Ronan Hunter returns to the Castle at Taunton as general manager

Ronan Hunter has returned to the Castle at Taunton as general manager, having spent three years at the establishment 17 years ago.

Hunter started as a waiter and worked his way up to assistant restaurant manager at the four-AA-starred property. He has since worked as general manager at properties including Sudbury House in Faringdon, Oxfordshire; the Swan at Hay in Powys; the Cosy Club in Hereford; and the Newbridge on Usk in Monmouthshire.

Hunter's appointment follows the departure of managing director Marc Mac Closkey last year after three years in the role and seven years at the 44-bedroom Somerset hotel. He has since joined the Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel as general manager.

Hunter said: "I'm delighted to return to the Castle, particularly in the year the Chapman family will be celebrating 70 years as custodians of this landmark hotel in Taunton. The Castle has always been renowned for its standards of hospitality and commitment to sourcing and using local produce, which is as important today as ever in our kitchens. I very much look forward to continuing in these fine traditions."

Nick Chapman, chairman of the Castle hotel, added: "We are delighted to have appointed Ronan as general manager. He retains the core values of true hospitality and service. It is an amazing story that he has returned to the hotel after spending the early years of his career here. He already knows several members of our team and is excited to be back in Taunton, getting to know all our customers. We much look forward to an exciting new chapter for our family business"

The Castle hotel has been owned by the Chapman family since 1950 when Nick's grandparents Peter and Etty bought the property. Nick took over as chairman from his father Kit in 2014.

Marc Mac Closkey departs Taunton's the Castle hotel as MD >>