General Manager Duncan puts customer service at the heart of running The George Hotel

There’s not much that fazes the new manager of Shepherd Neame’s George Hotel in Cranbrook, Duncan Moore, as he brings with him just over 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry.

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 in the world of hospitality 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-bedroomed hotel, perfectly 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, and plans to lead by example wherever possible, along with his new Deputy Manager Noah Mccormack.

He also 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.

A refreshed menu is also being introduced, with a particular focus on enhancing the breakfast offer, which begins at 8am daily to accommodate overnight guests.

He added: “My aim is to engage with the community and create more of a buzz around the hotel.”

It will mean a more home-focussed life for someone who has worked in the busy world of hospitality for decades, as he is commuting from his home in Hastings, which he shares with his wife Nikki. 

The George Hotel, which can trace its history back to 1300, has 12 stylish en-suite rooms and is a popular dining destination. It serves dishes using locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible, complemented by a selection of Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beers and ales, as well as an extensive range of wines and spirits.

It is also an ideal base from which to explore the many attractions the area has to offer, such as Sissinghurst Castle, Tunbridge Wells, and the Cinque Ports town of Tenterden. You can find The George Hotel in Stone Street, Cranbrook, TN17 3HE, telephone 01580 713348 or visit thegeorgehotelkent.co.uk.