Benjamin Bel appointed GM of Hotel du Vin Edinburgh

Benjamin Bel has been appointed general manager of the 47-bedroom Hotel du Vin Edinburgh.

Bel has more than 20 years' experience in the hospitality industry, and has spent the last two years as general manager at Malmaison Aberdeen. He replaces Lisa Steele, who has been general manager of the property since 2016 and left last year to join the AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast.

One of his first tasks has been working with the hotel's head chef to implement a new menu with a greater focus on classic bistro dishes.

Nick Halliday, chief executive of Hotel du Vin, said: “With Benjamin’s great work at Malmaison, his growing reputation within the group and extensive experience, I am delighted to have him at Hotel du Vin, and look forward to building on the success of the hotel.”

Originally a poorhouse, then an 18th century asylum, the property was acquired by Hotel du Vin in 2006 and given a £10m makeover before opening in 2008, and received another £1m refurbishment in 2016.

Hotel du Vin has 19 properties across the UK, including hotels in Bristol Clifton Village and Stratford-upon-Avon due to open this spring. It is the sister brand to Malmaison, which currently operates 15 hotels.

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