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In 1961, the tallest hotel in London and the first of the capital's tower hotels opened its doors. Fifty years on, Jumeirah Carlton Tower acknowledged half a century of providing world-class service by inviting previous employees back to the hotel to celebrate.

The reunion event took place on Friday 25 November and was attended by 30 ex-colleagues and their partners, and was organised by a small group of the management from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s: Howard Field FIH (Financial Controller), Peter Venison (HR Director), Fritz Ternofsky FIH, Richard Garland, Peter Tyrie and Roddy Watt FIH (all senior operations management), David Oakley (Lex Group GM) and Michael Gray FIH MI (Hyatt GM).

 
The guest list ranged from employees who had worked at the hotel when it first opened in 1961, including Fritz Ternofsky (Head of Reservations) and Jean Quero (Chelsea Rooms Manager) to those who currently work at Jumeirah Carlton Tower. Many of the guests had spent over a decade of their working life at the hotel and were keen to share fond memories of their time at the property.

Guests were welcomed by Derek Picot, Jumeirah Carlton Tower General Manager and Regional Vice-President Jumeirah Hotels, Europe. Mr Picot spoke about the importance of each individual colleague and the way in which they had all shaped the hotel's reputation - synonymous with sophistication and luxury.

Guests were treated to champagne on arrival before then going through to the Ballroom and enjoying a delectable three-course dinner. Highlights from the menu included a salad of smoked mackerel nicoise to start, followed by a navarin of lamb with stuffed pumpkin gnocchi served with new potatoes, bacon lardons and a grain mustard dressing. For dessert, guests enjoyed a choice of rhubarb Eton mess, white chocolate brownies or a fresh seasonal fruit salad.

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For further information and photography please contact: Tamsin Graham, APR Communications, Tel: 020 7 351 2227 or email: tgraham@aprcommunications.com

Note to Editors:

Jumeirah Carlton Tower has 216 rooms and suites, all individually styled with a calm and contemporary feel, together with The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant, GILT Cocktail Lounge, Chinoiserie and The Club Room. The Peak Health Club & Spa, voted 'Top Ten UK Day Spa' in 2008 by Condé Nast Traveller readers, is one of London's premier health and beauty centres, offering members state-of-the-art facilities including a fully equipped gym and aerobics studio, sauna, steam room, a state-of-the-art golf simulator and a 20 metre indoor stainless steel pool.

The hotel has been voted in the top three 'Best Hotels For Service' in the UK in the Conde Nast Traveller Gold List 2011 and 4th place for 'Best UK Business Hotel' in the 2010 Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Cadogan Place, London SW1X 9PY; www.jumeirahcarltontower.com; tel: +44 (0)20 7235 1234.