“Suzie, I have a question for you”; is where it all started – “have you heard of the 3 peaks challenge?” JR continued – “No, I haven’t but sounds fun” was where it went downhill – or rather uphill. 3 of them in fact, all equally as steep and exhausting as the next!

The team feeling fresh

On Friday the 16th September I made my way to Luton Airport to meet 3 of my Red Carnation Hotels colleagues – JR (the boss), Sandra and Sarah. We were on our way to complete the 3 Peaks Challenge to raise money for Hospitality Action*.

Laden with walking boots, my trusty red ski jacket, a head torch, 2 walking poles, a rucksack full of homemade flapjack and blister plasters – “You won’t be able to walk for a week because of the blisters” friends and family advised, I happily accepted their words of wisdom except for those along the lines of “don’t do it, you must be mad”

Arriving at Glasgow airport, we immediately spotted another group of fellow hikers; it quickly became evident that I was no longer alone in the “lack of preparation” and “ignorance of the task at hand” department, so I started to feel a little more relaxed.

Around 5pm we were met by a guide called John, “just back from Killer” he confidently boasted, excellent experience I noted and started to look forward to the task ahead. I watched as John disappeared into the distance with another group and turned around to be greeted by Andy, a young man from Hereford who led us off to our minibus without a whisper of Kilimanjaro or similar boastful experience – I wasn’t convinced.

On arrival by mini bus at Fort William, we were joined by 3 other teams at the “Bunkhouse” which is exactly that – a house full of bunk beds. After a large glass of red, we left our guide Andy at the bar and after briefing him to be “at his best” for the morning I settled down for the night with the words “breakfast at 5am” tormenting me as I tried desperately to get some sleep.

Andy 3 Peaks

5am is a little early for Muesli but I was determined to stock up -  “Andy 3 Peaks” as we had now nicknamed him was the last to join us for breakfast and had a look of too many red wines from the night before; I was still not convinced and as the rain streamed down the window of the Bunkhouse, I reluctantly pulled on my waterproof trousers, layered myself up with thermals, 2 t-shirts, a fleece and ski jacket – determined I would not be beaten by the miserable weather.

At 6am we arrived at Achaintee House, at the foot of the mighty Ben Nevis. “This seems OK” I thought to myself as we picked up pace and started to head into the hills, I started to get in the swing of using my new walking poles, enjoyed the convenience of my new “bladder system” (water bottle with straw attached) and started to feel like a real adventurer.

"Get a move on Suzie!"

30 minutes in and hanging at the back of the group – it started to go slightly wrong. “Is it too early to drop out now?” I thought to myself, looking across at my team mate Sandra, I uttered the formidable words “I can’t do this” to which she dutifully responded “neither can I” so we decided to take a breather.  “SUZIE GET A MOVE ON”  were the booming words of encouragement from JR – “no time for sitting down” he continued and so despite the rain, leaking bladder system (see above), exhaustion and inevitable stitch, I de-layered and with some kind words of encouragement from Andy 3 Peaks ¬– I got a move on…

Reaching the top of Ben Nevis was amazing, the Red Carnation Flag was swiftly removed from JR’s back pack and we posed proudly for a team photo, unfortunately due to the poor weather conditions the views were non existent and so Andy 3 Peaks promptly led us back down Ben Nevis and back to the mini bus for the next leg of the journey – Scarfell Pike in the Lake District.

Spending 7 hours in a mini bus, drenched and exhausted was almost as uncomfortable as the climb itself. We eventually arrived at Seathwaite, at the foot of Scarfell around 7pm and were reminded to pull out our head torches for the night climb. Climbing a mountain in the dark is not something that would have ever occurred to me a sensible idea and as I stood clinging to the rock face at midnight, being told to “lean into the mountain” I understood why. “This is ridiculous” I shouted in amongst some other choice words “someone is going to get hurt” – my concerns were once again met with JR’s words of encouragement …“Get a move on Suzie”.

