The 'Last' Word - Charlotte's August Edit
From Concierge showcases and exciting new dining destinations to career milestones and industry updates, discover what’s on Charlotte’s mind this month.
"This month has been all about celebrating our incredible industry, from memorable dining experiences to welcoming new faces, applauding career milestones and recognising outstanding achievements. We’ve shared good food, great friendships and plenty of reasons to celebrate, with new roles, international honours and the latest industry moves all making the headlines. With a reminder to get your WHERE Golden Keys Concierge Awards entries in before the deadline, here’s my round-up of the people, places and moments that stood out."
🗝️ Masala Zone Showcase 🗝️
There's nothing quite like getting a group of Concierges around a table to enjoy great food, swap recommendations and catch up with familiar faces – and that's exactly what we did when we headed to Masala Zone Soho for our latest Concierge Showcase.
Our hosts took us on their Grand Trunk Road Odyssey – a culinary journey inspired by the legendary trade route stretching from the Khyber Pass in Afghanistan to the Bay of Bengal.
The evening began with a colourful selection of starters, from the crispy Old Delhi fried chicken and Calcutta beetroot chops to the delicious Chittagong fish croquettes.
The feast continued with an impressive selection of mains, including the rich Grand Trunk bhuna gosht, a beautifully spiced jackfruit curry from Kanpur, Bengali wedding fish curry, a wonderfully comforting duck egg curry, traditional Lucknow lamb biryani and flavour-packed Chapli Kebabs.
A selection of dishes from the Grand Trunk Road Odyssey
It was wonderful to hear so many positive comments around the table, with one Concierge from ME Hotel summing it up perfectly: "The atmosphere, food and customer service are spectacular!"
A huge thank you to the team at Masala Zone Soho for their warm hospitality. Judging by the smiles around the table (and the empty plates!), it was another Concierge Showcase to remember.
To Book
The Grand Trunk Road Odyssey runs until 6 September. Click here to book, or contact Elana Kruger at marketing1@mweat.com with any queries or special requests. If you're booking for guests, don't forget to add your name and hotel details in the Notes section when making reservations. This helps the restaurant team enrol your hotel in their rewards and incentive programme.
Celebration-worthy dining with Mediterranean flair
If you're looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, let me point you in the direction of Fenix Mayfair.
From the team behind Tattu London, this stunning new Greek Mediterranean restaurant has transformed the former Henry's Bar on Piccadilly into a beautifully elegant dining space.
I recently celebrated my daughter Jasmine's 21st birthday there, and it couldn't have been a better choice.
The menu is designed for sharing, so we tucked into creamy houmous, spicy feta dip with warm puffed pitta, fried calamari, spicy seabass carpaccio, langoustine and feta orzo, and a wonderfully creamy baby artichoke risotto.
We sadly skipped dessert to continue the celebrations elsewhere – which simply gives us the perfect excuse to return!
One for Your Wish List
The Landmark London has unveiled its beautifully renovated spa, and it's definitely one that's gone straight onto my must-visit list.
Designed by award-winning Alex Kravetz Design, the luxurious new wellness space features everything from a vitality pool, Finnish sauna and aromatic steam room to heated marble loungers, experience showers and indulgent treatment rooms.
The hotel has also partnered with renowned skincare brands OSKIA Skincare, QMS Medicosmetics and Ashmira Botanica to offer an exceptional treatment menu. I can't wait to experience it for myself – it looks like the perfect city escape for a little well-deserved relaxation.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Good Luck, Alan
Congratulations to Golden Keys member Alan McDougall, who has been appointed Group Head Concierge for Scotsman Hospitality Group.
Alan, who won Regional Concierge of the Year at the WHERE Golden Keys Concierge Awards for the past two years, shared his excitement about the new role, describing himself as "over the moon" after being offered the opportunity to join the growing hospitality group.
Based in Edinburgh, he'll be leading Concierge Services across the portfolio and is looking forward to working alongside colleagues and fellow Golden Keys members as he settles into the role.
We're sure Alan's passion, professionalism and wealth of experience will make him a tremendous asset to the team. Everyone at Concierge News wishes him every success in this exciting new chapter.
Well Done Burak!
Congratulations to Burak Ipecki, who has been awarded an Honorary Diploma by Les Clefs d'Or Australia in recognition of his 'outstanding contribution' to the association and the profession.
Voted for by the Australian membership following their Annual General Meeting, the honour reflects the respect and friendships Burak has built through years of collaboration, including his work towards the International Congress in Sydney.
Burak, who won the London Concierge of the Year Award at the 2025 WHERE Golden Keys Concierge Awards was joined in receiving the accolade by fellow member Mathieu Glaser, Chef Concierge Sofitel Strasbourg, making the recognition even more special.
Burak commented: "To know that this recognition came from the membership itself makes it especially meaningful. It is an honour that I will always treasure."
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Daniel Soobhee has been promoted to Head Concierge at Royal Lancaster London.
Viktors Ragelis has moved from Montcalm Royal London House to The Savoy as Concierge.
Joe McGinn has moved from Park Plaza Riverbank to Montcalm Royal London House as Head Concierge.
Paolo Froiio is moving from JW Marriott Grosvenor House London to St. Regis London as Assistant Head Concierge.
Thomas Gaffney is moving from Six Senses London to St. Regis London as Concierge.
Istvan Halasz and Abban Brennan have left the Standard Hotel.
Adam Lazoryk has left the Municipal Hotel Liverpool.
New Society Members
The following were accepted for active membership at the latest meeting at The Society of the Golden Keys:
Emiel Danneels, Concierge at Raffles London at The OWO sponsored by Alex Collins and Daniel Hennessey.
Vacancies
Senior Concierge/Concierge required at One Aldwych; email Alan Vieira on alanvieira@onealdwych.com.
Night Concierge, Doorperson and Porters at St Regis London; email tom.wardley@stregis.com.
And Finally
Calling all General Managers! Don't forget to enter your Concierges and teams into this year's WHERE Golden Keys Concierge Awards. The deadline has been extended to Monday, 10th August, so get your entries in today! Read more here.
PSST...
Have you got some good news or hot gossip? Drop me an email at charlotte.last@tourismmediagroup.com
