- Work Hard
- 6th Nov 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
From carer to commis chef: How the Bailiffgate Hotel helped one young Northumbrian discover a new passion
When 18-year-old Kylie Carruthers joined the kitchen team at Alnwick’s newly opened Bailiffgate Hotel this summer, she was stepping into a world she never imagined for herself.
Until recently, Kylie’s plan was to pursue a career in health and social care. A natural path for someone who became a young carer at just 12, after her dad lost his leg in an accident. But with encouragement from Carers Northumberland, she decided to try something new.
Her connection to Bailiffgate came through Debra Blakey, Chief Executive of Carers Northumberland, and wife of the hotel’s Executive Head Chef, Paul Blakey. When Debra mentioned that the hotel was hiring, Kylie’s support worker encouraged her to reach out.
“I was nervous,” Kylie admits. “But Paul invited me in for a show-round and made me feel at ease straight away. He told me everyone would be learning together and that really helped my confidence.”
In June, Kylie joined Bailiffgate as a commis chef, her first step on the professional kitchen ladder. Since then, she’s rotated through every section, learning how to prepare meat, fish, pastries and starters for the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Motte & Bailey.
And she’s made quite the impression.
“She’s taken to it brilliantly,” says Paul, whose 30-year career includes earning two AA Rosettes at some of the North East’s top hotels. “Kylie listens, learns and has a natural ability to focus. She’s come in with no bad habits and a real willingness to work, which is exactly what you want in a young chef. Her progress has been outstanding.”
Paul says Kylie’s background as a carer has been a huge strength. “She’s calm under pressure and resilient – qualities that are invaluable in hospitality. The whole team is proud of how far she’s come.”
For Kylie, it’s been a transformative few months. “Everyone’s been so kind and patient,” she says. “I’ve learned so much already, and it’s made me realise this is what I want to do. I used to think caring was my only path, but now I know I’ve found a career that I love.”
For General Manager Bernard Bloodworth, Kylie’s story perfectly sums up the hotel’s ethos. “From the very beginning, we wanted Bailiffgate to be more than just a beautiful place to stay,’ he explains. ‘We’re building a business that invests in people, especially young, local talent. Kylie’s story shows what can happen when someone is given an opportunity, encouragement and the right environment to thrive.”
A new chapter for Alnwick hospitality
Since opening in May 2025, the Bailiffgate Hotel has quickly made its mark, earning a nomination for Best New Hotel in the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.
Overlooking Alnwick Castle, the five-star-standard property blends Georgian heritage with modern luxury, and its restaurant, Motte & Bailey, celebrates Northumberland’s seasonal produce with flair and generosity.
This November, the hotel will host two events that showcase exactly that. On 12th November, guests can enjoy a Game Dinner Evening, featuring local partridge, roe venison and other seasonal dishes sourced from Northumberland Estates. Then on 20th November, the team will celebrate the French harvest with a Beaujolais Wine Celebration, pairing Paul’s French-inspired menu with the year’s first Beaujolais Nouveau wines.
Both evenings promise to spotlight the best of regional, seasonal cooking, and the people behind it.
“We’re not just creating jobs,” Paul says. “We’re building futures. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone like Kylie grow in skill and confidence. She’s got all the makings of a brilliant chef.”
For Kylie, it’s simple: “I’ve never felt more sure of what I want to do,’ she says. ‘Every day I learn something new and I’m excited to see how far I can go.”
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.