Ben Mayou returns to Lakeside Hotel as new GM

Lakeside Hotel and Spa has announced the return of Ben Mayou as its new general manager. It revealed Mayou wants to continue the “good work” of his predecessor in enhancing the hotel’s reputation in the region and with the local community. According to the hotel, Mayou is “no stranger” to Lakeside, having spent eight years working under the previous GM, Clive Wilson. Mayou joined the hotel in 2003 as a trainee manager, “quickly” progressing to deputy manager. In 2011, Mayou then left to become general manager at Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, taking overall responsibility for the strategic operation of the 99-bedroom four-star hotel. But after a decade away, the hotel said Mayou, who was also elected chair of the Lake District Hotels Association in 2020, feels now is the “right time” to return to Lakeside. Mayou said: “I’m very excited to be back at the hotel, and it’s great to be reunited with some familiar faces. I’m keen to build on the great work and success of the hotel over many years, and we are already implementing plans to grow the team and further enhance our offering. “Set on the shore of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Hotel and Spa is a truly stunning venue for all visitors – whether that’s those who want to pop in for a beer or enjoy our fantastic spa and leisure facilities, or those that want to have dinner and stay over – there is something for everyone here. And our aim is to establish the hotel as the leading destination in the Lake District.” Richard Grime, managing director of Classic Lodges, added: “Ben was the outstanding candidate for the role. With more than 20 years’ experience, he has great knowledge of the industry and the region, and of course his eight years at Lakeside means he knows the hotel inside and out, which will help ensure a smooth transition to new management. “As we continue to emerge from the pandemic and get back to a truer sense of ‘normality’, Ben will continue to build on Clive’s legacy by playing a leading role in helping us to further enhance the hotel’s excellent reputation in the area and with the local community, and ultimately helping us to achieve our ambitious plans for Lakeside.” Classic Lodges, which has a nationwide collection of exclusive hotels, completed the acquisition of Lakeside Hotel and Spa in October 2021.