1 Michelin Star Chefs: Robby Jenks, Executive Head Chef, The Samling Hotel

Robby Jenks is the Executive Head Chef of The SAmling Hotel, Windermere

• Other one Michelin star Chefs

Robby Jenks

Robby Jenks is the Executive Head Chef of The Samling Hotel, located in Windermere, Cumbria.

Robby began his hospitality career at the age of 16 and has worked for a number of luxury restaurants and hotels, including; The Vineyard, Whatley Manor, and Amberley Castle.

Looking back on his career, in an interview with The Staff Canteen in 2018, Robby revealed he didn’t really start to learn until he began at Gidleigh Park with Michael Caines.

He did four and a half years with Michael in total and he worked at Whatley Manor under two Michelin starred chef Martin Burge. His first head chef position was at Amberley Castle before he joined The Vineyard in 2016.

After working at The Vineyard for three years, Robbie left to take up the Executive Head Chef position at The Samling Hotel, a luxury hotel in the Lake District, to help grown develop its food & drink, and guest offering.

He joined The Samling alongside his partner Rebecca Galland, who worked as the Restaurant Manager at The Vineyard, before being appointed Food & Beverage Manager at The Samling. 

As a chef, Robby is incredibly experienced in delivering and creating incredible dishes and menus, as well as a curator of outstanding hospitality across a range of luxury hospitality locations including AA 4 Red Star, Relais & Chateaux, and Pride of Britain listed properties.

Robby helped win one Michelin Star for the restaurant, after The Samling lost it's Michelin star in 2017, following the release of the Michelin Guide 2023. 

The Samling Hotel

Perched 350 feet above the scenic eastern shores of Windermere, encompassed by 67 acres of lush gardens and pastures, with a backdrop of woodland, this hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and majestic fells in the distance.

Leading the kitchen is the hotel's Executive Head Chef Robby Jenks, an accomplished chef who honed his skills under the acclaimed Michael Caines, who takes the helm of the kitchen, infusing it with intelligence and creativity.

The restaurant offers a taster menu, showcasing dishes such as halibut accompanied by celeriac and hazelnuts in a zesty dill sauce, local hogget perfectly paired with turnip and sorrel, and a tangy lemon cream adorned with a clever blackberry coating.

For a more relaxed dining experience, The Gathering presents a menu featuring lime-cured salmon complemented by beetroot, succulent beef accompanied by king oyster mushrooms and truffled potatoes, and a refreshing salad of crispy halloumi and orange.

With a remarkable selection of 600 wines, including over 40 champagnes and an assortment of English sparkling wines, wine enthusiasts will find plenty to delight their palates.

The breakfast offerings cater to varied tastes, ranging from yogurt and homemade granola to smoked haddock with spinach and poached egg, as well as satisfying omelettes prepared to perfection.