Conor Toomey appointed head chef at Amberley Castle

Brownsword Hotels has appointed Conor Toomey as head chef of Amberley Castle. The South African born chef begins his new venture on March 6 and Conor's menus for the Amberley Castle will feature a seven course tasting menu, an a la carte menu and afternoon tea. 

Speaking about his new appointment, Conor said: “I’m very much looking forward to starting work with the team at Amberley Castle. With a brand new kitchen and new menus, I look forward to welcoming both new and returning diners.  Both the hotel and restaurant have an excellent reputation and I look forward to growing this further”.

Conor began his career in Cape Town in 2002 at the Aubergine Restaurant, before moving to Ireland to work at Rathsallagh House in 2004. Two years later he moved to Latymer Restaurant at Pennyhill Park, working as a sous chef to Michael Wignall for four years, before taking up his first head chef position at Coworth Park in 2012 earning him 3 rosettes. Most recently he headed up the kitchen at Storrs Hall in Cumbria, gaining 3 rosettes in seven months.

Michael Wignall, executive head chef at sister hotel Gidleigh Park, comments: “I’m delighted to welcome Conor to the Brownsword Hotels group and wish him every success at Amberley Castle.  His classically influenced style, which delivers a grounding which Conor takes forward with modern techniques, produces outstanding dishes and excellent flavours.  We look forward to tasting his new menu and seeing what he had his team create at Amberley Castle”.

Brownsword Hotels is a collection of privately owned hotels with 12 establishments throughout the UK.