UK: Independent hotel group Bespoke Hotels has named Richard Grove as chief operating officer and appointed two general managers.
Grove has been with Bespoke since 2015 and most recently served as general manager of The Chester Grosvenor, a luxury five-star hotel within the Bespoke collection. Recently at The Chester Grosvenor, Grove combined his position with a regional role at Mill Hotel & Spa, Oddfellows Chester and Oddfellows Cheadle.
Prior to joining Bespoke, Grove held management roles at Cranage Hall and Palace Hotel in Manchester. He also managed the Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel in the city.
Thomas Greenall, CEO at Bespoke Hotels, said about Grove’s appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Richard into his new role as COO and with his impressive knowledge of the industry and proven ability to lead, we have no doubt his new placement will be a real success. This is a very promising time for Bespoke Hotels, with the portfolio continuing to grow across the UK and overseas, as well as our existing properties continuing to thrive following the hardships of the pandemic.”
Grove said: “This is a really exciting step in my career and after many years managing luxury hotels across the country, I am looking forward to putting this knowledge to good use by supporting other budding hoteliers within one of the most reputable brands in the industry.
“Bespoke Hotels has been a big part of my recent career and I now intend on throwing myself wholeheartedly into this new challenge — sound in the knowledge that The Chester Grosvenor is under the watchful eye of Steve Ogden. This represents a new chapter for me, and I hope my extensive experience and natural affinity to leading others will prove a useful string to Bespoke’s bow going forwards.”
Ogden has taken on the role of general manager at The Chester Grosvenor. He said: “The Chester Grosvenor is a renowned property in the northwest, and I’m delighted to be able to oversee it. With the hotel having a long-established reputation for excellence, I’ll be seeking to build on that going forward as we look to maintain the highest of standards, continuing to provide delicious cuisine and superb hospitality for our guests.”
Over at Sun Street Hotel which is due to open in London this October, Jake Greenall has been appointed general manager. He joins from Beaverbrook Hotels where he served as mnager at Beaverbrook Town House on Sloane Street, and house manager at Beaverbrook Hotel in Surrey. Prior to this, he founded a sports hospitality business, True Luxury Sport.
Greenall said: “I am delighted to be appointed general manager at Sun Street Hotel. It is a hotel with a heartbeat, a place where guests are treated like part of the family, not just a room number. It’s a home away from home for guests, but with the added benefits that a luxury five-star hotel can bring.
“I am passionate about looking after people, and by tailoring each guest’s experience to suit their wants and needs I know Sun Street will have a loyal following. I am very proud to be working with the whole team to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests. We can’t wait to open and are excited to welcome everyone, whether it’s for a drink in the bar, dinner in the restaurant, or an overnight stay.”
Sun Street is a new five-star hotel on the borderline of Shoreditch and the City of London. It comprises 41 guest rooms including seven suites designed by Bowler James Brindley, a main restaurant and courtyard for al fresco dining, several bar areas and longes, an Orangery for breakfast, a tasting room, and a sun terrace on the third floor exclusive for guest use only.