Several hours of climbing later and as we headed back down the Pike, I started to appreciate the wonder of climbing a mountain in the middle of the night, as we walked through flowing rivers and skilfully traversed the harsh rock face, It dawned on me that I might actually be starting to enjoy myself..

The night climb at Scarfell Pike

After making it back down to the bus at approx 2am; we had 3 hours to rest while we made our way to Snowdon – the final peak! Waking up on a warm bus after a couple of hours sleep, with 2 mountain climbs behind me and the sound of rain lashing down outside – to say I was less than eager was an understatement! As many of our team mates chose to quietly sit the last one out and swap the looming 7 hour hike for a few extra hours sleep; I also started to question whether two peaks was perhaps enough….”Get a move on Suzie”

Starting out from Pen-Y-Pass, we made our way up Snowdon in the dark, absolutely exhausted I felt a slight tickle of excitement “I am  almost there” I thought to myself and I couldn’t quite believe it. As the sun rose over the beautiful lakes of Snowdon I once again reflected on the past 24 hours and upon reaching the top of Snowdon, I was delighted!

I was certainly delighted to have completed the challenge and for such a worthy cause – but more so that it was almost over. Andy 3 peaks and I made it to the bottom of Snowdon at 12pm to be greeted by the lovely people from Hospitality Action; I proudly showed off my medal and posed for a final photo. I was delighted to have successfully finished the challenge, but at the same time felt quite sad that it was all over…as I said my goodbyes to Andy 3 Peaks – my new found friend – and briefly pondered my future as a mountain guide – I was ushered back to the waiting mini bus and for the final time heard the now familiar instruction to “get a move on Suzie”.

Written by Suzie Wotton, Vice President of Marketing at Red carnation Hotels

* For over 170 years Hospitality Action, the Hospitality Industry Benevolent Organisation, has offered vital assistance to all who work, or have worked within hospitality in the UK and who find themselves in crisis. Red Carnation Hotels raised £5000 for Hospitality Action during the 3 Peaks Challenge and will proudly continue to support the organisation’s great work.

We’re very excited about some new developments at Red Carnation. You’d think we would stop at the epic scenery, opulent suites and sumptuous dining, but we thought we’d give you even more to look forward to! September 2011 sees the grand re-opening of the famed spa at Cape Town’s glorious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, and the unveiling of our long-awaited range of deluxe body products and spa treatments, B|Africa.

The Spa  has been touched by the brilliant hand of designer, Toni Tollman, of Red Carnation’s Tollman family-owned business.

The Spa Lounge at The Twelve Apostles

An unearthly, all-white crystal grotto is just the beginning of the sensual journey you’ll undertake at this magical spa. Stone, marble, granite and glass are used to create a natural temple for body and soul. No detail is left to chance, as walls and ceilings are patterned with ornamental cornices and motifs.

The Rasul Chamber

The treatment rooms are state-of-the-art, and include hydrotherapy baths and rain showers, as well as a Rasul Chamber for traditional steam and mud cleansing rituals; a very special experience. You’ll also find a superbly-equipped salon, Tranquility Lounge, Vichy Shower and Wild Lanyana Arometherm Room.

Are you pining yet? We know we are. “We have no doubt that our guests are going to love it as much as we do,” says Toni Tollman. “While the interior of The Spa is exceptional, The Twelve Apostles’ unique position on the mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean means that a sunset treatment or romantic couples picnic in our newly-renovated outdoor gazebos is an absolutely unforgettable experience.”

B|Africa

But there is more good news. Our award-winning South African spas at the ultraluxurious Twelve Apostles, The Oyster Box and Bushmans Kloof will now be stocked with B|Africa, our exclusive new product range.

We turned to the ancient African landscape for inspiration and ingredients of potent restorative power. Bea Tollman, founder and president of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection says, “The unique natural habitats of each of the Red Carnation properties are encapsulated in our sensational B|Africa products and treatments, which harness the essential, life-giving properties of Mother Nature’s rich bounty to calm, detoxify, nourish and energise body, mind and spirit.”

