Meet the team

At Lime Hospitality, we’re proud to bring a wealth of expert industry knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and the strength of a dedicated, experienced team. Our consultants, across chef, permanent, and temporary divisions, come with hands-on expertise gained from working directly within the hospitality industry. Each member of our team—from qualified chef consultants to hospitality management professionals and front-of-house specialists—brings valuable, practical insights to their role. This real-world experience is what sets us apart, allowing us to provide exceptional, tailored support to our clients and candidates every step of the way.

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Chris Goodson

Director

Leamington Spa

I want Lime to reflect everything I feel the hospitality industry encompasses: fun, proactive, customer focused and our people being at the centre of all we do. I am proud of the team of industry experts in our ranks and hope they share my view that Lime is a tight knit family as opposed to a faceless corporation. Away from Lime, I try to live by the same values as the business: proactive, positive and busy: I love any type of sport and being outdoors. In terms of food & drink, I am partial to treating myself occasionally in a Michelin star establishment but love nothing more than a dirty burger and a creamy, chocolately dessert!
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Emma Hoyland

Director

Leamington Spa

I co-founded Lime in 2011 with a vision to bring a fresh, people-focused, standards-driven approach to hospitality recruitment. From those early days – working long hours, laying the foundations – watching Lime grow from a single office in Leamington Spa to five locations across the Cotswolds has been a truly rewarding journey. I’m immensely proud of the fantastic team we’ve built (meet them below, many of whom have been with us for over a decade), each bringing first-hand industry expertise and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. However, this journey is far from over. At Lime Hospitality, we continue to strive to grow, evolve, and accept nothing less than excellence, all while staying true to the values that have brought us this far. For me, Lime Hospitality is about fostering successful partnerships, be it with clients or candidates. It’s centred around trust and a genuine intention to add value. I’ve always held our team to high professional standards and expect consistent delivery. I believe it is about getting the basics right, with a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence in everything we do. Over the years, this approach has led to long-standing relationships where clients and candidates reach out to us, knowing they can rely on our expertise to support, advise, and ultimately guide them through the complexities and opportunities of the industry we all love. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have two young children, and we love outdoor adventures with our golden labrador, George. When I do find some time for myself, you’ll likely find me playing tennis, hiking up a mountain, or dining out with friends enjoying great food and drink.
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Douglas Cooper

General manager

Regional

I started my hospitality career in Zimbabwe at two top resort hotels before moving to the UK to join the Luxury Collection Sheraton Belgravia (now The Hari) in London. My career took a transformative turn when I had the privilege of working on the opening of St. Martin’s Lane Hotel alongside Ian Schrager of Studio 54 and the visionary designer Philippe Starck. Following this, I spent 11 years travelling globally, personally inspecting over a thousand properties across more than eighty countries for esteemed brands like Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Preferred Hotels, Summit Hotels, and ACCOR Hotels. My experience spans high-end, boutique hotel roles, including General Manager positions at Cowley Manor, The Lucky Onion Group, The Falcon – Castle Ashby, where I led a £13-million refurbishment for Lord & Lady Northampton, and later as part of the pre-opening senior team for The Tawny Hotel. After many years in luxury hotel management, I transitioned into hospitality recruitment, serving as GM for Birmingham and the Midlands, before joining Lime Hospitality. To me, hospitality is all about making people feel genuinely welcome and valued, going beyond expectations to elevate each guest’s experience. I have a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of what five-star service truly means, qualities that complement Lime Hospitality’s mission and add value to our partners. What excites me about Lime Hospitality is the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with our brilliant team as we grow, to assist our partners in elevating their service delivery through quality temporary support, and to contribute to the career progression of our exceptional permanent candidates. I’m committed to driving standards and exploring innovative ways to provide excellent recruitment and consultancy solutions for our partners. Please feel free to connect to discuss any of your temp or perm recruitment needs, or if you’re interested in hospitality Quality Assurance support. Outside of work, I have a real passion for Italian sports cars and American classic cars: a hobby I enjoy whenever I get the chance!
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Kuba Bieda

