Dartmoor Inn & Our Team

At Bearslake Inn our strength is in our team. Whether you are staying in one of our Dartmoor Inn inspired rooms, dining in our restaurant or just popping in for a quick drink we always want to make you feel like the Inn is your Dartmoor home from home. Our team is always on hand to help, so, why not check out who you could be meeting?

Julian

Julian, our ale-loving, history-hoarding captain, set his course for the historic Bearslake Inn six years back, chasing a dream peppered with cask ales and tales of yore. Catching Julian for a chat is like playing tag with a ghost—he's here, there, then poof! Off to his government day job. But come summer, he's the king of the lawn, ruling atop his trusty steed (a ride-on mower, that is), with a real ale in hand. A carnivore at heart, Julian's idea of a feast involves venison, steak, and a side of cheese, all washed down with a distinguished 10-year-old tawny port. If you're looking for local lore or a guide to the perfect ale, Julian's your man—just be sure to look for him mowing circles in the garden first!

Lisa

Lisa, known as Julian's "better half" and the gin to his tonic, rules the roost at our picturesque Dartmoor Inn with a marketer's savvy and a tourist's eye. She's the captain of this ship, navigating through daily inn life with a flair that only a true Dartmoor and gin lover could muster. Leading a crew of equally enthusiastic teammates, she's the heart and soul of the inn. But, a word of caution: mention Gary Barlow around her, and you're in for a marathon chat session! Her go-to feast? A comforting cottage pie, sinfully good chocolate mousse, topped off with a zesty NZ Sauvignon Blanc. Lisa's mix of passion, prowess, and a slight Gary Barlow obsession makes every day at the inn an adventure—with a soundtrack, of course!

Poppy

Poppy, the pint-sized powerhouse of Bearslake Inn - Dartmoor Inn, may have been more West Highland Terrier than West End manager, but she ruled the roost with a wag and a woof. At a grand 16 and a half years old, she perfected the art of the scruffle, championed the championship-level nap, and still stars on her own Instagram—because legends never really retire, do they? Her realm was the garden, her playground the stream, and her subjects the chefs, whom she expertly trained to dispense pub dog treats on command. While Poppy has trotted over the rainbow bridge, her spirit romps on, probably wishing she could join the parade of visiting pub dogs for a grand game of chase. Remember, every wagging tail and happy bark at Bearslake is a tribute to Poppy, the forever queen of the inn, who knew the secret to eternal youth: a good scruffle, endless treats, and the adoration of her human and canine court.

Dolton

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

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.

Simon

Meet Simon, our Restaurant & Front of House Manager, whose past life as a Coastguard has lent him a unique blend of discipline and warmth, making our dining experience truly unforgettable. Simon's passion for excellence is matched only by his love for Lego and a sharp sense of style, often spotted in his signature waistcoat. While he's a man of many interests, we've learned it's best not to mention rabbits—his home is a bustling warren thanks to his wife's 20 furry friends! When it comes to our menu, Simon can't get enough of our locally caught venison, a testament to the quality and flavour of our offerings. His drink of choice? A pint of Sam's Cider or Shanky's Whip, reflecting his appreciation for fine, local beverages. Simon's unique blend of interests and his commitment to our guests' experience make every visit to our pub a memorable one.

Stevie

Stevie, our resident ray of sunshine, is not just a mother of two but also our undercover hair magician. Need a quick trim or a beauty tip while sipping your Prosecco? She's got you covered, scissors in one hand, Prosecco in the other. When she's not weaving her magic in the salon, you'll find Stevie conquering the great outdoors, one charity walk at a time, all while somehow finding the time to renovate her house. Is there anything she can't do? When it comes to unwinding, Stevie's go-to is a glass of bubbly Prosecco paired with our irresistible olives and flatbread. She's the life of the party, with a knack for making everyone feel right at home while possibly plotting your next hairstyle.

Tom

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 favourite 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.

Finley

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

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

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

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 - Dartmoor Inn.