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We are excited to bring you the latest news, celebrating the outstanding achievements and progress within the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. From meaningful community projects to long service recognitions, our teams continue to embody the spirit of hospitality and exceptional service. We would like to welcome you with a special video message from Vicki Tollman and Jonathan Raggett.

CHARITY AND VOLUNTEERING 

TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA

In celebration of Mandela Day, the fantastic team at 12A came together to participate in various volunteering efforts, truly embodying the spirit of giving back. The team dedicated their time to the Ladles of Love initiative, assisting at several stations. From making sandwiches to crafting toys from recycled materials and assembling DIY planting kits, the 12A team embraced each task with enthusiasm, knowing they were making a difference in the community.

Additionally,12A proudly supported the Amy Biehl Foundation’s Mandela Day Market. This event provided a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their talents in baking, sewing, and beauty treatments. The 12A team was thrilled to support by purchasing various products, showing their commitment to uplifting local initiatives. A big round of applause to the 12A team; your dedication to community service never ceases to inspire!

HOTEL D'ANGLETERRE

The caring team at Hotel d'Angleterre recently took action when they heard about the devastating floods in Colombia. Led by their talented Head Pastry Chef, Gabriela, who is part of the Colombian community in Geneva, the team rallied together to gather as much warm clothing as they could for those in need. Their amazing efforts resulted in collecting enough clothing to fill a car, ensuring those affected will stay warm this winter. Well done, Hotel d’Angleterre, your compassion and swift action are truly heartwarming!


THE MONTAGUE ON THE GARDENS

A huge congratulations to Mark, the incredible kitchen porter at The Montague, who completed a 60-mile challenge in support of Crohn’s and Colitis UK. Over 11 days, Mark walked after work, and on one occasion, he covered the distance from The Montague to the Thames Barrier.

THE MILESTONE 


The unstoppable team at The Milestone has been busy dedicating their time to numerous volunteering activities in recent months. From organising a bake sale to supporting their local food bank and cleaning up Holland Park, they’ve been making an impact wherever they go.

Sustainability

THE MONTAGUE ON THE GARDENS

The Montague team is always striving to enhance guest experiences while staying committed to sustainability, and their latest initiative is no exception! They have begun a wonderful garden project, planting vegetables and herbs such as tomatoes, mint, and basil. Soon, these fresh, homegrown ingredients will make their way to the plates of their guests, ensuring that every meal is as fresh and local as possible. We can’t wait to see your garden grow!

THE OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE HOTEL & SPA

The thoughtful team at The Old Government House has been making a difference through their partnership with Guernsey Candles. They’ve been donating used candles, which are then melted down and repurposed for children’s workshops. At these workshops, kids get the chance to create their very own unique candles. What a creative and sustainable initiative, Old Government House! Keep up the great work!

Awards and Achievements

RED CARNATION 

On 23rd September, at the AA Hospitality Awards, Red Carnation was awarded the Group of the Year award! This was due to our exceptional and memorable hospitality and dedication to the 5-star standards we continue to provide for all our guests. A huge well done and thank you to everyone at RCH!! Keep up the amazing work.

THE ACORN INN

After over 20 years of brightening up The Acorn Inn with her beautiful floral arrangements, the wonderful Diana has retired. Her creative touch has brought joy to so many, and everyone at The Acorn Inn is grateful for her years of exceptional service. We wish you a happy and relaxing retirement, Diana. Thank you for everything you’ve done!

The kitchen team at The Acorn Inn are also celebrating new promotions. Ana Martins has been promoted to Head Chef, Luyanda Nkonyeni to senior sous chef, and Mickeal Trehard to junior sous chef. A massive congratulations to them all in their new roles. 

 

A big congratulations to Ana, the talented head chef at The Acorn Inn, who showcased her skills at the Melplash Agricultural Show by demonstrating how to make traditional Portuguese salt fritters, known as Bolinhos de Bacalhau. It was a fantastic event with a great turnout, and the audience enjoyed a delicious taste of Portugal!

