George Blogg appointed head chef at Gravetye Manor

Blogg will join the four-red-AA-star, 17 bedroom hotel near East Grinstead, West Sussex, which boasts extensive kitchen gardens, from Gerard and Nina Basset’s award-winning Hotel TerraVina in the New Forest, where he is currently executive chef. His predecessor, Rupert Gleadow, left Gravetye in January.

An Acorn Award winner in 2011, Blogg has previously worked with Philip Howard at The Square in London and at Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham under David Everitt-Matthias.

Throughout his career he has also undertaken stages at The Ledbury in Notting Hill, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Oxfordshire and Noma in Copenhagen, all establishments which echo his own enthusiasm for using locally sourced and foraged produce.

In his new role, Blogg will introduce a new concept for Gravetye Manor’s menus, which will include an all-day dining offer centred on four elements â€" the kitchen garden, foraged from the land, smokehouse and local suppliers â€" alongside an a la carte menu.
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Blogg described his new appointment as “a once in a career opportunity” that perfectly matched his ambitions as a chef.

“Utilising the gardens, foraged produce, smokehouse techniques and sourcing the best ingredients through superb local suppliers are in line with my principles and will be my focus,” he said. “I look forward to developing the restaurant offering further to provide one of the best dining experience that the south east has to offer.”

Speaking on behalf of Gravetye’s owners, Jeremy and Elizabeth Hosking, managing director Andrew Thomason said: “We are absolutely thrilled that George has accepted the offer to run our kitchen at Gravetye Manor.

“George has a wealth of quality experience and joins a long line of fine chefs that have passed through our doors during the past 50 years. He will bring with him a style that is underpinned by classical roots combined with the skills learnt from his time with Phil Howard at the Square and David Everitt-Matthias at Le Champignon Sauvage. After winning AA hotel of the year for England, George’s appointment reinforces Gravetye Manor’s commitment to excellence in the luxury country house market.”

Gavin Barnes, head chef at TerraVina, will take the reins from Blogg at the boutique hotel.

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