The Chester Hospitality Association People Awards 2026

We’re incredibly proud of our team members and we love any chance to celebrate them for their dedication and hard work. We’re beyond excited to share that 3 members of the Carden Park team are finalists for the CHA People Awards 2026.

The 3 finalists, Harri Williams, Abi Sanford and Shirley Jones, need your help though. It would mean the world if you could spare a moment and vote for them here.

Harri Williams – Head Chef of the Year

Harri has been part of the Carden Park team for over 8 years, rising through the ranks and now has taken on the role of Executive Head Chef.

His passion for quality food has been ingrained in him from an early age as he grew up on a family farm and his mother ran a local bakery. This upbringing instilled an appreciation and love for seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce which is reflected in all areas of dining at Carden Park. As Executive Head Chef, Harri oversees multiple restaurants, bars and large-scale banqueting events. It’s a big role to take on that Harri has never shied from.

When creating menus, he carefully considers the guest journey as well as what’s in season. Afterall, a golf group who are looking to refuel after a day on our championship golf courses is looking for a different dining experience to those celebrating a business achievement with a gala dinner. Harri is a believer in collaborating with his team to create exceptional dishes that guests will love. A prime example of this is The Vines, our 3 AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, where each concept fuses together British seasonality with classic French influences.

Beyond the plate, Harri is committed to growing the next generation of chefs. He received a great deal of support from his mentors in his early years in kitchens, which has inspired him to devote time to develop young chefs.

Vote for Harri Williams – Head Chef of the Year

Abi Sanford – Front of House Award

Abi, Assistant Conference and Banqueting Manager, is recognised by both colleagues and guests as an exceptional member of the front of house team. Her dedication to outstanding guest service, unwavering support for colleagues and consistently positive attitude make her a standout team member at our Cheshire hotel.

Abi consistently delivers exceptional customer experiences and has earned glowing praise from countless clients and guests. Feedback repeatedly highlights her professionalism, responsiveness, attention to detail and calm, approachable manner. Guests regularly comment that “nothing was too much trouble” and that Abi goes “above and beyond” to ensure every event at Carden Park’s 1,000-acre resort runs seamlessly.

Abi consistently goes above and beyond for every event, whether that means coming in early, staying late or even coming in on her days off to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. She has even popped in during her time off simply to say hello to some of her favourite organisers, which speaks volumes about the genuine relationships she builds with clients.

Vote for Abi Sanford – Front of House Award

Shirley Jones – Heart of House Award

Shirley Jones is, quite simply, the heart of Carden Park’s Golf Clubhouse. Her impact reaches far beyond her role title and responsibilities; she is the person who quietly keeps everything together through her unwavering dedication, kindness, work ethic and genuine care for both guests and colleagues alike.

Having worked at Carden Park for 25 years, Shirley has become a familiar and trusted face to countless members and returning guests. The relationships she has built over the years are a testament to her exceptional customer service and natural ability to make people feel welcome and valued. Her warmth, friendliness and attention to the little details create the welcoming atmosphere that the Clubhouse is renowned for. Guests return not only because of the facilities, but because of people like Shirley who make every visit personal and memorable.

Shirley’s work ethic is truly exceptional. Despite being 69 years old, she continues to go above and beyond every single day without hesitation or complaint. In her role as Housekeeper, she consistently exceeds expectations – whether that means helping with function setups, stepping behind the bar during busy periods, or even opening the bar at short notice due to staff illness. No task is ever beneath her and nothing is ever too much trouble.

Vote for Shirley Jones – Heart of House Award

Voting closes at midnight on Tuesday 4th June 2026