Staff profiles

Grasmere's gingerbread family

Amber

Is from: Scotland

Role in the business: Shop Assistant

Time in the business: Since October 2023

About: I moved to the Lake District to be able to do enjoy the things I love to do so in my spare time I go hiking, wild swimming and exploring new areas.

Most interesting happening at work: Learning all about the amazing life and times of Sarah Nelson who invented Grasmere Gingerbread®.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: I warm my Grasmere Gingerbread® in the oven and then spread rum butter on each slice.

Ann

Is from: Windermere born and bred

Role in the business: Shop Supervisor

Time in the business: Since August 2021

About: The Lake District is in Ann’s DNA. Having lived in Windermere all her life she appreciates all the wonderful opportunities it offers, especially walking through spectacular scenery. A keen baker who loves spending time with her young grandsons.

Most interesting happening at work: No TV appearances so far but she is overwhelmed that after a long wait queuing outside customers are really happy to see her.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: After she gets home from work, she puts her feet up to savour a slice or two with a mug of Sarah Nelson’s Comfort Coffee.

Chris

Is from: Penrith

Role in the business: Sales Ambassador

Time in the business: Joined in March 2023

About: After travelling and working in Australia for two years, and then three years at university, Chris returned home to the beautiful Eden Valley. In his spare time Chris tries to improve both his handicap on the golf course and cooking skills in the kitchen.

Most interesting happening at work: Meeting the TV chef Matt Tebbutt at a couple of outdoor events and introducing him to Grasmere Gingerbread® and all our other fabulous products. See where Chris is heading next.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Loves to eat it fresh from the oven with a mug of steaming hot coffee.

Diane

Is from: Kendal

Role in the business: Dispatch Manager

Time in the business: Since January 2021

About: Originally from Burnley in Lancashire. Headed south to the bright lights of London intending to stay for a year or two but eventually stayed for 3 decades. Returned to the north in 2019 for a better quality of life and also to get to know and enjoy the fantastic landscapes of Cumbria.

Most interesting happening at work: Getting to see behind the scenes and realising how far and wide Grasmere Gingerbread® travels.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Anytime, anyplace, anywhere. But in particular enjoying it gently warmed with a mug of hot chocolate and surrounded by friends.

Jane B (as we have two 'Janes')

Is from: Hesket Newmarket

Role in the business: Part-time General Assistant

Time in the business: Joined in May 2023

About: Jane is a self-employed artist and runs workshops in needle felting and dressmaking. In the outdoors she loves wild swimming, walking and visiting good cafes.

Most interesting happening at work: Meeting all the customers and finding out about them.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Warm with a dollop of lemon curd on top.

Jane

Is from: The beautiful Matterdale valley high up in the hills, but in the winter it should be re-named Alcatraz because once inside you can’t get out.

Role in the business: Finance Manager

Time in the business: Since 2016

About: When not at Grasmere Gingerbread®, she works at home with her husband on the family farm. She enjoys ‘being outdoors, having a catch-up with friends over a nice meal, retail therapy and spa days’.

Most interesting happening at work: Jane enjoys swapping her farm wellies for high heels to enjoy the Grasmere Gingerbread® social life and parties with colleagues. She was thrilled to be at the dinner table when Grasmere Gingerbread® table won a prestigious family business award.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Straight out of the oven with a mug of latte. Jane claims she loves Grasmere Gingerbread® so much she no longer fits into her favourite size 10 frock (but she is a daydreamer and her eyes reading labels aren’t what they used to be).

John

Is from: Originally from Yorkshire but now living in West Cumbria

Role in the business: Stock and Procurement Manager

Time in the business: Joined in October 2023

About: Having grown up in Yorkshire, childhood holidays were spent on the East Coast or in the Yorkshire Dales. After passing my driving test my first ‘long’ drive was to Grasmere and I fell in love with the Cumbrian fells and Grasmere Gingerbread®. Now, those fells are on my doorstep along with Cumbria’s famous sunshine that often resembles rain and snow.

Most interesting happening at work: Getting to know our amazing artisan suppliers and to see how their craftsmanship has been honed and developed over the years.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Two slices, still warm and with a mug of black coffee.

Julie M (as we have 2 ‘Julies’)

Is from: Cumbrian born and bred.

Role in the business: Our very own ‘Girl Friday’, who does a little bit of everything. In fact, she says she feels like Mr Benn as she never knows what outfit she will be wearing when she comes into work.

Time in the business: Joined us in late 2021.

About: Married with four children living remotely on Shap Fell which has a climate all of its own. Enjoys baking and anything ‘crafty’. Likes going to the cinema but her real passion is attending live theatre.

Most interesting happening at work: Working in mail order and sending a parcel to the other side of the world.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Fresh out of the oven with her daily latte.

