My adventure at our hotel began on 1 May 2013. Having spent 19 years hanging around and growing up in the hotel, there was really no stopping me. After I dropped out of university, I started working for my mum. As I was rather sceptical at first and would have preferred to learn the ropes at other companies first, I found it difficult to take the plunge.

Whilst I was looking for a job, my mum asked if I’d like to help her out temporarily when she had a vacancy for a night receptionist. Of course I agreed, and I soon stopped looking for another job because I really enjoyed the work.

One night a week turned into two; two nights a week soon expanded to include daytime shifts. Eventually, I was working full-time, so we decided to stop my night shifts and take on another night receptionist. From then on, I basically became my mum’s right-hand woman, or as she always puts it so nicely: her secretary.

These days, I’m almost exclusively working behind the scenes, doing a lot of admin, minor repairs and other support tasks. I feel most at home in this behind-the-scenes role. I prefer simply to get on with things and constantly look for small improvements so that, when you visit us again, we can hopefully surprise you all over again.

In 2023, Lisa and I took over the business and we now run the hotel together. Our aim is to take the hotel to the next level and create a homely atmosphere so that everyone feels it is a home away from home. Practical considerations must give way to a warm atmosphere and homely décor.

I prefer to spend my free time with my wife Marlous and our children Bob and Juliette. I also enjoy going for a cycle to clear my head and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.