Chef Chris Eden swaps Gidleigh Park for Watergate Bay

Chris Eden will be heading up the kitchens at Watergate Bay hotel in Cornwall from next month, following his departure from Gidleigh Park in Devon in July.

 

The St Austell-born chef had been executive head chef at the five-red-AA-star, 26-bedroom hotel in Chagford for the past five years, having joined from Driftwood in Portscatho, Cornwall, where he was head chef for 12 years.

 

Gidleigh Park was also awarded a Michelin star in 2023, which it retained this year in recognition of its “balanced, harmonious and rewarding” flavours.

 

Prior to that, Eden had worked at the Lanesborough in London’s Mayfair and the Square in London’s Mayfair under chef Phil Howard.

 

Now, as executive head chef of Watergate Bay, he will work closely with head chefs Ben Ambridge, Dani Bolton, Nick Giles and Anthony Quinn to serve dishes that bring a “neighbourhood restaurant feel” to the hotel.

 

Eden said: “I truly believe that my journey in food has taken me to Watergate Bay. The places I’ve been, and the dishes I’ve created, have all prepared me for this role.”

 

Will Ashworth, founder and executive director, added: “At Watergate Bay, we’re truly proud of the deep connections people have every time they step into one of our restaurants. We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to the team; he’s not only a perfect fit for the role, but his radiating enthusiasm will no doubt elevate this experience for everyone – guests, team and visitors alike.”

 

Eden will start full-time at Watergate Bay on 1 October with the launch of restaurant Zacry’s new autumn menu.

 

Watergate Bay has previously been home to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, as well as Emily Scott Food, which started as a pop-up in 2020 before closing its doors late last year.