New Forest Hotels appoints former AA inspector as managing director
A FORMER senior inspector for the AA Restaurant Guide has been promoted to managing director of New Forest Hotels.
Garry Baldwin first joined the group six months ago as head of operations, and now takes over from Michaela Lisle, who is stepping down after 20 years.
A graduate of hotel and catering management from the University of Surrey, Garry’s previous hotel experience included working for Bovey Castle on Dartmoor, Danesfield House in Marlow, and Pennyhill Park at Bagshot.
He worked for AA hotel services for 10 years, during which time he worked his way up from the position of key account manager.
He has helped develop the AA College Rosette Scheme, which recognises college restaurants for the quality of the food they produce and the level of service they deliver.
New Forest Hotels Group has in its portfolio Bartley Lodge near Lyndhurst, Beaulieu Hotel, Forest Lodge, Lyndhurst, Moorhill House and Burley Manor in Burley, and the Drift Inn at Beaulieu Road.
Mr Baldwin said of his new appointment: “I am very much looking forward to leading, coaching and mentoring our excellent team, and importantly overseeing the creation and development of the company’s strategic goals.
“We as a team look forward to completing some exciting projects throughout the collection in 2019, whilst together making the guest experience even better by continuing to drive the standard of service and hospitality.”
Executive chef James Forman has been appointed as chef director of New Forest hotels group.
He previously spent two years at the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Wedgewood Hotel in Vancouver, and more recently worked at Holbrook House in Somerset.
He also worked at Cotswold House Hotel in Chipping Campden, where he was awarded a Michelin rising star and three AA rosettes.
Mr Forman said: “It’s a very exciting time and I’m looking forward to heading up the kitchens throughout the collection, constantly looking at ways to improve and innovate to ensure we continue to build on our restaurants’ reputations for delivering freshly prepared, high-quality food and offering an excellent dining experience.”
