Chris Eden returns to Cornwall to join Watergate Bay

Eden will oversee the food offer at the hotel's venues, including The Beach Bar, Zacry's, The Living Space, and The Beach Hut and will work closely with head chefs Ben Ambridge, Dani Bolton, Nick Giles and Anthony Quinn, and the three kitchen teams.

One of his first undertakings will be to launch the new Zacry’s menu for the autumn season.

The move sees Eden return to Cornwall having previously worked as head chef at Cornwall's Driftwood Hotel, where he won it a Michelin star in 2012. He also trained in Cornwall having attended St Austell College at the age of 16 for a catering course.

“I want to create dishes that bring a neighbourhood restaurant feel, where people come, have the best time, eat the best food and leave happy," he says.

"I want to create food that people understand, they love and enjoy.”

Eden's CV includes time at The Lanesborough and Mayfair’s The Square and latterly at Devon's Gidleigh Park ​​where he worked for five years and where he helped the restaurant reclaim its Michelin star in 2023. He left Gidleigh Park​​ in July this year.

“At Watergate Bay, we’re truly proud of the deep connections people have every time they step into one of our restaurants," says Will Ashworth, Watergate Bay founder and executive director.

"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 join Watergate Bay full time from 1 October.