The Belfry Hotel & Resort’s Executive Head Chef Robert Bates took home top honours in The Caterer’s Hotel Cateys 2018 Awards this week as he won ‘Hotel Chef of the Year (more than 250 covers)’. The awards ceremony took place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London on Friday 23rd November.

The awards saw Executive Head Chef Robert Bates, who joined The Belfry in December 2013, fight off three other top chefs from across the UK to win the prestigious ‘Hotel Chef of the Year’ category. He was recognised for his key achievements during his time at The Belfry, which include his revolutionary culture change meaning team retention and morale is at its highest, and achieving a 5-star food hygiene rating which is no easy task in such a large and busy operation and is down to empowerment and coaching of the team. The achievements are a testimony to Robert Bates’ leadership which is reflected in the first-class culinary experience each and every guest receives when visiting The Belfry.

Since their launch in 2007, the Caterer’s Hotel Cateys Awards have celebrated the most successful hotels, hoteliers and hotel employees across the UK. Nearly 70 judges used their expertise and industry knowledge to select the top individual who showcased excellence and worked tirelessly to make sure they deliver an exceptional guest experience, day in, day out.

Bates commented:

“I am absolutely honoured to win such a prestigious award. It takes hard work and total commitment to deliver the best and I am proud to bring this award back to my amazing team. We will continue to challenge ourselves to ensure that The Belfry remains amongst the UK’s elite and continue to exceed guest expectations.”

James Stewart, The Belfry’s Resort Director, stated:

“Congratulations to Robert Bates. This is an outstanding accomplishment for him, and Robert should be extremely proud of himself and his team. Chef Bates has been instrumental in delivering exceptional dishes and the running of the kitchen operation for the resort, and is a truly deserving winner of Chef of The Year 2018 in the Hotel Cateys.”

Having been named England’s Leading Resort at The World Travel Awards for three consecutive years, achieving the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and an AA Rosette; The Belfry and The Ryder Grill has developed a name for excellence in the hospitality industry, attracting visitors from all over the world.