Hotel Cateys 2011 – Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year

**Hotel Cateys 2011 - Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year
**Sponsored by Britvic Soft Drinks - Lipton Ice Tea

WINNER: Mark Bevan, food and beverage manager, the Chester Grosvenor

Recently promoted to food and beverage manager, Mark Bevan previously held the position of restaurant manager at Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor, where he made a serious impact on the Michelin-starred restaurant. Not only was he instrumental in its refurbishment and consequent relaunch in 2008, he has also been a key figure in ensuring its continued success in the face of the recession.

A 2011 Acorn winner, Bevan was responsible for overseeing a team of 11 members of staff to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the 50-seat restaurant as well as the Arkle Bar and Lounge. He was responsible for all aspects of the operation, from training staff to controlling budgets, maximising profitability and attracting new business.

Bevan came up with numerous ideas to increase revenue and profitability, launching projects such as the Riedel Cellar, a luxury private-dining venue set within the hotel's wine cellar. A dip in reservations on Wednesday evenings saw Bevan initiating a "Tasty Wednesdays" promotion offering the tasting menu at a reduced rate of £50. Wednesday dinner has since become the busiest weekday evening service.

Bevan is a manager who leads his team by example and sends all of his staff on internal and external training courses as well as educational trips and has improved staff retention by almost 85% since he joined. Thanks to his dedication and hard work, dining figures year-on-year have increased by 16% with revenue up 10%, while repeat custom at the restaurant has risen by 13.5% since his appointment.

Strongly committed to the future of the industry Bevan has, in his own time, judged the Liverpool Community College Student of the Year competition as well as Young Chef Young Waiter.

Always happy to take on new challenges, Bevan was promoted to the role of food and beverage manager earlier this year, which sees him in charge of the administration of the entire food and beverage operation within the Chester Grosvenor.

What the judges said …

"Mark shows a commitment, loyalty and passion, which is rare in these times. Mark leads by example and is highly respected by both his work colleagues and customers."

Simon Girling, restaurant manager, the Ritz London

THE JUDGES
Geoff Booth, assistant principal, Westminster Kingsway College
Silvano Giraldin, director, Le Gavroche
Simon Girling, restaurant manager, the Ritz, London
Helle Jensen, general manager, Brasserie Max
Loris Lucchini, restaurant manager, the Chesterfield Mayfair
Stephen Moss, chairman, Springboard UK
Marco Sani, general manager, Docklands Bar and Grill
Fred Sirieix, general manager, Galvin at Windows
Stephen Wilkinson, National key account executive, AA Hotel Services

THE SHORTLIST Mark Bevan, the Chester Grosvenor
Shaun Corrigan, Grand Jersey Hotel and Spa, St Helier
Andrew Sicklin, Galvin at Windows, London Hilton on Park Lane

FORMER WINNERS
2010 Diana Gailiunaite, Docklands Bar and Grill
2009 Marc Whitley, River Bar and Restaurant at the Lowry
2008 Loris Lucchini, restaurant manager, the Chesterfield Mayfair
2007 Nicolas Roulier, Seaham Hall and the Serenity Spa