Michael Clitheroe to step down as Balmer Lawn GM

Michael Clitheroe is to step down as general manager of Balmer Lawn hotel in the New Forest after nearly 10 years.

In a post on LinkedIn, he said it was “time for me to take a breath, reflect and look ahead to new opportunities”.

Clitheroe also paid tribute to his wife, Pauline, who works at the hotel as sales and revenue manager.

“These past 10 years have been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that have shaped both my career, my family, and me personally,” he said.

Clitheroe joined Balmer Lawn in 2015 and it today holds four AA silver stars and is home to a two-AA-rosette restaurant.

He will leave in January 2025 and is currently looking for a new role in the hotel industry.

Clitheroe said he was “looking for a role where I can bring the same passion for excellence, vision for growth, extensive experience in business and commitment to creating extraordinary guest experiences - whether at a property or group level”.

Since 1997 Balmer Lawn has been independently owned by Chris and Alison Wilson, who bought the property when it was the three-star Hilton Ladbroke and have since invested heavily in the hotel.

In 2022 it was put up for sale off a guide price of £12.5m but was later taken off the market.

Planning permission was secured in 2020 to construct an additional 38 bedrooms, expand its function rooms, enlarge the spa facilities and construct a further six staff bedrooms.