Behind the Scenes of the Cliffemount Hotel Redevelopment Project
An Interview with Hospitality Consultant, Philip Bolson of Mr B Hospitality
A large-scale project like the redevelopment of Cliffemount Hotel requires a team of people with a lot of experience and skills under their belt.
We wanted to ensure that this team comprised the best of the best in the industry, and thatâs why we chose Philip Bolson - his reputation speaks for itself.
To date, his involvement has helped shape the project and its direction, so we thought it was about time we gave him a platform to share with our community what heâs been up toâŠ
Philip Bolson - Mr B Hospitality
Thanks for taking the time out to chat with us. For the benefit of our community, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your career to date.
Absolutely. I have spent 36 years working in the Hospitality sector. Like many in our sector, I first started out washing pots and working behind the bar. When I realised it was a sector I wanted to be in, I joined Whitbread as a Trainee Manager for the Beefeater Restaurants.
Since then, my career has taken me many places; Regional Manager for Travelodge, Divisional Director at RBH, Operations Director at Splendid Hospitality. One of my proudest achievements was running Splendid Hospitalityâs flagship 5-star hotel The Grand Hotel in York. Here, I oversaw the development of an additional 100 bedrooms, VIP White Rose Lounge, the Rise Restaurant, and the âCookery School at the Grandâ.
In Summer 2020, I decided to become an independent consultant and set up Mr B Hospitality, working with a select number of businesses in the region who are doing exciting things. But I also wanted to use my experience and knowledge to help others, so I launched the âHospitality Junior Boardâ at the back end of 2023. The Junior Board brings together a group of young managers across the region working on projects and developing their skills. My aim is to find future leaders, build skills, and change the perception of the sector.
Thatâs really inspiring, thank you for sharing. We can tell you are passionate about the sector.
Yes, I am. Hospitality is a hugely significant sector across the UK and particularly in North Yorkshire. At all levels it requires a high level of skill including commercial skills, people skills, agility, tenacity, the ability to collaborate, teamwork, and much more. It is a sector that is often undervalued and misunderstood but can provide amazing careers and jobs.
The sectors impact on the wider economy and place is also significant whether this be using local suppliers, creating jobs, reducing their impact on the environment, or supporting local communities.
We couldnât agree more. So, what was it about our project â the redevelopment of Cliffemount â that made you want to get involved?
Cliffemount is a fascinating project. Whilst many hotels and restaurants open each year, few are as compelling as this one.
From your story as a family and the Passivhaus mission to your desire to âdo it properlyâ and positively impact the local community, it just feels fresh, authentic, and positive.
I have particularly enjoyed getting to know your family and understanding what you want to achieve, why, and the impact you want to see. Your desire to do something really special and authentic is extremely compelling.
Thatâs lovely, thank you. For the benefit of our readers, can you just explain what your involvement is, i.e. your role and responsibilities.
Sure. My role is to offer advice on the operational aspects of the business and help develop the strategy for success. This includes:
Sharing my knowledge of the industry to further enhance the teamâs understanding of hospitality
Encourage debate, discussion, and help decision making whether this be about the product, the service, the systems and procedures, technology, partners
Ensuring the design and layout will work and that the day-to-day operation will be smooth
Supporting with the development of the business plan outlining the what, why, how, and the overall impact
Helping to develop the team structure, roles, responsibilities, and subsequently with recruitment
Support with the creation of financial projections and budgets
Developing the pre-opening plan and budget
Working with other partners including the architect, designers, builders, and most importantly Richard Smith, food and beverage consultant.
Supporting with the development of the marketing plan to drive regional and national awareness
And a great job youâre doing with all of that. So, where are we at now? Tell our readers what youâve done to date.
I first started working on the project in early 2024. So far, a lot of our work as a team has been developing strategy. Weâve had multiple planning sessions to enable us to do this, all of which have been successful - already we have a solid business plan and financial model.
Most recently, weâve been researching and deciding on the technology that will be implemented in the business. The idea is that the technology we choose will enhance the guest experience, support team development, help efficiencies both operationally and cost wise, drive revenue, and very importantly help reduce any impact on the environment.
We have to ask; is there one thing you are most excited about the project?
The most exciting part for me will be when we start recruiting. Many owners underestimate the structure and skill required to run a commercially sustainable and viable hospitality business, but your family donât. It is refreshing to work with a family who understands what is needed, what is important, and have a commitment to the consistent levels of service and quality.
What difference do you see our project making to the local area?
Runswick Bay and the surrounding area is a beautiful part of the North Yorkshire coast. I believe Cliffemount will act as a catalyst bringing new visitors to the area and will showcase the amazing food and drink the region has to offer. Because of this, many jobs will be created, and businesses boosted.
The development will enhance the biodiversity of the plot in which it sits, and it will highlight the positive effect that hospitality can have on the environment.
I think everyone in the area knows how passionate you are about the project, and they feel both excited about and invested in your journey.
Runswick Bay is a beautiful part of the coast, we agree. What do you like most about it?
I love North Yorkshire - the coast, the businesses, and the hospitality. As such this is a perfect project for me. I am actually moving to North Yorkshire this month with my family and so I am excited to be even closer to the coast.
