Oliver Smith announced as new GM of the Samling

Oliver Smith has been appointed general manager of the Samling hotel in Ambleside, Cumbria, replacing Alasdair Elwick.

Elwick will be leaving the 11-bedroom, four red-AA-star hotel after six years in December to pursue "new ventures", while Smith joins from nearby Sharrow Bay on Ullswater, where he was general manager for three years.

Smith was also previously general manager of the 19-bedroom, four red-AA-star Amberley Castle in Arundel, West Sussex, where he won an Acorn Award.

A spokesman for the Samling said: "Alasdair has helped us win numerous accolades over the years including the recent award of four AA red stars. We wish Alasdair all the best for the future.

"We are looking forward to welcoming Oliver to the hotel. This news combined with the appointment of Peter Howarth (as head chef) signals a new chapter for the hotel."

Peter Howarth joins the hotel this month from the two Michelin-starred Gidleigh Park in Chagford, Devon. However, due to the recent departure of Nick Edgar, the hotel lost its Michelin star in the most recent guide earlier this week.

Alongside 12 newly refurbished bedrooms, the hotel has also recently completed the expansion of the restaurant from 22 covers to 48, as well as refurbishing the kitchen, enhancing the wine cellar and adding a chef's table.

Smith said: "To arrive at such an exciting time for the hotel with the recent redevelopment having just been completed is the icing on the cake really."

Michelin removes stars from 15 restaurants >>

Peter Howarth recruited as head chef of the Samling >>

The Samling hotel set to expand its Michelin-star restaurant >>

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