We are thrilled to welcome a new member to our team to Kiplin. Steve Hewitt joins Kiplin as our Catering Mobilisation Manager, overseeing the move of our catering service from the Tea Room into our newly converted Visitor Centre, due to open in February 2025.

Steve is handily local, living just up the road in Morton on Swale, with his two children. Originally from Loughborough, Leicestershire, Steve moved to North Yorkshire in the early 1990’s, and has been here ever since apart from a few years in Manchester!

Steve has been involved in many businesses in the area, having worked in hospitality/retail for 30+ years. So people may know him from New Inn, Thrintoft, Olivia’s Bakery & Cafe, or The Joiner’s Shop to name a few!

Steve has this to say about his new role.

“My role is broadly to deliver a new experience fit for Kiplin Hall, an exciting time for everyone as the Hall celebrates its 400th Anniversary in 2025. The space we will have is amazing and whilst it will have a more modern cafe feel, we intend to make it as ‘Kiplin’ as we can, keeping some of the things everyone loves about the current Tea Room (including the scones!), while adding some exciting new things to the offer at the Cafe. I hope what we achieve will help support the work at the Hall, but most of all, a great place to eat & drink, in wonderful surroundings.”

We asked Steve what he loves most about Kiplin. Like many he said it’s something about the feeling here. “I love the feel of Kiplin Hall, and the gardens, the history that surrounds us every day, and the many people who works so hard to preserve it for the future.”

Outside of work Steve is a keen Leicester City FC fan, and has a cavapoo named Chino, who is just 8 months old!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on The Café and the Visitor Centre, due to open in February 2025, as well as our exciting 400th Anniversary events programme.