Tell us about your background:
I started at Hotel Du Vin 5 years ago as a wedding co-ordinator covering both properties in Bristol. Since then, have moved to Events Manager and now Sales Manager. I came from an operational background, with experience also in diary management and retail.
The Avon Gorge is one of Bristol’s most iconic locations. How does the hotel’s setting influence the experience you aim to create for guests? Overlooking the Clifton Suspension bridge and the Avon Gorge the hotel offers a sense of place that’s truly unique to Bristol. Whether guests are enjoying breakfast with a view, relaxing on the terrace or celebrating a special occasion the surroundings create a memorable backdrop that enhances every stay.
What makes Hotel du Vin Avon Gorge stand out in an increasingly competitive hospitality market?
The iconic location, timeless character, and genuinely personal hospitality. Few hotels can offer uninterrupted views of the Suspension Bridge whilst also being nestled amongst the independent boutiques, cafes and green spaces of Clifton Village. We focus on creating experiences through attentive service, beautifully designed rooms and exceptional food and wine.
How have guest expectations changed in recent years, and how has the hotel adapted to meet those changes?
Today people are looking for more than just a comfortable place to stay; they want personalised service and genuine connection to the place they are visiting. At the Avon Gorge we’ve adapted by focusing on every aspect of the guest journey. From seasonal dining, beautiful settings and attentive service we aim to create stays that feel effortless yet memorable. We blend modern expectations with the character and heritage that makes the hotel so distinctive.
What trends in luxury and boutique hospitality are you most excited about, and how are they influencing your future plans?
Guests increasingly value destinations with a strong sense of place, exceptional food and drink, and thoughtful, personalised service instead of traditional ideas of luxury. We are focused on celebrating our unique location, with priority on investing in experiences that combine the history of the hotel with the comfort, quality and individuality that today’s guests are looking for. Some examples of this are our Taste Du Vin menu each course paired expertly with a wine led by our sommeliers. We make sure our seasonal menu updates reflect sustainable choices and as always showcases beautifully fresh ingredients to make a stunning dish!.
Looking ahead, what exciting new things do you have coming up at the Avon Gorge?
This summer, we are especially excited to introduce our new Wood Fire & Vine dining experience, a premium seasonal concept inspired by the relaxed flavours and atmosphere of sunny Sicily. Designed to make the most of our terrace, the menu celebrates simple high-quality ingredients cooked over fire. Guests can enjoy dishes such as wood-fired rib of beef, slow-roasted rosemary and garlic leg of lamb, whole roasted seabass skewers, chargrilled sourdough and focaccia and wood-fired heritage tomatoes with purple basil and burrata. It’s a wonderful way to bring people together and it’s also available as an exclusive experience for private events and celebrations on the terrace.
We’re also delighted to be launching our new afternoon tea, offering guests the opportunity to soak up one of Bristol’s best views while enjoying a selection of carefully curated finger sandwiches, classic cakes and desserts, freshly baked English scones with clotted cream and jam, and an extensive range of premium teas. For those looking to make an occasion even more special, guests can add on a glass of Champagne.
Together these new experiences reflect our focus on creating memorable moments that combine exceptional food, stunning surroundings and warm hospitality.
HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO
Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4LD
Tel: 0117 403 0210
The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol BS1 2NU
Tel: 0117 403 2979
WWW.DUVIN.COM