Jonathan Slater, a hotelier who has reinvented himself in his later years, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution award at the Hotel Cateys 2018 this evening.
As well as being focused on his day job, Slater has for many years played an active role in the wider hospitality and tourism industries, as board member of the respective marketing organisations for Chester and Cheshire.
He has also contributed to the global hotel market as a founder director of the marketing consortium of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), sitting on the board for 21 years, including nine as chairman.
A gathering of 600 guests at the Hotel Cateys presentation dinner at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London gave Slater a standing ovation as he was presented with the accolade, sponsored by the AA.
Slater was one of 18 winners at the glittering awards ceremony, which saw the Goring hotel in London carry off two accolades: Housekeeper of the Year (Fernanda Telatin Lewis) and Concierge Award (John Andrews).
Comedian Alex Horne presented the awards and Hospitality Action benefited from the eveningâs fundraising efforts.
2018 Hotel Catey winners
Front of House Manager of the Year â" Sponsored by Britvic
Xiaomin Sun, Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa
Front of House Team of the Year â" Sponsored by Cartwheel Management Recruitment
Hotel Football
Conference and Banqueting Team of the Year â" Sponsored by Reynolds
St Pancras Renaissance hotel, London
Housekeeper of the Year â" Sponsored by Diversey & Zenith Hygiene Group
Fernanda Telatin Lewis, the Goring
Sustainable Hotel of the Year â" Sponsored by Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division
Cedar Manor Hotel & Spa, Windermere, Cumbria
Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year â" Sponsored by Tchibo Coffee International
Leni Miras, the Colony Grill Room, the Beaumont, London
Hotel Restaurant Team of the Year â" Sponsored by Fresh Montgomery
Holborn Dining Room, Rosewood London
Food and Beverage Manager of the Year â" Sponsored by Britvic
Alice Bussi, Seren Collection
Spa Professional of the Year â" Sponsored by Christie & Co
Lesley Bacon, Hand Picked Hotels
Revenue Manager Award â" Sponsored by Sky
Amy Ayers, Holiday Inn Winchester
Hotel Chef of the Year (fewer than 250 covers) â" Sponsored by Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division
Adam Smith, Coworth Park, Ascot, Berkshire
Hotel Chef of the Year (more than 250 covers) â" Sponsored by Yorkshire Tea
Robert Bates, the Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
Human Resources Manager of the Year â" Sponsored by Caterer.com
Lindsay Southward, Malmaison & Hotel Du Vin Group
Human Resources Team of the Year â" Sponsored by Citirecruit
The Ned, London
Concierge Award â" Sponsored by Handy
John Andrews, the Goring, London
Extra Mile Award â" Sponsored by Bidfood
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Hotelier of the Year â" Sponsored by Casna Group
David Taylor, Principal Hotels at InterContinental Hotels Group
Outstanding Contribution â" Sponsored by the AA
Jonathan Slater, Oddfellows Hotels
David Morgan-Hewitt carries off top award at Hotel Cateys 2017 >>
Top award at Hotel Cateys 2016 goes to Robin Sheppard of Bespoke Hotels >>
Robin Hutson wins Outstanding Contribution award at Hotel Cateys 2014 >>