THE 400 acre Farncombe Estate, which straddles the south Worcestershire-Gloucestershire border near Broadway, has appointed Tom Aspey as general manager of its two hotels.

Mr Aspey, who has previously worked at the near-by Lygon Arms, now takes over at the award-winning boutique hotel Dormy House and the newly opened Foxhill Manor, an eight-bedroom private house hotel.

Andrew Grahame, chief executive of Farncombe, said: "We are delighted to have Tom on-board. He has an incredible track record in the hospitality industry. As a highly-accomplished manager and with a natural empathy for the Cotswolds, I know both Dormy House and Foxhill Manor will benefit enormously.”

Mr Aspey – who grew up in the area - has spent more than 16 years in hospitality and has all the experience required to manage a multifaceted project that includes not just the two hotels, but also a spa, four F&B outlets and other estate activities. With his experience in food and beverage – in fine dining, brasserie style operations, functions and events – he will also be key to the success of the foodie operations across the estate.

Mr Aspey moves to Farncombe from the Soho House Group, which he joined in 2010. In September 2013 he was promoted to general manager of Dean Street Town House hotel and oversaw its 39-guest rooms and busy all-day dining operations. Prior to this, he worked for the Savoy Group, Lygon Arms in Broadway, Axis restaurant at No.1 The Aldwych and he also ran his own gastropub in North London.