Thomas Hine appointed head chef at Seren Collection’s Penmaenuchaf hotel

Thomas Hine has returned to the Seren Collection to oversee the kitchen at the group’s recently acquired hotel, Penmaenuchaf near Dolgellau in the Snowdonia National Park, as head chef.

Owners Zoe and Neil Kedward purchased Penmaenuchaf Hotel in June, with plans to restore and rejuvenate and evolve the interiors and gardens over the coming years.

Hine previously worked as head chef at Seren’s Coast restaurant in Saundersfoot, before leaving in 2020 for family reasons. He also previously worked as sous chef with Sam Moody at the Bath Priory, and for Michael Caines, initially as a sous chef at Gidleigh Park and then as executive head chef at Lympstone Manor in Devon.

He said: “After having a break from the kitchen for two years to be closer to my family, when the role at Penmaenuchaf came up I knew I was ready for my next challenge. I feel like I have come home to Seren here in North Wales, and my new surroundings really suit my style of cooking. My aim is to make Penmaenuchaf a food destination, and I’m looking forward to building new relationships with key suppliers and to use local produce from the amazing larder in the Snowdonia National Park. It’s always a pleasure working with Neil and Zoe, and I’m excited to begin this new journey and to build something truly special here in North Wales.”

Neil Kedward, managing director, said: “It is a real joy to welcome Tom back to the Seren family after his short break away from the business. Everybody knows that Thomas is a massive talent, but we also know that he is one of the good guys who cooks from the heart and brings a positive energy to any venue. This is a fresh start for Tom and it’s his moment to shine. We are right behind him as we work together to deliver on our shared ambition for Penmaenuchaf in this most beautiful part of Snowdonia.”

The Seren Collection also includes the five-red-AA-starred Grove of Narberth hotel in Pembrokeshire and the Michelin-starred Beach House restaurant in Oxwich.