Michael Chapman to leave Hurley House
Michael Chapman will be leaving his executive chef post at Hurley House next month to pursue other opportunities.
Chapman joined the five-AA-star restaurant with rooms near Maidenhead before it opened in late 2016 and won the venue two AA rosettes. He was formerly head chef of the Michelin-starred Royal Oak at Paley Street, also near Maidenhead.
At the same time, Hurley House has announced a review of its menus based on guest feedback, which will be introduced gradually over the next few weeks. The fine-dining restaurant and bar will include more classic British dishes, as well as more vegetarian and vegan offerings.
Nathan Unwin, the hotel and restaurant manager, said: "The message from our customers is very clear; they would like more traditional and popular dishes cooked to perfection. The popularity of our Sunday roast proves that people want first-class food, good value and great service and that is what we will continue focusing on."
Australian-born Tracey Rutt will remain head pastry chef and Emanuele ‘Mirko' Privitera will steer the venue's new direction as head chef. The Sicilian-born chef also previously worked under Chapman at the Royal Oak.
Sicilian-born Privitera has been promoted from his current role as sous chef having joined Hurley House in November 2016. He was previously chef de partie under Olivier Brulard at Michel Guérard's Les Prés d'Eugénie in France. He then moved to the UK and worked as a chef de partie at Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck in Bray, before moving to the Royal Oak to work under Chapman as sous chef.
Privitera said: "I am very excited to be part of this journey and to show that even shepherd's pie can be to Michelin standards."
