The Heart Behind Weddings and Events at The Maynard – Meet Katie Angrave
Katie Angrave’s journey into the world of weddings and events didn’t start as a childhood dream – it was a suggestion from an unlikely source that set her on this path.
‘My sixth form tutor at St Mary’s, Chesterfield, spotted a brand-new course at Manchester Metropolitan University ‘Events Management’ and encouraged me to look into it. I did and thought “That sounds like a bit of me.’ said Katie.
That course would shape her career, helping her discover a passion for hospitality that has led her to Longbow Venues, where she now plays a starring role in making wedding dreams come true at The Maynard.
“I started in hospitality when I was only 14”
Katie’s love for hospitality started young. At just 14, she took her first job as a pot wash at Hackney House in Barlow, just down the road from her parents’ home. Over the four years working there she worked her way up to waitressing, loving the fast-paced, rewarding nature of the industry.
University further solidified her passion. During her placement year, Katie worked as an assistant steward at a golf club, running functions, managing stock, and even cooking in the kitchen alongside the chef. While many of her peers spent their placements making coffee for corporate event firms, Katie was gaining hands-on experience across all aspects of hospitality. “My placement year ended up being invaluable. I knew I wanted to work for hospitality venues rather than event companies. I wanted to be where the action was so I could be a part of creating memories and experiences firsthand.”
Crossing Paths with Longbow’s Rob Hattersley
Although their families had long known each other, Katie worked alongside Longbow Venues’ Managing Director, Rob Hattersley, when he joined The Farmhouse where Katie was managing the weddings and events. Katie had previously turned to Rob for advice – particularly during a turbulent period when the general manager walked out, leaving her to run the business!
“We always got on really well, he was so passionate about the people working for him.” said Katie. Over the next three and a half years they worked as a team, setting exceptional standards for the weddings and events, blending coordination, marketing, and operational knowledge to deliver unforgettable events.
A Leap of Faith to The Maynard
“When Rob first founded Longbow Venues in 2019, there were conversations about me joining the team, but the timing wasn’t right.” Steve Atkinson, now Operations Director, Josh Butler, now General Manager of The Ashford Arms, and Adrian Gagea, now Group Executive Chef had all left their roles and joined Rob as he looked to found Longbow. “With the big exodus of Rob, Steve, Josh and Adrian all leaving, plus I was just thinking about starting a family, I wasn’t ready for such a big shift.”
But Rob kept the door open. In 2023 he called her with a simple question: “I just wonder what you’re up to and if you’re happy? Would you like to come and interview for the Wedding and Events Manager role?”
The answer was yes.
Finding the Right Fit at Longbow
Now the Wedding and Events Manager at The Maynard, Katie thrives in an environment that reflects everything she’s always loved about hospitality. “Rob is achieving everything he always wanted,” she says. “He’s built a company that’s truly focused on the people, where everybody is passionate and genuinely wants to be here. It’s what hospitality used to be, and what I always loved about it.”
In an industry that has, in many places, lost its heart to staffing cuts and sales-driven approaches, Longbow prioritises “people over profits, always”. It’s a workplace where passion, creativity, and care for the guest experience take precedence, earning a Sunday Times Best Places to Work accolade last year.
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Juggling Being Super-Mum and Events
Katie’s professional drive has always been relentless – so much so that when she became pregnant with her second child, she returned to work full-time and was still running weddings until the last weeks of pregnancy. “I loved my job and wanted everyone to know that I could still do it all. I had gone from ‘mother hen’ at work to actual working Mum and wanted to make sure I still put my team as high of a priority as I always had”
Mum to two energetic toddlers; Nora and Enid, aged four and three, Katie has found a way to balance her role at The Maynard with family life thanks to the support of her incredible team and husband. “I love the switch from ‘work Katie’, creating dream days to ‘mum Katie’, creating sock puppets and secret dens”. It’s a juggling act, but one she manages with the same determination and precision that has defined her career.
Making Moments Matter
For Katie, weddings and events aren’t just about logistics and schedules, they’re about crafting standout experiences that couples and guests will cherish for a lifetime. Her journey from pot wash in the local cafe to leading one of the Peak District’s most sought-after wedding venues is proof of her dedication, but also her superpower for helping people create memorable moments that wow them for a lifetime.
At The Maynard, she ensures every wedding is as special as the last, working closely with her team and the couples they serve to bring their wedding vision to life. With a team that shares her passion, good nature and humour and a venue that blends elegance with personal touches, Katie is at the heart of making every event unforgettable.
And she wouldn’t have it any other way!
MEET KATIE AND THE TEAM
To meet Katie and the team and talk about your wedding at The Maynard, email events@the-maynard.com to arrange an informal chat over coffee about your dream day.
Alternatively, meet Katie and the team at our next wedding fair or showcase.
The Wedding Assembly | Wedding Fair, Sunday March 16th
Join us on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 12-3 pm for our wedding fair hosted by The Wedding Assembly.
The Maynard Wedding Showcase, Tuesday March 18th
Or pop in between 5:30 pm and 8 pm on Tuesday, March 18, 202,5 for our Wedding Showcase.