From quitting university, to a job in the kitchens, to general manager of Brockencote Hall Hotel. Is the next stage in the story for Jack Hartshorne a chance to get cooking in TV’s MasterChef kitchen? 

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

Working in hospitality was not something I planned. I was studying product design at university but left as I wasn’t enjoying the course. At the time, I lived next to Brockencote Hall Hotel in Chaddesley Corbett and my parents told me to get a job there – so I did, working in the kitchens. I went on a journey from porter, to concierge, learned reception and the bar, became trainee assistant manager, assistant manager, and then restaurant manager. I stayed within Eden Hotel Collection in my next roles, moving to the Kings Hotel in the Cotswolds and the Arden Hotel in Stratford, and now I’m back to where it all began at Brockencote Hall. I couldn’t be happier.

IT’S WHAT I DO

The role of a general manager is to oversee the property, the offering and the financial performance. But first and foremost, it is to ensure we deliver the best customer experience. As a general manager, the key is not standing still. We have got to continually evolve the offer. We are currently looking at innovating the food and beverage offering, including our afternoon teas and Sunday lunches.

BIGGEST SUCCESS

I was 18 when I quit university and that was an uncertain period, so to get to where I am today, and the journey I have been on along the way, is something I am really proud of.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED

It’s okay not to know everything, even as a general manager. We have a great team of people at Brockencote Hall and across the wider group and we’re all here to support each other. It’s a bit cliché but we’re like a big family.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE

Brockencote means a lot to me so I’m excited to drive it forward as a business. We have so much to offer here, from award-winning 3AA Rosette dining in the Chaddesley, to a wedding and events offering which has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM

The food scene is a really big draw for the city. One of my favourites is Simpsons. There are so many great restaurants and I have been to so many already, but there’s always more to see!

DOWNTIME

My day off usually starts with me walking the dog – there are some lovely walks around Chaddesley. I’m a big Manchester United fan too, so I like to catch up with any football I have missed. I also like to cook for my fiancée, Louise. I’m quite experimental in the kitchen. I make a mean beef wellington, too. And I recently applied to appear on Masterchef!