I first came under the influence of Malmaison when Edinburgh had just opened in 1996. My friend and I stayed their during the Edinburgh Festival, we loved the sumptuous rooms, big beds, cd players in the rooms, fantastic breakfasts – I was hooked! We returned again a couple of years later and again were wowed with the service and style.
Throughout my education I have always been focused on hospitality, which led me to do Hospitality and Restaurant Management at Oxford Brookes University. This was a great course linking theory and practical work. Towards the end of the course Malmaison came to present at the university, including Robert Cook. This made a big impression on my fellow students and myself. After the presentation I decided to apply to the programme, it seemed to be just what I was looking for after university. A hotel, that combines sexy style with excellent service and devotion to the customer and the people who work for the company.
I was based at the London Malmaison for the eighteen-month period, with several spells spent in other hotels. I thoroughly enjoyed the programme, the highlight being when I was in the kitchen; the department showed a real understanding for teamwork and creativity within food. After every department there was an assessment day, which developed into more of a forum for the Graduates to converse and discuss the department, and experiences we had and what we could learn from each other to improve the department and ourselves. I finished my placement and then swapped ship to Hotel du Vin for my first proper position of House Manager. This was a big step for me, however with the support of Mark Huntley and other senior management made the change an enjoyable period.
My self esteem and confidence has improved greatly during the programme, along with a deeper understanding of hospitality. I enjoy working for a company that focuses on the people. The look and feel of the hotel is moving in the direction, which I feel is appropriate to the UK hotel industry. It is an exciting time to be part of Malmaison and Hotel du Vin. I have now joined the opening team at the Cambridge Hotel du Vin as Deputy General Manager which opened in August 2007.
Emma Lloyd