A Chester hotelier with more than 25 years of international hospitality experience is leading a new era at one of North Wales’ best-known hotels.
Ronald George has taken the helm at The Imperial Hotel in Llandudno, where a restaurant relaunch and fresh culinary direction are among plans to build on more than 150 years of heritage.
Ronald, who lives in Chester, has worked for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Sheraton, Marriott, Hilton and Holiday Inn by IHG.
After training in Hotel Management in his native India, he relocated to the UK and went on to hold senior positions including at DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool before joining the landmark four-star hotel on Llandudno’s promenade.
The move sees him take charge of a destination long popular with visitors from Chester, Cheshire and across the North West, as The Imperial enjoys a strong summer season and looks to attract even more day visitors as well as overnight guests.
“I am enjoying my time here immensely,” he said.
“It was a fantastic proposition to join this amazing team and follow in the footsteps of Geoff Lofthouse, who devoted more than 40 years to The Imperial and did such a wonderful job.
“My aim is to put my own stamp on the hotel while retaining its identity as a much-loved venue on Llandudno’s seafront. There is an expectation and a very high standard here, and the team and I will endeavour to deliver it.
“We are simply building on the reputation of this great landmark and making it even more sustainable for years to come.”
At the heart of the changes is a new standalone identity for the hotel’s acclaimed Chantrey’s Restaurant, including its own entrance and a renewed focus on attracting diners who are not staying at the hotel.
The new menus celebrate seasonal Welsh produce alongside comforting favourites with a contemporary twist, while the restaurant and popular terrace overlook Llandudno’s famous shoreline.
Leading the kitchen is Head Chef James Williams, whose career at The Imperial has seen him progress from pot washer to his current position.
Ronald added: “We want people across Llandudno, North Wales and beyond to know they don’t have to stay with us to dine with us.
“We have some incredible dishes celebrating Welsh produce, alongside hearty seasonal food that people know and love.”
The Imperial employs more than 85 people, with additional seasonal staff joining during the summer, and welcomes more than 20,000 guests each year.
Around half are returning visitors, reflecting the enduring popularity of Llandudno with generations of holidaymakers from North Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside and the wider North West.
Demand remains strong, with almost half of this year’s Christmas packages already sold.
Alongside investment in technology, its website and social media, the hotel is expanding its events offering, hosting weddings, banquets, conferences, birthdays, baby showers and family celebrations.
Its swimming pool and gym are also available to hotel guests, members and visitors using a day pass.
Ronald said supporting businesses and suppliers from the surrounding region will remain central to his plans for the hotel.
“We have a responsibility to our staff, our guests and the many local businesses we work with. Supporting local suppliers has always been important here and adds so much value to our offering,” said Ronald.
“This is my first summer at The Imperial and it has been fantastic. July is almost fully booked, and August is looking very encouraging.
“People often arrive for the day, fall in love with Llandudno and decide they don’t want to leave, and that’s exactly the feeling we want people to have when they visit The Imperial.”
