Rothay Manor marks decade with appointment of Michelin-starred chef Simon Ulph

Rothay Manor, the boutique hotel in Ambleside, has chosen Michelin-starred chef Simon Ulph to head up its restaurant, Rowan. The appointment coincides with the hotel’s celebration of ten years under the ownership of Jenna and Jamie Shail, and signals a new culinary direction for one of the Lake District’s established dining venues.

Ulph joins Rothay Manor from The Stafford in London, where he worked alongside Michael Caines and contributed to the restaurant securing a Michelin star in February of this year. Most recently executive chef at The Stafford, he oversaw culinary operations across the hotel.

Originally from Kent, Ulph returns to the north of England with experience drawn from several well-regarded UK kitchens, including The Ledbury, St Leonards, Climat in Manchester, Northcote and The Gilpin, where he served as senior sous chef and ran the Michelin-starred restaurant Source.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Rothay Manor,” said 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, Ulph is introducing a new à la carte selection alongside house and signature tasting menus. The cooking is described as modern British, with European and Japanese influences drawn from his travels, and places emphasis on provenance and seasonality through partnerships with regional farmers, growers and producers.

Dishes include Orkney Scallop with Avocado, Yuzu, Buttermilk Dashi and Caviar and a Chicken and Goose Liver Galantine with Poached Apple, Grape and Koji Purée. Then there’s Stuffed Guinea Fowl with Roast Lemon Purée, New Season Peas, Wild Garlic and Vin Jaune, as well as Roast Saddle of Cumbrian Lamb with Sticky Rib, Sheep’s Yoghurt, Yorkshire Asparagus and Fermented Gem. On the vegetarian side there are dishes like Ricotta Gnocchi with Fennel Salad, Verjus and Rothay Manor Herbs and for dessert there’s a Dark Chocolate Soufflé with Roasted Kombu and Vanilla Ice Cream and a White Chocolate Ganache with Poached Yorkshire Rhubarb, Rhubarb Sorbet and Marigold.

Rothay Manor holds three AA Rosettes for its food offering. The hotel comprises 23 bedrooms across the main house and the Pavilion, the latter housing larger suites. The property is dog-friendly, providing George Barclay beds, an indoor dog-wash and Ruff & Tumble robes for canine guests. Double rooms start from £290 per night on a bed and breakfast basis, with a £25 supplementary charge per dog. 

Food Desk

To book a table or accommodation at Rowan, Rothay Manor Hotel, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0EH, call 01539 433605 or visit the hotel’s website here.