A FORMER chef from Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac has joined Gidleigh Park as its new executive head chef.

Chris Simpson has joined Gidleigh Park as its new executive head chef. Joining from Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac, Chris started his new role on January 3, delivering his first service when Gidleigh Park reopens after its annual closure tomorrow (Friday).

Having held the position of head chef at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw for seven years, which has held two Michelin stars since 2011, Chris enjoys a reputation for outstanding cooking with the very best of local ingredients.

Chris said: “It’s a privilege to have been offered the opportunity to take up the reins at Gidleigh Park, somewhere I’ve admired since I very first started cooking. Moving with the support of Nathan, I’m excited to be heading up my own kitchen and am ready for this next challenge in my career. I’m also delighted to be staying in the south west, to be able to continue to work with all the great local produce and suppliers in our region, and I’m looking forward to working with the talented Gidleigh Park team.”

Stephanie Hocking, CEO of Andrew Brownsword Hotels, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce Chris’ appointment as executive head chef at Gidleigh Park. Having long been aware of Chris’ exceptional talent, we were very lucky to secure him as, apart from his talent and experience, he shares our vision of serving the ‘very best of Devon’ to our guests at Gidleigh Park.”

The announcement follows the departure of Michael Wignall on January 1, after almost two years at Gidleigh Park.