Lumley Castle in the North of England has made two strategic appointments, heralding a new era for the luxury hotel. Gordon Cartwright joins as General Manager, while Craig Sherrington takes on the role of Executive Head Chef at the medieval castle, which is based in Chester-le-Street near Durham. The hotel has benefited from recent investment and these new appointments are the next step in awakening the sleeping giant that is the Lumley Castle.
With a rich history dating back to 1389 and magnificent, original architecture, Lumley Castle is a stunning four star hotel with 73 individually decorated bedrooms. A beautiful wedding venue with a historic setting and a touch of old glamour, the hotel will be launching new wedding experiences in 2020. Lumley Castle is also one of the UK’s leading Escape Rooms, with a theme centred on the eerie Ghost of Lilly of Lumley.
With over 30 years’ experience across Relais and Chateaux, Michelin and five star hotels, Gordon joins Lumley Castle from Macdonald Hotels and Restaurants where he was Group Quality Director. Previously General Manager at the five star Isle of Eriska Hotel and Spa in Scotland, the Old Inn at Crawfordsburn in Northern Ireland and the iconic Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Gordon’s new role is to oversee the transformation and rejuvenation of Lumley Castle, which includes the refurbishment of eight bedrooms in January. As part of this Gordon will be implementing intensive staff training and aims to deliver a sophisticated, luxury experience for the hotel’s guests.
A highly experienced chef, Craig cut his teeth working at Le Champignon Sauvage under David Everitt-Matthias and was part of Eric Chavot’s team at The Capitol Hotel, helping the restaurant to gain its second Michelin Star. He worked at Storrs Hall in Bowness and the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel in Barrow, before taking over The General Burgoyne in Ulverston. In 2015, Craig and his wife, Louise bought their own restaurant, Virginia House.
Having just devised and launched a new menu for autumn and winter, featuring fresh, seasonal produce, Craig has been tasked with bringing in a more relaxed dining style, which will fit in with the planned refurbishment of the Knight’s Brasserie, the library bar and the lounge in January. A hands-on chef with a cooking style rooted in the classics with modern, quirky twists, Craig can been seen in restaurant at Lumley Castle most nights, bringing in dishes and talking to guests about the locally-sourced produce.
New General Manager, Gordon Cartwright comments: “I am delighted to be heading up the team at Lumley Castle and working alongside our new Executive Head Chef, Craig Sherrington. It’s an incredible property with a wealth of history and I’m confident that between us we can elevate it to the next level and offer guests a truly memorable experience.”
Lumley Castle
T: 0191 389 1111
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