Meet the Management and Staff of BEST WESTERN Garstang Country Hotel
The Christmas day team 2012
The Management Team
James Meredith - Weddings and Banqueting Manager
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With 35 years hospitality experience at some of the country most renowned hotels including The Savoy Hotel London - 4 years as Food service Manager, London Metropole - 10 years as Food Service Manager, 7 years at The Hilton Hotel Blackpool and 3 years as Conference and Banqueting Manager at The Imperial Hotel Blackpool. James brought his wealth of experience to us in 2002 and heads up the hotels largest team of service staff for your Wedding and Banquets.
Gordon Gruby - Food and Beverage Manager
After 2 years training at Scottish and Newcastles flagship Gosforth Park Hotel before joining Whitbreads as catering development manager. During this time Gordon was instrumental in bringing in the Beefeater, TGI Fridays and Sizzling pub co brands. As a trained chef Gordon joined Garstang in 2003 as Soux chef and became head of the Food and Beverage Department in 2008.
Julie Gardner - Reception Manager
Joined the Hotel in July 2002 after leaving university, started as part time bar staff whilst working as a supply teacher until offered the Bradbeer supervisors position, Julie then trained as a Duty Manager before gaining the post of Food and Beverage Manager. In 2008 Julie took on the reception and has helped build a solid team of staff who are knowledgable and friendly.
Wendy Cookson - Conference and Events Coordinator
Although Wendy came to the hotel in 2002 with no hotel experience her customer service and administrative skills gained in banking soon proved invaluable in her role as administrative assistant. After a couple of years learning about the hotel and the service it offers Wendy then started to make the most of her interpersonal skills and took on the role of conference and banqueting administrator. In 2007 Wendy then took on Weddings and now is responsible for all events bookings in the hotel.
Lucy Thorburn - Head Houskeeper
After leaving the Rudding Park Hotel in her hometown of Harrogate in 2003 Lucy began as a supervisor within the housekeeping department here at Garstang. Within 6 months the opportunity came for Lucy to take on the Head housekeeper role and she has managed the department since. With a core staff of just 5 Lucy and her team not only clean all the accommodation but service all the conference and banqueting suites, bars, golf shop and run our own laundry.
Chris Wood - Operations Manager
With 20 years managerial experience Chris joined Gartsang in 2007 from a background of managing Nightclubs, Cabaret bars, Theatres, Visitor attractions and Hotels. Originally from Scarborough Chris crossed the pennines in 1992 and after a period on Central Pier, Blackpool Chris gained a wealth of experience managing a variety of teams in a wide range of hospitality attractions.