Ebbutt takes over at Lygon Arms

The Lygon Arms in Worcestershire, which has just been voted the Best UK Rural Break Hotel 2003 by readers of the Sunday Times, has appointed a new general manager.

Julian Ebbutt joins the Lygon Arms from Combe Grove Manor in Bath, another Furlong Hotels Group property. He replaces Barry Hancox, who has left to "move on to new things".

Ebbutt is a former Acorn Award winner, having been recognised as one of the future stars of the industry while resident manager at the Francis hotel in Bath from 1996 to 1998.

Furlong, which acquired the Lygon Arms from the Savoy Group in June for close to £15m, plans to spend £3m refurbishing the four-star hotel's 69 bedrooms, public areas and spa facilities over the next few months.

The other UK winners in the Sunday Times Travel Magazine awards were the Hotel du Vin in Brighton, for best value, and Bath Spa hotel, voted best UK city hotel for a weekend break.

Seaham Hall in County Durham, which recently gained an RAC Gold Ribbon, was voted Best Spa Based on Style.