Michelin-starred Hrishikesh Desai leaves the Gilpin Hotel

The Staff Canteen

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Michelin-starred Hrishikesh Desai has announced he will leave the Gilpin Hotel after nearly eight years as executive chef.

He will be replaced by Ollie Bridgwater, Tom Westerland and Aakash Ohol. Taking to social media, he said: "All good things come to an end and so has this chapter of my career at the Gilpin. I have decided to take a small break before revealing plans of my next venture, so please watch this space for an exciting announcement in February 2023.

"As I say goodbye, I think fondly of each and every employee (past and present) of the Gilpin with whom I got a chance to carve some wonderful memories and express my deep appreciation of the roles every employee played in making the Gilpin team successful. I would also like to thank the Cunliffe family for their support throughout which has contributed towards my success as well as the team whom I will dearly miss. I am so grateful to all the Gilpin guests, my social media followers, and suppliers who have seen me evolve.

"Until then, thank you for all the love, affection, support, confidence and trust you have given me, and I look forward to announcing my new venture in 2023."

About Hrishikesh Desai

Hrishikesh knew as early as four years old that a career in hospitality was for him after visiting Pune’s prestigious five-star Blue Diamond Hotel and being inspired by the glass floors, marble and Indian cuisine.

Initially embarking on a profession in front of (Hrishikesh spent three years studying for a hotel management diploma), Hrishikesh’s career-changing moment came when he was advised to learn French. Winning a scholarship to the Institut Paul Bocuse in Ecully near Lyon in France he witnessed crème brûlée being caramelised. In this moment Hrishikesh made the life-changing decision to stay on at Institut Paul Bocuse but to retrain as a chef.

After winning the Roux Scholarship in 2009, Hrishikesh chose to train under the guidance of Thomas Keller at the three Michelin starred, The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California.

From here Hrishikesh has worked in various Michelin starred kitchens including the two starred, Les Maison de Bricourt and one starred Le Chateau de Bagnol both in France, and the one starred Lucknam Park based in Bath where Hrishikesh cites executive chef, Hywel Jones for much of his success.

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A post shared by Hrishikesh Desai (@hrishikesh.desai)

Following his appearance on BBC2’s documentary show, Alex Polizzi: Chefs on Trial in 2015, Hrishikesh was chosen to head up the kitchen at The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House. Following a rigorous interview process and tough culinary assessments in the final, Hrishikesh Beat off stiff competition to win the role.

After just one year at The Gilpin, Hrishikesh was awarded his first star in the Michelin Guide UK in 2016.

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