Where heritage meets heart
About us: Heritage venue and community hub in Hayes
Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Hayes, Kent, The Warren is more than a Grade II listed manor house – it is a place where history and community live side by side. Once the private residence of Victorian stockbroker Walter de Zoete, and later the cherished sports club of the Metropolitan Police, our estate has evolved into a welcoming destination for everyone.
Today, our 22 acres of gardens, function rooms and sports facilities bring people together for life’s most memorable moments; from weddings and events to corporate gatherings and family days out.
At our core is a simple promise
To create a space where every guest feels a sense of belonging – rooted in tradition, yet alive with possibility.
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Meet the team: The people behind the place
Charlotte Ware
Sales and Marketing Manager
Charlotte brings energy and warmth to every celebration. With a career that has spanned spas, cruise ships and the wedding industry, she knows how to make every occasion special. Her favourite part of the job? Watching guests’ faces light up as they see their event come to life. Armed with patience, positivity and a big smile.
Gavin Boyer
Head Chef
After thirty years in professional kitchens – from a tiny Cotswold pub to Hawksmoor in London – Gavin now leads our five-star kitchen with calm confidence (and a touch of mischief). He loves the variety of cooking for everything from Sunday roasts to gala dinners, and you might spot him “fishing for compliments” in The Warren restaurant. When not behind the stove, he’s tending to his garden or fishing for real.
Fun fact: According to Gavin, a mandoline can smell fear!
Florin Oprea
Operations Manager
Hospitality runs in Florin’s family – his father was a head chef and his mother a pastry chef. After studying Tourism and Economics in Romania and working across Europe, he joined The Warren to oversee our hospitality operations and maintain our high standards of service and safety. He believes that a warm welcome and attention to detail turn a visit into an experience. Outside of work, he loves cycling with his daughter and playing tennis.
Wendy Clarke
Accounts Manager
Wendy has been balancing the books since she was nineteen, and her eye for detail keeps The Warren running smoothly behind the scenes. Armed with a Pitman’s Level 3 Accounting qualification and a penchant for problem-solving, she brings clarity to the numbers and good humour to the office. When not crunching figures, you’ll find her hiking and enjoying the great outdoors.
Ajay Anthony
General Manager
With a career spanning over 25 years in the hotel and hospitality industry, Ajay is a true people person who thrives on finding ways to exceed expectations. His passion? Turning challenges into opportunities and building a team that’s as dynamic as the venue itself. When Ajay isn’t leading the charge at The Warren, you’ll find him capturing moments through his lens, exploring new destinations, or lost in the rhythm of his favourite tunes.
A place for everyone: Open to members and non-members alike
Though our heritage is rooted in the Metropolitan Police family, today The Warren belongs to the whole community. Locals, families and businesses alike come to us to celebrate, connect and unwind. Whether you’re joining as a member, planning a wedding or simply popping in for coffee, you are always welcome here.
| Access at a Glance | Members | Non-Members |
|---|---|---|
Dining and bar access | ||
Function and wedding bookings | ||
Gym and sauna | ||
BBQ area and tennis courts | ||
Events and live music nights | (discounted tickets) | (full price) |
...and so much more!
Become a part of our story
The Warren has been a backdrop for life's moments for over a century, and we invite you to write your own chapter here. For enquiries, reach out to us.