In the world of Luxury Hospitality, recruitment isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about finding people who match the rhythm, culture, and expectations of a venue where every detail matters. That’s the philosophy behind Ginger Hospitality’s Executive Search division, and it’s exactly why it works so well for Northcote.
Set in the heart of the Ribble Valley, Northcote is a Michelin-starred Hotel and Restaurant where food and guest experience come first. Over 80 percent of their revenue is food and beverage-led, a rare model for a Country House Hotel. That means every person who joins the team needs to be able to thrive in a demanding, fast-paced and emotionally intelligent environment.
Executive Recruitment That Goes Deeper
For Managing Director Craig Bancroft, the partnership with Ginger Hospitality began over a shared belief that recruitment should be about more than paperwork.
“What Ginger’s done for us better than anybody we’ve come across is… when you get a candidate on your desk, they’ve been well researched. They know exactly the role we’re offering and the type of establishment we are.”
At Northcote, that matters. A strong CV isn’t enough. The team looks for candidates who can handle the pace of a Michelin kitchen, the discretion of a Luxury Hotel, and the personality needed to create an unforgettable guest experience.
“I don’t want robots. We want people who bring their own character… You can teach almost anything but not natural emotional intelligence.”
That’s where Ginger’s Executive Search service stands out. Led by Hannah Taylor, this division specialises in executive Hospitality Recruitment, sourcing senior roles like Restaurant Manager, Head Chef, and Front Office Manager with precision, discretion and personality-led matchmaking.
“We’re looking for something a little bit different,” Craig adds. “Sometimes, pure Michelin candidates don’t work for Northcote… it’s about people who will thrive in an environment where every detail matters.”
Tailored, Trusted, and Built to Last
Recruiting in Luxury settings brings unique challenges. You’re not just matching a job spec, you’re protecting a brand. And for a business like Northcote, where guest experience is defined by every interaction, the margin for error is slim.
Ginger’s approach to permanent hospitality staff is about quality over quantity.
“There may only be two candidates,” Craig explains, “but they’ll be quality candidates. I won’t get nine of which seven aren’t worth me looking at.”
That attention to fit has delivered real results including a standout Front Office Manager hire that Craig describes as one of their best yet.
“It’s been a really difficult role to recruit for. But because he’s a versatile character, I think he’ll suit Northcote absolutely brilliantly. And I think if that hadn’t been crafted the way it had, we probably wouldn’t have got the right candidate for that.”
A Recruitment Partner That Understands Luxury
From our Northcote Magazine feature, Ginger Hospitality’s strength lies in listening deeply, briefing thoroughly, and understanding what makes each venue’s culture tick.
“Hospitality is ultimately about people,” says Ginger CEO Angela Byrne. “Our partnership is based upon understanding their culture, their ambitions, and what makes their guest experience so unique.”
That culture fit is what turns recruitment into long-term success. From Michelin Star recruitment in the kitchen to standout service professionals out front, Ginger has introduced Chefs, Operational Leaders, and Front of House talent that enhance the Northcote experience not just maintain it.
And it goes beyond just filling roles.
“We’ve always looked for people who can bring something extra,” Craig says. “Creativity, leadership, or simply an infectious enthusiasm. Ginger understands that.”
The Results Speak for Themselves
In a year marked by staffing volatility across the industry, Northcote needed fast, confident action without compromising their standards.
“If we hadn’t had a relationship like we had… we wouldn’t have been able to maintain our standards. We needed someone close at hand. And that made all the difference.”
The Luxury Hospitality recruitment space is complex, but Ginger Hospitality’s Executive Search service offers a more consultative, discreet and strategic approach. As Craig puts it,
“Time is an expensive commodity. Tangible results are being able to make a recruit that actually hits the ground running.”
Final Thoughts
Luxury venues don’t just need staff. They need the right people in the right roles and a partner who understands that. At Northcote, Ginger Hospitality has proven it’s possible to deliver both.
With deep industry knowledge, local understanding, and a commitment to personalised service, Ginger Hospitality is proud to be the trusted Hospitality partner behind one of the country’s most respected hotels.
For Executive-Level Hospitality recruitment that understands more than just the job title, talk to Ginger.
