Simon Ulph leaves The Stafford for Rothay Manor

Boutique hotel Rothay Manor has appointed Simon Ulph as head chef of its restaurant Rowan, as the hotel celebrates 10 years under the stewardship of co-owners Jenna and Jamie Shail.

Ulph joins from The Stafford in London, where, working alongside Michael Caines, he helped secure a Michelin star in February 2026. 

He has also cooked in kitchens at The Ledbury, St Leonards, Climat in Manchester, Northcote and The Gilpin.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Rothay Manor at such a pivotal time,” says Ulph. “The Lake District has an incredible wealth of ingredients and I’m looking forward to creating 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, Ulph 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 regional farmers, growers and producers.

“This is a hugely exciting moment for us,” says Jamie Shail, co-owner of Rothay Manor. “Simon’s talent, vision and Michelin-starred experience make him a natural fit for Rowan. We’re confident he will elevate the restaurant further while staying true to what makes Rothay Manor special.”    

Alongside Ulph's appointment, Rothay Manor has also welcomed Jo Dixon as operations director.

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