Meet the Team

I set up North East Escapes after having held senior leadership / Director roles elsewhere in the industry. I felt that homeowners were being short-changed when it came to service and booking delivery. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to going above and beyond. We’re not content with simply meeting expectations – we’re driven to exceed them. This dedication to excellence isn’t just a business strategy; it’s woven into everything we do. I take particular pride in building genuine relationships with our property owners and ensuring they receive the highest level of service possible.

While I’m fortunate to work across many beautiful locations in Northumberland, my heart belongs to Tynemouth, having grown up in and around the area (and still living close by) I just love the stunning coastline and vibrant atmosphere. I also have a special fondness for Newton by the Sea. The Ship Inn there is a particular favourite – it perfectly captures the charm and character of our region.

Without hesitation, it’s Gulshan in Tynemouth. Their exceptional food and warm atmosphere make it my top recommendation for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in the area. I’ve been taking my son here since he was in nappies!

Family time is precious to me, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than spending quality time with my wife, Michelle, my son, Max, and my daughter, Thea. I’m also a huge sports lover, with football, cricket and golf being at the top of the list! I’m a lifelong fan of Sunderland, where my son and I are season ticket holders; one of my greatest joys is sharing match days with him. Those father-son moments at the Stadium of Light are so special (sometimes – it is Sunderland after all!)

I joined the team because I saw a wonderful opportunity to offer something the "big national players" just can’t: a truly personal, hyper-local service. After spending years learning the ropes within some of the largest businesses in the sector, I realised that what people really want is a hands-on approach. What sets us apart is that we combine "big industry" expertise with a deep, personal love for this stunning part of the world. We aren't just a voice at the end of a distant corporate phone line; we’re local people on the ground who care. For me, it’s about taking those best practices I’ve gathered over the years and using them to build genuine, high-quality relationships with our owners and guests right here at home.

Living in Morpeth, I feel so lucky to have the best of both worlds, the rugged countryside and the beautiful coast are both right there! My absolute favourite way to kick off the weekend is a morning stroll along the coast from Whitley Bay to Tynemouth, followed by a browse through the treasures at Tynemouth Market. I also have a massive soft spot for Cragside. I’ve always loved seeing how things work, so the history of the house is fascinating to me, and the grounds are just breathtaking. Whether I’m breathing in the salt air or exploring a National Trust estate, I’m constantly reminded of how lucky we are to call this place home.

It must be Lollo Rosso in Morpeth! It’s right on my doorstep, and the food and vibe are always spot on. It has such a vibrant, friendly energy that makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in. It’s always my top recommendation for anyone looking for a delicious meal and a great night out.

When I’m not in the office, I’m usually fuelled by a mix of culture and a bit of healthy competition! I’m an avid music collector, so you’ll often find me "crate digging" for vinyl in our local independent record shops. I’m also a big film buff and a keen follower of the football and cricket. I love a bit of an adventure, too, whether that’s finding hidden gems across the UK or jetting off abroad. I have a particular weakness for great food and wine, which is best enjoyed during my regular trips to visit family in the South of France.

For me, it’s all about going back to basics—real people, local knowledge, and genuine care. We’re a small, dedicated team rooted in the North East, and we pride ourselves on the personal touches that make all the difference. Whether it’s owners or guests, we treat every interaction with thoughtfulness and attention, creating experiences that feel warm, local, and truly memorable.

This is a tough one—there are just so many beautiful spots to choose from! One of my absolute favourites is Howick Baths. It’s the perfect place to park up with the family and our two black Labradors before walking the stunning coastal path north to Craster. We always stop at The Jolly Fisherman for a delicious lunch before continuing on to the breathtaking Dunstanburgh Castle. The beach at Howick is wonderfully quiet—you can easily lose hours watching the waves crash against the rocks. We’ve even been lucky enough to spot a huge pod of dolphins passing by. Magical!

The Tempest at Charlton Hall is a standout for me. It’s such a beautiful setting, full of character with its striking décor and relaxed outdoor seating. During the summer, there’s a tipi offering live music and wood-fired pizzas on Friday and Saturday evenings. The menu is regularly updated and always has something for everyone—plus, their afternoon teas and Sunday lunches are a real treat.

Outside of work, my world revolves around my beautiful family—we have three amazing girls, two lovely Labradors, and around 30 chickens! We spend a lot of time exploring Northumberland, especially on long dog walks that usually include a picnic and some muddy boots. I also love cooking and gardening, and there’s nothing better than sitting in our garden with the sun shining and a glass of wine in hand. Oh—and I also run a Harry Potter shop in Alnwick, which keeps me wonderfully busy in any spare moments!

What makes North East Escapes different is that, at the heart of everything we do, lie the fundamentals: authentic relationships, personal service, local expertise, and genuine care. As a close-knit team based in the North East, we take pride in the personal touches that set us apart and show how we go above and beyond. From owners to guests, every interaction is handled with care and attention, delivering warm, locally rooted experiences.

Living in Morpeth, I feel so lucky to have the best of both worlds, the rugged countryside and the beautiful coast are both right there! My absolute favourite way to kick off the weekend is a morning stroll along the coast from Whitley Bay to Tynemouth, followed by a browse through the treasures at Tynemouth Market. This is such a hard one because we’re incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful places to visit in the North East and Northumberland! But if I had to choose, it would be a walk with my husband and our dogs along the beautiful seven-mile stretch of Druridge Bay Beach and Country Park—our happy place. The lake offers a lovely walk too, with a cosy little coffee shop perfect for a hot drink and a cheeky sweet treat. Sometimes we wander along the coastal path, breathe in that fresh Northumbrian sea air, and then slip into one of The Running Fox cafés for a delicious afternoon tea – highly recommended!

Bertram’s in Warkworth is my go-to spot, especially for their delicious Sunday dinner—the best in the area, in my opinion! Their beef roast is incredible, and the Sticky Toffee Pudding is a must. They also serve a lovely breakfast, along with great coffee and cake. The restaurant and café sit right in the heart of Warkworth’s medieval village, just a short stroll from Warkworth Castle and the river. And the best part? It’s dog-friendly, which is always a bonus for us!

When I’m not working, life is full-on—in the best way—with my pack of dogs (Labradors and Spaniels) making sure my partner and I are always on our toes! I adore long walks around Northumberland and the North East, spending quality time with family and friends, discovering new cafés and restaurants in the area, and heading out on day trips whenever I can. I also enjoy taking our caravan out for adventures and hopping on a plane whenever I get the chance to travel.

From a dog’s perspective (which is obviously the most important), it’s our genuine commitment to four-legged guests. I oversee our ‘paw-fect’ standards, by testing every dog bed, checking the quality of water bowls, and ensuring there are plenty of nearby walks for my fellow canine visitors. Plus, I make sure all human team members maintain appropriate levels of belly rub proficiency.

I simply can’t resist any of the Northumberland beaches where I’m allowed on all year round. I like to splash in the waves and chase seagulls (who always seem to escape – I’ll get one eventually).

Any establishment that keeps treats behind the counter has my seal of approval.

When I’m not busy with my professional duties, you can find me perfecting the art of the afternoon nap and practicing my “puppy eyes” technique for extra treats. I also enjoy long walks with my humans, preferably ones that end with me needing a bath – though I’ll never admit to deliberately finding muddy puddles! Note: Mollie’s responses may have been slightly embellished by her PR team (she was too busy napping to provide direct quotes).