There are some stories in hospitality that feel especially meaningful, and this is absolutely one of them.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Simon Ulph’s appointment as the new Head Chef of Rowan at Rothay Manor, the award-winning boutique hotel in Ambleside.
Watching talented people grow in this industry is always rewarding, but Simon’s journey feels particularly special to us because we have had the privilege of being part of it for several years.
From working as a valued member of the Ginger Brigade to securing major permanent career moves, and now stepping into a Head Chef role at one of the Lake District’s most respected hospitality destinations, Simon’s progression is exactly the kind of hospitality story we love to celebrate.
Part of the Ginger Brigade Since 2022
Simon first worked with Ginger Hospitality in 2022 as part of our Ginger Brigade, supporting venues on relief assignments.
From the beginning, he stood out.
Not just because of his obvious skill in the kitchen, but because of his attitude, professionalism, and commitment to the craft. Anyone who has worked in hospitality knows technical skill matters, but attitude is what truly makes someone memorable.
Simon was a fantastic member of the brigade. Reliable, dedicated, and someone venues genuinely enjoyed having in the kitchen.
Later, we were proud to support Simon into a permanent Sous Chef role at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, a move that became a defining step in his career.
A Career That Continues to Climb
Since then, Simon’s journey has continued at an impressive pace.
His career has included experience in some exceptional kitchens, including The Ledbury, St Leonards in London, Climat in Manchester, Northcote, and The Gilpin, before most recently working as Executive Chef at The Stafford London alongside Michael Caines, helping secure a Michelin star for the hotel’s flagship restaurant.
Now, Simon takes the lead at Rowan at Rothay Manor, where he will oversee a new culinary chapter for the restaurant, introducing fresh à la carte, house, and signature tasting menus built around modern British cooking, with European and Japanese influences.
It is an exciting appointment for Rothay Manor, and a remarkable milestone in Simon’s career.
Simon’s Words Mean a Lot
Seeing Simon’s success is one thing. Hearing his own reflection on the journey makes it even more meaningful.
As Simon shared:
“Ginger Hospitality has played a key part in my career, they placed me in a permanent role that was definitely a defining moment in my career, I owe Angela, Hannah and the team a hell of a lot.”
Hospitality is built on relationships, trust, and shared experiences, so feedback like this genuinely means the world to our team.
Now Working Together in a New Way
What makes this story even more exciting is that this is not the end of our connection with Simon.
Rothay Manor is one of our dedicated hospitality partnerships, which means we now have the privilege of working alongside Simon in a completely new chapter of his career.
That full-circle moment is something we do not take lightly.
Supporting someone during one stage of their career, then seeing them grow into leadership and becoming part of a venue partnership we actively support, is exactly why we love this industry.
Congratulations, Simon
Simon’s appointment is incredibly well deserved.
His talent, dedication, and passion for hospitality have been clear from the start, and it has been brilliant to watch that journey unfold.
We are hugely excited to see what he creates at Rowan, and equally excited to continue working alongside both Simon and the fantastic team at Rothay Manor.
Congratulations, Simon. We will be cheering you on every step of the way.