Extravagant ingredients include Baobab oil, avocado butter, indigenous honey, rooibos, Mongongo nut, Ximenia and Marula oils, and west coast sea salt high in mineral value. These natural wonders are used to create such products as Fynbos Sugar Scrub, Ceremony Bath Milk, body balms and crystal-infused body oils.

We have developed a body range that is luxuriant and decadent, but with a deep sense of responsibility for the beloved land from which we obtain the vital elements to make it so. We are passionate about Fair Trade, sustainable harvesting practices and organic ingredients.

Bea Tollman originally made this dish years ago for Raymond Oliver when he visited them, and it was a big hit. (one of the great chefs of the postwar France, for 35 years he ran the famous Le Grand Vefour restaurant on the Rue de Beaujolais in the Palais-Royal district of Paris.) She was always intrigued by this combination, especially as individual servings. Since then, it has been very popular at the hotels.

1.5kg lean lamb from the leg cut into 3cm
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 carrots, minced or finely chopped
3 celery sticks, minced or finely chopped
1 sprig each fresh rosemary and thyme
1 cup seasoned flour
(salt, pepper, ground ginger. paprika)
1 litre lamb (or vegetable or chicken) stock
vegetable oil
1 egg yolk

In a large roasting pan (with cover) heat 100ml of oil, then brown the celery, carrots and onion over medium heat. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside. Dust the lamb cubes lightly in the seasoned flour then brown on all sides turning frequently, in the same oil.

Add a little of the stock to start creating the sauce, then add the reserved vegetables and the thyme and rosemary. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned particles of meat into the liquid. Reduce the heat to simmer and cover. Cook for an hour or so until the lamb in very tender and the sauce has reduced to a thickened consistency. Adjust the seasoning, then cool to room temperature and refrigerate overnight.

Form the lamb into a loaf, wrap in puff pastry, and brush the pastry with egg yolk. Put the loaf on a baking sheet with the seam underneath. Cook at 200°C for about 20-30 minutes depending on your oven until nicely browned. Allow to cool for a minute, then slice at the table about 3-4cm thick.

On Sunday 13th March 2011 Bea Tollman – A life in Food will be featured on www.cookstr.com. To purchase “A Life in Food”, with all proceeds going to Bea Tollman’s favourite charities click here.

Shopping

Sandra Anido, the Egerton House Hotel. Knightsbridge is fashion central. We’re just five minutes from Harrods and Harvey Nichols; you can take a stroll down Beauchamp Place for some of the most exclusive fashions, including Bruce Oldfield – tipped to be designing Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. Continue on to Sloane Street, where you can indulge in the best known British and International designers including Yves Saint Laurent, Prada and Tiffany & Co.

Another favourite with our guests is nearby á la mode at 10 Symons Street. The store supports British designers and this season you’ll find offerings by Kinder Aggugini, Peter Pilotto, Erdem, Bella Freud, Queene and Belle Cashmere and Alex Gore Browne Knitwear.

The Library, just around the corner from us, is one of the best edits of denim, knits and accessories by the likes of Alexander McQueen, Comme des Garçons and Martin Margiela, juxtaposed with a great selection of style books.

The V&A shop is just over the road from us, and always has one or two really delightful surprises – everything from handbags to hats and jewellery to jackets.

Portobello Market

Andrew Pike, the Milestone Hotel. We’re very well placed for fashion conscious shopaholics. Didier Antiques is only five minutes’ walk from the Milestone, and absolute heaven for collectors of 20th century jewellery. They specialise in pieces by Post-War artists, so you’ll find rare pieces by Cocteau, Moser, Braque, Vautrin and Kapoor. It’s not cheap, but perfect for very special presents.

Phoebe Carlyle is almost next door to Didier Antiques and sells some of the leading names in lingerie, including their own very popular own label.

