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 our more about Steve’s passion for wine. 

ASSISTANT GENERAL 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.’’

SALES AND REVENUE MANAGER

Pippa studied Hospitality Management BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University. A four year programme involved a year’s work placement and Pippa approached Gidleigh Park to ask if they would welcome her to the fold and she relished the opportunity to learn from highly respected individuals in the industry.

Pippa continued to work at Gidleigh Park whilst studying and spent 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”.

Personal Assistant to Michael Caines

After spending almost 5 years living and working in London in the Filming and PR industries, Chelsey’s home of Devon was calling and in August 2016 she returned to pursue a change of career and a more Devon style lifestyle.

Chelsey works close alongside Michael, Steve and the team at Lympstone Manor. She is also involved in the properties and partners within the Michael Caines Collection, and the Exeter Festival of Food and Drink. She assists with many of the projects, charity work and selected partners as well as managing Michael’s demanding busy schedule.

GUEST SERVICES MANAGER

As a young hospitality professional Emma has flourished at two of the leading hotels in the UK.

Also a local girl Emma finds a real passion for the hospitality industry and strives in creating a unique and memorable guest experience.

Starting her career at Gidleigh Park Emma had her first insight into five-star hospitality where she found her niche working Front of House on Reception making sure the guests have a fabulous stay whilst taking care of their every need.

From Gidleigh Park Emma moved to South West Wales to join the team at the highly acclaimed Grove of Narberth taking the position of Reception & Reservations Manager, here Emma further developed her skills looking after all front desk operations making sure all guests received a very warm welcome.

Michael, Scott and the Senior team were thrilled to welcome Emma back to Devon to be a part of the opening team at Lympstone Manor, firstly as Head Receptionist then developing into her current role as Guest Services Manager.

Emma is glad to be home and cannot wait to welcome old and new friends alike to ensure they experience the exceptional when they come to stay or dine with us.

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 and Grounds Manager

Returning to the area in 2017 to join Lympstone Manor, James has finally put down firm and long awaiting roots here in Devon where his heart belongs.

James studied viticulture at Plumpton College, East Sussex. Then later went on to work for the multi-award winning English Sparkling Wine producer Hattingley Valley, in Hampshire. With the management and growing of over 60 acres of vines for UK Wine Maker of the year Emma Rice and her team, James eagerly brings his profession, passion and tenacious enthusiasm to Lympstone’s grounds and its eagerly awaited vineyard.

“It is truly an honour and privilege to be a part of Michael’s vision and creation, Lympstone Manor is a magical place with inspiration around every corner”

Find out more about our growing vineyard. 

HEAD SOMMELIER

Originally from Poland, moved to London in 2013, where I started working for Richard Corrigan in his Mayfair’s restaurant. I was lucky to have met and worked there with many passionate people and this experience has assured me that wine world is my passion for life.

After receiving my first WSET qualifications, I decided to pursue a new challenge and in autumn 2014 I became a member of Gordon Ramsay’s opening team at Heddon Street Kitchen, where I spent the next 1,5 years. Working for a large group of restaurants and having the possibility to exchange my knowledge and experience with many sommeliers was one of many benefits.

In the meantime, I was studying and preparing for Court of Masters Sommeliers courses, which I successfully finished in January 2016, becoming a Certified Sommelier by CMS.

A few months later, an opportunity to join Shangri-la Group came along. It was challenging and rewarding at the same time. A wider perspective opened up and I was able to discover and learn many new aspects of sommelier and wine manager job. Being in charge of the Wine Programme at the Hotel, constantly liasing with our suppliers to improve wine lists, creating new projects and their implementation was truly inspiring. After three years at the Shangri-la, I decided to leave London and move to the picturesque area of Devon.

An opportunity to work for Michael Caines was something I couldn’t resist..

Lympstone Manor is a project, where food and wine exist in symbiosis. I’m extremely excited to be a part of the team of most passionate people I have ever worked with. I have ‘inherited’ a fantastic wine list and will do my best to take it a step forward and make even more appealing to our guests. Alongside the wine list, managing the cellar is another exciting adventure and I Can’t wait for the next year and first harvest of our vineyard!

head housekeeper

“Originally from France, I got a Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management in 2017. After more than a year of work in the Housekeeping department in a 5-star hotel, I moved to the UK in February 2019 because I was looking for a new opportunity, new challenges as well as discovering a new country and its culture.

Every small detail here at Lympstone Manor is so important, which gives me a great sense of pride.  I am passionate about delivering the very best service,  answering to the guests requests and to see their smile so I can be sure that they have an unforgettable stay.

I am excited about the future of the hotel because I know that it is only the beginning of a very promising future.”