The cream of the hospitality industry joined together last night (Tuesday 21st October) to celebrate the achievements of two of the most accomplished hoteliers and one of the most successful new hotels within the independent hotel sector, at a presentation ceremony at the Independent Hotel Show at Olympia West.
Acclaimed hoteliers Kit and Tim Kemp have been named Independent Hotelier of the Year, for their stylish and design led influence on the boutique hotel scene and the ongoing success of their portfolio of nine hotels, eight in London and one in New York. Together, the husband and wife team bring their passion and eclectic flair to create individual hotels of distinction, each running at near 100% occupancy year-round and boasting an enviable array of awards and accolades.
The couple have held tight to their principles of creating boutique hotels known for their high standards of excellence and unique style of decoration. The award of Independent Hotelier of the Year sponsored by Towergate Insurance is recognition of how they have become beacons of inspiration and leadership within the independent hotel sector of today.
The title of Outstanding New Hotel of the Year has been awarded to The Pig on the Beach in Studland, Dorset. Opened in June 2014, The Pig on the Beach has enjoyed a whirlwind of success since launch, with demand for the hotel far outstripping availability. The newest addition to The Pig portfolio of properties, The Pig on the Beach marks another success story for hotel guru Robin Hutson, chairman and CEO of Home Grown Hotels and former founder of the Hotel du Vin chain. The Pig on the Beach’s winning formula of laid back luxury mixed with sophistication and attention to detail has led to it becoming one of the most desirable new hotels in the country.
Commenting on receiving the Independent Hotelier of the Year award, Kit Kemp says: “We’re really flattered and quite surprised to win this award. It’s been a busy and a big year for us with the opening of Ham Yard Hotel complete with bowling alley, theatre, apartments and shops. We’re so grateful for the award, thank you so much to everyone who voted for us.
On achieving Outstanding New Hotel of the Year for The Pig on the Beach, Robin Hutson adds: “We’re delighted to win the Outstanding New Hotel of the Year award. It’s a big team effort launching any new hotel and huge thanks must go to everyone involved.”
The Independent Hotelier of the Year and Outstanding New Hotel of the Year awards will return again in 2015 as part of the successful Independent Hotel Show. They are an important part of the show’s line-up, says Tim Etchells, managing director at Single Market Events:
“We have been overwhelmed by the calibre of nominations for this year’s awards and the number of votes received and I would like to congratulate Kit and Tim Kemp and The Pig on the Beach for their tremendous achievement. These awards are dedicated to those individuals and establishments that really push the boundaries of the boutique and independent hotel sector. All of the hotels and hoteliers mentioned are an inspiration to anyone connected with this exciting industry and have done much to develop and support the sector as a whole. Thank you to our esteemed judging committee and to everyone who has got behind the awards again this year.”
For more information about The Independent Hotel Show Awards 2014 and for hi-res images contact Vicki Patterson at Custard Communications on 01483 740 747 or email vicki@custardcommunications.com.
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Notes to Editor:
Inspiring and informative, the Independent Hotel Show is the UK’s only forum bringing together the luxury, boutique and independent hotel sector.
A must-attend event for independent hoteliers and industry professionals, the show presents a diverse collection of the UK’s most innovative suppliers together with expert insight from our Business Sessions.
The Independent Hotel Show took place on 21st and 22nd October 2014 at Olympia West Hall, London. Show dates for 2015 are confirmed as 20th and 21st October.
The shortlist for Independent Hotelier of the Year, sponsored by Towergate Insurance:
Craig Bancroft and Nigel Haworth (Northcote Manor, Blackburn, Lancashire)
David Levin (The Capital Hotel, London)
Ian Schrager (Ian Schrager Company)
Kit and Tim Kemp (Firmdale Hotels)
Mark Sainsbury, Michael Benyan and Jason Catifeoglou (The Zetter Townhouse, London)
Tim Hart (Hambleton Hall, Oakham, Rutland)
The shortlist for Outstanding New Hotel of the Year:
Chiltern Firehouse, London
Ham Yard, London
No 131, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
The Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, Durham
The Pig on the Beach, Studland, Dorset
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham, Oxfordshire
The nominations committee for the awards consisted of renowned industry experts, reflecting the cream of hospitality:
Ciaran Fahy, Chief Executive, Ellerman Group
Chris Penn, Managing Director, Ace Hotel London
Fiona Duncan, Hotel Critic and Travel Writer, Sunday Telegraph
Henrietta Green, Consultancy Director and Events Specialist, Henrietta Green Associates
James Lohan, CEO, Mr and Mrs Smith
Mark Fuller, Owner, Concept Venues Ltd
Peter Hancock, Chief Executive, Pride of Britain Hotels
Rafi Bejerano, Owner, The Arch London
Robert Nadler, CEO, Nadler Hotels
Roberto Pajares, Opening General Manager, Ampersand Hotel
Tim Etchells, Managing Director, The Independent Hotel Show
Follow @IndHotelShow for up to date information on the show and the exhibitors.
