New GM at Danesfield House reveals future plans

The new general manager of Danesfield House has revealed his aims for the future of the hotel in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, saying that it "could do so much more".

Anthony Cox, who has been in his post since joining the four-star hotel at the end of September, told Caterer and Hotelkeeper that he wants to increase the property's involvement in events, spruce up its suites, and heighten people's knowledge of its history, as well as maintain its reputation for quality dining.

He also explained that food was central to his plans for the place, and that he hoped to bring back ideas such as the old kitchen garden, and establish the Orangery as a credible alternative Adam Simmonds at Danesfield House.

“I think that we’ve always had a really good reputation for food, and I’m very keen to maintain that level,” he said. “But I’d really love to get some recognition for [The Orangery] as well, so we have two restaurants for two audiences.”  Â

There are also plans for the hotel side of the business, with refurbishment of 20 rooms into suites having started before Cox arrived. Having now had chance to get up to speed with the developments, he is very positive about the impact it could have.

“The suites are going to be excellent. There is some great architecture, and they’re close to the spa,” he said. “The number of rooms we have will go down from 82 to 75, but obviously they will be of a higher quality. We’re building on what’s already here and making things a bit bigger and better.”

But Cox also wants to focus on boosting the number of visitors to Danesfield, via a combination of improved events hosting, and increasing people’s awareness of the area’s history â€" such as when it was a centre for air force intelligence during World War II.Â

“We need to give people more and more reasons to come here,” he said. “Food’s been a strength over the years, but I think there are equally other important things. We’re not on the high street, so people need reasons to come and visit us.”

Highlighting the hotel’s setting as a particular advantage, he added: “We have some stunning grounds here, and I can see us having a more varied, events-driven programme making use of them.”

Having most recently held the role of hotel director for the five-AA-red star Relais & Chateaux Vineyard Hotel and Spa at Stockcross, Cox brings over 20 years’ hospitality experience to the job.

He said: “My role here is to make sure that everyone who comes here has an amazing time. That’s my main priority. However, I want to build on the foundations that were laid; there’s so much more we can do.”

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