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The Newt in Somerset has appointed chef and author Gelf Alderson as the new head of food across the estate.
Alderson spent 12 years working with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at the River Cottage, where he started as head chef, working his way to culinary director.
His career is distinguished by “creative” cooking, “simple, seasonal” eating and dedication to sustainable produce – principles that made him earn a Michelin Green star for sustainability.
In his new role, he will be responsible for creating food concepts across all restaurants, eateries and retail outlets at The Newt, working closely with chefs, growers and artisans and collaborating with production teams.
He will champion an “estate first” approach, using homegrown estate-made produce to showcase the Somerset landscape through its cuisine as well as sharing the estate’s story with guests through workshops and events. Additionally, he will work with HR to develop The Newt’s Chef Academy.
Speaking about his new role, Alderson said: “There was an immediate connection between The Newt’s food philosophy and my own. It was the right time to step into a new role, looking after multiple kitchens and culinary operations again. I still love spending time with chefs, even after two decades in the industry.
“There are not many businesses which align with my food production values, so to find somewhere close to home feels fortuitous. I’m looking forward to showcasing the wonderful producers and artisan skills we have across the estate: not only through the food but with exciting events, education programmes and the best of hospitality.”
Andrew Foulkes, CEO of The Newt Somerset, added: “We are delighted to welcome Glef to our senior team. Gelf brings a wealth of previous experience within the industry across numerous hospitality businesses and kitchens, in addition to being a passionate advocate for local sourcing and sustainability. He has a strong understanding of The Newt’s ethos and values and I’m confident that our food offering will continue to grow and thrive under his leadership.”
