Michael Wignall to leave Gidleigh Park for first solo venture

The Staff Canteen

Michael Wignall is set to leave Gidleigh Park, where the chef has attained two stars in the Michelin Guide UK, to embark on his first solo venture in the new year.

Michael said: "It’s been a pleasure to live and work in Devon, and I am so proud of what I’ve achieved, together with my amazing team at Gidleigh Park. I’m now looking forward to my next venture which I will be announcing in the very near future".

The announcement comes two years after Michael joined Gidleigh Park in 2016 when the chef replaced Michael Caines as executive chef. After joining the hotel the chef was awarded two Michelin stars after just nine months. In January 2017 it also received five rosettes from the AA Restaurant Guide 2018.

Stephanie Hocking, CEO Andrew Brownsword Hotels comments, “Michael has brought a breath of fresh air to Gidleigh Park, and his cooking, innovation and style won Michelin and industry recognition incredibly quickly. We would like to thank Michael for all his efforts that have driven the dining experience forward and have maintained Gidleigh Park’s reputation as one of the UK’s finest country house hotels in the UK.’’

Michael started his career working for Paul Heathcote at Broughton Park. When Paul decided to open up his own restaurant, Heathocote's in 1987, Michael followed the chef joining as junior sous chef. The restaurant went on to gain two Michelin stars while Michael was working there.

He won his first star when he headed up the kitchen at The Old Beams Waterhouses which was also was named the Good Food Guide’s Best County Restaurant under Michael's tutelage.

Throughout his career Michael has also held roles at Cliveden House, Nook Country House in Grasmere and The Devonshire Arms in North Yorkshire. 

Prior to joining Gidleigh Park, Michael was head chef of Michael Wignall at The Latymer at Pennyhill Park Hotel & Spa in Surrey which was awarded five AA rosettes. In 2013 it attained its second star in the Michelin Guide UK.

Michel also appeared on BBC2's Great British Menu in 2008 representing the North.

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall and restrict access – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 12 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 18th December 2017

Michael Wignall to leave Gidleigh Park for first solo venture