James O'Donnell takes over as GM at the Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey

The four-red-AA-star Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa in Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire, has appointed James O'Donnell as general manager.

O'Donnell has joined the flagship property of the Devonshire Hotel and Restaurant Group from Slaley Hall Golf, Hotel and Spa in Hexham, Northumberland, where he was hotel manager for 17 months.

He has replaced Adam Dyke, who has moved to Chewton Glen in New Milton, Hampshire, as operations director.

A graduate in hotel services management from Napier University in Edinburgh, O'Donnell is the holder of a St Julien's Scholarship from the Master Innholders and was an Acorn Award winner in 2010 when he was food and beverage manager at the Blythswood Square hotel, Glasgow. He has also worked at the Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh, Malmaison in Newcastle and Seaham Hall, Seaham, Northumberland.

Richard Palmer, managing director of the Devonshire Hotels and Restaurant Group, added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome James to the role of general manager. He brings with him a classical hospitality education and a thorough understanding and passion for luxury hospitality, which he has gained from the vast hands-on experience he has achieved throughout his career.

"James’ customer facing skills and leadership traits, coupled with a proven track record of commercial success, made him an outstanding candidate for this important role.”

The Devonshire Arms features two restaurants, the Burlington and the Brasserie.

In addition to the Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey, the Devonshire Hotels and Restaurant Group comprises the Devonshire Fell at Burnsall in the Yorkshire Dales; alongside two inns on the Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire: the Devonshire Arms at Beeley and the Devonshire Arms at Pilsley. The Devonshire Hotels and Restaurant Group is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

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