The Dalmore Inn, together with its sister businesses, The Red House Hotel at Coupar Angus, and Number 31 in Blairgowrie, love keeping it in the family!

Whilst owners, the Bannerman family, are to the fore at both the Red House Hotel, and Number 31, Dalmore Inn General Manager, Arnaud Merrouche, is now starting his own hospitality family dynasty, with both his 18 year old son Harry, and his daughter Victoria (22) involved in the business.

Whilst Harry, set on a career in hospitality just like his dad, is now employed full time, Victoria helps out from time to time, with her regular job being in Emergency Care with Perth Council.

“I am delighted to have Harry here working with me full-time,” said Arnaud.  “He’s dipped in and out since he was old enough to be employed, helping out at school holidays and weekends, and so on. Our regular customers are well used to seeing him behind the bar, or front of house.”

“Victoria also helps out when she can, but has other commitments too. She and Harry are both very hard working, not to mention popular with the customers. I am very lucky,” he said. 

Originally from Dijon in France, Arnaud moved to Scotland in 1995, having met Harry and Victoria’s mum the year before in Ullswater in the Lake District. Initially working at Airds Hotel in Port Appin, they bought a B&B in Blairgowrie in 1997. He has been at The Dalmore Inn since November 2014. 

“We’re a tight team here, with all of our staff being local to the area,” added Arnaud.

Alan Bannerman, who heads up the Red House Hotel, with his brother Ian running the bar, and sister Susan looking after Number 31, said: “It certainly works for us as a family employed together in hospitality, and we are delighted that Arnaud’s family are discovering it fits with them too.”

“It’s a lot of hard work, there can be disagreements obviously, but it’s very rewarding too,” he added. “Being French, and having a love of the finest food and drink in his DNA, makes Arnaud the very best teacher!”

Further details: www.dalmoreinn.com, https://www.facebook.com/p/Number-Thirty-One-100057397760717/ and www.red-house-hotel.co.uk

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