Whatley Manor to temporarily close for full kitchen refurb

The restaurant, which is run by executive chef Niall Keating, will close along with the 23-bedroom between 6 January and 13 February, with only the spa remaining open.

The kitchen is being overhauled to create a more efficient and effective working environment and will no longer use gas as an energy source to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint.

It will feature induction hobs as well as plancha cook plates, an integrated water boiler, and a ‘quick therm’ salamander grill that uses infra-red technology.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past two years since I joined Whatley Manor,” says Keating.

“Refitting the kitchen is a crucial part of developing our food outlets, increasing efficiency and creating a more memorable guest experience.”

The kitchen refurb is part of the hotel’s plans to evolve its food offer, according to Whatley Manor’s general manager Sue Williams. “The owners recognise that Niall and his team have great skills and passion, and feel that it is imperative to support and motivate them with the latest equipment to develop the hotel’s food offering,” she says.

As well as its flagship The Dining Room, the restaurant that was awarded a Michelin star in 2017, Whatley Manor also has a more casual Grey’s Brasserie and food events space The Green Room. New modular kitchen units will be able to move between each operation when required.

Earlier this year Keating was named the Michelin Young Chef 2018​​.