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Wensleydale Heifer 5 Star Hotel & Restaurant

Meet the Heifer Herd

David & Lewis Moss - Owner & Chef

Lewis Moss - Owner & Director

David Moss - Owner & Chef

Lewis has been in local business for many years and this is his first outing into the world of hospitality. Lewis is very much in control of back of house matters and is very involved in the development of the restaurant and hotel, along with his wife Diane Moss you will spot them many times in the restaurant testing the food, wine and whisky, he assures us this is part of his job description but we're not too sure!!

David has worked in some top local establishments and has received many culinary accolades, he trained at Longueville Manor, which, at the time was the Channel Islands only Michelin Star restaurant. The Latest establishment David worked at was 'The Crab At Chieveley' whilst there the restaurant achieved two AA Rosettes and most importantly received AA Seafood Restaurant of the year award.
David has very strong links to some of the countries premier independent fish suppliers, most of which he still uses on a daily basis.

Craig Keenan - Head Chef

Craig Keenan - Head Chef

Craig has worked at the Heifer for Ten years and has been a chef for over 15 years cooking at many fantastic restaurants across Britain including a spell working with Raymond Blanc. Craig also spent time looking like Frank Gallagher from Shameless and Jesus Christ from the Bible. Craig has helped develop many of the new dishes at the Heifer and is committed to maintaining a very high standard throughout the kitchen.
Craig's relentless passion and motivational skills have not only made the Heifer one of the most desirable's restaurants in Yorkshire at which to come and dine, but also a fantastic place for young chefs to come and learn their trade.

Vince Bako - Restaurant & Bar Manager

Vince ‘147’ Bako - Front of House Manager

Vince joined us from The Friar's Head at Akbar. Having worked across Europe in many Michelin rated restaurants Vince has quickly settled in at the Heifer and working closely with his counterparts Damien & Danny, they not only intend to maintain the high service levels that the Heifer has become renowned for, but also to develop a training program with all the front of house members of staff to help the Heifer's standards improve.
Vince can be recognised by his trademark smile and his charming, professional and friendly manor. Vince soon picked up his nickname of '147' on his first day at work when he managed to remove all the crockery from a table of 6 – a complete clearance at one visit!

Damien Fort

Damien Fort - Front of House Manager

Damien, who is originally from Toulouse, France, has a wealth of experience in high-end hospitality having held senior management positions at both the Crab and Lobster and Yorebridge House. Damien endearing passion for high quality customer service is infectious and is key in the continuing improvement of the Heifer team, his staff training sessions have become legendary!

Kristen Keenan – Pastry Chef

Kristen 'Krissy' Keenan – Pastry Chef

Krissy has been at the Heifer since the day we relaunched in 2006 and heads up our amazing pastry section, making all the sweet treats, handmade chocolates and desserts. Krissy is well known for her very hard work ethic and her unique character. Her passion for pastry can be seen on a daily basis with her constantly changing menu she is never content and always striving for excellence.
Krissy was a real warrior during the covid crisis and was regularly making her lovely treats for the village and hand delivering them throughout the area putting a smile on many faces and even received personal recognition from the chancellor and local MP Rishi Sunak which she was very proud of.

Danielle Smith – Guest Relations Manager

Danielle (just call me Dee) Smith – Guest Relations Manager

Dee has been with us for more than Ten years and has quickly worked her way up the ranks, her hard work and commitment to customer care is second to none and she is a very valuable part of the team.
Dee has an unhealthy obsession with Christmas and has been an integral part of developing our festive packages and menus at the Heifer. Next time you see her just ask her how many days till Christmas – its odds on she will know the answer!!!

Kerry – Guest Relations Manager

Kerry Fort – Guest Relations Manager

Kerry has a plethora of experience and has been an integral part of the management team at The Crab & Lobster & Yorebridge House. Since she started with us Kerry has already helped make some great improvements to the business and along with Dee they have some fantastic ideas moving forward in their commitment to keep improving our guest experience from making a booking to checking out.

