Say hello to Jack Halford: The proud captain of the ship here at The Britannia.

Jack’s journey with Heartwood began back in July 2019, when he joined The Oaks in Highcliffe as a summer server during his time at Bournemouth University studying business. From the start, Jack’s enthusiasm and work ethic set him apart.

It didn’t take long for Jack to climb the ranks. His commitment and clear ambition to grow within the business saw him promoted to Supervisor. Then, following the pandemic lockdowns, Jack made a bold decision — he left university to pursue his career in hospitality full-time. Relocating to Bournemouth, he became Assistant Manager, helping lead the team to record-breaking sales during the Summer of Staycations.

“I realised how much I liked this and I thought — if this is what I enjoy, I may as well be the best I can be at it.”

Jack’s hands-on leadership and flexibility have seen him support multiple of our sister sites across the region, always eager to gain new experiences and contribute where he can. In February 2022, he briefly returned to Highcliffe before joining the opening team at Parkstone, quickly earning a promotion to Deputy General Manager.

By September 2023, Jack found himself back at Highcliffe, holding down the fort while working toward his ultimate goal — becoming a General Manager. Just eight months later, he earned the title. During his time there, he formed a connection with the local community, launching The Oaks’ first Christmas Market and a vibrant Spring Fest.

Now, Jack brings that same energy, passion, and creativity to The Britannia.

“Here at The Britannia, it’s about shouting about what we do best — great food, brilliant offers like Steak Nights, roasts, and Happy Hour. I’ve always loved Parkstone — the garden really is something special. It was great to be part of Highcliffe’s journey, but now, getting to steer the ship here and help The Britannia reach its full potential is an exciting challenge I’m all in for.”