Mar Hall makes key appointments as multi-million pound renovation continues

With a multi-million-pound renovation underway and plans to create a five-star luxury hotel, Mar Hall has made a number of high profile appointments across its estate.

The Bishopton hotel, which was taken over by Dutco last year after entering administration, has recruited a team of industry experts to oversee key areas of the resort including food, golf and guest services.

Tony Tapia is to join the hotel as executive head chef in a bid to elevate the culinary offering at the resort. He has a wealth of experience having worked in several 3 AA Rosette restaurants, and alongside industry icons, Rick Stein and Michel Roux Jr.

Tony is known for his creativity which he will bring to life in new menus that seek to transform the food offering at Mar Hall and elevate the dining experience.

He will be joined in the kitchen by head pastry chef Louise Campbell. Having worked at Mar Hall over a decade ago, Louise was inspired to return by the ongoing investment and the opportunity to elevate the afternoon tea and banqueting offerings using seasonal ingredients and meticulous skill.

Unlocking incredible guest experiences at the Renfrewshire hotel, award-winning Alan McDougall has been appointed head concierge. He holds the current role of chairman of the society of The Golden Keys of Great Britain & The Commonwealth and brings his renowned passion for meeting and exceeding guests’ expectations to Mar Hall.

Mar Hall is also investing in the grounds across the estate, including its championship 18-hole golf course, as it appoints new head greenkeeper, Andrew Eckford, who brings his 13 years of experience in greenkeeping at Cameron House.

Professional golfer Christopher McQueen joins as head of golf following his extensive experience at Gleddoch Resort and Spa and Trump Turnberry Resort. Commercial manager Fiona Gallagher has been promoted from within the existing team to oversee weddings and events at the resort.

David Webster, operations director at Align Partners, the investment and asset management team leading the transformation at the hotel on behalf of Dutco, said: “While we seek planning permission to achieve the complete redevelopment across the resort, we are significantly investing in both our product and our people to ensure the guest experience is elevated to a five-star luxury hospitality experience.

"From culinary and events to golf and activities, we have appointed some of the most renowned names within their respective fields to help us deliver our vision for Mar Hall as a world-class destination resort, and we are incredibly excited for guests to experience the new proposition.”

While Mar Hall remains open for business as usual, a number of improvements continue to progress both in and outside the hotel. Significant investments and improvements to the golf course are now underway. All bunkers have been repaired with a total sand replacement, while the greens have undergone an aeration process, which will be continuously top-dressed throughout the year along with the fairways.

Other upgrades include a new automated irrigation system and a new fertilization and disease control process to protect the grounds, while 12 new golf buggies have been purchased, to ensure a five-star guest experience in line with corporate and golf society expectations. The gym and spa have also been refurbished, with the revamped pool and leisure suite set to open from the end of this month.

The company has also invested in a new ultra-fast WiFi network, providing connectivity for seamless business events and individual guest needs. Renovations have also begun on the Marquee events space, with the makeover including a new kitchen to cater for 300 guests.

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