Tony Parkin: “I had to face the realisation that it was just not for me”

Chef Tony Parkin has announced he will be leaving The Brickmakers Arms in Windlesham to start a new position at Ireland’s Michelin-starred House Restaurant at Cliff House Hotel.

After just a few months as head chef at The Brickmakers Arms in Surrey, Chef Tony Parkin has taken the decision to leave and head to Waterford, Ireland.

Commenting on this decision, Tony said: “After several years at the Tudor Room at Great Fosters, and having won and retained a Michelin star, I thought that it would be the ideal time for a change of pace. On reflection, this was not the right move for me, either personally or professionally, so I made the decision fairly quickly to tender my resignation.”

Moving forwards, Tony is set to move to Waterford, Ireland, to take up the position of head chef at the Michelin-starred House Restaurant at Cliff House Hotel.

Regarded as one of the finest small luxury five-star hotels in Ireland, Cliff House Hotel is a 39-room Irish seaside boutique hotel in the traditional fishing village of Ardmore.

The hotel features an intimate Irish destination spa as well as a one Michelin-star restaurant.”

Discussing his new role and how it matches his own career ambitions, he said: “I began a culinary journey during my tenure at the Tudor Room, and I am thrilled to be able to continue this at the House Restaurant at Cliff House Hotel. I am excited to become acquainted with the local suppliers, from fishermen to foragers and incorporate some incredible Irish produce on to my menus”

Tony added: “My time away from fine dining included a lot of personal contemplation and I realised that I could not ignore my professional ambitions. It’s a calling. So, I am delighted to have found the support in the owners of Cliff House. Together we share the same visions for House Restaurant.”

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