Meet the team: Craig
Introducing our treasured team members to our guests is something we truly believe enhances their experience with us.
This week, we’re delighted to invite you to meet Craig, our general manager. He’s always on-the-go, making sure our guests are happy and that the hotel’s operations are running as smoothly as possible.
Keep reading to discover more about Craig’s role at Cotswold House...
Tell us about yourself… What's your job title, and how long have you been working at Cotswold House?
I’m Craig, General Manager. My main responsibility is overseeing Cotswold House & The Noel Arms, making sure they operate as fluently as possible.
I have been a general manager for the company for 14 years - 4 of which have been within this property.
Tell us more about your role at the hotel.
I have a wide and varied role, and oversee nearly every aspect of the business. This includes customer service, marketing, health & safety, recruitment, product; and, of course, gin.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Being creative. I love having an idea, implementing it, marketing it and seeing happy customers enjoying the experience I created. My other favourite bit (although I don’t get to do it as much as I’d like) is to work on the bar and talk to customers. The conversation almost always ends up around gin!
Can you briefly describe your journey so far in the industry you work in (e.g. weddings, hospitality, food)?
I left college intending to be a police officer, but wanted a bit of ‘life experience’ first. I took a job as a trainee in a hotel and worked through front of house, conference and events operations, hotel operations and finally general management. My passion now (aside gin) is online marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and social media.
Furthermore, I love how wide and varied a role can be in this industry. Despite having worked in hotels for nearly 30 years, my roles have varied widely as the industry evolves.
What do you like to do in your free time?
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family (3 children). I also like gardening, DIY, travelling, walking, and listening to rock music.
What’s the most unusual question or request you’ve received from a guest?
To be honest, there have been so many. I’m always dealing with people who travel from all over the world - so nothing surprises me anymore. I’ve experienced guests cooking their own Super Noodles using the kettle in their room, and there was once a guest that brought their own fish and tried to cook it in the rotary toaster on the breakfast buffet. Needless to say, the fire alarms went off!
What attracted you to work at Cotswold House?
Cotswold House has long been recognised in the industry as a hotel with high standards, whilst being in an area of great beauty. It’s also easily accessible from where I live - so when the position came up, I jumped at the chance.
Describe Cotswold House in three words…
I would describe Cotswold House as calm, relaxing and versatile.
If you were a cake on the afternoon tea menu, which one would you be and why?
Well, that’s a tough one because as a diabetic, I don’t eat cake anymore. But thinking back to when I did, probably Battenberg or Black Forest gateau. At the time, I thought they were the height of luxury and decadence.
Why should people visit Chipping Campden?
In Chipping Campden, there are lots of things to do for the whole family and any age group. It’s very romantic, historical, pretty, charming, rustic - the ideal location for a peaceful retreat. It’s also a great geographical location; it’s at the centre of the country, in the heart of the Cotswolds, on the border of 4 counties, and marks the start of the Cotswold Way. Chipping Campden is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful high streets in all of the UK.
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