Newly appointed General Manager Brian Rooney is now ‘Head of the House’ at Peppers Guest House in the Hunter Valley wine country, the historical heart and home of Peppers being the first of the boutique brand’s properties to open in Australia more than 25 years ago.

The new General Manager at the popular Hunter Valley retreat made the swap for more tranquil surroundings from his previous appointment as Operations Manager amid the buzz of the city at Mantra Chatswood in Sydney.

“It’s an honour to take the helm at Peppers Guest House where it all began for Peppers, and it’s wonderful to see that the affection people have for the retreat is still alive and well after all these years,” he said.

“I really look forward to bringing something special to our guests in our restaurant and with refurbishments made to our villa and guest house rooms recently, the Retreat is looking magnificent.”

Mr Rooney, who began his career in hospitality in his native Dublin before working through the ranks at a variety of top-class hotels in Dublin and Sydney, joins another new face on the team at Peppers Guest House - Executive Chef John Edwards.

Chef Edwards was born in New Zealand and already has an impressive career history under his chef’s hat, having worked in fine dining establishments such as Casa del Rio Melaka in Malaysia, Logan Brown restaurant in Wellington, New Zealand and the popular Urban Bistro in Adelaide. 

With new spring dishes such as ‘Roasted Chilli Caramel Pork’ and ‘Alaskan King Crab’, Chef is offering diners a true taste of the region, in keeping with the recently launched Peppers’ Gourmet Food Trail, a gastronomic celebration of fine food and dining, with an array of events and packages that embrace the delights of locally sourced produce at Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels across Australia and New Zealand.

Peppers Guest House’s Gourmet Food Trail Package gives guests the unique opportunity savour the flavours created by Chef Edwards and stay the night in stylish accommodation.