The Champagne Academy
Nick Bromhead
Past Chairman 2024
2015
"My journey in hospitality began at the age of 15, clearing tables in a local restaurant, but it was the Champagne Academy that truly shaped my professional direction and continues to influence how I lead today.
I joined the Academy as part of the 2015 cohort while working at The Ritz London, where I was responsible for Champagne experiences and signature dinners. The programme deepened my understanding of Champagne far beyond product knowledge. It strengthened my appreciation for craftsmanship, storytelling and service excellence, and introduced me to a network of like minded professionals who remain an important part of my career.
The impact of the Academy extended well beyond the course. The confidence, connections and perspective I gained have directly influenced my progression into senior leadership roles, including Hotel Manager positions at Belmond Cadogan Hotel and now at 1 Hotel Mayfair. Today, I lead multidisciplinary teams across Rooms, Food and Beverage, Spa and Engineering at a flagship sustainable luxury property, where I strive to embed the same values I experienced through the Academy: curiosity, generosity of knowledge and a commitment to creating meaningful guest experiences.
In 2018, I was honoured to join the Champagne Academy Committee, and in 2024 to serve as Chairman. Both roles allowed me to give back to an organisation that has given me so much, while helping to shape the next generation of hospitality professionals.
The Academy reinforced my belief in hospitality’s power to change lives, for both guests and colleagues. It continues to influence how I develop talent, build culture and champion excellence every day. I am passionate about inspiring future hoteliers and supporting others on their own Academy journey, just as so many did for me."
Nick
Champagne Quick Fire
What is your most memorable Champagne moment?
"One of my most meaningful Champagne moments came in 2024, when I had the privilege of chairing the Champagne Academy course. Returning as Chairman nearly a decade after joining as an academician in 2015 was both humbling and deeply rewarding. Standing alongside industry peers and welcoming a new cohort reminded me just how powerful the Academy experience can be.
What made it especially memorable was seeing first hand the same curiosity, energy and passion that first inspired me, now reflected in the next generation of hospitality professionals. Guiding discussions, sharing experiences, and watching connections form over beautifully crafted Champagnes reinforced everything I value about our industry: generosity of knowledge, genuine human connection, and a shared commitment to excellence.
It was a full circle moment that reaffirmed the Academy’s lasting impact on my career and strengthened my commitment to giving back, supporting future cohorts, and continuing to champion Champagne education within hospitality."
How did you start your career in Wine & Champagne?
"My journey into Wine and Champagne began organically through hospitality rather than formal wine training. While working in Food and Beverage at The Ritz London, I was entrusted with managing the Champagne calendar and hosting regular Champagne dinners. That responsibility sparked a deeper curiosity about Champagne, not just as a product, but as a story of place, craftsmanship and celebration.
Wanting to build my knowledge properly, I joined the Champagne Academy in 2015. That experience transformed my understanding of Wine and Champagne and gave me the confidence to speak with authenticity, lead experiences with purpose, and embed Champagne storytelling into guest journeys. More importantly, it introduced me to an inspiring community of professionals who continue to influence my career today.
Since then, Champagne has remained a constant thread throughout my leadership journey. The Academy shaped how I approach service, education and team development, and it continues to influence how I create meaningful, memorable experiences for guests while mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals."
What is your current role in the industry?
"I am currently the Hotel Manager at 1 Hotel Mayfair in London, where I lead multidisciplinary teams across Rooms, Food and Beverage, Spa and Engineering at one of the city’s flagship sustainable luxury hotels.
1 Hotel Mayfair is built around a simple but powerful mission: to connect guests to nature while inspiring conscious travel. Sustainability sits at the heart of everything we do, from thoughtful design and responsible sourcing to meaningful community partnerships and colleague engagement. My role focuses on delivering exceptional guest experiences while ensuring we operate with care for both people and the planet.
Alongside operational leadership, I am deeply passionate about developing future hospitality leaders, building strong cultures, and creating environments where teams can thrive. The values I gained through the Champagne Academy, craftsmanship, storytelling and genuine connection, continue to guide how I lead and how we bring memorable experiences to life every day."
3 Interests Outside of The Champagne World
"Photography - I love capturing moments through photography, whether it is travel landscapes, city details, or candid family memories. It is a creative outlet that helps me slow down, notice the small things, and see places and people from a different perspective.
Travel and discovering new cultures - Travel continues to inspire me, from exploring new destinations to experiencing different food, wine and hospitality traditions. Every trip brings fresh ideas that I love bringing back into my work, especially when it comes to storytelling and guest experience.
Family time - Most importantly, I enjoy spending time with my family. Whether it is weekend adventures, holidays together, or simply being present at home, these moments keep me grounded and remind me why creating meaningful experiences matters so much."
What is your favourite quote?
"“People may forget what you said or what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
This quote resonates deeply with me because it captures the heart of hospitality. Every interaction is an opportunity to create a lasting impression, whether with guests or colleagues, and it reminds me that genuine connection and care sit at the centre of everything we do."
Why Champagne?
"Because Champagne creates moments. It brings people together, marks milestones, and turns simple gatherings into lasting memories. Through the Champagne Academy, I learned that behind every bottle is a story of passion, patience and craftsmanship, values that mirror everything I love about hospitality.
For me, Champagne is not just a wine. It is connection, celebration and shared experience, and that is why it continues to inspire me every day."