Meet some of the team

Karen joined the Grove in 2017 as reception and reservations manager.  She was promoted to House Manager in 2018, followed by a promotion to Hotel Manager in 2022, and is a primary support to General Manager, Thomas Ferrante. Karen led the reception team to win the prestigious “Front of House Team of the Year” at the 2021 Hotel Cateys. 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. Throughout her career, Karen has undertaken further educational programs, and recently completed her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management.

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

Originally from Ammanford, Cathryn joined the team at Grove has 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, Michelin Star restaurant Chapter One with chef Ross Lewis, and 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 gained a degree in Swahili. But it was Cathryn’s love for making people happy that led her into the world of wine. She has a true dedication to enhancing a guests 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.

Alexios joined the Grove of Narberth team in 2021, by way of Surrey, Lancashire and his native Greece. His almost encyclopaedic knowledge of all things wine has been built through working in senior sommelier roles, including time spent at Michelin restaurants Northcote, with the legendary chef Lisa Allen, and Sorrel restaurant, with Steve Drake.

He loves seeing how the Welsh and English wine offering has developed over the past few years and is proud to include a number of UK-based wines on his list. As a brandy connoisseur, he’s delighted that Grove lists the amazing 20-year-old Baron de Sigognac Bas-Armagnac.

In his previous life Alexios used to be a football referee in the Fourth Greek National Division.