Meet the Chef
Praised for his unwavering passion, creativity and ability to create showstopping dishes from fresh, simple ingredients, Northcote Manor’s Chef Patron Richie Herkes pursues perfection.
Having worked at Red Star Hotels since the beginning of his career, Richie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the kitchen and hotel, offering guests and visitors an unforgettable dining and hotel experience.
Joining Northcote Manor in 2003, Executive Chef and General Manager Richie Herkes has worked hard to create a flawless dining experience for the hotel’s guests and visitors.
Consistently achieving 2 AA rosette awards for culinary excellence, Richie creates imaginative, elegant dishes with a focus on seasonal local produce.
Richie began his training at the Montagu Arms in the New Forest, becoming their youngest junior sous chef, before undertaking one-on-one training with Michelin Star chef John Mann at Welshpool’s Golfa Hall Hotel. He earned his first head chef’s position at the Mount Somerset Hotel in Taunton at the age of 21.
Two years later, Richie moved to the prestigious LLangoed Hall Hotel in the Brecon Beacons, working for Sir Bernard Ashley where he met the owner of (our now sister hotel) Lake Country House Hotel. Richie and Mr Misfud forged a great relationship and, when the opportunity arose to move to Northcote Manor, he jumped at the chance.
After 11 years as Head Chef, Richie also took on the role of General Manager at Northcote Manor where he and his team have enjoyed many more accolades and achievements. Richie is proud to work at one of Devon’s best boutique country house hotels, where his passion for creating incredible dining and hospitality experiences has made Northcote Manor an AA Top 200 Hotel in the UK and a 3 AAA Red Star Hotel.