Notting Hill is not far away and is crammed with interesting little boutiques, including Feathers, Bodas, Matches, Alice & Astrid and The Convenience Store, to name but a few. On the weekends you can wander down Portobello Market for antique treasures and vintage clothing.

Malcolm Hendry, 41 and the Rubens at the Palace. Augustina in nearby Belgravia has a great collection of bags, jewellery, fragrances and accessories – labels include Devi Kroell, Gryson, Temple St Clair and Botkier. And of course we’re pretty close to the King’s Road – so take your pick! Check out Austique for Rachel Gilbert Sydney, Thurley, Olivia Morris, Karen Walker, Wilbur & Gussie, Boyd, Anna & Boy, Alice McCall. Other great stores include Franchetti Bond (elegant shoes and handbags), Rigby and Peller (lingerie), Mimi (Cathryn Avison, Colette Dinnigan, Patrick Cox, Paul Smith Women, Jimmy Choo)….the list goes on and on.

Burlington Arcade

Oliver Raggett, the Chesterfield Mayfair. We’re surrounded by exclusive stores and designer boutiques, so it’s impossible to list them all. Nearby Burlington Arcade is one of the world’s most unique retail hotspots, and was featured in one of our earlier blog posts.

Balenciaga is a must – the world-renowned Parisian label’s first UK store, just around the corner from us, launches this season in the heart of Mayfair. Next to Marc Jacobs, it will cement Mount Street’s status as a key location on the London fashion map.

Dover Street Market is übercool, daring and always inspiring. If you ever feel bored with fashion this place is sure to re-ignite your passion! Names include Comme des Garçons, Azzedine Alaïa, Celine, Proenza Schouler, and Casely-Hayford. Less hard core, but very rewarding for fashionistas, is Fenwicks, featuring Allegra Hicks, Ally Capellino, Bill Amberg, ISSA, Orla Kiely, Betty Jackson, Nicole Farhi, Sara Berman, Paul Smith Woman, Philip Treacy, John Smedley, Graham & Spencer, Joseph and more. It’s in Bond Street, an area that’s world renowned for its profusion of fine jewellers and luxury designer labels.

We’re also very handy for Savile Row, the home of bespoke tailoring, including Gieves & Hawkes who will create the military uniform Prince William will wear at the Royal wedding this April, and Jeremyn Street, world famous for its shirtmakers.

Fashion

Dirk Crokaert, the Montague on the Gardens. We’re only a short walk from Covent Garden, so there’s a bunch of great boutiques right on the doorstep.

One of the most popular is Koh Samui, which cleverly combines high fashion with underground streetwear and vintage. If not for its eclectic mix, go to discover new names as well as find your established favourites – Balenciaga, Chloe, Dries van Noten, Issa, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Matthew Williamson, Superfine and more.

The Loft, also in Covent Garden, sells new and second-hand designer goods for men and women all at hugely discounted prices. Many items have been used solely for fashion shows and film shoots. Suppliers include a host of celebrities who buy and sell their clothes, shoes, bags and accessories through the store…well worth a visit!

For the complete shopping experience go to  Selfridges & Co, from their infamous window displays and delicious food hall to the newly created Shoe Gallery and fabulous clothes you will find everything you could desire and more.

Terry Holmes

The Milestone, The Montague on the Gardens, the Chesterfield Mayfair all include rooms either named after royalty, or which take their design cues from a royal theme. Many of the rooms at “41” are regal in the sense that they overlook the mews and gardens of Buckingham Palace. The Egerton House Hotel has no obvious palace connection but I know at least one member of the royal family has discretely taken afternoon tea in the Drawing Room.*

The Rubens at the Palace has eight rooms which specifically commemorate particular monarchs, including Henry VIII, the most famous and notorious in English history. And when it comes to the theme of royal weddings his story surely tops them all – six brides, two of whom he had executed, and a tale full of fascinating twists and turns.

