Michael Wignall | Gidleigh Park

Michael Wignall is today confirmed as Gidleigh Park’s new Executive Head Chef. Joining from The Latymer at Pennyhill Park, an Exclusive Hotel & Spa, Michael will commence his role with Brownsword Hotels on January, 4 2016 in a position that will see him not only lead the kitchen at Gidleigh Park, but also consult across the food and beverage offering for ABode Hotels.

Describing his own food as ‘complex, carefully crafted and very technical but not intimidating’, Michael has amassed an impressive list of awards and accolades during his career, including two Michelin stars and five AA Rosettes at The Latymer. Michael said: “Gidleigh Park enjoys an enviable record of excellence and I’m very much looking forward to joining the team and working together. It’s with sadness that I leave the talented team at The Latymer, but I go with an enormous sense of pride from everything we’ve achieved together”.

>>>Read: Michael Wignall, The Latymer at Pennyhill Park Hotel

Andrew Brownsword added: “We’ve taken our time to find the very best successor to Michael Caines, someone we are confident can build

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on the solid foundations and great reputation that the iconic Gidleigh Park enjoys. We’re excited about the future and are delighted that Michael is to join us, having long admired his outstanding talent at The Latymer and before then at The Devonshire Arms and look forward to a successful partnership ahead”. Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director of Exclusive Hotels and Venues said: “We are incredibly proud of everything that Michael has achieved during his time with us. He is a hugely talented chef and his natural flair in the kitchen, expertise and passion for food has led to The Latymer becoming one of the best restaurants in the UK and a true destination restaurant. I have absolutely no doubt that he will continue to do great things at Gidleigh Park”. The announcement follows confirmation that Michael Caines MBE will leave Gidleigh Park on January 3, following 21 years at Gidleigh Park, to pursue new ventures of his own. The first opportunity to taste Michael's new menus will be on January 15 when Gidleigh Park re-opens after its annual closure.

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