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
Executive Chef
Lisa has worked in the Northcote kitchen since 2001 and has a natural understanding of local ingredients. With her Northcote grounding she creates dishes full of harmonious flavours. A familiar face on tv, you may have seen her as a judge on Great British Menu or cooking with James Martin on his shows.
Rachel Crook
Hotel Manager
Rachel has previously worked both in the UK and abroad throughout her hospitality career, including at Fairmont, Bermuda and Southampton, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Inn, Orlando and, before Northcote, worked at L’Horizon Beach and Hotel Spa, Jersey. All this experience, and her undeniable passion for people, are what have shaped Rachel to be the obvious choice for our new Hotel Manager.
Matt Ramsdale
Head Chef
Richard Ogden
Head Cookery School Tutor
Richard Ogden, Head Cook School Tutor is an accomplished professional chef with a wealth of catering experience. Richard’s early career started in restaurants to develop many of the skills he has today. Rick worked through the ranks to become Sous Chef and Senior Sous Chef in leading UK kitchens. He then transferred from restaurants to become Head Chef for multi award winning national caterers, who were world leading, offering innovative gourmet food and creating memorable guest and client experiences.
Magdalena Sleziak
Head Sommelier
Magdalena, our Head Sommelier, works alongside Wine Director Craig Bancroft and her Sommelier team to perfectly pair each of Lisa’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.
Tom Hanlon
Restaurant Manager