The shortlist has been revealed for the Independent Hotel Show 2019’s Independent Hotelier and Hotel Innovation awards. Celebrating the luxury and boutique hotel sector’s independently spirited hoteliers and the most innovative properties, the impressive collection of nominations was judged by an esteemed panel of top hoteliers and hospitality experts.
The Independent Hotelier Award recognises an excellent hotelier with a reputation for pushing boundaries and creating exceptional guest experiences. The winner must be committed to the development of their team, the success of the establishment and the industry at large.
Harry Cragoe, owner, The Gallivant, East Sussex
Harry Cragoe’s mission is to deliver happiness to guests and to help remind people how good life can be and how well they can feel. He is inspired to positively impact the lives of as many people as he can, from staff to guests, and strives to create a holistic hospitality brand. He has developed a working environment with innovative approaches to maintain and increase staff happiness.
Mark and Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, owners of Swinton Park, North Yorkshire
Building a unique enterprise, Mark and Felicity have combined heritage and tradition with innovation, whilst breathing life back into the rural community. In addition to renovating the Swinton Park hotel, cookery school and spa, they have launched the Swinton Bivouac Glamping Campsite, developed a holiday cottage business and brought beauty back to the deer park.
Paula Ellis, Group General Manager, Retreats Group – Twr y Felin, Roch Castle, Penrhiw Priory, Pembrokshire
Since joining Retreats Group in 2015, Paula has spearheaded the development of three unique heritage properties located on the St David’s Peninsula in Pembrokeshire, including establishing Twr y Felin as Wales’ first contemporary art hotel. Twr y Felin achieved AA Hotel of the Year Wales 2017 – 2018, whilst Roch Castle was Recognised as Best Bed and Breakfast for Wales at the Welsh National Tourism Awards 2018 and all three properties have retained their Visit Wales Gold Awards for 2019
Anton Fedun, owner of The Ampersand and Vintry & Mercer, London
Anton has shaped The Ampersand and Vintry & Mercer into one-of-a kind properties, where the design is rooted in the local neighbourhood. Both hotels are members of the Considerate Group and Vintry & Mercer, located in a modern eco-friendly building, blends historical artefacts with the latest gadgets. The Ampersand incorporates themes of botany, music, geometry and astronomy, inspired by the neighbouring museums.
James & Fjona Hill, owners of Hampton Manor, West Midlands
Since taking over Hampton Manor in 2008, James and Fjona Hill have poured their soul into developing a dilapidated country house into a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms. Inspired by childhood memories of home-cooking and with a fully embedded sustainable ethos, James has also nurtured great talent at this property.
David & Charlotte Reiley, owners of Yorebridge House, Yorkshire
David & Charlotte Reiley bought Yorebridge House, a former grammar school and Headmaster’s House in 2006, and opened it as a 12-bedroom boutique property in 2008. Now it is an AA five-star highly commended Restaurant with Rooms, the only three rosette restaurant with an AA UK Breakfast Award in the Dales and was awarded Visit England Guest Accommodation of the Year in 2018.
The Hotel Innovation Award showcases an independently spirited hotel that has made a significant impact on the industry through dynamic approaches to reshape the guest experience.
Mollie’s Motel & Diner
Designed by the people at Soho House and inspired by the classic American diner, the original Mollie’s is a motel, diner, drive-thru and general store that brings something affordable and stylish to the roadside.
Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa
Whatley Manor actively puts sustainability at the top of the agenda. A strategic partner of the world’s leading benchmarking and certification provider Earthcheck, the hotel continues to offer guests a luxurious experience, and remains committed to operating as a ‘force for the good” to encourage guests, suppliers and fellow hoteliers to adopt a more socially responsible approach.
The Cow Hollow Hotel, Manchester
This 16-room hotel located in the hip Northern Quarter opened at the beginning of 2018. A fully restored turn of the century textile warehouse, the property marries Victorian heritage with high tech and local Mancunian art. It offers affordable luxury and innovative touches such as complimentary Prosecco & Nibbles every evening.
Hampton Manor, West Midlands
A hub for food and wine enthusiasts with a home-grown ethos, Hampton Manor is a Michelin starred restaurant with rooms. The creative team honours classical foundations and maintains respect for the past whilst reimagining the estate to build a new heritage with sustainability at its heart.
Swinton Park, Yorkshire Dales
A renovated family home set in 20,000 acres that continuously evolves to offer an array of experiences for guests including a cookery school, spa, glamping site, Woodland & Walking Festival and active pursuits.
Manor House Lindley, Huddersfield
Opened in March 2018, Manor House Lindley offers a multi-faceted experience for guests whilst challenging established concepts. The property prides itself on not being defined by words but by feelings, offering boutique accommodation, four bars, two restaurants, a gym and events space.
Meet the judges
- Adam Raphael, Editor, Good Hotel Guide
- Charlotte Evans, Group Publishing Director, Condé Nast Johansens
- David Noble, Director of Hospitality & Leisure, James Hallam Insurance Brokers
- Fiona Duncan, The Telegraph & Sunday Telegraph
- Will Ashworth, Managing Director, Watergate Bay
- Laura Sharpe, General Manager, Ham Yard Hotel
- Janet Harmer, Associate Editor, The Caterer
- Peter Hancock, Chief Executive, Pride of Britain Hotels
- Adam Rowledge, Managing Director, Rowledge Associates
- Zoe Monk, Editor, Boutique Hotelier
The judges have cast their vote, but the final ranking will also be influenced by the industry. To vote for your chosen winner of the Independent Hotelier or the Hotel Innovation Award, please go to: independenthotelshow.co.uk/awards /cast-your-vote
New for 2019 is the GM of the Future Award, created in partnership with the Master Innholders to recognise rising stars in the hotel industry, their ‘extra mile’ attitude and commitment to becoming a future leader to inspire others.
This award will be judged by the Master Innholders and the shortlist will be announced w/c 9 September.
A fourth and final Independent Hotel Show Award is a long-time achievement award, which will celebrate a brilliant career in this exciting industry.
The winners of all four awards will be announced on 15 October at the end of the first day of the Independent Hotel Show.
The Independent Hotel Show takes place on 15 and 16 October 2019 at Olympia London.
For more information on the show or awards and to register to attend, please visit independenthotelshow.co.uk