China Fleet Country Club Celebrates Grand Reopening of Brasserie with Prestigious Guest and £100k investment

China Fleet Country Club Celebrates Grand Reopening of Brasserie with Prestigious Guest and £100k investment

Saltash, Cornwall - China Fleet Country Club, in collaboration with the China Fleet Trust, is delighted to announce the grand reopening of its Brasserie, a flagship dining destination, following a £100,000 investment. The Brasserie has been completely refurbished to offer China Fleet Country Club members and guests an elevated dining experience in the stunning surroundings of Saltash, Cornwall. 
 
China Fleet Trust, a military charity dedicated to supporting Royal Navy (RN), Royal Marines (RM), Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), and Maritime Reserves personnel along with their families, has spearheaded this revitalisation effort. The Trust's commitment to providing exceptional facilities for its beneficiaries is evident in this significant investment in the Brasserie.

In a celebration of the reopening ceremony, the trustees of China Fleet Trust extended a special invitation to Carl Tester, the talented Royal Navy Chef of the Year, to inaugurate the newly refurbished facility. Carl Tester, renowned for his global culinary skills and exceptional leadership within the galley, has been instrumental in bringing culinary excellence to HMS NORTHUMBERLAND during his tenure in the Royal Navy. 

"We are honoured to have Carl Tester at our opening ceremony, he is such a talented chef. His passion, creativity, and leadership exemplify the spirit of excellence we strive for at our Brasserie.  Our Executive Head Chef, Gareth Langford was thrilled to meet him and showcase the innovative new menu he has created," said Dean Bennett Managing Director.

Carl Tester, originally from Haywards Heath in West Sussex and now residing in Plymouth with his family, has garnered accolades for his inventive menus and ability to create a sense of adventure with global flavours, even in the challenging environment of the open sea. His dedication to enhancing morale and fostering camaraderie through exceptional cuisine has made him a beloved figure among his shipmates and beyond. 

"We are thrilled to unveil the new look Brasserie made possible through the generous support of the China Fleet Trust," said Dean Bennett, Managing Director at China Fleet Country Club. "This investment underscores our shared commitment to providing outstanding facilities for our valued beneficiaries and their families." 

Located in 180 acres of breathtaking countryside on the border of Devon and Cornwall, China Fleet Country Club offers an array of amenities, including a golf course, health club, spa, and self-catered apartments, catering to a diverse demographic of visitors. 

The recent refurbishment is part of an ongoing initiative by China Fleet Country Club to continually update its facilities and enhance the overall experience for beneficiaries, members and guests. Over recent years, the Club has invested significantly in various improvements, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of hospitality and leisure offerings in the region. 

 

In addition to the investment in facilities, China Fleet Country Club has gained acclaim for its environmental initiatives, winning the prestigious Green Business Of The Year award for its commitment to sustainability. Initiatives such as the installation of Solar PV on the roof demonstrate the Club's dedication to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. Furthermore, the Club has been recognised for its exceptional service and offerings, receiving accolades such as the Wedding Venue of the Year Award for the third consecutive year and achieving a prestigious four AA stars for its quality standards. 

"We extend a warm invitation to our members and guests to join us in celebrating the reopening of the Brasserie," added Dean. "We look forward to offering an unforgettable dining experience that reflects our dedication to excellence and service." 

 

Editors Notes:  

• The China Fleet Trust - A military charity whose origins stem from the original China Fleet Club in Hong Kong. The Trust owns the entirety of the enterprise and has a mixture of current serving Royal Navy and business professionals, headed by the Chairman of the Trustees and has one permanent member of staff on site, the Chief Executive Officer.  The China Fleet Country Club Ltd operates the enterprise on behalf of the Trust and employs over 200 staff.  
•  In 2016 China Fleet Country Club celebrated its 25th anniversary by receiving a visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The Club was rededicated to commemorate this event.   
• Club employs over 230 personnel 
• Silver AFC Employer Recognition Scheme awarded 2023 
• Winner of “Planet Saver” Green business of the year by Plymouth and Devon Chamber of Commerce 2023 
• Winner of Gold accreditation by Green Tourism 
• Winner of SW wedding awards venue of the year (town) 2023 
• Sponsored HMS Oardacious in their feat of winning the World’s Toughest Row challenge across the Atlantic 
• Saw over 43,000 beneficiary visits to the Club in 2023 
• Club has installed 400KWh of solar panels over the last few years 
• The Trust has 11 Trustees, 5 of whom are current serving RN and RM The Trust is proud to be affiliated with HMS Tamar and 47 Cdo (Raiding Group) RM
• www.china-fleet.co.uk