Say hello to the Rothay Garden team

Nothing gives us greater pleasure than receiving positive feedback from our guests – not because we feel the need to be praised, but simply because that means you’ve enjoyed your stay at Rothay Garden Hotel. It’s called the ‘hospitality business’ for a reason! We are here to welcome you, to look after you, and to ensure that you get everything from your holiday, short break or business trip that you hoped for.

Here’s some of the people who are working in front and behind the scenes to ensure that you have a wonderful time in Grasmere.

Chris Tomlinson - General Manager

GENERAL MANAGER
Mr Chris Tomlinson MIH

Chris joined our team as General Manager in 2020 bringing a wealth of quality experience from previous roles at four AA Red Star, 3 Rosette level including time and a Small Luxury Hotel of the World. He studied in Manchester for a BSc in Hospitality Management, and is now a member of the Institute of Hospitality (MIH). Chris is proud of the Rothay team who are – he believes – setting new standards for service and hospitality. Chris has his partner Hannah and two children Rose and Sophia.

OPERATIONS MANAGER
Mr Moses Gitaka

Moses joined Rothay Garden in January 2023 bringing with a wealth of experience in Hospitality having worked in the industry for over 30 years. His passion for hospitality started when he joined his uncle who was operating a small hotel back in Kenya after his A-Levels.

He then joined the celebrated Utalii college in Nairobi for his diploma in Front office operations going to work in various 5-star hotels in Kenya where he developed his passion for guest services. In 2003 Moses then relocated to the UK where he has worked in various roles in the Front office in the Lake District.

A keen footballer in his native Kenya, Moses has pursued his passion for the sport going on to achieve Level 1 coaching certificate which has seen him involved in coaching various age groups in the area.

 

Kevin Semple - Executive Head Chef

EXECUTIVE CHEF
Mr Kevin Semple

Kevin started his career in 2000, as a pot-wash in his local pub back home in Dumbarton, Scotland. He then spent 10 years in the Channel Islands plying and developing his culinary skills in properties including the 5-Star Grand Hotel Jersey, as Executive Chef of the 4-Star Duke of Richmond, and the 5-Star Old Government House. At the Rothay Garden Restaurant he has continued our tradition of using local ingredients from the Lake District’s abundant sources of fine food.

Robbie Botorea - Restaurant & Bars Manager

RESTAURANT & BAR MANAGER
Mr Robbie Botorea

Robbie joined us in September 2016 after moving here from Romania with his wife, Maria. Although he didn’t have previous training in hospitality, his experience in business and sales meant that he had the service ethic and skills to quickly adapt, and quickly rose up to become our Food and Beverage Manager. Robbie’s passion for working in hospitality comes from meeting and getting to know new people each day. As a fitness enthusiast Robbie also enjoys exploring the local fells at his leisure. If you ask Robbie, every day here is “beautiful”!

Cati Armasu - House Keeping Supervisor

HOUSE KEEPING SUPERVISOR
Mrs Cati Armasu

Cati joined us as a member of the housekeeping team, and was then promoted to housekeeping supervisor having shown an appetite for hard work and bringing the experience gained from her previous role at Forest Side Hotel to great effect. She is very happy and proud to work alongside a friendly team, achieving new goals together and delivering great customer service at high standards to all of our guests.

Victoria Bailey - Duty Manager

DUTY MANAGER
Victoria Bailey

Victoria is one of our longest standing team members. She joined us straight from catering college in 1997. She has worked in pretty much every department at Rothay Garden Hotel, and has found her vocation at front of house. She is passionate about her work and loves talking to guests about their day. Victoria enjoys spending days out in the Lake District with her three children.