Farncombe Estate appoints two new head chefs

Following the appointment of Martin Burge as culinary director in April, Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds has announced two new head chefs at Dormy House and Foxhill Manor: Sam Bowser and Matt Weedon.

Bowser (pictured right) was appointed head chef at the 38-bedroom, four-red-AA-star Dormy House last month, and will work alongside Burge to reimagine the culinary offering at the Potting Shed and the Garden Room.

Originally from Lincolnshire, he previously worked with Burge as head chef at the Michelin-starred Whatley Manor, as well as Le Manoir aux Quait Saisons and the Square. The new menu at the Garden Room will launch on 6 September.

Weedon (pictured left) has been appointed head chef at Foxhill Manor, the eight-bedroom, five-AA-star private house hotel. Weedon won his first Michelin star and was awarded three AA rosettes as head chef of Glenapp Castle in Scotland. Following this, he gained a Michelin star at Lords of the Manor in 2009 one year after taking over as head chef.

He was appointed executive chef at Ellenborough Park in May, however departed the hotel shortly after starting. His replacement begins next month.

Weedon will sit down individually with all guests at Foxhill to find out their preferences and recommend a selection of options. Guest can either choose from his recommended menu or opt for a bespoke creation. All produce will be locally-sourced and seasonally fresh.

Andrew Grahame, chief executive of Farncombe Estate, said: "This is a very exciting time for Farncombe Estate and I believe that with these new appointments and culinary developments across the hotels, we will put Farncombe Estate on the food map and ensure our food offering is a standalone reason to visit for our guests."

The Farncombe Estate has been owned by the Danish Philip-Sorensen family since 1977. Each of the hotels have recently been refurbished at a total cost of around £16m.

Martin Burge appointed culinary director of Farncombe Estate >>

Matt Weedon appointed executive chef at Ellenborough Park >>

Luxury Cotswold venues launch Cotswold Star hospitality academy >>

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