Meet Stuart Kennedy, the General Manager at The Quill & Scholar in Lichfield.

‘Over the past 25 years, I have been privileged to work with and learn from some amazing and inspirational people. Robin Hutson – an icon and legend of the industry and Gerard Basset – a legend in the wine industry, were both major influences during my formative training at the original Hotel du Vin back in the mid 90s.  I refer to myself as a wine buff and the interest certainly peaked during my time there where I was lucky enough to work alongside some of the best sommeliers in the country.  After leaving HDV, I went on to work as an Ops Manager and Hotel Manager at the Malmaisons in Newcastle and Edinburgh before finally settling at Swinfen Hall Hotel.  Helen and Vic Wiser – the proprietors of Swinfen Hall from when they acquired the Hall in 1988 up until it was sold in February 2021, were again hugely influential. 

I have a relaxed and informal management style, but am passionate about focusing on the simple things – great food (and drink….especially wine!), great service and great people.  Something that has stayed with me from Hotel du Vin and developed throughout my career
My biggest highlights in my career so far are, winning a Catey for Group Hotel of the Year at Hotel du Vin Bristol, achieving Red Stars at Swinfen Hall in 2006 and maintaining them throughout my time there and attaining 3 rosettes in 2015

I am a proud father to my daughter Grace Kennedy who is 8 and have been married since 2013 to Samantha Kennedy. I have a passion for cycling and I love to get out on my Orro Venturi road bike at least once a week. Favourite drink? There are too many! Favourite food? Something with good mash potatoes, the influence of my Irish roots!

I love music and reading and am addicted to podcasts, ”Never Strays Far” with Ned Boulting for the cyclist in me. “Elis James and John Robins,” if you like listening to podcasts it’s a must, hilarious!’

Welcome to the family Stuart and congratulations on leading the successful opening of The Quill & Scholar!