Rothay Manor appoints Michelin-starred chef Simon Ulph
Simon Ulph joins Rothay Manor’s Rowan restaurant as Head Chef, as the hotel celebrates 10 years under the stewardship of co-owners Jenna and Jamie Shail
Ambleside’s award-winning boutique hotel, Rothay Manor, has appointed Michelin-starred chef Simon Ulph as Head Chef of its restaurant, Rowan – marking a significant new chapter as the hotel celebrates 10 years under the stewardship of co-owners Jenna and Jamie Shail.
Simon joins from The Stafford in London, where, working alongside Michael Caines, he was instrumental in securing a Michelin star in February 2026. He brings to Rowan a deliciously exciting new level of technical precision and ambition that reinforces Rothay Manor’s reputation as one of the leading food destinations in the Lake District.
Originally from Kent, Simon returns to the north of England with experience from some of the UK’s most respected kitchens, including The Ledbury, St Leonards, Climat in Manchester, Northcote, and The Gilpin, where he was Senior Sous, running the Michelin star restaurant, SOURCE. Most recently Executive Chef at The Stafford, he oversaw culinary operations across the hotel, combining refined cooking with strong commercial leadership.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Rothay Manor,” says Simon Ulph. “The Lake District has an incredible wealth of ingredients, and I’m looking forward to cooking dishes that reflect the landscape and the seasons. Rowan already has a fantastic reputation, and I’m excited to build on that and take it further.”
At Rowan, Simon will introduce a new à la carte, house and signature tasting menu, rooted in modern British cooking with subtle European and Japanese influences drawn from his travels. A strong emphasis will be placed on provenance and seasonality, working closely with the bounty of regional farmers, growers, and producers on their doorstep.
Menu highlights include:
Orkney scallop with avocado, yuzu, buttermilk dashi and caviar
Chicken & goose liver galantine, with poached apple, grape, apple and koji purée
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Stuffed guinea fowl with roast lemon purée, new season peas, wild garlic, vin jaune
Roast saddle of Cumbrian lamb, sticky rib, sheep’s yoghurt, Yorkshire asparagus and fermented gem
Ricotta gnocchi with fennel salad, verjus, Rothay Manor herbs
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Dark chocolate soufflé with roasted kombu and vanilla ice cream
White chocolate ganache, poached Yorkshire rhubarb, rhubarb sorbet, marigold
Already awarded three AA Rosettes, Rothay Manor has long been recognised for its culinary offering. With Simon at the helm, Rowan enters a more focused and ambitious phase, with an emphasis on precision, flavour and a sense of place – all in a beautiful, relaxed and approachable atmosphere.
With just 23 bedrooms, Rothay Manor is a luxurious escape, combining thoughtful design, exceptional food, and easy access to some of the Lake District’s most beautiful landscapes. Guests can just as easily spend a day exploring the fells as they can settle in with a glass on the terrace or retreat to a room for a long soak and a good book.
Stay in the main house or book the Pavilion for large indulgent suites that bring a sense of the outdoors in, with clever architecture and plush interiors. Dogs are very much welcome too, with George Barclay beds, an indoor dog-wash stocked with shampoo and Ruff & Tumble robes.
For further information or to book a table, please visit www.rothaymanor.co.uk | @rothaymanorhotel
Doubles from £290 per night B&B (supplementary charge of £25 per dog)
For further information please contact team@jessyharrisonpr.com