Culloden GM Looks To Future

The five-star Culloden Spa Hotel is to benefit from a newly appointed General Manager

Stephen Meldrum has moved from a similar post in the North West as 'GM' at the Everglades Hotel in the border city of Londonderry to the prestigious Gold Coast setting near Holywood, Co Down.

Hastings Hotels Marketing Director, Julie Maguire, said she was delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen to the luxurious Culloden Estate & Spa, which is "one of Northern Ireland's finest five-star properties," she said.

Married with two children, 33-year-old Mr Meldrum worked in hotels, bars and restaurants across Northern Ireland before joining the Hastings Hotels Group as restaurant manager at the Ballygally Castle on the famous Antrim Coast Road.

He now has over eight years experience with Hastings Hotels, to include his five years in the Ballygally Castle, with his final year being as General Manager.

He credits receiving four-star classification from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board as the highlight of his time in Ballygally Castle, but is now aiming for even better things.

He is very pleased with his new appointment at The Culloden: "My aim is to continue to grow the Culloden in its position as arguably NI's top hotel," he said, "maintaining a consistently excellent level of customer service and focusing on delivering the finest in local produce in our restaurants, bars and lounges."

He noted that the elegant Culloden Estate & Spa is well placed to service a growing quality market.

"It is situated just five miles from Belfast city centre, and was once the official palace for the Bishops of Down and today stands in 12 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and woodlands, and offers stunning views over Belfast Lough," he said.

"With 105 guest bedrooms and suites, many with spectacular views over the Lough and the gardens, the hotel also has a wonderful ESPA spa, with a lovely pool and gym, as well as the sophisticated Mitre Restaurant," Mr Meldrum continued, noting also that the welcoming Cultra Inn, the Culloden Estate's very own country pub adds to the choice available for clients.

(BMcC/GK)