Meet The Team

Our team are at the heart of Grove. They all share a true passion for great hospitality, and have a strong affection for this beautiful property. In Wales, we call this feeling “hiraeth,” a nostalgia for the place your soul feels at home. For us, that place is Grove. We hope it will be for you too.

General Manager

Karen de Koning

Karen’s journey with us began over seven years ago at our sister venue, Coast Restaurant in Saundersfoot. Her talent and passion quickly shone through, leading her to become the Reception & Reservations Manager at Grove of Narberth shortly thereafter. By 2018, she had earned the role of House Manager, and in 2022, she was promoted to Hotel Manager. Now, as General Manager, Karen continues to inspire us all with her leadership and vision.

Under Karen’s stewardship, Grove of Narberth has achieved remarkable milestones, including earning a Michelin Key in 2024, winning Independent Hotel of the Year 2024 at the Independent Hotel of the Year Awards, and being named SLH (Small Luxury Hotels) Hotel of the Year for 2023/24. She played a key role in our team’s success at the 2022 Cateys, winning Independent Hotel of the Year, and Front of House Team of the Year at the 2021 Hotel Cateys. Additionally, Grove was awarded 5 AA red stars and 4 AA rosettes for its Fernery restaurant, placing us among the top hotels in the UK.

Karen’s personal achievements are just as impressive. She completed her Institute of Leadership and Management Level 5 in 2021, graduated as a St Julians Scholar in 2023, and won the ‘GM of the Future’ award by the Master Innholders at the Independent Hotel Show in London in 2022.

Her love for hospitality began at a young age and her passion for the industry has led her to travel and work in renowned hotels across the country, including Relais and Châteaux’s Mallory Court Hotel, Gidleigh Park and Cliveden House.

Karen and her husband Ollie adore living in Pembrokeshire, and together completed the entire 186 mile walk of the Pembrokeshire National Coastal path.

Executive Chef

Douglas Balish

Born in Scotland, Douglas began his career in Ayrshire before gaining his experience in some of the top restaurants in the UK, including Bohemia and Whatley Manor, as well as the world-renowned Quay restaurant in Sydney. He joined The Tudor Room in 2014 and was first awarded a Michelin Star in 2016, which he held until he left.

Dougie joined the Grove in May 2019. His style of cooking is all about intelligently showcasing ingredients and natural flavour. He works closely with our head gardener to carefully plan planting timelines, ensuring that we have the best vegetable specification to fit his vision for each dish. A real passion to keep food miles low and showcase local produce is tangible throughout his menu at Grove.

Dougie now lives a rural lifestyle in Pembrokeshire with his growing family, you’ll often see him out and about foraging our spectacular coastline, with the clan in tow!

Head Sommelier

Cathryn Bell

Originally from Ammanford, Cathryn joined the team at Grove as Head Sommelier after 16 years away from Wales.

Cathryn gained a wealth of experience working in some of Ireland’s best hotels and restaurants, including Ashford Castle, the Michelin Star restaurant Chapter One with chef Ross Lewis, and the 2 Michelin Star restaurant Aimsir with chef Jordan Bailey. As Head Sommelier of Aimsir, Cathryn was part of the team that led Aimsir to the fastest debut of 2 stars in the history of the Michelin Guide in Great Britain and Ireland, winning several industry awards along the way.

Cathryn hasn’t always worked in hospitality. She previously worked in international development in East Africa, having earned a degree in Swahili. However, it was Cathryn’s love for making people happy that led her into the world of wine. She has a true dedication to enhancing the guest experience by matching food and wine. When she’s not out exploring the Pembrokeshire coastline with her two dogs, she’ll be experimenting with food pairings.

Food & Beverage Manager

Andreas Grammatikopoulos

Hailing from Greece, Andreas studied International Relations and Economics at the University of Piraeus before discovering his true passion for hospitality while working at Cape Sounio, a 5-star resort with Grecotel. Inspired by the world of fine dining and luxury service, he pursued further studies in hospitality, marketing, and management, later developing an acclaimed bar program at Grecotel’s White Palace in Crete.

In pursuit of international experience, Andreas moved to the UK to join Moor Hall, a two Michelin-starred restaurant, before being recruited by Simon Rogan’s team to lead the bar and lounge at Henrock. There, his ethos-driven approach saw Henrock earn recognition as one of the UK’s top sustainable bar programs, igniting the ‘farm-to-glass’ movement across Rogan restaurants worldwide. Andreas is WSET Level 3 certified in wines, holds the Davidoff Cigar accreditation, and achieved top ranks in Diageo’s World Class bartender competition.

Dedicated to crafting memorable guest experiences and nurturing talent, Andreas is thrilled to bring his expertise to Grove of Narberth as Food & Beverage Manager.

Head Housekeeper

Kim George

Kim is an important member of our Grove management team in her role leading our housekeeping team. She’s passionate about creating incredible experiences for our guests and has a wealth of experience, with an eye for detail and desire for travel. Kim has worked all over the UK in 5AA star and Michelin starred establishments, more recently the Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa. She joined us as Head Housekeeper in 2021 after the third lockdown. It was one of the toughest times to join housekeeping and under Kim’s leadership, the team is going from strength to strength. Kim will soon be embarking on her ILM level 4.