After two years of substantial refurbishment and improvements, Galtres Lodge, an independently-owned hotel in the centre of York, has taken the next step towards its goal to become one of the best hotels in the north of England, by appointing an experienced general manager, David Macdonald.
In the role, Macdonald will be responsible for overseeing all operations at Galtres Lodge and Forest restaurant, leading the team as it emerges from the pandemic and playing an integral part in mapping out the business’ plans for the future.
The new position is an exciting next step in Macdonald’s successful career in hospitality, which has seen him work with the Malmaison and Hotel du Vin brands for more than 13 years, opening Hotel du Vin Newcastle in 2008 and first appointed to General Manager of Hotel du Vin York in 2010.
Passionate about hospitality and determined to be at the forefront of the industry, David was awarded a prestigious Acorn Award in 2011, which recognised him as one of the brightest prospects in the hospitality sector under the age of 30.
Most recently, Macdonald has spent the last seven years growing and managing the Talbot Hotel in Malton where he opened a cookery school and wedding venue, co-founded the annual Malton Gin Festival and worked with the Visit Malton team to establish the town as 'Yorkshire's Food Capital.'
Now, Macdonald will be bringing his wealth of expertise and knowledge to the development of Galtres Lodge, strengthening its proposition and cementing its status as one-to-watch.
Macdonald said, 'I’m delighted to be leading the team as we emerge from the shadow of the pandemic. I’ve spent the past 2 years working alongside owners Rebecca and Chris to develop Galtres Lodge and Forest Restaurant, converting a busy and well-liked cafe into a destination restaurant, bar and hotel.
'Now, stepping into the role of GM, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to get even more stuck in and continue to have a real impact on the future success of the business. It’s an honour to be involved with such a promising venue.'
'I'm especially looking forward to working alongside great Yorkshire names like Stephanie Moon, who collaborates with us on our menus, taking Galtres Lodge and Forest to the next level. If the past week or so is anything to judge by, it's going to be a fantastic 2021 for us.”
Rebecca Hill, the owner of Galtres Lodge, added, “David has played a crucial part in the process of re-imagining Galtres Lodge so far, especially with regards to the restaurant re-brand to Forest in July 2020.
'The final part of the puzzle was to bring in an experienced general manager to see us through the final parts of the process, and we were delighted when David took on that role, given that he’d been so influential so far already.”
“With his appointment, David is fundamentally becoming part of the ownership team, helping to put Galtres Lodge and Forest on the map as part of our big plans for the future.”
Galtres Lodge is an independently owned hotel in the very centre of York. Small yet perfectly formed, the building was originally two Georgian townhouses, which have been combined to make this charming 12-bedroom hotel and restaurant. Fun, relaxed, and a little bit quirky, Galtres Lodge is proud to be dog friendly and a member of Indie York, a not-for-profit business association that champions the city's independent businesses. A stone's throw from York’s oldest and most famous street, The Shambles, and with York Minster just around the corner, the hotel is the ideal location for a historic but vibrant city break.
Having been closed in line with government guidance since 30th December 2020, Galtres Lodge’s Forest restaurant reopened for outside service on 12th April 2021, with inside service and stays at the hotel expected to resume from 17th May.
