Lee Murdoch named executive chef at Seaton House

Lee Murdoch has been appointed executive chef at Seaton House in St Andrews.

He takes over from Mark Drummond, the former culinary director at Hyatt’s Schloss Roxburghe, who previously held the role from December last year.

Murdoch will work alongside chef founder Roy Brett, who is behind the Ondine Oyster & Grill restaurant at the hotel.

Brett is also head of culinary UK & Europe for Valor Hospitality, which manages the 42-bedroom Seaton House.

Murdoch was most recently involved in the launch of Brighton’s 140-cover steakhouse, the Coal Shed, in October 2024.

Over the course of his career, he has held several senior roles across kitchens and hotels in the UK, Asia and the Middle East, including at Trump Turnberry in Scotland.

He also holds a Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Award for Excellence.

The chef will head up the hotel’s F&B offerings, which include the Board Room, Bow Butts Bar and Ondine Oyster & Grill.

Brett said: “Ondine has a new home here, and I am very excited to be working alongside Lee in the kitchen and to have the opportunity to nurture his bright professionalism, attention to detail, natural leadership and love for seasonal, sustainable, imaginative and respectful cooking.

“Lee’s passion reminds me of my own formative years in the kitchen, when I was fortunate to learn from chefs like the great Allan Hill, Jeff Bland at the Caledonian hotel in Edinburgh and Rick Stein in Padstow. Like Rick, I’m proud to have played a part in creating an institution and Lee’s expertise will be invaluable in developing and evolving the Ondine legacy here at Seaton House. His return to Scotland feels like such a natural and joyful step for both of us.”

Murdoch added: “The opportunity to return to Scotland and work alongside the team at Seaton House is hugely exciting for me, particularly the chance to support Roy in curating our dining experience. I’m especially looking forward to building strong relationships with local food producers to showcase the provenance, the people and the traditions that give this region its unique character.”

Seaton House occupies the former Scores hotel, which dates back to 1864. The property is operated by Valor Hospitality Partners in partnership with US-based Links Collection.