Master Innholders names four new members

The Master Innholders has named four hoteliers to be awarded the title of of Master Innholder.

The new members are Mark Chambers, Eden Hotel Collection managing director, Nicholas Dickinson, managing director of Congham Hall in Norfolk, Colm Kelly, general manager at London property K+K Hotel George, and Claire Randall, managing director of Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa near Bath.

Their selection follows a rigorous application process, which includes the submission of 1500-word paper, appearance before an interview panel and demonstration of their current contribution and support to the wider industry.

Andrew Stembridge (pictured), managing director of Chewton Glen and Cliveden House and chairman of the Master Innholders, said: "I am very proud to be able to welcome these new Master Innholders who join an association that has the sole objective of promoting the highest professional standards in hotel management.

"We were particularly pleased with the high quality of submissions received this year, as well as the breadth of the industry they represented. This bodes well for the future success and influence of the Master Innholders."

Formed in 1978, the Master Innholders was the first step taken by the Worshipful Company of Innholders towards renewing its traditional links with innkeeping. The award of membership is open to practising hoteliers by application each year.

Support by the Worshipful Company of Innholders, which this year celebrates 500 years since the granting of its first Royal charter in 1514, and the Institute of Hospitality, the Master Innholders have slowly grown in number and now counts Peter Lederer CBE, Harry Murray MBE, Stuart Bowery, Jonathan Raggett, David Morgan-Hewitt, Stephen Carter OBE and Jonathan Slater among its members.