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A Five-Star FAMILY Legendary hotelier Sir Rocco Forte is synonymous with his chain of luxe hotels. He talks to Amanda Morison about his legacy and the exciting properties that will open over the next few years Say the word “Forte” and you’re in Dyson, Hoover and Selfridges territory because the name and the brand are the same. Sir Rocco Forte’s father Charles founded the hospitality chain aged 26 in 1935 with the Strand Milk Bar, swiftly expanding into motorway service stations, restaurants and hotels. Sir Rocco took over as CEO in 1983, and despite losing the brand name in a hostile takeover bid in 1995, now presides over 12 of the world’s most luxe hotels, with up to 10 more to come over the next few years. Sir Rocco worked from a young age during school holidays, in the kitchen, housekeeping, behind the snack bar: “You name the department, I worked there. I don’t care if someone is from a Swiss hotel school, if you haven’t come through the industry you can’t run a hotel”. This uncompromising – but unfailingly courteous – attitude helps define Sir Rocco. Having spent his entire life in a hotel environment – “When I’m in one of my hotels it feels like home”, when he’s a guest he knows exactly what he wants. I meet him at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, and a member of his retinue asks if he’d like a double espresso. “It’s the afternoon!” he exclaims, “Tea please. Why would I want coffee?” he asks, in a tone of some surprise. My first sentence to Sir Above: Brown’s Hotel London: the recently renovated Front Hall, and the Kipling Suite, named after the author who penned The Jungle Book here. Right: Sir Rocco’s children, Lydia, Irene and Charles, and his sister, Olga Polizzi, Deputy Chairman and Director of Design. Rocco is greeted in similar style. I comment on how Italian Brown’s Hotel Mayfair feels. “Italian? How? This place aims to be very British”, he says, while I stutteringly explain I meant that many of the staff and guests are Italian-speaking, and there’s the wherewithal to make a complimentary Bellini in the lobby. I turn the conversation into what I hope is less contentious territory than the right time of day for caffeine – family. Sir Rocco founded RF Hotels, now Rocco Forte Hotels, in 1996 with his sister Olga Polizzi. His three children Lydia, Irene and Charles work in the business. He believes family gives a unique atmosphere and “sense of belonging” that rival five stars simply don’t have. I ask if he’d have supported his children in different dreams, say becoming a comedian? A stare, a pause, and the answer: “ I didn’t force them, they wanted to come in. Being a comedian isn’t exactly remunerative, so no, I’m not very keen on that idea”. Hospitality has never been known for as a nine-to-five environment, and Sir Rocco believes it’s no easier today. “I never resented it. I had my lie-ins, and was perfectly capable of staying up till 4am and being back at work at 9”. Asked about a work life balance, he calls it, “a bit of a nonsense. If you believe in something you think about it all the
PROFILE “You name the department, I worked there. I don’t care if someone is from a Swiss hotel school, if you haven’t come through the industry you can’t run a hotel” time. If you’re in charge you can’t suddenly switch off. If you don’t like it you shouldn’t be doing it”. It’s no surprise to discover that Sir Rocco likes being active. An Oxford Blue in fencing, and veteran of many a marathon and Iron Man – his last when he was 60 – Sir Rocco talks about a holiday to the Maldives that he only agreed to on the condition he could play golf there. His wife discovered Velaa Private Island, and Sir Rocco describes a packed schedule of an hour’s golf lesson, two hours practice, a 2km swim in the sea, bit of snorkelling, and the gym for an hour. “I managed to get through the day before dinner”, he smiles. What has changed in those decades since Sir Rocco first started work? “There are a hell of a lot more women in senior roles. Now it’s all about wellness, with gyms and spas – even vegetarian menus are relatively new. Technology has given us ›› W I NTER 19 ★ schoolnotices.co.uk 37
Page 1: WINTER 2019 £4.99 (Free to SN memb
Page 5 and 6: SHOPPING The Dorothy Comb £275 fen
Page 7 and 8: SHOPPING Moisturising Shower Gel £
Page 9 and 10: SHOPPING American Crew Fiber £15.2
Page 11 and 12: PROMOTION Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi
Page 13 and 14: INTERVIEW From left: Lime Wood, Rob
Page 15 and 16: PROMOTION School Trip WIN A maths c
Page 17 and 18: PROFILE “When I made it to the fi
Page 19 and 20: PROFILE PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS TERRY, R
Page 21 and 22: Strength in numbers Female founders
Page 23 and 24: BEAUTY Update your look with autumn
Page 25 and 26: COMPETITION WIN! A day out for you
Page 27 and 28: Get NOTICED on our Noticeboard! Vis
Page 29 and 30: ENTERTAINING “This Christmas, mak
Page 31 and 32: PROMOTION Marlborough College paren
Page 33 and 34: INTERVIEW 20-LAYER SURPRISE RAINBOW
Page 35: INTERVIEW PHOTOGRAPHY: JEMMA WATTS
Page 40 and 41: FUN FACTS Dark chocolate is healthi
Page 42 and 43: there were always books, papers and
Page 44 and 45: The TALENT behind the tweed Really
Page 46 and 47: Thumbs up for HEADS UP! Twenty one
Page 49 and 50: INTERVIEW A Teetotal TRIUMPH Launch
Page 51 and 52: INTERVIEW Seedlip Spice 94 is aroma
Page 53: PROFILE GILES COREN Living to eat a
Page 56 and 57: Dreaming of a WHITE CHRISTMAS No-on
Page 58 and 59: THE GOOD LIFE Don’t give it all u
Page 60 and 61: Kids Stay FREE THROUGHOUT SCHOOL HO
Page 62 and 63: Sunset paddling, Lefkada GREEK ISLA
Page 65 and 66: Blue Forest THE TREEHOUSE PEOPLE WW
Page 67 and 68: COC-05 Autumn.qxp_Autumn directory
Page 69 and 70: Fantastic family Ski and Summer hol
Page 71: We Are Wellington www.wellingtoncol

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