Oliver Pierrepont to join Driftwood from La Trompette

The Michelin-starred restaurant at the Driftwood hotel in Cornwall has appointed Oliver Pierrepont as head chef.

Pierrepont will take over the reins of the kitchen on 7 August from Chris Eden who is moving to the role of executive head chef at Gidleigh Park in Chagford, Devon, after 12 years at Driftwood.

He will join the three-red-AA, 15-bedroom hotel overlooking Gerrans Bay, near Portscatho, from Michelin-starred La Trompette in Chiswick, London, where he has spent five years. Earlier in his career he worked at Fera at Claridge's, Allium at the Abbey hotel in Bath, Restaurant John Campell at Coworth Park, and Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

In his new role, Pierrepont will combine his repertoire of European and specifically French food with Cornish ingredients.

He said he was "thrilled" to join Driftwood. "My most recent role, with Rob Weston at La Trompette, allowed me to develop so much as a cook and as a manager, and led to me understanding what I truly love about cooking.

"I can't wait to start my new position, build the team and make the most of the fantastic produce and great suppliers in Cornwall. I'm also really looking forward to putting my own mark on the menu and building on the great reputation that the Driftwood already has."

Paul Robinson, owner of Driftwood, added: "We are really looking forward to Olly joining us next month and bringing his expertise to our award-winning restaurant. We're not only looking forward to welcoming a hugely talented chef to the team, but we're also excited for him to put his stamp on our food offering and work on refreshing the menu. We wish our current chef, Chris Eden, all the best in his next role."

As well as a Michelin star, Driftwood holds four AA rosettes.

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