Restaurant Nathan Outlaw's Chris Simpson joins Gidleigh Park as executive head chef

Andrew Brownsword Hotels has announced that Chris Simpson has been appointed executive head chef of the two-Michelin-starred Gidleigh Park in Devon following the departure of Michael Wignall last month.

Simpson starts his new role today, delivering his first service when Gidleigh Park re-opens after its annual closure on 12 January.

He comes from the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Nathan Outlaw where he held the position of head chef for seven years.

Simpson 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 Andrew Brownsword Hotels added: "We're absolutely delighted to announce Chris's appointment as Executive Head Chef at Gidleigh Park. Having long been aware of Chris's 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."

Wignall announced his departure in December in order to set up his own venture. He was awarded two Michelin stars just nine months after his move to Gidleigh Park in January 2016.

He told The Caterer at the time: "It's been a pleasure to live and work in Devon, and I am so proud of what I've achieved, together with my amazing team at Gidleigh Park. I'm now looking forward to my next venture which I will be announcing in the very near future".

Michael Wignall departs Gidleigh Park for solo venture >>

Michael Wignall wins five AA rosettes >>

Destination dining: are the days of having your name above the door numbered? >>

Videos from The Caterer archives

Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs