The hotly anticipated Kings Head in Cirencester has appointed Alan Holmes as its Restaurant and Cellar Manager. Former Sommelier of the Year, Alan brings a wealth of experience from his previous positions held at Marcus Wareing’s Petrus, The Berkeley Hotel in London and Chewton Glen in Hampshire, and will be overseeing all the front of house offering at the Kings Head, Cirencester’s first luxury bolthole.
One of the hottest openings of 2014
The Kings Head has been widely described as one of the hottest hotel openings of 2014. Closed for re-development in 2007, the Kings Head re-opened last week as a modern, elegant and stylish hotel bursting with character. Amongst its many amenities, the hotel has 45 unique bedrooms, an exceptional wine list, a subterranean sanctuary spa, extensive event space and an outstanding restaurant.
Speaking of his appointment, Restaurant Manager Alan Holmes said: “I am delighted to be joining what is shaping up to be an exciting team here at the Kings Head. After a fantastic two years working at The Vineyard near Stockcross, I am really excited to be continuing my career with The Vineyard Group, but in a fresh, new direction. I will be bringing my experience of The Vineyard Group’s outstanding level of service to Cirencester’s first luxury bolthole.”
Alan has a rich hospitality background having worked in some of world’s best hotels, restaurants, and with a number of industry experts. Offered a scholarship at Hambleton Hall – one of Britain’s finest Relais and Chateaux country house hotels – at an early age, his career has gone from strength to strength.
From his position at Sharrow Bay, Cumbria, Alan was fortunate enough to work with Stephen Wilcock who inspired him to become of professional sommelier. From here, Alan took up a position with Paul Heathcote at his eponymous two Michelin starred Longridge Restaurant where he progressed to restaurant manager in four years and was awarded a Caterer and Hotelkeeper Acorn.
Following this, Alan took up a position as Head Sommelier at Petrus, before moving to Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley Hotel. After his capital success, Alan took a managerial role at Chewton Glen where he stayed for eight years, before moving to his most recent position at The Vineyard in West Berkshire, The Vineyard Group’s flagship hotel.
A real coup
General Manager Stephen Mannock said Alan’s appointment was a real coup given his impressive heritage.
“I am thrilled to have Alan on board, joining our Executive Chef Wayne Sullivan. Together they will lead the restaurant to become a fantastic foodie destination,” he said. “Joining us from The Vineyard Group, Alan will continue the exceptional level of service the group is known for. The pair of them have a fantastic vision for the food, beverage and dining offering and we look forward to showcasing it to the public when we open this summer.”
The Grade II listed Kings Head building has undergone an extensive multi-million pound restoration programme to address decades of disrepair to the historic fabric. As part of the renovations, a widespread archaeological excavation was carried out in the cellars, uncovering a Roman mosaic dating back to thousands of years. Final fit-outs are currently underway including the bedrooms, which will each be entirely unique in their design yet in keeping with the character of the historical building.
The Kings Head is currently in soft opening and will be fully operational by October 1. Rates start from £135 per room per night including breakfast.
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About The Kings Head
The Kings Head opened its doors in September 2014. The 45-bedroom property will be run by General Manager Stephen Mannock and his team. Closed for redevelopment in 2007, The Kings Head is a modern, elegant hotel which boasts an exceptional wine list and an all day dining option offering the very best of modern British food. A subterranean spa plus extensive weddings and events facilities make this property a very exciting addition to the Cotswold hotel scene. The Kings Head redevelopment also includes the completion of the ancillary facilities to the adjoining Corn Hall, which currently hosts a variety of weekly markets.
About The Vineyard Group
The Vineyard Group successfully manages a small group of hotels, owns two hotels and a golf club in Berkshire plusa Californian wine business. Its flagship hotel, the five-star Vineyard Hotel in Stockcross, has continued to win awards for its restaurant, hotel and spa offering. The most recent ones being Decanter Restaurant of the Year 2012 – 13, Imbibe Wine List of the Year 2012 and Relais and Chateaux Rising Chef of the Year 2010. With one of the largest wine lists in the UK including over 3,000 different bins and 100 wines available by the glass, The Vineyard is an ever-growing popular choice for wine lovers and gastronomes alike.