There’s not much that fazes the new manager of Shepherd Neame’s George Hotel, in Cranbrook, Duncan Moore, a man with more than 30 years’ experience in hospitality.
From overseeing major pub refurbishments to running a bustling hotel a stone’s throw from the world’s premier tennis tournament, there’s not much he hasn’t dealt with since starting his career in an Italian restaurant in his home town of Hull at the age of 21.
He’s looking forward to getting stuck into running the 12-bedroom hotel, positioned in the heart of picturesque Cranbrook, in the Kentish countryside. And his number one priority is making sure all his customers feel welcomed and looked after.
“For me, I need to make this business for everyone who comes in,” he said. “Whether it’s one of our many regulars, a one-off visitor to the area, someone who’s popping in for a drink or wanting dinner, we want to make everyone feel like this is the place for them. And it is the people who work here who can do that best.”
As a seasoned manager, Duncan is keen to pass on his skills of treating customers with respect and care to the team members at The George. He plans to lead by example wherever possible, along with his new deputy manager, Noah Mccormack.
He has plans to refresh and modernise the interior with some redecoration and new furniture, while staying sympathetic to the building’s 800 years of history and its rich period features.
He added: “My aim is to engage with the community and create a buzz around the hotel.”
