Ralph Rojas joins Windermere’s Gilpin Spice as head chef

Ralph Rojas has been appointed head chef of pan-Asian restaurant Gilpin Spice at Gilpin Hotel and Lake House in Windermere.

Rojas joins the restaurant from Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay in Manchester where he was head chef. He has also founded Manchester street food and sushi concept, Unagi.

The chef has introduced a new menu with stronger influences from Thai, Japanese and Filipino cuisine, alongside pan-Asian favourites and an expanded range of sushi and sashimi.  

Standout dishes include a Filipino-inspired kinilaw of the day, goan-style tiger king prawns, clay oven stone bass with Thai tom kha sauce and a 30-day aged British ribeye with Thai chimichurri.

Chris Cooper, general manager of Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, said: "Gilpin Spice has always had a unique energy and personality. It’s somewhere people can enjoy incredible food in a relaxed, vibrant setting whether they are staying with us or live locally. This new chapter builds on everything that has made it so popular.

“Since joining Gilpin, Ralph has brought fresh ideas, outstanding technical expertise and a real passion for pan-Asian cuisine. He’s created a menu that feels exciting while staying true to the spirit of Gilpin Spice.”

Rojas added: "Gilpin Spice already has a fantastic reputation and loyal following, so for me it’s about respecting what guests already love while introducing new influences and techniques that reflect my own style.

“I want the menu to feel exciting, vibrant and full of flavour, with Japanese precision sitting alongside the bold spices and fresh ingredients found across Asia. Working in the Lake District also gives us access to incredible local produce, and I’m looking forward to showcasing that through the menu."