He will start his role with Brownsword Hotels on 4 January 2016 in a role that will see him lead the kitchen at Gideleigh Park and consult across the food and beverage offering for Abode Hotels.
Wignall, whose career has seen him earn two Michelin-stars and five AA Rosettes at The Latymer, said: “Gidleigh Park enjoys an enviable record of excellence and I’m very much looking forward to joining the team and working together. It’s with sadness that I leave the talented team at The Latymer, but I go with an enormous sense of pride from everything we’ve achieved together.”
Andrew Brownsword said: “We’ve taken our time to find the very best successor to Michael Caines, someone we are confident can build on the solid foundations and great reputation that the iconic Gidleigh Park enjoys.
“We’re excited about the future and are delighted that Michael is to join us, having long admired his outstanding talent at The Latymer and before then at The Devonshire Arms and look forward to a successful partnership ahead”.
Danny Pecorelli, managing director of Exclusive hotels and Venues said that he is proud of the achievements of Wignall during his time with them at The Latymer.
“We are incredibly proud of everything that Michael has achieved during his time with us. He is a hugely talented chef and his natural flair in the kitchen, expertise and passion for food has led to The Latymer becoming one of the best restaurants in the UK and a true destination restaurant. I have absolutely no doubt that he will continue to do great things at Gidleigh Park,” he said.
Wignall’s menu will be available when Gidleigh Park re-opens after its annual closure on 15 January.