What attracted you to hotels?
I fell into it, when I was 16, I needed a job so I started as a housekeeper in hotels, then I did my A-levels, then I went to university to study hospitality. I've never left the industry since.
What do you enjoy most about your industry?
I like that it's different. I like that no two days are the same. I like that it's flexible that I can have weekdays or weekends off. There's no set regime.
When you make someone’s day, or you've been part of something special and you can see that you’ve made someone really happy, especially when you're doing things like weddings or anniversaries. We have a lot of proposals here, so you're really being a part of big moment in their life.
What makes staying at The Tawny so special?
The hotel is in 70 acres of grounds, which have been completely deconstructed and have been developed on over the last 80 years.
You're literally in the valley, it's so secluded. You'd never know the hotel is here. You come down the drive, look to your right and it's just these lovely rolling hills and valleys. I love that you have your own space, so you're not in a stuffy hotel corridor or stuck in your room. You've got your own balcony. You feel like you have your own little house, so to speak.
Biggest achievement to date?
I would say opening The Tawny, it was one of the biggest challenges that I underestimated in my life.
It was hard. It was like open a housing estate because it wasn't just one building, there's multiple buildings. There are boilers and we're completely off grid, so we have a CHP power plant.
Obviously, nothing really goes to plan when you open hotel and it's my first hotel opening and to see what it was when we opened and see where it is now, I think yeah, that is probably my biggest achievement and it's great because it's been the same team from the start.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Take every opportunity you’re given, even if you feel scared, just take it. If anyone gives you an opportunity to learn something new, just take it because it could open new doors.
Who’s your biggest influence?
When I was younger it was Alex Polizzi, but since working in the industry I’d say one of my previous general managers, Stephen Quick, who ran InterContinental Hotels Group. I've always led by his example because he always managed to create the best teams and get the best out of his teams.
Where’s your favourite place to stay in the UK?
I love St. Ives. Cornwall has great hotels, like the Scarlet is fantastic. When the sun shines you feel like you're abroad. It's just phenomenal. So yeah, St. Ives.
Where’s a place you’d like to visit but haven’t yet?
I've not tackled the Lake District and I keep seeing Another Place appear and I'm just like, I need to stay there and do the Lake District. It just looks phenomenal. So, it's definitely on my list this year.
