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Meet Sean Granger, General Manager of Granny Mouse Country House & Spa

 

The behind iconic Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, a stunning 32-roomed establishment situated in Balgowan, is Sean Granger and his team. We had the pleasure to find out more about his background and what Granny Mouse has on offer.

 

 

So Who is Sean and Where Did his Career Start?

Hailing from Cape Town, Granger found a new home in the Midlands – and loves it!

 “Granny Mouse Country House and Spa is aligned perfectly with my service standards and our, 'home away from home,' runs through the veins of everyone who works here” Granger adds.

 

Described by his colleagues as a “dedicated and experienced professional” - Granger’s multitude of experience stems over a 25 years – having earned him his “hospitality stripes”.

 

Having managed a number of hotels in the country, including the 5-star Greenways Boutique Hotel in Claremont from 2005 to 2006 and the Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards in Franschhoek from 2007 to 2013, Granger’s standard of service delivery is a top priority.

 

Hard work always seemed to be in Granger’s genes. On completion of Matric, he did not hesitate to jump into the working world, taking up a position under his father at Translux Passenger Services as a bus host where he worked closely with numerous hotels from 1996 starting his hospitality career as a Receptionist. He then moved on to become the Assistant General Manager at La Couronne Hotel & restaurant in 2001 until taking a short post at Hotel Le Vendome as Rooms Division Manager and then Front Office Manager at Spier Resort Management in the same year.

 

During his time in the industry there have been a multitude of hotels having scooped awards under his management. Some of the achievements include Diners Club Winelist Competition’s Gold Winner in 2009 and Diamond Winner in 2011, as well as Eat Out People’s Choice Awards for Best Dining, Best Views to Dine At and Best Hotel Restaurant, all received in 2008. Of recent, 3rd place for Best Accommodation for the Great Wine Capitals of the World competition was achieved in 2012. Diamond Awards from 2013 to 2019 for Granny Mouse Country House & Spa Wine List.

 

Since being at the helm of Granny Mouse, Granger and his team has bagged an incredible number of prestigious local and international awards.

 

When he is not at work, he enjoys rugby and golf and spending time with friends on a regular basis. He also watches the industry closely, new trends for international and local markets.

  

What Services Does Granny Mouse Offer?

Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, lies Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, the perfect combination of relaxation and luxury. With a heritage spanning 30 years, award-winning cuisine and wine, coupled with a host of elegant accommodation options, Granny Mouse Country house has customised their ethos of being a, “home away from home!”

 

With a number of valuable assets setting Granny Mouse apart – with the award winning Eaves Fine Dining Restaurant, Diners Club Diamond Award winning wine list, newly refurbished Bistro, complete with the conservatory, beautiful gardens and Spa that includes a wide selection of treatments to choose from – it’s the perfect escape from the city!

• 32 luxuriously decorated rooms
• On-site Spa
• 2 x swimming pools
• Pool deck
• The Bistro Restaurant
• Eaves Restaurant (fine dining)
• Caversham Conference Centre & Wedding Venue
• Cigar & Whisky Bar
• Chapel
• Wine Cellar

     

 

What can you say is unique about Granny Mouse and what makes her a perfect destination?

Granny Mouse is a destination steeped in history, having opened our doors more than 30 years ago, and in its own right, is the grand old dame of the KZN Midlands. Throughout the years, the property has become synonymous with luxury, decadent dining and impeccable service.

 

That being said, the property is constantly upgrading its décor and facilities to ensure that it remains aligned with both local and international design trends. Such upgrades include the construction of the new Bistro Conservatory, creating the most magical sky-lit dining area, the expansion the decking around the Caversham Conference Centre & Wedding Venue, and the refurbishment of the Mouse & Lion Bar.

  

 

Other Reasons:

One of the few destinations that has a wine cellar (which you can dine in for special occasions)

The Eaves Restaurant (Fine Dining – very few places have fine dining anymore)

Overall romantic atmosphere, including fire places in every room 

 

What challenges did COVID_19 bring to Granny Mouse and how have you been able to mitigate those challenges?

"Operating during Covid times was initially a huge challenge for the team, as the hard lockdown period meant no guests, which for many hospitality entities was devastating. That being said, our team sprang into action and spent the time re-painting rooms, planting in the gardens and testing out new recipes."

 

"One can say that I am very proficient on mowers, brush cutters and trimmers to say the least.

Once we were allowed to have guests back on site, we implemented strict Covid protocols, which meant the removal of many of the “softs” items in our rooms, including scatter cushions and magazines, and prior to booking in, guests were required to complete stringent track and trace forms. It was very difficult for guests to acclimatise to the new covid way of things, but none the less the team pushed forward and stood by the protocols in true support of our guests."

 

"Our Bistro buffets were removed, as were our standard menus, which were replaced by printed la carte menus, and each diner was provided with a sealed cutlery bag, which included mini sauces.

All staff and guests are still required to wear their masks on site, and every precaution was made in regards to constant sanitising of all areas of the hotel."

 

What Can Travellers/ Guests Expect in 2022? Do You Have Any Specials Running Currently?

 

"The Mousse and Wine Pairing is the only of its kind in South Africa and was introduced in 2021 with huge success."

 

   

  

      

 

Current Hot Specials

THE GM WONDER 2021/2022

Valid from 1 April 2021 - 31st March 2022

 

A 3-night stay for a couple includes:

• Accommodation, Bed & Breakfast
• A 30 minute Back, Beck & Shoulder spa treatment, per person
• A 30 minute Indian Head Massage, per person
• 6 bottles of wine to take home upon departure
• A Mousse & Wine Pairing  per person (arllegies)

 

Rooms are sold on a first come, first served basis!

The earlier your book, the better room you get!

 

THE GM WONDER 2022/ 2023

Valid from 1 January 2022 - 31 March 2023

 

A 2-night stay for a couple includes:

• Accommodation, Bed & Breakfast
• A 30 minute Back, Neck & Shoulder Treatment, per person
• 6 bottles of wine to take home upon departure
• A Liqueur & Chocolate Tasting Tease, per person

 

In Conclusion

I personally stayed at Granny Mouse before, for 6 nights. Trust me, those 6 nights was enough. Granny Mouse stole my heart. The service I received was phenomenal! My highlights were the check in (I got a a glass of sparkling wine), the food and restaurant service was amazing, and lastly the turndown service! Coming from dinner on a cold evening to a warm room with a blazing fireplace! 

 

Have you stayed at Granny Mouse before? Share your experience. What was your highlight? 

 

The Natal Midlands has many hospitality establishments, but there's Granny Mouse. If you haven't stayed there, try them.