Northcote strengthens its leadership team for the future

: Northcote, a Michelin star restaurant and boutique hotel in the Ribble Valley, is looking to the future with two key appointments to strengthen its leadership team as the property enters its next chapter. 

The announcement comes as Chef Patron Lisa Goodwin-Allen celebrates 25 years at Northcote, which also marks an extraordinary 30 consecutive years holding a Michelin star in 2026.

Courtney Maksymow has been appointed Hotel Manager, while Mat Sherry returns to the Ribble Valley dining destination as Head Chef, working alongside Lisa to lead the kitchens and talented brigade. 

Their appointments represent an important investment in the next generation of leadership at Northcote, building on the foundations established by Lisa and Managing Director Craig Bancroft, who continue to lead the business as Northcote progresses its ongoing programme of investment and development.

Courtney Maksymow appointed Hotel Manager at Northcote

Courtney Maksymow has been appointed Hotel Manager, bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience to the role, alongside a strong background in operational leadership, people management and business performance.

Courtney joined Northcote in 2019 as Head of HR, working closely with the senior management team on people strategy, recruitment, talent development and organisational performance. 

Having now progressed into the Hotel Manager role, Courtney brings a valuable combination of commercial awareness, operational expertise and a people-first approach to leading the hotel. Her focus includes delivering exceptional guest experiences, developing high-performing teams and supporting the continued success of the business as it continues to evolve.

Alongside the promotion, Courtney has recently been awarded a place on the prestigious 2027 Innholder Scholarships programme, run by Master Innholders. The scholarship supports professional development within the hospitality industry and represents a significant achievement in her career. Courtney has also recently achieved her CIPD Level 7 qualification in Strategic HR Management and is keen to build on this success by progressing to a Master’s degree, further supporting her professional development and career ambitions.

Courtney Maksymow, Hotel Manager at Northcote, said: “Northcote has been a huge part of my career since I joined in 2019, so stepping into the role of Hotel Manager is incredibly special. It’s a role that I’m hugely excited about. 

I’m passionate about helping our people grow and making sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Being awarded a place on the 2027 Innholder Scholarships programme is also a fantastic opportunity to continue developing my leadership skills and I’m looking forward to putting that learning into practice at Northcote. 

There’s so much happening across the business and I’m proud to be part of the team building its next chapter alongside Craig, Lisa and everyone here.”

Mat Sherry returns as Head Chef

Another recent senior appointment at Northcote sees Mat Sherry back as Head Chef, reuniting him with the property where he previously worked and bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Following his time at Northcote, Mat went on to lead the kitchen at Number One at Balmoral, where the restaurant earned four AA Rosettes during his tenure. His return brings valuable experience from an acclaimed dining operation, alongside an existing understanding of Northcote and its approach to hospitality.

Working alongside Chef Patron Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Mat will help lead the kitchens and talented brigade, supporting Lisa’s culinary vision and contributing to the continued evolution of Northcote’s food offering.

Mat Sherry, Head Chef at Northcote, said: “It’s fantastic to be back at Northcote. I have some great memories of my time here previously. There’s a real buzz around the place, with lots happening and a clear ambition for the future. It’s an exciting time to be part of Northcote and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Celebrating 25 years of Lisa Goodwin-Allen

October 2026 marked 25 years since Lisa Goodwin-Allen joined Northcote. Over the past quarter of a century, she has become synonymous with the restaurant’s culinary identity, developing her distinctive approach to modern British cooking and playing a pivotal role in establishing Northcote as one of the region’s most recognised and celebrated dining destinations.

It’s an achievement made even more remarkable given Northcote’s longstanding Michelin star status, as the restaurant celebrated its own 30-year milestone earlier in 2026. Lisa has played an instrumental role in retaining Northcote’s Michelin star for two and a half decades, a testament to her creativity, consistency and commitment to culinary excellence and exceptional hospitality. Her tenure has helped cement Northcote’s reputation as one of the UK’s most enduring Michelin starred dining destinations and one of the country’s longest-running female-led Michelin starred kitchens.

Her 25-year anniversary marks not only an exceptional personal achievement, but also a significant moment in the story of one of the North West’s most celebrated dining destinations.

As Chef Patron, Lisa continues to lead the restaurant’s culinary direction and work closely with the kitchen team. 

Speaking of the appointments and her 25-year anniversary at the property Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Chef Patron at Northcote, said:

“Northcote has always been a special place to work and it’s the people who make it that way, alongside the fact that it is always evolving and improving. I’m delighted to welcome Mat back to the kitchen at such an exciting time for us, with Courtney also stepping into her new role as Hotel Manager. There’s a real sense of anticipation about what lies ahead and having the right people around you is a huge part of that. We want to keep pushing ourselves creatively, supporting our talented team and giving our guests even more reasons to visit.”

Building on strong foundations

The appointments come as Northcote continues to progress its wider programme of property improvements and future development plans.

Following the previously announced refurbishment programme of six bedrooms, work is now underway on a further four? guest rooms. The Louis Roederer Room, Northcote’s space for private parties, weddings and events, is also being extended and refurbished with completion anticipated in time for Christmas.

Looking further ahead, plans for a new restaurant in the gardens have been resubmitted, offering the potential to develop Northcote’s dining experience further and make greater use of its distinctive Ribble Valley setting.

While the investment in the property remains an important part of Northcote’s future, the strength of its team is equally vital. Courtney’s operational leadership and focus on people, alongside Mat’s culinary experience and return to the business, will help support the next stage of development under the continued leadership of Craig and Lisa.

As the business continues to expand and improve under its new owners and the latest appointments strengthening the team, Craig Bancroft, as Managing Director and Lisa as Chef Patron, remain central to the business continuing to shape its success.

Craig Bancroft, Managing Director at Northcote, said: “Northcote has always been about its people and as we look to the future, it’s incredibly important that we continue to build on the foundations that have made it so special. Lisa celebrating 25 years at Northcote is a remarkable milestone and alongside our 30th consecutive year holding a Michelin star, it’s a testament to the consistency, commitment and talent that runs through the business. 

“Courtney and Mat bring a fantastic combination of experience, passion and a genuine understanding of Northcote. Their appointments are about strengthening the team around us, building on everything we’ve achieved together so far and ensuring Northcote continues to evolve while staying true to what makes it so special and unique.”