Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson joins Rockcliffe Hall staff
Nov 12 2009 by Tom Mullen, The Journal
ONE of Britain's most sought-after gourmet chefs has spoken out about why he rejected a number of high profile job offers to work in a new North East hotel.
Double Michelin-star holder chef Kenny Atkinson will join Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, near Darlington, next month, spurning attractive offers from London and abroad.
Mr Atkinson will move to the multi-million pound hotel, spa and golf development from his current position at The White Room, at Seaham Hall, which is currently the region’s only five-star hotel.
And the venue – which opens on November 23 – will re-name its fine dining restaurant Kenny Atkinson at the Orangery.
The Newcastle-born chef shot to fame at the start of this year after winning the BBC’s Great British Menu television series.
Mr Atkinson has since been named chef of the year at The Cateys, the catering industry’s most fiercely competitive awards. Now he has chosen to stay in his beloved North East despite a flurry of offers from glamorous restaurants and hotels around the world.
The 32-year-old, who earned his first Michelin star two years ago while working in the Scilly Isles, said: “I’ve had a number of really tempting offers from a host of amazing restaurants in London and across the world, but the opportunity to continue to wave the flag for the North East was one I simply could not resist.
“It’s so exciting to be part of such a major new project right here on my own doorstep.
“Quite simply, I was blown away when I first saw the place. The attention to detail here is staggering.
“The place and its people are demanding the very best.
“It was a challenge I simply could not resist once they suggested my name could be above the door of the restaurant here.
“They are taking me right out of my comfort zone, but I know I’ll thrive on that kind of pressure. This is my toughest challenge yet.”
Mr Atkinson shot to fame at the start of 2009 with his winning performance on the BBC’s Great British Menu television series.
His stunning beef salad starter was voted best by the viewers of the show, which was served as part of a celebration dinner to returning men and women from the British forces.
Last week, Mr Atkinson was named Chef of the Year at The Cateys, the catering industry’s most fiercely competitive awards, which is hosted by industry trade bible, Caterer and Hotelkeeper. The owners of Rockliffe Hall are pleased to secure Mr Atkinson from Seaham Hall’s White Room restaurant, a hugely respected institution where the chef received his first Michelin star.
Nick Holmes, Rockliffe Hall’s managing director, said: “Kenny is a chef at the top of his game right now and we are thrilled to have him here. ” Mr Atkinson, a married father-of-two young sons says he will stay fiercely loyal to local produce from the North East in his cooking.
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