Cornerstone Kitchen appoints Laura Kimber as head chef
Cornerstone Kitchen has appointed Laura Kimber as its new head chef.
Laura, who previously worked at Michelin-recognised Salt in Stratford-upon-Avon, brings close to two decades of experience.
Her appointment marked a step change for Cornerstone Kitchen as it continues to scale a theatre-led, sustainable approach to live events and bespoke dining.
From pot wash to Michelin: a chef shaped by seasonal cooking
Laura’s love for hospitality began at sixteen, pot washing at her local pub before deciding to pursue a professional career in the kitchen.
After graduating from Bournemouth and Poole College, Laura started working at The Slaughters Country Inn, in Gloucestershire, where she worked alongside Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines.
Laura then took up a position at ABode, Chester where she continued to develop her fine dining skills, before signing up to a management training programme run by Sue Williams of Whatley Manor, where she worked across a number of four- and five-star hotels across the country.
Explaining the programme in more detail, Laura said: “I started on the reception at Chester Grosvenor, after that I did events at Calcot Manor, and then my third placement was my kitchen placement, which was at Mallory Court, and that's how I met Paul [Foster].”
Upon completing the programme, in 2017, Laura joined Salt as a chef de partie. By 2021, she had risen to head chef, guiding the restaurant’s seasonal, ingredient-led cooking.
Salt gained recognition for its ingredient-led, seasonal cooking and earned a Michelin star just one year after opening in 2018 and retained it until 2023.
Laura on Salt's closure
The restaurant announced its permanent closure earlier this year.
Read more: Paul Foster announces sudden closure of Michelin-recognised restaurant
Laura added: “This was always going to be a hard thing to write. Eight years later, and it’s finally time to say goodbye.
“Thank you to all the amazing customers we've had over the years - your support has meant the world. There’s so much to say about this special little restaurant, but really, all I need to say is a massive thank you to Paul Foster.
“Thank you for the opportunities and for everything we achieved together as a team. It’s been a true journey, with ups and downs but full of incredible memories and plenty of laughter.
“Chef, thank you for believing in me from the very beginning and always encouraging me to keep going. You are a true legend, and I’m so proud to have worked for you - from the day we opened the doors, right through to the very last service.”
A creative fit for a growing events brand
The team at Cornerstone Kitchen are known for bespoke, theatre-led experiences that are designed as much for conversation and memory as for flavour - whether an intimate private dinner or a large-scale wedding.
James Gilhooley, founder of Cornerstone Kitchen, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Laura to Cornerstone Kitchen. Her background speaks for itself, and her creativity and passion align perfectly with our mission to set trends, not follow them. With Laura on board, we’re excited to elevate our menus and experiences even further - continuing to surprise, delight, and lead the way in sustainable luxury catering.”
New menu, same principles
Laura has already crafted a new seasonal menu set to launch in autumn 2025. Expect menus that are ingredient-first and engineered for service: dishes calibrated for theatre, coherent sequencing across courses, and flavour arcs that travel well from canapés to late-night plates. The focus remains on clarity and rhythm - centred flavours, thoughtful textures and a sense of occasion.
Reflecting on her appointment, Laura said: “I’m incredibly excited to join the team at Cornerstone Kitchen. Their energy, creativity, and commitment to pushing culinary boundaries is genuinely inspiring. I’m looking forward to bringing fresh ideas to a company that’s already leading the way in sustainable, experiential catering.”
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