The Samling, Ambleside Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LR
Tel: +44 (0) 1539 431 922
People
Graeme Hedley, Sommelier and Deputy Manager
Over fourteen years in the catering industry has seen Graeme develop his passion for wine. Having worked for Laura Ashley in Llangoed Hall and Reg Gifford at Michael’s Nook in Grasmere, Graeme moved to Oddbins to further his wine knowledge.
He is currently Deputy Manager at the Samling where he has exercised his passion to the full in developing an extraordinary wine list of great depth and distinction.
Nichola Mortimer, Reservations and Events Manager
Nichola has hospitality in her blood, having spent the last twenty years working in the family hotel and catering business. She has recently joined us as Reservations and Events Manager.
Ted Cook, Finance Manager
Ted brings almost 35 years of experience working in the finance department of the electricity industry and when he is not counting the beans he is out walking on the fells or playing squash.
Chris Meredith, Head Chef
Chris returned to his native North West after a long spell in London, taking in the Great Eastern Hotel and Aubergine Restaurant. Previously he had training at most of the best restaurants in the North of England including Michael’s Nook and The Chester Grosvenor.
Since taking the helm at The Samling in January 2002, he has been instrumental in helping The Samling to establish such a well-deserved reputation for the quality of its cuisine, culminating in winning “Best Lake District Restaurant 2002” at the Lancashire and Lake District Life Magazine Awards.
Jason Birkbeck, Sous Chef
Jason comes from Kendal in Cumbria and originally trained as a pastry chef at Gleneagles before moving to Switzerland. Before joining The Samling, he was Sous Chef at Northcote Manor and won the Restaurant Association’s Young Chef of the Year Award. Jason is currently Sous Chef at The Samling.
