Chef John Campbell to join The Dorchester's Coworth Park

John Campbell is to leave his position as executive head chef at Hampshire restaurant the Vineyard at Stockcross to head up food and beverage operations at the Dorchester Collection's new country house hotel Coworth Park.

Campbell, who has been at the Vineyard for seven years, will start his new job as director of cuisine, food and beverage in October this year, although the hotel in Ascot will not open until May 2010.

He said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the creation and development of what promises to be one of the UK’s finest hotels. I am thrilled to have been asked to join the team and we have a clear goal to set a new benchmark in the UK for country house hotels.

"A vital ingredient will be creating an acclaimed restaurant loved by hotel guests and local diners alike and building a food and beverage operation that will provide the ultimate in cuisine, whether it’s afternoon tea for two on the lawn or a wedding for 300 people.”

Coworth Park is the Dorchester Collection's latest property in the UK and is part of the group's expansion plans in Europe.

Set in 240 acres of parkland, the Georgian manor house is currently being turned into a 70-bedroom luxury hotel with two restaurants, an eco-spa and stabling for up to 40 horses.

Roland Fasel, UK regional Director for Dorchester Collection said of Campbell's appointment: "At Dorchester Collection we are passionate about offering our guests the very best
cuisine that the city or country has to offer. At Coworth Park we are creating the UK’s finest country house hotel and that means also having the finest cuisine in the UK - John is undoubtedly the right man for the job.”