Good news  

THE 12 APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA 

The team at 12A knows how to celebrate their incredible staff! Their Annual Staff Appreciation Party was held at Suikerbossie Restaurant and Estate, where they enjoyed delicious food, giant Jenga, a fun photo booth, music, dancing, and plenty of laughter. It sounds like it was a night to remember.

 

12A recently hosted ten first-year students and five instructors from the International Hotel School, giving them a glimpse into the world of hospitality. The day was filled with hands-on activities, including signature cocktail displays and a lesson in cooking and plating the famous bulgur wheat mushroom risotto.

XIGERA SAFARI LODGE  

The team at Xigera is beaming with pride as they celebrate their very first homegrown chef! Steven Tisetso recently completed his Global Certificate in Professional Cookery, having started his journey as a Kitchen Porter in 2020. Steven’s hard work and dedication have earned him a leadership role within the kitchen, and the entire team is excited to see what he accomplishes next. Congratulations, Steven! 

 

 

THE RUBENS AT THE PALACE 

The Rubens team has been engaging in extensive cross-training across departments, including housekeeping, maintenance, and front office, to streamline their processes and learn new skills. They’ve been mastering common maintenance issues like fixing broken safes and loose bathroom fittings. Additionally, the maintenance and Front Office teams received training to assist Housekeeping during peak busy times.

One of the highlights was the luggage assistance training, where the team learned how to help with rooming, a fun and valuable experience for all involved.

 

 

THE MILESTONE HOTEL & RESIDENCES 

Andrew Pike, the general manager at The Milestone, had a hands-on experience by spending a day with the housekeeping team, specifically the linen porters. He fully immersed himself in their daily tasks, from delivering linen to rooms to washing, cleaning, and ironing.

THE MONTAGUE ON THE GARDENS 

After another successful season of their vibrant Beach Bar, The Montague team is ready to transition into winter mode. Offering tropical cocktails and a lively atmosphere in the heart of London, the Beach Bar provided a little slice of paradise. Now, with the holidays on the horizon, the team is hard at work transforming the space into their popular Ski Lodge, ready to transport guests to a cosy Alpine retreat.

ASHFORD CASTLE AND THE LODGE AT ASHFORD CASTLE  

Ashford Castle and The Lodge had a busy September, celebrating an impressive 149 long-service awards. These included mostly five- and ten-year milestones, but some members were recognised for even longer periods of service. The team’s dedication and loyalty over the years have been truly commendable.

RED CARNATION 

Throughout Red Carnation Hotels, all our properties have been celebrating International Housekeeping Week, showing their appreciation for the hardworking housekeeping teams. From special breakfasts and lunches to pampering sessions and sweet treats, everyone took part in making their housekeeping staff feel valued and celebrated.

In August, London properties came together for the annual RCH Summer Boat Party along the River Thames. The night was filled with dancing, a live DJ, delicious BBQ, and a well-stocked bar. Fortunately, the British weather held up, making for a fantastic evening of sightseeing and socializing on the water.

In September, London properties gathered for a sunny family day out at the London Zoo. Everyone enjoyed seeing the incredible animals, including lions, the monkey valley, and a crowd favourite, the creepy crawly house! Lunch was a delightful group picnic prepared by the Montague team, followed by a fun colouring competition.

THE ACORN INN

The Acorn Inn team hosted their own Summer Olympics, featuring classic games like the egg-and-spoon race and glass-on-tray racing. It was a lively day full of fun and friendly competition. A big congratulations to Chef Mike for winning the games!

LONDON

In early September, our RCH Red Leopards team participated in the London Hospitality Festival Football Tournament. Competing against 79 other hotel teams, it was a day full of live music, family activities, and football. The team made it all the way to the third round of semifinals!

Well done, Red Leopards, and thank you to everyone who came to support! We’ll get the trophy next year!

ASHFORD CASTLE

On a sunny day in September, the Ashford Estate hosted a Soccer Aid fundraiser for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Four teams competed, with Toomey’s Tigers emerging victorious in the final match against Rochford Rovers. The event raised over €9,000!

HOTEL D'ANGLETTERE 

In September, Hotel d’Angleterre participated in a football tournament alongside 15 other hospitality teams. Football Club HDA played with great energy and raised an impressive 500 Swiss francs for Make-A-Wish Switzerland.