Accommodation Teams earned gold awards in the 5‑star and 4‑star categories, with Ashford Castle also named runner‑up in the Supreme 5‑Star Category.

What a fantastic achievement!

The Rubens

We’re incredibly proud to share that The Rubens at the Palace has been awarded the Gold Award for Best City Hotel by the Junior Travel Awards 2026. This recognition celebrates the dedication, creativity and heartfelt care our teams bring to every family who walks through our doors.

What sets this achievement apart is that it reflects something we all contribute to daily – creating meaningful, memorable stays for guests of every generation. From our thoughtful family‑focused touches to the personalised hospitality we’re known for, this award celebrates the collective effort behind our warm welcome, curated experiences and attention to detail.

Whether it’s setting up interconnecting rooms, crafting magical moments for our youngest guests, or offering signature dining and warm service, each department plays a vital role in the experience that earned us this honour.

A huge thank you to everyone – this Gold Award truly belongs to all of us.

Summer Lodge

The newest group of Red Carnation recruits in Dorset recently took part in their induction training, led by Alex Mackenzie. As part of the day, the team enjoyed a relaxed and welcoming lunch in the restaurant, giving them the chance to connect with one another and experience the warm hospitality that defines the brand.

Welcome to the family!

The Twelve Apostles

On 25th February 2026, the team gathered at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa to celebrate the Month of Love with joy, recognition and heartfelt appreciation. The event was filled with energy as colleagues were honoured for their remarkable contributions, including Service Awards presented to those reaching their 10- and 20‑year milestones and a well‑deserved celebration of the Employee of the Month.

This Town Hall also marked the introduction of a new recognition inspired by the HEART – Living Our Values statement. Developed by MP Basetsana Nkgage, who designed both the structure and nomination criteria, the initiative honours individuals who truly embody the hotel’s core values. The team was delighted to congratulate Apiwe, Junior Assistant Concierge, as the very first recipient of this meaningful award.

To spread the love, each team member received a heart-shaped chocolate, a sweet treat as a reminder of the joy and appreciation we share as a team.

Here’s to many more milestones, celebrations and shared successes!

Special Highlights

The Rubens & Hotel 41

To mark International Women’s Day on Sunday 8th March, the team took a moment to recognise the exceptional women working in the hotel. As a small gesture of appreciation, pink carnations were handed out to thank them for their hard work, dedication and ongoing support. It was a lovely opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions they make each and every day.

The Milestone

Following the celebrations in The Rubens at The Palace, the Milestone team also marked International Women’s Day with a thoughtful gesture of appreciation for their colleagues. Thomas, Pranav and Jamie created a pop‑up drinks bar in the canteen, serving refreshments of choice to the ladies during lunch. They complemented the occasion with beautiful flowers and sweet treats, adding a heartfelt touch to the celebration and ensuring the team felt truly valued on this special day.

The Old Government House

Following the International Women’s Day celebrations across the hotels, the team at The Old Government House marked the occasion with a charming and heartfelt gathering. Colleagues came together for a delightful afternoon tea – complete with a few celebratory mimosas – to honour the incredible women who contribute so much to the hotel each day.

A special thank‑you went to Liz, who was onsite for Skills Week training and joined the celebration. Her inspiring speech added a meaningful touch to the afternoon, making the event all the more memorable. It was a wonderful reminder of the strength, talent and spirit of the exceptional women at OGH, not just on International Women’s Day, but throughout the year.

The team is also delighted to share the joyful news that two wonderful new additions have arrived. Siya Dlamini proudly welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Amelia Dlamini (pictured first), while Amit Bharti celebrated the arrival of his baby boy, Aakarshi Bharti (pictured second).

Warmest congratulations to both families on their precious new arrivals!

Both babies are healthy, adorable and already showing strong potential for future leadership roles (or at least excellent nap skills).

A huge congratulations to both families.

