Our Team
Our team are the heart and soul of our operation. We know that no matter how good our food or drink is, you wont enjoy yourselves unless our team are happy and can deliver the best service possible. Training is key and as well as on the job training we ensure that we do seperate training sessions and visits to suppliers to enable them to learn more about our ingrediants and products. We have recently visited Weetwood Ales and Three Wrens Gin with different members of the team. We offer NVQs to all our employees should they want to progress their studies within the industry as well.
Meet Bethan - General Manager
Bethan opened The Lion in 2020 and has led the team ever since. Having grown up in Cheshire, she built her hospitality career across hotels in the region and Manchester before settling in Malpas with her family.
Passionate about great food, warm hospitality and creating memorable experiences for guests, Bethan is proud of the role The Lion plays at the heart of the local community. When she’s not at work, you’ll usually find her at the yard with her three horses or enjoying a glass of Provence rosé on the other side of the bar.
Meet Krystian - Head Chef
Krystian has been part of The Lion team since day one and is the driving force behind our seasonal menus. He is passionate about showcasing the best local produce and works closely with suppliers to bring fresh, high-quality ingredients to every dish.
Originally from Poland, Krystian has lived in the UK for over 20 years and now calls Cheshire home. Outside the kitchen, he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking for friends and exploring the countryside as an enthusiastic runner.
Meet Kane - Deputy General Manager
Kane was part of The Lion’s opening team and quickly became a familiar face to many of our regular guests. After spending time at our sister pub, The Swan, and pursuing a new adventure, he returned to The Lion in 2026, much to the delight of both the team and our guests.
Originally from North Wales, Kane previously worked in London before settling in Cheshire. Known for his friendly approach and attention to detail, he plays a key role in ensuring every guest receives a warm welcome and enjoys a memorable visit.
Meet Woody - Owner of Bear Inns.
Centred around building teams of brilliant people to deliver the very best food and drink, Woody is a firm believer in supporting British farming and local suppliers and providing a level of hospitality rarely found in pubs today.
For 25 years, Woody has championed Great British pubs understanding their criticality in the social make up of rural communities and has been instrumental in the development of numerous award winning pubs and inns over his career. He also loves nothing better than ‘the craic’ over a pint or two in any great pub!
Other than sharing fabulous time with Fiona and their three children (often helping out at the family’s Bradwall Bakehouse), spare moments include a diminishing rugby career come society referee, learning to play the piano incredibly averagely and tasting and contrasting as many wines as possible!
