People Behind the Grange Hotel

People Behind the Grange Hotel: A Team That Feels Like Family

Behind every freshly made bed, every perfectly plated dish, and every warm welcome at reception is a team of passionate people who make the Grange Hotel what it is: a home of quiet elegance, genuine hospitality, and unforgettable service.

Our hotel has been part of the Grange-over-Sands landscape for over 150 years, but it’s the people who bring the place to life every single day. From local faces to international talent, meet the individuals who make your stay extraordinary.

General Manager: Sam Gombos

With years of experience in high-end hospitality, Sam Gombos leads the team with vision, heart, and an unwavering commitment to service. Sam is known for his hands-on approach — you’re as likely to find him greeting guests in the lobby as you are checking quality in the kitchen.

Originally from the Lake District, Sam brings local insight to every aspect of your stay. His passion for the property and his people is evident in everything the Grange Hotel does.

“We want every guest to feel seen, heard, and cared for — whether they’re staying for one night or two weeks.”

Assistant General Manager: Katie Howson

Katie is the heartbeat of day-to-day operations. With a warm, approachable presence and a deep knowledge of the hotel’s history and rhythm, she’s your go-to person for all things local — from dinner reservations to secret walking routes.

Katie also leads guest experience and staff training, ensuring that every interaction is thoughtful, polished, and personal.

Culinary Team: Passionate About Provenance

Our chefs blend classic British flavours with local Cumbrian ingredients to create comforting, elegant meals throughout the day. They work closely with regional suppliers, using everything from Cartmel valley lamb to Grasmere cheeses and freshly baked breads from nearby villages.

While the menus rotate seasonally, the philosophy stays the same: keep it fresh, local, and satisfying.

“There’s a story behind every ingredient,” says the Head Chef. “We want our guests to taste the Lake District on every plate.”

Housekeeping: Attention to Every Detail

Our housekeeping team is a quiet force of nature. Their work may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is unmistakable. From spotless rooms to perfectly folded linen and thoughtful touches, this team ensures every space feels fresh, restful, and inviting.

Many of them have been with the hotel for years — their pride in the building and care for its heritage shines through in every corridor and room.

Front of House: The First Hello & The Last Goodbye

Whether it’s arranging a surprise birthday cake, recommending a walk to Hampsfell, or simply greeting you with a smile after a long journey, our reception and concierge staff are here to help you feel instantly at home.

This is where many guests form their first connection with the hotel, and we’re proud to say that names are remembered, preferences are noted, and returning guests are welcomed like old friends.

Maintenance & Support Team: Quietly Keeping It All Running

From fixing a leaky tap to decorating the Christmas tree, our maintenance and back-of-house team keep the hotel running smoothly all year round. They know every corner of this historic building and treat it like a second home.

Marketing, Events & Guest Communications

Our in-house marketing and events team works hard to tell the Grange story to the world — from seasonal offers and event planning to curating walking guides and sharing guest stories online.

They’re also the people behind the emails you receive pre- and post-stay, helping to ensure a seamless experience from booking to checkout.

A Culture of Care

At the Grange Hotel, we believe hospitality starts with how we treat each other — as colleagues, collaborators, and part of a shared story. Many of our team members have been with us for years, growing their careers and forming friendships along the way.

That sense of care filters into everything we do — and it’s why so many of our guests return year after year.

Visit & Meet Us in Person

We’re proud of our history, our location, and our hotel — but above all, we’re proud of our people. They’re the ones who turn stays into stories and holidays into homecomings.

Book your stay at The Grange Hotel and let our team welcome you to the Lake District, the Grange way.