Staff at the Pelham House Hotel in Lewes
Paul Morgan - General Manager
Mine is a privileged role within a wonderful historical building, a secret oasis just off Lewes High Street. The duties are all-encompassing which may involve meeting and greeting guests, hosting wine dinners, facilitating meetings or paying bills and parking cars. I am very hands-on and divide my time between administration and operational duties throughout the departments.
What I love about Pelham House…
Due to the wonderful setting in such a unique little town, the team within the hotel can create a wonderful welcoming atmosphere, almost like an extension of their own homes which is always appreciated by our guests. Lewes has its fair share of vibrant characters and we have a very diverse client base who visit the hotel for many different reasons - whether a meeting, wedding, special occasion, art exhibition or simply a glass or two of wine or Champagne on the fantastic terrace.
Outside of work I most enjoy…
A glass of wine. My idea of heaven is visiting wine-producing regions and all that goes with it. My particular favourites at the moment are Fino and Manzanilla from Jerez in Spain, some of the more unusual Italian whites from the South such as Felerio and Fiano and everything Alsace. I am dragging my family back to Puerto Santa Maria this summer so I can spend my time in the beautiful cathedral-like bodegas sipping chilled Fino while they enjoy the sea and sun!
If I was the Mayor of Lewes…
I would have to continue with the development of the town as a tourist destination. Lewes is so pleasing on the eye sat in an area of outstanding natural beauty with food, wine and beer producers on the doorstep with fantastic rail, road, sea and air links. Why would you not want to shout from the rooftops about the place?
Glenn Lester - Head Chef
My role at Pelham is to oversee everything to do with food within the hotel. Working closely with the operations and sales teams, I create the menus for all our outlets including our 60-seater restaurant, private dining rooms and our bar, as well as afternoon tea and room service and our busy banqueting and conference events.
There is also the training, administration and purchasing accountability that is a little less glamorous but an essential requirement to keep the department in order.
What I love about Pelham House.....
Is its close proximity to so many purveyors of fine produce - the resources we have at our fingertips are second to none. Where I can, I incorporate these fine ingredients into my menus and have developed some great working relationships with some great local people.
The diversity of our offerings and our willingness to offer guests bespoke menus and dining experiences constantly challenge the kitchen’s skills and experiences. I am extremely proud of my team who work hard to keep within financial targets and meet deadlines whilst constantly exceeding our guests’ expectations.
Outside of work I most enjoy.....
Spending time with my young family and a spot of fishing, usually at night on a quiet riverbank, or if I have the time off the Sussex coast with a couple of friends. Of course, I also enjoy cooking a fine meal with a good glass of full bodied red.
If I was the mayor of Lewes…I’d relax the parking laws making it more inviting for families and visitors. I’d also increase the profile of Pells Pool with the slogan: “This is wonderful area to just kick back!”
John Hockley - Restaurant Manager
I am responsible for the day to day running of the restaurant, bar and lounge. I also organise wine dinners and other gastronomic events.
What I love about Pelham House…
I love the location in the rolling South Downs. The size of the hotel means we can give really personal service to our guests and get to know our regulars.
Outside of work, I most enjoy…
Playing golf, fishing and visiting vineyards to taste new wines.
If I was Mayor of Lewes…
I'd create more allotments so the residents could enjoy home grown produce.
Ivana Gowing - Front Desk and Reservations Manager
Together with my lovely team, I look after our guests when they come through the door. We also look after the needs of our residents and organise any bedroom reservations.
What I love about Pelham House…
I like the friendly and informal atmosphere, our lovely garden and its location in Lewes.
Outside of work I most enjoy…
Relaxing in the garden.
If I was mayor of Lewes…
I’d organise a dedicated website promoting Lewes as a great place to visit and spend few days in.
Andrea Ashwood - Front of House Manager
I am responsible for the housekeeping department and maintenance of the bedrooms.
What I love about Pelham House…
Every day has a new challenge.
Outside of work, I most enjoy…
Going for walks and reading.
