Alf & Clare Ellis
Owners
Alf and Clare Ellis are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to quality. With a legacy firmly rooted in the British kitchen manufacturing industry, their next chapter unfolds here at Northcote, which they officially acquired in April 2025 from The Stafford Collection.
Craig J Bancroft MI FIH
Managing Director
Craig, or Mr B as he is fondly known, is director of wine at Northcote, drawing on his vast knowledge for the award-wining wine list. His personal accolades include Outstanding Achievement Award 2023 at The Hotel Catey’s and The Caterer’s Hotelier of the Year 2016. Mr B is hands on and you will often see him welcoming and chatting to guests throughout the day, ensuring his vision of the perfect Northcote experience is enjoyed by all.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen
Chef Patron-Director
Lisa Goodwin-Allen is one of the most innovative and exciting chefs in the UK today. Leading the kitchen brigade at Northcote since the age of 23 and a regular face on Britain’s TV screens, she draws inspiration from the beautiful Ribble Valley landscape to produce stunning dishes which showcase the wide range of incredible produce the region has to offer.
Simon Ulph
Head Chef
Leading Northcote’s talented kitchen team is Simon Ulph, an innovative chef with extensive Michelin-starred expertise. Having worked alongside Lisa Goodwin-Allen, he will continue to drive culinary innovation and uphold Northcote’s exceptional standards.
Simon has honed his craft at renowned restaurants, including Michelin-starred Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Palé Hall, the then two-Michelin-starred Moor Hall and two-Michelin-starred The Ledbury. His expertise spans fine dining, butchery, open-fire cooking, and event catering, making him a versatile and creative force in the industry.
Adam Pitfield
Senior Sous Chef
Adam Pitfield is a skilled chef with a strong background in Michelin-starred kitchens and award-winning establishments. As Senior Sous Chef at Northcote, he works alongside Head Chef Simon to continue to deliver exceptional menus with precision and creativity.
Having previously worked at the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains, Adam has also honed his skills at Coworth Park (1 star), Samling Hotel (1 star) and Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons (2 stars). His experience extends internationally, including time as a private chef in France and Australia. With a calm demeanour and a passion for continuous learning, Adam is dedicated to upholding Northcote’s highest culinary standards.
Felix Farnell
Assistant Hotel Manager
Felix has a wealth of experience in hospitality, having managed award-winning gastropubs and luxury venues. With expertise in leadership, customer service, financial control, and operations, he ensures exceptional guest experiences. His qualifications include wine and spirits, cellar management, and first aid, making him a highly skilled and dedicated professional committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of hotel management.
Magdalena Sleziak
Head Sommelier, Food & Beverage Manager
Magdalena, our Head Sommelier, works alongside Wine Director Craig Bancroft and her Sommelier team to perfectly pair each of Northcote’s dishes with a complimenting wine, and to develop our ever-evolving wine list. Magdalena is Court of Master Sommelier Certified and Advanced Certificates along with WSET Qualifications to Level Four. Magdalena is listed in the top 100 Sommeliers in the UK and was voted the Number Five Youngest Sommelier.
Robyn Tomlinson
Senior Events Manager
Robyn has grown up with Northcote, joining as a breakfast waitress over 13 years ago. She now works with our customers and clients to make their celebrations and events exactly as they wish. Her favourite part of her job? Seeing an event come together after all the planning…magical!
Alison Campbell
Head Housekeeper
Alison joined us from a big city centre hotel in 2019 and her passion to make each bedroom sparkle for our guests really shines through. You may not meet the housekeepers during your stay, but they are always working hard to keep Northcote looking its very best!
Stephanie Baron
Head Receptionist
Part of the Northcote team for over 20 years, Stephanie joined as restaurant manager and now heads up the reception team. Living locally, she has lots of ideas for must-see attractions nearby and is one of the friendly faces you will meet first when you arrive or speak to on the phone.
Cookery School Tutors
Dan Wynne, Cookery School Tutor| Darcy Tugwell, Cookery School Assistant | Ben Hinchliffe, Head Cookery School Tutor