John Campbell confirms new role as consultant at Coworth Park

John Campbell has moved from his position as director of cuisine at Coworth Park to a consultancy role for the luxury hotel, it was finally confirmed today. 

The Dorchester Collection told Caterer: “With effect from 1 April 2011 John Campbell has assumed a consultancy role at Coworth Park with the support of senior management, in order to focus on the hotel's fine-dining restaurant."

After weeks of rumours about Campbell’s future at the Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, it has been confirmed that the former two-Michelin-starred chef has moved from a full-time role to a three day a week consultancy position following a restructure of the food and beverage department. 

In a move apparently instigated by Campbell, the changes are the result of his working up to 90-hour weeks since the hotel’s opening to get the dining options running smoothly. The changes will allow him to concentrate more on his eponymous fine dining restaurant at the hotel. 

Campbell’s current number two, Peter Eaton (who was also his head chef at the Vineyard) is widely expected to assume the role of executive chef.  

Campbell also has a consultancy role with contract caterer BaxterStorey’s chef and training academy.

The Dorchester’s London property has a similar consultancy arrangement with Alain Ducasse at his signature restaurant Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester. It opened in November 2007 and has subsequently gained (2010) and retained (2011) three Michelin stars.

John Campbell at Coworth Park will feature in the penultimate episode of BBC1's MasterChef on Tuesday 26 April at 9pm.  This will coincide with the launch of the hotel's own film at www.coworthpark.com/johncampbell on 26 April, which follows Campbell and his team on a gate-to-plate journey in the creation of his locally sourced “shire menu”.

By Emily Manson