In this coffee break series, we caught up with Anthony Thwaites, the Riverstone Kensington General Manager who shared some insights into why he chose Riverstone and how everything is going so far, since the opening of this Riverstone residence.

What made you choose your career and why?

I wanted a career in hospitality from an early age, initially wanting to be a chef and then leaning more towards front of house. There is an art to providing great service to people and making lasting memories and that is something I wanted to be part of Delivering that level of service at Riverstone is unique due its community environment. Relationships can be built over time that enable a more personal connection and I thrive on getting to know our residents and their friends and family.

What was the driving factor to make you choose Riverstone over anyone else?

Aside from being part of something new and exciting and working in a sector that I hadn’t before it was the Riverstone beliefs and values as an organisation that really drew me to them. When a company culture resonates so well with your own philosophies, you can feel more confident that we’re an employer you can build a career with.

What is it at Riverstone you most enjoy and why?

The people! That encompasses everyone in Riverstone – my team here in Kensington, the wider members of the business and most of all, our residents. The atmosphere is simply wonderful, making coming to work a real pleasure. Everyone values the roles we all play in making Riverstone Kensington such a fabulous place to live, visit and work.

What makes Riverstone Kensington stand out for the residents?

Riverstone Kensington is something very special, not just the quality of the design and finish and its location but the quality of the residence team and the service we provide. We are achieving such a sense of community for our residents that they are becoming extensions of our own family. It really does offer a unique environment to be part of, whether to choose to live or work here.

What has been your favourite moment at Riverstone Kensington so far?

When we finally opened the doors and our first residents moved in – the hard work had paid off and we could start taking on the roles we were brought here to do. Oh… and meeting Joanna Lumley at our opening party! That was real highlight!

Can you tell us any success stories to date?

I never tire of hearing resident feedback on how glad they are to have made the move to Riverstone and how happy they are living the life they want to live here. Equally, seeing how content and reassured their family members are too with the decision they have made to be here in Kensington. I also love the emphasis that is placed on living, and less on retirement. With a packed activity schedule and incredible facilities available to our residents, everyone at Riverstone is living life to the full and that’s a wonderful thing to be part of.

The only way I can really share what a huge success Riverstone Kensington is, is to show people. Please book a tour and come and explore this exceptional way of enjoying later life living! It really is the perfect example of ‘living a life less ordinary’ for those aged 65 and over. We also now have a new moden brasserie style menu with classic favourites at Maria G’s. Please enquire if you would like to book your table.

To arrange a tour of either our Riverstone Kensington or Fulham properties, please get in touch… Riverstone Kensington can be reached on 020 8189 7244 or Riverstone Fulham on 020 7349 1911.