Political & Civic Leaders Help Monkbar Hotel Celebrate 20th Birthday

Online, September 29, 2010 (Newswire.com) - York's political and civic leaders were among scores of guests helping the Best Western Monkbar Hotel celebrate two decades in business.

And, in addition to marking 20 years of being a key player in the city's hospitality industry, it took the opportunity to raise in excess of £1,500 for its chosen charity, Martin House Children Hospice.

York Central MP Hugh Bayley, Lord Mayor Coun Sue Galloway and Council Leader Coun Andrew Waller - joined more than 80 members of staff, customers, friends and suppliers for the Mad Hatters' themed birthday party.

Monkbar Hotel director June Nelsey, who has been in charge of the hotel for the last ten years, said: "Over the last 20 years both the hotel and the city of York have seen some real changes.

"However, what hasn't changed is the team spirit which sets the Monkbar Hotel apart. The staff here are wonderful and our biggest asset.

"We have become part and parcel of York's important hospitality industry and we look forward to continuing to be a part of it for many years to come."

Mr Bayley said: "It was a pleasure to be invited to the Monkbar's Birthday Celebrations with such an imaginative setting.

"How typical of this hotel which has such a high profile for fund-raising, that they used the opportunity to raise valuable funds for Martin House Hospice for children."

The Best Western Monkbar Hotel, first opened its doors in 1990 with 20 staff and boasting just 40 bedrooms. Since then it has checked-in more than 760,000 residents, served more than half a million dinners, and catered for 678 wedding receptions.

And in the last two decades, five extensions to the St Maurice's Road hotel have seen the creation of ten conference rooms, the addition of 59 bedrooms and the number of full and part time staff rising to 80.