Out of Office

Lee Kelly shares his Out of Office essentials

In our Out of Office interview series, we speak to Walpole Member and Partner executives at the top of their game about how they live their lives away from their desks – the habits that help them decompress, the activities that re-centre their minds, and the little luxuries that they can't live without. This week, it's the turn of Lee Kelly, General Manager of wonderfully Art Deco-inspired Mayfair hotel, 45 Park Lane
28th Apr 2023
Out of Office Lee Kelly shares his Out of Office essentials

Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?

Lee Kelly: The nature of my role means I am pretty much always available and on the go. However, throughout my career, I have learnt to understand the importance of taking time off and enjoying life outside of work. I try to instil this in my team and therefore really do try to practice what I preach. I keep most of my work functions and dinner meetings to week nights and, when I am not at the hotel on weekends, I try to keep this clear for time with family and friends. The team at 45 Park Lane are incredible and ensure the hotel is well looked after whenever I’m not there.

What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?

I love to cook and it’s probably my favourite way to unwind after a long day at work. There's something therapeutic about being in the kitchen and creating something delicious from scratch.

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What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?

Music is my passion. I grew up on Motown and classics from the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties. I have a large record collection and I love to play them at the weekends with friends over for a BBQ or homemade pizzas in the Ooni pizza oven.

What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?

I love to travel and, for me, enjoying other hotels, restaurants and bars all over the world is an important part of understanding trends and developing 45 Park Lane and our team. Experiencing the inspiring work of others in hospitality keeps me on my toes and give me a zest for what we do.

After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?

My home is close to the Rathfinny Wine Estate on the South Downs near Lewes in East Sussex. It’s a favourite of ours to take visiting friends to. They have a wonderful restaurant, and they have events in the vineyard during spring and summer - you can take tours to learn more about wine making and, most important of all, indulge in tasting their wonderful English sparkling wines. I recommend the Blanc de Noir – it's fantastic!

On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?

I'm a big believer in bringing people together for a good old traditional Sunday roast. I take great joy in gathering friends and family around the table, it’s a bit of a ritual now and makes me relaxed for the week ahead, which is key. I feel more grounded and centered having been around loved ones, and better able to tackle whatever challenges may come my way that week.

Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?

My most recent trip was to Vancouver, and it was nothing short of breath-taking. The city had an electric energy that my partner and I loved, and the food scene was exceptional. We particularly enjoyed visiting Whistler, where we hit the slopes for some skiing. The mountain views were incredible, and the fresh air was very welcome coming from the city.

The OUT OF OFFICE hotlist:

Your go-to Out of Office outfit: Jeans, a polo or shirt and white trainers.

Your happy place anywhere in the world: Kefalonia in Greece. I try to get there for a week each summer as we have lots of friends on the island. I also lived in Costa Rica for several years – this is a must add to everyone’s travel bucket list.

Your favourite bar or restaurant: For me, it's less about a specific place and more about the atmosphere and company you experience it with. I believe that all meals and cocktails should tell a story which create memories built around the people you experience them with. That said, if I had to choose, the River Café by Ruth Rogers in Hammersmith, London has got to be on everyone’s list.

Something cultural or sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: I am heading to our wonderful hotel in Rome, Hotel Eden. I have booked a box at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma.

Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: I am terrible at taking time out to sit and read a book, but my favourite new app is Blinkist – an app that consolidates reads to listen on the go. I am currently listening to The 5am Club by Robin Sharma.

A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Just before lockdown I learnt to horse ride. I took a course of ten lessons and really should pick it up again. Apparently I was a natural!

A luxury that’s actually a necessity: At my age, a good facial moisturiser! I am really interested in the spa and wellness programmes in our hotels and am keen to drive this part of the business. Stay tuned.

Best luxury under £25: A brick oven pizza. Simple but so satisfying!

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