The Northbrook Arms in East Stratton has announced the appointment of Hampshire based, specialist hospitality recruiters Gordon Charles as their recruitment partner in a two-year deal.
The privately owned, freehold pub reopened on 11th July 2020 having been closed since November 2018. The site was purchased in February 2019 from the Northbrook Estate by local couple Adam and Kate Shanley. Construction started on site during the first national lockdown early this year.
Since their reopening, the pub has shown true promise even in the toughest of trading conditions due to COVID-19 and now employs 3 full and 5 part time members of staff as well as opening accounts with 15 Hampshire based suppliers for various requirements. As the pub establishes itself, the development of the site continues with ambitious plans for 5 self-catering cottages, 3 bed and breakfast rooms, a new indoor pool/spa facility and an extension to the pub, all of which is already underway with an estimated completion of November 2022.
As the re-development of the site continues, Gordon Charles has been appointed to grow the company’s team of kitchen, bar and housekeeping staff starting with the recruitment of a live-in Head Chef and Reservations/Accommodation Manager required from February 1st, 2021 onwards.
“As soon as we heard about the long-term plan for the Northbrook Arms, we knew we’d be able to add value”, explained Nick Charles, Founder of Gordon Charles. “When complete, there will be a significant need for a team that not only fulfils the required roles, but who also buy into and support the vision that Kate and Adam have for the future. This is a personal business with their name above the door, so passion, dedication and trust are attributes that are not easy to find from just reading a CV – that’s where we step in!”
The recruitment campaign runs parallel with the expected completion of the first 4-bedroom self-catering cottage at the end of February 2021 which should be available to the public from March onwards pending any further disruption caused by COVID-19 restrictions.
Kate Shanley, of the Northbrook Arms said, “Adam first met Nick when he popped in for a pint with his family back in the Summer. Since then, he’s been a great support and sounding board for us even though there was no immediate requirement for recruitment. He has been genuinely interested in understanding what our short, medium and long-term plan is regardless of whether there was a new business opportunity for Gordon Charles. That pragmatic, soft approach combined with a fantastic record when it comes to recruitment is why we’re over the moon to have Gordon Charles as an extension of our team”.
Earlier this month the Northbrook Arms reopened for the second time this year following the second national lockdown. On opening, the pub announced plans to host and entertain their customers under the new tier 2 restrictions including outdoor 3 stand-up comedy nights, lunches with Santa and a New Year’s Eve party pending Government announcements.
The hospitality sector has been one of the hardest hit by the social and economic impact of COVID-19 with calls from industry figures petitioning for the appointment of a ‘Minister of Hospitality’ ensuring that moving forward there is a clearer and direct voice representing the industry at the heart of Government.