'Shining light' promoted to Hotel Manager at thriving Kirkfield Hotel

Holly Cain, from Warrington, joined the Kirkfield Hotel in Newton-le-Willows as a bar tender in 2019.

With her only prior experience working in a fish & chip shop, Holly initially had "no idea" which direction she wanted to take her career.

However, after finding a "passion" for hospitality, Holly quickly became the "shining light" of the family-run hotel, bar and restaurant on Church Street.

Showing a "passion for people" as well as "enthusiasm, dedication and loyalty" to her job, Holly has been described as a "rare find" by the Kirkfield's owners and was promoted to hotel manager on Sunday, February 20.

Holly (right) has worked her way up from her first role as a Bar Tender

Announcing the news online, Holly was inundated with messages of congratulations and well wishes - with many from regulars who have witnessed her hard work first hand.

Speaking to the Star, Holly said: "I've been overwhelmed with the response so far, from the messages online and from people in the restaurant.

"I took a gap year before going to university because I think I knew I didn't really want to go.

"So I began to work full time here and learn on the job - and it's been great, I've loved it."

The Kirkfield operates as a hotel, restaurant and bar

Located just off the bustling High Street in Newton-le-Willows, The Kirkfield has become a popular establishment since opening its doors in 2018.

With the hotel, restaurant, and bar combining as three revenue streams for the independent business, owner Terence Southward said that they have had "great support" from the people of Newton.

Owner of The Kirkfield, Terence Southward

With a background in hospitality and corporate hotels, Terence said: "As an independent business, you have to work three times as hard to attract and keep customers, and I think this is gradually what we have been doing.

"The key to success is people and this is evident no more so than people like Holly. She absorbs everything, has a passion for people, and shows a real commitment to her job.

"For a family business, it is a rare find to have somebody who has all of these attributes.

"She is the shining light of the business and will be running the whole operation from now on.

"We are so excited to watch her grow even more in her new role and we are very proud of the fantastic young woman and leader she has grown into."

The Kirkfield on Church Street, Newton-le-Willows