Danny Parker to join Jesmond Dene House as executive chef

Danny Parker is leaving his role as head chef of House of Tides for the executive head chef position at Jesmond Dene House.

Parker announced yesterday that he was leaving the Michelin-starred restaurant in Newcastle. Parker will be joining the nearby four-red-AA-star, two-AA-rosette hotel in August.

"It was a tough decision because I love House of Tides, I love working for Kenny [Atkinson, chef-patron] and I love everything about the place," said Parker, speaking to The Caterer.

"It's going to be really exciting to oversee a bigger operation, while at the same time building on the reputation they already have as a premier destination in Newcastle. I want people to come to the hotel for our food."

In his new role, Parker will be overseeing all aspects of F&B at the 40-bedroom property, including the hotel restaurant, banqueting, breakfast, room service and afternoon tea. He replaces Michael Penaluna, who has been at the hotel for more than 10 years, who managing director Peter Candler said "felt it was time to move on to fresh challenges and different things".

"I want Danny to incrementally improve what we're doing and to bring his own stamp and personality to the food. It's very much a food-led operation and we want that to remain the case," added Candler.

Property developers Candler and Tony Ganley opened Jesmond Dene House in partnership with chef Terry Laybourne and his brother Laurance in 2005, turning the derelict building into a hotel and restaurant. The Laybourne brothers resigned in 2009 as directors of the business. Candler and Ganley both continue to run the hotel.

Meanwhile, House of Tides is looking to promote from within for the head chef role.

"Danny's been here since the very first day we opened. It's been good to see him grow as a chef as much as an individual. We fully respect his decision and wish him all the best. He's been a great asset," said Atkinson.

"I'll still be on the other end of the phone if he needs help, advice or guidance, but Danny is at the age now where he wants to make his own decisions and his own dishes and make his own success, which he's very capable of doing. I've no question he's going to be a huge success in his new role."

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