A leading Stratford-Upon-Avon hotel has appointed one of the town’s longest-serving chefs to lead its award-winning kitchen.
Chris Butler has joined The Arden Hotel as Head Chef, where he will be responsible for developing the seasonal dining offering at the hotel’s 2 AA Rosette restaurant, No.44 Brasserie.
The 42-year-old has more than 27 years of local culinary experience - including nine years at nearby Loxleys Restaurant and Wine Bar where he was Head Chef - and arrives at The Arden Hotel with the venue looking to evolve its dining menu ahead of the autumn season.
Chris is also joined by Meet Chitalia who has been appointed as Restaurant Manager.
The appointment is somewhat of a homecoming for Chris, who used to work at one of The Arden Hotel’s sister venues, Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington – with both hotels forming part of The Eden Hotel Collection.
He explained: “I met my wife, Mary, while working at Mallory Court back in 2015 when I was a chef and she was in housekeeping – where it was certainly love at first sight for me.
“My daughter, Alexandra, is also a waitress at The Arden after starting out as an apprentice, so I know first-hand how much effort they put into looking after their people, and when the opportunity came up to lead the kitchen in such a historic venue, I couldn’t turn it down.
“I love working in Stratford. The town attracts such a diverse range of people and has a buzz all year round, and I’m looking forward to building upon the great work that has already been done with the dining menu to add even more variety.”
Under Chris’ stewardship, guests can experience No.44 Brasserie’s A La Carte menu which features signature dishes such as Cotswold lamb and The Arden ‘mille feuille’ fish pie, through to summer vegetable rissotto and wild mushroom gnocchi to name a few.
Sai Nathan, General Manager at The Arden Hotel, added: “We’re thrilled to have secured the services of Chris who has been delivering cuisine of the highest order in Stratford for decades.
“No.44 Brasserie has developed a strong reputation as one of the best dining destinations in the town, and I’m looking forward to working with Chris to develop an offering that appeals to couples, theatre-goers and families alike.”
One of the highlights of a visit to Stratford upon Avon is exploring the town's picturesque scenery. For those who prefer a leisurely stroll, the town has plenty of parklands, pathways, and green spaces to explore the great outdoors safely. But for a unique perspective, why not hire a boat on the River Avon, choose from motor boats, canoes, or rowing boats to enjoy a tranquil ride past iconic landmarks and stunning landscapes. It’s a great way to soak up the town’s beauty without straining your legs.
When looking for things to do in Stratford upon Avon, treat yourself to an award-winning alfresco dining experience on our beautiful terrace, overlooking the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the River Avon.
Our exquisite menu, featuring the finest local ingredients and a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, is set to impress every diner. With attentive staff and glorious views, dining outdoors with us is an experience you won't want to miss. Book your alfresco dining experience today and indulge in a memorable culinary adventure.
For the best views of Stratford, head to the viewing platform of the RSC Theatre Tower. Standing at 32 metres above street level, the tower offers panoramic vistas of the town and its historic buildings. On a clear day, you can see up to 20 miles across the Warwickshire countryside, stretching into Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Worcestershire.
Open daily, the tower is the ideal spot for breathtaking photos and a bird’s-eye view of the area, making it the perfect thing to do in Stratford upon Avon during your summer stay. If you're a literary buff, get even closer to Shakespeare, when you visit Shakespeare's schoolroom and guildhall , only a short distance from The Arden, and tickets can be purchased from our reception throughout the summer.
No visit to Stratford is complete without enjoying a refreshing drink. The Terrace at No.44 Brasserie, is the perfect spot to cool down with family, catch up with friends over alfresco cocktails, or indulge in afternoon tea.
Don’t miss our special National Afternoon Tea Week event from August 12th - 18th, where you can enjoy a traditional tea service, and an added glass of fizz, on our all-weather terrace, a delightful way to unwind and savour the summer sunshine.
Dive into the world of gin and rum at the Shakespeare Distillery. This guided tour offers a fascinating look at the history and production of these beloved spirits, where you’ll also have the chance to sample some flavours yourself.
Also, when it comes to things to do in Stratford upon Avon, mark your calendars for the Stratford Gin & Rum Festival on Sunday July 14 held in the Topiary Garden - a must visit event for spirit enthusiasts this summer.
For a truly unique experience, visit the MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum. This attraction showcases kinetic art, automata, and steampunk contraptions, creating a mesmerising world of moving art. Interact with innovative machines, from dancing lasers to rolling ball circuits and mechanical dinosaur heads. The MAD Museum is perfect for both kids and adults looking to unleash their inner child, and enjoy something a little different during your summer staycation with us.
Once you and the kids have spent your day at the museum, head back to our hotel and indulge in a refreshing lunch or quality evening meal on the outdoor terrace, to end your stay on a delectable note.
Stratford upon Avon offers a wide range of activities to enjoy during the summer, from scenic boat trips and luxurious dining to panoramic views and interactive museums. The Arden Hotel is the perfect base for your next visit, and our scenic terrace is the destination for family, friends and couples this summer. To book your stay call us on 01789 298 682 or book through our website.
