Head Chef Dolton, our culinary chatterbox, can cook up a storm while holding court on just about any topic under the sun. With a spatula in one hand and a golf club (optimistically) in the other, he dreams of greens and fairways when he's not orchestrating a symphony of flavours with the freshest local produce. Dolton, who ventured to Bearslake Inn from The Lamb in Longdown, aims to transform our 13th-century inn into a foodie's paradise. A self-proclaimed (wishful) golf pro and a car enthusiast with a garage that's almost as impressive as his kitchen, Dolton juggles being a father to two girls with the same flair he applies to his culinary creations. He's the heart and soul of our dining experience, mixing tales of fairways, horsepower, and fatherhood with a dash of culinary magic.

Chris, a.k.a. Cheffie, our Senior Sous Chef, is the culinary strong silent type of Bearslake Inn, letting his dishes do the talking—a complete foil to Dolton's chatterbox charm. An Ed Sheeran melody might be the only thing to get him humming along as he masterfully crafts his creations, blending a passion for Devon's finest ingredients with the precision of a true artist. Father to two girls, Chris balances the heat of the kitchen with the warmth of family life. With a resume that reads like a foodie's tour of Devon, Cheffie's career is steeped in the best kitchens across the county. Despite his quiet demeanor, his food sings volumes, making him a beloved pillar of our team and a favourite among guests who appreciate the symphony of flavours he brings to the table, all without saying much at all.

Meet Tom, our bar wizard and cocktail guru at Bearslake Inn, who’s not just about mixing drinks but also mixing it up in life. Behind the bar, he's known for his signature twist on classics, like the Bearslakes French Kiss 💋, a sophisticated spin on the French 75 that's become a guest favourite. Away from the shaker, Tom's life is an adventure; he's often found exploring the moors with his two Black Labradors, sneaking in some quality time with a well-poured pint and one of Chef Dolton’s unbeatable burgers in his favorite pub corner. But that's not all—Tom's on a quest for new skills, diving into the world of barbering with the aim to snip and style with the best of them, all while tackling the challenge of learning to drive. As the likely first and last face you see, Tom's multifaceted life—from his cocktail craftsmanship to his outdoor explorations and his ambitions behind the wheel and the barber’s chair—makes him an integral, unforgettable part of our team and the spirited persona welcoming you to our Inn.

Heidi, our front-of-house whizz and part-time health and social care genius, is in a heated race with Emily and Tom to see who can conquer the roads first—may the best learner driver win! When she's not buried in textbooks or behind the wheel (figuratively, for now), Heidi's crafting crochet creations that could easily start a fashion line. A secret pianist, she’s as skilled with the ivories as she is with a crochet hook. Plus, with a dad as the local falconer, she’s practically wildlife royalty. Will she be the first of our trio to trade in yarn for gears? Bearslake Inn’s very own Renaissance woman keeps everyone guessing what she’ll master next—driving, crocheting, or serenading us by the piano with an eagle-eyed view on the finish line!

Meet Chantelle, one of our fabulous Hospitality Associates, who not only serves joy on a platter but is also preparing to serve a bit more love at home—yep, she's seven months on the wonderful journey to adding another member to her family! When she's not charming the socks off our guests, Chantelle dreams about our mouth-watering 12oz sirloin steak. It's her absolute favourite on the menu, and rumour has it, it might just be the secret to her super-mum powers. Chantelle's our resident steak aficionado who proves that a well-cooked sirloin can indeed be a part of every major life milestone. Keep an eye out for her; she's the one with the biggest smile and possibly a steak fork in her apron—just in case!

Introducing Ruby, the latest gem to sparkle in the Bearslake Inn crown and our weekend warrior! Currently mastering the art of academia during the week, Ruby zooms into our world on weekends, fuelled by dreams and, quite possibly, an insatiable love for our Bearslake Signature Chocolate Bar. Yes, she's that blur you see darting from table to table, delivering gastro delights with a smile that's as sweet as her favourite treat from our menu.

When she's not lighting up the pub with her infectious energy or hitting the books, Ruby is bravely navigating the thrilling (and occasionally terrifying) journey of learning to drive. We're not sure what's more adventurous: tackling Devon's winding roads or attempting to resist the allure of our chocolate bar.

Meet Finley, the prodigy of Bearslake Inn, who's been marinating in hospitality since he could walk, making him our second most decorated veteran right after Cheffie. At the ripe age of 16, he's not just blossoming in the kitchen; he's practically chef royalty with a sprinkle of business admin savvy, aiming to be the full culinary package. A Wolverhampton Wanderers fan (a passion, or should we say, a slight misfortune passed down from his Dad), Finley's commitment to our kitchen is as steadfast as his loyalty to his team. His favourite dish? The unbeatable Sunday Roast Beef, a testament to his good taste. And while he's yet to dive into the world of alcoholic concoctions, he's our resident mocktail tester, swirling and sipping with the expertise of a seasoned mixologist. Finley's not just growing; he's flourishing, proving age is just a number when it comes to talent and passion at Bearslake Inn.

Kieran, our kitchen porter whizz kid at just 16, is proving that you can juggle plates and rock climbing ropes with equal flair. Not just content with keeping our kitchen spick and span, he's also giving Chef Dolton a run for his money, both at whipping up a storm in the kitchen and in their unofficial rock-climbing face-offs. Who'll reach the top first? It's anyone's guess. On the side, Kieran's dabbling in graphic design and product development at college, because why stick to one mountain to climb when you can conquer several? Whether it's scaling cliffs or tackling the suds in the sink, Kieran's showing us all how it's done, with a bit of cheek (quite a lot in fact) and a lot of charm. Watch out, Dolton, there's a new challenger in town, and he's armed with a sponge and climbing shoes!
 

Mandy, our head housekeeper and detail detective, runs a tight ship at Bearslake Inn, with an eye for perfection that could give a magnifying glass a run for its money. Her slightly OCD tendencies mean not a speck of dust dares settle, and even the flowers in the garden stand to attention. By night, you'll find her swapping her duster for a brandy, revealing her secret past as a fitness instructor by throwing shapes on the dance floor that would impress even the stiffest of brooms. Just don't mention her knees the next day; they're not quite as enthusiastic about her dance moves as she is. Mandy's the heartbeat of the inn, keeping everything (and everyone) in pristine condition, all while ready to bust a move, brandy in hand, at a moment's notice.

Luda, our superhero housekeeper and the Robin to Mandy's Batman, brings her superpowers all the way from Ukraine. In the face of adversity, she's found a new lair at Bearslake Inn, turning every room she touches into a masterpiece of cleanliness. Not just a whizz with a mop, Luda's infamous chocolate and banana cake has become the stuff of legend around here, fuelling our taste buds as much as coffee fuels her. While we're lucky to have her and her daughter safe with us, we're all rooting for the day Luda can safely reunite with her husband back in a peaceful Ukraine. Until then, we'll keep the coffee coming and hope for slices of that wicked cake to help sweeten the wait. Luda's not just part of the team; she's part of the heart of Bearslake Inn.