Meet The Team

Learn a little more about our wonderful team

Hotel General Manager

Mathieu

Hello Mathieu,

Responsible for the impeccable running of our 5* manor house hotel, Mathieu is at the centre of Boringdon Hall.

Have you got any hobbies that you can share? Looking after my total wellness  with time in the gym and I have interests in Art, Antiques, History, Philosophy and Wine.
Your favourite food? Foie Gras is a love of mine when it comes to dining.
A destination you'd love to travel to? France.
Do you prefer movies or books? Neither. Podcasts are a firm favourite.
Let us in on a story when you've gone above and beyond for a guest... I do this everyday.

Operations Manager

Mike

Hello Mike,

Mathieu's second, Mike is responsible for the smooth running of the hotel's daily operations. You'll find Mike in and around the hotels grounds, restaurants, rooms and spas ensuring perfection at every turn.

How do you like to spend your free time? Looking after my fitness and hiking, spending time with my daughter, and (my guilty pleasure) watching TikTok.
If we're to play a certain genre of music, what gets you moving? Dance / hip hop!
Your dream car is... A GT 500 Shelby Mustang
A hidden gem around Plymouth? Holden Forrest.
Tale us the tale of when you have gone above and beyond for a guest: A guest going through a terminal illness had the opportunity to stay with us. His wife was visibly emotional and looked extremely drained. The trip began by escorting them to their room to relax with an arrival drink, and me unloading and delivering a great deal of luggage and medical equipment to the room. In witnessing the difficulty they were having in moving around, I had organised all meals to be delivered to the room, including an afternoon tea for them to experience together. In seeing how drained the lady looked, I organised a complimentary treatment at the spa for her to be able to have a break and try to relax. During the treatment for his wife, I sat with the gentleman in the great hall bar and chatted at the request of his wife, who was rightfully worried about being away. You could see how much it meant to them, they were extremely grateful and teary for the warm and personal service provided. This is the reason why we do what we do.
Your favourite room ay Boringdon? The Lady Jane Suite

Head Chef

Scott

Hello Scott

The face behind the spectacular dish creations in Àclèaf earning a MICHELIN Star in 2023, Head Chef Scott Paton is at the heart of the restaurant, innovating and experimenting with different flavours to serve in the four-course seasonally lead menus. With a passion for perfection and working with the best local suppliers to source the best quality meat, fish, dairy and vegetable products, each dish on the menu is planned, prepared and plated elegantly.

When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find Scott spending time with family and especially taking his son to football training. When working in a kitchen you don't get a lot of time to spend with family so ensuing I'm always at football training for my son is something really important.

Favourite ingredient to cook with? I like cooking with lots of ingredients but Spring is my favourite time of year as everything is so much more colourful which makes for incredible dishes.
Why are drink pairings important with each dish on the menu? When you are able to compliment the food with a wine it elevates the entire dish and makes for a much better dining experience
Where do you get your inspiration from? I am always thinking about food and pairings so most of my inspiration comes to me randomly so I will sketch a dish and play around with flavours to devise a new dish
What tunes are you listening to right now? I listen to podcasts more than music, mostly ones from chefs.
What do you think is the most important thing to ensure dinner service runs smoothly? Teamwork and a relaxed environment that allows everyone the freedom to strive in their own department

Restaurant Manager

Vlad

Hello Vlad,

You’ll find him in Acleaf making sure the tables as set to perfection and inspecting the latest speciality wines to arrive at Boringdon. But outside of Acleaf, you’ll find Vlad in front of his gaming PC or watching a documentary about the universe as anything about space travel is something Vlad loves to learn more about.

If you weren't in hospitality what would you be doing? I wouldn't be in an office job as I like to be on the move and around people. My Dad and Uncle really wanted me to get into cars so I'd probably be a mechanic or something about driver strategy in F1.

If we hit play on your music what are you listening to? Kendric Lemar - Money Tree. I like upbeat music as it gets you in the zone and puts you in a great mood.

Favourite place to visit? I'd say Portugal as that's where my family live so I can't wait to visit again and give everyone a hug

Red or White wine? It has to be red, you've got so much more depth and range of flavours to explore.