Henry’s first bride was Catherine of Aragon. Catherine married Henry’s elder brother, Arthur, when Henry was ten. Arthur died twenty weeks later, aged fifteen. Henry’s Dad, Henry VII, wanted to maintain his alliance with Catherine’s family, the royal family of Spain, and suggested Henry marry his brother’s widow. This could only occur if the Pope gave special dispensation because in the book of Leviticus it says “If a brother is to marry the wife of a brother they will remain childless.” Catherine swore that her marriage to Arthur had not been consummated, making it technically invalid. However, just to be sure the correct papal dispensation was given.

Catherine bore Henry six children. A son and a daughter were stillborn. Two sons and a daughter died shortly after childbirth. The only surviving child was a girl, leaving no male heir (but this girl went on to become Mary I). Henry eventually decided that his marriage was “blighted in the eyes of God” and had fallen for one of Catherine’s ladies-in-waiting, Anne Boleyn. Anne’s refusal to become his mistress only inflamed his passion and he determined to wed her (her sister Mary took on the role of mistress, as dramatised in “The other Boleyn girl”. Also read the Booker prize winner, and best seller, “Wolf Hall”)

Henry VIII

Henry eventually ignored the Pope’s refusal to issue an annulment and married Anne anyway. This resulted in England’s bloody and cataclysmic break with Rome and the dissolution of the monasteries. Anne swiftly became pregnant, but much to everyone’s disappointment it was a girl (who went on to become Elizabeth I). Anne conceived again, but news that Henry was in an almost fatal jousting accident caused her to miscarry – and it was a boy (ironically this happened on the day Henry’s first wife was buried). Henry now took Jane Seymour as his new mistress and swiftly had five men, including Anne’s own brother, arrested on charges of having sexual relationships with the queen. All were executed, followed by Anne herself. She knelt upright, in the French style of executions, and her head was severed with a single stroke.

The day after Anne’s execution Henry was engaged to Jane, and they married ten days later. Jane gave birth to a son, Prince Edward, the future Edward VI. The birth was difficult and the queen died shortly afterwards.

Next he married Anne of Cleves, after seeing her portrait. On Anne’s arrival in England, Henry is said to have found her utterly unattractive, privately calling her a “Flanders Mare”. Soon after the wedding Henry requested an annulment and Anne was smart enough to agree, saying the union had never been consummated.

Henry was now grossly obese (54 inch waist, and requiring mechanical devices to move him around) and sickly (he was covered with painful, pus-filled boils and possibly suffered from gout. His obesity and other medical problems can be traced from a jousting accident in 1536. The accident actually re-opened a previous leg wound he had sustained years earlier. This festered for the remainder of his life. Despite his infirmity he married the young Catherine Howard (age uncertain, but between seventeen and twenty two), Anne Boleyn’s first cousin. Queen Catherine soon had an affair with the courtier Thomas Culpeper. Catherine and he were both executed.

Henry married his last wife, the wealthy widow Catherine Parr, in 1543. Despite clashing with him over religion she outlived him. On his death his only legitimate son (he had several illegitimate ones) succeeded. Aged just nine years old a regent ruled on his behalf and the young Edward VI never took the reins of power. He nominated his cousin Lady Jane Grey as his heir and excluded his half sisters, Mary and Elizabeth. However, this was disputed following Edward’s death – Jane was only queen for nine days before Mary was proclaimed Queen.

So despite his six marriages, Henry VIII was succeeded by the country’s first queen, and a catholic one at that!

Two momentous royal engagements are imminent allowing you to see history in the making. The eagerly anticipated Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, taking place on 29th April, has set London buzzing with excitement and is due to be the event of the year. 2012 will see the celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee celebrating 60 years of the Queen’s reign, the only other British Monarch to achieve this milestone was Queen Victoria in 1897.

David Eck

London Bridge is the oldest bridge in the capital, connecting the City of London to Southwark.  The Romans, who first arrived in 43BC, probably built the first bridge on this spot, but the rebellious Queen Boudicca destroyed it in 60 AD.  The Romans rebuilt it, but the structure fell into disrepair when they left.