Operations manager

Regional

I joined Lime Hospitality in the Leamington Spa office after leaving Warwick University, initially as part of the casual staff team. Working both FOH, BOH, and in supervisory roles across various venues gave me a real understanding of the industry and sparked my love for hospitality. What started as a temporary role soon became a long-term career, and instead of returning to university, I decided to join Lime’s office team as a junior consultant in 2014. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various roles across the business, open multiple offices (including one in Bath, where I now live), and, in 2022, took on the role of Operations Manager. For me, hospitality is about more than food, drink, or a place to stay—it’s about creating memorable experiences, connecting with people, and celebrating life’s special moments. I’m passionate about the industry’s inclusivity, creativity, and its ability to offer great opportunities to people from all backgrounds. At Lime Hospitality, I love that we bring our in-house expertise to a wide range of clients across the industry I care about—from school caterers to Michelin-starred hotels. Our goal is always to find the best solution for our clients, whether through staffing support or consultancy services. In my spare time, I’m an enthusiastic wine learner (mainly by way of tastings and visits to wine bars). My wife and I also enjoy hosting elaborate dinners for friends. My other passion, apart from hospitality, is politics—I spend most lunch breaks catching up on council by-elections, no matter how obscure the location!
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Joanna Faryniuk

Senior consultant

Stratford Upon Avon

I first entered the hospitality industry during university, working in roles ranging from housekeeping to bartending and waiting tables. These experiences helped me develop a strong understanding of teamwork, communication, and adaptability, all while learning the nuances of customer service. Starting as waiting staff at a local restaurant, I quickly realised that the fast-paced nature of the industry suited me. Over time, I progressed to Supervisor, where I gained valuable experience managing a team, overseeing front-of-house operations, and ensuring smooth service during busy periods. From there, I was promoted to Assistant Manager, working alongside the Restaurant Manager to enhance customer satisfaction, streamline operations, and manage key financial aspects, such as inventory and budgeting. This role honed my problem-solving abilities and deepened my knowledge of business operations. A career highlight was becoming Front of House Assistant Manager, where I had the opportunity to further develop my leadership skills and contribute to the restaurant’s ongoing success. I’m passionate about hospitality because it allows me to create meaningful connections with people and craft memorable experiences. Being part of Lime Hospitality gives me the opportunity to combine my industry experience with my passion for connecting businesses with the right talent. Outside of work, I enjoy running, which offers me a mental reset and helps me stay focused in both my personal and professional life.
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Dominic Elmer

Senior chef consulant

Stratford Upon Avon

I started my hospitality journey in Birmingham, where I trained before heading to France to broaden my experience. I later moved to London, working across various sectors of the industry, which helped me develop a well-rounded perspective of the field. A couple of career highlights stand out for me: working at Lord’s, even though I’m not a fan of cricket, and being the last-ever Head Chef at Earls Court before it was sadly demolished. What excites me about hospitality is its fast-paced nature and constant evolution. The industry always finds a way to adapt, even in the face of adversity, and that keeps me passionate about my work. I’ve been part of Lime for nearly 10 years now, and during that time, we’ve grown, developed, and supported the industry in many ways. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m really excited about the next chapter in Lime’s evolution. Outside of work, I’m an avid runner (I run more than Forest Gump) and a lifelong Aston Villa fan. I’m also a proud dad to an incredible little boy, and have a long-suffering wife who indulges my passions for both running and Villa!
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Mark Feary

Chef consultant

Leamington Spa

My career in the culinary world began at the age of 15, when I started as a kitchen hand in my local pub. From there, I moved on to my first formal role as a commis chef at a 4-star, 2-rosette hotel, where I completed a two-year apprenticeship. This opportunity led to an eight-year journey, during which I progressed to junior sous chef, refining my skills and deepening my passion for the industry. Seeking to broaden my experience, I took on a chef de partie role at the prestigious 5-star, Michelin-starred South Lodge in Sussex, working under renowned chef Matt Gillan. Following this, I had the privilege of honing my craft at several 3-rosette properties, collaborating with acclaimed chefs such as Alan Murchison and Chris Horridge. I then took on the role of sous chef with MacDonald Hotels, where I had the responsibility of raising standards across four of their Midlands properties. This eventually led me to Stratford-upon-Avon, where I became Head Chef and later Executive Head Chef of a 200-bedroom, 4-star hotel. After four rewarding years in this position, I embraced diverse culinary environments, including working as a relief chef with Lime in hotels, pubs, and B&I sites. These varied roles have given me a well-rounded perspective on the industry and the versatility to excel in different kitchen settings. A career highlight for me was the opportunity to cook alongside Marco Pierre White at a Hospitality Action event in Birmingham. It was a privilege to work with one of my culinary heroes while supporting such a worthwhile cause. What I love most about hospitality is that no two days are ever the same. There is always something new to learn, which keeps me excited and motivated. Whether it’s a challenge in the kitchen or a new opportunity for growth, the dynamic nature of the industry is what keeps me passionate. Joining Lime Hospitality excites me because it gives me the chance to support and guide individuals on their career journeys. Being part of a team that helps people find fulfilling opportunities is something I truly value. When I do get some rare free time, I love carp fishing. It’s my time to recharge and enjoy some peace and quiet —something I really need with three small children!
Gareth