The Caterer Best Places To Work in Hospitality 2024 has released its top 30 operators who are leading the way in employee engagement and workplace culture, and the Eden Hotel Collection – which The Arden Hotel is a part of – was included after generating an overall employee satisfaction score of 86.6 per cent – a 16 point increase on the previous survey.
Companies included within the top 30 are recommended by their own employees, and the rankings are seen as an influential tool in helping hospitality organisations retain and recruit talent.
In the survey of Eden’s 500-strong workforce, more than 80 per cent agreed that the company cares about its people, creates a welcoming work environment, and provides recognition for a job well done.
It comes as Eden Hotel Collection has seen vacancy levels reduce by 62 per cent across the Group over the last three years, while the business’s 90-day retention rate has risen to 96.4 per cent over the same time period.
A key driver behind this has been the introduction of a new reward and recognition programme for staff to celebrate each other – called The Happy Hub – which promotes feel-good hormones amongst teams via a social recognition wall, instant rewards through gift vouchers and peer-to-peer e-cards.
Lisa Redding, Group People Director at Eden Hotel Collection, said: “This recognition underlines our commitment as an organisation to create an environment where people can thrive and develop, while having fun along the way.
“Seeking and acting upon feedback from our people has been key to our success in building a positive working culture where they can be the best version of themselves, which not only benefits their own lives, but upholds a great experience for our guests too.
“It was particularly pleasing to see that more than 90 per cent of our staff felt like the company cares about its people – which has been supported by our Happy Hub initiative which has generated more than 400 pieces of recognition in under three months.
“Recruiting and retaining the best talent is also a priority for us and underpins everything we do, so it was also useful to gather constructive feedback to ensure we are continuously enhancing our working environment for our people to aid our ongoing growth.”
Sai Nathan, General Manager at The Arden Hotel, added: “There’s a real team spirit that runs throughout our workforce – whether it is covering someone else’s shift at short notice, or recognising a colleague when they have gone the extra mile for a guest – which truly makes this a great place to work.”
Mark Chambers, Managing Director at The Eden Hotel Collection, commented: “It is no secret that the hospitality industry has struggled with recruitment for a mixture of reasons, but at Eden we are making headway in bucking this trend by creating an attractive environment to forge a long-term career that is based on feedback from our people.
“Our low vacancy and high retention levels underline the great culture at all of our hotels. While it is vital that we conduct regular health checks with our own people, participating in external surveys such as Best Places are equally important to understand how we compare to the wider market to ensure we remain one of the leading hospitality employers in the UK.”
The perfect spring staycation should be all about great food and great drinks, which is why one of our spring staycation ideas includes a unique cocktail masterclass at Shakespeare Distillery. Immerse yourself in the art of mixology, craft your own Shakespeare-inspired concoctions at the renowned distillery, and enjoy your creations.
Perhaps you’d prefer a sit down meal instead? No. 44 Brasserie offers a delightful culinary experience that perfectly complements the springtime ambiance. With a menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and expertly crafted dishes, hotel guests and visitors can savour the flavours of the region while dining in style. Whether you're seeking a leisurely brunch with friends or a romantic dinner for two, our award-winning No. 44 Brasserie restaurant provides the ideal setting for a memorable dining experience.
With world-class performances regularly being brought to life on stage, Stratford is one of the UK's most favourable destinations to visit if you're a true theatre fanatic. With plenty of plays showing across the three theatres that reside permanently in the town, you'll be sure to lose yourself in the magic of live performance.
At the iconic Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre, enjoy classic Shakespearean plays, or head to The Other Place - the RSC's original studio theatre dating back to 1974 - for showings like English. Throughout July and August, The Holloway Garden Theatre reopens with a joyful staging of William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy As You Like It. With so many performances and theatres to choose from, there really is something for the whole family to enjoy. Discover the latest shows at the theatres this spring.
Fancy yourself a history buff? We’ve got the perfect set of spring staycation ideas for you. Start off by exploring the historic Tudor buildings that dot the streets of Stratford and take in the rich local history. Then, if you want to immerse yourself in Tudor life even more, pay a visit to the Tudor World Museum, where interactive exhibits and immersive experiences offer a realistic glimpse into the past.
One of our spring staycation ideas includes Stratford's stunning high street, packed full of hidden treasures at artisan and independent shops, just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or souvenir for someone back home, or you want to treat yourself to a delicious stuffed cookie or two from the popular The Cookie Cottage, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more during your spring shopping spree in Stratford.
Home to the UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise, Stratford’s Butterfly Farm, is the perfect spring staycation idea for families. Not only will you get to witness hundreds of beautiful butterflies flying in an exotic environment, you will also have the opportunity to learn about the lifecycle of a butterfly, discover rare insects, and spot the fish in the pools.
Once you’ve explored our humble and historic town, slink back to a luxuriously boutique room at The Arden to put your feet up and enjoy a peaceful night's rest. During your stay, bask in the spring sun on our terrace, indulge in an award-winning afternoon tea experience, and explore the local surroundings for a truly magical spring stay this season.
We look forward to welcoming you to Stratford-upon-Avon on your spring staycation this year. Discover our exclusive offers.
The Arden Hotel
Waterside,
Stratford Upon Avon,
Warwickshire,
CV37 6BA
(SAT NAV: CV37 6BE)
