Meet The Team - Lesley Stannes - Kitchen Manager

If you’ve ever visited WWT Washington, chances are you’ve enjoyed some of the delicious treats crafted by Lesley and her fantastic team. As our Kitchen Manager, Lesley is the heart of our catering operations, ensuring that every visitor’s experience is both tasty and memorable.

In this Q&A, we get to know the woman behind the apron, learning more about what inspired Lesley to pursue a career in catering, her passion for serving up smiles, and what she loves most about being part of the WWT Washington family. From her culinary journey to her favourite dishes, Lesley’s story is sure to whet your appetite!

Hi Lesley! Let’s kick things off by talking about how long have you been part of the WWT family?

Hello! Yes, well I have worked at WWT Washington for five and a half years now.

What inspired you to become Kitchen Manager at WWT Washington?

Prior to joining WWT, I worked for Greene King as a Kitchen Supervisor and Cake Manager, where I was responsible for whipping up big, fancy cakes. Interestingly, my favourite dessert is something much simpler - a classic sponge pudding with custard!

When I saw the café supervisor position advertised at WWT Washington, I was eager to expand my skill set in such a beautiful setting and applied right away. When the Kitchen Manager role became available, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I have a deep passion for the café, and my true enthusiasm lies in the kitchen.

What qualifications or experience do you need to become a kitchen manager?

To become a Kitchen Manager, you need a solid mix of training and skills in hospitality and food safety… it’s not just about knowing your way around a kitchen! On top of that, you’ll need at least two qualifications equivalent to A levels to get you started. It’s a role that combines leadership, organisation, and a real passion for creating amazing food experiences.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to get into a similar role or in a catering position?

I’d say to anyone thinking about a career in catering to be ready to roll up your sleeves! After all, a clean kitchen is a happy kitchen. Catering can be so much fun and incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the feeling when someone takes the time to compliment your cooking.

Tell us what a typical day involves for you?

A typical day at the Waterside Café is a lively mix of prepping, creating, and serving delicious food and, of course, plenty of cleaning to keep everything spotless and running smoothly. One thing that’s always on the agenda? Scones, scones, and more scones! From mixing the dough to baking batch after batch, scones are a cornerstone of the café’s charm.

What’s your favourite item on the café menu?

I’d have to go with our Apple Cake! It’s one of my favourite things to bake, and luckily, our customers love it just as much as I do.

What do you enjoy most about interacting with visitors?

I love getting to know our regulars and guessing their go-to order each time they visit! More than anything, I want to make sure everyone feels welcome and truly part of WWT Washington.

What’s the best cooking tip you’ve learned from working in a kitchen?

Honestly, everything is trial and error! Things don’t always go right the first time (or every time), and that’s okay. I always tell my team, “Cakes never turn out exactly the same twice!” So don’t get disheartened - just give it a go!

What are some of the challenges you face in the catering team?

Challenges are part of the job, whether it’s being short staffed or dealing with incorrect orders that lead to product shortages. However, maintaining a diverse menu can make all the difference, ensuring there’s still plenty to delight customers even when certain items run low. Catering to allergies can also be a bit tricky, but with strong product knowledge and careful attention to detail, it’s entirely possible to provide safe and satisfying options for everyone. Overcoming these hurdles is just another part of creating a great customer experience!

What is the most rewarding part of your role?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is sharing knowledge and skills with the catering team. There’s nothing quite like seeing a team member confidently whip up a batch of scones on their own and nail it. It’s a proud moment and gives me a chance to catch my breath too (a much-needed bonus!). Another highlight is hearing customers rave about the home-baked goods. It’s hard not to feel a little smug when someone declares your cheese scones the best in the northeast, it’s the ultimate compliment! Moments like these make all the hard work worth it.

What do you love most about working here at WWT Washington?

Working at WWT Washington is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever worked. The support and genuine care from every member of the team is truly amazing. Everyone looks out for one another and is always willing to help, offer guidance, or simply share their perspective. It’s a wonderful environment to be part of and the stunning views are definitely a bonus!

If you could swap roles with one person on site, who would it be and why?

If I could swap roles with anyone, it would definitely be someone from the outdoor team but only during the summer, of course!

What’s your ultimate comfort food to cook at home?

Any kind of pasta dish - it’s just so cosy and satisfying!

What’s the one kitchen gadget you can’t live without in the Watersaide cafe?

Definitely my flat-top grill! We use it for everything - bacon, sausages, even eggs - they cook perfect every time!

What’s the best spot-on site to you and why?

My favourite spot on-site is the view of Penshaw Monument from the reedbeds just before the woods. It’s the perfect place to sit, take it all in, and let my mind rest for a peaceful five minutes.

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