Chris Eden is set to take up the head chef role at the Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall from next month, having left Gidleigh Park in Devon last July.
St Austell-born chef Chris Eden had run the five-red AA-star 26-bedroom Gidleigh Park Hotel in Chagford for the past five years. Before that he spent 12 years as head chef at Driftwood in Portscatho, Cornwall.
Awarded a Michelin star in 2023, Gidleigh Park retained the honor this year for its “balanced, harmonious and rewarding” flavours.
Before that, Eden honed her skills at The Lanesborough in London’s Mayfair and The Square, also in Mayfair, where she worked under renowned chef Phil Howard.
As the new Executive Chef at Watergate Bay, Eden will work closely with Executive Chefs Ben Ambridge, Dani Bolton, Nick Giles and Anthony Quinn to create dishes that provide a “next door restaurant feel” to the hotel.
Eden said: “I truly believe that my journey with food has taken me to Watergate Bay. The places I’ve been and the food I’ve created have all prepared me for this role.
Will Ashworth, Founder and Managing Director, added: “At Watergate Bay, we really pride ourselves on the relationships people make every time they step into one of our restaurants. We’re delighted to welcome Chris to the team. Not only would he be a perfect fit for the role, but his radiant enthusiasm will undoubtedly elevate the experience for everyone – both for the guests, the team and the visitors.”
Eden will begin his full-time role at Watergate Bay on October 1, coinciding with the launch of Zacry’s, the restaurant’s fall menu.
Watergate Bay has previously hosted Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall and Emily Scott Food, which started as a pop-up in 2020 and closed its doors late last year.