If I was Mayor of Lewes…
I’d look at changing the parking in the town
Grant Stallwood - Assistant Manager
I look after the busy food and beverage department within the hotel, along with my great team of managers. We ensure that we deliver a great customer experience whether you are dining in the restaurant, having a private party or enjoying a large event.
What I love about Pelham House…
Being an independent hotel we encourage the staff and managers to think outside of the box and make things happen.
Outside of work I most enjoy…
Nights out with the team. I also enjoy relaxing at home and spending as much time (weather permitting) enjoying the coastline and doing water sports.
If I was mayor of Lewes…
Make it carbon neutral.
Abi Stevenson - Business Development Manager
I oversee the day-to-day running of the sales office, which is responsible for booking all of the business at the hotel, while making sure that the rest of the team knows what is going on each day. We look after bedroom bookings, weddings, conferences and lots of family events and parties. I also attend lots of networking events and trade shows to let everyone know about Pelham House and what we do here.
What I love about Pelham House…
It is a fantastic place to work. It’s easy to forget sometimes what a beautiful building it is, and I love its quirks and nooks and crannies. It is also a brilliant team to work with - working in hotels can often mean lots of long hours but everyone looks out for each other and we spend lots of time laughing.
You get to see little snapshots of moments in people’s lives - their wedding day, a christening or a memorial service - and you hope you go some way to helping create a fantastic memory for them and their families.
Outside of work I most enjoy…
Socialising with my friends. I enjoy going out and letting my hair down after a hard day’s work with a nice cold gin and tonic. I also don’t have a TV so I spend lots of time reading and listening to the radio. I have signed up to do the London to Brighton bike ride so am busy trying to fit in as much cycling as possible.
If I was mayor of Lewes I’d…
I would probably declare November 5th and 6th a special bank holiday just for Lewes, the 5th to spend getting ready and enjoying the celebrations for Bonfire Night and the 6th to give everyone’s ear drums a day to recover.
Lindsey Best - Conference and Events Manager
As an operational role, I am hands on with all conferences and events within Pelham House. This includes liaising with the sales team on set-ups and working with the kitchen during the event regarding catering requirement.
The events range from small gatherings in our meeting rooms, team building conferences in the Terrace Room and also wedding breakfasts in the Chamber amongst others.
What I love about Pelham House…
I enjoy being part of a small team that works together to ensure that the day-to-day running of the hotel and restaurant are exceeding our guests’ expectations. Pelham House is a unique venue and is suited to so many events and functions.
I enjoy being able to create a unique event for each client and seeing guests leaving happy. Weddings are my favourite event, as each one is so different. It is always a pleasure to welcome guests who have not been here before to see it in its full glory with flowers and draping and all the wedding paraphernalia!
Outside of work I most enjoy…
Being able to spend time in Brighton, shopping in the Lanes, watching crowds from a coffee shop or sitting on the beach. I also love going out for lunch or dinner and trying new restaurants.
If I was mayor of Lewes I’d….definitely hold all of my dinners and events at Pelham House and have a large garden party every year in the grounds!
Simon Purcell - Maintenance Man
With Pelham House being such an old building, there is always something different to do each day. I have regular ongoing jobs to take care of, but other tasks will arise which require immediate attention, so there really are no two days alike.
What I love about Pelham House…
I really like the fact that it is such an old building and the surprise you get at the size of the garden. All the members of staff are a great bunch to work with and being able to talk with the guests can also be very interesting.
Outside of work I most enjoy…
Relaxing with a book or a crossword puzzle. I am also very keen on motor sports and athletics. Another interest of mine is architecture - I really don't like many modern buildings but castles fascinate me as well as old churches and cathedrals.
Like the pyramids, they were built by men without any of the machinery that we have today. The workings of the stonework, which was all done by hand, and the enormous weight of many of the pieces would shame most of us today.
If I was mayor of Lewes I’d….
I would immediately get rid of the parking wardens and insist on free parking for all.
