Video: Imogen collected an award at the Nottingham Post Food and Drink Awards last week
The owner of award-winning Nottinghamshire hotel Langar Hall has died suddenly in Spain.
Imogen Skirving is believed to have been killed in a road accident on Wednesday while on a family holiday.
She was well-known across the city and county for being the owner of the 19th-century country house hotel.
She died just a week after collecting the the Best Out Of Town Restaurant title at the Nottingham Post Food and Drink Awards for the second year running.
Friends and colleagues have being paying tribute today. In and email to members of her business network Catena, director Claire Bicknell said: “I know that many people will have their own stories of her delightful eccentricity to share and whilst recounting these tales there may well be a break in the voice and a tear in the eye but I am sure that all will end with a smile, remembering the self-confessed “delightfully dotty” but very astute businesswoman.
Former Labour leader Ed Miliband married Justine Thornton at Langar Hall in 2011
“Imogen saved the sale of her family home to pay death duties, by turning it into a renowned boutique country hotel, building a loyal clientele which includes many celebrities who value it as a safe haven.”
She is believed to have died after being hit by a car while walking.
The hall is running as normal following the tragedy and staff are expected to release a statement of tribute.
In a Facebook post, staff at the Manners Arms in Knipton, the Vale of Belvoir, said: “The hotel industry and the business community of Nottingham has lost one of its great treasures.
“Her eccentricity masked the brilliance of the input she had in making Langar Hall one of the premier country house hotels. She set standards we all aspire to.
“She will be missed for her kindness, warmth and approachability and as someone we all felt comfortable talking with.
“Our condolences go to the family and everyone at the Manners Arms sends heartfelt wishes to everyone at Langar Hall who must be devastated by this sad loss.
“God Bless and Rest in Peace Imogen from everyone at The Manners Arms.”
