Magnificent makeover

On the evening of 3 June Executive PA Magazine readers gathered to see for themselves the stunning results of the Royal Garden Hotel’s extensive refurbishment programme

The multi-million pound make over was evident as soon as our readers entered the hotel lobby - it’s been stylishly updated to create that all important perfect first impression and ensure that from the moment they enter the building guests know to expect a warm welcome, modern, contemporary interiors and first class service. The lobby’s update was finished at the start of the year, while the Park Terrace - next to the lobby - has more recently reopened. The Park Terrace is the hotel’s first class restaurant and as a result of the hotel’s investment now offers a modern dining destination with unparalleled views across the Park thanks to a wall of windows.

The restaurant has been divided into three distinct areas: a lounge area where you can enjoy informal dining during the day and a splendid afternoon tea; a bar which provides the focal point of the restaurant and which is visible from the hotel’s lobby; and a restaurant serving up a la carte British cuisine. Executive Chef Steve Munkley took the opportunity to overhaul the menu at the same time as the refurbishment and the result is a mouth-watering menu that will surely leave you spoiled for choice. We were lucky enough to be joined by Steve who took the opportunity to explain his ethos behind the new menu.

His philosophy is based on sourcing ingredients from the finest sources and this often means working with small producers. He explained that he works closely with a cooperative of farmers based in Essex and East Anglia who supply free-range meat for the menu. He also works with a small supplier of venison from the New Forest, a lady who picks wild mushrooms for the wonderful dishes served up in the Park Terrace and a farmed sea bass operation in a disused quarry in Anglesey.

As Steve discussed his thoughts on the menu and the ingredients that make it up we were able to sample for ourselves some of the delights, as canapés and bite-sized dishes were passed around. The food was exquisite with perfect flavour combinations to tantalise the tastebuds and give a small flavour of what you can expect if you book a table here. The food was complemented by wine and soft drinks to ensure everyone was well fed and watered.

Following Steve’s talk we then were delighted to welcome last year’s winner of the Executive PA Magazine: PA of the Year award, Jessica Doorbar. Jessica, a PA at PricewaterhouseCoopers, fought off stiff competition at the awards last October to scoop our top prize. For Jessica it brought back a flood of memories for the Royal Garden Hotel was the setting for the awards: “I was delighted to be asked to speak at the Royal Garden event and continue the momentum of having been fortunate enough to have won the award. Being back at the venue brought all of the nerves and excitement flooding back.” Jessica shared her experience of winning this great accolade and informed us just how beneficial the award has been for her. Not only did her partner propose to her while she was in Singapore - her prize for winning the award - but she’s also garnered respect from her co-workers and got a fabulous addition to her CV. “It's great to meet other PAs, we all contribute so much to our work and I would love for more PAs to enter the awards next year so that we get the recognition we deserve.”

The Royal Garden Hotel will once again be hosting the Executive PA Magazine Awards, to be held on October 8 this year. For those of you who weren’t able to join us for the Royal Garden Hotel Reader Event we hope you can join us at the Awards. The five star hotel, with its newly refurbished surroundings really is the ideal location for such a glittering and prestigious occasion.