Michelin-starred chef joins Rothay Manor in Lake District

A Michelin-starred chef has joined Rothay Manor in Ambleside taking on the role of head chef at the hotel’s Rowan restaurant marking a major development for the Lake District’s fine dining scene.

The chef, Simon Ulph, arrives from The Stafford London, where he worked alongside renowned chef Michael Caines and played a key role in helping the hotel secure a Michelin star earlier in 2026.

Ulph brings extensive experience from some of the UK’s most respected kitchens, including The Ledbury, Northcote, Climat in Manchester, and The Gilpin in the Lake District, where he previously worked in Michelin-starred environments.

At Rowan in Rothay Manor, he is expected to introduce a new à la carte menu, house menu, and signature tasting menu, focusing on modern British cuisine with European and Japanese influences. The emphasis will be on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from the Lake District and surrounding region.

His appointment is seen as part of Rothay Manor’s strategy to strengthen its reputation as one of the leading fine dining destinations in the Lake District, building on its existing three AA rosettes and boutique hotel status.

Hotel owners welcomed the appointment, stating that Ulph’s Michelin-level experience, creativity, and leadership will help elevate the restaurant’s profile further while maintaining its identity.

Overall, the move highlights the continued growth of the Lake District’s luxury hospitality and fine dining sector, attracting top culinary talent from across the UK.

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