Robby Jenks and Rebecca Galland to leave the Vineyard

The Vineyard, near Newbury, Berkshire, has announced that Robby Jenks and his partner Rebecca Galland will be leaving their respective jobs as head chef and restaurant manager.

Jenks (pictured) has been appointed executive chef at the four-red-AA-star, 11-bedroom Samling hotel in Windermere, Cumbria, where Galland will join him as food and beverage manager. Both will be joining the hotel in the spring, following the resignation of head chef Peter Howarth.

Jenks, an Acorn Award winner in 2016, joined the Vineyard in 2016, having previously been head chef for three years at Amberley Castle, the 19-bedroom property in Amberley, West Sussex, owned by Andrew Brownsword Hotels.

Galland, who was named Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year at the Hotel Cateys in 2016, moved to the Vineyard in 2012, joining from the nearby Pot Kiln restaurant and pub in Yattendon, Berkshire.

Andrew McKenzie, managing director of the Vineyard Group, said: "Robby has done a fantastic job at the Vineyard during the time he has been with us. He has cooked delicious food and has been a joy to work with.

"Likewise, in her seven years here, I have seen Rebecca develop into a true industry professional who would grace any restaurant in the country. While we are sad to see them go, a smaller venue will help them hone their individual skills and it's one of the pleasures of our industry to see young people develop and grow.

"Meanwhile the search is on to find some culinary stars to fill their empty boots!"

Oliver Smith, general manager at the Samling, said: ""Having had a successful working relationship with Robby at Amberley Castle, I know that his high standards are very much in line with our ethos here at the Samling. His appreciation of diner enjoyment combined with our already excellent wine list fits perfectly into the ambitious plans we have for 2019 and onwards. Similarly, I know that Rebecca will bring enthusiasm and huge amounts of knowledge into this new role."

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