The Chester Hospitality Association People Awards 2024

At Carden Park, we’re proud of our incredible team members and love the opportunity to recognise them for all of their hard work. We’re thrilled to announce that our team has been shortlisted for 4 awards in the CHA People Awards 2024.

Team Reservations – Top Team of The Year

Jeffery Jones – The Unsung Hero

Jeff joined the Carden Park Greenkeeping Team nearly three decades ago. He is 84 years old and by his own admission shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. He is a highly experienced, multi-skilled individual with a work ethic that cannot be rivalled. You will find Jeff working diligently across our estate come rain, hail or snow with no complaints murmured. He knows every inch of the grounds by heart, which is no small feat when the area he tends comprises of over 1,000 acres. Aside from his work ethic, Jeff’s personality is positively wholesome. His warm sense of humour lights up any room he enters. He is a real team player and shows great patience and pleasure in sharing his knowledge with the newer additions to the workforce. If you pass Jeff on his digger during the day our guests will always be greeted with a genuine smile and friendly wave. We firmly believe that not all heroes wear capes; Carden Park’s wear welly boots and waders and will answer to the name Jeff.

Cyril Gabriel – Chef of the Year

Cyril first joined Carden Park for a 3-month fixed term contract from his his quaint home town of Limoges in France. Little did he know that he would be left utterly inspired by the potential for his career in the UK and decided to make this move more permanent once he finished his culinary degree. Having gained exposure to the many varied styles of eateries found within the hotel, Cyril now heads up our fine-dining restaurant; The Vines. He has been a part of the journey from its conception to opening in 2021 and it is something he puts an incredible amount of passion and time behind developing. His personality often shines through in his creative dishes; most notably when he hosted a sell-out French Gourmet Evening for our guests. Cyril has also quickly gained the respect of his peers for not only his undeniable raw culinary talent but also the ability he has to mentor those around him through the ranks, similar to his personal journey at Carden Park. Cyril’s skills are matched only by his professionalism and work ethic – as such we feel very lucky to have him as part of the Chef Brigade.

Gemma Hewitt – Excellence in Food Service

We look forward to the winners being announced at the Chester Hospitality Association People Awards 2024 on Thursday 20th June. Our fingers are crossed for Gemma, Cyril, Jeff and Team Reservations and we wish all of the other finalists good luck in the retrospective categories.