I joined St Michael's Manor in March 2011 as Hotel Manager after having spent the majority of my career at The Stafford Hotel, in Mayfair. I joined The Stafford as a room service waiter, after graduating from Bournemouth University with a degree in International Hospitality Management, and progressed through the ranks to Senior Assistant Manager. I then moved to The Crazy Bear Group for a short time prior to joining St Michael's. I have a great passion for hospitality and thrive upon the excellent levels of service St Michael's Manor prides itself upon.

Richard Marrett
General Manager

When I left school I was living in Scotland and was offered a position at the Berystede Hotel & Spa in Ascot. Over five years I worked my way up from a porter in the Conference and Banqueting Dept to Assistant Conference & Banqueting Manager. In 2009 we had a baby girl and I was lucky enough to come to St Michael's Manor. It's a fabulous and unique hotel with a lot of character. St Albans is a great area to work and bring up a family. My ambition is to be the General Manager of a hotel by 2016, but don't tell the boss!

Ben Strutton
Operations Manager

I consider myself to be very fortunate to have achieved the position of Head Chef here in July 2010. I started working in gastro-pubs as they became more popular, which inspired me to get an apprenticeship straight from school. I then had the chance to work with professionals like John Williams and James Holler at The Ritz in London and learn how to be creative, which I need to be with a menu that changes every week! I'm very excited at the prospect of creating my own A La Carte menus from scratch. With so many good local suppliers and such a choice of quality ingredients I'm convinced we can build on the fabulous reputation of the hotel.

Daniel Park
Head Chef

I joined the team at St Michael's Manor in 2009 as a junior receptionist and I feel very fortunate to have been given the chance to progress my career to department head. I had previously worked in the airline industry for over five years which gave me a great knowledge of all aspects of customer service. I really am enjoying working with such a friendly team in a wonderful hotel.

Lauren McKinney
Front of House Manager

I joined the hotel in 2001 and I am proud to be the longest serving employee. During my time I've seen massive improvements in the building as well as the standards of service. The team here really feels like a family, which I am sure is due in part to the private ownership. It's a real challenge to keep the hotel and restaurant in its best condition but worthwhile when I see the positive feedback from our guests. And don't forget the fabulous view!

Kerri Faulkner
Head Housekeeper

I joined the hotel to 'help out' in 2004, after a career as a sign manufacturer in London, and have been here ever since! Being a Grade II Listed Building there is always something interesting to work on, or some spur-of-the-moment issue to tackle, but it's a lovely building in beautiful gardens. I've seen great progress during my time here; from two to four stars and 22 to 30 bedrooms and I'm sure it will continue to be even more successful.

Ray Driscoll
Maintenance Supervisor

Over the last nine years my involvement in St Michaels Manor has been a great joy and I am pleased to have been part of continual improvements during this time. My background is in office management, however I originally joined as an account administrator and have subsequently added IT and HR to my responsibilities. It's truly a pleasure to work for St Michaels Manor as it such a beautiful place and makes a great change from being stuck in an office!

Angela Wakelin
Financial Controller

I have worked for the Newling Ward family for eleven years with responsibility for marketing in a variety of their leisure businesses; included are this hotel, a golf course, restaurants and pubs. Prior to this I was marketing in the IT sector and before that for several blue chip financial institutions. The beauty of working for an independent organisation is that you get to wear many hats and, as such, gaining knowledge of every part of the business is invaluable as a marketeer. St Michael's is such a wonderful and unique product I feel privileged to be able to spread the word.

Geoff Goddard
Marketing Manager