The Team

Adam has been Director of Grizedale Arts since 1999. Since the organisation acquired the pub in 2021 he has worked across all areas of The Farmer’s Arms, from housekeeping to the chip fryer, leading in the kitchen since 2023. A lifelong potter, Adam is also responsible for making most of the pub shop’s popular ‘mocha-ware’ mugs and jugs.

Karen is Grizedale Arts’ Head Gardener, volunteer coordinator and warden at their artists’ residence Lawson Park.

She was Director of Detail for The Farmer’s Arms from 2021-2023, doing everything from buying second hand church pews to making miso to sourcing our pub cat Bailey. She also worked with Tom Philipson and Pippa Martin on the distinctive design and refurbishment of the pub’s cafe space.

In 2021 Karen initiated The Farmer’s Arms Gardening School, as the Covid pandemic was ending. Now in its fifth year, the School undertakes most of the pub garden maintenance during their monthly sessions under Karen’s tuition. The School’s students also designed and planted Diana’s Orchard (supported by King Charles’ Coronation Orchard Fund) in 2025, and featured in the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘The Garden’ magazine. Karen has also taught a weekly Beginners Edibles course at  the pub (with Hazel Sharples), and other occasional garden and ecology events such as National Meadows Day.

‘The Ungarden’ in the pub carpark – soil-less gravel beds growing only drought tolerant seed-sown plants – was designed and made by Karen with Grace Holland in 2023.

Molly has been with us since 2023, working across varied areas of The Farmer’s Arms including programming our Soup Talks and Stable Bar exhibitions.

Sheila joined as our Accounts & Finance officer in summer 2025.