Hotel Cateys 2025: Conference and Banqueting Team of the Year – South Lodge

Guests praised the conference and banqueting team at South Lodge in the South Downs for their truly exceptional attention to detail, while judges were blown away by the commercial success of such a sustainability-focused operation. From partnering with waste management firms to stamping clients’ logos onto burger buns, this year’s winner clearly understands what it takes to stand out from the crowd.

 

The 96-bedroom South Lodge, which is part of Exclusive Collection, the UK’s first B Corp hotel group, offers 14 event spaces. The neo-Jacobean style property hosted 220 events this year, 40% of which were repeat bookings from high-profile clients.

 

More than 70% of the 13-strong conference and banqueting team live locally and all earn above the Real Living Wage. The team have received fantastic feedback over the past year. An organiser of a leadership event stated they had “the smoothest event to date”, while a recently wedded couple added: “We had the best day – the food and drinks were lovely and the service was exceptional. The team thought of everything. It meant the world to us.”

 

The latter is especially encouraging as weddings have been a key focus area for South Lodge in recent months, with the team introducing thoughtful upselling opportunities, such as the option to add a jeroboam of Taittinger and gold pen keepsakes as alternatives to a guestbook. In a bid to encourage return visits to the hotel, South Lodge also provides anniversary stays with dinner for newlywed couples.

 

Other standout initiatives have involved serving custom-stamped burger buns featuring a client’s logo, as well as creating Whatsapp groups between hotel staff and guests to allow seamless communication on the day of an important event.

 

As a result of their efforts, average conference and banqueting delegate spend increased significantly, while room hire revenue soared by 20%. Total projected revenues are also at record highs as a result of South Lodge hosting several flagship industry events.

 

Judges were equally impressed by the team’s commitment to sustainability, which has proven to act as a commercial edge for event organisers prioritising environmental and social governance. Conference and banqueting events at South Lodge now give clients the tools to measure the environmental and social impact of their gatherings, while integration with Klimato has enabled clients to understand the carbon footprint of their menus.

 

Meanwhile, using root-to-flower cooking techniques and on-site composting through Rocket Composters has led to steep reductions in kitchen waste. Surplus food is also shared with local families through South Lodge’s partnership with Olio.

 

Out of the dozen client testimonials submitted for this entry, this one sums up what made South Lodge’s achievements this year so compelling: “The attention to detail was truly exceptional. No request was too big and every member of your team conducted themselves with professionalism and genuine warmth.”  

 

What the judges said

“The South Lodge team have implemented and focused on a sustainable operation and demonstrated huge teamwork with great guest feedback.” 

Pooja K C

 

“A cleverly written entry with concise information about the team.”

Craig Robertson

 

“The submissions draws a very proactive team. They really know how to look after their guests, team and environment.”

Gareth Bush

 

The shortlist

• Horwood House, Milton Keynes
• The Soho hotel, London
• South Lodge, Horsham, West Sussex
• Whittlebury Park, Towcester, Northamptonshire
  

The judges

• Gareth Bush, Royal Lancaster London
• Sarah Gaskin, the Headland
• James Hilton, the Montague on the Gardens
• Pooja K C, Richmond Hill hotel
• Craig Robertson, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
• Sachin Sharma, the Ritz London 
• Jordi Vaca, Grantley Hall