Chef John Campbell Named F&BD for Dorchester's Country House Estate

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. July 29, 2009

JULY 29, 2009 - Dorchester Collection has appointed award-winning chef John Campbell to head up its food and beverage operations at their new country house estate and spa, Coworth Park (near Ascot) which is due to open in May 2010. John Campbell will join Coworth Park as its Director of Cuisine and Food and Beverage. He will start his new role in October 2009.

Currently at The Vineyard at Stockcross, John Campbell is one of the UK's finest and most celebrated chefs. In 2008, he was honored with both the Catey's 'Chef of the Year' and their 'Training and Education' award and enjoys an excellent reputation within the industry. Known as the 'cerebral chef' in 2007, he was awarded his 2nd Michelin star for his innovative and outstanding cuisine. His genius lies in combining complex elements into dishes that look and feel simple and he enjoys experimenting with the effect that temperature has on flavor - intensifying the taste and challenging the taste buds.

He began his career in 1987 as a commis chef and has worked his way through the ranks spending time at Forte Place and the Grosvenor House Hotel among others. In 1997, he joined the acclaimed Lords of the Manor restaurant in Gloucestershire as Head Chef, where he achieved his first Michelin star. In 2002, he moved to The Vineyard at Stockcross as Executive Head Chef and Head of Food and Beverage. Over the past seven years as well as securing a global reputation for the restaurant's outstanding cuisine, Campbell has run a successful Academy for young, enthusiastic chefs from all over the world and has established himself as an important opinion-former in the industry.

Commenting on his decision to join Dorchester Collection's new hotel, Coworth Park, Campbell says, "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the creation and development of what promises to be one of the UK's finest hotels. I am thrilled to have been asked to join the team and we have a clear goal to set a new benchmark in the UK for country house hotels. A vital ingredient will be creating an acclaimed restaurant loved by hotel guests and local diners alike and building a food and beverage operation that will provide the ultimate in cuisine, whether it's afternoon tea for two on the lawn or a wedding for 300 people!"

Coworth Park is a stunning Georgian Manor house estate and spa set in 240 acres of private Royal Berkshire parkland and closer to London than any other luxury country house hotel. It is set to be the destination of choice for those seeking to escape and unwind in the English countryside.

There will be 70 rooms and suites in total with 30 in the main house and 40 in the converted stable block and cottages. It will have two restaurants, a fine-dining restaurant in the main house and a more informal restaurant in the converted barn, with its own outdoor terrace for al fresco dining. Also part of the food and beverage operation will be the hotel's four private function rooms and marquee that can host events for up to 300 guests.

Roland Fasel, UK Regional Director for Dorchester Collection, comments, "We are delighted that John is going to be joining us. At Dorchester Collection we are passionate about offering our guests the very best cuisine that the city or country has to offer. At Coworth Park we are creating the UK's finest country house hotel and that means also having the finest cuisine in the UK - John is undoubtedly the right man for the job."