The Royal York, one of the city’s oldest and best known hotels, has started the new year with style and in confidence, with the appointment of two key senior leaders to the team, the completion of major renovation and refurbishment of the main hotel building, and the launch of a new Afternoon Tea Menu in The Garden Room.
Richard Mansell has joined as General Manager of the Royal York Hotel with a CV that includes 1 Hotels, the Capella Hotel Group and Ritz Carlton. His most recent post was as the General Manager of St John’s Hotel in Solihull, prior to that he held senior management roles in the UK and overseas. No stranger to Yorkshire, Richard recently oversaw the opening of Raithwaite Hall in Whitby, in 2012.
Will Harper, the new Food & Beverage Manager, looks after the hotel’s restaurants and bars and, with Executive Chef Nick Evans, nurtures relationships with local suppliers to ensure the menu delivers fresh, local and seasonal produce. Will, who is originally from Halifax, manages The Refectory Kitchen and Terrace, Chapter House Bar and the new Garden Room. Prior to joining The Royal York Hotel, Will was the Deputy General Manager at Hotel Du Vin in Bristol for three years.
“It’s great to be joining the hotel at such an exciting time,” says Richard. “With the renovation complete, The Royal York Hotel has an offering to guests and members of the public that is second to none.
“The investment programme has taken the hotel and its team on a tremendous journey, bringing to life the glory and history of the building. I’m privileged to take the role as General Manager and proud to lead this iconic hotel.”
The Garden Room, the hotel’s newest addition, is set in a grand ‘drawing room’ with views of the Hotel’s manicured gardens and historic York Minister. Open every day from 7am, the Garden Room offers the British classic, Afternoon Tea. The menu includes a selection of traditional afternoon tea treats including homemade sandwiches, savouries and cakes. Additionally, a trio of starters will be served including fresh handpicked Whitby crab and avocado with sieved egg, a red onion, thyme and goat’s cheese tart and a pumpkin and parmesan scone with cream cheese. The menu also features a choice of herbal infusion and loose-leaf teas, including Malawi Spearmint and English Chamomile.
“The Royal York Hotel is at a very exciting moment in its history right now,” says Will. “The renovations and the new restaurant, bar and Garden Room have restored many of the hotel’s original features whilst offering 21st-century creature comforts and convenience. Our whole menu uses fresh, local, seasonal ingredients that showcase the best of Yorkshire, from east coast fish to Moors game, York craft ale to home-made jam. Our food bursts with local flavour and our team matches it with warm and intuitive service.”
Leading restaurateur Des McDonald, who developed the Refectory Kitchen & Terrace restaurant and Chapter House bar in the hotel, has also led the direction of the new Garden Room. Des’ CV includes Holborn Dining Room at the Rosewood Hotel in London and the role of CEO of Caprice Group, whose restaurants include The Ivy, Scott’s and J Sheekey.
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