NEW MANAGER FOR REFURBISHED CHESTER HOTEL

A new manager has taken over at the helm at one of Chester's oldest hotels following a £3 million refurbishment.

Kate Bradbury has been appointed General Manager of the historic Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, in St John's Street.

She has ten years' experience in the hotel trade and is ready for the new challenges ahead.

The 32-year-old said: "The hotel looks fantastic and we've already had great customer feedback."

Kate, originally from the Wirral, studied at Manchester Metropolitan University before starting her career with Marriott hotels in Scotland. She then moved to the Hilton chain and finally the De Vere Carden Park near Chester, before joining the New Blossoms Hotel team.

The £3 million investment by owners Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has completely transformed the property, which began life as an inn in 1410.

The historic hotel, in the heart of the city, was closed for four months while the 67 ensuite bedrooms, conference and meeting rooms, restaurant, lounge and cocktail bar were revamped.

Leaded windows throughout the building have been sympathetically restored and repaired while the conference rooms have the latest technology fitted, including 42-inch televisions.

Kate said: "We are now looking to reposition the hotel back into the four star hotel market within the city.

"We want to appeal to old and new customers and, as a city centre hotel, we will be concentrating on developing our food and beverage concept over the coming months."

This will be a busy year for Kate, especially because she is also planning for her July wedding.

She said: "I am really looking forward to contributing to the re-positioning of the New Blossoms Hotel."