Roger John Gadsden becomes executive chef at Ashdown Park

Roger John Gadsden has been appointed executive chef at Ashdown Park, the country house hotel at Wych Cross, East Sussex.

Gadsden's career began at Dean's Place hotel in Alfriston, East Sussex. He then joined the Metropole hotel group, becoming junior sous chef at the age of 21, working at various properties in the group, latterly in London.

Other positions include head chef at the BAA Group Management Training Centre, chef de cuisine for Royal Sun Alliance and working at several award-winning country house hotels, including head chef of the Michelin starred Stanhill Court in Surrey.

Before joining Ashdown Park he was executive head chef at Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa, Surrey.

He is now responsible for Ashdown Park's two-AA-rosette Anderida Restaurant, the Fairways Lounge and the hotel's banqueting, room service and public lounges.