As a family-owned business, Lake District Hotels has always placed people at the heart of everything we do. Across our collection of seven hotels, we believe that supporting our team to grow, develop and build long-term careers is just as important as delivering exceptional guest experiences. From hands-on experience to professional training opportunities like our WSET programme, we’re committed to helping our team build confidence, develop new skills and grow their careers in hospitality.
Developing Talent: Inside Our WSET Training Programme
At Lake District Hotels, we believe that exceptional guest experiences start with an exceptional team. That’s why investing in our people — and supporting their long-term career development — is a key part of how we operate.
One of the ways we bring this to life is through professional training opportunities, including the internationally recognised Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualifications. Since launching in 2023, our WSET training programme has given our team members the opportunity to build their knowledge, grow in confidence, and gain a qualification that supports their future careers in hospitality.
To find out more, we spoke with HR Co-ordinator Chloe Rogers, who helps oversee the programme across our hotels.
“From the outset, the aim was to support our teams in developing knowledge they can use every day,” Chloe explains. “At the same time, it gives them a recognised qualification they can carry with them throughout their careers.”
The benefits of WSET training are both immediate and long-term. For team members, it builds confidence when speaking with guests, recommending wines and suggesting pairings — enhancing the overall dining experience. But it also goes further than that.
“WSET qualifications are internationally recognised and transferable,” Chloe explains. “They can open doors to progression within Food & Beverage, supervisory roles, or even specialist positions like wine champions within the business.”
Learning Beyond WSET
While our WSET training programme is one example of how we support career development, it forms part of a wider commitment to learning across Lake District Hotels.
From day one, team members are introduced to our family-owned business and enrolled on Flow Hospitality, covering essential areas such as Health & Safety, Food Safety, Fire Safety, Licensing and Allergens.
Alongside this, new starters receive hands-on, on-the-job training with experienced colleagues who act as mentors — guiding and supporting them as they build confidence in their roles.
We also offer a broad range of development opportunities, working closely with trusted suppliers to deliver specialist training — from barista skills and cellar management to spirits, wine and service expertise.
Our apprenticeship programmes (from Level 2 through to Degree level), alongside accredited courses such as WSET, First Aid and Personal Licence training, provide clear pathways for progression across the business.
Together, these opportunities create a strong learning culture, equipping our team with the knowledge, confidence and skills to grow their careers while delivering exceptional experiences for our guests.
Recognising Our Team
Alongside training and development opportunities, we believe it’s just as important to recognise and celebrate the contribution our team members make every day.
Our quarterly colleague awards shine a spotlight on individuals who go above and beyond — whether that’s delivering exceptional guest service, supporting their team, or consistently bringing a positive attitude to their role.
Nominated by their managers, winners receive a £50 Lake District Hotels voucher as a thank you for their hard work and dedication.
In addition, each of our hotels celebrates a Star of Christmas award, recognising a team member who has made a particularly special contribution during the festive season — one of the busiest and most important times of the year.
Each year, we also come together to celebrate the achievements of our team at our Annual Employee Appreciation Awards — a highlight of the calendar across all seven of our hotels.
This event recognises individuals and teams who have made an outstanding contribution over the past year.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate success, share stories, and recognise the people who make Lake District Hotels what it is — while bringing colleagues together from across the group.
Moments like these reflect our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported and proud to be part of the team.
Opportunities Across the Group
With seven unique hotels, there are opportunities to gain experience across a range of roles — from Food & Beverage and reception to housekeeping and management. This flexibility allows our team members to shape a career that suits their interests and ambitions.
At Lake District Hotels, training opportunities like this are designed to be accessible to anyone with an interest and enthusiasm to learn.
“Our aim is to make sure that anyone who is curious and motivated has the chance to develop their skills and grow within the company,” Chloe adds.
Join the Family Business
If you’re interested in building your career with Lake District Hotels and accessing opportunities like this, we’d love to hear from you. Search our current vacancies here:
