Member Article

New manager takes the helm at The Rivers Edge hotel

THE UK’s first hotel to be run by young people with autism and learning difficulties is now up and running under the supervision of a new manager.

Paul Breeze has taken up the mantle of hotel manager at The Rivers Hotel, formerly the Rivers Edge Hotel in Gateshead.

Following a £2million refurbishment, it is now a fully functioning hotel and facility for young people with learning difficulties to train for a career in the hospitality industry.

Mr Breeze, 53, of Cramlington, Northumberland, arrives with a wealth of experience in the industry, having worked for leading breweries like Vaux, Scottish and Newcastle and Bass.

A former food and beverage manager at the Copthorne Hotel at Newcastle Quayside, Mr Breeze has worked at dozens of pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants across the region, including The Jolly Fisherman in Craster, Northumberland.

But his position at The Rivers Hotel comes as a brand new challenge, and one he is relishing.

“After working in the hospitality industry for more years than I care to remember, it’s an exciting time for me,” he said. “This is the first time I have ever worked with young people with special needs, and I’m really enjoying it.

“My job is to oversee the day to day running of the hotel. Holly Kelleher, who is the centre manager, works alongside me and she looks after the training side with the young people. I’m here to make sure the hotel runs to its best ability.”

Mr Breeze has already lots of plans in the pipeline, and hopes to make the venue a place where people come to eat and drink as well as stay.

“I’m also hoping to build The Rivers Hotel into a place people come to socialise,” he said. “I want to ensure people know about us and consider us as somewhere to stay if they’re heading to the region for a break.

“We have secured a number of corporate bookings, and we have several functions and parties in the diary for the next six months.

“At the end of the day, we want to make this a profitable business but also give the young people the chance to establish themselves on the career ladder.

“We give them all the training they need for a successful future in the hospitality industry, and as a result we offer a first class service which we are all very proud of.”

The Rivers Hotel, which is owned by St Camillus Care, was officially opened earlier this month by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr.

Its American-style diner is open each day serving American-inspired dishes including hot dogs, burgers, mac and cheese and more, along with English classics like pie and chips.

St Camillus Care Group has partnered with Gateshead College and its Project Choice scheme - which helps young people with autism and learning difficulties find internships – to help the young people learn the skills they need for a career in hospitality.

John Heron, who runs the St Camillus Care Group, is delighted to have Paul on board. “Paul comes to us with the experience and knowledge we need to put The Rivers Hotel on the map,” he said.

““His track record is second to none and we know he is the perfect person to help take us forward.”

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