New Head Chef joining the team
Renown Chef, Aled Williams is joining the expanding team of top Chefs at the Quay Hotel and Spa, Deganwy, during early February. General Manager, Neil Beech and Executive Head Chef, Sue Leacy, expressed their delight that Aled had accepted the role of Head Chef and are very much looking forward to working with him, with keen anticipation of the extra dimensions and culinary expertise he will bring to our dishes and menus.
Anglesey born, Aled comes home to North Wales with all the advantages of a “local boy”, starting his career as a student at Coleg Menai, gaining his first accolade as Student of the Year 1999 – 2000. Aled’s first role as Chef de Partie was at Ye Olde Bull’s Head Hotel moving on four years later to Plas Bodegroes as Assitant Pastry Chef/Fish Section, with promotion to Senior Pastry Chef by 2005. Gaining international experience, Aled spent three months at the Bathers Pavillion in Sydney, under the direction of Serge Danero, one of the most respected chefs in Australia. Moving back to Wales, Aled undertook the role of Chef de Partie at the 1 Michelin Star Restaurant at the Ynyshir Hotel, Mid Wales. Taking a position offered by Midsummer House in Cambridge, Aled enhanced his career as Chef de Partie at this prestigious 2 Michelin Star restaurant.
During 2006 Aled’s world was transformed, when he was chosen as the Gordon Ramsay Scholar at the BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham. Mr Ramsey said “Aled is certainly worthy of his new title and I am sure that he has a fantastic career ahead of him” The prize included working in restaurants in Australia, New York, Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and Gordon Ramsey’s Restaurants in London. Aled said at the time that “the scholarship is the biggest accolade out there for young chefs and an honour that I will cherish for the rest of my career”.
Aled continued to advance as Senior Sous Chef at the Alderley Edge London Road Restaurant, returning to Plas Bodogroes as Head Chef in 2008. During Aled’s extremely professionally demanding “rollercoaster” of a career, his enthusiasm for competition work has not lessened, winning the Welsh heat and representing Wales in the 2010 Great British Menu Final, being the youngest chef to take part.
Aled’s approach and extensive research in sourcing local produce reflects the menu aspirations and standards offered at the Quay Hotel and Spa’s. Our Executive Head Chef is eager to collaborate with Aled in developing new dishes, continuing to use local produce and ingrediants and, with Aled’s input, adding to our established range of Welsh suppliers.
Neil Beech confirmed his confidence for the forthcoming 2011 season and firmly believes that Aled’s skills and flair will be embraced by the whole hotel team in continuing to promote a very Welsh flavour within the unique setting of the Quay Hotel and Spa. Croeso Aled!
Posted: Monday 28th February 2011
ID: 3712 - 593
Meticulously designed throughout, the Quay Hotel & Spa in North Wales epitomises cool sophistication on the North Wales Coast. The moment you enter Deganwy Quay you are welcomed into a world of comfort and a sense of belonging.
Set on the idyllic Conwy Estuary, the Quay Hotel commands awe-inspiring views of the most magical scenery in North Wales and is located within easy reach of Snowdonia National Park, the neighbouring medieval town of Conwy and Victorian Llandudno, all within close access from Chester and the North West.
The Grill Restaurant brings you a range of award-winning culinary delights and spectacular views of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Conwy Castle, set within the backdrop of Conwy mountains and vistas to the Isle of Anglesey and out to the Irish Sea.
Our Head Chef offers a wealth of experience and has personally created a menu for the Grill Restaurant in Deganwy, encompassing locally produced and sourced ingredients to present the true Welsh flavour of the region.
We are dedicated to sourcing the finest local ingredients, from Menai Mussels, smoked fish from Llandudno Smokery, fresh fish from Mermaids of Llandudno, the finest Welsh black beef hand reared by Brian Thomas on Anglesey to Blas yr Fwyd award winning delicatessen in Llanrwst who provides us with the finest selection of Welsh cheese and chutney.
We are also proud to announce that we have one of the largest collections of local Welsh Ales in a hotel bar and our extensive wine list has been specifically selected to accompany your gourmet experience.
Make a table reservation in advance to avoid disappointment – just call reservations on 01492 564 100!