Julie W (as we have two 'Julies')

Is from: Windermere

Role in the business: Part-time Shop Assistant

Time in the business: Since April 2022

About: Julie has lived in Windermere all her life and loves her home environment. Enjoying such a strong sense of place perhaps helps to explain why she is always smiling. She is married, had three sons and loves spending time with her grandsons Bobby and Ronnie.

Most interesting happening at work: Enjoys meeting all the different customers from across the world.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Warm and spread with Rum Butter.

Kyle

Is from: Liverpool.

Role in the business: Sales and Merchandising Manager

Time in the business: Since April 2023.

About: I moved up to the Lake District in 2017 to spend more time exploring the outdoors; now I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I also spend time gigging and touring with my band so there is never a dull moment.

Most interesting happening at work: So far I have enjoyed becoming barista trained and helping launch our new shop in Hawkshead. Coming from a retail managerial background, it was great to get stuck into this new project and was very beneficial in helping me learn about the business.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: I like to eat it with a flat white (self-made) in Hawkshead when I’m there or taking a slice on my lunch walk towards Easedale Tarn in Grasmere.

Lee

Is from: Born and bred Grasmerian

Role in the business: General Assistant

Time in the business: Started in autumn 2015, left after the floods but returned to shore in June 2016.

About: Lee has always worked in catering and enjoys great food and drink. Loves football and supports Arsenal, he also likes to travel and is engaged to a lovely Bulgarian lady, so is leaning the language. Free time is not so free... music, skiing and snowboarding, watching action and horror films, playing snooker and pool, and for downtime – fishing.

Most interesting happening at work: As a fan of award-winning ITV soap Emmerdale, Lee was starstruck when one of his favourite characters Dan Spencer – played by actor Liam Fox – strolled into the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. ‘He was great, chatty, friendly and he bought two large packets of gingerbread to take home,’ said Lee. ‘I acknowledged him because I love Emmerdale and I have watched it for years.’ Liam actually played a policeman in the show before landing the part of Dan Spencer, and the actor has also appeared on the cobbles of Coronation Street.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: ‘On its own making sure every piece is as fabulous as the last’ Loves to dip it into chocolate too.

Matthew

Is from: Windermere

Role in the business: Operations Manager

Time in the business: Since June 2022

About: Born and bred in Windermere, Matthew loves all things sport related (playing or watching) so he has a very understanding partner and two children, although he loves family time at home. As a coffee connoisseur he loves to head off on walks and discovering local cafes where he can partake of his favourite beverage.

Most interesting happening at work: As a relative newbie, Matthew continues to be amazed by how long the queue can reach outside the shop. He reckons it is worth the wait for the smell of ginger alone.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Cheekily straight out of the oven and at his desk…a fabulous perk of the job.

Mike

Is from: Kendal

Role in the business: Part-time Bakery Assistant

Time in the business: Since Summer 2021

About: A dedicated family man who is ‘living the dream’ since retiring as a Business Specialist and Branch Manager for a high street bank for 40 years. Enjoys everything that the region has to offer. A keen football supporter (Manchester United) and loves kicking a ball around with his grandchildren.

Most interesting happening at work: Being on the BBC programme ‘See Hear’. Loves listening to customers ‘crack’ from behind the scenes. Enjoys the banter and friendly team atmosphere.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: With a brew but likes a cheeky amount crumbled over vanilla ice cream.

Miroslava

Is from: Originally from Slovakia but lives in Grasmere.

Role in the business: Mail Order Assistant - Packer

Time in the business: Since September 2017

About: She is very lively and always full of energy which she needs for a full day packing parcels and walking her dog every evening. Miroslava loves great movies, books and tv dramas. In 2017 she married a native Cumbrian who is actually related to owners Joanne and Andrew Hunter. In 2021, Miroslava gave birth to baby Frederick.

Most interesting happening at work: Every day is different and it’s always great fun packing orders to send all over the world.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: The simplest way with a steaming cup of freshly-brewed coffee.

Nigel

Is from: Grasmere, born in Ambleside, but 3 generations of family from Grasmere.

Role in the business: Part-time Baker

Time in the business: 25 years – although recently semi-retired.

About: Likes walking Lake District fells with dogs. Gardening, Chelsea FC, Red wine and malt whisky – but not in the same glass. Doesn’t like long queues of traffic, chewing gum and cigarette ends on pavement outside shop when he has to clean it up.

Most interesting happening at work: Filming with Jilly Goolden for BBC Food and Drink programme.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: With a nice glass of malt whisky in front of a log fire on a cold winter’s night.

Paul

Is from: Originally from Lancashire, moved to Windermere in 1997.

