The awards were made after 14 finalists gathered, chosen from 60 staff nominated from hotels and tourist businesses across Cumbria.
The winners were Marcell Cilliers, Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa, Group Operations Manager for Lake District Hotels (Outstanding Leader); Jean Smith, Damson Dene Hotel reception (Lake District Ambassador); Mark Maynard, Lindeth Howe Hotel, food and beverage assistant (Rising Star); and Claire Ives, Langdale Estate sales manager (Support Star).
The awards were organised by the Lake District Hotels Association supported by the Lakes Hospitality Association, LWC Drinks and Caterite.
The finalist judges for the awards were leading figures from across the hospitality sector: Geoff Atkinson, former owner of the Salutation Hotel in Ambleside, Mike Bevans, former owner of the Linthwaite House Hotel, Beth Evans, Head of Sales for Caterite and Debbie Pyrah, account manager for LWC Drinks.
They said that Marcell “demonstrates all the attributes of a great leader and brings the best out of all his team. His management style is clearly appreciated by all those who work for him.” Jean Smith “is an amazing example of loyalty combined with her dedication to delivering the best possible welcome and guest experience of the lakes. She lives and breathes the region.”
Mark Maynard, they said, used hospitality “to change the direction of his life and is using the opportunity that hospitality has given him to develop and advance himself.” And Claire Ives “demonstrates her joy at being part of the Langdale business and shows her passion to support her team. Always goes above and beyond what is expected of her.”
Presenting the awards, chair of the LDHA Michael Coletta quoted the the author Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel.”
He said: “In our industry, we aren’t just selling rooms, pouring drinks, or serving meals. We are in the business of creating lasting memories. We provide comfort, warmth, and joy against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.”
He added: “You were not chosen by an outside panel or a distant committee. You were nominated by the people who see you grind every single day—your peers, your teammates, and your managers. In hospitality, we can fool a guest with a quick smile on a tough day. But you cannot fool your team. They see the extra miles you walk, the double shifts you pull, and the quiet ways you support those around you. To be nominated by the people who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you in the trenches is the ultimate validation.”
Each of the winners received a cheque for £500.
Photo: Jean Smith, Mark Maynard, Claire Ives, Marcel Cilliers