David Gelhaar appointed hotel general manager at the Newt in Somerset

David Gelhaar has been appointed hotel general manager at the luxury Newt in Somerset.

He replaces Ashley Ely, who left the role earlier this year after two years at the hotel.

Gelhaar joins from a role as director of front of house at London’s Chiltern Firehouse hotel and restaurant.

Originally from Sweden, he attended culinary school in Stockholm before working front of house in hotels. He moved to London in 2014 where he joined Chiltern Firehouse, before rising through the ranks to front of house manager at Blake’s hotel in South Kensington.

He returned to the Chiltern Firehouse in 2021, where he worked until the hotel’s closure following a fire this year.

Gelhaar said: “The Newt is a magical place full of extraordinary experiences that enhance the guest journey, so I’m very happy to be able to play a part in influencing that.

“With new and exciting plans in the pipeline, my initial aim is to build on the foundations and framework to support these new functions and simplify some of the operations and procedures so that the teams can focus on the experience and the people coming to visit.”  

The Newt said Gelhaar was joining at an “exciting time” for the estate, which has launched its first partnership with British brand Burberry this summer.

The collaboration has seen Burberry reimagine the hotel’s croquet lawn, golf buggies and sun loungers in its famous signature checkered pattern.

The Newt has also launched the Maid of Somerset, a restored Pullman carriage set in the gardens at the Creamery at Castle Cary station, where afternoon tea is served on bespoke china.

Andrew Foulkes, chief executive of hospitality at the Newt, said: “David brings a wealth of experience delivering exceptional hospitality, operational excellence and deep insight into world-class luxury hotels. It’s an exciting time here in Somerset, and we’re very fortunate to have David’s expertise and enthusiasm in such a crucial role.”

The Newt received the maximum accolade of three Michelin keys at the inaugural Great Britain and Ireland ceremony last year.