Gaia Spa Manager

Emily

Hello Emily,

You'll find her in the Spa ensuring that our hotel and spa guests have the perfect place to relax and unwind in the tranquillity of our Spa here at Boringdon Hall.

 

When on holiday do you prefer beachside or poolside? Beachside

Favourite spa treatment at GAIA and why? Poultice - I like the unique heated herbal compresses which are involved in this treatment

A song that’s on your playlist right now? Indigo - Chris Brown

Best way to relax and unwind? Shopping or taking my dogs for a countryside walk

Who would you choose if you could live in the day of the life of anyone in the world? Beyonce

Reception Manager

Abi

Hello Abi!

As our Reception Manager, Abi is responsible for welcoming all of our guests to the enchanted place on the hill with a smile. Nothing is too much trouble to ensure our guests have a fantastic experience. When Abi isn’t helping guests check in and out of their rooms she can be found exploring new places and going on long walks with her dog.

 

What are your Hobbies? I'm a big Formula 1 fan so I enjoy going every year to see the race.

What's your favourite TV Program? Greys Anatomy, Friends and most recently Drive to Survive.

On your way into work what do you listen to – music, radio or podcasts? Usually I listen to music, some up-beat vibes to start the day positively

Your favourite thing about Devon? Being so close to Dartmoor as well as easy access to the Hoe Barbican and sea front. Especially Royal William Yard, I love to spend evenings in the bars and restaurants there.

Favourite Room at Boringdon & Why? The Royal Suite as the bathroom is spacious and gorgeous. The private hot tub is the perfect place to relax.

A story or a time you’ve gone above and beyond for a guest at Boringdon?  We had a couple stay with us for a delayed anniversary and her partner was in the services so they didn't get to see each other much, she expressed how much she was looking forward to her stay. I wanted to make it extra special for them. So whilst they were at dinner I decorated the room with a card, balloons all around the room, rose petals, chocolates and a few extra items. The next morning on check out the lady was very grateful and cried because she'd had such a lovely time. She left a lovely note thanking me for all the help. I still have that letter.

Senior Spa Therapist

Gemma

Hello Gemma.

As our Senior Spa Therapist at Gaia Spa, Gemma is responsible for ensuring our guests have the most relaxing experience with our extensive range of Gaia rituals and treatments. When she isn’t in one of our 12 treatment rooms you can find Gemma in her garden with a magazine, or keeping active.

Best treatment at Gaia?  Gaiyoga facial to both give and to receive! Love the results and having 90 minutes on the face is special.

What's your top wellness tip?  Having a rainbow diet, and seeing your food as fuel, especially when we use our bodies as tools for our work.

If you weren't at Boringdon, what would you be doing? Running a Hypnotherapy clinic

What's your favourite facility in Gaia Spa? I couldn't choose just one. I love the overall guest journey being collected in the bright spatisserie, having these inviting treatment rooms and finishing in the comfortable relax room.

Who's your idol?  Diane Nettleton inspired me to know there aren't limits to working in your passion.

Favourite places you've visited? Bali

Mayflower Brasserie Head Chef

Max

Hello Max.

As the Head Chef at our relaxed Mayflower Brassiere restaurant, Max is at the helm creating delicious dishes made using the freshest, seasonal ingredients, all served in a casual brasserie setting. When he's not in the kitchen you'll find him on the golf course.

A song on your playlist right now?  Sun to me by Zach Bryan.

Favourite holiday destination Has to be Island hoping around Greece, the white sands and turquoise waters are what dreams are made of!

Hobbies
Find me on the Golf course I handicap off 2.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself
I'm colour blind, but ironically completed an Art Degree.

Favourite thing about Devon? The abundance of open spaces to explore such as the moors and of course the sea.

Favourite room at the hotel? I'm going rogue as it has to be the Crystal Steam Room at Gaia Spa.

Top wellness tip? Keep it calm.

Who’s your idol? Rory Mcilroy.

Who would you swap for a day in the life of? It has to be the "Chairman of the Board" and legend Frank Sinatra.

Chosen Super Power? I'd opt to fly.

Favourite way to spend a weekend? A round of Golf, two if I can squeeze it in during the Summer months as the nights are lighter