Chester Grosvenor hotel names Sophie Vidal as Employee of the Year

The Chester Grosvenor and Spa Hotel has named receptions supervisor Sophie Vidal as its Employee of the Year 2013.

Vidal (pictured with Chester Grosvenor managing director, Jonathan Slater) joined the hotel in 2010 as a receptionist, and now leads the reservations team, fielding calls from around the world. She was promoted to her current role through "dedication and diligence", the Chester Grosvenor said.

Her prize is a three-night break for two, including travel, at a Small Luxury Hotels of the World hotel, or a Pride of Britain hotel in a top European destination.

Meanwhile, the Apprentice of the Year award went to pastry chef Andrew Cooper.

Cooper joined Simon Radley's Kitchen Academy in 2012 (Radley is the Michelin-starred chef of his eponymous restaurant at the hotel). He is now chef de partie, pastry.

Cooper's prize is a choice of lunch at top restaurants Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental, Petrus or Hibiscus.

The winners were announced at the hotel's awards ceremony, in its own Westminster Suite.

On her Employee of the Year award, Vidal said: "I'm so proud of this achievement. The sense of satisfaction I get from providing our lovely guests with the care they deserve is usually thanks enough but this honour is a great one."

Cooper commented: "I am mentored by the best chefs in the region and through working hard I am progressing towards my dream career."

Radley said that Cooper had a "natural ability" and "willingness to learn". "This has ensured a quick fast track rise through the ranks," he added.

The awards runners up also included Porter Rhodri Talens and head linen housekeeper, Lenka Miklosovicova. They each win a night away at a Pride of Britain hotel.