The earliest contemporary written reference to a Saxon bridge is in 1016, when it was by-passed by King Cnut’s ships in his war to regain the throne from Edmund II “. The rebuilt Norman London Bridge was destroyed in 1091 by a storm known as the London Tornado.  The repair or replacement of this was carried out by William II along with works at the new St Paul’s Cathedral and the development of the Tower of London.  The bridge was destroyed yet again, this time by fire, in 1136.

The first really substantial structure took 33 years to build and was completed in 1209.  With 19 narrow arches, supporting over 200 houses and shops, it provided a busy and congested thoroughfare into the city.  Houses on the bridge were burnt during Wat Tyler’s Peasants’ Revolt in 1381 and Jack Cade’s rebellion in 1450, during which a pitched battle was fought from end to end.  In 1390, a joust took place on the bridge between Lord Welles and Sir David De Lindsay, a Scots knight, who had quarrelled over the valour of their respective countrymen. De Lindsay was the victor and was later made ambassador to England.

The southern gatehouse to the bridge featured spikes on which the severed heads of traitors were displayed.  These were dipped in tar to preserve them.  The first to achieve this celebrity status was William Wallace in 1305, while others included Thomas More in 1535, Bishop John Fisher in the same year, and Thomas Cromwell in 1540.  In 1598 a German visitor to London Paul Hentzner counted over 30 heads on the bridge.

In 1722, congestion was becoming so serious that the Lord Mayor decreed that “all carts, coaches and other carriages coming out of Southwark into this City do keep all along the west side of the said bridge: and all carts and coaches going out of the City do keep along the east side of the said bridge”. This has been suggested as one possible origin for the practice of traffic in Britain driving on the left.

London Bridge in Lake Havasu

Amazingly this early medieval bridge, narrow and congested as it was, survived for over 600 years, only being replace in 1831.  This new 19th century bridge, however, began to sink, and in 1968 was sold to the entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch for US$2,460,000.  The bridge was then dismantled, reconstructed at Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and re-dedicated on 10 October 1971. It is now the centrepiece of an “English” theme park, complete with a Tudor period shopping mall, and has become Arizona’s second-biggest tourist attraction, after the Grand Canyon.

The current London Bridge was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 17 March 1973.  It shows no signs of falling down yet, despite the fact that In 1984, the British warship HMS Jupiter collided with it, causing extensive damage.

Peter Finalyson

For me, winemaking and sport are similar.  That may sound like a strange analogy, but they require the same qualities for success.  Creating a great wine demands sustained concentration, tremendous attention to detail and the ability to conserve your energy so it lasts over the lengthy growing period and into the crucial weeks of the harvest.  Like the opening batsman in a test match you have to guard against fatigue, and the desire to impress, both of which lead to mistakes.  Having said that, a passionate and competitive spirit is essential if you are going to create a really great wine. 

This analogy is particularly apt when South Africa is just about to host the world’s most popular sporting event.  The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is the ultimate challenge for a footballer, and, if I may continue the analogy, my personal World Cup has become Pinot Noir.

My career began in the 70’s when I was a student  oenologist at Stellenbosch University, furthering my studies at Geisenheim in the Rheingau in 1975. Between 1976 and 1979 I worked at the fledgling Boschendal winery, then I set up and began running the first winery in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.  In 1989, in the same valley, I then began the Bouchard Finlayson winery with business partner Michael Clark. 

Hemel-en-Aarde roughly translates as the “Heaven and Earth Valley”.  Framed by mountains and within sight of the ocean in the Walker Bay region at the southernmost tip of Africa, it is not just stunningly beautiful – it also benefits from an excellent terroir (the most perfect clay shale vineyard soil) and a wonderful climate – largely influenced by the nearby, cold Atlantic Ocean, the valley is one of the coolest wine growing areas in the Cape.  It’s surrounded and sheltered by a mountain barrier, formed by Galpin Peak (810 meters) and the Tower of Babel (1200 meters), which traps the cloud cover and moisture brought in from the sea by the prevailing wind. Summer conditions are consequently warm rather than hot, and winter conditions are mild and frost-free. The sea breezes work to keep vines cool thereby encouraging slow ripening and flavour-rich grapes.

