Chris Eden is set to take over as head chef at Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall starting next month, following his departure from Gidleigh Park in Devon this past July.
St Austell-born chef Chris Eden had served as executive head chef at 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.
Gidleigh Park was awarded a Michelin star in 2023, a distinction it retained this year for its “balanced, harmonious, and rewarding” flavors.
Before that, Eden honed his skills at The Lanesborough in London’s Mayfair and The Square, also in Mayfair, where he worked under renowned chef Phil Howard.
As the new executive head chef at Watergate Bay, Eden will collaborate closely with head chefs Ben Ambridge, Dani Bolton, Nick Giles, and Anthony Quinn to create dishes that offer a “neighborhood restaurant feel” within the hotel.
Eden said: “I truly believe that my journey in food has taken me to Watergate Bay. The places I’ve been, and the dishes I’ve created, have all prepared me for this role.”
Will Ashworth, founder and executive director, added: “At Watergate Bay, we’re truly proud of the deep connections people have every time they step into one of our restaurants. We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to the team; he’s not only a perfect fit for the role, but his radiating enthusiasm will no doubt elevate this experience for everyone – guests, team and visitors alike.”
Eden will begin his full-time role at Watergate Bay on October 1, coinciding with the launch of the autumn menu at the restaurant Zacry’s.
Watergate Bay has previously hosted Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall and Emily Scott Food, which began as a pop-up in 2020 and closed its doors late last year.
