Calcot hotels makes senior appointments at the Lord Crewe Arms
Tommy Mark and Simon Hicks have been appointed general manager and head chef respectively as the historic Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchard as it gears up for relaunch next year.
They will take up their roles in December as part of the 20 strong opening team at the 21-bedroom country hotel on the Northumberland-Durham border. It has undergone a £1.5m renovation funded by Lord Crewe's Charity (formed in 1721 under the terms of the will of Nathaniel, Lord Crewe) in partnership with Calcot Hotels.
Tommy Mark will join the hotel from the Blue Bell in Corbridge where he was also responsible for sister pubs the Queens Head Inn at Great Whittington and the Black Bull at Matfen. His wife, Emilia, will become part of the Lord Crewe Arms team too, responsible for coordinating weddings and events.
Australian born Simon Hicks will leave his role as head chef at Hix Soho for the position in Blanchard.
Originally part of the Abbey that was founded in the 12th century by the "white monks" of Premontre in Normandy, the Lord Crewe Arms is arranged over three storeys with a vaulted bar and three reception rooms along with 21 bedrooms.
It will become the fourth property in Calcot Hotels' portfolio, alongside Gloucestershire's 35-bedroom Calcot Manor, the 18-bedroom Barnsley House and the six-bedroom Village Pub.
Calcot Hotels' chairman Richard Ball said: "The experience, approach and personalities of both Tommy and Simon clearly highlights the tone and character that can be expected of The Lord Crewe Arms and how it will blend in alongside its sister hotels.
"We have already been enjoying working alongside Tommy as he has recently been based at Calcot Manor and then Barnsley House so as to work amongst our teams of staff and familiarise himself with our culture."
Calcot Hotels to relaunch historic Northumberland property >>