Graham Moss

Graham 'no relation' Moss - Sous Chef

Graham has worked at the Heifer for over 10 years after making a name for himself in the area working at some of the Dale's most loved establishments. Graham adds a sense of maturity to the kitchen and for what he lacks in hair he makes up for with his enthusiasm.
Graham has won the world's nicest man competition every year for the last decade but as he moves into a management role this may change!!

Archie Waites

Archie Waites – Junior Sous Chef

Archie started at the Heifer as a commis chef over 5 years ago and quickly moved up the ranks in the  kitchen. Archie specialises in the starter area of the kitchen and has been integral in developing many of the Heifer's offerings working closely with Craig our head chef, he is a great all rounder and is always there to help anyone who needs a hand. Archie lives locally in Leyburn and is very tall!!

Adrienn

Adrienn Bako - Day Time Supervisor

Adrianne has worked throughout the Dales and has become well known for her sunny disposition. She has already made a big difference; her cheerful nature is a great asset at breakfast time and she is fully committed to guest satisfaction at all times.

Danny Dalgish

Danny Daglish - Front of House Manager

Danny is an integral part of the Heifer management team and has added some great touches since joining us. Danny has worked throughout the north in some of the region's finest establishments and he main focus is on customer care and ensuring the high standards are maintained on a daily basis.

David Russell

David Russell - Front of House Manager

We're delighted to introduce David, the newest member of the Heifer Herd, who has joined the team as a Manager. He's been working in hospitality locally for the last nine years and so brings with him lots of experience which will help make sure guests always 'Heifer-perfect' time when they visit us! He says he's really looking forward to learning more from the team. We're thrilled he's now part of the Heifer family.

David Russell

Head Housekeepers – Cath Bottomley & Louise Needham

Commonly know in the West Witton vicinity as the 'A Team' Cath and Louise are two of the hidden heroes of the Heifer and do an amazing job along with the rest of their team.
Cath has worked at the Heifer for over 13 years and as well as housekeeping she is a valued member of our front of house team, she is one of our longest serving members of staff and also one of the nicest!
Louise has been with us for since 2021 and along with being a lovely lady she is also works to a very high standard and never compromises on quality.
Together they not only keep the heifer ship shape but also create a fantastic atmosphere throughout.

Elysa Moss

Elysa Moss - Boss's Daughter, Waitress & Housekeeping

Elysa has now been working at the Heifer for 4 years firstly in housekeeping and now serving our lovely guests. Elysa is truly Heifer through and through and is very proud of the amazing team she is part of.

Thia Moss

Thia Moss - Boss's Daughter and team member in training!

Thia is already a regular face at the Heifer entertaining guests with her cute smile. She has already shown a real interest in all things 'food' and has been at home experimenting on her soon to be famous crisp and orange salad - not one for the menu quite yet!

Rocky the Dog

Rocky the Dog - VIP Dog Concierge

Rocky has been working at the Heifer since he was three months old working tirelessly to ensure that all dog related matters are dealt with in a way that only a dog can do. He has now taken it upon himself to become involved in all meat matters and is insisting on becoming chief sausage taster, though the management are concerned that he isn't picky enough!!

Adriane the Dog

Adriane - Junior Vip Sausage Tester

Adriane is the Heifer latest addition to the management team, working closely with her fiancé Rocky she has been paramount in testing of a new sausage and is helping to compile a guide to local walks and attractions that her and Rocky have been working very hard on. If you see her in the Heifer make sure you say hello, she make look very fierce but don’t let looks deceive you, she is very kind hearted!

 

Tripadvisor certificate of Excellence   Recommended on Tripadvisor

White Rose Awards WinnerMichelin GuideThe Good Food GuideHardensJohansens RecommendedTripadvisor Certificate of ExcellenceOpen Table Diners ChoiceOpen Table Diners ChoiceAA Five Star Restaurant with Rooms

Wensleydale Heifer Boutique Hotel and Restaurant