Role in the business: Bakery Supervisor

Time in the business: Since Summer 2021

About: Lives in Windermere with his lovely wife Lisa and 2 boys Harrison and Samuel. After living in Canada as a young boy he felt drawn back to the Lakes but still enjoys ice hockey, American football and is a Toronto Maple Leaf and Chicago Bears Fan. He loves walking and cycling so much so he cycles everyday to and from work.

Most interesting happening at work: Working with his twin brother Steven, being on TV and loves it when he is in the shop and listening to all the lovely stories about people visiting the shop when they were children.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Loves it with custard and ice cream, every day at work on his tea and coffee break, even takes it with him on long bike rides.

Peter

Is from: Originally from Leyburn in North Yorkshire

Role in the business: Technical Manager

Time in the business: Joined in July 2023

About: Peter loves the outdoors and the Lake District remains his favourite place in England. However, having lived overseas including the Far East, Africa, Europe and the USA, Peter does miss regular warm weather. He enjoys walking, cycling, driving and eating out. As well as listening to music and playing his guitar badly.

Most interesting happening at work: To be honest, looking at all the different people waiting patiently in the queue outside The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Fresh with good black coffee.

Richard

Is from: Originally from Derbyshire

Role in the business: Bakery Manager

Time in the business: May 2012 and settled in very nicely.

About: Lived in Grasmere for 18 years with his wife Joanna and two children; Samuel and Sadie. Passion for food and enjoys spice so working here is perfect. Also loves music; listening and playing guitar and has a collection of them all with the name of “Betsy”. Says he fits in well with the bakery staff as they all drink whisky and bourbon and he enjoys a wee dram (not while working we hope).

Most interesting happening at work: Being filmed for several TV shows.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: He likes lots of it with a massive brew.

Steven

Is from: Windermere, originally from Lancashire.

Role in the business: Bakery Assistant, but you will see him in the shop too.

Time in the business: Since September 2015

About: Interested in all things aviation – he use to fly helicopters in Canada. But here he fly’s’ radio controlled ones. He is also learning to play the Bluegrass Banjo – hope he can do some busking outside the shop. He loves the outdoors as he is a keen walker and cyclist and cycles to work each day. Enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy novels and spending time with his two nephews. How does he fit in time to work?

Most interesting happening at work: He has enjoyed having the TV crews in.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: On its own with a cup of tea, and he does that quite a lot when he is here.

Zoe

Is from: Originally from the West Midlands but now living in Warton.

Role in the business: People & Culture Manager

Time in the business: Joined in July 2023

About: Zoe enjoys exploring countries abroad and understanding different cultures. She loves the great outdoors, hiking, wild swimming, kayaking and pretty much any activity related to water. She also holidayed in the Lake District for many years before joining Grasmere Gingerbread®.

Most interesting happening at work: Taking part in a ‘live’ national TV broadcast and holding up a large letter made out of Grasmere Gingerbread®.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Zoe prefers it straight from the oven, fresh and warm and with a nice cup of tea. Read more about Zoe here.

Zoe F (as we have two 'Zoe's')

Is from: Originally from Chester

Role in the business: Baker

Time in the business: Joined in September 2023

About: Zoe loves travelling abroad, spending time with her nephew, drawing and painting and climbing fells.

Most interesting happening at work: Getting snowed in - she has never seen anything like it.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: After a long day at work eating a slice in front of her log burner.

Andrew Hunter

Is from: Originally from Sunderland but spent a lot of his working life in the Middle East.

Role in the business: Andrew is the original ‘Gingerbread Man’ and the sole mixer of all the secret ingredients that go into Grasmere Gingerbread®. He manages the bakery and shop.

About: Before marrying Joanne, Andrew worked and lived in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Egypt and Dubai. His working life in Grasmere is very different to what went before but he loves the business and meeting and greeting visitors from all over the world. His passions outside work are his wife, children, fast cars, good food, reading and golf.

Most interesting happening at work: Every day brings new challenges.

How does he like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: Simply on its own.

Joanne Hunter

Is from: Grasmere (born in Kendal) and now living in south Cumbria with husband Andrew (see below) and family.

Role in the business: She worked for many years in marketing, tourism and event management before moving into the family business and now jointly manages The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop with special responsibility for marketing, PR, retail, personnel and training. She initiated the website, mail order and online shop.

About: Joanne is the mother of three children; Yasmine 27, Eden Rose 22 and Eamont 19. Juggling work and family commitments keeps her on her toes but she enjoys the various demands and pressures that her dual role brings. In her spare time she loves cooking, visiting the cinema and catching up on Coronation Street.

Most interesting happening at work: Working with TV companies and celebrities visiting The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.

How does she like to eat Grasmere Gingerbread®: with freshly brewed coffee and slightly warmed in the oven. She particularly relishes Sarah Nelson's Ginger Parfait.