Gordon Campbell Gray wins Outstanding Contribution award at Hotel Cateys 2011

Gordon Campbell Gray, founder and managing director of an eponymous group of hotels, has been awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Hotel Industry Award at the Hotel Catey 2011 Awards, held at the Lancaster London hotel this evening.

The man responsible for creating the iconic One Aldwych hotel in London was recognised for his enduring passion for environmental issues and his unwavering enthusiasm for impeccable service and style.

After he learned the hotel trade through experience rather than formal training, Campbell Gray spent several years working overseas for the Save the Children Fund before returning to the hotel industry with the relaunch of the old Dorchester hotel in Oxfordshire as the Feathers in Woodstock.

Although his association with One Aldwych concluded this year, Campbell Gray Hotels continues to thrive with Carlisle Bay in Antigua and Le Gray in Beiruit and further properties in the offing.  

Campbell Gray shows no sign of slowing down and a second return to the UK hotel scene is on the cards with two properties, one of which would be in London, mooted as a possibility. 

The award was presented at the end of an evening of celebrations for the hotel industry, which was attended by 750 guests. Radio 4 comedy stalwart Marcus Brigstocke was at the entertainment helm and introducing events. 

The full list of winners includes: 

Conference and Banqueting Team of the Year Award
Sofitel London Heathrow
Sponsored by Unilever Foodsolutions

Food and Beverage Manager of the Year Award
Amit Jaitly, Hilton Birmingham Metropole
Sponsored by Beacon Purchasing

Front of House Manager of the Year Award
Joanne Alder, Park Plaza Victoria, London
Sponsored by Micros

Front of House Team of the Year Award
The Cavendish, London
Sponsored by Merchant Cash Express

Green Hotel of the Year Award
Battlesteads, Wark on Tyne
Sponsored by Brita Professional

Hotel Chef of the Year (less than 250 covers)
Adam Simmonds, Danesfield House Hotel and Spa, Marlow
Sponsored by Matthew Clark

Hotel Chef of the Year (more than 250 covers)
Martyn Nail, executive chef, Claridges, London
Sponsored by Matthew Clark

Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year Award
Mark Bevan, the Chester Grosvenor, Chester
Sponsored by Lipton Ice Tea

Hotel Restaurant Team of the Year Award
Chino Latino Restaurant, Park Plaza Riverbank, London
Sponsored by Tchibo Coffee International

Housekeeper of the Year Award
Jude Gallacher, Headland Hotel, Newquay
Sponsored by Sysco Guest Supply Europe

Human Resources Manager of the Year Award
Ros Young, ABode Hotels
Sponsored by Caterer and Hotelkeeper Jobs

Human Resources Team of the Year Award
Royal Garden Hotel, London
Sponsored by Caterer and Hotelkeeper Jobs

Spa Professional of the Year Award
Liz Holmes, Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Sponsored by Fresh RM

The Extra Mile Award
Veronica Kingham, Village Hotel, Maidstone
Sponsored by Sunlight Textile Services

Outstanding Contribution to the Hotel Industry
Gordon Campbell Gray
Sponsored by Diversey

Hotelier of the Year Award 2010
Stephen Carter, the De Vere Cameron House on Loch Lomond
Sponsored by Casna Group

By Janie Stamford