Northcote’s Craig Bancroft named in Boutique Hotelier’s Power List

Craig Bancroft has been named among Boutique Hotelier magazine’s Industry Titans in its Power List 2026.

Craig, managing director of Ribble Valley-based Northcote, joined the business as general manager in 1983 and has spent more than four decades helping build it into one of the UK’s best-known Michelin-starred restaurants and country house hotels.

Under his leadership, Northcote has won numerous industry awards and developed a loyal following of guests from around the world.

Boutique Hotelier described Craig as a leader who, “while fiercely protective of Northcote’s values and identity, has continually evolved the offering to meet the expectations of modern luxury travellers.”

Craig said: “It is a tremendous honour to be included in Boutique Hotelier’s Power List 2026 as an Industry Titan.

“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication and passion of the entire Northcote team, whose commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests continues to inspire me every day.”

Last year, Lancashire Business View reported that Alf Ellis and Clare Ellis had acquired Northcote through Silkstone Finance and unveiled plans to refurbish the venue.

The Ribble Valley business was sold by The Stafford Collection.

At the time, Craig said the management team and “Northcote family” wanted to ensure the venue continued to be “an oasis of food and wine excellence with genuine and outstanding hospitality.”