Philip Bell: Regional General Manager,
London
Where did it all begin for
you?
My hospitality career began at the age of 13 working in a pub
cleaning & stocking bars.I spent 4 years at college in
Cambridge & Colchester studying Hotel Management & spent
time training in 5 star hotels in Amsterdam.
How long have you been a General Manager?
Have been a General Manager since 1994 & have worked for a
variety of Hotel operators, specialising in multi site management
for the last 8 years. During this time I have been involved with
many projects including running my own hotel, new build properties,
take-overs & acquisitions.
How long have you been at Hotel Russell?
I joined Hotel Russell in June 2010. I oversee Hotel Russell,
Grand Connaught Rooms, Covent Gardens, Horwood House,
Buckinghamshire & Sedgebrook Hall, Northamptonshire. I am lucky
to be surrounded by great colleagues both at my properties &
Head Office.
What has been the most interesting day during your time
with Principal Hayley?
The challenges of running a city centre hotels & venues
ensure that every day is interesting, combined with the huge range
of meetings & events we run means we are always totally focused
on our guests. We recently hosted at The Grand Connaught Rooms an
after show dinner & tribute concert to Michael Jackson
following the premiere of the documentary of his life. The list of
attendees was extremely high profile & the Connaught team
delivered an incredible event. The client David Gest dedicated a
limited edition poster to the team with his thanks, now proudly on
show in the public areas at Grand Connaught Rooms.
What has been the most memorable event in your
life?
I think you are supposed to say your wedding day or something
momentous, but for me it was the Queen Hot Space tour live at
Milton Keynes Bowl in 1981.