Ashdown Park hotel names new general manager

Jonathan Brown has been named as the new general manager at the four-AA-star Ashdown Park hotel in Sussex.

He will take over from Ben Booker, who is stepping down after 18 years at the helm.

Booker said he was looking forward to taking a break and had not yet lined up his next role.

Brown was most recently director of operations at the Royal Automobile Club in London and has also held managerial roles at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa in Bedfordshire and the Grove in Hertfordshire.

Graeme Bateman, managing director at parent company Elite Hotels, said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Jonathan Brown as he takes over the role of general manager, Ashdown Park and to welcome him back to the Elite Hotels family.

“Jonathan brings with him a wealth of experience that he will undoubtedly put to good use as we embark on a new era for this very special hotel set in the heart of the Sussex countryside.”

Ashdown Park features 106 bedrooms and the two-AA-rosette Anderida Restaurant. It is set within 186 acres of landscaped gardens in the heart of Ashdown Forest in Sussex.

Elite Hotels also operates Tylney Hall in Hampshire and the Grand hotel in Eastbourne.