Gareth Phillips

Chef consultant

Bath

With over 25 years in hospitality, my career has been a journey through various kitchen and operations roles, each one adding to the well-rounded expertise I bring to the table. I started at 16 as a kitchen porter in a local restaurant, progressing to roles as commis chef, CDP, Sous Chef, and eventually Head Chef. Recently, I served as one of the estate Head Chefs at The Newt in Somerset, and throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of staging at several Michelin-starred establishments, which enriched my culinary skills and broadened my perspective. In 2013, I took a major step by founding my own hospitality business. Starting as Executive Chef and later transitioning to Operations Director, I had the rewarding experience of overseeing its growth—a career highlight that allowed me to balance creativity with leadership and business insight. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with some of my culinary heroes, including Tom Aikens and Tom Sellars, and even took on a guest judge role on BBC MasterChef: The Professionals across two series. Now, as a chef consultant with Lime Hospitality, I leverage my hands-on experience in kitchens and senior management to support clients with talent sourcing, kitchen support, and industry insights. Building trusted relationships and staying engaged with new trends and innovations makes this work especially fulfilling. Outside of work, family time is a priority. We love travelling across the UK, especially to West Wales, where you’ll often find us hiking the Preseli mountains or the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, rounding off the day with a seafood dinner at a favourite local pub.
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Jamie Ellis-Shelvey

Hospitality consultant

Leamington Spa

My experience in hospitality spans across hotel operations, from Resident Entertainer to Entertainment Management, Retail Manager to F&B Manager, Hotel Operations Manager, and multi-site L&D Training. Hospitality is all I’ve ever known, and I have a deep passion for delivering exceptional service. A career highlight for me was winning the Hotel Chain’s Team Member of the Year award in 2018 for the delivery of Cultural Learning & Development training across the company. It was incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we had on staff and the overall guest experience. What I love about hospitality is the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s experience and make every guest feel like a VIP, no matter where I work. There’s no greater reward than seeing a guest return to relive those positive experiences. I strive to create a warm, welcoming environment for guests, where they feel like family and can make lasting memories they’ll want to share with others. What excites me most about being part of Lime Hospitality is the scope of support we can offer to our venues. We’re not just about recruitment; we provide consultancy and operational support in ways only hospitality professionals can truly understand. Having worked in hotel operations, I’ve seen first-hand the challenges venues face, and I take great pride in being part of a team that can offer practical solutions. Through Lime, I have the privilege of delivering service excellence across a wide range of venues in various sectors of hospitality, with a fantastic team of hospitality professionals ready to support you. Outside of work, you may sometimes find me performing vocal and piano cabarets, but most of my free time is spent enjoying being a first-time father. Being a dad requires all the hospitality skills I’ve honed over the years, and I’m loving every moment of it!
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Ema Antalova

