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

The reservations team at Carden Park play a vital and often underappreciated role within the hotel, significantly contributing to the financial success of the business by employing innovative techniques, outstanding customer service and a great deal of hard work as a unified team. As a 1,000-acre multifaceted hotel resort, there is a rare complexity to the booking journey for the Carden Park guest. Visitors could have reservations in multiple restaurants, spa treatments, golf experiences and varied room preferences. Navigating this successfully means that each individual who makes up the team must have impeccable product knowledge. No matter the nature of the enquiry, each Carden Park reservationist is trained to build rapport with guests, listen intently to their desires and/or concerns and ultimately fulfil their needs by bringing the booking to completion. They are truly the beating heart that brings all of the departments together and are heavily relied on for both customer service and commercial success.

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

Gemma Hewitt has been a vital member of Redmond’s Brasserie team since the summer of 2020, rising to Station Head from a Casual Waitress through determination, skill and exceptional customer service. Possessing all the qualities that make her the ideal employee in hospitality; she is reliable, personable and able to cope well in high-pressure environments, all while juggling a busy home life with a young family to support. Gemma is one of the most frequently mentioned members of staff in our feedback procedures (online and in-person). Gemma also takes an influential lead in training and inspiring staff at Carden Park’s largest restaurant. She ensures high standards are adhered to at all levels while always acting as a supportive and motivating influence. She is the first to cover when other people are unable to work and is always a reliable team member when anyone need assistance.

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.