PASSIONATE & DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS
Led by Hotel Director, Matthew Brend. The Imperial Hotel is made complete by extraordinary individuals who come together to form a remarkable team. Although our team benefits from their own unique qualities, there is one thing we can be sure of, their passion, warmth and dedication are unmatched.
We are proud to be a part of the family-owned Brend Collection and its exceptional reputation for providing fantastic hospitality.
William Sherwin
Hotel Manager
William started his Brend Hotels career at The Imperial Hotel in 2009 as a Porter, he then moved to our sister hotel, The Barnstaple Hotel, in 2012 as an Assistant Manager. Just 3 years later, Will was back at The Imperial, this time being promoted to General Manager where he works closely with Director, Matthew Brend in running the hotel. Will has also gone on to complete many apprenticeships including a Level 5 Diploma in Hotel Management, as part of our Brend Academy.
Shaun Brayley
Head Chef
Shaun began his career at The Imperial Hotel over 30 years ago, before Brend Hotels bought the hotel in 1998. Shaun has worked across various roles and departments including Restaurant Manager, Barman and Assistant Manager before finding his feet in our chef department. Since then he has spent the past 25 years pushing and improving our dining experience and has recently been a vital part in our Arlington Restaurant being awarded an AA Rosette for culinary excellence.
Richard Whale
Deputy Hotel Manager
Richard jointed the Imperial team back in 2006 as a Porter and just 3 years later he was promoted to Head Porter. In 2018 he took on the role of Front of House Manager where he looked after the running of our lounges, bar and Porters. In 2020, Richard was promoted to Deputy Hotel Manager where he works alongside Hotel Manager, William Sherwin, on the day to day running of the hotel.
Ewelina Blaszczyk
Executive Head Housekeeper
Ewelina has been at the Imperial for over 12 years, starting as a Room Attendant she has progressed up to become Head Housekeeper in 2018 and now Executive Head Housekeeper. From overseeing a team of 15 to room checks, identifying maintenance problems and assisting with decor enhancements across the hotel, Ewelina is always making sure our hotel looks nothing short of perfection.
Kathy Smale
Reception Manager
Kathy began her time at Brend Hotels in our sister hotel, The Park Hotel, in 1999 where she became Head Receptionist. In 2017 she joined the Imperial Hotel team and her knowledge and wisdom earned her the title of Head Receptionist in 2020.
Sayed Abdel - Rhaman
Restaurant Manger
Sayed has worked for The Imperial Hotel for over 18 years and is a key part of our senior team. Starting as a waiter in 2004, through hard work and growing his extensive knowledge of food and drink, Sayed was promoted to Restaurant Manager in 2017, where he has continued our long-standing reputation for quality service and continues to take it to new heights year on year.