The Rothay Manor Hotel in Ambleside has hired a new head chef and restaurant manager after the announcement that Dan McGeorge will stand down after six years in the position. Head chef Aaron Lawrence comes from the Samling Hotel, and operations manager Christopher McCaughan formerly worked at the Holland Hall Hotel in Lancashire.
Rothay Manor in the Lake District has announced the appointment of a new head chef, after the announcement that Dan McGeorge will stand down after six years in the position.
Aaron Lawrence, a Michelin-starred chef, has joined the hotel’s 3 AA Rosette restaurant to oversee a ‘new culinary chapter’ for Rothay Manor.
McGeorge is leaving the post to spend more time with his family before moving on to his next employment. He joined Rothay Manor in 2017 and earned three AA Rosettes for the hotel’s restaurant in January 2019, focusing on modern British cooking with classical French methods.
Lawrence, the new head chef, comes from the Samling Hotel, where he was sous chef and earned a Michelin star and four AA Rosettes.
His new evening menu includes highlights like as pan-roasted halibut with leeks, garganelli pasta, and mussels mariniere, as well as a new wine list and drink menu.
Lawrence also introduces a new all-day dining menu, afternoon tea, and a new room-service option as part of the hotel’s cuisine progression.
Christopher McCaughran, an award-winning restaurant manager with over 20 years of experience, also joins Rothay Manor.
McCaughran joins Rothay Manor with experience at Holland Hall Hotel in Lancashire and Hotel Gotham in Manchester, having begun his career at the three Michelin-starred Hotel Des Tours Lille in France.
The new team members join the hotel’s senior staff, which includes long-time general manager Peter Sinclair, and coincide with the introduction of a minor revamp of the hotel’s dining spaces, resulting in a more relaxed dining experience.
Previously focused on a tasting menu, the renovated bar area with comfortable seating and softer lighting compliments a new fine dining à la carte menu.
The renovation follows the enormous internal investment made by owners Jenna and Jamie in recent years, including the eight new pavilion bedrooms, which have proven to be a big success.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Aaron and Chris to Rothay Manor; their arrival represents an exciting new chapter in our story,” says Jamie Shail, co-owner of Rothay Manor. We are convinced that their enthusiasm and skill will continue to provide the superb, fresh food and fantastic environment that Rothay Manor is known for.”
McGeorge said of his resignation, “This has been a difficult decision to make, but the time has come for me to move on and focus on future projects.” I’ve been lucky to work with a hardworking, focused, and devoted team of cooks at Rothay during the last six years. As a consequence, we’ve accomplished a great deal together, and I’d want to take this time to thank all of the suppliers, workers, and visitors for their help. I’m excited to see what the future contains and expect to be able to share my future plans in the coming months.”
“One more fell from a great mood…” Chris writes for numerous online publications, having studied at The University College of North Wales, Bangor. He is regularly in The Lake District and enjoys wild camping, hiking and watersports. His favourite location? Muncaster Castle…
