Experienced luxury hotelier Chris Cooper joins Gilpin Hotel & Lake House from York’s only five-star hotel, The Grand, York.
With more than 15 years of experience in five star hotels and Michelin star restaurants, including Lucknam Park, Rockliffe Hall and Whatley Manor as well as The Grand, York, Chris is known for his focus on people – both guests and the team – making him the perfect fit for Gilpin.
During Chris’s time at The Grand, York, guest satisfaction soared to an all-time high and team turnover to an all-time low, alongside significant growth in overall profit. Named ‘Leader of the Year 2025’, Chris also steered The Grand to receive VisitEngland’s ‘Large Hotel of the Year 2024’, Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work 2023’ and The Cateys ‘Hotel of the Year 2022’.
Located in the beautiful Lake District, just four miles from Windermere, the AA 5 Red Star family owned and run Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is made up of two hotels on two separate estates, just over a mile away from each other. Both are elegant, relaxing havens of luxury offering the perfect locations for special occasions with the ultimate in private wellness experiences and two stunning restaurants; the Michelin starred SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, and the contemporary pan Asian Gilpin Spice.
Talking of the appointment and his ambitions for his new role, Chris commented:
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the ambitious and passionate team here. For me, the most important thing within a property such as this is genuine hospitality delivered by genuine people, a strong culture, an exceptional guest experience and the highest level of quality – Gilpin has such a strong foundation across all of these areas. Guests come to us to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments, from anniversaries and birthdays to much needed rest and recuperation, and it’s a privilege to help create memories that last a lifetime. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on what has already been achieved and to help shape the next chapter of the Gilpin story.”
“Gilpin is a very special place. Having stayed here as a guest, I’ve experienced first-hand how it combines an idyllic location with warmth, style, sophistication and a truly unique offering – most rooms have private hot tubs, many have private spas, and there’s a stunning woodland spa trail at the Lake House. Gilpin delivers five-star hospitality and meticulous attention to detail, without ever feeling stuffy or overly formal – instead, guests are encouraged to relax, switch off and feel genuinely cared for. There really aren’t many places like it.
Chris joins Gilpin following the departure of Thomas Ferrante, who has returned to his home country, Malta.
Barney & Zoë Cunliffe, owners of Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, added:
“We are so delighted to welcome Chris to Gilpin. His experience, values and leadership style make him a wonderful fit for Gilpin and our family run ethos, where the team and the guest experiences are at the heart of everything we do. He has some incredible experience in our industry and we’re looking forward to his input into the next phase of the Gilpin story.
“We would also like to sincerely thank Thomas for his nurturing of Gilpin during his time here. His care, leadership and dedication have been instrumental to our continued success, and we wish him all the very best for the future in Malta.”