Ashley Palmer-Watts is at the helm of Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner by Heston Blumenthal which was recently awarded a second Michelin star in the Great Britain & Ireland Michelin Guide 2014.
Originally from Dorset, Ashley Palmer-Watts’ influences began with his love of the countryside and his knowledge of British seasonality and produce. An after school job at the age of 14 washing up in a local restaurant ignited a passion for cooking that has resulted in a career spanning over 20 years. On leaving school he started to work full time in Le Petite Canard whilst studying and learning the fundamental disciplines of the kitchen, visiting producers and suppliers in his spare time.
Leaving home in 1999, Ashley joined Heston Blumenthal at the Fat Duck in Bray, which had been open for four years and just received its first Michelin star. Whilst working at The Fat Duck, Ashley’s continuous thirst for learning saw him undertake stagier placements from France to Chicago, including some of the most renowned restaurants in the UK.
An integral part of the team saw Ashley achieve sous chef of the Fat Duck within two years and head chef in 2003. Since 2008 he has been the executive head chef for the Fat Duck group and in 2011 took the helm of the kitchen at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in the Mandarin Oriental hotel in London’s Knightsbridge where, side by side with Heston Blumenthal, he curates and serves historic British inspired dishes.
- 2 Michelin stars
- No.7 The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list