Originally from Kent, Ulph has a top-flight cooking CV that includes stints at The Ledbury and St Leonards in London, Climat in Manchester and The Gilpin in the Lake District.
He was most recently executive chef at The Stafford London, where he worked alongside Michael Caines to secure a Michelin star for the hotel’s main restaurant just a few months after launch.
According to Rothay Manor, he will bring an ‘exciting new level of technical precision and ambition’, reinforcing the Ambleside restaurant’s reputation as ‘one of the leading food destinations in the Lake District’.
Ulph will introduce a new à la carte, house and signature tasting menu, rooted in modern British cooking with subtle European and Japanese influences drawn from his travels. A strong emphasis will be placed on provenance and seasonality, working closely with regional farmers, growers and producers.
Dishes include Orkney scallop with avocado, yuzu, buttermilk dashi and caviar; chicken and goose liver galantine with poached apple, grape and apple and koji purée; roast saddle of Cumbrian lamb with sticky rib, sheep’s yoghurt, Yorkshire asparagus and fermented gem; and dark chocolate soufflé with roasted kombu and vanilla ice cream.
Alongside Ulph’s appointment, Rothay Manor has also welcomed a new operations director, Jo Dixon, further strengthening the senior team as the business enters its second decade and strives for more recognition for its restaurant.
Dixon joins with a strong background in luxury hospitality, most recently as general manager at Hale Country Club & Spa in Manchester. She previously spent four years as operations director at The Gilpin.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Rothay Manor at such a pivotal time,” he says. “The Lake District has an incredible wealth of ingredients, and I’m looking forward to creating 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.”
Rothay Manor co-owner Jamie Shail added: “This is a hugely exciting moment for us. Simon’s talent, vision and Michelin-starred experience make him a natural fit for Rowan. We’re confident he will elevate the restaurant further while staying true to what makes Rothay Manor special.”