The Rubens

A truly memorable experience reminded the team at The Rubens of the power of genuine hospitality. A guest visiting from the United States was travelling through the UK to celebrate the graduations of both daughters – first in Bristol and then in Edinburgh – making their stay particularly meaningful. While the family were out for dinner, a special TNT was prepared for their return: a Guardsman Rubens Teddy Bear as a graduation gift, accompanied by a personalised London‑ and Rubens‑themed poster, thoughtfully designed with assistance from Copilot, and finished with a handwritten note to add a warm, personal touch.

The next morning, as the family prepared to continue their journey, they surprised the team member with a beautiful bouquet of daffodils and a heartfelt card – an unexpected gesture that captured the true spirit of gratitude and connection. Moments like these reflect the beauty of hospitality at its best: thoughtful details, meaningful interactions and the joy of creating memories that stay with our guests long after their stay. This is the heart of RCH, brought to life one thoughtful moment at a time.

Summer Lodge

Head Gardener Robin Andrews, together with team members Sarah Dekker and Tony James, have been hard at work creating an exciting new border for the Summer Lodge gardens. This beautiful addition will showcase an array of exotic planting – from striking succulents to lush tropical varieties – as well as hiding secret sitting areas and walkways for our guests to enjoy.

The entire project is being dug out and crafted by hand, making it a true labour of love for the Gardening Team. Their dedication and creativity continue to shape the gardens into a unique and inspiring space for everyone to experience.

The Rubens

The Rubens was full of colour and excitement as the team marked Chinese New Year, celebrating the arrival of The Year of the Horse. The canteen came alive with delicious dishes prepared by the talented Kitchen Team and colleagues enjoyed trying out chopsticks and cracking open their fortune cookies. It was a lively, joyful takeover that brought everyone together.

The celebrations continued soon after with a vibrant tribute to Burns Night. Once again, the Kitchen Team created a fantastic Scottish‑themed menu featuring much‑loved classics such as Tunnock’s Teacakes, caramel bars, shortbread and, of course, Irn Bru! The space was decorated with fun facts about Robert Burns, displays of the iconic Ode to a Haggis and plenty of blue‑and‑white touches to set the scene. It was a spirited and memorable celebration, enjoyed by all.

The Oyster Box

The February Staff Town Hall embraced the theme “ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE,” creating a warm and joyful atmosphere as the Oyster Box family came together to celebrate. A special highlight was having CEO Mr Raggett host the event, made even more memorable by his thoughtful gesture of bringing monetary gifts for the team.

Adding a sweet surprise, Chef Daniel arranged for an assortment of delicious, dunked doughnuts from a local shop – an indulgent treat everyone loved.

The Twelve Apostles

In conjunction with Learning & Development (L&D) and a new RCH training Initiative, the team proudly launched their very first Allergen Awareness Training for March.

Led by Chef Riaan, the session was an inspiring start to this important program. His passion and expertise made the training both engaging and eye‑opening, equipping us with practical knowledge to ensure safer, more inclusive dining experiences for all.

The training was not only engaging but also truly eye‑opening, giving valuable insights into allergen safety and best practices. They learned how small changes in awareness can make a huge difference in creating safe and inclusive dining experiences for everyone.

Thank you, Riaan!

Ashford Castle

A big round of applause to the team at the Ireland’s School of Falconry for hosting complimentary hawk walks for estate team members during February. More than 30 employees embraced the experience, spending time with the birds and creating some unforgettable moments.

The Chesterfield

Recent celebrations at The Chesterfield brought plenty of fun and energy to the working day. Pancake Day sparked friendly competition filled with laughter, creativity and some impressively skilled flips, while Employee Appreciation Day treated the team to a cheerful ice‑cream station – a simple but sweet moment of togetherness. These thoughtful gestures continue to highlight the camaraderie, spirit and positivity that make the Chesterfield team so special.

