LUMLEY Castle has made two strategic appointments, heralding a new era for the hotel.

Gordon Cartwright joins as general manager, while Craig Sherrington takes on the role of executive head chef at the medieval castle, near Chester-le-Street, which has benefited from recent investment.

Lumley Castle is a four star hotel with 73 individually decorated bedrooms. A wedding venue with a historic setting and a touch of old glamour, the hotel will be launching new wedding experiences in 2020.

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 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.

Mr Cartwright said: “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.”