Ian Webber returns to Gidleigh Park as Executive Head Chef

Gidleigh Park (gidleigh.co.uk) has welcomed back Ian Webber as its new Executive Head Chef, returning to the restaurant where he was previously head chef between 2006-13.    

Already in place and leading the kitchen team since mid-December, Ian has taken up his new role at Gidleigh Park with experience gained from working in some of England’s finest country house hotels, as well as from spending time in kitchens in Ireland, France and Switzerland. 

Accolades include being named South West Chef of the Year in 2006, won following his return to his home county of Devon after time spent in Europe, with this victory swiftly followed by his first appointment at Gidleigh Park, as Head Chef under Michael Caines.  In 2013, Ian moved on to take the role of Head Chef at The Five Bells Inn at Clyst Hydon where he and his team achieved a Michelin Bib Gourmand within 12 months, and in 2018, Ian took up the position of Executive Head Chef at The Collective at Woolsery, North Devon, from where he joined Gidleigh Park last month. 

With a passion for celebrating the best ingredients, Ian enjoys a reputation for creating dishes with a clear focus on great flavour and strives to work with suppliers of ethically grown and raised produce. 

Ian commented, “It’s great to be back at Gidleigh Park and I am very proud to take up the position of Executive Head Chef at this iconic English hotel with its long-standing history of excellence, following in the footsteps of some great names that I have long respected.  The kitchen team here is ambitious, driven, and dedicated to creating delicious dishes delivered with exceptional hospitality for all our guests.  Working closely with all our talented team, including General Manager Alex Barrau, Restaurant Manager Marek Wozniak and our Estate Manager Andrew Brimblecombe, we maximise and celebrate the use of produce from the 107-acre Gidleigh Park Estate, and warmly host all our guests.  I can’t wait to welcome back those who I have cooked for in the past, and to create memorable dishes for new guests alike”. 

Simon Franks, Regional General Manager, Gidleigh Park, commented “We are thrilled to have welcomed Ian back – a great chef, and a natural leader, the team is already producing new and exciting dishes, which we can’t wait to share with our guests”.

Gidleigh Park is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, and for lunch on Friday and Saturday, with a three-course lunch menu offered at £95pp, including a chilled glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée.

For more information or to book a table visit www.gidleigh.co.uk or call 01647 432 367.