The Montague

Across the town The Montague on the Gardens also embraced the spirit of Pancake Day with a delicious team treat. Colleagues were spoiled with freshly prepared pancakes made by Dirk and the hotel’s wonderful Heads of Department. From classic lemon and sugar to fully loaded chocolate creations, there was something for everyone – and the smiles in the room said it all.

A big thank you goes to the HOD Team for organising this thoughtful and joyful moment of appreciation. These thoughtful moments continue to highlight the sense of family that makes The Montague such a special place to work. Small celebrations like these continue to highlight the love and warmth that make The Montague such a special place to work.

The Chesterfield

Stanley’s Rooftop Bar has enjoyed a dynamic and rewarding first quarter, offering the team the chance to deliver a range of memorable experiences, from individual bar guests to polished corporate events and intimate personal celebrations. The variety of occasions has showcased the space’s versatility while giving colleagues valuable opportunities to build relationships, refine their expertise and bring the venue to life through thoughtful service.

The Egerton

At The Egerton, much of the property’s charm is upheld quietly behind the scenes. Early this year, the hotel briefly closed to allow for essential upgrades, including new boilers, refreshed pantry flooring, and updated carpets. Though largely invisible to guests, these improvements strengthen the hotel’s efficiency, support sustainability goals and help preserve the character of the historic townhouse.

The team also marked International Women’s Day with a heartfelt gesture – flowers, sweet treats and thoughtful messages for the ladies on duty. Simple moments like these reflect the warmth and sense of family that make The Egerton a truly special place to work.

The Montague

The Montague on the Gardens proudly celebrated International Women’s Day with an uplifting afternoon dedicated to empowerment, community and a few irresistible sweet treats. Thank you for everyone that played a part in making this day so special for the team.

Hotel d’Angleterre

The team at Hotel d’Angleterre had the great pleasure of welcoming Shaminee Gopal for three inspiring days of training delivered in French. These moments were filled with meaningful exchanges, open discussions and genuine connections, all rooted in the strong values we share. Beyond learning, it was truly about people, collaboration and moving forward together with purpose. A big thank you to Shaminee and to everyone involved for this enriching experience. They all left inspired, aligned and energized!

Thank you Shaminee!

The Ashford Estate

A fantastic evening was held at the pub quiz organised by the Sports and Social Committee, where lively competition and plenty of laughter filled the room. Under the guidance of fearless Quizmasters Mr Rochford and Gregory, teams tackled questions so challenging that some relied on knowledge, some on luck, others on confident guesses – and a few simply on pure vibes. There were even moments where contestants gazed into the middle distance, wondering how they were going to make it through the next round.

The night delivered great craic, questionable knowledge, and a brilliant atmosphere all around. Everyone left already looking forward to the next quiz night.

The Milestone

The team is getting ready for spring with the upcoming launch of the Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea menu, officially going live on 25 March. To build excitement, Chef Dan and Paula Pastry recently hosted an influencer event, including a live Q&A on the AfternoonTea.co.uk Instagram page. The tea – and the content – looked wonderful, and the team is eagerly looking forward to the menu’s debut later this month.

Mr Pike & Ella took a trip to Chicago to meet some important travel advisors before joining the Celebrated Experiences team for a tour of the East Coast!

The Oyster Box

February brought heartfelt goodbyes to two much‑loved members of the Oyster Box family. Callum, who began his journey with us as a student from The International Hotel School, grew through the RCH Management Programme and gained experience across all South African properties before returning to us, where he progressed to Ocean Terrace Manager. His growth, dedication and positive spirit have left a lasting mark on the team.

We also celebrated the retirement of Audrey Simelane, fondly known as Mamkhulu or Queen Mother, who has spent nearly 14 years caring for our hotel as a Housekeeping Supervisor. Loved for her nurturing presence and the kindness she showed to everyone, Audrey’s farewell was marked with a warm celebration and heartfelt gratitude for all she has given to The Oyster Box.

RCH Newsletter: March 2026

A Message From JR