Sixteen years later and Bouchard Finlayson has become a well established boutique winery renowned for producing Chardonnay and  Sauvignon Blanc wines of outstanding quality.  I’m very proud of this fact, but we’ve become best known as pioneers of Pinot Noir, the most testing and frustrating grape of all.  Season after season I’ve been battling with it on the slopes of Galpin Peak to create our flagship wine, Galpin Peak Pinot Noir.  It’s been an unending struggle, but the results have won many an award and accolade.

Norman Hardie, who trained with us as Assistant Winemaker, comments that “Once you are bitten by the Pinot bug it’s all over. It’s more expensive than crack, because you’ve got to go through ten bad ones to get to one good one, but what makes Pinot so special is that it has both delicacy and richness!”

What other grape inspires such purple prose?  Richard Paul Hinkle comments that “As much as the great Pinots stand apart from all other red table wines in their sweeping grandeur so too is Pinot Noir as quarrelsome as the devil.”  He also remarks that “The Burgundians in their own conservatively witty way refer to red burgundy as ‘The good Lord Jesus in velvet trousers sliding down your throat.’”

Personally I liken it to opera.  When it’s great, it raises goose bumps…but when it’s mediocre it’s unbearable!  Truly it is the “heartbreak grape”, and many Pinot growers eventually give up in exasperation.  Thankfully I’ve had, through sheer bloody minded perseverance, my share of success with it.  If you can tear yourself away from the football and come see me I’ll let you have a taste!

Terry Holmes

The Cateys are the Oscars of the hotel industry, with the winners nominated, selected and rewarded by their industry peers.  To be named Hotelier of the Year is a huge achievement and if you’re curious to learn a bit more about Jonathan’s route to the top, here are a few details.

Jonathan joined the industry 27 years ago because he liked being around people.  His interest was sparked during his A levels when a friend showed him around the hotel where he worked.  “It was though a light was switched on.  I knew this was the kind of place I wanted to be”.

He then became a Management Trainee with Norfolk Capital Hotels and within two years was appointed Assistant Manager of the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate.  He then progressed to become Front-of-House Manager at the Highcliff Hotel in Bournemouth.  In 1985, the year after the bombing of the Conservatory Party Conference at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, the Tories decided to book the next conference at the Highcliff.  “Being directly responsible for the conference stay, I was involved in countless meetings with the police and security staff. We worked hideously long days, but it was enormously satisfying and valuable in my development as a hotelier as the attention to detail was second to none.”

After three years as Deputy General Manager at the Londonderry Hotel (now the Metropolitan), Jonathan went to Durban, as Hotel Manager of the Maharani, a 5 star 300 bedroom property.  “While I don’t believe it is necessary to go overseas to become a good hotelier, it did help me grow as an individual, broaden my knowledge of culture and help me become a better all-round manager.”  It also impressed upon him the importance of good staff relations.  “The unions were very big in South Africa and I came to realise that can be a good thing. They force you to communicate clearly with your employees, and to listen to them.”

He then moved to Guernsey as General Manager and Director of the St Pierre Park Hotel, which he established as a highly successful hotel, golf and spa destination.  Here he met regular guests Stanley and Beatrice Tollman – they were sufficiently impressed by his achievements to invite him to manage their newly acquired Rubens hotel, which was undergoing a multi-million pound upgrade, and to oversee the creation of their 5 star boutique hotel, 41.

Returning to London in 1988, he was promoted to Managing Director of the rapidly expanding Red Carnation Collection in 2000.  With 13 luxury properties on three continents, a staff of 1500, and further plans for growth, he certainly has his hands full!

