A friendly face around every corner
Meet the Team
Genuine Yorkshire hospitality
The people behind your stay
Leading the team
Carl Darren
Hotel Director
Carl is the managing director of the hotel and brings a wealth of experience, warmth and a hands-on approach to everyday life. He works closely with every department to ensure guests receive the personal service and thoughtful attention we’re known for. Carl has responsibility for making sure the hotel is fully maintained and all aspects, from the website to the gardens to the bedrooms, are all up to date. In his spare time Carl enjoys a freshly baked croissant and brewed cup of coffee….and then going to the gym to work it all off!
Here when you need us
Meet the full team
Debbie Whitfield
Debbie is a mainstay of the hotel and has been with us for over 21 years. You may have read about our fabulous breakfasts and Debbie is the reason for them. She is an excellent cook and prides herself on producing some fabulous food for our guests. After breakfast service Debbie joins the housekeeping team to ensure rooms are ready for our next guests. Outside of work Debbie is a keen runner and enjoys nothing more than a spot of home decorating.
Ashley Darren
At 90 years of age Ashley is a founder memeber of the hotel, which was established over 40 years ago, and can be considered Chairman of the Board. He is a familiar face around the hotel and is keen to ensure guests feel welcome and looked after during their stay. Guests are fascinated when he regales them with a lifetime of stories, adventures and tales and can’t believe he’s the age that he is. In the little bit of spare time Ashley enjoys he likes exercising and walking…..and still talking to guests!
Janella Bentley
Janella has worked at the hotel for over 22 years and is a key member of staff. She is crucial to the smooth running of the breakfast service making sure all guests are served promptly and efficiently. Her main role is Head of Housekeeping where she ensures all room linens are fresh and fully stocked. In her spare time Janella is a keen sky diver, hence why one of her legs is shorter than the other!
Lisa Boocock
Lisa has been with the Darren family for over 30 years and knows every detail of the hotel inside and out. Her range of duties include front of house, HR, accounts and just about anything else that requires her vast array of talents. A warm and humerous person by nature she makes sure guests are as comfortable as they can be and have everything they need or require to make their stay as memorable as possible. After work Lisa is involved with various disability programmes in the local community and even has her own disability scooter, which she enjoys riding around the streets of Shipley.
Come and meet us
A warm Abbey Lodge welcome awaits
Book your stay directly with our team for the best available offers.