Hospitality consultant

Cirencester

I’ve been fortunate to work at both 4* and 5* properties across Europe, which has given me a deep understanding of the high standards and intricacies that define the hospitality industry. This experience has provided me with valuable insights into what it takes to deliver excellence in service and operations, and it’s shaped my approach to finding the right fit for every role. A career highlight for me was being part of a team that successfully elevated the guest experience at a luxury 5* property, which earned accolades for its exceptional service. Contributing to the smooth running of such a high-end venue reinforced my commitment to quality and helped me develop the skills needed to achieve results under pressure. This experience continues to guide my work in hospitality recruitment, where my goal is to connect great people with outstanding opportunities. I love hospitality because it’s a people-centred industry that allows me to make a real difference in the lives of both guests and team members. The fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of the sector keeps me engaged and always learning. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing a guest’s fantastic experience comes from a team effort. It’s that sense of connection, service, and the chance to make a positive impact that keeps me passionate about this field. I’m genuinely excited to be part of Lime Hospitality, working alongside a team that’s just as dedicated to raising standards in hospitality recruitment as I am. Contributing to a company with a clear vision and a strong commitment to the industry is inspiring, and I’m looking forward to being part of Lime’s continued growth and success. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, whether walking, hiking, or paddleboarding. These activities give me the chance to unwind, stay active, and connect with nature. Whether I’m exploring new trails or enjoying peaceful moments by the water, I find that time spent outdoors helps me recharge and brings a sense of calm that I carry into my professional life.
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Joanna Tarasiuk

Catering consultant

Stratford Upon Avon

My career in hospitality began at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), where I worked as Front of House (FOH) staff. This role provided me with a valuable introduction to the industry, where I had the pleasure of meeting some incredible people, and it sparked my passion for cooking. After two years at JLR, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a chef and joined The Peacock in Oxhill, a charming country pub. I started as a commis chef and worked my way up to chef de partie. Despite the long hours and split shifts, it was an amazing learning experience that really shaped my skills and passion for the craft. Looking for more regular daytime hours, I moved to National Grid, where I had the opportunity to cook for large volumes of people—around 5,000 each day. This role broadened my culinary horizons as I worked with a variety of world cuisines, including Japanese, Indian, and Brazilian. After nearly a year, I felt ready to return to a more intimate kitchen setting and took on a sous chef role at Children’s Play Village. This was a wonderful opportunity to work with a small, fresh menu using great ingredients, and I really enjoyed being part of a close-knit, supportive team. Outside of work, I’m an avid cyclist and enjoy spending time outdoors, soaking in the scenery. I enjoy weekend getaways, be it hiking in the mountains or spending time by the sea. And when winter arrives, I think there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. I’m excited to be part of Lime Hospitality, where I can continue to grow in my career and help others achieve their goals in the industry.
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Claire Staunton

Accounts

Regional

I bring over 30 years of experience in accounts, starting back when balancing the books meant using manual ledgers and no computers—how things have changed! For the past decade, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside my husband in interior design, helping to create beautiful homes while keeping the finances in check. Once my son turned 18, I felt it was the perfect time to return to an office role and take on a new adventure outside the home. A real career highlight for me was interviewing Barbara Hulanicki, a true design icon whose work in fashion and hotel design I’d followed for years. Although I’m new to working in hospitality, I’ve always loved the experience of eating out at amazing restaurants and weekends away. Since joining Lime Hospitality, I have a new appreciation for the hard work that goes into finding the right people for the places I enjoy visiting. Being part of Lime Hospitality excites me because I get to witness the genuine enthusiasm my colleagues bring when they match great people with great roles. I know that job hunting can be daunting, and it’s wonderful to hear the team make candidates feel valued and supported. Outside of work, you’ll often find me hosting friends and family, cooking up a feast in our kitchen. Entertaining comes naturally since both my husband and I come from large families. Our home has become the hub for “Kitchen Discos”—good food, great music, and a lot of fun!
Clare Wilkinson

Clare Wilkinson

Accounts

Leamington Spa

I have always been drawn to roles that require attention to detail and investment in people, which made payroll and financial management a natural fit for my career. With extensive experience in payroll and accounts, I take pride in ensuring that every aspect of payroll runs seamlessly, allowing teams to focus on their core operations without disruption. I am based in the Leamington Spa office, where I oversee all payroll functions, ensuring that payments are processed accurately and on time. For me, managing payroll is about more than just numbers—it’s about maintaining trust and reliability, ensuring that businesses and employees have confidence in the process.  I have always been an active and disciplined person, qualities that extend beyond my professional life. As a competitive swimmer, I understand the importance of consistency, focus, and determination—traits that translate directly into my approach to work. Staying active is a key part of my life, and I enjoy pushing myself to achieve new goals, whether in the water or in my career.