The 'Last' Word...
- lisahylton2
- Sep 20
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 1
The Tourism Media Group's very own hotel detective, Charlotte Johnson-Last, spills the beans on what's happening on the London hotel scene this month. But is she the 'last to know'?
When she's not working as the TMG's Senior Business Development Manager, organising key events, planning Concierge menu tastings and so much more, Charlotte loves nothing more than visiting London hotels, sampling spas and restaurants, meeting Concierge and getting the low-down on what's what, who's who and what's new on the hospitality scene.
Charlotte said: "I've been involved with The Society of the Golden Keys for many years; I consider many Concierge to be friends now - and I love hearing all their news (and gossip, some of which I can't share!)."
CONGRATULATIONS...
Petar Pedals with Purpose
The year's winner of the Service Through Friendship Award, Petar Yordanov, took part in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride, raising an impressive £1,000 for charity.
Petar, Head Concierge at InterContinental London Park Lane, and two friends completed the 80-plus mile journey in aid of The Society of the Golden Keys' chosen charity, Hospitality Action, which helps hospitality people get back on their feet after a set-back.
Petar said: "I took part in the London to Brighton bike race alongside two friends, fundraising for Hospitality Action and all their wonderful initiatives helping hospitality workers that have fallen on hard times.
"Thank you to all those who have sponsored me; any contribution would be greatly appreciated!"
Want to donate? There's still time to show your support here.
Mountain Marathon for Jakub
Jakub Stefanowicz, Deputy Head Concierge at The Landmark London, completed a 26-kilometre mountain trail run in his home town of Sanok, Poland.
Jakob ran to shine a light on Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a devastating condition where even the simplest actions can cause unimaginable pain.
Jakob said: "I took on one of the hardest challenges of my life - a 26km mountain trail in my hometown Sanok for DEBRA charity.
"The course was brutal – deep mud, a stream to cross, steep uphills and relentless downhills. For the first 15km everything went according to plan, but then the real battle began. Cramps hit me hard, my legs locked up, and at times I could barely walk. Every step became a fight. But I kept reminding myself why I was running. I pushed through the pain, the doubts, and the moments I thought I wouldn’t make it. Over four hours later, I crossed that finish line – exhausted and broken, but proud.
"This wasn’t just about me. It was about raising awareness and support for those who live every single day with unimaginable pain. Running for DEBRA gave every step a purpose.
"A huge thank you to everyone who supported me – you kept me going when my body wanted to give up."
Jakob added: "Life without Challenges Is just Existence, Go LIVE! See you next year, stronger and ready"
Want to donate? Jakob has already raised more than £1,400 for DEBRA, but you can still donate here.
Tom Wardley Off to Pastures New
Currently Head Concierge at The Londoner Hotel, Tom Wardley has revealed news that he's on the move - to the new St. Regis London, which is due to open next spring. Currently being renovated, the Marriott International Hotel is on the site of the former Westbury Hotel in Mayfair.
Tom’s career in Concierge began at 17 at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton Hotel, where he worked until the age of 21. He then moved to Brown’s Hotel for four years before becoming part of the reopening team at The Lanesborough. In 2020, he took on the role of Head Concierge with the pre-opening team at The Londoner.
Good luck Tom!
A New Challenge for Jack
Jack McCarthy has announced a career move - to becoming Front of House Manager at 1 Hotel Mayfair.
Jack, who scooped the Young Concierge of the Year Award last year, has been a Concierge for 14 years, including nine as a member of Les Clefs d’Or.
At the last meeting of The Society of the Golden Keys, Jack expressed his gratitude to colleagues and members for their support, especially during his final year as a Concierge. He said his highlight was winning Young Concierge of the Year and representing the UK in Madrid.
Jack emphasised his ongoing commitment to the organisation and friendships, even as he moves into his new role. He said his last project was to secure the Young Leaders Award Sponsorship — £5,000 was secured for the Young Leaders Award at the next International Congress - with 1 Hotels being the official sponsor.
Good Luck to Madeleine
After 38 years in hospitality and 29 years as a member of The Society of the Golden Keys, Madeleine Calon has left The Beaumont Hotel.
Having played an active role in the Society's Committee, including becoming President in 2018, last year Madeleine was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Where Golden Keys Concierge Awards.
Not yet ready for retirement, but in need of a break, Madeleine has accepted a role on the new Women's Commission with the International Section of the Golden Keys.
A key
Good luck Madeleine - we wish you well in all your endeavours!
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Alexandra Sohyly has been promoted to Head Concierge at Pan Pacific Hotel.
Moucharem Gkertsek has been promoted to Head Concierge at The Westin London City.
Luis Cesar Rodrigues is on the move from The Pan Pacific hotel and is heading to the new Six Senses London.
Charles O’Donnell has moved from Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel to Mar Hall Hotel as Concierge.
Jonathan Moore has moved from The Savoy Hotel to The Peninsula London as Senior Concierge.
John White has moved from Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel to Sheraton Grand Park Lane Hotel as Head Concierge.
James Elliot has moved from Fairmont St Andrews to Rusacks St Andrews Hotel as Head Concierge.
Rumour has it that Alan Noone, Executive Head Concierge at The Stafford London is heading to The Beaumont Mayfair Hotel, to replace Madeleine Calon as Head Concierge.
Dale Herbert has retired from his position as Concierge at Four Seasons Park Lane after 32 years of service and being a Society member since 2006.
NEW SOCIETY MEMBERS
Congratulations to the newest members of the Les Clefs d'Or® International family, who received their pins at the September meeting of The Society of the Golden Keys.
Andrei Morari Senior Concierge at 1 Hotel Mayfair, sponsored by Jack McCarthy and Luca Sannino.
Janis Laksa Assistant Head Concierge at Grosvenor House Suites, sponsored by Emanuele Andrisani and Timothy Turner.
Srdan Vincic Concierge at InterContinental Park Lane, sponsored by Petar Yordanov and Victor Ardelean.
Julien Guihard Concierge at The Soho Hotel, sponsored by Alexandra Sohyly and Matteo Delrio.
Najum Razzaq Assistant Chief Concierge at Rosewood London, sponsored by Ronan Gawronski and Tobias Woollard
Lurii Mikor Concierge at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, sponsored by Gianfranco Fortunato and Tibor Nagy
Alexandre Meunier Concierge at Jumeirah Carlton Tower, sponsored by Petra Melian and Sahil Suri.
Spotted on My Travels
During a visit to The Cumberland Hotel London, I met with Head Concierge Kevin Johnston.
Kevin was proudly displaying the WHERE London magazines and WHERE maps and loved one of our newest productions, Starring Great Britain.
Kevin was recently nominated for London Concierge of the Year in the Where Golden Keys Concierge Awards 2025.
You can read more about Kevin's life as a Concierge here.
PSST...
Have you got some good news or hot gossip? Drop me an email at charlotte.last@tourismmediagroup.com
