Mat Sherry returns to Northcote as head chef

Mat Sherry has returned to Michelin-starred Northcote in Langho, Lancashire, as head chef, five years after leaving the Ribble Valley hotel to lead the kitchen at Number One at The Balmoral in Edinburgh.

He will work alongside chef patron-director Lisa Goodwin-Allen, who last month marked 25 years since first joining Northcote, to lead the kitchens and brigade.

His appointment is one of two senior changes at the hotel, which has also promoted its head of HR, Courtney Maksymow, to hotel manager.

Mat 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."

Back in the Ribble Valley

Edinburgh-born Mat first worked at Northcote under Lisa as head chef, a role he took on at the age of 26. Before that, he spent seven years at Dominic Jack's Castle Terrace in Edinburgh, which closed during lockdown.

In May 2021, he went home to take over the kitchen at Number One at The Balmoral, which held a Michelin star at the time along with four AA rosettes. Number One promoted its senior sous chef, John Munro, to head chef in July 2026.

Lisa welcomed both appointments.

She 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."

{contribute-overlay}

Courtney Maksymow named hotel manager

Courtney joined Northcote in 2019 as head of HR, working with the senior management team on people strategy, recruitment and talent development. She brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to the new role.

She has also recently won a place on the 2027 Innholder Scholarships programme run by Master Innholders, and completed a CIPD Level 7 qualification in strategic HR management.

Courtney 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.

"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."

Lisa Goodwin-Allen's 25 years

Lisa's anniversary comes in the same year that Northcote celebrated 30 consecutive years holding a star. The hotel describes its kitchen as one of the UK's longest-running female-led Michelin-starred kitchens.

Her 25 years have not been without a twist. In March 2025, she announced she was leaving Northcote after 23 years, only to return weeks later as chef patron-director when Silkstone Finance, the investment vehicle of Alf and Clare Ellis, bought the hotel from The Stafford Collection.

Craig Bancroft, who has stayed on as managing director under the new owners, said: "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."

Rooms, events and a garden restaurant

The appointments come midway through a wider programme of investment at the property.

Following the refurbishment of six bedrooms, work is now under way on further guest rooms. The Louis Roederer Room, Northcote's space for private parties, weddings and events, is being extended and refurbished, with completion expected in time for Christmas.

Plans for a new restaurant in the gardens have also been resubmitted.

Keep up with who else has changed kitchens this year in our tracker of the big chef moves of 2026.