The seeds of his success are evident in the story I’ve just related.  He still has his passion for the business, his attention to detail is extraordinary, and his pleasure in being around people is undiminished – he’s extremely good at getting the very best out of the staff, whilst also truly appreciating the kind of experience that guests really want.  The judges also comment on the fact that he leads by example.  This is something everyone on the Red Carnation team will agree with – having initiated the company’s Trading Places scheme he’ll happily muck in to clean the rooms and then do a shift as a breakfast chef. 

This last point gives you a clue to his success, and something that particularly impressed two of the judges – he’s genuinely caring, has a great sense of humour, and “does it all with a smile and not an ounce of pomposity”.

He commented that “I’m delighted, but humbled, to accept this award.  It reflects the terrific effort made by every single member of the Red Carnation Team.  We are a small family-run collection of five and four-star hotels who fight the big chains for business. We will never have the same Sales and Marketing spend as these players, so it is my belief that we need to make an even better job of taking care of our guests.  Our promise that ‘No request is too large, no detail too small’ puts huge demands on every member of staff, but we are fortunate to have a group of individuals who are passionately committed to rising to the challenge.”

Founder and President of the Red Carnation collection, Mrs Bea Tollman, also commented that “I’m delighted that Jonathan has been honoured with this tremendous accolade.  He is an exceptional individual whose talent and dedication would do any organisation proud.  A real credit, and inspiration, to the entire Red Carnation team”

We hope you’ve had an enjoyable stay at one of our thirteen luxury family-run boutique hotels. When you stay at a Red Carnation Hotel, you’re more than a customer; you are our guest.

It’s therefore very important for us to continually improve our service to ensure guests’ have the best experience possible. In order to do that, we’d be delighted to hear what you thought of your time with us.

Bea Tollman, Founder and President of Red Carnation Hotels, explains:

“The essential thing is that guests are delighted by what we do, and that we provide exceptional value for money. Above all, we want them to know that we care. When they check out of their room, they should leave with lasting memories of the best service they have ever received.”

We look forward to hearing from you.

Dover Sole, as the name suggests, is not a fish one catches off the steeply shelving coast of South Africa, but one that prefers the shallow continental water of the English Channel and North Sea.

I first encountered this delicacy when we moved to London in the mid-seventies, and very quickly developed a passion for it, either grilled or meunière. As with all fish dishes you need to find the best possible raw materials, then let the natural flavours speak for themselves – simple as this sounds in theory, it takes practice to perfect!

There are several little tricks that must be mastered. First, and perhaps most important of all, you must never overcook it. Secondly, and slightly contrary to the first tip, both sides must be as crispy as possible.

So, how to achieve the crispiness without spoiling the gorgeous melt-in-your-mouth moistness of the delicate flesh?

Start by lightly seasoning it with salt and pepper, then dust with flour. Next, brush both sides with about a tablespoon of olive oil. Then place it on a hot char-grill (or a ridged cast iron pan) for just 90 seconds (no more!), then carefully turn it at a 90° angle, on the same side, for a further 90 seconds to achieve a lovely diamond cross-hatching effect. Turn it over with a metal spatula (carefully!) and do the same again. Then gently transfer it onto a baking dish and place in the oven at 180°C for 8-10 minutes. The fish is done when the bones move easily away from the flesh when you delicately insert a fork.

It’s best served with simple accompaniments – home made tartare sauce, freshly squeezed lemon juice and boiled new potatoes (tossed with a touch of butter, olive oil and chopped parsley). Done properly, it’s a taste of pure heaven, and one that one never seems to get tired of.

That’s why it’s a regular feature on the menu at some of our hotels, and why I’ve included it in my cook book – entitled “A Life in Food” it celebrates those recipes which are enduring favourites with our guests.  All proceeds, excluding postage and packaging, will be donated to my favourite charities – The Startlight Foundation and The Tick Tock Club in the UK.