Kilworth House announces new General Manager

Kilworth House Hotel & Theatre is delighted to announce the appointment of new general
manager, Craig Routledge.

Craig has joined the hotel after spending the past nine and a half years with Eden Hotel
Collection, where he started as house manager at Brockencote Hall, before holding GM
positions at The Kings Hotel, Brockencote Hall and The Greenway Hotel & Spa.

On his new appointment, Craig says “I am delighted to have joined the fantastic team here
at Kilworth in its 21st anniversary year. Kilworth is truly a unique property, boasting not only
its acclaimed luxury hotel but also its exciting outdoor theatre set in the woodlands of the
estate.

“For me Kilworth is so much more than a luxury hotel; it’s full of vibrant spirit which is
exuded by the great team here and those who come to stay. Teamed with its aspirational
yet welcoming sense of grandeur, Kilworth makes for a wonderful special occasion venue
that also hosts some of the finest events the UK has to offer. Kilworth is already well
established in the Midlands hospitality scene, however I’m excited to spread the word so
people far and wide can come and enjoy everything that this inspiring property has to offer.

“I have always been passionate about people, and I relish the opportunity to lead the
Kilworth team with this vigour, to help them reach their own potential and create the best
experience possible for our guests. The opportunity to join Kilworth as we embark on this
next exciting chapter is truly an honour and I look forward to welcoming visitors old and
new as we head into this summer’s theatre season.”

Richard Mackay, owner of Kilworth House, has said, “ I am delighted to welcome Craig to
Kilworth just in time for our very busy theatre season. Craig brings a wealth of experience
and knowledge to Kilworth having worked for many years in GM roles for a prestigious
country house brand. I know these attributes will drive Kilworth to even greater heights of
quality and standards”.

Kilworth House has been without a permanent general manager since the sad passing
of Elizabeth Payne, who died in December 2023. She joined the Kilworth six months prior to
it’s opening and had been the only GM since opening in 2003.

Grade-II listed hotel Kilworth House was acquired by Richard and Celia Mackay in 1999, who
restored the building into a hotel and launched it to market in 2003. An open-air theatre
was added in 2007.

Following Celia’s retirement, the business is now solely owned by Richard.
Today, Kilworth House comprises 44 bedrooms, plus two restaurants, four private dining
rooms and six conference rooms.

The open-air theatre, with a capacity of 550 seats, is set in a wooded glade beside a lake and
has long been nationally recognized as one of the foremost open-air theatres in the UK,
both for the standard of its productions and the high quality of its facilities.