Michael Wignall to leave Gidleigh Park for solo project
It comes two years after Wignall joined the country house hotel as executive head chef in January 2016, during which time he has retained restaurant’s two Michelin stars.
Wignall has not revealed any further details of his next project, but says it will be announced shortly.
"It’s been a pleasure to live and work in Devon, and I am so proud of what I’ve achieved, together with my amazing team at Gidleigh Park,” says Wignall.
“I’m now looking forward to my next venture which I will be announcing in the very near future".
Gidleigh Park has yet to confirm Wignall’s replacement, but will no doubt be on the lookout for another high-calibre chef. The hotel’s restaurant won two stars in 1998 under previous chef Michael Caines, which he retained for 17 years before leaving in 2016.
“[Wignall] has brought a breath of fresh air to Gidleigh Park, and his cooking, innovation and style won Michelin and industry recognition incredibly quickly,” says Stephanie Hocking, CEO Andrew Brownsword Hotels, which owns Gidleigh Park.
“We would like to thank Michael for all his efforts that have driven the dining experience forward and have maintained Gidleigh Park’s reputation as one of the UK’s finest country house hotels in the UK.’’
Wignall won his first Michelin star at L’Ortolan in Staffordshire in 1993, and has since won and retained stars at restaurants including Cliveden Hotel, The Burlington Restaurant at The Devonshire Arms and The Latymer at Pennyhill Park.
