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Dakota Hotels have announced the appointment of Mark Spanton as General Manager for their Newcastle property, ahead of the Hotel’s opening in Spring 2025.
Mark Spanton has been an integral part of the Dakota team since 2020, joining as Deputy General Manager of the boutique hotel group’s Manchester site. He was subsequently promoted to General Manager of the Leeds property in 2022.
Under his leadership, Dakota Leeds have won a host of industry awards, including Best Restaurant and Best Chef at the Oliver Awards, and a prestigious Michelin Plate.
Before joining Dakota, Spanton held senior positions at Principal Hotel, York; Radisson Blu, Liverpool; and Mottram Hall, Cheshire. With a career spanning almost two decades in hospitality, Spanton sits on the committee for the Institute of Hospitality North, and is Vice Chair of the Leeds Hotels and Venues Association.
In November 2024, Mark was awarded a prestigious Master innholders scholarship – granted by The Worshipful Company of Innholders, the Lord Forte Foundation, the Master Innholders Charitable Trust and the Savoy Educational Trust.
This renowned scholarship allows Spanton to take part in the General Managers Programme at Cornell University – a course revered in the industry for its exceptional teaching and elite hotelier alumni.
Spanton commented: “It’s an honour to lead the opening of Dakota Newcastle – I’m delighted to bring our synonymous old-school hospitality to such a vibrant and bustling city. Newcastle is renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, just like Dakota!”
“It’s a privilege to be awarded the Master Innholders Scholarship, and the learnings from Cornell’s General Managers Programme will prove invaluable for this opening.”
He continued: “I look forward to connecting with our peers and neighbours in the industry ahead of our opening, and building a superb internal team passionate about guest experience.
The latest addition for the Dakota Hotels group, Dakota Newcastle will offer waterfront luxury alongside some of the largest hotel bedrooms and suites in the city. Situated on St. Ann’s Wharf, overlooking the riverside promenade, the stylish hotel will house 118 elegant bedrooms, a destination Bar & Grill, al fresco Terrace and stylish meeting and event spaces.
The Newcastle hotel is anticipated to generate upwards of 120 jobs for the community and support the city’s regeneration project. Newcastle will be the sixth hotel in the Dakota group – the third in England – and is due to open in Spring 2025.
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