Cromlix hotel appoints new executive head chef

Five star country house hotel Cromlix has announced the appointment of James Mearing as the new executive head chef.

Mearing replaces outgoing Darin Campbell who has worked for the hotel for 11 years and has left to pursue new projects. 

Mearing was formerly executive chef at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Restaurant in Evershot, Dorset where he held three AA Rosettes.

Prior to that, he worked at Fawsley Hall Hotel in Northampton, Lainston House Hotel in Hampshire, The Gainsborough Bath Spa, and the Michelin starred Wild Rabbit in the Cotswolds. In 2022, he won Three Counties Che of the Year. 

He is relocating to Stirlingshire and is now working with Campbell and the rest of the team to ensure a “seamless” handover of The Glasshouse, the multi-award winning Cromlix restaurant. He will be in charge of all fine dining at the hotel, and will also take part in the planning of a new restaurant and kitchen which has planning approval and is due to open in Spring 2026. 

Regarding his appointment, Mearing said: “It’s a really exciting time to be joining Cromlix. The hotel has developed a fantastic reputation for excellent food under Darin’s stewardship, and I’m looking forward to developing that and taking it forward. The new restaurant concept presents a great opportunity to create a real food destination here at Cromlix for the Stirlingshire community and beyond.” 

General manager Barry Makin added: “We put James through a challenging recruitment process but he came through with flying colours. His food is absolutely exceptional and he has some impressive ideas for our fine dining menu. The Glasshouse has been a real success story since the refurbishment of the hotel, full most nights of the week and at lunchtimes, and we have a large number of repeat diners who eat here regularly. 

“We are confident that this next chapter will continue that success and look forward to integrating James properly into the Cromlix team.”