New manager of Queens Hotel, Southsea reveals proud family connection

The Queens Hotel General Manager Catherine Austen

Catherine Austen is particularly proud to have joined the team at the Queens as the new General Manager thanks to a close family association with Southsea’s most stylish hotel.

Back in the Sixties her grandfather, Ron Bennett, led the in-house band and Catherine admitted her appointment felt even more special due to the close family tie.

Catherine’s aunt, Cheryl Hamilton, has researched Ron’s musical past and the talented jazz saxophonist played regularly at the hotel during the 1960s.

‘He would be so proud of Catherine joining the hotel as General Manager,’ says Cheryl.

Catherine has an impressive background in retail management and explained the move to the hospitality sector was to satisfy her need for a new challenge.

‘I’ve worked in retail management for 37 years. I really enjoyed my time with Next but I was keen to take on a new challenge.

‘My management experience has given me many transferable skills and I am looking forward to taking the Queens Hotel to the next stage in its journey.’

Catherine is looking forward to welcoming guests old and new to the Queens Hotel.

She says: ‘I’ve always known the Queens Hotel because I was born in Portsmouth. My priorities are the staff and customers - and I want to make the Queens Hotel the most talked-about place in Portsmouth once again.’

She is also keen to promote the hotel as a place for businesses large and small to hold their events.

Catherine explains: ‘We have created a business suite that is both stylish and comfortable, with its own private entrance and bar. We can cater for off-site board meetings, conferences and business networking events.

‘It’s an exciting time for the Queens Hotel and I am so pleased to be at the helm as the latest chapter in her history unfolds.’

For more details, go to www.queenshotelportsmouth.com.