Chef Patron and chairman of Lympstone manor

Creator and visionary behind the build and creation of Lympstone manor and the holder of two Michelin stars for 18 consecutive years, he is now delighted to have been awarded a Michelin star for Lympstone Manor just six months after opening.

Read more about Michael’s journey and passion. 

operations director of lympstone manor hotel

Steve has worked closely with Michael for over 20 years. He joined Gidleigh Park in 1987 and began a close working relationship with Michael when he started there in 1994. This led to the creation and running of Michael Caines restaurants, café bars and taverns, as well as other ventures. His longstanding working relationship with Michael, along with his knowledge of the hospitality industry at all levels, and his passion for wine makes Steve an integral and vital member of the Lympstone Manor family.

Find out more about Steve’s passion for wine. 

GROUP SALES AND REVENUE AND MARKETING MANAGER

Pippa studied Hospitality Management BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University. A four year programme involved a year’s work placement with Gidleigh Park which progressed to spending just under four years working across various positions and departments which defined her ambition, career aspirations and passion for the industry.

Pippa joined the team at Lympstone in August pre-opening “Opportunities such to work at one of the most anticipated new hotels openings do not come around often and I am proud to be the team embarking on this fantastic journey”.

General Manager

With over 25 years’ experience within the travel and hospitality industries, Alex is a seasoned general manager having started his career as a Management Trainee within the Savoy Group, and on graduation he took on management roles in London properties including Blakes Hotel and Hazlitt’s Hotels.  Prior to joining the Lympstone Manor, Alex worked for a number of years at Waddesdon Manor, managed by the Rothschild Foundation on behalf of the National Trust which includes The Five Arrows Hotel and luxury wedding venue, The Dairy in Buckinghamshire. Most recently he has been at the helm of the coastal resort property, The Thurlestone Hotel in South Devon.

“I am thrilled to be working with Michael and the team at Lympstone Manor and am very much looking forward to continuing to deliver and excel the exceptional experiences and warm hospitality which sit as the essence of the hotel’s ethos.”

Assistant General Manager

Stephen joined Lympstone Manor as our opening Restaurant Manager having worked as the Restaurant Manager at the Bath Priory. He also worked for several years at Lucknam Park with managerial positions in both the Michelin starred restaurant and the Brasserie.

Since opening Stephen has taken some time out of the business to start a family, he has been welcomed back as our Assistant General Manager, after a year teaching hospitality at Bath College and inspiring the next generation.

“It is a privilege to be part of the exceptional and to help Michael achieve his vision here at Lympstone Manor. Since opening, Lympstone Manor has achieved so much both in industry recognition and projects such as the vineyard, shepherd’s huts and pool house. I am excited for the future of Lympstone Manor.”

operations MANAGER

Anca comes with a wealth of hospitality experience having spent formative years working in America and Dubai. After working closely with Michael at the Bath Priory Hotel, she then went on and spent the last four years working for Sat Bains at his Restaurant with Rooms in Nottingham. ‘’ I am extremely happy to be part of this most extraordinary and unique project. I feel very fortunate to be welcomed back into such a highly professional family and I am looking forward to being part of the team that will shape Lympstone Manor into a world class destination.’’

HEAD CHEF

Jordan has worked with Michael for over 10 years and began in the kitchen as a college student, working for Michael at the former Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter.

After impressing in that role, Jordan went on to continue his work with Michael at Gidleigh Park during which time Michael held two Michelin stars.

Jordan then spent time with the team at Williams Formula One, delivering Michael’s acclaimed Michelin-star cuisine and hospitality to the team’s luxurious motorhome facility over race weekends.

He then went on to join the team at two Michelin starred; The Green House Restaurant in Dublin before returning to work with Michael once again as a Sous Chef upon the opening Lympstone Manor in 2017.

Between working at Gidliegh Park and The Green House, Jordan suffered from a rare illness called Guillain Barre disease and was left temporarily paralysed. He spent two months in hospital, learning how to walk again and has drawn on his experience to never give up and have the attitude that anything is possible.

Last year, he was promoted to Head Chef and has since been working towards the restaurant gaining a second Michelin star.

Jordan said: “It’s been an amazing journey since I started working with Michael and it shows that any young chef can go on to make their dream a reality.”

“Working at Lympstone Manor has been incredible and we are really excited to continue to develop and build on what we have already achieved since 2017.”

ESTATE MANAGER

Shortly after relocating to Devon, Ricky joined the team at Lympstone Manor as Assistant Head Gardener before recently progressing to the role of Maintenance Manager. With around 15 years’ experience in grounds and property maintenance he is excited by the new role and is committed to ensuring the hotel continues at its existing high standards. Outside of work Ricky enjoys the style and music of the ‘mod’ era; especially riding his 1964 Vespa scooter.

VINEYARD MANAGER

Andrew’s passion for wine first started when he was 18 years old whilst working at his local wine merchant in Shrewsbury.  It was then that he wrote to vineyards in Canada and America looking for employment.  All kindly replied, but due to age restrictions on working in an alcohol related industry they were unable to offer him a position.

Leading on from this Andrew moved into the finance sector working as a stockbroker. However, his continued passion for the wine industry led him to study viticulture and winemaking at the renowned Plumpton College, East Sussex.  During and after this time he took every opportunity to fulfill his dream and worked in vineyards all over Europe. Andrew has recently returned to England to be able to bring his knowledge and experience to its dynamic and evolving wine industry.

Head House Keeper

Before joining Lympstone Manor, Claudia worked in a number of luxurious hotels across Europe and the UK.

It was whilst studying law and economy in France that Claudia first discovered her passion for the hospitality industry.

Growing up in Romania with a German father, languages have always been an interest in Claudia’s life and have driven her love of travel.

Currently she is studying Spanish and Portuguese but can speak fluently in 5 languages so feel free to say Hello.

”Over the years I have had the opportunity to work in various prestigious hotels amongst inspirational people. Without any doubt, Lympstone Manor is the highlight of my career as a Head Housekeeper and I couldn’t be more grateful for being given the chance of playing a small part in it.”

Reservations & events Manager

Joshua’s journey into hospitality began at the age of 15, working as a waiter in a boutique hotel in Exeter, Joshua discovered the heart of his ambition.

Joshua studied Business at Exeter College and then undertook an apprenticeship which allowed him to complete several NVQ’s in Hospitality Management and to gain valuable knowledge and experience within all departments of a hotel.

Joshua joined the team here at Lympstone Manor in July 2018 as a receptionist, moving onto Senior reservationist and most recently receiving a promotion to Reservations and Events Manager.

Head Sommelier

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Catering, Sylwia went on to study a Master’s Degree Business in hospitality.

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.  Sylwia has worked for some of the UK and Ireland’s finest country house hotels.  Sylwia’s background includes Hayfield Manor in Ireland, Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons and Gidleigh Park.

Sylwia has worked with Michael for over 10 years firstly working at Gidleigh Park and then at Lympstone Manor.

Sylwia is passionate about wine and is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers

Reception Manager

Born and raised in Devon, Adrianna after finishing her school years went to Exeter College to study Travel and Tourism.  Upon completion of her course, Adrianna successfully applied to Flybe to become a cabin crew member and spent 3 years with Flybe flying out of Exeter to all the popular European destinations.

In late 2018 Adrianna joined the front of house team here at Lympstone Manor as a receptionist.  Just under a year later Adrianna was promoted to Guest Services Manager and then into the role of Reception Manager.