A leading Stratford-Upon-Avon hotel has appointed one of the town’s longest-serving chefs to lead its award-winning kitchen.
Chris Butler has joined The Arden Hotel as Head Chef, where he will be responsible for developing the seasonal dining offering at the hotel’s 2 AA Rosette restaurant, No.44 Brasserie.
The 42-year-old has more than 27 years of local culinary experience – including nine years at nearby Loxleys Restaurant and Wine Bar where he was Head Chef – and arrives at The Arden Hotel with the venue looking to evolve its dining menu ahead of the autumn season.
Chris is also joined by Meet Chitalia who has been appointed as Restaurant Manager.
The appointment is somewhat of a homecoming for Chris, who used to work at one of The Arden Hotel’s sister venues, Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington – with both hotels forming part of The Eden Hotel Collection.
He explained: “I met my wife, Mary, while working at Mallory Court back in 2015 when I was a chef and she was in housekeeping – where it was certainly love at first sight for me.
“My daughter, Alexandra, is also a waitress at The Arden after starting out as an apprentice, so I know first-hand how much effort they put into looking after their people, and when the opportunity came up to lead the kitchen in such a historic venue, I couldn’t turn it down.
“I love working in Stratford. The town attracts such a diverse range of people and has a buzz all year round, and I’m looking forward to building upon the great work that has already been done with the dining menu to add even more variety.”
Under Chris’ stewardship, guests can experience No.44 Brasserie’s A La Carte menu which features signature dishes such as Cotswold lamb and The Arden ‘mille feuille’ fish pie, through to summer vegetable rissotto and wild mushroom gnocchi to name a few.
Sai Nathan, General Manager at The Arden Hotel, added: “We’re thrilled to have secured the services of Chris who has been delivering cuisine of the highest order in Stratford for decades.
“No.44 Brasserie has developed a strong reputation as one of the best dining destinations in the town, and I’m looking forward to working with Chris to develop an offering that appeals to couples, theatre-goers and families alike.”
