Ten days after opening its doors in Fitzrovia, The Newman already carries the quiet confidence of a hotel that understands itself. Not through marble or thread count, but through people. In this conversation, its General Manager reflects on the early influence of Breakfast at The Wolseley, the evolution from grand gestures to emotionally intelligent hospitality, and why true wellbeing , for guests and teams alike, begins with self-awareness. From silk sleep masks to bedtime stories, this is a portrait of leadership grounded in presence, ritual, and the belief that the common things, done uncommonly well, are what endure.
Tell us about your path into hospitality. Was there a defining moment when you knew this world was where you belonged?
When studying for my finals at university, I had to work hard to get my desired degree. Often stressed and losing focus on what I was working towards, I used to read Breakfast at The Wolseley by A.A. Gill. This helped me feel less overwhelmed and more relaxed. Shortly after that, I realised that I was much more drawn to the recipes and stories of hospitality than my economics degree.
What does great hospitality mean to you today, and how has that definition evolved over your career?
Great hospitality, as opposed to great service, is all about understanding people as individuals. I get this now, but it took some time to come around to this. Before I thought it was all about grand gestures and ‘wow’ moments, and over time I have learnt that it is about doing the common things uncommonly well.
The Newman has a strong sense of place and personality. How did you approach bringing the hotel to life beyond bricks, design, and service?
The team members. You can have the finest marble, sheets with the highest thread count, and so on, but it means nothing without the right team bringing it all together. Guests, like all of us, just want to be heard, understood and be made to feel individual. To do this, the team needs to offer emotionally intelligent service and be given the space to be present in each interaction. Of course, this needs to be supported by a strong culture of respect and care – it is vital that owners/operators, in turn, provide an emotionally intelligent service to our teams.
‘Great hospitality, as opposed to great service, is all about understanding people as individuals ... over time I have learnt that it is about doing the common things uncommonly well.’
Fitzrovia has a rich creative and cultural history. What does the area mean to you personally, and how does it shape the spirit of The Newman?
I have a strong personal connection to the neighbourhood, both through my time at the hotel and prior to working here. A lot of my friends and family have worked in the area, and for a Londoner, it has always been a central hub of activity and a go-to location for finding independent dining hotspots and pubs.
What personal passions do you bring into your work at the hotel, even in subtle or unexpected ways?
My family have always been keen hosts, whether it is cooking for others or welcoming guests to stay. Mum has an amazing talent for creating beautiful spaces, and Dad cooked the simple dishes well. So, in this respect, I have always been exposed to the joys of hospitality, and this became my passion – both here and at home.
Wellness is woven into the fabric of The Newman. What does wellbeing mean to you personally, and how does it show up in your daily life?
Well-being to me is about self-awareness of your mind and body, as well as an acknowledgement of the finite nature of time. This is my personal reflection on it, given where I am in my life, but others will be different, with different goals and routines.
Do you have a daily or nightly ritual that helps you reset—especially after long, people-filled days?
Daily life is a bit more manic at the moment, with the hotel just ten days old! That said, I still find time to stretch in the morning (we have lovely Yogi Bare mats here) and spend as much time with family (rather than screens) as possible, as well as being present in these moments. After a long day, I have found that nighttime skincare has become a welcome routine to give a peaceful and quiet end to the day, with the opportunity to reflect and switch off after many conversations throughout the day.
As a hotel manager, sleep is precious. What do you need for truly restorative rest, both at home and when travelling?
A good night’s rest for me is about getting the basics right – a comfortable bed, the right temperature and no excess light (Anatome silk sleep masks really help with this). That and simply getting to bed at a consistent time. Reading a book has always been so restorative for me, but recently I have not managed to find time for this, and the pile next to my bed just grows bigger!
'Wellbeing to me is about self-awareness of your mind and body, as well as an acknowledgement of the finite nature of time. This is my personal reflection on it, given where I am in my life, but others will be different, with different goals and routines.'
How do you create a sense of calm and care in a space that is constantly in motion?
The design and the natural materials used in the hotel have really helped with this, along with more technical aspects like acoustics. That said, the team are the best litmus test of how calm a place is, and they are doing a great job of that – no flapping or chaos, no matter how busy it is.
What has been the most rewarding part of opening and shaping The Newman so far?
The most rewarding part of being a part of this pre-opening process has been connecting with the neighbours and ensuring that everything we do is adding value to the area. Our brand promise is to celebrate Fitzrovia, and it has been a pleasure doing that as we journeyed to opening and beyond.
What has challenged you the most in this role, and what has it taught you about yourself?
Time management is my all-time nemesis, and that has been no different during the opening period. This has taught me that I still need to be mindful of this and its impact on everyone else – not just me!
The Newman’s amenity and wellbeing partner across rooms and spa. How do you see thoughtful details, scents, rituals, small moments, shaping a guest’s experience?
We are thrilled to have Anatome throughout the whole property – cementing our approach that Wellness is available in all areas, not just the spa. Anatome’s range of products allows us to personalise the guest experience and tailor our moments to each individual – the foundation of hospitality.
When you’re not at the hotel, how do you like to recharge? Is there a place, practice, or habit that always brings you back to yourself?
I do not do it enough, but running re-centres me and allows me an extended period to switch off. That and reading bedtime stories to my daughters – a well-received reminder that life is simple and that we do not need to overcomplicate it to be happy.
Looking ahead, what do you hope guests feel when they leave The Newman—and what do you hope they carry with them?
We want the guests of The Newman to feel like they have just visited a new old friend and, above all else, welcome.
