The Newt in Bruton, Somerset, was announced as number one on the Top 50 Boutique Hotels list at the end of last year, marking its third time in the top spot.
Luxury and nature become one at the 300-year-old rural retreat where guests can be soothed by the stunning surrounding woodland and abundant gardens.
Nestled in the alluring working estate, which was previously a working stable yard, the Newt’s bedrooms have been sensitively designed to highlight its history while the venue’s spa, indoor-outdoor pool, steam room and sauna allow guests to unwind.
The hotel is owned by husband-and-wife duo Koos Bekker and Karen Roosand, with Andrew Foulkes at the helm as director of hospitality.
Foulkes says the highlight of his career is being surrounded by great people and learning from them. Here, we get to know more about the hospitality director of the number Boutique Hotel.
When did your career start in hotels and was it always a goal of yours?
I started life as kitchen porter at the age of 15 in a bistro, I soon started to prepare food as part of my duties. I feel in love with the camaraderie of the kitchen team spirit, the adrenaline rush of service and the socialness of hospitality.
What do you enjoy most about the industry?
The people, from diverse teams, with amazing skill sets and their own hospitality journeys, to the suppliers you engage with and most of all, the guests you want to make happy.
What is your biggest achievement to date?
Being a husband and father to my children.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start working in a hotel?
Be 100% all in. Don’t get to carried away with success if you’re lucky enough to receive it.
Learn from the failures (there will be plenty) and don’t stop learning. Finally, always keep smiling.
What is something that makes The Newt stand out from other hotels?
The amazing team across all the estate and the passion they all bring.
What’s something you pride yourself on at The Newt?
The ability to change, continually improve and always staying humble.
Who is you biggest influence and why?
My wife, she never lets me get carried away. She always picks me up and re-anchors me, and my success is really down to her and the unequivocal support I get.
What can we expect to see from The Newt in the future?
Now that would be telling, you’ll have to keep watching us to see.
