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Hotel manager

Karen Weisheit

Karen joined the Grove in 2017 as reception and reservations manager.  She was promoted to House Manager in 2018, followed by a promotion to Hotel Manager in 2022, and is a primary support to General Manager, Thomas Ferrante. Karen led the reception team to win the prestigious “Front of House Team of the Year” at the 2021 Hotel Cateys. Her love for hospitality began at a young age and her passion for the industry has led her to travel and work in renowned hotels across the country, including Relais and Châteaux’s Mallory Court Hotel, Gidleigh Park and Cliveden House. Throughout her career, Karen has undertaken further educational programs, and recently completed her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management.

Karen and her fiancé Ollie adore living in Pembrokeshire, and together completed the entire 186 mile walk of the Pembrokeshire National Coastal path.

Executive Chef

Douglas Balish

Born in Scotland, Douglas began his career in Ayrshire before gaining his experience in some of the top restaurants in the UK, including Bohemia and Whatley Manor, as well as the world-renowned Quay restaurant in Sydney. He joined The Tudor Room in 2014 and was first awarded a Michelin Star in 2016, which he held until he left.

Dougie joined the Grove in May 2019. His style of cooking is all about intelligently showcasing ingredients and natural flavour. He works closely with our head gardener to carefully plan planting timelines, ensuring that we have the best vegetable specification to fit his vision for each dish. A real passion to keep food miles low and showcase local produce is tangible throughout his menu at Grove.

Dougie now lives a rural lifestyle in Pembrokeshire with his growing family, you’ll often see him out and about foraging our spectacular coastline, with the clan in tow!

 

 

Head Sommelier

Cathryn Bell

Originally from Ammanford, Cathryn joined the team at Grove has Head Sommelier after 16 years away from Wales.

Cathryn gained a wealth of experience working in some of Ireland’s best hotels and restaurants, including Ashford Castle, Michelin Star restaurant Chapter One with chef Ross Lewis, and 2 Michelin Star restaurant Aimsir with chef Jordan Bailey. As Head Sommelier of Aimsir, Cathryn was part of the team that led Aimsir to the fastest debut of 2 stars in the history of the Michelin guide in Great Britain and Ireland, winning several industry awards along the way.

Cathryn hasn’t always worked in hospitality. She previously worked in international development in East Africa, having gained a degree in Swahili. But it was Cathryn’s love for making people happy that led her into the world of wine. She has a true dedication to enhancing a guests experience, by matching food and wine. When she’s not out exploring the Pembrokeshire coastline with her two dogs, she’ll be experimenting with food pairings.

Head Housekeeper

Kim George

Kim is an important member of our Grove management team in her role leading our housekeeping team. She’s passionate about creating incredible experiences for our guests and has a wealth of experience, with an eye for detail and desire for travel. Kim has worked all over the UK in 5AA star and Michelin starred establishments, more recently the Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa. She joined us as Head Housekeeper in 2021 after the third lockdown. It was one of the toughest times to join housekeeping and under Kim’s leadership, the team is going from strength to strength. Kim will soon be embarking on her ILM level 4.

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Director of Restaurants

Mourad Ben Tekfa

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Director of Marketing and Communications

Alix White

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Group People Manager

Oliver Crittenden

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Director of Wine

Alexios Stasinopoulos

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Head of Finance

Simon Ward

Head Sommelier

Alexios Stasinopoulos

Alexios joined the Grove of Narberth team in 2021, by way of Surrey, Lancashire and his native Greece. His almost encyclopaedic knowledge of all things wine has been built through working in senior sommelier roles, including time spent at Michelin restaurants Northcote, with the legendary chef Lisa Allen, and Sorrel restaurant, with Steve Drake.

He loves seeing how the Welsh and English wine offering has developed over the past few years and is proud to include a number of UK-based wines on his list. As a brandy connoisseur, he’s delighted that Grove lists the amazing 20-year-old Baron de Sigognac Bas-Armagnac.

In his previous life Alexios used to be a football referee in the Fourth Greek National Division.

Join our team

We’re always keen to talk with anyone interested in joining our team. If you’d like to work with us, please take a look at our latest vacancies and get in touch to find out more

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