Meet the Team

Ben has amassed over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, working his way up across several departments. Originally from Cornwall, Ben swapped the beaches for the Lakes, originally joining the hotel from 2003 – 2011 as Trainee Manager, then returning in 2022 as General Manager. Ben’s knowledge of the hotel is unrivalled, having been here through some of its biggest changes. Ben is integral to the Lakes hotel scene, also working as chair for the Lake District Hotel Association and has run the Windermere marathon twice, with a PB just shy of four hours!

Morecambe Bay Business Awards 2020 ‘Manager of the Year’, Lee-Harry joined the Lakeside at the end of 2024 with an impressive background in the hospitality industry in Cumbria. Working in all areas of hospitality throughout his career and now directing large multi-disciplinary teams in both front and back of house, Lee-Harry is committed to bringing exceptional levels of customer service to our guests at the hotel. Lee-Harry enjoys travelling and has visited Michelin starred restaurants all over the world. He also loves theatre, writing and performing his own shows.

Born in Lancashire, ‘Chef’ is a city boy turned slow-life lover. With 25 years of experience in kitchens, 20 of those in the Lake District, Adrian has worked in two and three rosette kitchens and joined our hotel in 2022. He takes a firm but fair approach to managing his kitchen, navigating the high stress environment with patience and a sense of humour. Adrian loves to eat out and try new cuisines, finding inspiration for his work. Outside of work, you’ll either find him at Anfield (hey, we can’t all be perfect) or embracing the outdoor life walking with his dog with the family.

With over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, David started as a kitchen porter and quickly progressed to management roles in various departments, from fast-paced brasseries to Michelin starred restaurants to luxury hotels. Most notably, David spent six years at Claridge’s in London and two years with the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. David sets the standard for all staff in ensuring exceptional guest experiences.

Kate has worked at Lakeside for just under two years but has been in the industry for 17. She thrives when working with people and loves the day-to-day interactions with both guests and staff. Outside of work, Kate loves being outside, cooking, and all things food and drinks (except the washing up)!

A qualified painter and decorator, Darren has been decorating, updating, maintaining and refurbishing the Lakeside Hotel since 1997, ensuring that it continues to look great and run smoothly. If there is anything to be done, Darren’s approach is fast and efficient. Outside of work, he keeps himself busy building his own kit car.

In her 20 year career in hospitality, Sam has had a breadth of experience across all departments. Leading by example and known by those in her team as ‘the best boss’, Sam joined the team in 2021, moving to the fast-paced world of housekeeping. Sam’s two main loves outside of work are long walks (that end with a pub lunch and a pint) and holidays with her family.

Dave has 17 years of experience looking after guests in front of house from around the world. He has been with us for three years and is in charge of our Reception team, setting the standard for all front of house staff. He loves working with people, both staff and guests. Outside of work, he enjoys keeping fit, great food and has occasionally been seen moonlighting as a DJ by night…

Working in hospitality since she was 14, in her parent’s butchers shop, before moving to cafes in both front of house and the kitchen, Rebecca then moved to the Lakes and ran a store for a coffee chain. In 2021, Rebecca made the jump to HR at the Lakeside and now thrives in her role looking after staff and managing everything HR-related. Despite her coffee shop barista background, she says “I cannot stand coffee!”

Having been a spa therapist since she was 18 years old, Tina reluctantly became our Spa Manager and has excelled ever since, joining Lakeside in 2021. Throughout her career, she has owned her own salon and worked in various four and five-star hotels. Outside of work, Tina is equally busy taking care of her children and her horses. She taxis her daughter to horse shows and clinics (no longer competing herself) and spends a lot of time sitting on freezing beaches watching her son surf.

Initially joining the hotel on a work experience placement with Lancaster and Morecambe College, Olivia studied hospitality before joining Lakeside full time. If you need help with an event, whether you’re a runaway bride and groom or CEO, Olivia works tirelessly to ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. Outside of work, you will find her spending time with Bertie and Louie, her gorgeous Border Terriers.

With a lifetime dedicated to horticulture, Kevin is a keen plantsman and horticulturist, having worked in some of the UK’s most spectacular National Trust gardens and as the Deputy Head Gardener for the BBC’s ‘Gardener’s World’ programme with Monty Don and Carol Klein. For just over three years, Kevin has continued the exciting style of gardening at the Lakeside. In his spare time, he writes for reputable industry magazines.