Lindeth Howe celebrates century of service by staff

Lake District hotel, Lindeth Howe, has achieved a milestone in staff retention, with seven key team members representing a combined 100 years of service at the property.

Located near Lake Windermere and once owned by children’s author Beatrix Potter, the hotel’s achievement “stands out” in an industry where staff turnover rates typically exceed 80% annually.

General manager Tony Holden, who has led the property for 20 years, credits the team’s longevity to the hotel’s award-winning status and strong guest satisfaction ratings. 

Among the longest-serving staff are F&B manager Sunil Gray-Burke and housekeeping manager Nickeisha Gray-Burke, both originally from Jamaica, who have each devoted 21 years to the hotel.

The couple originally worked at the same hotel in Jamaica before independently emigrating to Cumbria, where they reconnected at Lindeth Howe. 

Meanwhile, deputy general manager Clare Bateman has contributed 14 years of service, specialising in the hotel’s wedding business, while head chef Ryan Lee brings eight years of experience developing menus that blend local Lake District ingredients with Caribbean influences. 

Breakfast chef Tomas Petrolionis from Lithuania has maintained morning service standards for nine years, and gardener Mark Bateman has spent seven years maintaining the property’s six-acre grounds.

According to Holden, the retention achievement has delivered tangible business benefits including reduced training costs, consistent service delivery, and deep institutional knowledge that enables efficient operations.

He said: “One hundred years of combined experience is an incredible achievement. Our team’s hard work, dedication and commitment have not only shaped the success of the hotel, but have also inspired us all.”